CANTON, Ohio – The stage is now set for the 2022 USFL Championship. Birmingham will represent the South Division after defeating New Orleans 31-17 on Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Victor Bolden, Jr.’s 90-yard kick return just before halftime proved to be the game-winner as he finished the contest with 166 total return yards. J’Mar Smith had 190 yards passing and 48 on the ground. Christian McFarland recorded 11 tackles for the Stallions.
New Orleans’ Kyle Sloter passed for a game-high 327 yards, 154 of those to Sal Cannella, who now owns the USFL single-game receiving record. Adonis Alexander also had 11 tackles.
New Orleans had good field possession on its first possession, starting at their own 42-yard line after taking advantage of a missed Birmingham field goal. On their first play from scrimmage, Sloterfound Taywan Taylor for gain of 27 yards, moving the chains to the Birmingham 31. The drive continued for eight more plays capped by Jordan Ellistouchdown from the 1-yard line. Taylor Bertolet added the extra point to give the Breakers a 7-0 lead at the 7:25 mark of the first quarter.
Birmingham knotted the game at 7-7 on its next possession, marching the ball 72 yards on 13 plays. On 3rd and 8 from the Breakers’ 23-yard line, Smith connected with Osirus Mitchell for the touchdown on the second play of the second quarter. Brandon Aubrey converted the extra point.
The Stallions took the lead on DeMarquis Gates’ pick six from 71 yards out. Aubrey’s extra point was good, making the score 14-7 at the 11:47 mark.
The teams would exchange punts on their next possessions. New Orleans began a drive with 6:12 remaining in the quarter at its own 12-yard line. The Breakers drove to the Birmingham 35-yard line, facing a 4th and 4. They went for it and came away with a touchdown, Sloter to Ellis. Bertolet kicked the point after to tie the score at 14-14 with 1:06 until halftime.
The deadlock lasted all of 13 seconds, as Bolden, Jr. took the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for the score. Aubrey’s kick was good giving Birmingham a 21-14 lead heading into halftime.
The teams exchanged field goals to start the second half scoring. Bertolet’s 23-yard field goal at 4:30 of the third quarter capped a 17 play, 75 yard drive and cut New Orleans’ deficit to 21-17. Aubrey’s 38 yarder made the score 24-17 at 12:07 of the fourth quarter.
Smith added an insurance touchdown with 39 seconds remaining. Aubrey’s kick was good to close out the scoring at 31-17.
“I am proud of these players. It’s the playoffs and our guys are competitive,” said Birmingham head coach Skip Holtz. “VB flipped the game around. He’s special player as a returner and is electric with ball under his arm.”
Bolden, Jr. was named to both the All-USFL Offense Team and All-USFL Special Team.
“We will enjoy this win but come Tuesday we’re going to wipe the slate clean and be ready for next Sunday.”
Birmingham will face Philadelphia for the USFL Championship on Sunday, July 3 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
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