Stars Grind Out 20-17 Win Over Ace Behind Bryant’s Two Touchdowns

The Philadelphia Stars improved to 2-1 with a hard-fought 20-17 victory over the winless Las Vegas Ace at Sam Boyd Stadium, riding a dominant ground game and timely defensive stops to secure the win. MVP Kelvin Bryant powered the offense with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial 9-yard score late in the second quarter that gave Philadelphia a 17-7 lead. The Stars controlled the clock for over 37 minutes, rushing for 215 yards behind Bryant and J.L. Williams (101 yards), while quarterback Chuck Fusina efficiently managed the game with 18 completions on 21 attempts for 178 yards.

Las Vegas struggled to find consistency against Philadelphia’s stout defense, with quarterback Cunningham throwing two interceptions and being sacked three times despite passing for 223 yards and a late touchdown. The Ace’s rushing attack showed flashes, with Cunningham (60 yards) and Byron Brown (43 yards, 1 TD) breaking off big gains, but three turnovers and a critical fourth-quarter fumble deep in Stars territory proved costly. Philadelphia’s defense, led by Sam Mills (8 tackles, 1 INT) and Jay Norvell (7 tackles), clamped down in key moments, holding Las Vegas to just 3-of-7 on third down conversions.

The win keeps Philadelphia in the hunt in the competitive Atlantic Division, showcasing their trademark ball-control offense and opportunistic defense. For Las Vegas (0-3), the close loss extends a frustrating start to the season, though Cunningham’s late 2-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Smith provided a glimmer of hope. The Stars will look to build on this performance with Bryant emerging as a workhorse back, while the Ace must address their turnover issues to break into the win column. Philadelphia’s ability to sustain long drives (converting 11-of-16 third downs) and win the time of possession battle by nearly 15 minutes proved the difference in the desert heat.