Birmingham Stallions remain undefeated
Published 9:53 am Monday, April 15, 2024
- The Birmingham defense harassed Memphis quarterbacks all night. (Photo courtesy of Birmingham Stallions)
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This weekend, the Birmingham Stallions (3-0) won their 10th straight game, dating back to the 2023 USFL season, knocking off the Memphis Showboats by a score of 33-14 in their home opener.
Birmingham’s offense rolled up 424 yards – with 324 yards coming through the air – while the UFL’s No. 1-ranked defense held Memphis to just 212 total yards. The Birmingham defense also forced one turnover and tallied eight sacks.
Birmingham got on the scoreboard first, with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Adrian Martinez to Jace Sternberger with 5:36 left in the first quarter. The two-point try failed, giving Birmingham a 6-0 lead.
Memphis responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Case Cookus to Vinny Papale with 56 seconds left in the opening period. The Memphis PAT attempt was no good, tying the game 6-6. Birmingham answered right back, however, with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Marlon Williams with just two seconds left in the opening quarter of play. The two-point try again failed but Birmingham held a 12-6 lead.
Memphis and Birmingham traded field goals for the rest of the half with the Stallions hanging on to an 18-12 lead going into halftime. The Stallions added another 43-yard field goal to open the second half and extend the lead to 21-12.
Birmingham then capped off a 75-yard drive with a 5-yard Ricky Person Jr. touchdown run late in the third quarter. The PAT was no good and the Stallions maintained a 27-12 lead.
Birmingham continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter as Martinez scored on an 11-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 33-12. After Birmingham’s Danie Isom intercepted a Cookus pass at the one-yard line, Martinez was sacked on the next play for a safety bringing the final score to 33-14.
Martinez went 18-for-28 for 334 yards and two touchdowns with 44 yards and a score on five carries in his first chance to start and play the entire game. Deon Cain led Birmingham receivers with 144 yards on seven catches, while Sternberger caught four passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Person rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
Kyahva Tezino led the Birmingham defense with 10 tackles and a sack, while Madre Harper tallied seven tackles. Carlos Davis, Jonathan Garvin and DaMarcus Mitchell earned two sacks each. Birmingham kicker Chris Blewitt was 3-for-3 on field goals.
Birmingham is back at home next Saturday, April 20, against the DC Defenders. The game will air on FOX.