The Maulers were unable to keep their positive momentum building Sunday night, as they fell 24-20 to the Birmingham Stallions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
The Maulers (1-3) went into halftime down 10-9, but former Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt continues to be a bright spot for the team. Blewitt accounted for all the team’s first-half scoring, with field goals of 20, 22 and 27 yards. Blewitt added a 46-yarder in the third quarter, bringing his total to nine made field goals in his first two games with the team.
The Maulers entered the fourth quarter winning 12-10. The Stallions (3-1) re-took the lead on their first drive of the quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Alex McGough to wide receiver Davion Davis. The Maulers then responded with a score of their own, a 34-yard touchdown sprint from quarterback Troy Williams. Williams then found Isiah Hennie on the two-point conversion to put the Maulers back on the high side at 20-17.
Unfortunately for the Maulers, Stallions wide receiver Deon Cain returned the ensuing kick-off 91 yards for a touchdown. The Maulers got the ball back, but their drive stalled and they punted with 4:51 left in the game. The Stallions then ran out the clock on their win.
The Maulers defense picked up two more interceptions Sunday, one by Mark Gilbert and one by Keith Gipson Jr. Williams had one of his best games yet under center for the Maulers, completing 20 of his 32 pass attempts for 210 yards and rushing seven times for 63 yards and a score. Bailey Gaither caught six passes for 62 yards for Pittsburgh.
The Maulers will look to get back to winning ways at 12:30 p.m. Saturday when they take on the Michigan Panthers (2-2). The game will be televised on the USA Network.
First Published: May 8, 2023, 1:58 a.m.
