May 27, 2007
New York, NY - Chris Redman returns as the Guardians starting quarterback on Saturday night when the Guardians take on the Columbus Ghosts. Garcia was placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a fractured tibia in Week Three. Redman is now ready to come back. "It's been a long time and it feels like forever," said Redman. "I'm definitely excited to get back and play and also a little apprehensive. I just want to get this game going and try to help get the Guardians back on a winning streak."
Redman also felt support was the key to his return. "I'm excited that my first game back is a home game," he said. "I feel that fans really helped me get through this. Their support really made a difference, especially at times where I didn't know if I'd ever be able to play football again. To make my return at home is something I am happy to share with them."
"It's been a long journey as far as preparing for his return," said Guardians general manager Ron Jaworski. "We are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. One, I'm happy for him to be back and lead this team. Two, I think he brings a certain energy and confidence to the team. It hasn't been easy but like anything else, we were going to put him back on the field when we thought he was ready and this is that moment."
XFL Week 14: Aztecs Playoff Hopes Sacrificed
May 28, 2007
Mexico City, MEXICO - Pressure. Defined as urgency, harassment and influence, pressure was the theme of the Aztecs' win over the Orlando Rage in front of 23,655 fans. For Orlando, there was a need to pressure one of the league's top quarterbacks, Quinn Gray. The Rage then held the Aztecs scoreless in the first half while putting up 17 points to take a 17-0 halftime lead. Mexico City came out in the second half and outscored the Rage 9-0, but came up short. "We clearly didn't come to play tonight," said Aztecs head coach Jim Tomsula. "I am pleased with how we came out in the second half, but we have to turn this thing around."
With the scoreless, Rage QB Joe Hamilton dissected the Aztecs secondary with a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Kevin Swayne that put the Rage ahead, 7-0. The pressure was then on Aztecs QB Quinn Gray and the Rage truncated what looked to be a scoring drive when DB Atari Bigby picked off a Gray pass that continued the Rage's momentum heading into the second quarter. Just a few ticks into the second quarter, Hamilton hit WR Doug Gabriel down the sideline to put the Rage near the red zone before arcing a beautiful 28-yard pass that Swayne reeled in for his second score. The Rage continued to trouble Gray on the next drive, when defensive pressure forced him to dink a pass off the turf before his next attempt was tipped into DB Clevan Thomas' hands. Hamilton went deep and for the jugular on his first pass on the Rage's ensuing possession. He looked for Gabriel again and hurled a 26-yard bomb his way but a defender was all over him and drew a pass interference flag. Upon second glance, however, Gabriel had actually reeled in the pass that would setup a last second field goal.
-- (9-3)Rage 17 - 9 Aztecs(4-9)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 18/26 223 yards, 2 TDs, RB Fason - 13 carries, 42 yards, WR Gabriel - 11 catches, 116 yards, WR Swayne - 2 catches, 41 yards, 2 TDs
(MEX): QB Gray - 17/37 216 yards, RB Nash - 11 carries, 37 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 55 yards, WR Soward - 5 catches, 74 yards
XFL Week 14: Redman Triumphant in Return
May 29, 2007
New York, NY - The triumphant return of All-XFL QB Chris Redman left no doubt that when he is in the lineup, the New York Guardians are still a formidable team. Returning to the field in over a year, the standout QB put up big-time numbers going 17-30 for 251 yards and three touchdowns against the Columbus Ghosts. The final tally had the Dragons winning by two touchdowns, 31-17. "The energy level that they played with and the confidence they showed with Chris' return was really obvious out there," said a relieved head coach Rusty Tillman.
Stepping into the pocket, Chris' first pass was crisp, as he hit WR Yatil Green for a 9 yard gain. Yet, the next three plays would result in two incomplete passes and a 4th down running play that failed to pick up the single yard necessary for the first down. However, an offsides penalty on Columbus would give the Guardians new life on the series. This time Redman made no mistake about it as he skied one of his patented bombs to WR Zuriel Smith for a 31 yard TD. "It was good because I had a few plays where I struggled a little bit, and then had to come up and make a play," said Redman. When we did that, not only did it help my confidence, but maybe the rest of the team, to say okay we can get down, have some tough times but still succeed. I can't give enough credit to the offensive line for the job they did. They did probably make it look easier than it was at times."
