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March is typically reserved for bracket filling and college basketball, but the AAF has playoffs to sort out. Just three more regular season games remain before the quest to crown the inaugural champion begins in earnest.
The Orlando Apollos have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, but this week featured multiple teams who likely can give them a run for their money in the playoffs. Also, the Express wasted no time in showcasing their newest addition, unleashing Johnny Manziel on Birmingham.
San Antonio Commanders (5-2) 19, Salt Lake City Stallions (2-5) 15
The Commanders continued their recent surge, winning their fourth straight game in front of a raucous crowd of 30,000+ inside the Alamodome.
An absolute mood this Sunday.
#TakeCommand
pic.twitter.com/cHW4VGoXhj
— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) March 24, 2019
This @aafcommanders crowd @nflnetwork is nuts. It’s a legit, loud home field advantage.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 24, 2019
WR MeKale McKay got the scoring started for San Antonio, showcasing yet another instance of his serious pass-catching skills.
BIG PLAY @1_McKay_2 with the circus TD grab to put the Commanders in the lead, 6-3.@AafCommanders | #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/FmAWzoEKa7
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
The game became a defensive slugfest from that point forward, with both teams trading punches. The Stallions defense registered six total sacks in the game, four on QB Logan Whiteside who was eventually forced to leave the game due to injury.
Palepoi making it look easy.
#SLvsSA | @palepoi95 pic.twitter.com/1xuMX4iFIN
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 24, 2019
In came former North Carolina Tarheel QB Marquise Williams to lead San Antonio’s offense. The run-first Williams attempted just three passes, but completed two, including this swing to RB Trey Williams to break the game open in the fourth quarter.
.@twll3 turns on the jets and dives in for 6
@AafCommanders | #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/F3tXAOL2My
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
After the two-point conversion to put the Commanders up by eight, Salt Lake mounted their own scoring drive, as QB Josh Woodrum connected with RB Terrell Newby in the end zone with less than two minutes to-go.
SALT LAKE RESPONDS
@AafStallions | #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/Gqw9lf3QST
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
But with the game on the line, the Commanders’ defense did what it does best: it created another turnover. Needing a two-point conversion to force the game to overtime, Salt Lake’s attempt was picked and returned 99-yards by DB De’Vante Bausby.
THEFT! @_BigBaus snags the 2 pt. conversion attempt and returns it to the house.
@aafcommanders | #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/T1SXagyK3e
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
Stallions have experienced these stinging losses multiple times this season, and are desperately clinging onto playoff hopes. They next face San Diego in Week 8, while the Stallions look to punch their playoff ticket against Arizona.
Memphis Express (2-5) 31, Birmingham Iron (4-3) 25 (OT)
The hype around this game mostly surrounded AAF newcomer Johnny Manziel, but the on-field drama was more than enough to satisfy viewers.
In the first overtime game in AAF history, the Memphis Express came back twice from an 11-point deficit to earn it’s second win of the season. QB Brandon Silvers did most of the heavy lifting, including throwing the game-winning touchdown.
The game started all-Iron, as QB Luis Perez quickly established Birmingham’s lead, carrying over his success from last week.
11 plays, 94 yards later, the Iron offense reaches the end zone to take the lead, 8-0.@AafIron | #BHMvsMEM pic.twitter.com/WyphZAheJw
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Down eight and with nothing to lose, the Express turned to Manziel, who offered a glimpse of the electric play which set college football world on fire.
HERE'S JOHNNY. @JManziel2 now under center for the @aafexpress on @nflnetwork
. pic.twitter.com/0FWDaDh5BE
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Johnny Manziel’s first completion as a member of the Express.#BHMvsMEM | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/S017L3PHm5
— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 25, 2019
But it was a special teams play that sparked Memphis’s comeback, as they outscored the Iron 17-6 in the fourth quarter and OT to win the game.
