The Columbus Aviators (Graphic by the Columbus Aviators and the United Football League)
Columbus joins Birmingham at the bottom of the UFL
Columbus 13, Houston 17
Fresh off their first win ever, Columbus was looking to win their second game and get two wins in a row, but the Aviators lost at Houston on Sunday. As they have all year, the Aviators struggled to get off the ground. When they did get going, miscues and mistakes brought them crashing back down. Their defense was sleepwalking during the first two Houston possessions. After receiving the opening kickoff, Houston went on a 13-play, 85-yard touchdown drive that took 7:09 off the clock.
Columbus’ offense did them no favors, going three-and-out and giving the ball right back to the Gamblers. Again, Houston went on a long, time-consuming touchdown drive. This one took 6:51 off the clock and went for 75 yards. The Aviators found themselves in a 14-0 hole when they got their second possession of the game in the second quarter.
Getting off the Ground
That’s when the Aviators started to do some things right. The Aviators soared on a touchdown drive of their own, 10 plays long and covering 67 yards. Taking 4:56 off the clock and in less than five minutes of game time, Columbus had cut the lead to 14-7. Jalan McClendon finished off the drive with a quarterback sneak for the touchdown.
Houston looked to respond, but after going 43 yards, the Gamblers missed their field goal attempt. Columbus attacked after the stop, getting their second touchdown of the day. The 54-yard touchdown drive took 3:38 off the clock and was finished off by star running back Toa Taua. Columbus would miss the extra point, but would be down only one at halftime after starting down 14-0.
Second Half
The missed PAT was a harbinger of things to come in the second half of the game. Both teams would struggle offensively, but Columbus would stall out the most. Houston would gain only 72 yards in the second half and get three points. The Aviators, however, would do much worse. They would 120 yards of offense but get no points. They would miss a field goal and turn the ball over three times. The first two turnovers were on downs, but the third and most devastating was the final turnover. Late in the fourth quarter, while on a drive that had already gained them 53 yards, Jalan McClendon fumbled, Houston recovered the ball, and essentially ended the game.
Back-to-back against Houston
Columbus will get another crack at Houston immediately. The Aviators and the Gamblers will play on Friday, May 1st. This time it will be at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus will be trying to battle their way out of the basement. They are currently at the bottom of the UFL with Birmingham, with both teams being 1-4.
