XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: Mammoths Make Loud Statement in Orlando

March 6, 2006

Tampa, FL - The crowd was smaller, but no less appreciative of the show. The Omaha Mammoths beat the Orlando Rage 26-14 on Saturday night before an announced crowd of 25,049, down nearly 11,500 from the first week 1 at the Citrus Bowl. QB Brad Banks completed 22 of 32 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown to pace Omaha(2-0). QB Joe Hamilton was 15/29 for 230 yards and a touchdown for Orlando(1-1), which hurt itself with 13 penalties, a fumble and an end-zone interception. The play was ragged, with 20 penalties assessed against the teams, and there were long stretches of the game that the teams seemed to lose the crowd until loud music and the Rage’s scantily clad cheerleaders brought fans to their feet during timeouts. Orlando drove 90 yards on its first possession to score on Hamilton’s 3-yard pass to TE Lawrence Hart, then gained only 54 yards the rest of the opening half while falling behind 19-7. Banks threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to WR Sean Morey. Rage RB Onterrio Smith scored on a 20-yard catch and run before Omaha broke the game open with two TD runs by RB Rashaan Salaam.

-- (1-0)Rage 14 - 26 Mammoths(1-0)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 15/29 230 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 18 carries, 73 yards, 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 68 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 22/32 257 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 18 carries, 100 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bergeron - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR Hatchette - 4 catches, 67 yards

-- (1-0)Commanders 34 - 23 Sea Devils(0-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 25/35 220 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Griffin - 17 carries, 57 yards, RB Miree - 5 carries, 12 yards, 2 TDs, WR Woods - 8 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB Huard - 18/30 206 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 7 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Desperados 30 - 24 Aztecs(1-0)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 26/38 251 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smart - 15 carries, 134 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 5 catches, 84 yards, WR Sippio - 8 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs
(MEX): QB Gray - 18/31 180 yards, 1 INT, 10 carries, 106 yards, 3 TDs, RB Croom - 10 carries, 34 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 120 yards

XFL Week 2: Ghosts Beat Valor

March 7, 2006

Washington, DC - In the end, Columbus Ghosts head coach Marc Trestman got what he wanted, a win, as his team recorded a 14-point victory over the Washington Valor. But it was the way it happened that Trestman would have never envisioned as four turnovers and three defensive stops had the Ghosts and Valor tied up at 0-0 through the first 40 minutes of the game. "Both teams got off to horrendous starts. Fortunately we snapped out of it," said Trestman.

The Ghosts were the benefactors of eight Washington fumbles, including six mishandled snaps between Valor centers and back-up QB Dave Ragone. Columbus recovered four of those fumbles and converted a fifth into a safety. But things also did not start smoothly for the Ghosts. QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq was just one for six on his first three possessions, with a pair of interceptions. Still a fumble, a blocked kick and a defensive stand inside the red zone left the game scoreless until Columbus' Matt Bryant booted a 29-yard field goal at the 4:37 mark of the third quarter to make it a 3-0 game.

"I said it last week and I'll say it again, I'm most encouraged from the fact that we are no where near peaking as a team. I sort of have empty feeling because we struggled so bad early in the game," Trestman said. "Obviously it was a different game because Shaun Hill could not go for them, but overall I was proud of our defense and proud of the way we settled down and started making plays on offense."

-- (0-1)Ghosts 11 - 0 Valor(0-0)
(COL): QB Abdul-Khaliq - 19/26 192 yards, 2 INTs, RB Clarett - 31 carries, 132 yards, WR Rambo - 4 catches, 63 yards
(DC): QB Ragone - 17/32 177 yards, 2 INTs, RB Avery - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Simon - 2 catches, 51 yards

-- (0-0)Express 31 - 38 Enforcers(0-1)
(MEM): QB Martin - 26/35 299 yards, 3 TDs, RB Canidate - 21 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 70 yards, WR Calico - 6 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 20/30 210 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 23 carries, 120 yards, 3 TDs, WR Martin - 4 catches, 98 yards, WR Streets - 4 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Mountain Lions Shut Down Road Warriors

March 8, 2006

Sacramento, CA - Despite Mountain Lions' QB JT O'Sullivan going down with an injury on the team's first drive of the game, Sacramento dominated on defense against the Greenwich Road Warriors and went on to their first victory of the season, 27-13, in front of 15,732 fans. O'Sullivan dislocated his left index finger (throwing hand) after being hit by Road Warriors DL Nathan Davis. O'Sullivan injured his finger trying to brace his fall after the hit. Backup QB Casey Bramlet filled in admirably completing 17-of-29 for 147 yards and three touchdown passes. Bramlet made his presence felt quickly by throwing an 18-yard touchdown strike to WR Aaron Boone on his first-ever play as a member of the Mountain Lions.

The defensive focus of head coach Dennis Erickson proved again to be rewarding. An interception by DB Than Merrill in the last minute of play secured the victory. The third quarter was highlighted with a fumble recovery for a touchdown by LB Joe Odom following an DL Felipe Claybrooks hit on Road Warriors QB Rohan Davey. On the afternoon, the Mountain Lions sacked Davey six times and put constant pressure on him the entire game.

-- (0-1)Road Warriors 20 - 35 Mountain Lions(0-1)
(XFL): QB Davey - 12/25 156 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 16 carries, 74 yards, 1 catch, 57 yards, WR Bellamy - 3 catches, 41 yards
(SAC): QB Bramlet - 17/29 147 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Fuamatu-Mu'afala - 10 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 7 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Edwards - 5 catches, 61 yards

Mammoths Trades Morey For Weathersby

March 9, 2006

Omaha, NE - The Omaha Mammoths announced it has traded WR Sean Morey to the Seattle Sea Devils in exchange for DB Dennis Weathersby.

"We felt we needed to get some more size in our defensive backfield," said Omaha head coach Frank Solich. "Dennis is a big, physical DB with good ball skills. He has been on our radar for a few years and we were impressed with him when we had a chance to see him in person during our preseason scrimmage in Seattle. Unfortunately, to get someone you want you have to give up a good player, and while we hate to lose Sean, we felt this was a move we needed to make."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: Backup Wynn Does it Again for New York

March 13, 2006

Memphis, TN - New York Guardians veteran backup QB Spergon Wynn threw a last minute touchdown pass to fellow veteran TE Marcus Hinton as the New York Guardians beat the Memphis Express 13-12 in the XFL on Saturday night. Wynn connected with Hinton on a pass of 24 yards as New York overcame a 12-0 halftime deficit. The Express had a chance to go win it, but QB Tee Martin's fourth-down pass was dropped by usually reliable WR Andy McCullough at the New York 31 with less than a minute to play. Wynn was only 7 of 13 for 119 yards.

For the second consecutive game, the Memphis Steel found a unique way to lose, failing to reach the end zone and turning the ball over at key times was the trick in this one. Memphis couldn't score a touchdown despite spending a majority of the game in New York territory. New York’s first touchdown was set up by a RB Darnell Autry fumble that gave the Guardians the ball at the Memphis 25. The drive was also helped by a pass interference call.

-- (1-0)Guardians 13 - 12 Express(0-1)
(NY): QB Wynn - 7/13 119 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 17 carries, 111 yards, 1 TD, TE Hinton - 4 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Martin - 21/35 244 yards, RB Canidate - 25 carries, 121 yards, WR Calico - 6 catches, 93 yards, WR Berlin - 5 catches, 78 yards

-- (0-2)Sea Devils 17 - 21 Ghosts(1-1)
(SEA): QB Huard - 27/42 229 yards, 1 TD, RB Simonton - 12 carries, 131 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 10 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 6 catches, 53 yards
(COL): QB Germaine - 26/38 258 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 19 carries, 90 yards, WR Broussard - 8 catches, 86 yards, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 87 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 3: Bandits Edge Road Warriors

March 14, 2006

Tampa, FL - Tampa watched its 21-point lead get trimmed to seven in the fourth quarter, but LB Cameron Wake's interception return for a touchdown helped the Bandits pull away for a 38-24 victory. After entering halftime tied 10-10, the Bandits outscored the Road Warriors 21-0 in the third quarter and appeared to be cruising toward a third consecutive win. But the Road Warriors answered with two straight touchdowns to cut the lead to 31-24. Their second score came off a fumble by Bandits RB Leonard Henry.

