The Philadelphia Stars win again, giving them a solid lead in the USFL North Division. The Stars defeated the Pittsburgh Maulers 37-31. This was an important win for the Stars, and the offense and special teams were putting together strong plays to get the team the win. The Stars now have a 4-3 record in the North, maintaining their first-place spot. The Maulers now fall to a 2-5 record. This win is now three in a row for the Stars, giving them a great hot streak to finish out the season. Here is a look at the studs and duds for the Philadephia Stars in week seven.
Troy Williams (11) dives for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Stars – Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Philadelphia Stars Studs
Terry Wright
Wide receiver Terry Wright had a strong game against the Maulers. While as a receiver, Wright had just two receptions for nine yards according to the USFL, as a kick returner, he had himself a game. Wright had two kick returns for 142 yards. His longest was for 58 yards. While he did not end up scoring a touchdown, Wright continuously put the team in a strong field position. It was his decision-making that made him stand out in week seven. Hopefully, for Wright next week, he can keep it up with the return yards and step up his game as a receiver.
Matt Colburn II
Runningback Matt Colburn II also had a strong game for Philadelphia. Colburn had just two receptions for 13 yards, according to the USFL, but his run game today was a huge reason the Stars won. Colburn had 20 rushing attempts for 82 yards. While this sounds fine for a running back, he also scored two of Philadelphia’s touchdowns for the day. The Stars struggled a bit in the red zone, having to settle for field goals. Colburn was a big help for the Philadelphia Stars and a reason they are still first in the North.
Philadelphia Stars vs. Pittsburgh Maulers – Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Philadelphia Stars Duds
Ryan Navarro
Long-snapper Ryan Navarro is a dud this week for the Stars. It is a shame to give the dud to a special teams player, but Navarro could have made a costly mistake. The issue was that he snapped the ball over the holder’s head. This resulted in the Maulers recovering the ball. Luckily the team still won, but this is a mistake that a long-snapper should never make. It could have been much more costly than it was.
This was Navarro’s only mistake for the game. It happened pretty early on in the matchup, which does show he fixed his mistake. The hope will be that this fumble is a one-time issue and does not happen again for the Stars.
Gabriel Sewell Jr.
Linebacker Gabriel Sewell Jr. did not have a bad game, just not a good one either. Sewell had a total of nine combined tackles, five of which were solo, according to the USFL. He really did not have a bad game, but having no sacks, pass deflections, or interceptions, he fell short. The Mualers did not have the most accurate day and were under a lot of pressure. Sewell could have taken advantage of this, but he did not.
Luckily Sewell was not a bad player, but with the Maulers’ quarterback under constant pressure, he could have done more. The Stars won, but it was still a back-and-forth game. The win could have gone to either team. Maybe next week, Sewell can step up more and force some big plays.
The Philadelphia Stars are on an important win streak. With just three more games in the regular season, the Stars put them in a good position in the North. If they can keep this streak going, they will be in a good position for playoffs. Next week the Stars will head to Birmingham, Alabama to face the 5-2 Stallions. This will be a tough competition and a true test for the Stallions.
