Houston Gamblers edge Birmingham Stallions 22-20 in thriller

Gamblers secure first win of the season with last-second field goal

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:57am

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In a nail-biting contest, the Houston Gamblers (1-1) secured their first win of the season by defeating the Birmingham Stallions (1-1) 22-20 on Saturday night. The game showcased a dramatic back-and-forth battle, with both teams displaying resilience and determination.

Why it matters

The United Football League (UFL) is a new professional American football league that launched in 2025, providing an alternative pathway for players and coaches to showcase their talents. This close matchup between the Gamblers and Stallions highlights the competitive nature of the league and the excitement it is generating among fans.

The details

The Gamblers struggled in the red zone in the first half, settling for two field goals, while the Stallions took a 7-6 lead into halftime after a late touchdown drive. Birmingham extended their lead to 14-6 in the third quarter, but Houston fought back with a touchdown and another field goal to take a 19-14 advantage. The Stallions regained the lead 20-19 late in the fourth quarter, but the Gamblers drove down the field and made a 50-yard field goal as time expired to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Houston took the lead 19-14 in the fourth quarter.
  • Birmingham regained the lead 20-19 with under 2 minutes remaining.
  • Houston drove down the field and made a 50-yard field goal as time expired to win 22-20.

The players

Jordan Henderson

The quarterback for the Houston Gamblers, who threw for 186 yards and led the game-winning drive.

Matt Corral

The quarterback for the Birmingham Stallions, who threw for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns but was hampered by 2 interceptions.

Jalen White

The running back for the Houston Gamblers, who rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Anthony McFarland

The running back for the Birmingham Stallions, who had a 21-yard run to set up a touchdown.

John Hoyland

The kicker for the Houston Gamblers, who made 3 field goals, including the game-winning 50-yarder as time expired.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a battle, but our guys kept fighting until the end. I'm proud of the way we responded in the second half and found a way to win.”

— Lovie Smith, Head Coach, Houston Gamblers

“It's a tough loss, but we had our chances. We'll go back, watch the film, and get ready for next week. This league is competitive, and we have to be at our best every game.”

— Skip Holtz, Head Coach, Birmingham Stallions

What’s next

The Gamblers will head to Washington, DC next Saturday to take on the DC Defenders, while the Stallions will host the Las Vegas Vipers.

The takeaway

This thrilling matchup between the Gamblers and Stallions showcases the competitive nature of the new United Football League. Both teams displayed resilience and the ability to make plays when it mattered most, providing an exciting glimpse into the future of professional football.