With the Road Warriors driving again later in the quarter, the Bandits' defensive line pressured QB Rohan Davey into an ill-advised throw. Wake picked it off and ran in untouched for the game-preserving score. "If we want to get to where we want to go we've got to do the little things, finish out games and not make it close in this hostile environment," Bandits head coach Steve Spurrier said. "Because they damn near came back on us."

-- (0-2)Road Warriors 24 - 38 Bandits(1-0)
(XFL): QB Davey - 19/37 207 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 10 carries, 29 yards, WR Bellamy - 10 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Jennings - 7 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Boyd - 6 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB King - 25/36 284 yards, 3 TDs, RB Cobourne - 17 carries, 39 yards, WR Rubin - 5 catches, 63 yards, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 83 yards, WR Sam - 3 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Doering - 6 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Valor 31 - 18 Aztecs(1-1)
(DC): QB Hill - 17/29 196 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 18 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD, RB Redmond - 11 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 8 catches, 134 yards, WR Watts - 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Moreno - 19/31 185 yards, 2 TDs, RB Croom - 12 carries, 55 yards, WR Soward - 6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 7 catches, 74 yards

XFL Week 3: Dramatic win moves Mammoths to 3-0

March 15, 2006

San Antonio, TX - Omaha Mammoths' DB Jammal Lord made a touchdown saving pass breakup as time expired to hush the crowd of 36,200, propelling the Mammoths to a 27-23 win over the Commanders. A missed field goal gave the ball back to the Commanders and with the one minute remaining, QB Michael Bishop made a last ditch effort down the field. Two fourth down conversions helped move the ball to the three yard line, but they weren't able to convert on the third attempt as a Bishop's pass intended for WR Ahmad Merritt went incomplete. "It's unfortunate. The guys played really hard tonight," Commanders head coach Mike Riley said. "Things can change very, very quickly in this game. This was a pretty emotional game. We have to get it out of our system quickly and get ready for the next one."

"We are very disappointed. I had an opportunity on the last play to win and I didn't get it done," Bishop said afterwards. "That is what is in my head right now. We didn't win, first and foremost. It was a back and forth game. We didn't make the play at the end of the game to win it."

-- (1-1)Commanders 23 - 27 Mammoths(2-0)
(SA): QB Bishop - 25/43 260 yards, 1 TD, 4 carries, 36 yards, 2 TDs, RB Griffin - 8 carries, 40 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 98 yards, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 48 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/29 248 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 15 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 7 catches, 131 yards, WR Haygood - 7 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Enforcers 26 - 20 Mountain Lions(1-1)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 19/29 237 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 27 carries, 117 yards, WR Martin - 6 catches, 133 yards, WR Streets - 4 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 21/28 243 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 8 carries, 48 yards, WR Mitchell - 9 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Edwards - 7 catches, 50 yards, TE Johnson - 6 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Desperados 20 - 16 Stars(0-1)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 20/34 263 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smart - 18 carries, 85 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 4 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Dinwiddie - 17/26 207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cloud - 15 carries, 44 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 74 yards, WR Stokes - 2 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Steel Run Over Rage

March 16, 2006

Orlando, FL - Birmingham Steel RBs Curtis Keaton and Shaud Williams each scored a pair of rushing touchdowns as the Steel pounded the rage on the ground in posting a dominant 31-20 victory. Birmingham's defense stepped up again forcing a pair of interceptions, a missed field and stopping the Rage twice on downs.

-- (1-0)Steel 31 - 20 Rage(1-1)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 18/25 140 yards, RB Keaton - 10 carries, 91 yards, 2 TDs, RB Williams - 16 carries, 84 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 7 catches, 85 yards
(ORL): QB Kingsbury - 15/26 215 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 24 carries, 128 yards, 2 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 6 catches, 116 yards

[BengalErnst]

Jim Tressel To Appear At Ghosts Game

March 18, 2006

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Ghosts invite football fans to meet Ohio State University Head Football Coach Jim Tressel when the Ghosts face the New York Guardians when Coach Tressel will conduct a chalk talk for all fans who arrive early along with five members of his 2002 National Championship team - safety Will Allen, defensive tackle Tim Anderson, punter Andy Groom, safety Donnie Nickey and defensive tackle Kenny Peterson.


XFL Week 4: Steel Fortifies Birmingham

March 20, 2006

Birmingham, AL - DL Reggie Grimes scored on a 48-yard fumble return as the Birmingham Steel improved to 3-0 with a 45-14 victory over Los Angeles on Saturday night. Grimes scooped up Stars QB Ryan Dinwiddie’s fumble and raced into the end zone to give Birmingham a 22-8 lead in the second quarter. “I saw the end zone and nobody around me, but I’m not so sure that I could have gone another 20 yards,” Grimes said. “I might have started looking for a defensive back to pitch it to.” Birmingham opened the scoring early in the first quarter on QB Quincy Carter’s 12-yard TD pass to WR Trevor Insley. After Grimes made it 22-8, K Lawrence Tynes added a 42-yard field goal on the final play of the half.

Birmingham scored again early in the fourth quarter, with RB Curtis Keaton finishing off a 76-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown. Keaton had 53 yards on the drive on six runs and a catch. Dinwiddie threw a 36-yard TD pass to WR Todd Doxzon for the Stars, but WR Freddie Milons returned an onside kick 42 yards for the final score of the game. “Our defense really stepped it up,” Steel coach Gerry DiNardo said. “We didn’t give up a big play until the very end. Whenever you make a team go the entire length of the field in little chunks, it becomes harder to score.” Carter completed 8 of 17 passes for 148 yards and no interceptions. Dinwiddie was 26-of-48 for 235 yards but had two crucial interceptions, surrendered a critical fumble and was sacked four times.

-- (2-0)Steel 45 - 14 Stars(0-2)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 8/17 148 yards, 1 TD, 6 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 17 carries, 93 yards, RB Keaton - 9 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 3 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD, WR Insley - 1 catch, 41 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Dinwiddie - 21/43 235 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 11 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 4 catches, 137 yards, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 59 yards

XFL Week 4: Valor Top Desperados in Overtime

March 21, 2006

Dallas, TX - WR Darius Watts hauled in a QB Shaun Hill pass in the back of the end zone for a two-point conversion 7:53 into overtime that gave the Washington Valor a 25-24 win over the Dallas Desperados. The winning points were scored just one play after Hill hit Simon in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown on a fourth down play that, if not completed, would have given the Desperados the improbable win. Dallas' strong defense stepped up, however, forcing the Valor to settle for a long field goal attempt that missed and gave the Desperados one last shot with 114 ticks on the clock. Stoerner's first long pass went incomplete into the stands. But on the last play of regulation, he hit WR MarTay Jenkins over the middle and Jenkins turned and handed the ball off to Bobby Sippio who streaked the rest of the way for the touchdown. The play went for 65 yards and the subsequent PAT tied the game and sent it into overtime.

-- (1-1)Valor 25 - 24 Desperados(2-1)
(DC): QB Hill - 10/17 183 yards, 2 TDs, RB Avery - 12 carries, 51 yards, WR Simon - 4 catches, 119 yards, 2 TDs
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 23/36 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smart - 12 carries, 119 yards, RB Hambrick - 15 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD, WR Jenkins - 5 catches, 44 yards

-- (2-0)Guardians 14 - 27 Ghosts(2-1)
(NY): QB Wynn - 15/33 189 yards, 1 INT, RB Edwards - 14 carries, 36 yards, 2 TDs, WR Smith - 5 catches, 48 yards, WR Green - 4 catches, 57 yards
(COL): QB Germaine - 21/28 284 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 23 carries, 129 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 120 yards, WR Germany - 5 catches, 75 yards

-- (1-2)Commanders 27 - 22 Enforcers(2-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 19/32 198 yards, 2 TDs, 11 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, RB Carter - 19 carries, 53 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 23/34 216 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 18 carries, 77 yards, RB Payton - 13 carries, 62 yards, WR Martin - 15 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs, WR Terrell - 3 catches, 48 yards

-- (0-3)Road Warriors 27 - 23 Mountain Lions(1-2)
(XFL): QB Davey - 20/30 223 yards, 2 TDs, RB Denson - 18 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 74 yards, TE Fletcher - 6 catches, 56 yards, 2 TDs
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 22/27 219 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 13 carries, 33 yards, WR Mitchell - 8 catches, 87 yards, TE Johnson - 6 catches, 111 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 4: Aztecs Lose Third Straight

March 23, 2006

Mexico City, MEXICO - For the third-consecutive week the Mexico City Aztecs went down in defeat, but unlike their past two battles, their offense was the weak link as they made mistake after mistake. The story of the Aztecs' young season could be summed up by the first play of the fourth quarter. On a fourth-and-three at midfield while facing a 16 point deficit, QB Quinn Gray threw for WR RJ Soward, who was wide open in the end zone after burning by his defender. As Soward extended for the apparent touchdown, the ball went threw his hands. "I shouldn't have dropped that ball," Soward said. "I don't usually do things like that."

