Birmingham Stallions QB Matt Corral - Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
Week four of the UFL season is over and the Birmingham Stallions are still undefeated. In a rainy game, the Stallions defeated the D.C. Defenders, 20-18. The matchup was delayed due to the weather and turned into a bit of a kicking competition. Here is a look at the matchup, and how the Birmingham Stallions are still undefeated.
Birmingham Stallions get the Win
Despite the score being 20-18, this game was back and forth throughout. The Defenders had possession of the ball first, but that did not last long as the Stallions forced the fumble, and were able to gain possession. They were unable to take advantage though, and the Defenders ended up recovering a fumble taking the ball back. D.C. ended up being the first on the board.
Compared to last weekend, the Defenders’ defense did step up. Last weekend they could not finish their tackles. There is always room for improvement, but they did better with their pressuring the offense. Right before the first half ended, the game had to go into a weather delay. When they returned, the Defenders had possession of the ball. As they went to punt it, there was a bad snap. The punter, Paxton Brooks ended up going to the ground in the red zone, giving the Stallions a safety to take the lead. The Stallions then regained possession and had the chance to get into field goal range. The Birmingham Stallions closed out the first half with a field goal, extending the lead 11-6.
When returning to the game in the second half, the Stallions started with possession of the ball. The D.C. defense stood their ground, limiting the Stallions to a field goal. The Defenders ended up scoring a touchdown, as Kelvin Harmon broke a tackle on the reception to get into the end zone. The Defenders were able to make the score closer but still did not take the lead.
The rest of the game turned into a kicking competition. The Defenders hit the first field goal to take the lead, 14-12. The remainder of the game was back-and-forth field goals. The Birmingham Stallions were the last to kick, winning the game 20-18. If there is one takeaway from this game, it is that special teams matter. The Birmingham Stallions are now 4-0. The D.C. Defenders are 2-2.
MVP of the Game
The MVP of the game is Matt Corral, quarterback of the Birmingham Stallions. Corral extended plays using his legs, even earning key first downs when doing so. The Defenders’ defense stepped up this week and he did not let that stop him. Corral ended up completing 19 passes out of 29 attempts for 240 yards and one touchdown, according to Fox Sports. He also rushed the ball seven times for 51 yards. This was a rainy game that could have resulted in more turnovers than it already did, but Corral did not throw any interceptions and knew when to run with the ball.
Both kickers should also be highlighted, as if one missed this game could have ended up differently. Defenders kicker, Matthew McCrane made both field goals he attempted, his longest being from 39 yards. The Stallions’ kicker, Ramiz Ahmed made all four field goal attempts, his longest being from 46 yards. Even in the rain, these two players kept their teams in the game until the final minute.
What’s Next?
The Birmingham Stallions will face the Houston Roughnecks on Saturday, April 27th at 7 P.M. Eastern.
The D.C. Defenders will face the St. Louis Battllehawks on Sunday, April 28th at 12 P.M. Eastern.
