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Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Victor Bolden Jr. late in the game and linebacker Scooby Wright III had a Pick Six to seal the USFL championship Sunday night over the Philadelphia Stars, 33-30.
McGough was inserted into the game after J’Mar Smith was dealing with cramps. He threw an interception early in the fourth quarter and was clearly frustrated on the sideline. Birmingham coach Skip Holtz assured McGough they would win the game.
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Victor Bolden Jr. #7 of the Birmingham Stallions runs with the ball on a kickoff during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL Championship game at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on July 03, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Patrick Smith/USFL/Getty Images)
On the next drive, McGough threw a Green touchdown pass to Bolden.
McGough finished the game 7-for-10 with 77 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. Smith was 10-for-18 with 131 yards passing and a touchdown.
Bo Scarborough rushed for 135 yards on 13 carries with a score. He drilled a 70-meterer during the match. Marlon Williams led Birmingham with seven catches for 105 yards and a score. Bolden had six catches for 64 yards and the score.
Bo Scarbrough #25 of the Birmingham Stallions poses with the Birmingham Stallions mascot after defeating the Philadelphia Stars 33-30 to win the USFL Championship Game at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on July 03, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Patrick Smith/USFL/Getty Images)
Bolden, an All-USFL selection at wide receiver and special teams, was named MVP of the championship game.
USFL STARS WERE IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ‘GRATEFUL’ FOR OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY IN LEAGUE
Philadelphia Stars quarterback Case Kukus, left, is pressed by Birmingham Steelers inside linebacker Scooby Wright during the first half of a USFL football league championship game, Sunday, July. 3, 2022, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Wright had three tackles in the win. Demarquis Gates led the team with nine tackles and two passes defensed.
Philadelphia trailed 20-9 at halftime, but Case Cookus was able to lead a furious comeback.
In the third quarter, he threw a second touchdown pass to Jordan Swell to bring the game within five points. On his first drive of the fourth quarter, Cookus had a touchdown pass to Devin Gray. Suell would hit a two-point conversion and the Stars would go up 26-23.
However, Kukus would go down with a broken fibula and be carted off the field. Backup KJ Costello would come in and lead the team to a late-game score, but couldn’t do enough to get Philadelphia the championship.
Birmingham Stallions quarterback J’Mar Smith throws a pass during the first half of a USFL football championship game against the Philadelphia Stars, Sunday, July. 3, 2022, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
It was Birmingham’s night after all.
The championship puts a cap on the USFL’s inaugural season.
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The Stallions were the best team in the USFL all season, finishing the year 9-1 and winning the South Division. The team had to beat the New Orleans Breakers to get into the championship game.
Ryan Gaydos is a sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to Ryan.Gaydos@fox.com.
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