XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

Been Catching up with your Post:

Sucks that New Orleans lost their team
What happened with Minnesota
Looks like the CFL put themselves in quite a hole with Ottawa

Omaha Joins XFL Community

September 6, 2004

Omaha, NE - The XFL's newest owner, Joe Moglia, along with TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC, are proud to announce the league's newest team, the Omaha Mammoths. Moglia, the chairman of TD Ameritrade, alongside Zach Nelson, the CEO of NetSuite Inc. and the other investors of TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC purchased the Minneapolis Wild franchise back in June from Bob Naegele Jr. Moglia also announced that the team's coaching staff has been assembled and at the top it'll be coached by former Nebraska University head coach Frank Solich.

New Orleans and Minneapolis both losing their XFL teams is unfortunate but those owners missed the big picture of this XFL! The CFL definitely has themselves in an odd position with Ottawa. I appreciate you reading the posts. Take your time reading it and keep it mind that this is definitely a rough draft. I can always go back and adjust as I need to. Graphics come a little bit later sometimes also. Thanks for the read. I appreciate it. If something doesn't make sense or you want to give suggestions, go ahead and do so.

[zo82]

Oh, that has to hurt for the Wild Fans, Omaha won 3 straight Veterans Bowl

[BengalErnst]

Oh, that has to hurt for the Wild Fans, Omaha won 3 straight Veterans Bowl

*Million Dollar Games. Don't forget that amazing name the XFL used for their championship games. I'll be posting week two here tonight, but then I'll be spending some time going back and adjusting some stuff and uploading more graphics for the previous season.

Dragons Open Additional Seating Sections For Season Ticket Sales

March 7, 2011

Seattle, WA - The Seattle Dragons announced that due to demand following the team's season opener against the Ottawa Force, the Dragons will open additional seating sections at CenturyLink Field for purchase in advance of Seattle's next home game. "Affordability and access for our fans comes first and we are thrilled to open additional sections to accommodate our fans," Seattle Dragons Team President Ryan Gustafson said. "We are grateful and excited about the support we've received from the incredible sports fans of Seattle at CenturyLink Field."


XFL Week 2: Musa Runs to Daylight

March 8, 2011

Salt Lake City, UT - The Chicago Enforcers lost, but they showed that there is a lot of fight in this squad, battling to take the lead in the 4th, before the Mountain Lions sent the game to overtime and an eventual win and they did it despite losing their starting QB in the 3rd quarter. Joey Harrington was having a decent game, completing 14 of 28 passes for 190 yards and a TD to WR Ruvell Martin before a big hit left him dazed and forced the Enforcers to bring in backup Charlie Frye in relief. Frye would go 6 for 11 and himself toss a key TD, a short crossing route to WR Greg Orton to take a 23-16 lead with 3:14 left in the game.

Salt Lake though had 3:12 to come back and they did just that with QB JT O'Sullivan hitting WR Paris Warren for the score with just under a minute left to play. It was a big day for understudies, as Frye took over for Harrington while RB Musa Smith took over for RB Matt Asiata, who suffered through an ankle sprain for over a quarter, gaining only 2.4 yards per carry before Coach Erickson sat him and went with Smith, who had greater success, a 5.2 YPC average. In overtime it was Smith who put Salt Lake in position to win, catching Chicago’s defense off guard on a 3rd and 6, Smith took the delayed handoff and rumbled 23 yards, placing the Mountain Lions well within field goal range and would connect from only 27 yards out and when Chicago failed to convert on their next drive the game was over.

-- (1-0)Enforcers 23 - 26 Mountain Lions(1-0)
(CHI): QB Harrington - 14/28 190 yards, 1 TD, RB Toefield - 25 carries, 147 yards, WR Russell - 7 catches, 81 yards, WR Martin - 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 23/31 302 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 20 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Germany - 8 catches, 118 yards, 3 TDs, WR Warren - 7 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Mammoths 29 - 28 Desperados(0-1)
(OMA): QB Banks - 19/36 205 yards, 1 TD, RB Perry - 18 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 60 yards, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 40 yards
(DAL): QB Rattay - 23/36 238 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB White - 12 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR McNeal - 6 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Commanders 30 - 13 Aztecs(0-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 18/27 218 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Maroney - 11 carries, 35 yards, 2 TDs, WR Morgan - 7 catches, 97 yards, WR Jackson - 7 catches, 68 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 21/37 173 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 10 carries, 16 yards, WR Aiken - 5 catches, 43 yards

