A big week in the Alliance this week as San Antonio established themselves as one of the better teams in the league with a dominant performance over Atlanta, Orlando suffered their first loss to Arizona who looks to be a player in the west again, and Birmingham goes across the country and gets back to winning against San Diego. Salt Lake also keeps themselves alive for a playoff spot as they get the win over Memphis.
Week 6 Results
Salt Lake 22, Memphis 9
Arizona 22, Orlando 17
San Antonio 37, Atlanta 6
Birmingham 32, San Diego 29
Week 7 Schedule
Orlando at Atlanta – Saturday, March 16 @ 1:00 pm (TNT)
Salt Lake at San Antonio – Saturday, March 16 @ 7:00 pm (NFL Network)
San Diego at Arizona – Sunday, March 17 @ 3:00 pm (CBS Sports Network)
Birmingham at Memphis – Sunday, March 17 @ 7:00 pm (NFL Network)
Standings after Week 6
East
1. Orlando (5-1)
2. Birmingham (4-2)
3. Atlanta (2-4)
4. Memphis (1-5)
West
1. San Antonio (4-2)
2. San Diego (3-3), 2-1 in division
3. Arizona (3-3), 1-2 in division
4. Salt Lake (2-4)
Here are the updated power rankings after Week 6:
1. Orlando Apollos (5-1) –
Week 6: lost to Arizona 22-17
Down goes Orlando for the first time as the Apollos fall at home to Arizona. Orlando has been the class of the league and continue to be #1 in the overall standings. There is no reason to shift them from #1 in the power rankings as well. It was a tough first loss for the team, but with Birmingham getting things back on track this weekend it makes things a little closer should they both win out. Orlando and Birmingham meet in Orlando in week 10.
As for the loss, Orlando was -2 in turnovers and Garret Gilbert was only 23/48 (47.9%). On defense, Orlando gave up 179 yards on the ground but still held Arizona to less overall yards. It was a close back and forth game that Arizona won late in the fourth quarter.
This week, Orlando looks to get back on track as they travel to Atlanta.
2. San Antonio Commanders (4-2) –
Week 6: def. Atlanta 37-6
A big win for San Antonio to put them in sole possession of first place in the west. Logan Woodside went 17/23 for 164 yards and two touchdowns for the best overall performance of the weekend. Woodside found eight different receivers including five with multiple catches. Kenneth Farrow had 9 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, San Antonio was +4 in turnover margin forcing a fumble and three interceptions from Aaron Murray.
San Antonio hosts Salt Lake this week for the first of two meetings. A win here will put them in great position for the playoffs.
3. Birmingham Iron (4-2) –
Week 6: def. San Diego 32-29
What a win for Birmingham after losing two in a row. Keith Price started well going 3/4 passing but was injured early and that led to Luis Perez coming in and most likely earning his starting job back. Keith Price was cleared to come back in but Tim Lewis stuck with Perez. Perez then threw not only his first touchdown pass of the season, but went 27/49 for 359 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The turnovers were costly, but overall Perez led the Iron on many great scoring drives.
Trent Richardson had 16 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown while also catching 7 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown. His rushing touchdown kept him in first place at 9 touchdowns on the ground. Perez targeted Richardson 12 times, Quinton Patton 15 times and La’Damien Washington 10 times. Washington had only 4 catches, but for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Bradley Sylve had a great day leading Birmingham wit 8 tackles and an interception while Jamar Summers got his third pick of the season which has him tied for second in the league. Beniquez Brown moved to 37 total tackles on the year to move to third overall in the league.
Nick Novak was 2/3 in field goals, including a 43-yard game winner. This was a homecoming for Novak after spending many years with the Chargers when they played in San Diego and a homecoming for Luis Perez who is from Chula Vista.
One thing Birmingham still needs to clean up are turnovers after having four on the day, but the Iron had a margin of 0 with their defense getting four as well.
This week, Birmingham faces Memphis after the acquisition of Johnny Manziel for the Express.
