Avaiators Come From Behind Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive; Morton, Miller Jr Lead Way
By Deon Cash
The Columbus Aviators were down most of the game to the Birmingham Stallions last weekend. With their slim playoff hopes dwindling away, newly inserted QB took it upon himself to keep the Aviators in the game.
With Birmingham ready to take full control of the game in the 4th quarter, the Aviators switched up the momentum as Morton directed the squad to a TD. The TD pulled the game back to a one possession game (23-21) with a dynamic play to get it to the WR, who sprinted about 40 yards to the end zone.
With less than 3 min in the game, the Stallions tried to sit on the lead, but on third down, the Aviators star DB picked off the ball, got back up, did a Deion Sanders Ed Reed type of runback, scoring a TD, and sending the fans into a frenzy. The Aviators took the lead.
Birmingham would have one more shot, but to no avail, as Columbus would grab a signature win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They would get down into Aviator territory but Columbus would snuff out the drive, and keep their hopes alive with the key victory.
When asked after the game if this was the most rewarding game of the season, head coach Ted Ginn Jr didn't think twice.
"Most definitely." Coach Ginn Jr stated.
"We told them to bring their shoulder pads and helmets to work, and don't say nothing. Come to work. And they did that."
STARS OF THE GAME
JALEN MORTON -QB
With Morton starting for his first game, his numbers were very good. Over 200 yards of passing and nearly 100 rushing, as he imposed his will on the game, especially in the 2nd half, when it was winning time. He was down 13-1, 20-8, 23-14, and never wavered.
He accounted for 4 TDs and was clutch when they needed it most. Some will say Morton should have been inserted sooner, but regardless, he showed moxie and a coolness that wore off on the Aviators.
D.J. MILLER JR. - DB
He has arguably been the best DB in the league in the 2nd half of the season. But the last game took the cake, as he garnered his 3rd straight game with a INT. Only difference is, this time, it resulted in a pick six which lead to the game- winning TD. He also had a crucial pass dedended to hold the Stallions to a field goal and not a TD. Miller Jr has been playing lights out and could be the top DB in the league rifht now.
COMING NEXT
The Aviators play at home tonight vs and will face in the final regular season game. The game kicks off at 6pm.
PLAYOFF BOUND?
While the Aviators have a chance to still get in the playoffs, they will need some serious help to get the chance. They need multiple teams to win, and then it will have to be a multi-team tie breaker for things to fly the Aviators way after today.
Here are the league standings (through week 9)
FINAL WORD
Congratulations to the Aviators and Ted Ginn Jr, and his coaching staff, who has shown the resolve to bounce back and keep the team focused on a chance to make the playoffs and finish strong regardless.
While some people think Crew Stadium is not a ideal place to have the team, and is not a football stadium, it is a prime spot for the inaugural season for the Aviators. The energy is good and the fan base come to rock and roll.
The UFL definitely is a league that's here to stay.
Follow S.E.Live! 365 for more coverage on the Aviators and the UFL.
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