Memphis capitalized on the stop, converting their third-straight offensive score, a 24-yard touchdown strike to WR Andy McCullough that helped put Memphis up, 28-6 with 13 minutes left. It was the Express' final points and enough to seal the deal. "I look at our team and we have some blood under our nails," said Aztecs head coach Bruce Coslet. "We are still out there fighting."

-- (0-2)Express 28 - 13 Aztecs(1-2)
(MEM): QB Quinn - 26/34 291 yards, 3 TDs, RB Canidate - 30 carries, 141 yards, WR White - 8 catches, 131 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Gray - 25/43 207 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Croom - 20 carries, 68 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 137 yards

-- (3-0)Mammoths 38 - 27 Bandits(2-0)
(OMA): QB Banks - 24/34 226 yards, 3 TDs, RB Salaam - 30 carries, 113 yards, RB Mackovicka - 2 carries, 6 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bergeron - 8 catches, 67 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hatchette - 3 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB King - 17/35 299 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cobourne - 15 carries, 137 yards, 2 TDs, WR Rubin - 5 catches, 138 yards, WR Sam - 3 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD

Ottawa Renegades Leaving the CFL for the XFL

March 24, 2006

Ottawa, ONTARIO, CANADA - Ottawa Renegades owner Bernie Glieberman along with Gleiberman Sports & Entertainment LLC has decided to move their Ottawa Canadian Football League franchise to the XFL. With the team losing $3.8 million in 2005, and the possibility of losing an additional $2.3 million to $5.8 million in 2006, the organization requested $5M in financial assistance from the CFL, which the league was not willing to provide. The CFL previously took over operations of the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2003, and on March 9, 2006, the CFL's board of governors decided against doing the same for the Renegades, instead choosing to look for a new owner. The CFL will play the 2006 season with eleven teams, while the Glieberman Ottawa franchise will be joining the XFL for the 2006 season under a new name, as the CFL owns "Ottawa Renegades."

CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon stated "several parties have expressed interest regarding a franchise for Ottawa, and we have decided to concentrate efforts on these new opportunities. The CFL remains committed to the City of Ottawa, and we remain determined to return a franchise to the nation’s capital only at a time and under circumstances that will ensure strength and stability in the long run".

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5: Redman leads the Guardians past the Sea Devils

March 27, 2006

Seattle, WA - RBs James Jackson and Robert Edwards, each, ran for two touchdowns and QB Chris Redman threw for 245 yards as the New York Guardians beat the Seattle Sea Devils 39-24 on Saturday night. The teams had difficulty consistently moving the ball in a steady rain, but Redman led New York to three quick touchdowns in the first half. Redman moved the Guardians’ offense efficiently in his first start. He threw for 139 yards and that set up three different running scores from the 1. WR Yatil Green also caught 6 passes for 110 yards in the game. The last Edwards touchdown on a 3-yard run early in the third quarter gave New York a 27-3 lead. Seattle lost its fourth straight as QB Akili Smith completed 30 for 45 passes for 234 yards but he also fumbled once and threw two interceptions.

-- (2-1)Guardians 39 - 24 Sea Devils(0-3)
(NY): QB Redman - 19/24 245 yards, RB Edwards - 15 carries, 31 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 13 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs, WR Green - 6 catches, 110 yards, WR Smith - 4 catches, 51 yards
(SEA): QB Smith - 30/45 234 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 20 carries, 38 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 51 yards, TE Ricks - 4 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD, WR Culver - 4 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5: Bergeron Does it All

March 28, 2006

Omaha, NE - Omaha Mammoths WR Troy Bergeon put on a dominating effort. The wide receiver scored four touchdowns in a variety of ways. His one-yard end around was the game's first score and his kick return off the second half kickoff opened scoring in the third quarter. He added two more touchdowns off five receptions and 82 yards. He attributed his successful performance to his teammates. "I just want to help our team to win any way we can," Bergeron said. "Offensively, I give all the credit to our guys on the offensive and defensive line. They are the ones who won the game for us."

-- (2-2)Enforcers 20 - 28 Mammoths(4-0)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 22/34 285 yards, 2 TDs, RB Payton - 11 carries, 64 yards, WR Terrell - 6 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 6 catches, 112 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 18/29 233 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 14 carries, 72 yards, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 70 yards, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-1)Valor 26 - 19 Steel(3-0)
(DC): QB Hill - 20/25 271 yards, 2 TDs, RB Redmond - 11 carries, 30 yards, WR Simon - 8 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD, WR Gessner - 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Carter - 20/26 211 yards, 1 TD, RB Keaton - 11 carries, 43 yards, WR Lucas - 8 catches, 94 yards, WR Insley - 3 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Express 10 - 21 Commanders(2-2)
(MEM): QB Martin - 15/30 173 yards, RB Canidate - 20 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 15/30 155 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 10 carries, 81 yards, 2 TDs, RB Carter - 10 carries, 20 yards, WR Woods - 4 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 56 yards

XFL Week 5: Stars Snap Losing Streak

March 29, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Stars found their first win of the season in an unexpected defensive battle, 10-6, over the Orlando Rage in front of 21,206 fans. The win broke a three game losing streak for the Stars, which was the longest drought to start the season in franchise history. "We're still not where we should be," said Stars head coach Al Luginbill. "This is a good step in the right direction though. All week we were trying to stay focused and get our first win."

Stars DB Kris Richard finished with seven tackles and five pass breakups. Kris was also responsible for two key stops, intercepting a Joe Hamilton pass in the second quarter while the game was tied at 3 and breaking up a pass intended for Rage WR Andre King on a Rage fourth down while the Stars was trailing by three points with 7:28 to go in the contest. The Stars took advantage of the field position when QB Cade McNown ran in a seven-yard score to give Los Angeles a 10-6 lead. "We couldn't get a break offensively most of the game," said McNown. "Fortunately, our defense kept us in it. I have a lot of respect for them, to come in here and hold a team like that was a big accomplishment."

-- (1-2)Rage 6 - 10 Stars(0-3)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 18/30 156 yards, RB Smith - 16 carries, 64 yards, TE Hart - 4 catches, 76 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 16/32 141 yards, RB Cloud - 15 carries, 85 yards, WR Copeland - 9 catches, 85 yards, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 56 yards

-- (3-1)Ghosts 31 - 17 Road Warriors(1-3)
(COL): QB Germaine - 13/17 193 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 14 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD, RB Wells - 9 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 59 yards
(XFL): QB Davey - 14/30 137 yards, 2 INTs, RB Denson - 15 carries, 36 yards, WR Bellamy - 8 catches, 75 yards

XFL Week 5: Turnovers Prove Costly as Aztecs Fall to Bandits

March 30, 2006

Mexico City, MEXICO - In a sloppy contest that witnessed four turnovers by both teams, the Mexico City Aztecs, fell to the visiting Tampa Bay Bandits, 24-14. The Aztecs never lead in the contest, at halftime they were down 21-11, they did pull to within one score at the end of the third quarter, but Tampa's defense was too much. The crucial play of the game came when Mexico City's RB Larry Croom fumbled the ball on the Bandit's two yard line as the Aztecs were going in for a fourth quarter score.

-- (1-3)Aztecs 14 - 24 Bandits(2-1)
(MEX): QB Gray - 21/34 231 yards, 1 TD, RB Jackson - 11 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 8 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs, WR Soward - 5 catches, 86 yards
(TB): QB King - 13/21 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Cobourne - 26 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR Sam - 3 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 2 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 6: Sea Devils Finally Get One

April 3, 2006

Seattle, WA - The former Cincinnati Bengals QB Akili Smith put the finishing touches on his team’s victory with a 2-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter as the Seattle Sea Devils defeated the Mexico City Aztecs 20-12 in the XFL before 33,522 fans Sunday at Husky Stadium. RB Ken Simonton added a conversion run and watched as the Sea Devils recorded four sacks of the Aztecs’ QB Quinn Gray. The victory was the first for the Sea Devils, while the Aztecs fell to an even 3-3. Mexico City took a 6-0 lead after a 63-yard punt return by former Jacksonville Jaguar RJ Soward set up a 6 yard touchdown for TD Shad Meier with 12:31 left in the first quarter. On the next play from scrimmage, the Sea Devils used a trick play to take the lead, WR Dane Looker threw a 74-yard pass to a wide open WR Sean Morey. The Sea Devils went up 14-6 with 7:46 left in the second quarter on a 2-yard scoring pass from Smith to Looker. Mexico City closed to 14-12 with 11:24 remaining on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Gray to Meier for the second time, capping a 71-yard drive after the Sea Devils’ K Hayden Epstein missed a 37-yard field. Mexico City had just 212 yards of offense before the drive. Seattle put the game away on a 12-yard TD toss from Smith to TE Mikhael Ricks for his only catch of the game with 5:40 left.

