Undefeated Stallions Prevail: Birmingham's Defense Secures Thrilling Win Over Battlehawks

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a thrilling showdown, the Birmingham Stallions clashed with the formidable St. Louis Battlehawks, led respectively by quarterbacks Adrian Martinez and A.J. McCarron. As the clock wound down, Birmingham's defense rose to the occasion, securing a 30-26 victory improving to 7-0.

Martinez showcased his prowess, orchestrating the offense with finesse. He dominated through the air, racking up an impressive 230 yards and connecting for three touchdowns with a stellar 63.6% completion rate. Not content with just passing, Martinez also led the ground attack, topping the rushing leaderboard with 60 yards. Behind him, Ricky Person Jr. contributed 42 yards, while C.J. Marable added 31 yards along with a crucial touchdown.

The receiving corps proved equally potent, hauling in three touchdowns to cement Birmingham's offensive dominance. Kevin Austin Jr. led the charge with 59 yards and a touchdown, followed closely by Marlon Williams with 41 yards and a scoring reception. Deon Cain rounded out the receiving spectacle with 29 yards and a touchdown of his own.

However, it was the stalwart defense that truly shone, showcasing their prowess with 48 total tackles, four passes defended, and a pivotal interception. Kyahva Tezino led the defensive charge with seven tackles, including four solo efforts, and a crucial pass defense. A.J. Thomas made his mark with six tackles, an interception, and a pass defense, while Deon Cain contributed five tackles and a pass defense of his own.

With this hard-fought victory secured, the Stallions look ahead to their next challenge as they prepare to defend their turf against the Houston Roughnecks next Saturday, May 18th, at 7 p.m. CT.

Here’s how it happened:

• Stallions’ 2nd Possession: CJ Marable rushes for a 1-yard touchdown. Stallions lead 6-0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 2:17. 2-point conversion failed.
• Battlehawks 3rd Possession: Andre Szmyt kicks a 38-yard field goal. Stallions lead 6-3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:49.
• Stallions’ 3rd Possession: Ramiz Ahmed kicks a 27 yard field goal. Stallions lead 9-3. Drive: 13 Plays, 47 yards, 8:35.
• Battlehawks’ 4th Possession: Jacob Saylors rushes for a 1-yard touchdown. Battlehawks lead 11-9. Drive: 6 Plays, 59 yards, 3:05. 2-point conversion successful.
• Stallions’ 4th Possession: Martinez passes to Deon Cain for a 5-yard touchdown. Stallions lead 17-11. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 1:50. 2-point conversion successful
• Battlehawks’ 5th Possession: Andre Szmyt kicks a 61-yard field goal. Stallions lead 17-14. Drive: 3 plays, 23 yards, 0:16.
• Battlehawk’s 7th possession: AJ McCarron passes to Jacob Saylor who gets an 8-yard touchdown. Battlehawks lead 20-17. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:24. 2-point conversion fails.
• Stallions’ 6th possession: Adrian Martinez passes to Marlon Williams for a 4-yard touchdown. Stallions lead 23-20. Drive: 15 plays, 63 yards, 8:57. 2-point conversion fails.
• Battlehawks’s 8th possession: Jacob Saylor rushes for an 8-yard touchdown. Battlehawks lead 26-20. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 4:46. 2-point conversion fails.
• Stallions’ 7th possession: Adrian Martinez passes to Kevin Austin Jr. for a 40-yard touchdown. 1-point conversion successful.