WE'VE GOT A GAME! @aafexpress block the Iron punt and return it to the house
#BHMvsMEM pic.twitter.com/EHYpRR2hOq
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Silvers = CLUTCH@aafexpress | #BHMvsMEM pic.twitter.com/oin31SNZCN
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Are things finally breaking right for Memphis after they struggled so mightily to start the year? This game may have stunned the Iron, but it’s likely too little, too late for Memphis, even with Manziel in tow.
Likely needing to win-out coupled with the collapse of other teams to even have a chance at the playoffs, the Express face Orlando and the Commanders in Weeks 8 and 9. Birmingham will travel next week to face the Hotshots.
Orlando Apollos (6-1) 36, Atlanta Legends (2-5) 6
The Apollos got right back on track after losing their first game of the season, thumping Atlanta to become the first AAF team to clinch a playoff berth.
Playoff Berth: Clinched
#TakeAim | #ORLvsATL pic.twitter.com/4DS8qUCZII
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 23, 2019
Apollos RB De’Veon Smith scored three touchdowns, and accounted for 40 of Orlando’s 152 team rushing yards. QB Garrett Gilbert also dominated through the air, completing 19 of 23 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown.
Tip-Toein’ in the end zone @MrInkredibleXII
#TakeAim | #ORLvsATL pic.twitter.com/FATkDO6LlX
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 23, 2019
It’s been a challenging season for the Legends, who own the AAF’s worst point differential after seven weeks of football (-117). QB Aaron Murray threw interceptions on back-to-back drives in the second half, and was eventually replaced by Matt Simms.
Atlanta has scored just 12 total points in two games after picking up their only wins of the season in Weeks 4 and 5. They try again to earn a victory next week against the Iron, while Orlando faces the Express.
Arizona Hotshots (4-3) 32, San Diego Fleet (3-4) 15
Keeping pace with San Antonio in the Western Conference are the Hotshots, who won their fourth game after beating San Diego in resounding fashion. The Hotshots showed they can be as creative and dangerous as any team in the playoffs.
These two point conversions are fun, aren't they?@aafhotshots | #SDvsAZ pic.twitter.com/CtidtNCc6Q
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
QB John Wolford led the way, throwing for 212 passing yards and adding 44 rushing yards, most of which came on this TD scamper in the fourth quarter.
John Wolford's got wheels!
@aafhotshots | #SDvsAZ pic.twitter.com/752ip0leA4
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
Arizona can make a play for the conference and avenge their Week 5 loss next week against the Commanders. The Fleet will travel to Salt Lake.
Continue reading...
The Orlando Apollos have separated themselves from the rest of the pack, but this week featured multiple teams who likely can give them a run for their money in the playoffs. Also, the Express wasted no time in showcasing their newest addition, unleashing Johnny Manziel on Birmingham.
San Antonio Commanders (5-2) 19, Salt Lake City Stallions (2-5) 15
The Commanders continued their recent surge, winning their fourth straight game in front of a raucous crowd of 30,000+ inside the Alamodome.
An absolute mood this Sunday.
— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) March 24, 2019
This @aafcommanders crowd @nflnetwork is nuts. It’s a legit, loud home field advantage.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 24, 2019
WR MeKale McKay got the scoring started for San Antonio, showcasing yet another instance of his serious pass-catching skills.
BIG PLAY @1_McKay_2 with the circus TD grab to put the Commanders in the lead, 6-3.@AafCommanders | #SLvsSA pic.twitter.com/FmAWzoEKa7
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
The game became a defensive slugfest from that point forward, with both teams trading punches. The Stallions defense registered six total sacks in the game, four on QB Logan Whiteside who was eventually forced to leave the game due to injury.
Palepoi making it look easy.
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 24, 2019
In came former North Carolina Tarheel QB Marquise Williams to lead San Antonio’s offense. The run-first Williams attempted just three passes, but completed two, including this swing to RB Trey Williams to break the game open in the fourth quarter.
.@twll3 turns on the jets and dives in for 6
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
After the two-point conversion to put the Commanders up by eight, Salt Lake mounted their own scoring drive, as QB Josh Woodrum connected with RB Terrell Newby in the end zone with less than two minutes to-go.
