Stallions Take Down Express With Strong First Half
Mar 16, 2019, 5:13 PM | Updated: 5:46 pm
Stallions players pose for photos after a touchdown as the Salt Lake Stallions and the Memphis Express play in an AAF league game at Rice Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 16, 2019. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After losing two straight games, the Salt Lake Stallions played an all-around good game to knock off the Memphis Express 22-9.
Quarterback Josh Woodrum threw for 243 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Running back Joel Bouagnon racked up 60 rushing yards on 19 carries. Tight end Nick Truesdell recorded 5 catches for 67 yards and 1 touchdown.
For Memphis, quarterback Brandon Silvers had 242 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Zac Stacy finished with 31 rushing yards on 11 carries and wide receiver Reece Horn was the main target for the Express with 8 receptions for 129 yards.
Strong Offensive First Half For Stallions
The first drive for the Stallions was a big one as Woodrum connected with tight end Nick Truesdell for an 11-yard touchdown. Salt Lake picked up the two-point conversion as former BYU wide receiver Jordan Leslie caught the two-yard pass. The Stallions had an early 8-0 lead with 9:18 left in the first quarter.
The first play from scrimmage for Memphis saw defensive end Karter Schult sack former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger and he was injured after the play. Former Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers took over for the Express.
Late in the first half, Memphis attempted a fake punt, but the Stallions stopped them and took over at the Express’ 45 yard line.
Salt Lake capitalized on the great field position with Woodrum finding former Ute tight end Anthony Denham for a 14-yard touchdown. Running back Terrell Newby was the beneficiary of the two-point conversion from Woodrum and the Stallions held a 16-0 lead with 40 seconds left in the opening quarter.
Offense taking flight in Q1 👀@DENgoinHAM3 @Mr_Woodrum1 pic.twitter.com/GP9EA56L0g
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 16, 2019
With 11 minutes left in the first half, Stallions kicker Taylor Bertolet made a 26-yard field goal to give Salt Lake a 19-0 lead.
Defense Keeps Salt Lake Ahead
Memphis finally scored for the first time with 7:15 left in the second quarter on a 31-yard field goal. Salt Lake’s lead was 19-3.
Woodrum threw an interception that Memphis turned into a touchdown from Silvers to former NFL running back Zac Stacy from 11-yards out. They trimmed the Stallions to 19-9 with 1:54 left in the first half.
The third quarter was scoreless for both teams before Bertolet made a 22-yard field goal to give the Stallions a 22-9 lead with 11:57 left in the game.
Salt Lake’s defense carried them the rest of the way and finished with six sacks.
#Endgame =
STALLIONS DUB. pic.twitter.com/TzCEbQzlNI
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 16, 2019
Up Next
The Stallions improved to 2-4 on the season and snapped a two-game losing streak. They will face the San Antonio Commanders on Saturday at 6 p.m. on the NFL Network.
