San Antonio defeats the Birmingham Stallions

On Saturday, the Birmingham Stallions lost a game for the first time in over a year when they were defeated by the San Antonio Brahmas 9 to 18. The Stallions fall to 8 and 1; but had already clinched a home playoff game in two weeks.

The Stallions are coached by Skip Holtz.

"The effort put out there today was not good enough to get it done," Holtz said. "I think this was a great wakeup call for us."

Stallions Quarterback Adrian Martinez was the team's leading rusher on Saturday with 56 yards on just five carries.

"I think we gave up on the running game too soon," Holtz admitted in his post game press conference.

The Stallions still have to play the season finale and then play in the USFL Championship game.

"It will be a challenge for us to see how we rebound from a loss," Holtz said. "There are some improvements we need to make."

Wide Receiver Jace Sternberger had an incredibly productive day in the loss with 7 receptions, 110 yards and a touchdown.

"It was going to be a day of contested catches," Holtz said. "He made some great plays for us."

Holtz, who is in his third season as the Stallions head coach, said that the United Football League (UFL), has tremendous talent.

"Everybody that is on these rosters is good," Holtz said. "I think our football team is better than it was last year, but everybody in this league can probably tell you the same thing."

Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez threw for 211 yards in 18 completions out of 35 attempts. He had one touchdown, but one interception. Martinez had to scramble to avoid the pass rush on a number of plays.

"I think he did a lot of good things to keep things alive," Holtz said. "

DeMarquis Gates was the leading tackler with nine including one sack. Kyahva Tezino had eight tackles.

The Stallions will play the Michigan Panthers for the regular season finale on June 1 at 1 p.m. CDT. The game will be in Birmingham at Protective Life Stadium.

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