By: Trey Colbeck
For back-to-back weeks, I was wrong about the Stallions. Week 1, I thought they would be the clear victors over the Defenders, but they did not show up. Now, week 2, I was certain they would be bested by the Panthers, but they took care of business on the road. I predicted the Panthers would handle their business at home and win 24-13, but it was almost the opposite.
Recap
Alex McGough started the game, but only attempted one pass before exiting the game with a right shoulder injury. Matt Corral checked in and led the Stallions to open the score with a field goal. Harrison Mevis landed a 36-yard field goal to make the score 3-0. Both of Michigan’s drives in the first quarter ended with punts. The score would remain 3-0 when the teams first swapped sides at the end of the first quarter. Corral would throw an interception early in the second quarter, but Michigan wouldn’t be able to capitalize. Birmingham would possess the ball once more in the second half and put up another field goal with only 32 seconds left in the half. The pair of Mevis field goals would be the only points on the board at the half.
Michigan would start the second half with the ball, but it would end quickly with an A.J. Thomas interception. The Stallions were gifted great field position, and after only 2:06, Ricky Person Jr. rushed for a major making the score 12-0. The two-point convert was not successful. The Panthers’ fortune would only get worse as their next drive ended with a turnover on downs on the goalline. The Stallions would march the field the other way with a 5:49 drive. Corral would find Deon Cain for a 52-yard touchdown and make the score 18-0.
In the fourth quarter, Michigan would finally get its touchdown and even add a three-point conversion. Marcus Simms caught a 9-yard pass from Bryce Perkins. Perkins would run into the endzone on the conversion to make the score 18-9. Both teams would each add a field goal later in the fourth making the final 21-12 for the Birmingham Stallions.
Stud of the Game
For back-to-back weeks now the Stud of the Game is a kicker, but this time it’s the Stallions’ own Harrison Mevis. Mevis contributed 9 points to the scoreboard which ultimately was the difference. He had a perfect 3-for-3 day with the longest being a 36-yard boot to open the scoring in the first quarter. He would also add one late in the second quarter and another late in the fourth.
The offense seemed to get a boost when Corral checked into the game, and the receivers benefited greatly. Deon Cain led the team with four receptions for 84 yards. Cain’s longest pass was a 52-yarder, which was also the team’s lone passing touchdown. With this performance, Cain receives an honorable mention. Cain would also add 61 returning yards on two attempts. His longest was 42 yards, which helped his team have great field position to start the game.
Donkey of the Game
You’re not going to win many football games if the quarterback completes roughly 50% of his passes. Bryce Perkins barely hit that mark at 52% after going 12-23 on Friday. Although he threw one touchdown, he needed to push his team down the field more if they wanted any chance of winning their home opener. He also had one costly pick early in the second half that led to Birmingham putting 6 points on the board.
Injury Update
Several players on the Stallions roster missed or were limited during Monday’s practice. McGough was sidelined due to his right shoulder injury he suffered early in Friday’s game. As well, safety Kenny Robinson Jr. and cornerback Mario Goodrich are both rehabbing left ankle injuries. A pair of players in Anae Bradless and Cain Deon, miss practice due to personal reasons. Birmingham has the longest list of names on this week’s practice injury report, and they will need all hands on deck for this upcoming week 3 battle.
Power Rankings After Week 2
- St. Louis Battlehawks (-)
- Arlington Renegades (-)
- D.C. Defenders (+1)
- Birmingham Stallions (+2)
- Michigan Panthers (-2)
- Memphis Showboats (-2)
- San Antonio Brahmas (-)
- Houston Roughnecks (-)
Up Next
It’s time to raise the banner as the Stallions will finally play in front of their fans this Friday night at Protective Stadium. They will surely be tested as the 2-0 Arlington Renegades roll into town looking to ruin the party. The Renegades have their fair share of names on the Injury Report as well, so both teams will be having a “next-man-up” mentality. Arlington is currently sitting in a three-way tie for first in the XFL Conference. The Stallions are currently sitting atop the USFL Conference at 1-1, tied with Michigan whom they just beat. Kick off is scheduled for 8:00 EDT, and the game will be shown on Fox.