Stallions Surge Late to Sink Breakers, 35-21

The Birmingham Stallions overcame a slow start and early struggles to power past the Boston Breakers with a commanding fourth-quarter performance at Legion Field. Boston, coming in as heavy underdogs, jumped to an early 14-0 lead behind quarterback Matt Robinson’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Mike Sherrard and a 4-yard rushing score from Vince Williams. The Breakers’ defense capitalized on Birmingham’s miscues, forcing two fumbles and an interception to keep the Stallions scoreless through the first quarter and much of the second. Birmingham finally found its rhythm late in the half when Joel Coles punched in a 1-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7 at the break.

The second half saw the Stallions shift into high gear, led by quarterback Cliff Stoudt, who threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Stoudt connected with Jim Smith on a 25-yard strike midway through the third quarter to bring Birmingham within one, and Joe Cribbs’ 1-yard touchdown run shortly after gave the Stallions their first lead of the game. Boston briefly reclaimed the advantage in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard plunge by Williams, his second rushing score of the game, but the Stallions answered decisively. Stoudt found Smith again, this time for a 20-yard touchdown, and followed it up with an 8-yard pass to Darryl Mason to seal the win with under a minute remaining.

Jim Smith emerged as the game’s standout performer, hauling in six receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns, including a 74-yard catch-and-run that electrified the Birmingham crowd. The Stallions’ defense also made critical adjustments, forcing four interceptions—two in the fourth quarter alone—to stymie any hope of a Boston comeback. With the win, Birmingham improved to 10-5 and solidified their playoff positioning, while Boston fell to 4-11 in a game that showcased their potential but underscored their inconsistency.