2023, June 3rd: Stars 24 @ Stallions 27

The UFL earlier today announced the three teams that would be joining the league following the demise of the Michigan, San Antonio, and Memphis clubs. Louisville, Orlando, and Colombus join the fun, while the Houston team rebrands back to the Gamblers name and the Arlington franchise is now known as the Dallas Renegades.

A lot to take in, and it all puts us in a mood to look at back at another game in the Stallions brief but successful history. The summary, image, and video below all look back on the team's early June 2023 victory against Philadelphia in week 8 of that season. 

Mark Inabinett for al.com:  The Birmingham Stallions defeated the Philadelphia Stars by three points in last year’s USFL Championship Game, and they did it again on Saturday in a clash between the league’s division leaders.

Tight end La’Michael Pettway caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex McGough with 28 seconds remaining to lift the Stallions to a 27-24 victory over the Stars on Saturday at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.

Deon Cain #85 of the Birmingham Stallions stiff arms Samuel Akem #84 of the Philadelphia Stars during the first quarter of a game at Protective Stadium on June 03, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/USFL/Getty Images for USFL)

After Pettway’s touchdown, Birmingham cornerback Nate Brooks intercepted Philadelphia quarterback Case Cookus’ long throw on the final snap of the game to end the only fourth-quarter possession that did not finish with points.

The Stallions took a 17-14 lead five seconds into the final period on McGough’s 10-yard TD pass to tight end Jace Sternberger. A 71-yard completion from McGough to wide receiver Davion Davis set up the score.

Philadelphia had to settle for a tying field goal of 25 yards by Luis Aguilar with 7:25 left after reaching first-and-goal at the Birmingham 9-yard line. Brandon Aubrey’s 41-yard field goal with 4:35 remaining put the Stallions up 20-17.

Three consecutive completions by Cookus moved the Stars 52 yards and back into the lead with 3:05 to play, with running back Dexter Williams scoring on a 7-yard reception.

A 23-yard McGough-to-Sternberger connection on fourth-and-8 with 46 seconds to play pushed Birmingham to the Philadelphia 12-yard line to set up the winning score.

McGough completed 24-of-35 passes for 333 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Davis had four receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown.