USFL Week 9 highlights: New Jersey Generals edge Philadelphia Stars
Week 9 of the USFL season has featured no shortage of star power, and Sunday's finale was no different.
Closing things out on FOX, the New Jersey Generals (3-6) downed the Philadelphia Stars (4-5) in an enthralling battle in Canton, OH.
Earlier, the Birmingham Stallions (7-2) took down the Houston Gamblers (5-4) in Memphis, 38-15.
Here are the top moments!
FINAL: New Jersey Generals 37, Philadelphia Stars 33
Annnd we're off!
One way to start a game is to run the opening kickoff out for a touchdown, which is what Cam Echols-Luper did for the Generals.
Got it back
A pass interference on safety Paris Ford put the ball in Generals territory for the Stars. Later in the drive, quarterback Case Cookus moved the sticks on third down with his legs, getting Philadelphia into the red zone. Then on third-and-goal, Cookus hit Corey Coleman, who was coming across the field, for the 6-yard score.
New Jersey got a field goal on its next possession and led 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.
He keeps running
After the Stars reached midfield on their next possession, Cookus took off for 28 yards, as shown below. The big pickup on the ground eventually led to a 27-yard field goal from kicker Luis Aguilar.
Get up!
Generals quarterback De'Andre Johnson threw a deep ball to wide receiver Darrell Stewart Jr., who came down with the contested 43-yard completion. Later in the drive, New Jersey pulled off a trick-play touchdown.
On third-and-1, Johnson pitched the ball to running back Darius Victor, who then threw a goal-line touchdown pass to tight end Braedon Bowman.
It was hugs all-around following the go-ahead score.
Dropping bombs
De'Andre Johnson began to stamp his imprint on the game in the third quarter, as he linked up with Darrell Stewart Jr. for a massive 56-yard connection.
Victor notched his second TD of the day – this time on the ground – to put a bow on the drive and put N.J. up 23-13.
Three's company
The Generals were pulling out all the stops Sunday, dicing up Philly's defense with a crafty trick play, before Victor found pay dirt for his third score of the day.
"Can't bring me down!"
Said Terry Wright after hauling in this dime from Cookus. Wright flexed his muscle as he romped into the end zone to cut New Jersey's lead to 14.
Starry!
Philly began to make Jersey fans nervous as the fourth quarter wound down, as it went 69 yards in nine plays for another quick score.
Stop where you are
The Stars tacked on another score in the form of a FG to draw within four, but after the squad got the ball back on an onside attempt, New Jersey forced a game-saving fumble to stave off Philly's comeback effort.