-- (1-0)Ghosts 22 - 15 Dragons(1-0)
(COL): QB Hill - 27/36 243 yards, 1 TD, RB Pittman - 16 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 60 yards
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 28/42 232 yards, 1 TD, RB Peterson - 9 carries, 16 yards, WR Biddle - 6 catches, 116 yards, WR Burton - 8 catches, 91 yards

-- (0-1)Force 30 - 16 Guardians(0-1)
(OTT): QB Huard - 20/29 269 yards, 1 TD, RB Fargas - 26 carries, 96 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 109 yards, WR Caldwell - 6 catches, 101 yards, TE Ricks - 4 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Garcia - 24/38 232 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, RB Rhodes - 11 carries, 21 yards, WR Clowney - 7 catches, 86 yards, WR Sweed - 4 catches, 79 yards

-- (0-1)Brawlers 10 - 37 Rage(0-1)
(PHI): QB Michna - 15/37 145 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Griffin - 12 carries, 79 yards, WR Darling - 5 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 48 yards
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 20/31 267 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hicks - 14 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Lelie - 6 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Curry - 4 catches, 79 yards, WR Holt - 3 catches, 87 yards

-- (1-0)Stampede 27 - 20 Roughnecks(1-0)
(HOU): QB McCown - 36/45 288 yards, 2 TDs, RB Scobey - 13 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Moss - 11 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Ferguson - 8 catches, 60 yards
(OKC): QB Nall - 20/31 263 yards, 1 TD, RB Anderson - 7 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD, WR Bowman - 8 catches, 93 yards, WR Bellamy - 4 catches, 76 yards, TE Smith - 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Express 26 - 31 Steel(1-0)
(MEM): QB Ramsey - 14/33 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 18 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Clayton - 5 catches, 109 yards, WR Calico - 5 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Carter - 14/29 145 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Arrington - 12 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD, RB Duckett - 11 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 4 catches, 70 yards

-- (1-0)Bandits 33 - 0 Valor(0-1)
(TB): QB Hamdan - 22/28 220 yards, 3 TDs, RB Herron - 11 carries, 99 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB McPherson - 14/34 115 yards, 1 INT, RB Suggs - 8 carries, 24 yards, WR Gardner - 4 catches, 28 yards

-- (0-1)Stars 13 - 41 Conquerors(0-1)
(LA): QB Walter - 18/35 177 yards, 2 INTs, RB Barlow - 8 carries, 10 yards, WR Jarrett - 7 catches, 59 yards, WR Williams - 8 catches, 78 yards
(LV): QB Losman - 21/33 208 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Dorsey - 19 carries, 186 yards, 2 TDs, WR Higgins - 7 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Robinson - 8 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: So Much to See

March 15, 2011

Columbus, OH - XFL veteran QB Shaun Hill is earning some believers with his play in Columbus. 324 yards passing on 31 of 45 helped the Ghosts upend the Rage, keeping the Ghosts undefeated while dropping the Rage to a surprising 1-2. Hill did throw an interception, but with touchdowns to WR Lance Moore, FB Jamar Martin and TE Davon Drew, he did his part to earn the important win. Orlando was in this one the whole way with RB Marcel Shipp rushing for 85 yards and QB Daunte Culpepper throwing for 3 scores himself, but two picks also hindered the Rage offense and put the defense in the rough position of having to defend a short field. The Ghosts scored 17 points off of turnovers and that was more than the margin of the game.

Tied at 21 after 3 quarters, Columbus took an initial 4th quarter lead when Hill found Moore on a rub route that left the corner 2 steps behind and Moore able to find pay dirt. Orlando was able to respond with a Culpepper touchdown toss to TE Cornelius Ingram but Columbus had over 2 minutes left and they milked the clock as they drove down into field goal range. The winning score was actually a pretty safe play that should not have led to six, as Hill dumped down to his fullback, Martin on a 2nd and 3 from the 33, but great blocks out in front by WR Roy Hall and TE Ryan Prince that sprung Martin, who rumbled all the way to the end zone for what would be the winning score.

