Well Maulers fans, your team did it this year. After five games on the season, they already improved on their 1-9 record from last year. Congratulations to coach Ray Horton and his staff for already accomplishing this feat in their first year by obtaining two wins.
The biggest shout-out, however, goes to starting quarterback Troy Williams for being named “Offensive Player of the Week” this week. Once a former college starter for the Utah Utes and Santa Monica College, number 11 for the Maulers has come a long way since his days in the Canadian Football League.
Even though the Michigan Panthers couldn’t come up with the win against the Pittsburgh Maulers, one of their defensive ends was sure up to the task.
Defensive End Breeland Speaks was named “Defensive Player of the Week.” Speaks tallied six tackles, one for a loss, while celebrating 2.5 sacks.
Now moving on to the player that saved their team from what could have been an “L” in the “W” column is non-other-than “Special Teams Player of the Week,” Philadelphia Stars Kicker Luis Aguilar.
He established the record for the most field goals scored in a USFL game with “eight”. It also ties the record for the most field goals made in any American Professional Football contest.
Williams’ Stats
Former Santa Monica College QB Troy Williams (3) – Steve McCrank/Santa Monica College
Williams’ had three total touchdowns and was the man who totaled 243 yards for the Mauler’s 299 yards in all. He was 15 of 19 for 184 yards and two touchdowns passing. He also had 59 yards on ten carries on the ground, with one for a 13-yard touchdown.
With the win, The Maulers improve to 2-3 on the season and will hit the road to take on a 2-3 Memphis Showboats team who have been red hot the last two games ever since Head Coach Todd Haley switched to “Big Game” Cole Kelly as their starting Quarterback. With the loss, the Panthers fall to 2-3 and have lost three games in a row after starting out hot at 2-0.
Another ☝️
The Week 5 Defensive Player of the Week is @USFLPanthers DE @Bspeaks9 ?? pic.twitter.com/JBPYNLQ1Aq
— USFL (@USFL) May 15, 2023
Breeland Speaks’ Two Timer
This isn’t Breeland Speaks’ first go-around. He also made Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1. His explosiveness allowed him three sacks, seven tackles, and a forced fumble against the Houston Gamblers.
While Speaks was named USFL Defensive Player of the Week again this week, his first sack came at a big play during the game against the Maulers.
With the Maulers in control of the ball in Michigan space, Speaks was able to sack Williams for a 5-yard loss on third and ten from the 37-yard line. It would cause Pittsburgh to punt the ball.
The dynamic defensive end then collected his second sack during the third quarter when he mowed down Williams and threatened a third and long play for the Maulers.
He then shared another sack with his fellow teammate, Levi Bell, to tally another from the 6-yard line on a second and goal play.
With the loss, The Panthers’ record is now 2-3 on the season. The Panthers will stay home to face the (3-2) Birmingham Stallions.
Philadelphia Stars K Luis Aguilar (15) – Jason Miller/Getty Images
Luis Aguilar Sets USFL Record; Ties NFL Record with Eight Field Goals
Philadelphia Stars placekicker Luis Aguilar made history in their Sunday afternoon game vs. the New Jersey Generals in USFL Week 5. Sure, it may have only been a Spring football game, but Spring football is still considered to be Pro football. Just like ESPN 30:30 would open with;
What if I told you a Spring football kicker broke the record in the league for most field goals made in the game? That the eighth one made would turn out to be the game-winner for his team. And what if I told you that he made all of his kicks without missing at least one attempt? That he also tied the record in the NFL of eight field goals made by an NFL kicker, Rod Bironas, who did it in 2007 for the Tennessee Titans vs. the Houston Texans in 2007.
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Philadelphia Stars kicker Luis Aguilar.
Yes, Aguilar made all eight of his field goal attempts: 22, 42, 56, 36, 27, 51, and 49 yards, including the game-winner 55 yards as time expired to earn a tight 24-21 win over the New Jersey Generals.
They previously tied the game on a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 0:19 left on the clock by backup quarterback Kyle Lauletta. He came in for injured starter De’Andre Johnson and replaced him for the rest of the game.
With the win, the Stars improve to 2-3 on the season. They will stay home to host the (4-1) New Orleans Breakers.
