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AAF Recap: San Diego Fleet, Mike Bercovici Pull Out Nail Biter

A back and forth game ends in a game-winning field goal by the San Diego Fleet as they defeat the Salt Lake Stallions in a barn-burner.
Mike Bercovici

This was easily one of the best games of the season. Back and forth action all game and it came down to the wire. A big throw from San Diego Fleet quarterback Mike Bercovici late help set up kicker Donny Hageman for the game-winning field goal. The Fleet nearly blew the game, after taking control of it midway through the third and having chances to end the game. In the end, the Fleet pulled out a nail niter, 27-25.

San Diego Fleet Escape With Narrow Victory

First Half

Both quarterbacks came to play in this matchup. A surprising performance from Bercovici was the story of the first half. Bercovici carved up the Stallions secondary for 199 yards, completing 16 of 27 passes. Those 16 completions were spread across eight different receivers. This is already Bercovici’s best showing as a starter for the Fleet. However, the Fleet could only muster up two field goals, despite driving down to the red zone three times. A missed field goal ended their first drive of the game.

While Bercovici’s performance was the story of the first half, the Stallions put together several strong drives. However, two Josh Woodrum interceptions in the red zone prevented points being scored for the Stallions. The Stallions had chances to go up at least two scores. On their second drive of the game, the Stallions punched it from three yards out with Joel Bouagnon.

At the half, the Stallions owned a narrow 8-6 lead over the Fleet. Both teams netted over 200 yards of offense, with San Diego having the slight edge.

Second Half

In the second half, Stallions star defensive end Karter Schult made his presence known. Schult sacked Bercovici on the Fleet first drive of the second half, and a tackle for loss and quarterback pressure help the Stallions force two straight three and outs.

While the Fleet offense faltered, the Fleet defense bailed the offense out with a third forced turnover. After an early Stallions field goal to put them up by five, Stallions running back Terrell Newby fumbled, and Fleet defensive back Jordan Martin picked it up and ran 41 yards for the score, putting the Fleet up 12-11.

Stallions backup quarterback Austin Allen entered the game in favor of Woodrum. A few plays later, he was stripped sacked by Damontre Moore. The following play, Bercovici found his tight end Ben Johnson for an 18-yard score. The Fleet would enter the fourth quarter with a 18-11 lead.

Woodrum would re-enter the game and throw his third interception, this time a pick-six by cornerback Kameron Kelly. The Stallions would respond with five minutes left in the fourth, cutting the Fleet lead to 24-17.

Down to the Wire

The Stallions would get a final possession with a little over two minutes left. With 51 seconds remaining, Woodrum would throw the go-ahead six-yard touchdown to tight end Nick Truesdell. On the ensuing two-point conversion, Woodrum would scramble around and find receiver Kenny Bell in the left corner of the end zone, giving the Stallions a 25-24 lead.

But the Fleet would respond. A 45-yard bomb from Bercovici to receiver Dontez Ford set up the game-winning field goal for the Fleet. Kicker Donny Hageman knocked in a 44-yard field goal to win the game for the Fleet, 27-25, in a thriller.

Takeaways

There is no way the Stallions should have been in this game. Salt Lake gave the ball away five times and was lucky to still have a chance to win the game. The Fleet going forward will need to be better about closing out games against better competition.

The Fleet should feel good about the performance of Bercovici. Bercovici finished the game 22/43 with 304 yards and a touchdown as well as an interception. Bercovici coming in and performing the way he did shows his mental fortitude to come back and ball out. The Fleet proved they are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, no matter who is under center.

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Devin Jackson

Devin Jackson

My name is Devin Jackson, and I will be writing about my favorite NFL team, the New Orleans Saints. I am an aspiring sports reporter and look to use LWOS as a platform to practice and grow my connections. Do not hesitate to contact me via Twitter, @RealD_Jackson.

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