-- (1-1)Rage 28 - 35 Ghosts(2-0)
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 16/34 278 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Shipp - 19 carries, 85 yards, WR Lelie - 3 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Holt - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Hill - 31/45 324 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clarett - 9 carries, 33 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 10 catches, 99 yards

-- (0-2)Guardians 14 - 31 Bandits(2-0)
(NY): QB Garcia - 20/31 272 yards, 2 TDs, RB Rhodes - 19 carries, 48 yards, 9 catches, 58 yards, WR Clowney - 8 catches, 96 yards
(TB): QB Hamdan - 11/17 234 yards, 2 TDs, RB Herron - 13 carries, 29 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Haddad - 3 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-2)Valor 27 - 24 Brawlers(0-2)
(DC): QB McPherson - 19/34 203 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Jones - 17 carries, 147 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gardner - 5 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 6 catches, 63 yards
(PHI): QB Redman - 23/35 241 yards, 3 TDs, RB Hart - 9 carries, 46 yards, WR Darling - 5 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD, WR Givens - 3 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Conquerors 17 - 27 Commanders(2-0)
(LV): QB Losman - 22/43 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Dorsey - 10 carries, 31 yards, WR Higgins - 5 catches, 82 yards, TE Putzier - 6 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 17/29 172 yards, 1 TD, RB Maroney - 28 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Morgan - 5 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-0)Mountain Lions 28 - 38 Stampede(2-0)
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 20/37 219 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 15 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 107 yards, 2 TDs, WR Germany - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB McCown - 19/26 277 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Moats - 21 carries, 126 yards, 1 TD, WR Moss - 7 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD, WR Ferguson - 4 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-2)Desperados 20 - 26 Enforcers(1-1)
(DAL): QB Rattay - 22/28 208 yards, 1 TD, RB White - 14 carries, 88 yards, WR McNeal - 5 catches, 72 yards
(CHI): QB Harrington - 22/36 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Toefield - 24 carries, 65 yards, WR Martin - 7 catches, 86 yards

-- (1-1)Dragons 24 - 27 Express(1-1)
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 26/45 242 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Dixon - 14 carries, 59 yards, WR Biddle - 6 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Ramsey - 22/35 213 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Lundy - 22 carries, 55 yards, WR Calico - 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Clayton - 4 catches, 98 yards

-- (2-0)Steel 24 - 28 Force(1-1)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 22/30 203 yards, 3 INTs, RB Arrington - 20 carries, 73 yards, RB Duckett - 16 carries, 70 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 99 yards
(OTT): QB Huard - 23/38 303 yards, 3 TDs, RB Fargas - 21 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, RB Devine - 13 carries, 77 yards, WR Caldwell - 6 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 7 catches, 83 yards

-- (1-1)Mammoths 26 - 28 Aztecs(0-2)
(OMA): QB Banks - 18/30 207 yards, 2 TDs, RB Perry - 19 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 9 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Murphy - 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Gray - 21/41 245 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Booker - 11 carries, 79 yards, RB Galloway - 8 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Aiken - 7 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 5 catches, 70 yards

-- (1-1)Roughnecks 38 - 24 Stars(0-2)
(OKC): QB Nall - 17/24 205 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Bell - 11 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, RB Anderson - 11 carries, 89 yards, WR Bowman - 6 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Bellamy - 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Masoli - 24/44 243 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Barlow - 11 carries, 93 yards, WR Williams - 11 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD, TE Nelson - 6 catches, 86 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 4: Houston Takes Control of Texas

March 22, 2011

San Antonio, TX - The game started off badly for the Commander from the onset. Expecting Houston to almost exclusively rely on the run, San Antonio was caught time and again by the play action pass on early downs. On their first drive, Houston QB Josh McCown completed 4 of 6 passes including a short connection with TE Bo Scaife to go up 7-0 after only a few minutes of play. San Antonio seemed ready to respond but then lightning struck on the 3rd play of the game when QB Michael Bishop was sacked by DL Antonio Smith. The star quarterback for the Commanders landed awkwardly and came off the field looking woozy. He would not return, though initial tests seem to indicate only a mild concussion and a pinched nerve. Untested Rhett Bomar would take over the reins for the Commanders.