-- (1-4)Aztecs 12 - 20 Sea Devils(0-4)
(MEX): QB Gray - 13/15 179 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 10 carries, 59 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 111 yards, WR Soward - 5 catches, 109 yards, TE Meier - 4 catches, 25 yards, 2 TDs
(SEA): QB Smith - 27/32 269 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 15 carries, 46 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 6 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD,

-- (1-4)Road Warriors 20 - 28 Guardians(3-1)
(XFL): QB Davey - 18/29 192 yards, 1 TD, RB Denson - 20 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Jennings - 4 catches, 59 yards, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 82 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 13/16 251 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 8 carries, 46 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 3 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Harrison the Man on Defense

April 4, 2006

Columbus, OH - Ghosts' LB James Harrison's unbelievable performance Sunday helped lead the Columbus Ghosts to its first-ever 5-1 start in front of nearly a full house. Harrison, who was 10th in the XFL in tackles going into the game, was the difference-maker in a steadily improving defense which has given up the fewest points in the league. In this last game Harrison started off by forcing a fumble on the Mountain Lions first possession. He then returned an interception 39 yards in the second quarter for a touchdown, giving the Ghosts a 15-0 cushion it never relinquished. Early in the second half, with the Ghosts up 22-3 and the Mountain Lions driving, Harrison again came up big, with a huge sack. In the fourth quarter and Sacramento again in the red zone, fellow LB Khalid Abdullah stripped the ball and Harrison corralled it in the end zone preventing yet another score. Harrison also was credited with a team-high four passes defended and team-high twelve tackles, to go with his interception, touchdown, sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery.

"James Harrison had a great performance out there today," Ghosts' head coach Marc Trestman said. "His big plays certainly gave our team the boost we needed. A coach would never tell a player they played a flawless game, but I tell you what, that was pretty darn close. James came up huge every time we needed a player to today."

After the game, with all of the television cameras and newspaper reporters in his face, Harrison continued his humble ways. "This game is about teamwork," Harrison said. "We are all working hard and doing our part to get better each week. We thank the fans for their great support today and we vow that we will always try our hardest to win. Today was a great day for the Ghosts franchise."

-- (1-3)Mountain Lions 10 - 25 Ghosts(4-1)
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 21/33 208 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 13 carries, 34 yards, WR Edwards - 6 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 21/32 165 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clarett - 22 carries, 126 yards, RB Wells - 13 carries, 132 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD, TE Blakely - 4 catches, 56 yards

-- (1-3)Express 27 - 23 Rage(1-3)
(MEM): QB Quinn - 19/24 246 yards, 1 TD, RB Canidate - 16 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Berlin - 5 catches, 77 yards, WR Calico - 6 catches, 59 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 69 yards
(ORL): QB Kingsbury - 13/27 165 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 20 carries, 98 yards, 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-1)Valor 27 - 21 Bandits(3-1)
(DC): QB Hill - 19/30 201 yards, 3 TDs, RB Avery - 14 carries, 76 yards, WR Gessner - 8 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs, WR Simon - 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB Crandell - 15/38 189 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cobourne - 15 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 57 yards, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 63 yards

XFL Week 6: Bishop's Feet Lead Commanders

April 5, 2006

Dallas, TX - San Antonio Commanders QB Michael Bishop had two second half touchdown runs to break open a one-point game at the half as the Commanders defeated the Dallas Desperados, 22-16 in front of 22,097 fans. The Commanders defense flexed their muscles on the opening drive of the second half, stopping the Desperados on four consecutive plays from within the 10-yard line, including two plays from the 1-yard line. The Commanders took over on downs and proceeded to march the length of the field as Bishop ran the ball in from the three yards out to give the Commanders a 16-10 lead. After the Commanders' defense posted their second consecutive defensive stop, the offense responded with their second consecutive Bishop touchdown run. An 11-yard touchdown run gave the Commanders a 22-10 lead in the opening minutes of the third quarter, a lead the Commanders would refuse to relinquish.

-- (2-2)Desperados 16 - 22 Commanders(3-2)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 18/30 208 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hambrick - 9 carries, 23 yards, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 78 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 22/30 212 yards, 1 TD, 10 carries, 28 yards, 2 TDs, RB Griffin - 17 carries, 56 yards, WR Woods - 3 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-1)Steel 18 - 13 Enforcers(3-2)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 12/14 250 yards, 2 TDs, RB Keaton - 11 carries, 69 yards, WR Lucas - 5 catches, 85 yards, WR Insley - 4 catches, 63 yards, 2 TDs
(CHI): QB Kittner - 22/40 265 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 11 carries, 64 yards, WR Martin - 9 catches, 176 yards, WR Terrell - 3 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Omaha Avoids Let Down

April 6, 2006

Omaha, NE - The Omaha Mammoths did just enough to prevent a letdown on Monday night. Despite a game full of penalties, dropped passes, fights and ejections, a crowd of 31,113 watched the Mammoths hold off the Los Angeles Stars, 17-14. The game was riddled with penalties and scuffles. The Stars and Mammoths combined for 18 penalties, along with the ejection of Mammoths' DL Cullen Jenkins for fighting in the fourth quarter. "You have to win some ugly, and that was about as ugly as it gets," Mammoths' head coach Frank Solich said. "It was just a sloppy game for us. I have to give credit to Los Angeles too. They got after us defensively and did a good job."

Omaha QB Brad Banks had possibly his most difficult game with the Mammoths. He completed 12 of 22 passes for 198 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Leading receiver Troy Bergeron dropped several passes throughout the game and didn't even record a reception until a 44-yard touchdown grab late in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles QB Cade McNown had problems fumbling and holding onto the ball, but still managed to throw for 208 yards and two touchdowns. The top-ranked Mammoths defense, however, had their say as well, causing four turnovers and registering seven sacks. "I think it was a terrible game all around offensively, from my play all the way down," Banks said. "We did not do a whole lot of good at all, but we still came out with a victory."

-- (1-3)Stars 14 - 17 Mammoths(5-0)
(LA): QB McNown - 19/32 208 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cloud - 19 carries, 57 yards, RB Smith - 11 carries, 43 yards, WR Copeland - 8 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 67 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 12/27 198 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Salaam - 14 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 3 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 67 yards

XFL Teams up with Children's Miracle Network

April 8, 2006

New York, NY - The XFL and Children's Miracle Network are teaming up to create even more awareness for the network of children's hospitals throughout the country. The XFL will air PSA's featuring XFL players starting this weekend. "Children's Miracle Network has been making a difference in communities across the nation for more than 20 years and we cannot be more proud to associate the XFL with a group of miracle workers such as this," said Commissioner Oliver Luck. "We're thrilled to raise awareness of the great work Children's Miracle Network is doing as they continue to save and improve the lives of children by raising funds for 170 children's hospitals across the country."

"The more I learn about the great people involved with the XFL, the more I look forward to the huge difference they will make in the lives of our kids," said Marie Osmond, co-founder of Children's Miracle Network. "As the only girl growing up in a family of eight boys, tackling became almost second-nature. I'm thrilled Children's Miracle Network is partnering with the XFL to help tackle the real-life medical trials of millions of kids."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 7: Tampa Defense Shuts Down Chicago

April 10, 2006

Tampa, FL - QB Shaun King led Tampa to 22 straight points, and the Bandits used a stingy defense to beat the Chicago Enforcers 34-12 Thursday night. The Tampa defense allowed just 139 passing yards in front of an announced crowd of 33,558. King passed for 367 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 19 of 25 passes. The Bandits created three turnovers, had seven quarterback sacks and immobilized Chicago after it tied the game at 12 with 9:06 left in the third quarter. Tampa went ahead for good when TE Erron Kinney caught a 10-yard pass from King with 5:26 left in the third quarter. Moments later, Chicago’s QB Kurt Kittner fumbled the ball away at the Bandits’ 22-yard line, and two plays later it was King once again, this time finding WR Triandos Luke for a 2-yard touchdown strike.

