In an exciting conclusion to the mid-year football season, the USFL Championship is set to take place, offering fans a thrilling appetizer before the impending NFL season kicks off. The title game will feature the Birmingham Stallions, who are aiming for their second consecutive championship, against the Pittsburgh Maulers, the underdog story of the year.
The Stallions, led by quarterback J’Mar Smith last season, clinched the championship title by defeating the Philadelphia Stars. However, Smith’s injury prevented him from starting as the quarterback for the 2023 season. In his absence, Alex McGough stepped in and led the Stallions to the best record in the South Division, as well as securing a second consecutive South Division championship. McGough’s impressive performance included leading the league in passing touchdowns with 20 and ranking among the top quarterbacks in passing yards.
As a testament to his outstanding season, McGough was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Friday. He formed a formidable connection with former NFL tight end Jace Sternberger, who led the USFL in receiving touchdowns with seven. Sternberger had 33 catches for 517 yards during the year, earning him a place on the All-USFL team alongside McGough.
The Stallions also boast a strong defense, with cornerback Nate Brooks leading the team in tackles with 43 and contributing two interceptions. Brian Allen and Scooby Wright III have also played crucial roles in the team’s linebacking corps, while JoJo Tillery demonstrated his prowess with three tackles for a loss during the season.
On the other side of the field, the Pittsburgh Maulers have emerged as the underdog story of the year. Led by head coach Ray Horton, the team fought tooth and nail to secure a playoff spot with a record of 4-6, ultimately clinching the North Division Championship.
The Maulers’ quarterback, Troy Williams, has been instrumental in the team’s success. He contributed 1,414 passing yards and six touchdown passes during the season, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 341 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Williams will undoubtedly pose a challenge for the Stallions’ defense.
Defensively, the Maulers have standout players in Mark Gilbert, who led the league with four interceptions and recorded 32 tackles, and linebacker Kyahva Tezino, who notched two interceptions and finished the season with an impressive 94 tackles. Safety Arnold Tarpley also proved his worth with three interceptions and 42 tackles.
While Stallions head coach Skip Holtz was named Coach of the Year, the Maulers’ defensive coordinator, Jarren Horton, received the league’s inaugural Assistant Coach of the Year award. Horton’s defense was a force to be reckoned with, leading or ranking near the top of various statistical categories. Three Maulers defensive players were also named to the All-USFL Defense team.
The highly anticipated USFL Championship game will take place on Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Viewers can catch the action with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
In conclusion, the USFL Championship promises to bring football fans an exhilarating showdown between the Birmingham Stallions and the Pittsburgh Maulers. With the Stallions aiming for a consecutive title and the Maulers defying the odds, the game is sure to be a thrilling battle to close out the mid-year football season.
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