BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Birmingham Stallions had their eyes on an eleventh straight win on Saturday night, as they hosted the DC Defenders at Protective Stadium.
Good morning from Birmingham! ⛅️
Just outside of Protective Stadium, where the Birmingham Stallions host the DC Defenders tonight at 7PM ET.
Possible rain showers around game time. Temps in the 60’s. #UFL pic.twitter.com/yn7hyvDvno
— Christian Paolantonio (@CPaolantonio_) April 20, 2024
The Stallions crowd was prepared to show out under the lights in Birmingham, in what turned out to be an early game of the season nominee between these two cross-conference teams.
Stallions HC Skip Holtz made the decision earlier in the week to name QB Matt Corral the starter over Adrian Martinez, a head-scratching move in the eyes of many in the spring football world.
If you missed our game preview for this matchup, be sure to check it out before reading.
First Quarter
The Defenders offense started the game with possession, but things quickly changed as RB Cam’Ron Harris fumbled the football on a high-speed collision with Stallions safety Kenny Robinson Jr..
THAT’S OUR BALL ❗️@krob2__ comes up big with the fumble recovery! 🐎 pic.twitter.com/BGaica6LbA
— B2B CHAMPIONSTALLIONS 🏆🏆 (@USFLStallions) April 20, 2024
Birmingham’s offense wasted zero time getting to work, creating a methodical drive that brought them inside the five yard line. Unfortunately for Birmingham, they would lose possession just outside of the end-zone on a mistimed reverse play, causing Corral to lose the ball and it be recovered by Defenders safety DJ Swearinger.
The Defenders catch a MAJOR break.
The Stallions impressive opening drive is halted due to a fumbled handoff, scooped up by safety DJ Swearinger!#UFL
— Christian Paolantonio (@CPaolantonio_) April 20, 2024
DC followed up the turnover with possibly their best rushing drive of the year, led by…