-- (3-3)Enforcers 12 - 34 Bandits(3-2)
(CHI): QB Kittner - 8/17 139 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 14 carries, 80 yards, WR Martin - 4 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB King - 19/25 367 yards, 2 TDs, 9 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, RB Cobourne - 20 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 126 yards, WR Sam - 4 catches, 61 yards, TE Kinney - 5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Sea Devils Impressive but Huard Injured

April 11, 2006

Seattle, WA - The Sea Devils put on a show for a crowd of 31,678 on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Road Warriors 45-15. The Sea Devils defense turned in their best effort of the year recording a season-high three interceptions, six sacks and also returning a missed field goal for a touchdown in the third quarter. The game wasn't all positive for the Sea Devils as they lost QB Brock Huard in the third quarter with a fractured tibia. Backup QB Akili Smith did an admirable job filling in, finishing the day 8-12 for 70 yards and one touchdown. "We came out a played like a team today," said Smith. "Everyone stepped up and played with their hearts on their sleeves. We're glad to send our fans home happy."

"We were opportunistic today," said Sea Devils head coach Rick Neuheisel. "We have to carry over our effort into next week and come out strong again. We need to build on this victory."

-- (1-5)Road Warriors 15 - 45 Sea Devils(1-4)
(XFL): QB Davey - 19/27 185 yards, RB Ferguson - 13 carries, 45 yards, WR Bellamy - 7 catches, 72 yards
(SEA): QB Huard - 17/25 166 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 24 carries, 108 yards, 2 TDs, WR Looker - 10 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-4)Stars 14 - 3 Desperados(2-3)
(LA): QB McNown - 24/31 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Cloud - 13 carries, 51 yards, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 67 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 17/34 180 yards, 2 INTs, RB Hambrick - 8 carries, 19 yards, WR Burks - 7 catches, 98 yards

-- (4-1)Steel 19 - 28 Commanders(4-2)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 23/39 280 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Keaton - 16 carries, 57 yards, WR Williams - 9 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 115 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 9/16 136 yards, 3 TDs, RB Carter - 17 carries, 89 yards, WR Woods - 4 catches, 55 yards, 2 TDs, WR Merritt - 3 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Protection Needed

April 12, 2006

Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento Mountain Lions lost their third consecutive home game, 31-23, in front of a crowd of 16,395 fans. The Mountain Lions started the fourth quarter down 30 points, but cut the lead down to eight with less than a minute in the game. The onside kick attempt was unsuccessful and denied the Mountain Lions their first home win of the season. "I saw positive things even though we lost the game," said WR Troy Edwards. "We had five turnovers and we were still in the game. That shows a lot for our character."

"On paper, it's a game of turnovers. Three fumbles lost and two interceptions, you don't win many games in this league, or any league," Sacramento head coach Dennis Erickson said. "The real root of the problem is up front. We are not protecting the quarterback and we are not getting pressure on their quarterback."

"We want to win here very much. We really appreciate our fans coming out to support us, more than anything," Sacramento QB JT O'Sullivan. "We want to win at home for these guys. We want to feel that we have the best home field in the league."

-- (1-5)Aztecs 31 - 23 Mountain Lions(1-4)
(MEX): QB Gray - 15/22 165 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 22 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD, RB Croom - 12 carries, 120 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 15/33 134 yards, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 7 carries, 21 yards, 1 TD, WR Edwards - 5 catches, 62 yards

-- (5-1)Ghosts 17 - 21 Guardians(4-1)
(COL): QB Germaine - 21/29 219 yards, 1 TD, RB Clarett - 23 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 9 catches, 83 yards, WR Germany - 6 catches, 48 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 17/26 248 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jackson - 12 carries, 48 yards, WR Green - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 4 catches, 83 yards

-- (1-4)Rage 31 - 20 Valor(4-1)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 15/23 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 23 carries, 129 yards, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 28/40 280 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Avery - 11 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 7 catches, 87 yards, WR Watts - 7 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Last Minute Express Delivery

April 13, 2006

Memphis, TN - Memphis Express QB Jonathon Quinn found WR Tyrone Calico for a 12-yard touchdown as time expired to give the Express a 28-26 victory over the Omaha Mammoths in front of 22,314 fans. After Omaha RB Brock Forsey scored with 15 seconds remaining to give the Mammoths a 26-22 lead, Quinn completed three passes, two to Calico and one to WR Eddie Berlin for 35 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass as the clock hit zeros. "We took it to another level tonight," Quinn said. "We were able to execute in the final minute and got over the hump in a close game. We'll need to carry this over for next week."

"We didn't miss any assignments. It was a good job by them," said Mammoths head coach Frank Solich. "That last play was kind of a back yard play. We got some pressure on him and we made him scramble out of the pocket. It was a just good play by the quarterback."

-- (6-0)Mammoths 26 - 28 Express(2-3)
(OMA): QB Banks - 22/32 228 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 14 carries, 50 yards, WR Bergeron - 6 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 67 yards
(MEM): QB Quinn - 20/26 231 yards, 2 TDs, RB Canidate - 26 carries, 123 yards, WR Calico - 7 catches, 122 yards

Smith to Start at QB for Sea Devils

April 14, 2006

Seattle, WA - The Seattle Sea Devils have announced that former starter Akili Smith will start at quarterback this Friday night. The team has also signed Arena Football veteran QB Aaron Garcia to the roster. Starting QB Brock Huard is out for the season with a fractured tibia. "This is what I'm here to do. The number one guy goes down and I'm ready to step in," said Smith. "Friday is an important game for us and nothing has changed in what we're trying to accomplish."

"Aaron is an arena experienced quarterback who has enjoyed success in that league and is familiar with our system and our quarterbacks coach Kimbrough," said Sea Devils head coach Rick Neuheisel.

USA Football and XFL Team Up to Produce "Values of the Game" PSAs

April 15, 2006

Vienna, VA - USA Football, non-profit organization leading the development and growth of youth football, has teamed with the XFL to produce four public service announcements that focus on the life lessons learned through playing football. "Football teaches infinite life lessons," said Commissioner Oliver Luck. "We cannot be more thrilled to partner with USA Football, who shares the philosophies of the XFL when it comes to the value of youth sports. We are grateful to be given the opportunity to communicate these invaluable messages." Each of the four value vignettes - Teamwork, Perseverance, Sportsmanship and Community - will feature a message from Luck along with supporting video from XFL and youth football action.

"We're excited about our partnership with the XFL and share their same mission to strengthen the game of football," said Scott Hallenbeck, Executive Director of USA Football. "Youth football is fertile ground to teach and nurture these important values and life lessons that will help create productive and responsible young adults."


The CFL Ottawa Renegades are now the XFL Ottawa Force

April 16, 2006

Ottawa, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Canadian Football League held their Ottawa Dispersal Draft over the weekend and the XFL countered by introducing the Ottawa Force to their fans. Former Renegades' QB Kerry Joseph went #1 overall to Saskatchewan Roughriders and forty-five former Renegades' players were selected in the draft, with the remainder of the players becoming free agents. However, a few of the former Renegades will actually follow over to the XFL, those players include S Kyries Hebert, K Shaun Suisham and P Pat Fleming, who will join the current league traveling team, the Road Warriors roster, as the newest members of the Ottawa Force.

The new XFL franchise has started to take shape, with owner Bernie Gleiberman hiring John Jenkins as head coach, the former Toronto Argonauts and Calgary Stampeders offensive coordinator, and Joe Paopao and David Catapano as the new offensive and defensive coordinators, the former coordinators of the XFL's Minneapolis Wild. Former Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers' head coach Forrest Gregg was also introduced as the new general manager and vice president.

“That community deserves a football team. They’re a tremendous fan base,” said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. “Walking around that city, being a part of that franchise –tremendously proud moments. Our league is better with the Ottawa franchise in place.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Spurrier's Bandits Win with Defense

April 17, 2006

San Antonio, TX - Bandits RB Brian Shay’s game-opening 95-yard kickoff return set up a QB King to TE Erron Kinney touchdown and King passed for another as the Tampa Bay Bandits with a 17-12 win over the San Antonio Commanders. Shay’s return set up the one-yard TD pass just 40 seconds into the game. King fumbled late in the first quarter and Commanders LB Raheem Orr returned it 43 yards for a touchdown to cut the Commanders' deficit to 7-6. But the Bandits extended their advantage to 14-6 with 6:11 left in the second quarter when King connected with WR PK Sam for a 20-yard TD. Axel Kruse’s 20-yard field goal on the last play of the third quarter made it 17-6. The Commanders got within 17-12 on a 33-yard scoring pass from QB Michael Bishop to RB Ontiwaun Carter with 5:32 remaining. They got the ball back at their own 34 with 1:46 left and got to the Bandits 46 before four straight incompletions stalled the drive and ended their two-game winning streak.