4. San Diego Fleet (3-3) –
Week 6: lost to Birmingham 32-29
San Diego suffered a tough loss to Birmingham, but were in it the entire game. The Fleet led 23-21 after three quarters and were then tied 29-29 up until Birmingham’s game winning field goal. Mike Bercovici was 17/34 for 311 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Dontez Ford moved into third place in receiving in the league after a huge day with 3 catches for 182 yards (average of 60.7 yards per catch) yet had no touchdowns. Ford did get injured on his final big catch, so that’s something to keep an eye on. Ja’Quan Gardner continues to struggle after a strong start to the season as he had 8 carries for 19 yards. That gives him 26 carries for 27 yards over the last three games, however, he is still third in total rushing with 309 yards on the season.
The defense did cause four turnovers, but the Fleet turned it over four times themselves and were outgained 448 to 378.
This is a big week as San Diego and Arizona face off in Tempe to determine who will be in the drivers seat for the second spot in the playoffs behind San Antonio. It’s the first match-up between the two as they also face off in week 10.
5. Arizona Hotshots (3-3) +2
Week 6: def. Orlando 22-17
Yes, you read that right again – Arizona handed Orlando their first loss, and did so in Orlando. The Hotshots didn’t necessarily outplay Orlando as the Apollos outgained Arizona with more first downs, less penalties and a better third down conversion rate. However, Arizona was +2 in turnover margin helping them to the win.
Former Alabama wide receiver Richard Mullaney led the way with 6 catches for 73 yards. Jhurrel Pressley had 13 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown to move him into first overall in the league in rushing with 343 total yards. Tim Cook had 11 carries for 71 yards and Justin Stockton had 12 carries for 37 yards for a solid team effort rushing the ball. John Wolford was 16/27 for 162 yards and a touchdown along with 2 carries for 14 yards. Wolford is the only quarterback over 1100 yards while also completing over 60% of his passes. He also has the most touchdowns in the league with 11.
This week, Arizona hosts San Diego in the first of their two meetings. After San Diego’s loss to Birmingham, Arizona is right back in the playoff hunt.
6. Salt Lake Stallions (2-4) –
Week 6: def. Memphis 22-9
Salt Lake gets on the board again with a big win over Memphis. Their only other win is over Arizona (who they split with on the season). Salt Lake is actually set up to potentially make a run at the playoffs if they can at least split with San Antonio. They will definitely need a win over San Diego at home in two weeks.
Josh Woodrum played well going 24/37 for 243 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. He has the second highest completion percentage of any starter in the league at 64.2% (behind Aaron Murray) but has only thrown 5 TD to 5 INT. Joel Bouagnon led all rushers with 18 carries for 60 yards and is sixth overall in the league, although he is second in total touchdowns with 5. Salt Lake did turn the ball over more than Memphis (4 to 2) but Memphis’ lack of conversion helped lead Salt Lake to the win.
This week sees Salt Lake take on San Antonio for the first time on the road.
7. Atlanta Legends (2-4) -2
Week 6: lost to San Antonio 37-6
A rough loss for Atlanta moves them back down. After winning two in a row Atlanta did not look good in defeat as Aaron Murray completed 73.2% of his passes but only threw one touchdown and three interceptions. Atlanta not only gave up a pick-6 on one of those interceptions, but also let Greg Ward Jr return a punt 79-yards for a touchdown. Atlanta ended up -4 in turnover margin.
This week, Atlanta hosts Orlando after the Apollos first loss.
8. Memphis Express (1-5) –
Week 6: lost to Salt Lake 22-9
Memphis is definitely the last place team right now after falling to Atlanta and Salt Lake, but things are about to get interesting with Johnny Manziel coming to town. San Antonio owned his rights due to his time at Texas A&M, but San Antonio dropped his rights which allowed Memphis to claim him off waivers as the last place team.
Memphis went with former Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers this week after Zach Mettenberger went down with an injury on the first play. Silvers went 23/378 for 242 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad performance, but you have to imagine he will be replaced by Manziel. Zac Stacy was held in check on the ground with 11 carries for 31 yards.
This week, Memphis hosts Birmingham.
