The most recent pro football rivalry between Alabama’s Magic City and Tennessee’s Bluff City started in the modern United States Football League last season. It continues in the United Football League on Saturday at Protective Stadium, with the Birmingham Stallions hosting the Memphis Showboats at 6 p.m.
And while Birmingham (2-0) comes into its first UFL home clash following a hard-fought road win at Michigan – and owning a nine-game winning streak dating back to the 2023 USFL campaign – Memphis (1-1) suffered a stunning loss in its 2024 Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium debut last weekend.
The ’Boats led the San Antonio Brahmas, 19-8, with 49 seconds to play but ended up losing, 20-19.
“This week is a big game for us, and last week we let ‘em off the hook,” Memphis coach John DeFilippo said. “It was a disappointing game, obviously. Probably one of the most disappointing games I’ve been a part of. But our players have practiced really well this week, and have had good tempo.”
DeFilippo’s team will need to shake off its frustration against a club playing great defense and possessing an offense that seems just a step away from breaking out of its shell.
“It was great to get a win on the road,” Birmingham boss Skip Holtz said. “Any time you can get a win in professional sports, it’s a huge deal. But having the opportunity to play the first two games on the road and winning both … it was a great job by this football team.”
The defense came through with seven sacks last Sunday, and leads the UFL in total defense. Birmingham allows just 233.5 yards per game.
“We played really well on defense,” Holtz said. “Outside of the big play we gave up and a couple of personal fouls late in the game, I thought that our defense really played an excellent football game. It’s great to see them flying around, buzzing around, playing the way they are, especially for a guy like me with an offensive background.”
Carlos Davis, Lorenzo Burns and Chris Jackson lead the team with 10 tackles each, while Davis has three sacks for 22 backward yards – tops in the circuit.
The dual QB system of Adrian Martinez and Matt Corral has produced just one passing TD, but Martinez is the second leading rusher on the team behind C.J. Marable.
Marable has 121 yards and a touchdown, while Martinez – who will get the start on Saturday – has accounted for 117 yards and a score. Ricky Person Jr. has rushed for two touchdowns and is the only Stallion thus far to find the end zone more than once this season.
The receiving corps is led by Deon Cain, who had 96 yards and one paydirt reception.
“There’s frustration that we were not as productive in the red zone as we were week one,” Holtz said. “I’ve always used the analogy that getting the ball down inside the five and kicking a field goal would be like driving the green on a par-5 and then six-putting it for a double-bogey.
“We’ve got to be able to put that ball in the end zone.”
Despite those issues, Birmingham is atop the UFL in total offense with 349.5 yards per game.
“We have a lot of respect for them,” DeFilippo said. “They’ve won a lot of games and our coaching staff is very familiar with them from last year, having to play them three times when we were with the (New Orleans) Breakers.
“The number one thing we have to do is contain their two quarterbacks. They want to run the football and break contain. Special teams-wise, we have to be ready for the exotics that they bring, and we can’t be oh-for-six in the red zone. We have to score touchdowns.”
Case Cookus leads the Memphis offense, and comes into the rivalry game 40-71-1 passing for 398 yards and two touchdowns.
Cookus is also the team’s leading rusher with 77 yards, with Darius Victor close behind with 72 yards on 27 carries.
The ‘Boats have yet to score a rushing touchdown in 2024.
Jonathan Adams and Daewood Davis have 125 and 101 receiving yards, respectively.
Malik Lawal leads the defense with 10 tackles (eight solo), while T.J. Green has eight and Delrick Abrams, six.
This will mark the fourth meeting between teams coached by Holtz and DeFilippo.
“He’s a friend 363 days a year,” said the Memphis coach. “Coach Holtz and I are very close. He’s a guy I’ve respected personally for a long time. We were in the hub together last year so we were always talking – we went out to dinner a couple of times. I always hope the best for him and I know he feels the same way.
“It’s gonna be a great game on Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.”
While Holtz is hoping his team improves to 3-0, he also wants a big crowd on hand to see it.
The Stallions’ 2023 USFL championship banner will be unveiled and 2023 league MVP Alex McGough – now with the Green Bay Packers – will be on the field to help his former team celebrate.
Tonight, fans can visit with several of the Stallions players and Holtz from 5-6 p.m. at Ghost Train Brewing at the Stallions pre-game party and championship ring celebration.
The free event is open to the public, and there will be autographs, photos and giveaways. Holtz will be presenting players and coaching staff from the 2023 season with their championship rings.
“I’m excited to see the turnout,” Holtz said. “Not only are we coming back to Birmingham, but having the ring ceremony where I know our players are really excited about that opportunity. They worked really hard a year ago for that championship, and now to be able to be rewarded for some of the fruits of their labor is great.
“We’re going to have the opportunity to bring that second championship banner to Protective Stadium, and Alex McGough is coming to the game on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to come back and be part of all that.”