by Cover photo credit to Shotgun Sports Network – Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Sadly, a season of disappointment continued this weekend as the Columbus Aviators fell on the road in Birmingham to the Stallions 14-3. Despite a dominant defensive effort from Columbus that only allowed one score, it simply wasn’t enough as the Aviators couldn’t put together any effective offense.
At half, the game had only seen three points as brand-new Aviators placekicker Jonah Dalmas nailed one from 48 yards out. Both teams had chances to score early on but turnovers hurt them. Birmingham’s opening drive came to an end when Columbus defensive back D.J. Miller made a one-handed interception of quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson at the Columbus 15-yard line. Meanwhile a productive 67-yard drive from Columbus ended in disaster with Steven Gilmore intercepted quarterback Jalan McClendon with 1:28 remaining in the quarter. Gilmores big day was just beginning.
The Stallions got their first big “explosive play” of the game when DTR found a wide-open Jordan Thomas from 29 yards out. Thomas had slipped past the secondary and there wasn’t an Aviator within 15 yards of him. Crazy enough, this was the only offensive touchdown of the game for the Stallions, and it was enough to win.
With a little under 10 minutes to go in the game, the Aviators had a chance to bring it within one with a 55-yard field goal which Steven Gilmore blocked and returned it for a touchdown to extend the Stallions’ lead to 14-3.
The Aviators looked to respond with a nice kickoff return to get the ball near midfield. However it went nowhere fast and they turned it over on downs as they failed to convert a fourth and 2. It simply wasn’t their night as they were held to just 61 rushing yards.
This brings Columbus to 2-6 on the season, losers of two straight and will finish the season winless on the road at 0-5. They rematch Birmingham this coming Saturday at home.
