By: Trey Colbeck
The roar of thunderous hooves was heard both at the historic Churchill Downs and Protective Stadium last weekend. Not only did Sovereignty win the 151st Kentucky Derby, but the Stallions also won their Week 6 match-up against the San Antonio Brahmas in convincing fashion. The Stallions’ consistency has been shaky this year, so I did expect this game to be closer to last week’s Shakedown. Meanwhile, the Brahmas just can’t seem to get on track at all this season. According to my math skills, they will be in a must-win game next week to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Recap
It was a very lopsided game right from the get-go. San Antonio punted the ball six of their first seven drives, and the other way, a missed field goal attempt. The Stallions opened with 2:10 left in the first quarter. Ricky Person rushed in from four yards out to make it 6-0.
It wouldn’t be until late in the second quarter that the scoreboard was changed again. This time, Case Cookus hit Amari Rodgers for a 43-yard reception and added six more to the board. It was looking to be shut out at the half, but San Antonio had a couple of big plays and got into field goal range. This time, Tristan Vizcaino was good from 26 yards out and scored 12-3 at the half.
The Brahmas would keep off the board for the rest of the game. However, Harrison Mevis nailed two long field goals, one 49 and the other 50 yards, to make it 18-3.
The scoring wouldn’t end there, as for safe measure, Cookus found Sternberger for a 5-yard touchdown in the fourth. Birmingham would also complete the two-point conversion to make it 26-3. That would remain as the final score.
Stud of the Game
With all the injuries, the quarterback situation in Birmingham continues to be interesting. I did say Case Cookus would perform better after more practice time, and he did just that. He finished the game completing 16 of 23 passes and passing for 166 yards. Although he didn’t rack up the yards in the air, he did connect for two passing touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over via interception. Even when Andrew Peasley was in, he went 5-8 and threw for 79 yards. Both guys looked good under center, and this could be the turnaround the Stallions needed.
Donkey of the Game
Normally I write about one individual or a certain positional group that just sucked in one game but for the Brahmas I will give them some extra treatment. Currently sitting 1-4 and last in several team statistics on both offense and defense. The entire San Antonio Brahmas franchise has earned the title “DONKEYS OF THE YEAR’ at this point. The only props I have to give are to the fan base for sticking through this. With four weeks left, hopefully they can gather up some respect because they currently don’t have much.
Injury Update
Case Cookus and Andrew Peasley are both on the Injury Report this week. Peasley did not practice either Wednesday or Thursday, but Cookus was a full participant both days. This would likely indicate Cookus will be good to go on Sunday for the Week 7 match-up. Defensive end Ronnie Perkins and Wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. were the only other two listed as non-participants this week. The Stallions will need all hands on deck with only four weeks left to go.
Power Rankings
- D.C. Defenders (-)
- Michigan Panthers (+1)
- Birmingham Stallions (+1)
- St. Louis Battlehawks (1.6 seconds, Blues fans…) (+1)
- Arlington Renegades (-3)
- Houston Roughnecks (-)
- Memphis Showboats (-)
- San Antonio Brahmas (-)
Up Next
The Stallions are set to face the Houston Roughnecks for the second time this season and will now have a home-field advantage. The last time they faced off was in Week 4, and the Stallions ended up on top, 23-16. The Roughnecks are 3-3 this year but are only one behind the Stallions and Panthers. The Stallions currently sit atop the USFL Conference, and a win on Sunday would push them closer to clinching a playoff spot. A victory would put them two games up on Houston, and the Stallions would have the advantage of sweeping the season series.
The two sides will link up Sunday, May 11th at 11 a.m. CDT at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL. The game will be aired on ABC.