After receiving the punt, Houston on yet another fake hand off fooled the Commanders' safeties and when WR Sinorice Moss got a step on the corner, McCown cut loose on a deep ball that caught Moss in stride for a quick and painful second touchdown. The Commanders were now down 14-0 and were without their catalyst on offense. They would go down 17-0 before putting their first points on the board, a nice deep seam route by WR Rashaun Woods. At the half, a couple of field goals had brought the score to a 20-10 deficit for the road team. San Antonio fans started to feel a bit better as the Commanders battled back to a 20-20 tie in the third, thanks to a RB Laurence Maroney run for 35 yards and a quarter-ending field goal. Maroney would finish the game with 16 carries for 118 yards but this would be his only score. For Houston, Moss proved fatal to the man coverage of the Commanders, catching 9 balls for 157 yards, including the big 72-yarder in the first quarter.

San Antonio had tied up the game but they would never take the lead as the next two scores belonged to the Stampede. A long 11-play drive, this one featuring solid runs from RBs Ryan Moats and Josh Scobey, led to a short touchdown pass to WR Brandon Jones, McCown’s 3rd of the day to no picks. This was followed by a field goal and with only 2:13 left to play, the Stampede were back up by 10. San Antonio attempted to mount a comeback and thought they got the break they needed when Maroney found a hole in the zone, escaped a tackle to romp for 52 yards and a score, just to have the play called back due to holding. A huge sigh of relief from the Stampede, but a cry of disappointment from the 45,670 in attendance who expected to take the game to overtime.

-- (3-0)Stampede 30 - 20 Commanders(3-0)
(HOU): QB McCown - 24/32 382 yards, 3 TDs, RB Moats - 11 carries, 52 yards, WR Moss - 9 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs
(SA): QB Bomar - 10/21 187 yards, 1 TD, RB Maroney - 16 carries, 118 yards, 1 TD, WR Woods - 6 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-1)Mountain Lions 28 - 24 Aztecs(1-2)
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 23/32 258 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Warren - 4 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Gray - 22/38 230 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 14 carries, 100 yards, 2 TDs, WR Nash - 6 catches, 128 yards, 1 TD, WR Aiken - 3 catches, 48 yards

-- (0-3)Guardians 18 - 24 Brawlers(0-3)
(NY): QB Perrilloux - 17/32 152 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Rhodes - 8 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, WR Clowney - 6 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Maxwell - 3 catches, 65 yards
(PHI): QB Michna - 18/33 193 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Griffin - 12 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Darling - 5 catches, 72 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-1)Roughnecks 14 - 31 Desperados(0-3)
(OKC): QB Nall - 20/34 221 yards, 2 TDs, RB Anderson - 17 carries, 17 yards, WR Bowman - 6 catches, 76 yards, WR Kelly - 5 catches, 61 yards
(DAL): QB Rattay - 24/31 264 yards, 2 TDs, RB White - 23 carries, 81 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-0)Bandits 21 - 20 Express(2-1)
(TB): QB Hamdan - 17/27 205 yards, 3 TDs, RB Herron - 8 carries, 43 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 85 yards
(MEM): QB Ramsey - 21/34 216 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 152 yards, WR Clayton - 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-0)Ghosts 37 - 10 Force(2-1)
(COL): QB Smith - 27/45 192 yards, 1 TD, RB Pittman - 17 carries, 82 yards, 3 TDs, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 59 yards, WR Moore - 6 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD
(OTT): QB Huard - 22/43 176 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Fargas - 14 carries, 47 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 74 yards

-- (1-2)Conquerors 35 - 34 Mammoths(1-2)
(LV): QB Losman - 33/47 371 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Dorsey - 20 carries, 103 yards, WR Robinson - 9 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Higgins - 7 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD, TE Putzier - 7 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 14/28 195 yards, 1 TD, RB Perry - 21 carries, 92 yards, 3 TDs, WR Chatman - 5 catches, 61 yards, WR Murphy - 4 catches, 65 yards