“Our defense came up big tonight when we needed it,” said Tampa Bay coach Steve Spurrier, whose team rebounded from the loss against the Valor with two straight wins. “I think they have played well all year.” Tampa Bay’s defense limited the Commanders to 237 total yards and sacked Bishop four times. King completed 19-of-30 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Bishop was 16-of-28 for 162 yards.

-- (4-2)Bandits 17 - 12 Commanders(5-2)
(TB): QB King - 19/30 288 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cobourne - 17 carries, 85 yards, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 103 yards, WR Haddad - 3 catches, 79 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 16/28 162 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Griffin - 19 carries, 40 yards, WR Woods - 5 catches, 60 yards, WR Chiaverini - 2 catches, 51 yards

XFL Week 8: Missed Field Goal is the Difference

April 18, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - Sacramento Mountain Lions K Bill Gramatica missed a 52-yard field goal attempt as time expired and the Mountain Lions fell to the Los Angeles Stars, 23-21. Sacramento fell behind early, as the Stars used only three plays to go 78 yards for a touchdown on their first possession. But Sacramento came out sharp in the second half, as QB JT O'Sullivan connected on a 21-yard TD to WR Freddie Mitchell. But the score could only trim the Stars' lead to nine, as Gramatica missed the extra point. The Mountain Lions continued to battle back from the 15-point halftime deficit to claim a 21-17 lead with just one-minute to go, but Stars QB Cade McNown led his squad on a seven-play, 43-yard drive in just 49 seconds to move Los Angeles back into the lead.

"It was one of those nights where we got out of the gates quick," said McNown. "We overcame a lot of adversity to get the victory. They are known for being a very physical team, but we overmatched them tonight. We now have to fight to be consistent. It doesn't matter what happens with the other teams. If we take care of ourselves, good things will come."

-- (1-5)Mountain Lions 21 - 23 Stars(2-4)
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 22/36 228 yards, 2 TDs, RB McCoo - 10 carries, 37 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 7 catches, 57 yards, 2 TDs, WR Boone - 6 catches, 74 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 21/39 269 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cloud - 14 carries, 41 yards, WR Copeland - 7 catches, 118 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 68 yards

-- (4-2)Valor 21 - 31 Guardians(5-1)
(DC): QB Hill - 21/29 251 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Redmond - 15 carries, 64 yards, WR Simon - 9 catches, 80 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 19/34 235 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 13 carries, 45 yards, WR Green - 8 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-4)Desperados 17 - 30 Steel(4-2)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 23/33 245 yards, 1 TD, RB Hambrick - 7 carries, 22 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 77 yards, WR Burks - 4 catches, 56 yards
(BIRM): QB Carter - 18/29 212 yards, 1 TD, 14 carries, 59 yards, 2 TDs, RB Keaton - 10 carries, 47 yards, WR Williams - 8 catches, 118 yards, WR Lucas - 2 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Orlando's Kickoff Non-Coverage

April 19, 2006

Memphis, TN - Only the stragglers of the Orlando Rage's kickoff-coverage unit kept WR Jarrick Hillary from the promised land. Whether it was a tackle from behind or a diving, hit-absorbing stop by K Rob Hart, Orlando put up just enough roadblocks to keep Hillary out of the end zone on his six kickoff returns. They didn't, however, preclude him from dashing upfield for an average of 38.3 yards on six returns. That pace set the Memphis Express in good field position from start to finish Sunday afternoon and helped propel them to a 36-24 win in front of 24,597. "Our kickoff return team did a great job blocking," said Hillary, whose kickoff-return and all-purpose yardage tallies were the best in franchise history. "There were times I wasn't getting touched until the 30-yard-line and my only job from then on out was to work on beating that kicker."

"He's such a great player," Express head coach Doug Plank said. "Sometimes he just comes out, plays at such a high level and gets us on a roll."

-- (2-4)Rage 24 - 36 Express(3-3)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 16/31 243 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 13 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs, 4 catches, 51 yards, WR Swayne - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR King - 4 catches, 64 yards
(MEM): QB Quinn - 18/25 208 yards, 3 TDs, RB Canidate - 24 carries, 144 yards, WR Calico - 6 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-4)Sea Devils 10 - 28 Enforcers(3-4)
(SEA): QB Smith - 22/30 211 yards, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 13 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 94 yards, TE Ricks - 6 catches, 53 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 20/27 237 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 13 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 5 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-6)Road Warriors 25 - 30 Aztecs(2-5)
(XFL): QB Davey - 22/39 257 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ferguson - 18 carries, 62 yards, WR Bellamy - 8 catches, 91 yards, 2 TDs, WR Jennings - 3 catches, 63 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 18/25 285 yards, 3 TDs, 16 carries, 116 yards, RB Jackson - 12 carries, 56 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 3 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Wallace - 3 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Defense Fuels Ghost Victory

April 20, 2006

Omaha, NE - The Columbus Ghosts wasted no time jumping out to an early lead, finding the end zone in a four-play, 74-yard drive that took less than two minutes off the clock. The Ghosts then recovered the ensuing kickoff after it took a funny bounce off LB Patrick Sapp and less than thirty seconds later, the Ghosts punched in for their second score of the game just six plays later, giving Columbus a 14-0 edge before Omaha had even touched the football. The Mammoths came into the game with one of the best defenses in the league, but the Ghosts used a unique blend of rushing, screen passes and quick slants to keep the Omaha defense on their heels. Omaha's fortunes went from bad to worse in the third quarter, as RB Rashaan Salaam fumbled again before being removed in favor of backup Dahrran Diedrick.

"This was a great shot in the arm for us," said Ghosts head coach Marc Trestman. "We beat a good team tonight and to beat them in that fashion is a real confidence builder for us. It was the complete game we have been looking for all year."

-- (5-2)Ghosts 30 - 10 Mammoths(6-1)
(COL): QB Germaine - 19/28 195 yards, 3 TDs, RB Clarett - 16 carries, 66 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 86 yards, 2 TDs, WR Farmer - 4 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/32 280 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Salaam - 14 carries, 28 yards, WR Bergeron - 6 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD

Stars Acquire RB Croom from Aztecs

April 21, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Stars announced the acquisition of RB Larry Croom, WR/KR Tamarick Vanover and OL Andy King from Mexico City in exchange for RB Ken Oxendine, OL Bobby Singh and DL Greg White. "Larry is a young talent with the ability to become a playmaker," Stars head coach Al Luginbill said. "We're confident he can come in and work hard to develop his skills. We expect him to be able to contribute in the passing game as well."

"Bobby is an upgrade for this team," Aztecs head coach Bruce Coslet said. "As we've known and learned, everything starts up front. Protecting the quarterback on offense and putting pressure on the quarterback on defense. We see Bobby and Greg as being able to provide both those skills on a consistent basis. We are excited to add some depth to both lines. Both are quality additions to this team. You hate to lose guys like Larry and Tamarick, but I think both teams benefited from this trade."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Road Warriors Takes Another City

April 24, 2006

Washington, DC - Road Warriors QB Rohan Davey’s 25-yard touchdown pass to RB Autry Denson helped give the Road Warriors a 14-9 victory over the Washington Valor. The touchdown pass with 5:17 left in the third quarter followed a 49-yard interception return by DB Arturo Freeman and broke a 6-6 tie. Davey finished with 222 passing yards on 20 of 28 attempts for the Road Warriors. Washington was threatening to regain the lead in a 12-play, 69-yard fourth-quarter drive, but LB Lester Towns knocked the ball out of RB Autry Denson’s hands at the 1-yard line with 6:25 left. The ball bounced out of the end zone for a touchback. The Valor's hopes for a last-minute drive vanished when OL Jerry Wunsch was called for holding in the end zone with 59.2 seconds left, resulting in a safety for the Road Warriors. The game was played at Chevy Chase Bank Field before an announced crowd of 17,656. The league has had trouble drawing fans to games involving the traveling team, Road Warriors.

