Scott Adamson, Author at Adamsonmedia.com

Another step forward

Once the final horn sounded on Birmingham’s 27-20 victory over Memphis today at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, it marked the end of the regular season for both United States Football League teams.

That’s significant.

**Scott Adamson writes stuff. Follow him on Spoutable @ScottAdamson and Twitter @adamsonsl**

Until this evening, an outdoor pro grid team in Birmingham hadn’t made it through two consecutive seasons since the World League of American Football’s Birmingham Fire (1991-92).

Spring leagues tend to fall, and whenever one can make it to – and through – its sophomore year, well, that’s noteworthy.

And encouraging.

“I just think it speaks volumes that not only is there a lot of competition in the USFL, there’s a lot of equality in this league,” Birmingham coach Skip Holtz said after his team improved to 8-2. “There’s a lot of competitive nature in this league. But also, I would tell you that I think the USFL has proven that it’s here to stay.”

Maybe the football people behind the FOX-owned USFL have finally figured out that the best way to make this non-NFL thing work is to give it time to work. If nothing else, they’ve helped me morph from being cynical to hopeful – even optimistic.

And as you probably know, I’m not prone to optimism when it comes to such ventures. Having lived through all the leagues that have come and gone through the years, I just assumed the shelf life of this one would be short.

History tends to repeat itself, especially when it comes to this particular endeavor.

Perhaps it would make it until the end of its first season, I thought. But bad TV ratings and a mountain of debt would cause the network to shut it down just as it would any TV program that failed to find an audience.

And make no mistake – the USFL is as much a TV series as it is a sports organization.

But the circuit has found an audience – and apparently Nielsen families like what they’re seeing.

The presentation, whether on FOX, NBC or the league’s other outlets, is top-tier. Admittedly, I’m not as enamored with the drone and helmet-cams as some people, but I can certainly appreciate the tech.

And the entertainment is being provided by good football players, most who are trying to level up.

“These 50 young men that I am blessed to have the opportunity to coach every week … if they didn’t have this opportunity, what would they be doing now?” Holtz said. “And to know that out of this league, 70 guys are in (NFL) camp and getting another shot at their dream and what they want to do.

“Some guys are just here because they continue to love to play the game. They may not get another shot and they know that, but they’re here because they love the game. They love the camaraderie, and that’s what it’s all about. And I think that’s why it’ll work. I think it’ll work not only because I think it’s a proven product right now, but I think it’ll work because it’s here for the right reasons.”

There are those who look down their nose at “minor league” sports, but the USFL (and XFL) have shown there are hundreds of talented athletes not currently on NFL or CFL rosters.

And having dealt with several of them this year (mostly Stallions and New Orleans Breakers players due to the Birmingham hub) there are also some pretty good people in the league, too.

As much fun as I’ve had watching, the general consensus is that they’re having even more fun playing.

“I have never had more fun than I have this season,” Birmingham quarterback Alex McGough told me earlier this week. “This is the best year I’ve had of playing football. It’s just fun … it’s like, you go out there and you’re so loose and so confident because you’ve done it before, and the coach believes in you.

“All the guys are really good and we have such a great chemistry with each other that it makes it that much easier to go out there and play.”

While there’s an ebb and flow when it comes to TV viewership, for the most part the USFL continues to perform well enough to satisfy its stakeholders. In-game attendance leaves a lot to be desired (I’m ready for all the teams to have their own homes), but perhaps that’s a side effect of having a product that is so enjoyable to watch from the comfort of your home.

Ultimately, as long as the people paying the bills think it’s worth it, those bills will continue to be paid.

Speaking of being paid … that’s another major plus. To the best of my knowledge, the players, coaches, and staff members of the teams are not missing any paydays, nor are the USFL’s vendors.

Bounced checks, locked stadiums and broken dreams are an alternative football tradition, and it’s nice to see that tradition being ignored.

For the Stallions, there is at least one game left before the curtain falls on the 2023 campaign.

For the Showboats, their focus turns to next year.

And I firmly believe there will be a next year for the modern version of the USFL. In fact, Birmingham and Memphis are already taking season ticket deposits for 2024. I think those are safe investments, because I’m quite confident the league is returning. Honestly, I never thought I’d ever say that about a professional spring football league.

Stallions, Showboats meet in Memphis

**Birmingham coach** **Skip Holtz says the Stallions** **have had a good week of practice.**

There’s still some heavy lifting to be done once the regular season ends, but the Birmingham Stallions are able to exhale in Week 10.

While a tight race in the United States Football League South Division is coming down to the wire, Birmingham already knows it’s playoff-bound regardless of what happens this weekend.

And what happens for the Stallions (7-2) is a rematch with the Memphis Showboats (5-4), who still technically have a shot at earning a postseason berth.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. CDT Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium with FOX providing TV coverage.