-- (2-1)Steel 26 - 31 Rage(1-2)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 18/32 189 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Arrington - 11 carries, 73 yards, WR Williamson - 6 catches, 89 yards, TE Patrick - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 21/32 297 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shipp - 15 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs, WR Holt - 7 catches, 88 yards, WR Lelie - 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Curry - 1 catch, 65 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-1)Enforcers 17 - 16 Stars(0-3)
(CHI): QB Harrington - 18/30 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Toefield - 12 carries, 60 yards, WR Martin - 5 catches, 65 yards, WR Russell - 3 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Masoli - 19/35 202 yards, 1 TD, RB Barlow - 12 carries, 33 yards, WR Jarrett - 7 catches, 110 yards, WR Williams - 8 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Dragons 20 - 24 Valor(1-2)
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 25/39 230 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Dixon - 14 carries, 65 yards, WR Burton - 8 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Biddle - 7 catches, 56 yards
(DC): QB McPherson - 20/35 196 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Jones - 10 carries, 50 yards, RB Suggs - 12 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 4 catches, 71 yards, WR Gardner - 5 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5: Culpepper can Still Ball

March 29, 2011

Washington, DC - While the Valor presented a balanced offense with RB Kevin Jones rushing for 96 yards, Orlando abandoned the run pretty early in the face of a tough Valor defensive front and put the ball into the hands of QB Daunte Culpepper who reciprocated with a 4-TD, 439-yard performance. The first three quarters saw only 1 touchdown each before a frantic 4th quarter took the game to new levels. WR Ronald Curry started the scoring off in the 1st with a 65-yard TD reception on a perfectly designed out & up. Washington would get their own big play in the 2nd quarter when QB Adrian McPherson found WR Rod Gardner from 35 yards out on a corner route, dropping the ball in just over the outstretched arms of the corner. After three quarters, the game was only a 16-10 affair with Washington holding the edge but the quarter ended with the Rage driving and on the first play of the final period they struck with Culpepper hitting WR Glenn Holt for a score that flipped the lead towards the visitors. The Valor recovered the lead with a field goal on their next drive, but could not stop Holt as he once again scored for the Rage, putting them up 24-19 with 3:52 left in the game.

WR Matt Jones was the big target for McPherson as he came up big with 7 receptions for 160 yards and 2 scores, his second coming on a 46-yard sprint to the end zone. The Valor were back on top, 27-24 with only 1:46 left, but 1:46 in the hands of an offense like the Rage and with Culpepper at the helm is hardly secure. Culpepper took over with the ball on the 31 after a good kick return and within five plays he was closing in on the red zone. On a 2nd and 3 from the 26, the Valor tried to pressure Culpepper but that left TE Cornelius Ingram covered by a linebacker, which is never a good thing. Culpepper braced for the hit as he delivered the ball to his speedy tight end as Ingram made the catch and shook off the safety on his way to the end zone. With only 33 seconds left, the Rage retook the lead, 31-27. Needing a touchdown, the Valor were forced to play against a shell defense and when McPherson’s desperation heave on the final play of the game found only the turf, the Rage celebrated on the sidelines.

-- (2-2)Rage 31 - 27 Valor(2-2)
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 24/39 439 yards, 4 TDs, RB Shipp - 7 carries, 17 yards, WR Holt - 6 catches, 145 yards, 2 TDs, WR Curry - 6 catches, 139 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB McPherson - 19/33 291 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jones - 14 carries, 96 yards, WR Jones - 7 catches, 160 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gardner - 6 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-3)Desperados 20 - 15 Aztecs(1-3)
(DAL): QB Rattay - 14/28 193 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB White - 10 carries, 136 yards, WR Johnson - 4 catches, 76 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 26/44 266 yards, 1 INT, RB Booker - 17 carries, 57 yards, RB Galloway - 9 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 6 catches, 89 yards