-- (1-7)Road Warriors 14 - 9 Valor(4-3)
(XFL): QB Davey - 20/28 222 yards, 1 TD, RB Denson - 15 carries, 58 yards, WR Jennings - 6 catches, 66 yards
(DC): QB Hill - 20/30 241 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Redmond - 9 carries, 17 yards, WR Gessner - 4 catches, 66 yards, WR Simon - 4 catches, 84 yards

XFL Week 9: Two Point Conversion Failed

April 25, 2006

Birmingham, AL - Trailing 28-21 with less than one minute remaining, Commanders QB Michael Bishop capped a four-play, 60 yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run to bring San Antonio within one. With just 28 seconds left in the game Commanders head coach Mike Riley went for the win and called for a two-point conversion play. However, when WR Rashaun Woods was tackled on the 1-yard line and Birmingham recovered the ensuing on-side kick, the Steel had held on for a 28-27 victory in front of 28,772 fans.

For the Commanders, the game was one of missed opportunities, dropping several passes and committing 11 penalties which stalled the team's offense. San Antonio trailed 18-14 at halftime, but truly must have felt it should have been up by a few scores at the break instead of trailing by four. "We need to get better," said Riley. "We made too many mistakes early in the game that we couldn't overcome, and then we did not execute the two-point conversion properly."

-- (5-3)Commanders 27 - 28 Steel(5-2)
(SA): QB Bishop - 23/36 277 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Griffin - 12 carries, 56 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 110 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Carter - 16/24 197 yards, 1 TD, 12 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD, RB Keaton - 15 carries, 74 yards, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 89 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-2)Guardians 20 - 30 Bandits(5-2)
(NY): QB Redman - 15/28 238 yards, RB Jackson - 21 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 10 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 6 catches, 115 yards, WR Smith - 5 catches, 79 yards
(TB): QB King - 20/31 248 yards, 3 TDs, RB Cobourne - 21 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 5 catches, 103 yards, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-2)Mammoths 30 - 25 Mountain Lions(1-6)
(OMA): QB Banks - 16/25 176 yards, 1 TD, RB Diedrick - 22 carries, 96 yards, 2 TDs, WR Haygood - 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 15/28 199 yards, 1 TD, RB McCoo - 12 carries, 48 yards, 2 TDs, WR Mitchell - 8 catches, 163 yards, 1 TD, TE Johnson - 9 catches, 88 yards

XFL Week 9: Aztecs Starting to Find Groove

April 26, 2006

Orlando, FL - With the score 21-14 in favor of Mexico City, the Aztecs began to pull away from the Rage as QB Quinn Gay found WR Marcus Nash wide open for a nine-yard score. On the ensuing kickoff Nash stripped the ball from Rage kick returner Craig Yeast and setup a two-yard touchdown rush by RB Marlion Jackson. The Storm took a 34-14 lead with 1:00 remaining in the game. "We need to do a better job of protecting the football," said Orlando head coach Jay Gruden. "But, this wasn't just one player for us. This loss goes to the entire team. We need to play better, collectively, if we expect to win."

-- (3-5)Aztecs 34 - 14 Rage(2-5)
(MEX): QB Gray - 30/41 364 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jackson - 15 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 7 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 6 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Kingsbury - 16/29 186 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 20 carries, 157 yards, 3 catches, 63 yards, WR Swayne - 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Yeast - 2 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-2)Ghosts 23 - 27 Enforcers(4-4)
(COL): QB Germaine - 29/39 289 yards, 2 TDs, RB Wells - 10 carries, 76 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs, TE Blakely - 6 catches, 88 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 14/22 179 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 5 carries, 56 yards, RB Payton - 5 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 6 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-4)Stars 31 - 20 Sea Devils(2-5)
(LA): QB McNown - 25/32 285 yards, 3 TDs, RB Croom - 12 carries, 31 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 7 catches, 145 yards, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 67 yards, 2 TDs
(SEA): QB Smith - 21/43 260 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 15 carries, 149 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, TE Ricks - 3 catches, 52 yards

XFL Week 9: Blocked Field Goal Decides Desperados Fate

April 27, 2006

Memphis, TN - DL James Lee single handily kept the Dallas Desperados in the Western Conference playoff hunt when he blocked a 34-yard Todd France field goal attempt with 10 seconds remaining in the game that would have sent the game to overtime. Memphis had a chance to seal the victory in the final minute of the game after a crucial fourth-and-goal stand by the Express defense. The Express were able to drive the length of the field, but misfired on two consecutive passes before blocked field goal.

"We've been kind of spoiled with all the stops our defense has been giving us," Dallas QB Clint Stoerner said. "But this is one of those XFL games that's typical. You've just got to score every time you get it and hopefully they don't score late on you."

-- (2-5)Desperados 27 - 24 Express(4-3)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 29/37 274 yards, 3 TDs, RB Hambrick - 14 carries, 42 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 7 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Quinn - 19/31 147 yards, 1 TD, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 130 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

Deion Sanders joins Commanders Ownership Group

April 28, 2006

San Antonio, TX - Multi-talented athlete and respected businessman Deion Sanders will return to professional football as an owner of the San Antonio Commanders of the XFL, the team announced. As an owner of the Commanders, Sanders will have an active role in all operational aspects of the team reaching from football operations to the team's front office. Sanders is expected to play a leadership role in the Commanders Foundation, which has a commitment to developing the youth of Central Texas. He will also utilize his role with the Commanders to further his work with the elderly and inner-city youth.

"I am excited to join the Commanders organization and contribute to the growth of the XFL in Central Texas," said Sanders. "The Commanders are committed to furthering their position within the XFL through excellence on the field and in the community."

"The addition of Deion to our ownership brings a charismatic and creative leader with a wealth of professional sports experience and a great marketing flare," owner Larry Benson said. "Deion will be a tremendous asset to the XFL, while helping the Commanders achieve their mission to build a team that the Central Texas region is proud of both on and off the field."

"Deion joins an already impressive roster of XFL owners who are among the best in sports," says Commissioner Oliver Luck. "He is an XFL fan, believes in the XFL message and is committed to growing the game."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 10: Stars Overcome Steel With Defense

May 1, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Stars picked the right time to play their best defensive game of the season. The Stars took claim to a playoff spot, using a smothering defensive effort in a 20-13 beating of the Birmingham Steel. Ranked eleventh in the sixteen-team league in total defense. The Stars stymied the Steel, limiting them to 261 yards while forcing a pair of turnovers en route to the road victory. An improving running game led by RB Larry Croom capped a game-opening nine-play, 85-yard drive with an 11-yard run that gave Los Angeles a 7-0 advantage 5:14 into the contest. Croom, who split carries with RB Mike Cloud, carried eleven times for 75 yards. WR Jeremaine Copeland scored on a 10-yard catch later in the quarter, extending the lead to 14-6. K Clay Rush connected from 19 yards on the final play of the first half to give Los Angeles a 17-0 advantage. Not to be outdone, Steel QB Quincy Carter threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to WR Stepfret Williams with 8:11 left in the third quarter to ignite the comeback. However, the Stars' defense would have none of that.

-- (4-4)Stars 20 - 13 Steel(6-2)
(LA): QB McNown - 22/37 245 yards, 1 TDs, RB Croom - 11 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD WR Copeland - 4 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 6 catches, 61 yards
(BIRM): QB Carter - 15/23 114 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 21 carries, 83 yards, WR Williams - 7 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 10: It's All About Pressuring the Quarterback

May 2, 2006

San Antonio, TX - The Commanders' defense was the story of the night as their pass rush hurried, knocked down and sacked Rage QB Joe Hamilton. The Commanders defensive backfield capitalized on the pass rush as DB Brandon Everage intercepted Hamilton thwarting a Rage comeback bid and DB Keith Davis came up with three key pass breakups. "This is a disappointing loss for us," said Rage head coach Jay Gruden. "When you can't put pressure on their quarterback and they get to yours, you generally end up losing the game. That's what happened tonight."