But just because the defending USFL champions have already punched their playoff ticket thanks to a 38-15 drubbing of Houston in Week 9, it doesn’t mean they’re overlooking the next team on the schedule.

“I know a lot of people say this game doesn’t mean anything, but you wouldn’t know it by the practices we’ve had this week,” Stallions coach Skip Holtz said. “We’ve had a great week of practice, and I think this game is an opportunity for us to roll into the playoffs on a hot note. Any time we put the ball on the tee, we want to win.”

As for resting starters, that’s been a non-issue.

“I said to the players anyone that wants to sit, come see me,” Holtz said. “If this is something you need mentally, physically or emotionally before the playoffs, come see me. I haven’t had a single player come see me.”

Birmingham quarterback Alex McGough makes his case for MVP week after week, and currently leads the USFL with 18 passing touchdowns and 138 points. He’s thrown for 1,822 yards and also has five rushing TDs.

His roommate – tight end Jace Sternberger – paces the league in receiving touchdowns with six, and Davion Davis has the most Stallions receiving yards with 461.

C.J. Marable is tops in the circuit in all-purpose yards with 1,019 – 469 of them coming on the ground.

As a team, Birmingham averages a USFL-best 324.7 yards per game as well as a 50 percent third down conversion rate.

“We have a strong O-line, I think that’s what sets things off,” McGough said. “We can run, we can pass-block, we can do a lot of things. When they give me a few seconds back there, I can usually find someone to go to because we have so many good receivers.”

Defensively, the Stallions are led by safety Christian McFarland’s 49 tackles, while tackle Willie Yarbary has recorded 3.5 sacks. And fan favorite Scooby Wright is healthy enough to get back in the lineup at linebacker this week.

“I’m super excited to be back out there,” Wright said. “And I’m really proud of the team and the guys for stepping up and playing so well while I was gone. I’m just excited to go out there and contribute to my teammates.”

Although punters sometimes get lost in the shuffle, Colby Wadman has been a major contributor to Birmingham’s success. He tops the league with a 40.6-yard net average on 26 punts.

“I call Colby ‘Gus,’ our kicking mule … he averaged 57 yards a punt last week,” Holtz said. “He’s done an unbelievable job.”

There’s little doubt the homestanding Boats will have plenty of motivation after getting drilled by Birmingham, 42-2, earlier in the season at Protective Stadium.

QB Cole Kelley has passed for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns with Vinny Papale accounting for 337 of those yards and two scores.

DB Troy Warner leads the Showboats defense with 70 tackles and defensive end Jordan Williams has contributed 5.5 sacks.

Todd Haley’s team started out 0-3 but then put together five consecutive victories – the longest streak of the year in the USFL this season – before falling to New Orleans last week, 31-3.

“I love our team and I love our guys, but we have to play a lot better than that to think of anything beyond the regular season,” Haley said.

As for Holtz, he simply hopes his team stays the course.

“It’s taken us a while to gel, but I think we’re starting to play well together, communicate … I like the way they’re working. They’ve got great attitudes.

“They like to have fun and like to joke around, but when it comes time to work, they’ve been really focused and dialed in.”

PLAYER STATUS (via Stallions Twitter)

Free Agent Signing: LB Damon Lloyd.

Transferred Player to Active Roster: WR Austin Watkins, CB Bryan Mills, LB Scooby Wright, OG Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms.

Transferred Player to Inactive Roster: WR Adrian Hardy, CB Lorenzo Burns, LB Damon Lloyd.

Transferred Player to Injured Reserve List: OT Jahmir Ross-Johnson

Suspended List: LB Quentin Poling.

Game status: OL Jahmir Johnson: Out (R Shoulder), DL Jonathan Newsome: Out (R Knee), S Christian McFarland: Probable (R Hamstring, R Shoulder, L Thumb), S JoJo Tillery: Probable (L Knee), RB Ricky Person Jr.: Probable (L Hip), LB Elijah Sullivan: Probable (R Knee), LB Rashad Smith: Probable (L Knee), DB Tyree Robinson: Probable (R Thumb, R Wrist), WR Davion Davis: Probable (L Ankle), LB Scooby Wright: Probable (L Calf), OL Matt Kaskey: Full Go (R Thumb).

PLAYER STATUS (via Showboats Twitter)

Transferred Player to Active Roster: RB Ezra Gray, S Lamont McPhatter II, LB Jeff McCulloch, DT Frank Herron, OG Kwan Stallworth.

Transferred Player to Inactive Roster: RB Kerrith Whyte, LB Aaron Hansford, S Antonio Reed, OC Jordan McCray, DT Sulaiman Kamara.

