The Alabama Steel wrapped up regular season play at home Saturday with a 14-8 win over the Alabama Silverbacks. Although it had its moments, this wasn’t one of the most entertaining offensive performances. On the other hand, though, it was definitely a defensive showdown. The Silverbacks took flight early, just three minutes into the game, with a 65-yard run to put up six. A run up the middle on the two-point conversion added to it, making it an 8-0 ballgame.
The Steel’s Cam’Ron Travis forced a fumble at the Silverback nine-yard line in Sportscenter-worthy fashion, putting the Steel in reach. A handoff from quarterback Donavon McCoy to Ricardo Windham followed by a run from none other than Willie Layton put the Steel at the three-yard line. McCoy found Zeric Wilson in the endzone on top of a defender to give the Steel six with 3:30 to go in the first quarter.
Defense, Defense, Defense
In true Steel fashion, a smooth Layton to Acoff handoff added on two. The Silverbacks’ next possession would end in a turnover on downs courtesy of Jeremy Hunter. The Steel wouldn’t do much with the possession, fumbling a snap and fumbling on the run to give the Silverbacks another shot to take the lead. Thanks to the Steel defense, that wouldn’t happen.
The second quarter consisted of an array of possession flips, with neither side capitalizing. Gee Golston would set off the third quarter on a 29-yard kickoff return for the Steel. A collection of runs from Layton and a clutch catch from Swade Hutchinson trekked the Steel into Silverback territory. However, no points would hit the board. The Silverbacks possession wouldn’t add to the board either, Cam’Ron Travis and Toriante Hinton being the main factors, in addition to impeccable coverage from Jailon Lowe.
Fourth Quarter Finale
It wouldn’t be until the two-minute mark in the fourth quarter before a 70-yard punt return from Traishaun Street put the Steel up 14-8. The Silverbacks would make their way to the Steel 19-yard line after a 38-yard floater with under :20 left in the game. Lowe would pull the curtains with an endzone interception to end it and secure the Steel win.
The Steel enters the playoffs next week against the Jackson Stampede at home at 6:30. Livestream will be provided by Moxey Media Production. The Steel coaching staff has unwavering faith in their guys and know what needs to be done to be their best.
“Get some consistency from the QB position, limit self inflicted penalties, and execute …then we have a very good chance to win out.”— Coach DeVante’ Brown
“We have to limit the number of mental mistakes we make on offense for sure. Just execute our game plan and we’ll win it all.”— Coach David Boyette
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