-- (2-6)Rage 17 - 20 Commanders(5-4)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 15/36 183 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 25 carries, 60 yards, TE Hart - 3 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 82 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 14/27 254 yards, 2 TDs, RB Griffin - 14 carries, 53 yards, WR Woods - 4 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-4)Express 17 - 20 Valor(4-4)
(MEM): QB Martin - 18/26 272 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 20 carries, 60 yards, WR Calico - 4 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 21/29 284 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 12 carries, 47 yards, WR Watts - 4 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 4 catches, 94 yards, WR Gessner - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-3)Ghosts 13 - 22 Aztecs(4-5)
(COL): QB Germaine - 24/35 217 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Wells - 12 carries, 18 yards, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 77 yards, TE Blakely - 7 catches, 56 yards, 2 TDs
(MEX): QB Gray - 21/30 220 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 8 rushes, 88 yards, RB Jackson - 19 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 10: Late Blow Out in New York

May 3, 2006

New York, NY - With the game knotted at 14 at the start of the fourth quarter, New York QB Chris Redman and the Guardians went to work. The veteran quarterback hit WR Terry Hardy for a 17-yard TD on the first play of the period. New York's defense allowed the Guardians to add to its lead by stopping the Mountain Lions on each of their two possessions in the quarter, once on downs and once on an interception in the end zone. The offense made Sacramento pay for its mistakes, as Redman connected for two more TD passes giving New York a 35-14 win.

-- (5-3)Guardians 35 - 14 Mountain Lions(1-7)
(NY): QB Redman - 12/22 212 yards, 3 TDs, RB Edwards - 16 carries, 50 yards, RB Jackson - 12 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 4 catches, 71 yards, TE Hardy - 4 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 13/31 158 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB McCoo - 20 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 6 catches, 72 yards

-- (5-4)Enforcers 25 - 21 Desperados(3-5)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 17/28 197 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 10 carries, 78 yards, WR Martin - 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Terrell - 4 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 27/36 194 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 18 carries, 72 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-6)Sea Devils 17 - 34 Mammoths(7-2)
(SEA): QB Smith - 23/40 198 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 10 carries, 53 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 67 yards, 2 TDs
(OMA): QB Banks - 12/19 178 yards, 2 TDs, RB Diedrick - 18 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Haygood - 4 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 10: Road Warriors Ground and Pounded into Submission

May 3, 2006

Tampa, FL - The ground attack opened up for the Bandits as running backs Avon Cobourne and Leonard Henry scored rushing touchdowns to give Tampa the first half lead, 21-10. In the second half, the Bandits running game continued to be their bread and butter in the third quarter as they scored two more times via a Shaun King four-yard run and a Herbert Goodman three-yard run.

"You got funny plays here and there, though," Bandits head coach Steve Spurrier said. "It was an odd game. We fumbled the ball, and we don't normally do that. We got some hops our way. I think Shaun should've thrown 4 or 5 interceptions. So even though it was an odd type of game, it was good to see that even though we weren't able to establish a real rhythm passing the ball that we were able to pull away. If you didn't know any better, and didn't look at the score, you wouldn't have known who was leading at one point. It was odd because we really didn't establish a rhythm on offense. We made plays here and there. Obviously somebody is living right around here, to get some of those bounces we got. I was probably more satisfied with the overall defensive effort."

-- (2-7)Road Warriors 10 - 35 Bandits(6-2)
(XFL): QB Davey - 10/14 204 yards, 1 TD, RB Ferguson - 16 carries, 62 yards, WR Bellamy - 10 catches, 113 yards, WR Boyd - 4 catches, 76 yards
(TB): QB King - 20/32 236 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Cobourne - 8 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 43 yards, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Haddad - 3 catches, 57 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 11: All Wins are Equal

May 8, 2006

Omaha, NE - The Mammoths didn't have the most convincing victory over the Express, but in a week in which many large favorites struggled, the Mammoths should be thankful to come away with a win. Omaha didn't have the most explosive offensive performance, which was expected when OL Aaron Gibson was ruled out with an illness Sunday morning. The Mammoths were missing two starting offensive linemen and were tasked to block a stellar Memphis pass rush that was trying to get to QB Brad Banks, who was dealing with a foot sprain. Omaha was limited to 5.8 yards per play as a consequence, while committing two turnovers. Ultimately, Omaha's offensive struggles were inconsequential because the Express were even more abysmal when they had the ball without both QBs Jonathon Quinn and Tee Martin. Hilariously, Memphis had to go for it on every non-punting fourth down because of a kicker injury in pre-game warmups.

-- (4-5)Express 6 - 17 Mammoths(8-2)
(MEM): QB Graziani - 22/29 182 yards, WR Canidate - 24 carries, 90 yards, WR Calico - 5 catches, 55 yards, WR McCullough - 6 catches, 47 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 26/38 294 yards, 2 TDs, RB Diedrick - 9 carries, 17 yards, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 100 yards, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 117 yards

-- (5-4)Valor 24 - 30 Mountain Lions(1-8)
(DC): QB Hill - 20/26 226 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 19 carries, 114 yards, WR Simon - 7 catches, 98 yards, 2 TDs, WR Watts - 4 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 19/30 245 yards, 2 TDs, RB McCoo - 19 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 7 catches, 77 yards, WR Edwards - 6 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-7)Sea Devils 24 - 20 Ghosts(6-4)
(SEA): QB Garcia - 29/43 278 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 18 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 7 catches, 83 yards, TE Ricks - 4 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 20/25 263 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Clarett - 22 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Germany - 4 catches, 65 yards

XFL Week 11: Complete Domination

May 9, 2006

Orlando, FL - Chicago's trip to Orlando certainly was a lot fun in the sun. The Rage's offense struggled to move the ball against a dominant Enforcer defense all afternoon, as the Rage fell to Chicago 34-14. It was a game that was decided in the second and third quarters, two of the worst quarters the Rage has played all season. After holding a 14-7 lead after 15 minutes of play, Orlando went eight-consecutive possessions without scoring. In the second and third quarter alone, Orlando was outscored 20-0, turning their lead into a 27-14 rout heading into the fourth quarter. "We didn't execute in any phase of the game today," said Rage head coach Jay Gruden. "They are a very talented team and we could not match their intensity of execution."

"It was huge win for us," Chicago head coach Mike Singletary said. "It wasn't like we got a lot of breaks or turnovers. We simply stopped what Orlando was trying to do on offense, while our offense clicked on every possession. It was really a complete effort for us. Jarious played one of the best games of his career in terms of decision making and our defense really stepped it up. Hamilton is one of the better quarterbacks at throwing on the run and beating you with his feet and we didn't let him make plays tonight."

-- (2-7)Rage 14 - 34 Enforcers(6-4)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 15/26 251 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 16 carries, 55 yards, WR Swayne - 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR McGriff - 2 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 22/27 246 yards, 2 TDs, RB Payton - 18 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 14 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Terrell - 3 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 6 catches, 71 yards

-- (7-2)Bandits 20 - 23 Stars(5-4)
(TB): QB Crandell - 21/30 225 yards, 1 TD, RB Cobourne - 15 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Hamilton - 3 catches, 78 yards, WR Sam - 4 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 26/49 271 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Croom - 12 carries, 40 yards, RB Cloud - 8 carries, 59 yards, WR Copeland - 8 catches, 97 yards, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-6)Desperados 26 - 34 Guardians(6-3)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 25/41 295 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 25 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs, WR Sippio - 7 catches, 130 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 5 catches, 74 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 19/27 258 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 8 carries, 16 yards, WR Green - 6 catches, 100 yards, TE Hardy - 2 catches, 7 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 11: Aztecs Sacrifice Steel

May 10, 2006

Mexico City, MEXICO - Aztecs' DB Kelly Herndon intercepted three passes and forced a fumble that LB Quinton Caver returned 23 yards for a touchdown to lead the Mexico City Aztecs to a 49-13 rout of the Birmingham Steel. All three of Herndon's interceptions came in the end zone, with one in each of the game's first three quarters. Herndon's interceptions helped the Aztecs open the game with six consecutive defensive stops. Mexico City, meanwhile, scored on each of its first six possessions and had 42 points by halftime. "This is Aztecs football, physically coming out every week and getting better, and that's what we want to do coming into the postseason," Herndon said.

Mexico City scored on offense, defense and special teams. RB Marlion Jackson returned a second-quarter kickoff 54 yards for a score, Caver scored on the fumble recovery and the Aztecs' offense accounted for five scores, two on Quinn Gray passes and three more on the ground. "Right after the big win against Columbus, we said we had to come out and play the same way against Birmingham," wide receiver Marcus Nash said. "I think we did that."

-- (6-3)Steel 13 - 49 Aztecs(5-5)
(BIRM): QB Kresser - 16/26 185 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Williams - 15 carries, 74 yards, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 65 yards, WR Insley - 3 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Gray - 28/47 302 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 12 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 4 catches, 76 yards, WR Nash - 4 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs