It was a week when playoff spots were gained and playoff hopes were dashed.
Orlando Apollos (6-1) vs. Memphis Express (2-5)
Orlando was hyped coming into this matchup because it would get a chance to face the infamous Johnny Manziel. The Express, on the other hand, wanted to keep its playoff hopes alive. Memphis came out playing the part, too, forcing Orlando’s QB Garrett Gilbert into two interceptions.
Then it became interesting as Johnny entered the game. Fans thought he had thrown his first TD pass, but the score was called back for offensive interference. From there, things got worse for ‘Johnny Football.’ The Apollos picked off an intended TD pass and Manziel suffered a concussion on the subsequent return, sidelining him for the rest of the game.
But the Express hung in there, down just 14-9 at the half. Then things really picked up! After the Apollos scored again–to go up 22-9–the Express rallied, closing the gap to 23-17 and, later, going ahead 23-22. Just like last week, Memphis’ scoring was engineered by ‘the other’ Memphis QB, Brandon Silvers.
With offense and defense working in sync, the defense picked off another Gilbert pass, setting up Silvers. He took advantage, too, as the Express extended the lead to nine, 31-22. But the Apollos’ quick-strike offense wouldn’t be denied. Orlando scored the last twelve points to win the game, 34-31.
It was Orlando’s defense, though, that saved the day, shutting out the Express for the last nine minutes of the game. With the win, the Apollos are heading to the playoffs. With the loss, the Express is eliminated.
San Diego Fleet (3-4) vs. Salt Lake Stallions (2-5)
This was essentially an elimination game for both of these teams. Sadly, it was a slow, boring game that ended with a baseball score–8-3–with the Stallions coming out on top. Worse yet, this game wasn’t a good look for the league. Texas high school games do a better job at getting fans through the turnstiles. Concerns about the quality of AAF offenses are real with this game being a prime example.
Atlanta Legends (2-5) vs. Birmingham Iron (4-3)
The Legends came into the game still in the running for a playoff spot. With a win, the Iron would be in the driver’s seat for the second spot in the East. In another slow, plodding game, the Iron won, 17-9. The Iron now sit at 5-3. The Legends (2-6) were eliminated from playoff contention.
Arizona Hotshots (4-3) vs. San Antonio Commanders (5-2)
Both teams are talented and primed to make runs in the playoffs. In a game that was likely to be a preview of the Western Conference playoff, fans got treated to an entertaining contest–and a surprise, too. The Shots came into San Antonio and whacked the Commanders, 23-6.
