The Memphis Showboats taking on the Birmingham Stallions in Week 3 of the UFL @ Protective Stadium - pfnewsroom.com
UFL week 3 kicked off its second game on Saturday, Apr. 15, with the Birmingham Stallions riding into their home opener at (2-0).
The Birmingham Stallions were taking on a new look Memphis Showboats team at (1-1). They were coming off a heartbreaking 20-19 loss at home vs. the San Antonio Brahmas last weekend.
The first game of UFL week 3 featured the (1-1) DC Defenders visiting the (0-2) Arlington Renegades. To catch the highlights of that game, please check out my skilled UFL co-writer, Miss Angela Miele’s article here.
UFL Week 3 Game 2 Memphis Showboats @Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions started out the first half slow, with new starting quarterback Adrian Martinez trying to get his feet wet. Kicker Chris Blewitt drilled a field goal at the end of the first half to put them up 18-12.
The Stallions rode their momentum into the second half, scoring 15 straight points to put the game away 33-12.
However, a late safety by Memphis made the score closer. The Stallions rode back into their stables with a resounding 33-14 win over a strong Showboat’s team.
Memphis pulled its starting quarterback, Case Cookus, who finished the day 15-of-22 for 140 yards.
Former Pittsburgh Maulers starter and Memphis backup Troy Williams came in for relief reps and did not disappoint. He finished 11-of-19 for 100 yards.
Another former Mauler came up big on defense for Birmingham. Stallions linebacker Kyahua Tezino was a star, finishing with nine tackles and a sack for good measure.
However, the biggest MVP of the game had to be Birmingham’s starting quarterback, Adrian Martinez. The former Nebraska and Kansas State signal caller responded for 378 total yards.
He ended up passing for 344 yards and rushing for an additional 44. It looks like the Stallions have found their guy. Memphis, however, may have to use Williams in special running packages moving forward.
With the win, the Stallions are riding into their stables with a 3-0 record. This is after finally blowing out their opponents at home.
Meanwhile, the Showboats came back to their docks 1-2, but gave Williams some playing time in a blowout loss.
What I Liked About the Game
Overall, it looked like it was going to be a tight battle from the very start of the game. The Showboats knew going in that it was the Stallion’s home opener.
It was also going to be emotional with the Stallions raising their back-to-back USFL championship banner. Despite the pregame festivities, the Showboats had to feel good about their first half, only being down 18-12.
Also, I enjoyed watching Martinez earn his first start and develop into the next guy for Birmingham.
What Needed Improvement
Unfortunately for the Showboats, there was the second half of the game. During that half, you had to watch the Stallions legend grow even bigger as the game got away.
Not all was lost, however, as Williams got some meaningful time in the game. Coach John DeFilippo had to feel great that Williams knew he had a role to play.
For another interesting Sports story, please check out:
Kicking off Week 2 of the UFL: San Antonio Brahmas vs. Memphis Showboats