-- (2-2)Steel 13 - 30 Bandits(4-0)
(BIRM): QB Shockley - 20/30 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Duckett - 9 carries, 22 yards, WR Williamson - 4 catches, 66 yards, WR Mathis - 5 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB Hamdan - 15/24 261 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Herron - 17 carries, 68 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-2)Roughnecks 31 - 28 Commanders(3-1)
(OKC): QB Nall - 24/35 289 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Anderson - 12 carries, 64 yards, WR Bowman - 9 catches, 97 yards, WR Kelly - 7 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 21/30 168 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 3 carries, 18 yards, 2 TDs, RB Maroney - 18 carries, 113 yards, WR Woods - 7 catches, 50 yards, WR Morgan - 6 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-3)Brawlers 17 - 24 Dragons(1-3)
(PHI): QB Michna - 14/34 154 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Hart - 15 carries, 60 yards, WR Darling - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 26/36 261 yards, 1 TD, RB Dixon - 14 carries, 13 yards, 1 TD, WR Biddle - 7 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Burton - 7 catches, 103 yards

-- (2-2)Conquerors 28 - 24 Enforcers(3-1)
(LV): QB Losman - 14/25 214 yards, 2 TDs, RB Dorsey - 17 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs, WR Robinson - 5 catches, 126 yards, 2 TDs
(CHI): QB Harrington - 21/37 258 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Toefield - 24 carries, 60 yards, WR Martin - 10 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD, WR Russell - 7 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-2)Express 24 - 27 Force(2-2)
(MEM): QB Ramsey - 20/33 229 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Clayton - 5 catches, 94 yards, WR Berlin - 8 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
(OTT): QB Huard - 25/37 254 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Fargas - 18 carries, 126 yards, WR Caldwell - 6 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, TE Ricks - 5 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-4)Guardians 9 - 27 Ghosts(4-0)
(NY): QB Perrilloux - 22/36 177 yards, 1 TD, RB Rhodes - 10 carries, 83 yards, 5 catches, 48 yards, WR Sweed - 5 catches, 47 yards
(COL): QB Hill - 29/39 290 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Pittman - 14 carries, 137 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 100 yards, WR Moore - 7 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-3)Mammoths 35 - 27 Mountain Lions(3-1)
(OMA): QB Banks - 21/28 264 yards, 3 TDs, RB Perry - 22 carries, 56 yards, 2 TDs, WR Murphy - 4 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 65 yards, 2 TDs
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 18/31 248 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 13 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, WR Warren - 6 catches, 73 yards, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 61 yards

-- (4-0)Stampede 23 - 31 Stars(0-4)
(HOU): QB McCown - 20/35 241 yards, 1 TD, RB Moats - 13 carries, 66 yards, WR Moss - 5 catches, 75 yards, WR Ferguson - 6 catches, 74 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 64 yards
(LA): QB Masoli - 17/27 267 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Barlow - 14 carries, 100 yards, WR Jarrett - 4 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 3 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs


Los Angeles XFL Organization Rebranding to Breakers

April 1, 2011

Los Angeles, CA - This is a historic day in Los Angeles professional football history as new owner Josh Kroenke, the XFL and the rest of the staff of the Los Angeles organization focus on setting a new foundation with the exciting announcement that the team will be rebranded as the Los Angeles Breakers, effective at the conclusion of the 2011 XFL season.

"Los Angeles has an extremely strong and knowledgeable fan base that appreciates outstanding football and entertainment," Kroenke said. "The new Breakers brand and logo represents the region's rich competitive nature and proud history. We believe this is part of the continuation of that philosophy and the start of a new winning tradition. We will begin the work of forging a championship level team this spring, and our fans can expect to see a fast paced hard hitting team."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 6: Culpepper Pulls Another Houdini Act

April 5, 2011

Orlando, FL - Memphis started strong, scoring on a RB Trung Canidate six yard reception after the Rage had opened the game with a field goal. Canidate’s touchdown would be the lone six pointer of the first half as both defenses limited opportunities for the opposition. At the half, the game would be a very tense 10-3 in favor of the visiting Express and this was increased to 13-3 after another field goal on the 2nd half opening drive. Orlando responded with a long drive of their own. Thirteen plays and 5 minutes later, QB Daunte Culpepper, the ageless wonder, ran off the right side for 4 yards to pull the Rage back to within 3 at 13-10. Memphis answered with a score of their own, with QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson hitting TE Brad Cottam on a huge play as the Rage safeties were badly out of position on a play action play, leading Cottam to the 21-yard score. Orlando would end the third quarter with a field goal and the Express took a 20-13 lead into the final period.

