New Orleans Breakers Top Generals; Stay Undefeated

This past Sunday, the New Orleans Breakers walked into Tom Benson HOF Stadium in Canton to face the New Jersey Generals. This was the first matchup between the two teams since 2022.

The New Orleans Breakers lost the previous game against the Generals, and actually have not beaten the New Jersey Generals, even in the first incarnation of the USFL. Coming into this game at 3-0, John DeFilippo’s squad was firing on all cylinders, taking down their respective opponents week by week.

Mike Riley’s Generals would put up a great fight against the juggernaut Breakers, but would ultimately lose 20-17, handing the Breakers their fourth consecutive win. This marks the first time the Breakers have ever beaten the New Jersey Generals in any capacity.

First Half

It was an entertaining first half of football. The New Orleans Breakers came out scorching hot, led by McLeod Bethel-Thompson – and their star running back, Wes Hills. It was a seamless drive down the field, resulting in an early score courtesy of Hills.

What a start to this game for the @USFLBreakers. Wes Hills caps off a six play, 62 yard drive with a walk-in touchdown to the left side.

This New Orleans #USFL offense under the leadership of John DeFilippo is something else. Brilliant drive.pic.twitter.com/ZuVvJRDiDQ

— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 7, 2023

Despite so much talent on both sides of the football, it was the defenses who would have the upper hand through much of the first and second quarters. Shalom Luani has been a key piece to New Jersey’s defense, and came up with a clutch interception towards the end of the first.

We see you @LuaniShalom!

🎥: @nbc | @peacock pic.twitter.com/zYL2lDqs9W

— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) May 7, 2023

Then, New Jersey would find a way to strike. QB De’Andre Johnson somehow managed to find Cam Echols-Luper on a strike under pressure, who then took off down the sidelines for a 62 yard score. Just like that, the game was…