In a closely contested matchup, the New Jersey Generals managed to secure a narrow victory over the Philadelphia Stars, with a final score of 37-33. The game took place at the Generals’ home ground and was marked by an exhilarating performance by both teams. The victory takes the Generals’ record to 3-6, while the Stars fall to 4-5 in the USFL standings.
With Generals win, the USFL North Division playoffs essentially start in Week 10 with two “win or go home” games. Generals-Maulers on Saturday June 17 in Canton Panthers-Stars on Sunday June 18 in Detroit Both game winners advance to North Division Championship on June 24.
Philadelphia Stars Performance
Offense
The Philadelphia Stars showcased a strong offensive game, primarily through their quarterback Case Cookus. Cookus was on fire, completing 25 out of 40 passes for 263 yards, with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also rushed for 59 yards on 7 attempts. Cookus, however, was not the only standout for the Stars’ offense. Wide receiver Corey Coleman had an outstanding game with 9 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. Diondre Overton also made a significant contribution with 6 receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. The rushing attack was led by Dexter Williams, who rushed for 30 yards on 9 attempts and also contributed 45 yards receiving.
Kicker Luis Aguilar contributed 9 points for the Stars, converting all 3 of his field-goal attempts including two from beyond 40 yards.
Defense
On the defensive end, cornerback Stanford Samuels III led the Stars with 6 tackles. Defensive tackle Jordon Scott contributed with 2 tackles, while middle linebacker Gabriel Sewell Jr. put up a strong performance with 4 tackles. The Stars defense struggled to put pressure on the Generals’ quarterback, with Adam Rodriguez registering the only sack of the game for the Stars.
New Jersey Generals Performance
Offense
The Generals’ offense was led by quarterback De’Andre Johnson, who completed 15 of 20 passes for 213 yards. Johnson was efficient and ensured that the ball was distributed effectively among the receivers. Running back Darius Victor was a powerhouse, rushing for 51 yards on 11 attempts with 2 touchdowns, and even threw a touchdown pass on a trick play. Trey Williams also had a good game with 40 rushing yards and a touchdown on 6 carries.
The Generals had a group of receivers making an impact. Darrell Stewart Jr. stood out with 3 receptions for 109 yards. Tight end Braedon Bowman caught 3 passes for 17 yards and scored a touchdown.
Kicker Nick Sciba added to the Generals’ score by converting one of his field-goal attempts.
Defense
For the Generals’ defense, cornerback Stanford Samuels III tied for the team lead with 6 tackles. Middle linebacker Joel Dublanko followed closely with 3 tackles. The defensive line, led by defensive tackles Jordon Scott and Chris Nelson, both recorded a tackle each, while middle linebacker Adam Rodriguez recorded the only sack of the game for the Generals.
Conclusion
In a game that was an offensive showdown, the New Jersey Generals managed to outlast the Philadelphia Stars in a thriller. Both teams will look to build on their performances as they move ahead in the season.
USFL Box Score
Ken Granito
June 12, 2023 at 8:42 am
Hi Mark, Definitely one of the games of the season for sure. The Generals came out firing on all cylinders, playing an excellent game on offense and defense against a super explosive Stars team. Mike Riley reminded why he was coach of the year last year pulling out all the stops, picking the right times to go big play. He was so good with it that it made some if the plays seem easy. Ted Cottrell’s defense came to play. The defense schemes well and they know their assignments. They are certainly not afraid to hit and pound for pound likely hit better than any team in the league. They also hit but do so within the rules. Another thing that I felt the officiating did a great job with. Sometimes it seems like a flag should be thrown, but when you look back it was clean. It’s very clear they do need to learn to wrap up better especially as they tired down the stretch. Certain things to pull away from this game. 1. The referees and Mike Pereira were absolutely awesome yesterday. I think they continue to miss some offensive holding calls. My feeling is that is done purposefully to allow for more offense. I think they just need to better understand when it has gone on too long and maybe reach out to each team to remind them what they will and won’t accept. Overall though they were great. On one play you could see Paris Ford want to go talk to an offensive player and this ref just pulled him away from the play, saved the Generals a penalty and set the tone as to how this game was to be played. I think it was a warning and a warning that was needed. The refs literally controlled the game and it was one of the best games of the season. In many ways it could have passed for an NFL game, with better officiating. I think Corey Coleman was much better than his numbers indicate which is amazing, because he had pretty good numbers. Just when you thought he exhausted his moves and the Generals would go in for tackle he used the 1 or 2 he had left up his sleeve. Excellent game for De’andre Johnson. He helped lead the team throughout most of the game. Just as he did all season, he hit the big play when it was there and he ran at the right times. He also did a better job of completing intermediate passes in the middle of the field. To be honest without his efforts, game the Generals don’t win. So be happy with that and build off it De’andre. This is what I have been saying about Johnson all year. He played an excellent game, maybe the most complete game he has played. Here is where Riley’s concern has come in. The Generals lost TOP again and the Stars ran 20% more plays than the Generals did. This is due to Johnson’s inability to read the defense and convert on 3rd down to keep the chains moving. In my mind this is why Mike Riley stuck with Lauletta as long as he did, because this is tantamount in playing a ball control game. Towards the end of that game Johnson had some opportunities to put the game away, but did not and gave the ball back to the Stars literally giving them opportunity after opportunity. That stated you can see that he has something to build from and as great as his numbers were last year, he is a better leader this year. I continue to love to watch him grow. I still feel Dakota Prukop has lots of upside. I hope, for him, he realizes he has loads of talent that he needs to see where it takes him even though he will be 30 next year. The stage is set for what happens next week. May it be a great week!I hope you are watching!