The Philadelphia Stars entered play on Saturday looking for their first franchise regular-season win since June 23, 1985, when they were known as the Baltimore Stars. The Pittsburgh Maulers entered play on Saturday looking for their first franchise regular-season win since May 27, 1984. Something had to give for these two who were looking for their first wins for both the new season of the USFL and in almost 40 years. The Maulers scored their first touchdown of the USFL season Saturday afternoon but couldn’t quite get their first victory. Philly beats Pittsburgh for their first victory in 2022.
How It All Went Down
On a sun-drenched afternoon in Birmingham Alabama in front of what seemed like no fans, the Stars and Maulers faced each other for the first time in nearly 38 years. Bryan Scott threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns as the Philadelphia Stars earned a 30-23 win over the Maulers.
The Maulers (0-2), who lost to Tampa Bay, 17-3, in the season-opener Monday, (the game was postponed due to torrential rain on Easter Sunday) got on the board first when Ramiz Ahmed booted a 25-yard field goal for a 3-0 advantage with 3 minutes, 44 seconds left in the first quarter. Philadelphia (1-1) answered with a nine-play drive that covered 75 yards, culminating with Scott’s 3-yard TD pass to Diondre Overton.
For the WIn
After Ahmad Dixon picked off Maulers QB Josh Love, Philadelphia went 21 yards in six plays before Scott scored on a 1-yard run for a 14-3 lead. Pittsburgh’s defense came up with a big play with 9:19 left in the first half. Carlo Kemp sacked Scott and forced a fumble. Jaylon McClain-Sapp recovered and ran 21 yards for a score to cut the deficit to 14-10. The Maulers took a 16-14 lead with 3:25 left in the half when Love found Hunter Thedford for a 5-yard TD reception. Ahmed’s extra-point attempt was no good.
Philadelphia quickly answered as Scott connected with Maurice Alexander for a 20-yard TD and a 21-16 lead. The Maulers again went ahead midway through the third quarter with an 11-play, 85-yard drive. Love found Bailey Gaither for a 37-yard TD to make it 23-21 Maulers.
Stars Shine
Philadelphia then pulled ahead for good with 8:57 left when Scott found Alexander for a 10-yard TD pass. The Stars converted the league’s first 3-point attempt for a 30-23 lead. The Maulers’ final three possessions ended with a punt, turnover on downs, and an interception.
Love connected on 21 of 39 passes for 236 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Maulers. Garrett Groshek ran for 77 yards on 18 carries. Gaither had seven catches for 117 yards and a score. The win pulled the Stars to a 1-1 record in this young 2022 season. Philly beats Pittsburgh for their first victory. Next up for the Stars will be the New Jersey Generals Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 8 pm EST on Peacock.
Matt Bednarczyk is your host of Talking Philly Sports With Matty B. He is a proud retired US Army Sergeant First Class, he is also a combat veteran with over 80 months served in Afganistan, and Iraq . Huge Hockey Fan. Matt is a lifelong 4 for 4 Philly sports fan. Born and raised on the Mayfair and Tacony neighborhood lines of Northeast Philly. He brings over 40 years of Philadelphia Sports passion and provides a realistic look at our Major Sports Teams and the most passionate sports fans on the planet. Look for his show live on Edge of Philly Sports.
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