Iron Improve to 3-0; Fleet Earns Second Victory
February 25, 2019 - Alliance of American Football (AAF) News Release
Birmingham Iron running back Trent Richardson prepares to spike the ball following a first quarter TD run against the Atlanta Legends
(Birmingham Iron, Credit: Todd Kirkland/AAF/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The Alliance of American Football saw almost 15% growth in ratings on Saturday's NFL Network primetime broadcast and The Birmingham Iron forged a win over The Atlanta Legends to continue their unbeaten season in week three highlights.
"Coming into this inaugural season we knew we would have to earn the attention of fans by putting top-flight football on the field each week," said Charlie Ebersol, co-founder & CEO, The Alliance. "If we could put quality football on the field, fans would tune-in and engage with our product. We're encouraged by the week-on-week growth with Saturday night's bump in primetime ratings as we continue to improve the overall experience for players, fans, coaches and everyone associated with The Alliance."
Birmingham Iron RB Trent Richardson once again led the way for The Iron, scoring three rushing touchdowns in a commanding 28-12 victory over The Atlanta Legends. Coach Tim Lewis' defense again rose to the occasion, causing four turnovers and holding The Legends to just 43 yards on the ground. Legends QB Matt Simms threw for 328 yards, including the first successful onside conversion attempt in league history with a 48-yard pass completion to WR Seantavius Jones. It wasn't enough as The Legends failed to pick up their first win of the season. The Iron improve to 3-0, first place in the Eastern Conference.
The San Diego Fleet secured their second win of the season behind RB Ja'Quan Gardner's 122 yards on just 12 carries, including the longest play in Alliance history with his 83-yard touchdown run. The Fleet ran for 202 yards as a team in the 31-11 win over The San Antonio Commanders. Fleet QB Philip Nelson, who entered the season third on the depth chart, threw the first two touchdowns of his pro career,both to WR Nelson Spruce. The Fleet defense stymied The Commanders attack with five sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown by LB AJ Tarpley.
The Alliance returns next weekend for week four as The Orlando Apollos take on The Salt Lake Stallions, The San Diego Fleet visit The Memphis Express, The San Antonio Commanders face The Birmingham Iron, and The Atlanta Legends meet The Arizona Hotshots.
Images from this story
 Birmingham Iron running back Trent Richardson prepares to spike the ball following a first quarter TD run against the Atlanta Legends (Todd Kirkland/AAF/Getty Images) |
Alliance of American Football Stories from February 25, 2019
- Arizona Hotshots Host Public Safety Salute and #19 Retirement Ceremony Sunday, March 3 - Arizona Hotshots
- Saturday's Game Moved to 3 PM CT - Memphis Express
- Alliance of American Football Issues Statement on Bob Vanech - AAF
- Alliance of American Football Announces Schedule Change on March 2 - AAF
- Iron Improve to 3-0; Fleet Earns Second Victory - AAF
- Gardner, Martini and Gilbert Capture OurSports Central's Week 3 AAF Player of the Week Awards - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Gardner, Martini and Gilbert Capture OurSports Central's Week 3 AAF Player of the Week Awards - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Gardner, Martini and Gilbert Capture OurSports Central's Week 3 AAF Player of the Week Awards - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Fleet Powers over San Antonio, 31-11 - San Diego Fleet
- San Antonio Commanders Fall to San Diego, 31-11 - San Antonio Commanders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
