Stallions win UFL opening game

On Saturday the Birmingham Stallions defeated the Arlington Renegades in Texas in their season opener.

Arlington got off to an early 11 to 3 lead; but from that point on it was all Stallions. The Stallions tied it 11 to 11 at halftime and then outscored the renegades 16 to 3 in the second half.

The Birmingham Stallions dominated the USFL, winning the championship in both 2023 and 2022.

Head Coach Skip Holtz is back for his third season leading the Stallions.

The Stallions had a slight advantage in passing yards 226 to 203; but the Stallions dominated the game running the ball. The Stallions rushed for 183 yards; while holding the Renegades to just 56 yards on the ground. The Stallions averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 16.1 yards per completion. The Stallions defense really showed out – holding the Renegades to 3.3 yards per rush and just 10.7 yards per completion.

Stallions quarterback Matt Corral had 12 completions on 21 attempts for 201 yards, a touchdown, and one interception. Adrian Martinez also contributed two completions on six attempts and one interception. Martinez also rushed for 52 yards. The Stallions' leading rusher was C.J. Marable with 67 yards on 18 carries. Corral also had 25 yards rushing.

This year the USFL merged with the XFL to create one new league, the Ultimate Football League (UFL). 8 teams went away in the merger thus this season promises to have greater talent than in the previous two seasons of spring football.

The Renegades, coached by Bob Stoops, were the champions of the XFL last year.

The Stallions play the Michigan Panthers next at Ford Field in Michigan on April 7.

The Stallions home opener will be against Memphis on April 13 at Protective Life Stadium.