The Columbus Aviators (2-6) are a long shot to make the United Football League playoffs after dropping an away game to the Birmingham Stallions 14-3 on May 17.
In front of a quiet crowd that the league announced as 4,824 fans, the Aviators outgained the Stallions 188 yards to 144, but failed to find the end zone.
The Stallions sacked Aviators quarterback Jalan McClendon five times and totaled 10 tackles for loss.
Though leading the league in completion percentage, McClendon threw two interceptions, including a pick with the ball at the opposing 18-yard line on third down-and-short in the first quarter.
Entering the week with the most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, the Aviators had 61 rushing yards against the Stallions, their lowest total in a game this season.
After recently acquired Aviators kicker Jonah Dalmas opened up scoring with a 48-yard kick in the first quarter, the team trusted him to make a 55-yard attempt down 7-3 in the fourth quarter. The kick was blocked and returned for a 62-yard touchdown by Steven Gilmore, the younger brother of NFL All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
The Aviators sit at the bottom of the UFL standings and will be eliminated from playoff contention with another loss or once another team reaches five wins.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Aviators lose grip on playoff chances after loss to Stallions
Reporting by Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
