A couple of huge plays and a time-consuming drive powered the Birmingham Stallions to victory in a USFL semifinal on Saturday at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Oh.
The Stallions were the best team in the South Division during the regular season and they reinforced that by downing the New Orleans Breakers, 31-17.
Sorry to BREAK your heart, New Orleans 😎👋 pic.twitter.com/6QnTBmoNW1
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) June 26, 2022
Birmingham struggled early but got a pick-six and a kickoff return to take control of the second semifinal.
Birmingham, which is coached by Skip Holtz, will meet the Philadelphia Stars on July 3 in Canton for the USFL championship. Earlier, the Stars eliminated the New Jersey Generals, 19-14.
The big plays for Birmingham were courtesy of the pick by DeMarquis Gates, who returned it 71 yards, and the kickoff return by Victor Bolden, who took it back 90.
The pick-six:
The focus from @Y_DGates on this pick six 🔥
The @USFLStallions defense makes a big play once again
📺: @NBCSports @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/BYddPwzxvL
— USFL (@USFL) June 26, 2022
Gates, by the way, plays with a floss pick in his mouth.
A pick six with a floss pick in his mouth 😳😅@Y_DGates is a big mood on the field
📺: @NBCSports @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/tjos48rW3Y
— USFL (@USFL) June 26, 2022
The kick-six, if you will:
GIDDY UP 😤
There's no stopping @vicbolden ⚡️ https://t.co/c50TmLaNyO
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) June 26, 2022
The game-sealing drive devoured 87 yards and 15 plays before J’Mar Smith scored on a 2-yard run with 45 seconds left.
"Let's go T-bone" @USFLStallions sealed the win in the classic T-Formation 💪
📺: @NBCSports @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/f2qymHV1oz
— USFL (@USFL) June 26, 2022
One player on New Orleans worth noting was tight end Sal Cannella, who had a dozen receptions for 154 yards. Do not be surprised if he turns up in an NFL camp later this summer.
Same energy 😴😤 pic.twitter.com/bOVqgvURdy
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) June 26, 2022
