USFL News: Philadelphia Clinches Playoff Berth

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The Philadelphia Stars clinched a playoff spot with their 46-24 win over the Michigan Panthers yesterday. Quarterback Case Cookus out of Northern Arizona started because Bart Scott is out indefinitely. After college, Cookus bounce around a few NFL practice squads and even a CFL team before ultimately being drafted in the 12th round of the USFL darft by the Stars. Having played in seven games and started five, he has shown some promise. Paxton Lynch returned from a lower leg injury after missing five games. The former first-round quarterback looked to keep his team alive in the USFL playoff race even though they have very slim chances.

The first quarter was dominated by the Stars as Cookus completed three of his four passes on the opening drive and a passing touchdown to running back Matt Colburn II. The next drive would go just three plays as Lynch would be intercepted by Safety Ladarius Wiley. Nine plays later, Colburn would add another touchdown as he scored on a one-yard run.

At the start of the second, the Panthers would respond with a touchdown of their own. In what would be the longest drive of the game, Lynch would score a rushing touchdown himself. Cookus would throw another TD pass, this time to former Southern Oregon wide receiver Jordan Suell. The Panthers would finish the half with a field goal and another touchdown plus a two-point conversion only being down by three at the half.

The third quarter started off slow. The Stars were able to get a field goal increasing their lead 24-18. A second pick was made by the leader in interceptions, cornerback Channing Stribling. This would bring his total to six on the season, eyeing if he can get to double digits. The Stars turned that turnover into six points with a Cookus touchdown pass. On their final two drives, Cookus would throw two more touchdown passes having four total on the day. He would finish 20-26, 247 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and a QBR of 145.4. On the ground, he recorded 118 rushing yards on just four attempts and a spectacular 79-yard rushing touchdown. Lynch would score another touchdown late in the fourth but the game was already over at this point.

The Stars clinch a playoff spot and have earned a trip to Canton, Ohio while the Panthers are officially out of the USFL playoff race as they have been eliminated. The Stars remaining schedule is playing the Maulers and Generals for their last two games.