The Express grew their advantage to 14 points after Bethel-Thompson found his other receiving TE, Jake Nordin on a short scoring toss. With just over 13 minutes left to play, Orlando needed to get serious. They started by quickly moving the ball down the field against Memphis’ 2-deep zone. When Culpepper hit WR Ashley Lelie for a 13-yard scoring toss, the Rage were back within one score. They would get a chance to get that score thanks to their defense. On a 3rd and 6 the Express went for a seam play over the middle, but this time safety Atari Bigby was in position, stepping in front of WR Tyrone Calico and snatching the ball. Orlando would waste no time evening the score with Culpepper finding WR Glenn Holt for the game tying touchdown only four plays later. Memphis was unable to get the ball into field goal range so the game headed to overtime. The Rage won the toss and all the momentum was theirs as they drove down the field and RB Marcel Shipp broke free from an initial bottleneck at the line and raced 27 yards for the game winning score.

-- (2-3)Express 27 - 33 Rage(3-2)
(MEM): QB Bethel-Thompson - 24/35 266 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 71 yards, 4 catches, 23 yards, 1 TD, WR Clayton - 5 catches, 78 yards, WR Calico - 6 catches, 58 yards
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 15/23 233 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shipp - 11 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Holt - 6 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD, WR Lelie - 3 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-2)Force 16 - 37 Brawlers(1-4)
(OTT): QB White - 20/39 215 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Fargas - 14 carries, 38 yards, RB Devine - 8 carries, 63 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Rattay - 21/31 292 yards, 3 TDs, RB Hart - 16 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Brown - 5 catches, 90 yards, WR Williams - 3 catches, 61 yards, 2 TDs
*Philadelphia acquired QB Tim Rattay from Dallas earlier this week

-- (3-2)Mountain Lions 42 - 49 Conquerors(3-2)
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 20/32 277 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smith - 10 carries, 166 yards, 1 TD, RB Humes - 12 carries, 161 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 6 catches, 126 yards, 2 TDs, WR Warren - 4 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Losman - 18/25 264 yards, 4 TDs, RB Dorsey - 20 carries, 222 yards, 2 TDs, WR Robinson - 5 catches, 88 yards, 3 TDs, WR Davis - 3 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-1)Stampede 31 - 21 Desperados(2-3)
(HOU): QB McCown - 27/37 305 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Scobey - 10 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD, WR Moss - 9 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD, WR Ferguson - 5 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Johnson - 24/34 243 yards, 3 TDs, RB Redmond - 17 carries, 19 yards, WR McNeal - 4 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 4 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-2)Commanders 10 - 21 Enforcers(3-2)
(SA): QB Bishop - 18/30 216 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ross - 8 carries, 11 yards, WR Morgan - 7 catches, 71 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Harrington - 24/30 331 yards, 3 TDs, RB Toefield - 9 carries, 23 yards, WR Russell - 4 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 6 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs

-- (5-0)Bandits 31 - 12 Ghosts(5-0)
(TB): QB Hamdan - 17/28 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Herron - 11 carries, 43 yards, RB Cobourne - 9 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Haddad - 3 catches, 64 yards
(COL): QB Hill - 22/33 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Pittman - 15 carries, 44 yards, WR Moore - 6 catches, 53 yards

-- (2-3)Dragons 28 - 32 Guardians(0-5)
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 30/38 280 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Dixon - 15 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Biddle - 8 catches, 95 yards, 2 TDs, WR Burton - 7 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Garcia - 22/30 319 yards, 3 TDs, RB Rhodes - 17 carries, 58 yards, Clowney - 7 catches, 82 yards, 2 TDs, WR Sweed - 6 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-4)Stars 21 - 17 Mammoths(2-3)
(LA): QB Masoli - 27/46 261 yards, 2 TDs, RB Barlow - 12 carries, 27 yards, WR Williams - 8 catches, 83 yards, WR Jarrett - 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 22/42 228 yards, 2 TDs, RB Perry - 25 carries, 73 yards, WR Murphy - 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-4)Aztecs 27 - 22 Roughnecks(3-2)
(MEX): QB Gray - 18/24 167 yards, RB Booker - 16 carries, 115 yards, RB Galloway - 13 carries, 32 yards, 3 TDs, WR Nash - 4 catches, 54 yards
(OKC): QB Nall - 23/38 217 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Anderson - 12 carries, 75 yards, WR Bowman - 8 catches, 82 yards, WR Kelly - 5 catches, 66 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-3)Valor 28 - 31 Steel(2-3)
(DC): QB McPherson - 22/40 233 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Suggs - 10 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Gardner - 7 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Gessner - 5 catches, 60 yards
(BIRM): QB Davey - 24/33 152 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Arrington - 12 carries, 108 yards, 2 TDs, WR Mathis - 8 catches, 54 yards
*Birmingham acquired QB Rohan Davey from Oklahoma City earlier this week

