BIRMINGHAM, AL -- This might be the final blow to the Aviators' postseason aspirations, as they suffer a difficult defeat on the road against the Birmingham Stallions, with a score of 14-3.
The defeat brings their season record to 2-6 as they anticipate their final two games. "It didn't go like we wanted," said Ted Ginn Jr.
It looked like things were going Columbus' way at first when D.J. Miller intercepted Dorian Thompson-Robinson. On the next drive, the Aviators moved 67 yards down the field before they lost possession. Then, Birmingham's defensive back Steven Gilmore got in on the action, intercepting Jalan McClendon.
With 1:28 left in the first quarter, it would finish without any points scored.
As mistakes plagued the offense, but the defense played lights out, the Aviators managed to put some points on the board with new kicker Jonah Dalmas with 9:00 minutes remaining in the half to take a 3-0 lead. Columbus would take that lead into halftime. "I think the defense played awesome." Ginn Jr. elaborated.
Birmingham answered with a 51-yard drive but came up empty as they would attempt a 36-yard field goal that sailed wide right by Anders Carlson.
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| Official pylon of the United Football League. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com) |
After empty drives by both teams, defenses seemed to be the key in the game, giving multiple chances to get something done. Birmingham finally scored late in the quarter as Dorian Thompson-Robinson connected with Jordan Thomas for the 29-yard touchdown with 6:44 remaining.
Birmingham leads 7-3 heading into the last period.
The Stallions would extend the lead and score their final points when Steven Gilmore blocked a 55-yard attempt by Columbus kicker Jonah Dalmas and returned it for a touchdown. "Wasn't pretty, but a wins a win, gritty win," said AJ McCarron, head football coach for the Stallions. "I thought it was a great win, I'm proud of the guys."
To seal the win for Birmingham, Tae Crowder intercepted a Jalan McClendon pass in the final two minutes of the game. "We gotta look at ourselves in the face and make some adjustments." Ginn Jr. said.
The Aviators will try to get redemption as they host the Birmingham Stallions (4-4) at Historic Crew Stadium on Saturday, May 23, at 3:00 p.m.
There are questions about their lack of throwing the ball downfield. "We wanted to get the run game going," Ginn Jr. explained.
Top Performers
Tony Fields II led the Aviators with seven tackles.
Stallions Dorian Thompson-Robinson went 12 for 20, 126 yards, and one touchdown. The defense recorded five sacks.
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