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SALT LAKE CITY — A late-game turnover by the Salt Lake Stallions netted San Antonio a 19-15 home victory Saturday.
In the final two minutes of the game, Stallions quarterback Josh Woodrum threw an interception on a 2-point conversion attempt that was picked off by Commanders defensive back De’Vante Bausby and taken the full length of the field for a 2-point score and the win.
On the previous play, the Stallions scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Woodrum to Terrell Newby and needed a successful 2-point try to tie up the score after the Commanders took an 8-point lead on the previous series.
The game was locked up 9-9 for much of the second half before Commanders backup quarterback Marquise Williams replaced starter Logan Woodside in the fourth quarter under center. Williams quickly hit his stride and connected with Trey Williams on a 36-yard touchdown pass to conclude a nine-play, 70-yard drive to break up the deadlock.
A San Antonio’s (5-2) successful 2-point try gave the Commanders its largest lead of the game and what appeared to be an insurmountable lead given Salt Lake’s (2-5) inability to score a touchdown.
In the loss, the Stallions managed only 263 yards of offense and were forced to settle for three field goals to stay even with the Commanders. Stallions placekicker Taylor Bertolet scored field goals from 32 yards, 52 yards and 53 yards out, but missed a third-quarter 54-yard attempt.
Woodrum finished throwing for 229 yards on 22-of-35 passing and one touchdown and one interception in the loss. He finished the night with a 79.3 rating.
For San Antonio, Woodside threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Mekale McKay in the first quarter to give the Commanders an early 3-point lead after a failed 2-point conversion. But Woodside couldn’t combat the Stallions defense and was replaced in the fourth quarter.
Woodside finished the night throwing for 164 yards on 13-of-19 passing and one interception. In Marquise Williams’ limited play, he threw for 49 yards on 2-of-3 passing.
The game featured two defenses that limited the opposing offenses. Former University of Utah players Trevor Reilly, Tenny Palepoi and Sealver Siliga came up big for the Stallions with some timely sacks to force Commanders punts. The trio combined for three of the team’s 5.5 sacks on the night.
The Stallions return to action next Saturday as they welcome San Diego to Rice-Eccles Stadium in a 6 p.m. MDT kickoff.