Game status: DB Quenton Meeks: Out (R Ankle), OL Lukayus McNeil: Out (L Knee), S Kyree Woods: Out (Concussion), OL Jordan McCray: Out (L Leg), RB Kerrith Whyte: Out (R Ankle), S Antonio Reed: Out (L Wrist), OL Matt Burrell: Probable (Illness), LB Aaron Hansford: Questionable (R Ribs), LB Jeff McCulloch: Questionable (L Foot), DL John Atkins: Probable (R Shoulder), S Lamont McPhatter: Probable (L Ankle), DT Frank Herron: Probable (L Knee).

Counting crows

The crow seemed to float toward the smiling old man, its wings fully extended as it gently landed on the bench where he sat. As usual, peanuts and peanut shells were scattered liberally, and the bird dug in, spending half its time eating and the other half staring at his benefactor before abruptly flying away.

“Good to see you again, Stanley,” said Henry, who left the Greenvale Village assisted living facility each morning at 9 a.m. sharp to meet his feathered friends at the nearby park. “Thanks for not hogging it all, buddy … you’ve got friends coming.”

He did, indeed.

The birds had been around Henry for so long – and knew his habits so well – that they always showed up when it was feeding time. And they knew very well who was doing the feeding.

The best Henry could remember, he had been at the facility for less than a week when he decided a daily walk to the park would be his morning exercise. There was always a staff member giving him a loose follow – usually an attendant named Frank – but he was in good physical shape for a 91-year-old man, and able to get away far enough to have a bit of time to himself.

It was nothing personal … Frank and the rest of the staff had always treated him with kindness and dignity. But sometimes Henry wanted to feel as free as a bird, and sharing his time with Stanley was a way to do that.

Henry figured it was because that first day in the park – his stomach already growling after the 5 a.m. oatmeal had lost its stick – he sat down, leaned back, cracked open a shell and gobbled down the two peanuts.

Once he tossed the shell to the ground the crow swooped down – gave Henry a quick glance – clamped the shell in its bill, and headed toward the trees.

When another crow showed up the next day, Henry said, “Welcome back, Stanley!” and emptied a handful of peanuts on the bench.

He had no idea if it was the same bird – and he couldn’t tell you why he named him Stanley – but those were just small details.

He had found a friend, and a friend needs a name. Besides, he just seemed like a Stanley.

So, it became a routine, day in and day out. Stanley was always the first on the scene, followed shortly by other crows who – wouldn’t you know it? – looked just like Stanley.

After Stanley and the others had picked over all the shells and nutmeat they wanted, they headed for the skies.

And that was Henry’s cue to head back to his room.

On this particular Friday, Henry was moving a bit faster than usual as Frank intercepted him at the walkway leading to the main entrance of Greenvale Village.

“What’s up, Henry?” Frank asked. “You got a date or something?”

Henry smiled.

“I’m gonna go spend some quality time with my friends,” he said in an excited, raspy voice. “When you reach my age, you don’t have a lot to look forward to, but I’m looking forward to this.”

Frank patted him on the back and watched as Henry scooted toward the door and headed inside.

Frank didn’t know the details, but he assumed some old acquaintances had decided to come around for a visit. Henry’s wife had died several years earlier, and the couple had no children. In fact, Frank couldn’t recall at time when he’d ever seen Henry entertain guests – family or otherwise.

Frank’s Saturday shift began at 8:45 a.m., and he looked forward to checking in, escorting Henry to his favorite bench, and getting all the details about his night on the town. When he arrived, however, he was met with somber looks.

“I’ve got some sad news, Frank,” said Martha, who always manned the front desk on weekends. “Henry passed away … died in his sleep. Rex was on duty overnight and when he checked in about 4 a.m., Henry was gone.

“He was a sweet old man … I’m gonna miss him.”

Having been on staff for close to a decade, Frank was used to patients transitioning while being cared for in Greenvale Village. And even though the news hit him hard, he knew that Henry looked happy the last time he saw him. Hopefully he had one last, pleasant get-together before closing his eyes for good.

He never verbalized it for fear of sounding morbid, but Frank thought it was his duty and the duty of everyone who worked there to make sure residents lived comfortably and died peacefully.

For the next several weeks, out of habit, Frank would check the time and expect to see Henry headed for the door with a bag of peanuts in tow.

Eventually, a new resident discovered the joys of birdwatching and bird-feeding, and it always gave Frank a warm feeling when he saw the man tossing shelled nuts on the ground, just as Henry used to do.

Frank had shared pleasantries with him ever since he arrived, but the attendant figured since his bird feeding was apparently going to be a daily practice, he’d start a conversation.

“Those crows are always glad to see you, aren’t they Stanley?” Frank said.

“Well, I think they’re just following Henry, and Henry seems to like me.”

Frank chuckled.

“That’s funny. There used to be a fellow here named Henry who’d go out and feed the birds every day.”

Stanley reached up and gently patted Frank on the cheek.

“Oh, I know, son,” he said. “You should join me on the bench and visit with him sometime. He’d love to see you again.”