Adrian Martinez threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jace Sternberger with about one minute left in regulation as the host Birmingham Stallions edged the Michigan Panthers 20-19 on Saturday.
Marcus Baugh caught a one-point pass conversion with 59 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter for the one-point advantage for the Stallions (9-1), who rebounded from their first loss a week earlier at San Antonio.
Michigan’s Jake Bates missed a 53-yard field-goal attempt on the final play. He had made earlier kicks of 39 and 44 yards as the Panthers (7-3) led 19-13 early in the fourth quarter.
The teams will have a rematch for the USFL Conference title on June 8 in Birmingham, Ala.
Martinez finished 14-for-28 passing for 163 yards and the one score. C.J. Marable rushed for TD runs of 1 and 20 yards.
Danny Etling was 16 of 31 for 195 yards, including a 46-yard scoring toss to Siaosi Mariner, and also rushed 23 yards for a touchdown. The Panthers outgained the Stallions 324-223 in total offense.
–Field Level Media