Stallions Power Past Panthers To Earn First Win of 2025
APRIL 5, 2025 - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
By Steve Irvine
The Birmingham Stallions didn’t have to totally scrap the game plan when starting quarterback Alex McGough left Friday’s visit to Ford Field for a game against division rival Michigan Panthers. But Stallions head coach Skip Holtz was able to be more conservative, thanks to the play of his defense, in a 21-12 UFL victory over the Panthers.
“I thought, even though today wasn't sexy, it wasn't a high scoring affair, it was kind of a slug fest with two heavyweights sitting in the middle of the field, kind of duking it out,” Holtz said. “And we called somewhat of a conservative game a little bit offensively. We got the lead. I felt like, you know what, let's just punt the ball away if we can't make it first down and make them go 80 yards against our defense. I felt really good about the way our defense was playing today. Just two very hard-nosed, tough football teams competing their tails off.”
The defense held the shutout for more than three quarters, partly thanks to a third quarter goal line stand on four consecutive running plays inside the Stallions 5-yard line. The Stallions also had an interception from A.J. Thomas and defensive end Bradlee Anae had two of the team’s three sacks. Anae and fellow defensive end Ronnie Perkins led the way as the Stallions front harassed Michigan quarterbacks on nearly every play.
On the other side, Matt Corral stepped in at quarterback and led the Stallions to the bounce back win after dropping the season opener to the D.C. Defenders. His two interceptions showed he wasn’t flawless but Corral was very effective in the victory. He finished 18-for-29 for 198 yards with a 52-yard touchdown pass to Deon Cain. He completed all seven of his third quarter passes and opened the fourth quarter with the long scoring strike to Cain. He also made quick decisions in the passing game, which helped the Stallions keep Michigan from getting a sack. Five days ago, the Stallions allowed eight sacks in the season opener.
It was quite a performance, particularly after the sudden change of plan when McGough suffered a right shoulder injury on the first snap of the game. McGough told Holtz on the sideline that he felt the shoulder pop out when he was tackled on a called quarterback run play.
“I mean, it's just being a pro,” Corral said of replacing McGough on quick notice. “Regardless of the outcome, you got to control the controllables. That's all you can do. So, when the opportunity presents itself, you got to be ready. And that's on nobody else but yourself.”
Harrison Mevis provided all the first half scoring wit a pair of field goals. The Stallions got a 1-yard touchdown run by Ricky Person in the third quarter with Thomas setting the table with his interception. The lead grew to 18-0 on the long pass play to Cain. Michigan cut the deficit in half with a touchdown pass from Bryce Perkins to Marcus Simms and a three-point conversion run by Perkins. The touchdown came with 9:16 left in the game.
About five minutes later, Michigan looked to have a chance to get the ball back with hopes of tying the game. However, returner Devin Ross muffed a punt and long snapper Ryan Langan recovered at the Michigan 46-yard line with 4:01 left on the clock. Birmingham ran the clock down to 1:56 before Mevis made it a two-score game with his third field goal. The Stallions were able to hold on for the win.
“I think we still have a lot of room for improvement, but I thought we made huge strides from week one to week two (with) doing some of the little things that you have to do to win a football game,” said Holtz, whose team plays its home opener next Friday night at 7 against the Arlington Renegades at Protective Stadium. “I'm proud we were able to get the win.”