For the second weekend in row, the Salt Lake Stallions built an early nine-point lead, this time against the Arizona Hotshots. But this week, the Stallions never relinquished their lead. The Stallions defensive star, Karter Schult, put together another dominating performance. Schult and the Stallions pass rush smothered Hotshots quarterback John Wolford throughout the first half. A huge momentum swing changed the game early in the second half. Wolford threw an interception on the first play, and on the same play, suffered an injury that would knock him out of the game. Stallions quarterback Josh Woodrum used methodical drives throughout the day to lead a steady, balanced offense, helping the Stallions secure their first win, 23-15.

AAF Week Three: Karter Shult, Salt Lake Stallions Stun the Arizona Hotshots

Inconsistent Offensive Play

The Arizona Hotshots’ offense struggled to capture a rhythm all night long. Unlike the first match up, the Hotshots quarterback John Wolford had no time to throw in the first half. The Stallions pass rush was in Wolford’s face early and often, forcing the Hotshots to go scoreless in the first quarter.

But in the second quarter, the Hotshots put points in motion. Wolford connected with Rashad Ross for a short touchdown to tie the game up at nine right before halftime. The Hotshots were able to move the ball throughout the game, but on third down, the Hotshots could not stay on the field, often punting or settling for field goals.

Wolford’s afternoon was cut short after suffering an abdominal injury on a hit he took after throwing an interception. Wolford would finish the game 14 for 21, 127 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Hotshots first round pick Trevor Knight came in as relief and struggled to gather a rhythm. The Stallions pass rush continued to bring the intensity, forcing Knight to make errant throws. In the end, the Stallions defense proved too overbearing for the Hotshots to overcome.

The INT that started it all. What. A. Grab. @GreerMartini48 ? pic.twitter.com/OpMcY4K7qW — Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) February 23, 2019

Stallions Offense Make A Statement

Stallions quarterback Josh Woodrum played a flawless game for the Stallions. While the numbers were not eye popping, Woodrum lead the Stallions’ offense up and down the field at will. Woodrum finished the game 22 for 31, 178 yards and a beautiful 25 yard touchdown pass to receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El. Another key stat for Woodrum and the Stallions offense: zero turnovers. In the first match up with the Hotshots, the Stallions threw two interceptions. Today, the Stallions held on to the ball, and showed how lethal their offense can be.

The Stallions rushing game help pace the offense as well. Running backs Joel Bouagnon and Branden Oliver led the way, rushing for 50 and 40 yards respectively, rushing for a touchdown apiece. The rushing game allowed the Stallions to tick time off the clock late in the 4th quarter, when the Stallions held a narrow lead. As a team, the Stallions finished with exactly 100 yards rushing.

Smothering Defense

The Salt Lake Stallions’ defense put forth a dominate performance in back to back weeks against two of the toughest teams in the AAF. Although Karter Schult finished with one sack today, Schult’s presence allowed the team to rack up three total sacks and force an interception.

The Stallions third down defense was superb. Time and time again, the Stallions defense got off the field and gave up one touchdown for the second week in a row. The Stallions have officially put the league on notice, and teams can no longer count out the Stallions as a bottom feeder team. The Stallions will remain at home next Saturday, taking on another tough opponent: the Orlando Apollos.

The Hotshots offense will need to get back on track next week. Expect them to do so, as they return home to face the Atlanta Legends, one of two teams that remain winless.

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