{"id":60729,"date":"2019-03-09T16:54:03","date_gmt":"2019-03-09T21:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=60729"},"modified":"2019-03-09T17:08:21","modified_gmt":"2019-03-09T22:08:21","slug":"birmingham-iron-keith-price-is-right-but-too-late-to-stop-orlando-apollos-aaf-week-five-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/03\/09\/birmingham-iron-keith-price-is-right-but-too-late-to-stop-orlando-apollos-aaf-week-five-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Keith Price is Right, But Too Late to Stop Orlando Apollos: AAF Week Five Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Orlando Apollos remain undefeated despite the best efforts of the Birmingham\u00a0Iron and new quarterback Keith Price<\/strong>. Price entered the game midway through the first half and gave the Iron some much-needed momentum to close an early 17-point deficit. However, at the end of the day, the powerful wave of the Orlando Apollos offense was too much to contain. Garrett Gilbert<\/a><\/strong> was his usual efficient self and De\u2019Veon Smith<\/strong> steamrolled over Birmingham’s stout defense. With the 31-14 win, the Orlando Apollos advance to 5-0 while the Iron drop to 3-2.<\/p>\n

AAF Week Five Recap: Birmingham Iron\u2019 Keith Price Not Enough to Stop Orlando Apollos<\/h1>\n

This game was billed as the best offense in the league facing off against the best defense, but early on this was nothing but a blowout. Gilbert and the offense methodically strolled down the field on the opening possession, cumulating in a 21-yard touchdown pass to Scott Orndoff<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Birmingham couldn\u2019t answer with Luis Perez <\/strong>under center. The embattled starting quarterback had a rough day, completing just three of his seven pass attempts for four yards. The self-trained quarterback struggled to read pressure and closed out his night by throwing a pick-six to Keith Reiser<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Once seen as one of the more promising quarterbacks in the league, Perez was benched for backup quarterback Keith Price. Facing an early 17-0 deficit, Price finally got the Iron on the board before halftime. While Trent Richardson<\/a><\/strong> punched the ball into the endzone, Price completed the two-point conversion on a beautiful throw to Quinton Patton<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Birmingham\u2019s two-point conversion fell short, and Orlando got the ball back with 1:35 left before halftime. Gilbert carried the team down into the redzone, looking to add another touchdown before halftime. While Orlando couldn\u2019t make it into the endzone, Elliot Fry<\/strong> connected to give the Apollos a 20-8 lead entering halftime.<\/p>\n

Second Half<\/h2>\n

After both teams exchanged punts to start the second half, Birmingham got back on the board. Efficiently and methodically driving down the field, Price capped off the drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Ross<\/strong>. This touchdown was Birmingham\u2019s first touchdown pass of the entire season, making it a 20-14 game and putting some serious pressure on Orlando.<\/p>\n

However, the Apollos offense simply couldn\u2019t be stopped. De\u2019Veon Smith was a monster on the ground, breaking multiple tackles and showcasing his unique blend of size and speed. Gilbert, meanwhile, but on a clinic through the air, throwing another touchdown and a two-point conversion. In a blink of an eye, Orlando held a 31-14 lead and essentially eliminated any chance of a Birmingham comeback.<\/p>\n

Gilbert finished his night with 286 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two separate two-point conversions. Price, meanwhile, accounted for an efficient\u00a0235 passing yards, one touchdown, and one two-point conversion. De’Veon Smith led the way on the ground, recording 119 yards on just 14 carries. Orlando held Trent Richardson to just 21 yards, although he did have a touchdown run.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>