SALT LAKE RESPONDS
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
But with the game on the line, the Commanders’ defense did what it does best: it created another turnover. Needing a two-point conversion to force the game to overtime, Salt Lake’s attempt was picked and returned 99-yards by DB De’Vante Bausby.
THEFT! @_BigBaus snags the 2 pt. conversion attempt and returns it to the house.
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
Stallions have experienced these stinging losses multiple times this season, and are desperately clinging onto playoff hopes. They next face San Diego in Week 8, while the Stallions look to punch their playoff ticket against Arizona.
Memphis Express (2-5) 31, Birmingham Iron (4-3) 25 (OT)
The hype around this game mostly surrounded AAF newcomer Johnny Manziel, but the on-field drama was more than enough to satisfy viewers.
In the first overtime game in AAF history, the Memphis Express came back twice from an 11-point deficit to earn it’s second win of the season. QB Brandon Silvers did most of the heavy lifting, including throwing the game-winning touchdown.
The game started all-Iron, as QB Luis Perez quickly established Birmingham’s lead, carrying over his success from last week.
11 plays, 94 yards later, the Iron offense reaches the end zone to take the lead, 8-0.@AafIron | #BHMvsMEM pic.twitter.com/WyphZAheJw
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Down eight and with nothing to lose, the Express turned to Manziel, who offered a glimpse of the electric play which set college football world on fire.
HERE'S JOHNNY. @JManziel2 now under center for the @aafexpress on @nflnetwork
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Johnny Manziel’s first completion as a member of the Express.#BHMvsMEM | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/S017L3PHm5
— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 25, 2019
But it was a special teams play that sparked Memphis’s comeback, as they outscored the Iron 17-6 in the fourth quarter and OT to win the game.
WE'VE GOT A GAME! @aafexpress block the Iron punt and return it to the house
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Silvers = CLUTCH@aafexpress | #BHMvsMEM pic.twitter.com/oin31SNZCN
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 25, 2019
Are things finally breaking right for Memphis after they struggled so mightily to start the year? This game may have stunned the Iron, but it’s likely too little, too late for Memphis, even with Manziel in tow.
Likely needing to win-out coupled with the collapse of other teams to even have a chance at the playoffs, the Express face Orlando and the Commanders in Weeks 8 and 9. Birmingham will travel next week to face the Hotshots.
Orlando Apollos (6-1) 36, Atlanta Legends (2-5) 6
The Apollos got right back on track after losing their first game of the season, thumping Atlanta to become the first AAF team to clinch a playoff berth.
Playoff Berth: Clinched
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 23, 2019
Apollos RB De’Veon Smith scored three touchdowns, and accounted for 40 of Orlando’s 152 team rushing yards. QB Garrett Gilbert also dominated through the air, completing 19 of 23 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown.
Tip-Toein’ in the end zone @MrInkredibleXII
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 23, 2019
It’s been a challenging season for the Legends, who own the AAF’s worst point differential after seven weeks of football (-117). QB Aaron Murray threw interceptions on back-to-back drives in the second half, and was eventually replaced by Matt Simms.
Atlanta has scored just 12 total points in two games after picking up their only wins of the season in Weeks 4 and 5. They try again to earn a victory next week against the Iron, while Orlando faces the Express.
Arizona Hotshots (4-3) 32, San Diego Fleet (3-4) 15
Keeping pace with San Antonio in the Western Conference are the Hotshots, who won their fourth game after beating San Diego in resounding fashion. The Hotshots showed they can be as creative and dangerous as any team in the playoffs.
These two point conversions are fun, aren't they?@aafhotshots | #SDvsAZ pic.twitter.com/CtidtNCc6Q
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
QB John Wolford led the way, throwing for 212 passing yards and adding 44 rushing yards, most of which came on this TD scamper in the fourth quarter.
John Wolford's got wheels!
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 24, 2019
Arizona can make a play for the conference and avenge their Week 5 loss next week against the Commanders. The Fleet will travel to Salt Lake.
Continue reading...
