The Columbus Aviators (Photo by the Columbus Aviators and the UFL)
Columbus has yet to win consecutive games in the UFL
Columbus 20, St. Louis 31
It was an ugly game for the Columbus Aviators from the start. Ted Ginn Jr.’s team started the game with a solid drive that gained 43 yards before Columbus elected to punt the ball. St. Louis struck quickly, with a 78-yard touchdown drive. The Aviators got the ball back and, when in need of an answer, went three-and-out. St. Louis responded with a 70-yard touchdown drive, and after the first quarter was over, Columbus trailed, 14-0.
The Aviators got into the ball game in the second quarter. Their five-play, 60-yard touchdown drive was done in 2:42. Jalen Morton took his lone carry for 15 yards for the touchdown to get Columbus back in the game, 14-7.
Just when the Aviators looked to get airborne, the Battlehawks answered. They got a field goal to go back up by double digits, 17-7. The St. Louis defense forced a Columbus three-and-out and had their fourth straight scoring drive. This one was only two plays for 40 yards, and St. Louis would have a commanding 24-7 lead at the half.
Second Half
The Aviators’ defense started the second half off right. They picked off St. Louis quarterback Luis Perez within the first minute of the third quarter. Columbus would pay off the turnover and favorable field position with a 34-yard touchdown drive. Jalan McClendon found Tay Martin for a 12-yard touchdown pass and catch, and Columbus looked to claw their way back into the game.
But, like in the first half, whenever Columbus looked to get flying full throttle, St. Louis would answer. They would get their third 70-plus-yard touchdown drive of the game, and the Battlehawks would lead 31-14 heading into the fourth quarter. Columbus would cut into the lead more with a 79-yard touchdown drive, but would miss the PAT, and it would be too little, too late for the Aviators. Despite the McClendon touchdown pass to Keke Chism, St. Louis would win, 31-20.
Rock Bottom
Columbus is in sole possession of last place in the UFL standings. But, they say, when you hit rock bottom, there is only one place left to go, and that’s up. The Aviators will remain on the road, heading down south to Birmingham, Alabama, to take on the Stallions, who are fighting with Columbus to stay out of the basement. They’ll lock horns on Sunday, May 17th.
