Birmingham Stallions back in UFL playoff picture after third win in a row
Birmingham battled past the Columbus Aviators 14-3 on Sunday.
Olivia Bennett 
The Birmingham Stallions are charging back into the United Football League postseason hunt, fueled by a gritty 14-3 victory over the Columbus Aviators on Sunday. With their third straight win, the Stallions have climbed into the final playoff qualifying spot with only two weeks of regular-season play remaining.
Defensive Dominance Secures Victory
It was a day where the defense did the heavy lifting. Despite facing the UFL’s No. 1 rushing offense, the Stallions held Columbus to a mere 61 yards on the ground—less than half of the Aviators' 138.9-yard average. The unit was relentless, tallying five sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and forcing two critical interceptions.
The highlight of the day came in the fourth quarter when cornerback Steven Gilmore exploded off the edge to block a 55-yard field goal attempt. Gilmore didn't just stop the points; he scooped up the loose ball and dashed 56 yards to the end zone, effectively sealing the win.
Finding a Way Forward
Coach AJ McCarron praised his team's resilience after a difficult outing that saw the offense produce only 144 total yards. "It wasn’t pretty, but a win’s a win," McCarron said, noting the challenges posed by playing in boiling heat with a roster thinned by injuries. "I thought it was a great win, and I was proud of the guys."
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson provided the offense's breakthrough in the third quarter. Following a stellar 62-yard punt from UFL Special Teams Player of the Week Colby Wadman that pinned Columbus at their own 4-yard line, the Stallions capitalized on the favorable field position. Thompson-Robinson orchestrated a scoring drive capped by a 51-yard heave to tight end Jordan Thomas, putting Birmingham ahead for good.
Playoff Implications
Now sitting at 4-4, Birmingham is currently tied with the Louisville Kings for the fourth and final playoff spot. Thanks to a 15-13 victory over Louisville on March 27, the Stallions currently hold the tiebreaker. The Stallions will look to build on this momentum as they face the Aviators in a rematch at 2 p.m. CDT this Saturday at Historic Crews Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, with the game broadcast on ABC.
