In a thrilling showdown at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, the New Orleans Breakers outlasted the Houston Gamblers in a nail-biting contest, securing a 38-31 victory. The Breakers’ resilience and balanced offensive attack allowed them to remain undefeated, improving to 2-0, while the Gamblers dropped to 0-2.
The Breakers and the Gamblers matched each other in the first half, with both teams putting up 10 points apiece in the second quarter. However, the Breakers found their rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 14 points while holding the Gamblers to just 7. Though the Gamblers managed to rally in the fourth quarter, matching the Breakers’ 14 points, their comeback fell short, leaving the final score at 38-31.
New Orleans Breakers’ quarterback Bethel-Thompson led his team with an impressive performance, completing 23 out of 34 passes for 251 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Running back Hills played a pivotal role in the Breakers’ offensive dominance, rushing for 110 yards on 18 carries and scoring three touchdowns. Surratt was the top receiver, catching 11 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown.
On the other side, Houston Gamblers’ quarterback Bahar threw for 266 yards, completing 18 out of 30 passes, with three touchdowns and three costly interceptions. Pledger led the rushing attack with 94 yards on 18 carries, scoring one touchdown, while Hall emerged as the top receiver, hauling in eight receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Bunch led the Gamblers with 11 tackles and one tackle for loss, while Bingham contributed with one sack. For the Breakers, Eisworth II led the team with eight tackles, and Saint-Amour and Brailford each notched a sack. The Breakers’ defense also managed to secure three crucial interceptions, contributing to their overall victory.
In the kicking game, Vogel of the Gamblers converted 1 out of 2 field goal attempts, while Coghlin of the Breakers made 1 out of 1. Both kickers were perfect on extra points, with Vogel going 4-for-4 and Coghlin 5-for-5.
With this victory, the New Orleans Breakers will look to build on their momentum as they continue their USFL campaign. Meanwhile, the Houston Gamblers will aim to bounce back from their second consecutive defeat and secure their first win of the season.
USFL Box Score
