Stallions Stand the Rain As They Clinch Their Fourth Straight Victory

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 20, 2024) – The Birmingham Stallions battled against the D.C. Defenders and inclement weather to pull secure their fourth straight victory to open the season. The Stallions marched down the field in the final minute to set up a game-winning field goal for newly signed kicker Ramiz Ahmed to win the game, 20-18.

Matt Corral led the offense with 209 passing yards and 51 yards rushing. He finished 19-29 passing and one touchdown. 

Ricky Person Jr. ended the game as the leading rusher with 57 yards on the ground. C.J. Marable made a strong presence as well with 51 rushing yards. 

The Stallions receiving core put on a show with 240 total receiving yards. Amari Rodgers led the team with four receptions for 82 yards. Jace Sternberger followed with 50 receiving yards. Binjimen Victor rounded out the top three receivers with 33 receiving yards.

Birmingham’s defense continued its strong season totalling 54 tackles, four tackles for loss, and four passes defended. Kyahva Tezino led the defensive front with nine total tackles (six solo) and two for loss. JoJo Tillery followed behind with 6 tackles. DeMarquis Gates finished with five tackles.

Following the Defenders fumble following the rain delay, Tight End Jace Sternberger claimed his first safety, adding two non-offensive points for the Stallions.

Ahmed in total went 4/4 and was responsible for 12 of the Stallions 20 points, his longest kick being 46 yards (twice).

The Stallions advance to 4-0 and have their first ever matchup with the Houston Roughnecks next Saturday.

Here’s how it happened:

• On the Defenders 2nd drive, Jordan Ta’amu passed to C. Rowland on the BHAM 9. A gain of 9 yards into the end zone for a Defenders touchdown. Score 0-6 Defenders.
• Drive 9 plays, 86 yards
• Duration 3:49
• 1 PT PAT Failed

• On the Stallions 4th offensive drive, Matt Corral passed short up the middle to Amari Rodgers on DC’s 44. Amari Rodgers rushed into the end zone. Score 6-6.
• Drive 4 plays, 75 yards)
• Duration 7:07 
• PAT failed
• Big Plays
• M.Corral pass short left complete to BHAM 42. Catch made by B.Victor at BHAM 42. Gain of 17 yards.
• On the Defenders 5th offensive possession, a snap is fumbled. Recovered by Paxton Brooks in the end zone. Tackled by Jace Sternberger for a Stallions safety. Score 8-6
• Drive 4 plays, -35 yards
• Duration: 1:08
• On the Stallions 5th offensive possession, Ramiz Ahmed kicks a 46 yard field goal to extend the Stallions lead. Score: 11-6 Stallions
• Drive 8 plays, 25 yards
• Duration 1:50
• PAT result
• Big Plays
• M. Corral rushed right tackle to DC 28 for 4 yards. Tackled by M.Joseph, A.Hines at DC 28.
• On the opening drive of the 2nd half, Ramiz Ahmed kicks 32 yard field goal. Score: 14-6 Stallions
• Drive 9 plays, 34 yards
• Duration 5:23
• Big Plays
• R.Person rushed right guard to DC 37 for 9 yards.
• On the Defenders 8th offensive drive, Jordan Ta’amu throws short to Kelvin Harmon on the BHAM 31. Harmon ends the 45 yard play with a Touchdown. Score 14-12 Stallions.
• Drive 1 play, 45 yards
• Duration 0:08
• 2PT PAT Failed
• On the Defenders 9th offensive drive, Matt McCrane’s 23 yard attempt adds 3 points to the board for DC. Score 14-15 Defenders.
• Drive 10 plays, 29 yards
• Duration 6:02
• On the Stallions 10th offensive drive, Ramiz Ahmed kicks a 27 yard field goal to take the lead for the Stallions. Score: 17-15 Stallions
• Drive 8 plays, 60 yards
• Duration 4:15
• Big Plays
• M.Corral scrambles right tackle to DC 43 for 20 yards, runs out of bounds. DC challenged the potential foul and the play was upheld.
• M.Corral pass complete to DC 43. Catch made by J.Sternberger at DC 43. Gain of 27 yards. Pushed out of bounds by DC at DC 16.
• On DC’s 10th offensive drive, Matt McCrane kicks a 39 yard field goal to take the lead for the Defenders. 17-18 Defenders.
• Drive 7 plays, 27 yards
• Duration 2:22

• On the Stallions 11th and final possession, Ramiz Ahmed nails a 46 yard field goal to add three points and win the game for the Stallions. Final score: 20-18 Stallions
• Drive 6 plays, 31 yards
• Duration 7:07 
• PAT result 
• Big Plays
• M.Corral pass short left complete to DC 34. Catch made by A.Rodgers at DC 34. Gain of 15 yards.