An eventful week seven in the AAF is now complete.
Week seven has come and gone in the Alliance of American Football.
As with any new league, it was a weekend of firsts and surprises. Punts were blocked, playoff spots were clinched, and quarterback controversies rose to the surface.
Here’s a quick recap of all the action from Week seven:
Memphis Express 31, Birmingham Iron 25
At the Liberty Bowl, the Memphis Express shocked the AAF world with a strong come from behind, overtime victory.
It was the first overtime game in the AAF’s short history. For the Express it was a huge statement win as the Iron 26-0 crushed them in week one.
The win kept their playoff hopes alive and re-injected some life into the fan base.
Attendance in Memphis Sunday was over 13,000, which broke the previous record set on opening day. Most fans were there to see Johnny Manziel make his debut, but it was quarterback Brandon Silvers who stole the show.
Silvers finished 24/35 passing which was good for 266 yards and two touchdowns that included a game-winning pass to tight end, Daniel Williams.
In addition to the Iron defense, Silvers had to overcome his own home fans as the crowd chanted for Manziel to enter the game. Will there be a quarterback controversy in Memphis?
Coach Singletary & the squad know how to celebrate! | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/nWqcsEtWoN
— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 25, 2019
Arizona Hot Shots 32, San Diego Fleet 15
The Hotshots and Fleet squared off in the most anticipated matchup of the weekend.
With identical 3-3 records, the winner of this game took a one-game lead in the playoff race.
Both teams traded touchdowns and field goals in their opening drives, and it looked like a shootout was coming.
However, San Diego was unable to keep pace, as four turnovers and penalties (8-85 yards) did them in.
The Hotshots got another strong performance from quarterback John Wolford, who finished 15/19 passing which was good for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a touchdown scramble to help sink the Fleet.
A R I Z O N A 🎉
Dub vibes! #GoShots pic.twitter.com/MyOdU45Z3P— Arizona Hotshots (@aafhotshots) March 24, 2019
Orlando Apollos 36, Atlanta Legends 6
The Apollos clinched the first-ever playoff spot in AAF history on Saturday after dominating Atlanta, 36-6.
MVP candidate Garrett Gilbert had another interception-free performance, and running back De’Veon Smith scored three touchdowns.
The Orlando defense added a pick-six to seal the win. The Apollos are now playing for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Playoff Berth: Clinched ✅
🏹#TakeAim | #ORLvsATL pic.twitter.com/4DS8qUCZII
— Orlando Apollos (@aafAPOLLOS) March 23, 2019
San Antonio Commanders 19, Salt Lake Stallions 15
The San Antonio Commanders won their fourth consecutive game over the weekend, defeating Salt Lake, 19-15.
A late interception on a two-point conversion by De’Vaunte Bausby put an end to a Stallions’ comeback.
Bausby intercepted the errant Josh Woodrum throw at the goal line and returned it 99 yards for the score.
Instead of attempting an onsides kick, the Stallions elected to try to hold the Commanders on defense and use their timeouts.
This failed, and San Antonio took another step closer to the playoffs. Salt Lake’s chances took a significant hit, as they fell to 2-5 on the year.
Hip hip hooray x10. 😍#TakeCommand⚔️ pic.twitter.com/DUVRsE5uQf
— San Antonio Commanders (@aafcommanders) March 24, 2019
There’s a First Time for Everything
Here is a list of the “firsts” that happened this weekend.
- Winning record for the season: Orlando Apollos (6-1)
- Blocked punt: Memphis Express
- Blocked punt returned for a touchdown: Memphis Express
- Overtime game: Birmingham vs. Memphis
- Playoff spot clenched: Orlando Apollos
- Pick-2: San Antonio Commanders (De’Vaunte Bausby)
Next Week
Check out next week’s matchups here.
One Response
What a great article David. It is almost like we are in the grandstand. Way to go David Bradie Taylor Carthage NC