USFL Week 7 highlights: Philadelphia Stars defeat Pittsburgh Maulers
Week 7 of the USFL season is filled with matchups that carry serious playoff implications, and we had you covered with all the action from a Saturday slate that included a pair of crucial contests.
This evening, the Philadelphia Stars (4-3) took down the Pittsburgh Maulers (2-5), 37-31. Earlier, the Birmingham Stallions took on the New Orleans Breakers in a battle for first place in the South Division, with the Stallions coming out on top with a 24-20 victory.
See the full list of regular-season week-by-week matchups here.
Here are the top moments!
FINAL: Philadelphia Stars 37, Pittsburgh Maulers 31
Fast start
Stars wide receiver Terry Wright ran the opening kickoff out to the Maulers' 47-yard line, and they capitalized on the optimum field position. On the sixth play of the drive, Matt Colburn II thundered through Pittsburgh's defense for a 22-yard gain, as shown below, putting the ball on the 1-yard line. One play later, Coburn ran in a touchdown.
Strong answer
The Maulers got those seven points back on their first possession.
After getting the ball into Philadelphia territory, Pittsburgh converted a fourth-and-2, as quarterback Troy Williams hit tight end Matt Seybert for an 11-yard completion. Later in the drive, running back Madre London sliced and diced his way for a 23-yard run, as shown below. Two plays later, Bailey Gaither took a handoff into the end zone.
Another big return
Wright flipped the field again on the ensuing kickoff, running it out to the Maulers' 37-yard line. With that said, Pittsburgh stalled Philadelphia's offense, eventually leading to a 30-yard field goal from Luis Aguilar.
Later!
This game got off to quite the start.
After holding Philadelphia to a field goal, Pittsburgh took the lead on the ensuing kickoff when Josh Simmons ran it out 88 yards for the touchdown. The Maulers led 14-10 after the first quarter.
Mine!
Aguilar connected on a 45-yard field goal, and the Stars got the ball back past midfield after capitalizing on a mistake by the Maulers.
Williams tried to get the ball out to fullback Mason Stokke, but he bobbled the pass, and Stars cornerback Stanford Samuels III intercepted and ran it back to the Maulers' 43-yard line.
With that said, the Stars were unable to turn the interception into points, as they later had issues on the snap and hold for an Aguilar field goal attempt.
Taking advantage
Pittsburgh turned the Philadelphia miscue into its third touchdown.
On the eighth play of the drive, Williams hit Isiah Hennie in the back-corner of the end zone for a 17-yard score.
Reach for it
Stars tight end Ryan Izzo ran the kickoff out to the Maulers' 48-yard line, and a pair of defensive penalties helped get them down the field. Later in the drive, quarterback Case Cookus hit wide receiver Samuel Akem, who reached the ball over the goal line for the touchdown.
The Maulers were able to get points on the board before halftime when Lirim Hajrullahu kicked the ball out of bounds. Kicker Chris Blewitt later made a 49-yard field goal for Pittsburgh, which took a 24-20 lead into halftime.
Just an absolute mess
Simmons ran the opening kickoff of the second half past midfield for the Maulers before being stripped by Akem. Amani Dennis picked up the loose ball for the Stars and ran it back to the Maulers' 47-yard line …
… but on the third play of the drive, Cookus was intercepted by Maulers safety Arnold Tarpley III in the end zone.
Lead change
Late in the third quarter, Blewitt missed a 54-yard field goal, and the Stars immediately capitalized. On the very next play, Cookus hit a wide-open Corey Coleman for a 56-yard touchdown, giving Philadelphia the lead. They led 27-24 after the third quarter.
Running away
After forcing a Pittsburgh three-and-out, Cookus hit wide receiver Devin Gray, who evaded a tackle near the sideline, stayed in bounds and ran down the field for a 56-yard gain, as shown below. Six plays later, Colburn ran in his second touchdown, giving the Stars a 10-point lead.
HUGE sack
Trying to make it a one-score game, Pittsburgh's drive ended when Philadelphia defensive end Carson Taylor came up with a third down sack. A delay of game penalty on a would-be 58-yard field goal then forced the Maulers to punt.
Back in it!
Pittsburgh pinned Philadelphia at its own 2-yard line, but the latter got out of trouble. Meanwhile, Cookus lost his wedding ring.
The Stars later punted, and Hennie made them pay, returning it all the way down to their 1-yard line, as shown below. One down later, Garrett Groshek ran in the goal-line score.
The Maulers didn't convert the alternative kickoff. While they then held Philadelphia to a field goal, Pittsburgh couldn't put together a go-ahead touchdown drive.
Pregame scene
