Stallions, Stars clash in battle of division leaders

Alex McGough and the Stallions wrap up the home portion of their regular season on Saturday.

The Birmingham Stallions (5-2) began last weekend sitting third in the USFL South Division. By the close of the football business day on Sunday, they had taken over first place.

That’s how things work in a league that – in 2023, at least – has very little separation among its eight teams.

Scott Adamson writes stuff. Follow him on Spoutable @ScottAdamson, Post @scottscribe, and Twitter @adamsonsl

This Saturday Birmingham plays its final regular season home game of 2023 when the Philadelphia Stars (4-3) come to Protective Stadium for a 2 p.m. kickoff. NBC/Peacock will provide TV coverage.

Philly is riding a three-game winning streak, good enough for first place in the North Division. It’ll be the first time the teams have played since meeting in the 2022 USFL championship game – a 33-30 Birmingham victory.

“What I’ve learned after a year and a half in this league is they’re all challenges,” Stallions coach Skip Holtz said. “I mean, every game … there is no top and there is no bottom. Everybody’s just fighting to compete, to win the game. A lot of these games are going to come down to one play, so we understand it’s gonna be a challenge. They’re a really good football team and I think (Philadelphia head coach) Bart Andrus does a really good job.”

After stumbling early, the Stars have found their footing on both sides of the ball.

“We’re opportunistic, so when a situation presents itself, we take advantage of it, and that’s important,” Andrus said following his team’s 37-31 victory over Pittsburgh last Saturday. “The other thing is, we’re playing better as a group. There’s a lot of trust that’s involved in that. And we’ve made improvements on our offensive line in personnel moves. This was the best group we were able to put on the field (Saturday) and we’re optimistic we can keep more guys healthy.

“When you start out the season you have issues and you have injuries and you fight through them, and the most important thing is these guys have never not thought they could do it. Right now, they’re showing they can.”

Quarterback Case Cookus has thrown for 1,520 yards and seven touchdowns, while Corey Coleman is his favorite target. Coleman has two TD receptions and 409 receiving yards.

And Luis Aguilar has done a phenomenal job kicking.

He’s 18 of 21 from field goal range, including three-of-four from beyond 50 yards. He had a USFL-record eight field goals to account for all his team’s points in a 24-21 victory over New Jersey that snapped a three-game losing skid and started the current string of victories.

“Case Cookus is very experienced,” Holtz said. “They’re scoring a lot of points, they’re very explosive, and have a lot of speed at all points. But I think the biggest trouble you’ll have with this football team is they’re playing really good defense right now. They’re holding opponents to 20 or less points and they’re scoring a lot. So, it’s an explosive team that’s the No. 1 team in the North (Division), and we know it’s gonna be a great challenge.”

Quarterback Alex McGough continues to shine for Birmingham, topping the circuit with 13 passing touchdowns and 102 points.

He’s thrown for 1,281 yards and rushed for four TDs.

His preparation this week is the same as it’s been every week.

“Well, every team has their own personality, and I just try to look at them as a fresh face,” McGough said. “They’ve just got a lot of good players, and we’ve got to find a way to win our one-on-ones and make plays.”

C.J. Marable has come on strong of late and leads the Stallions rushing corps with 380 yards, while Davion Davis has the most pass-catching yardage (317). Jace Sternberger has a team-high four touchdowns among receivers.

Safety Christian McFarland has played in all seven games and leads the bruise crew with 42 tackles (25 solo); safety Nate Holley is credited with 37 tackles (24 unassisted); and safety Tyree Robinson has contributed 32 tackles (23 solo).

“I told the players with this game we’re playing this week, there’s good news and bad news,” Holtz said. “The good news is right now we’re in first place and have earned the opportunity to be the top team in the South. The bad news is, we have three games left and if we lose all three, we finish last.

“So, every game matters.”

The coach is also hoping a big crowd will give his charges a significant homefield advantage.

“I’m glad it’s a home game and I encourage everybody to come out,” he said. “We need the support. The fans have been absolutely awesome, and I know this is Fan Appreciation Day this week. It comes at a great time, because we need everybody out here to help us.”

PLAYER STATUS (via Stallions Twitter)

Transferred Player to Active Roster: WR Michael Dereus, DE Joe Ozougwu, OT Darius Harper.

Transferred Player to Inactive Roster: WR Josh Johnson, OT Derwin Gray, DE Darrion Daniels.

Game status: CB Donnie Lewis: Out (R Hand, R Leg), S Christian McFarland: Probable (R Hamstring, R Shoulder, L Thumb), LB Rashad Smith: Probable (L Ankle), DE Jordan Thompson: Questionable (L Hamstring), WR Deon Cain: Probable (L Hamstring), DE Joe Jackson: Probable (R Ankle), LB Elijah Sullivan: Probable (R Foot), OL Matt Kaskey: Full Go (R Thumb), OL Jahmir Johnson: Full Go (L Groin).

PLAYER STATUS (via Stars Twitter)

Transferred Player to Active Roster: QB Kevin Thomson, S Joshua Moon, DE Ali Fayad.

Transferred Player to Inactive Roster: QB Vad Lee, S Devin Taylor, DE Carson Taylor.

Game status: WR Terry Wright: Full Go (L Flank), TE Pro Wells: Full Go (L Ankle), RB Dexter Williams: Full Go (R Shoulder), CB Channing Stribling: Full Go (L Hamstring), OL Tristen Taylor: Full Go (L Knee), DB Josh Moon: Full Go (L Ankle), DB Amani Dennis: Full Go (R Hip), LB Joey Alfieri: Full Go (R Knee), LB BJ Bello: Full Go (R Hamstring), DB Ladarius Wiley: Full Go (L Thumb), S Cody Brown: Full Go (L Foot), WR Diondre Overton: Full Go (R Shoulder), WR Corey Coleman: Full Go (L Hand), WR Devin Gray: Full Go (Neck), DL Chris Nelson: Full Go (R Calf), DL Ralph Holley: Full Go (L Elbow).