Birmingham Stallions snap skid against Orlando Storm in thrilling showdown

In a dramatic clash, the Birmingham Stallions (2-4) defeated the Orlando Storm (4-2) 20-17, snapping their four-game losing streak. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was traded from the Storm just two weeks ago, delivered a standout performance against his former team, helping the Stallions keep their postseason hopes alive.

Storm start strong but stumble early

The game kicked off with the Storm looking to rebound from their first loss of the season. Quarterback Jack Plummer led a promising opening drive, connecting with KJ Hamler, Cam Camper, and Elijah Badger. However, disaster struck when Plummer fumbled a snap in scoring position, allowing Birmingham‘s Olakunle Fatukasi to recover the ball and shift momentum.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson wasted no time capitalizing on the turnover. He evaded pressure and found Jaydon Mickens for a 56-yard gain, setting up an 11-yard touchdown run by Snoop Conner. The Stallions took an early 6-0 lead after a missed extra point.

Back-and-forth battle

Orlando quickly responded with a strong drive of their own. After a dynamic kick return from Chris Rowland, Plummer connected with tight end Steven Stilianos for a 29-yard gain. Rowland capped the drive with a touchdown reception, bringing the score to 7-6.

The Stallions‘ defense made a crucial stand on the next drive, stopping Jashaun Corbin on a 4th-and-1 attempt. DTR then found Justyn Ross for a 20-yard reception, followed by an 11-yard touchdown, extending Birmingham’s lead to 14-7.

Orlando needed an answer, and they got it from KJ Hamler, who returned from injury to catch a 30-yard pass and later snagged a five-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.

Stallions take control before halftime

DTR responded with poise, leading another scoring drive that ended with a 39-yard field goal from Anders Carlson, giving Birmingham a 17-14 lead at halftime. Ross had a stellar first half, finishing with five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.

The second half began with Birmingham looking to extend their lead, but they were stopped on a 4th-and-1 attempt. Orlando regained possession, but Plummer fumbled again, allowing Birmingham to recover and maintain their lead.

Fourth quarter drama

In the fourth quarter, Carlson added a 48-yard field goal, pushing the Stallions‘ lead to 20-14. Orlando fought back with a 35-yard field goal from Michael Lantz, narrowing the gap to 20-17.

With under five minutes remaining, the Storm had a chance to tie the game, but Birmingham‘s defense held strong. Edge rusher Isaac Ukwu broke up a crucial pass, giving the ball back to the Stallions.

DTR sealed the victory with a 32-yard completion to Ross, who finished the game with a career-high seven receptions for 135 yards. Snoop Conner powered through for a game-clinching first down, allowing Birmingham to run out the clock.

DTR finished the game with 271 passing yards and a touchdown, leading the Stallions to a much-needed victory. With this win, Birmingham sits just one game out of a playoff spot, while the Storm face their second consecutive loss. The Stallions will return home to host Dallas next Saturday, looking to build on this momentum.

Source: UFL