The Birmingham Stallions host the San Antonio Brahmas Sunday afternoon in Week 6 of the UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE season. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. CDT at Protective Stadium.
Birmingham enters the contest with a 3-2 record following a loss last week. The Stallions have navigated a changing quarterback situation this season. Case Cookus is set to start Sunday, his second straight start. Matt Corral, who started the prior two games, is on injured reserve with a hip injury. Alex McGough started the first two games before sustaining a shoulder injury. J’Mar Smith, the team's original starting quarterback from previous USFL championship teams, is available as an emergency option.
San Antonio holds a 1-4 record heading into the game. The Brahmas offense has struggled, ranking last in the league in total yards, passing yards, and points scored. Kevin Hogan is expected to start at quarterback for San Antonio this week. Kellen Mond and Jarrett Guarantano have also seen action at the position this season.
Last year, the Birmingham Stallions defeated San Antonio 25-0 in the UFL Championship Game.
Key offensive players for Birmingham include receiver Davion Davis, who is second on the team in catches and yards and contributes on punt returns. Deon Cain leads the team in receptions and yards and is tied for the league lead in kickoff return average. Running back Ricky Person, Jr. looks to establish the run game against a Brahmas defense ranked last against the rush.
On defense, the Stallions feature versatile defender A.J. Thomas, who has played linebacker and safety and is a co-leader in solo tackles. Defensive tackle Carlos Davis provides leadership, contributing tackles and pass breakups. Safety Tre Norwood, in his first season with the team after time with the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers, has made an impact with tackles and pass breakups.
Birmingham kicker Harrison Mevis has been consistent this season, making 10 of 11 field goal attempts. His only miss came from 63 yards last week and was returned for a touchdown. He has converted two of three attempts from 50 yards or longer.
The Brahmas are playing under interim head coach Payton Pardee, who took over from Wade Phillips on April 16. San Antonio’s defense includes active linebackers Tavante Beckett and Jordan Williams, who rank high in the UFL in tackles. The Brahmas have four sacks and have forced five turnovers as a unit this season.
Head Coach Skip Holtz said quarterback Andrew Peasley is expected to make his debut at some point in Sunday's game.