-- (3-10)Guardians 31 - 17 Ghosts(8-4)
(NY): QB Redman - 17/30 251 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 11 carries, 55 yards, WR Green - 8 catches, 114 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 3 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 24/32 225 yards, 1 TD, RB Clarett - 16 carries, 46 yards, WR Moore - 8 catches, 103 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
-- (4-9)Force 30 - 20 Bandits(6-6)
(OTT): QB Nall - 22/30 233 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cobb - 21 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Morgan - 7 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Watts - 4 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB Chang - 17/29 237 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cobourne - 9 carries, 39 yards, 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Edwards - 4 catches, 96 yards
-- (4-9)Desperados 20 - 24 Commanders(8-4)
(DAL): QB Barnes - 18/30 192 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smart - 16 carries, 56 yards, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 91 yards, WR Burks - 4 catches, 28 yards, 2 TDs
(SA): QB Bishop - 14/28 167 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Fuamatu-Mu'afala - 22 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Woods - 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 2 catches, 59 yards
XFL Week 14: Chicago Stun Mountain Lions
May 30, 2007
Chicago, IL - The Enforcers took its first lead of the game on its initial possession of the fourth quarter. Getting fine protection from his offensive line, Enforcers QB Jarious Jackson hit the streaking WR Ruvell Martin with 19-yard touchdown pass, culminating a 13-play, 85-yard drive. Mountain Lions QB JT O'Sullivan responded on the next drive as he eluded the pass rush and stepped up in the pocket by sliding to his left. At the same time WR Freddie Mitchell, perhaps the surest-handed receiver in the league, broke free in the end zone. He caught an easy 27-yard touchdown pass from O'Sullivan and Salt Lake City had regained the lead at 30-25. But the Enforcers was not about to let its impressive win slip away. Martin caught his second touchdown pass of the game on the next possession. The six-yarder from Jackson demonstrated the receiver's toughness and concentration.
The back-and forth nature of the game came to an end with that score. The Enforcers defense stepped up and made its first major stop when DB Jeremy LeSueur intercepted his third pass of the season at the Salt Lake 19. Two plays later, Coach Singletary surprised the Mountain Lions by giving the ball to FB JR Niklos and the big fullback rumbled eight yards for the touchdown. Salt Lake City trailed by nine points and was desperate to get back in the game. O'Sullivan directed an impressive drive that gave the Mountain Lions a 1st-and-goal at the 1-yard line. However, Chicago's defense simply wouldn't allow that final yard. The goal line stand actually got its start on a 15-yard reception by Mitchell. The receiver caught the ball in stride and appeared to be on his way to a touchdown but DB JoJuan Armour delivered a crushing tackle at the 1. After RB Eric McCoo was stopped for no gain, O'Sullivan lost the ball after he was harassed by DL Israel Idonije. With the ball loose, Idonije made another huge play by recovering at the Chicago 9.
-- (8-4)Mountain Lions 30 - 39 Enforcers(1-11)
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 21/33 235 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 6 carries, 11 yards, WR Mitchell - 12 catches, 150 yards, 1 TD, TE Johnson - 6 catches, 69 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 23/32 289 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 11 carries, 95 yards, 2 TDs, 3 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 6 catches, 81 yards, 2 TDs
-- (7-5)Stars 21 - 24 Express(7-5)
(LA): QB McNown - 20/36 231 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Croom - 19 carries, 58 yards, WR Stokes - 6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 70 yards
(MEM): QB McPherson - 19/26 237 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 24 carries, 115 yards, WR Calico - 5 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 70 yards
-- (6-6)Steel 10 - 36 Roughnecks(10-2)
(BIRM): QB Randall - 11/21 113 yards, 2 INTs, RB Williams - 16 carries, 21 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 71 yards
(OKC): QB Huard - 22/27 278 yards, 4 TDs, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 67 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 3 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs
New York Guardians Make Coaching Change
May 31, 2007
New York, NY - New York Guardians general manager Ron Jaworski and Owner George Randolph Hearst III announced they will not be renewing head coach Rusty Tillman's contract at the end of the 2007 season. "We have made this decision at this time in the best interest of Rusty, his family, staff and players" said Jaworski. "Now the organization must move forward which is essential when you make decisions like this. Notifying Rusty at this time allows the Guardians time to begin to identify potential candidates."
"Ron and I sat down and have evaluated the past 14 games and feel at this point in time, it is in the best interest of the organization not to renew Rusty's contract. We wish him the best and look at this as an essential step in the success of this organization."
