By: Trey Colbeck
The game went exactly as I had planned in last week’s Shakedown, it just didn’t go the Stallions’ way. Both of these teams are playoff-bound, and the game meant very little to the overall playoff structure, with home-field advantage for the Conference Finals already decided.
Recap
First Half
The Stallions started with the ball, but both teams ended their first drive with a punt. Birmingham wasted no time on their second possession, going 65 yards in a single play to open the scoring. Deon Cain hauled in a pass from J’Mar Smith, but after a failed extra point, the Stallions led 6-0.
They quickly regained possession of a turnover on the kickoff and added three more points with a 44-yard field goal from Harrison. The Battlehawks responded on their next drive, marching 50 yards over nine plays before Max Duggan rushed in from 13 yards out. At the end of the first quarter, the score stood at 9-6.
Early in the second quarter, the Stallions turned it over, giving St. Louis a chance to capitalize. Duggan found the end zone again on the next play, putting the Battlehawks ahead 13-9. Harrison added another field goal, closing the gap to 13-12 at halftime.
Second Half
St. Louis opened the second half with possession, but A.J. Thomas quickly intercepted, setting up the Stallions’ offense. Two plays later, Smith connected with Cain for a 50-yard touchdown, putting Birmingham back in front, 18-13.
The teams traded field goals, bringing the score to 21-16 in the fourth quarter. Momentum shifted when Callahan O’Reilly snagged a pick-six, swinging the lead back to St. Louis.
But the action wasn’t over. Cade Johnson recorded his second touchdown reception of the season—a 47-yard strike from Smith—giving Birmingham a six-point advantage.
St. Louis pushed back, moving the ball 65 yards over five plays, resulting in a one-yard push from Saylors to tie the game. Saylors stepped up again to secure the extra point, sealing the Battlehawks’ victory. The final score: 29-28, St. Louis
Stud of the Game
I’m giving out two “Stud of the Game” awards this week. First up is the man under center for St. Louis, Max Duggan. His passing stats were 12-for-21, 110 yards, and one interception. These numbers are far from ideal, but his ground game made all the difference. Duggan rushed for 54 yards and punched in two touchdowns, helping lift his team to victory. He and Jacob Saylors (an honorable mention for “Stud of the Game” who was also named UFL Offensive Player of the Week) ran all over the Stallions’ defense. Birmingham has been tough all season, but St. Louis found the weak spots.
The second “Stud of the Game” award goes to Callahan O’Reilly. His pick-six was a game-changer, crucial in the Battlehawks’ win. Without it, they could have been the ones going home with a loss. O’Reilly also contributed to six tackles and broke up a pass, making his impact undeniable.
Donkey of the Game
This game was truly a tale of two quarterbacks. Jacob Duggan struggled in the passing game but made up for it with his legs, while J’Mar Smith threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns. However, Smith’s two fumbles proved costly for his team. Had the Stallions won, he would have been the hero, but those turnovers were pivotal.
Yes, Birmingham had other chances to secure the victory, but those mistakes weighed heavily. The Stallions’ quarterback carousel has been wild this season, but if Smith is going to be the guy moving forward, he needs to be better.
Injury Update
The questions circulating this team are always about the health of the quarterbacks. Smith played fairly well, minus his few turnovers, but is he the guy going forward? Corral was listed as the backup last week and isn’t currently on the Injury Report. One name that did arise on the I.R. is Alex McGough, who was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday. Both running backs, Person and Marable, were on the I.R. as well, but were full participants. Anae Bradlee (DE), Cole Schinder (G), Armani Taylor-Prioleau (T) and Maximiilain Roberts (DE) were the only ones who did not participate on Tuesday.
Power Rankings
- D.C. Defenders (-)
- Michigan Panthers (-)
- St. Louis Battlehawks (+1)
- Birmingham Stallions (-1)
- Arlington Renegades (-)
- Houston Roughnecks (-)
- Memphis Showboats (-)
- San Antonio Brahmas (-)
Up Next
Even though it’s just for bragging rights, the Stallions are set for a USFL Conference Championship preview as they face the Michigan Panthers in Week 9. The Panthers now have sole possession of first place after their win against Houston last week.
With the playoff spots locked in and the Conference Championship location already determined, this game won’t have any postseason impact. The Stallions got the better of the Panthers in their Week 2 meeting, leaving the field with a 21-12 victory.
It’ll be interesting to see how both teams approach this match-up. The Week 9 game airs on ABC, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 24th.
