AAF Week 7 Review

 Oh, Johnny Manziel! And lots more. Read on.

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It was an exciting week in the AAF. Johnny Manziel is back! ‘Johnny Football’ is in the AAF playing for the Memphis Express. How’d he do? And how did other clubs perform? (There are only three weeks left in the regular season, you know.) To find out, let’s dive into the Week 7 review.  

Orlando Apollos (5-1) vs. Atlanta Legends (2-4)

This contest was over quickly. The Apollos jumped out to a 14-6 lead at the half and poured it on after the break, winning, 36-6. 

It’s a different story for the Legends. The loss puts them at 2-5–a longshot to make the playoffs. 

Player of Game – G. Gilbert – 19/23 for 217 yards and a TD

Salt Lake Stallions (2-4) vs. San Antonio Commanders (4-2)

Both clubs needed to win this game, but for different reasons–one (San Antonio) to keep pace, the other (SLC) to get into the playoff hunt.

The first half produced only one TD and three field goals with San Antonio taking a 9-6 lead into the locker room. But the Stallions roared back, tying it up in the third and going ahead, 15-9, early in the 4th. But Logan Woodside and the Commanders scored ten straight points–the last two on an intercepted two-point PAT–to win it, 19-15.

Player of the Game: L. Woodside, 13-19 for 164 yards with a TD

San Diego Fleet (3-3) vs. Arizona Hot Shots (3-3)

This contest was essentially a game in see which team would have the edge in the playoff race. The Shots were coming off their best win of the year, beating the previously undefeated Apollos. The Fleet, on the other hand, was coming off a loss to Birmingham. The Fleet had to win this one.

These Shots are hot! They beat the Fleet by 17, 32-15.

Player of the Game:  J. Wolford, 15-19 for 212 yards with two TDs

Birmingham Iron (4-2) vs. Memphis Express (2-4)

Johnny is back! But this game turned out to be more about Memphis’ team play and the resurgence of its offense.  Manziel entered the game late in the first quarter and scrambled for a long gain on his very first play.

But rather than put the pedal to the metal, Johnny’s night was shortlived. He threw the ball only five times and wasn’t a factor in the outcome.

But QB Brandon Silvers was. He pushed the Express to their second victory of the season. Showing poise in the pocket, Silvers can play under pressure. How so? He threw the game-winner in the first OT in AAF history! The Express won the game, 31-25, as the Iron let another game get away. But all is far from lost. With three games to play, the Iron have a two-game cushion in the AAF East. 

Player of the Game: B. Silvers, 24-35 for 266 yards with two TDs

Playoff Picture

East

1. Orlando Express (6-1)
2. Birmingham Iron (4-3)

West

1. San Antonio Commanders (5-2)
2. Arizona Hot Shots (4-3)