XFL to Hold Veterans Bowl in Las Vegas

April 7, 2011

New York, NY - The XFL will stage its championship game, the Veterans Bowl, in Las Vegas. Under a two-year deal, the 2012 championship will also be decided at Sam Boyd Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Bowl and the UNLV football team.

"Las Vegas has a proven track record of success hosting large-scale sporting events, making it an ideal destination for our championship games," said Dick Ebersol, XFL co-founder.

[BengalErnst]

Derrick Brooks Named Team President

April 10, 2011

Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment LLC and majority owner Jeffrey Vinik, named Derrick Brooks President of the Tampa Bay Bandits, Brooks is joined in the front office by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammate Jeff Gooch, who was named Vice President of Football Operations for the team. As President, Brooks will direct all aspects of the Bandits' business and football operations.

"We are very pleased to welcome Derrick and Jeff to the Bandit family," said Vinik. "When we purchased the Bandits, we made the same commitment to our fans that we did in purchasing the Tampa Bay Lightning. Our goals focus on winning football games while serving our fans and the Tampa Bay community in a world class manner. Derrick and Jeff, who are both well respected in the NFL and Tampa Bay communities, will lead our efforts on and off the field; they are a perfect fit for us."


XFL Week 7: Is it a Choke or a Comeback?

April 12, 2011

Seattle, WA - Epic comeback or epic collapse? It all depends on who you ask. Seattle raced out to a 17-0 lead in their matchup against Tampa Bay but the Bandits ground out the next 18 points to edge the Dragons at the whistle. It was not a pretty win by any stretch but it was a win nonetheless and one which kept the Bandits atop the Eastern Conference while also showing that their much-maligned defense may actually be improving. The Dragons started the game in a commanding way, when their first drive lasted 9 minutes and 15 plays before RB Adrian Peterson plunged over the right side to give his team a 7-0 lead. They would add 3 more in the quarter. In the second quarter they did it again, a 7-minute drive over 11 plays that led to QB Brooks Bollinger hitting WR Keenan Burton for a scoring toss with just over 3 minutes left to play in the half. Tampa would tack on a last second field goal to finish the half down 17-3.

Things looked even worse when on their first possession of the second half, QB Gibran Hamdan came up hobbling after a tough hit. His day had not been much, 8 of 10 for 146 and no scores but with him out for the day, backup Chris Leak would have to be the one to lead the comeback and after the Bandits’ defense rose up to produce a three-and-out on the Dragons’ next possession, Tampa would have another shot to close the gap. Leak, who would finish the game with a respectable 10 of 19 day for 189 yards, got the Bandits into range again and with another swing of the leg the Bandits made it a one score game, 17-9. The Bandits defense kept proving to be up to the task against the Dragons, who would end the day 3 for 12 on 3rd down, including 0 for 4 in the final period. The biggest play of the day opened the 4th quarter, as Leak found an uncovered WR DeAndrew Rubin for a 51-yard TD to pull Tampa within 2. The 42,000 Dragon fans had a sense that momentum had shifted and were dead silent by this point of the game. The defense again responded and with the Bandits down only two points at 17-15, they kept Seattle from crossing midfield. The offense took over with just over 1:30 to play, needing only a 4th kick to steal the win. Leak hit WR Chad Jackson and TE George Wrighster on consecutive plays and after spiking the ball to stop the clock, K Sam Swank came out and booted the home team into the lead. Seattle was stunned, their huge lead erased and their spirit broken, they could not rebound and the game ended on a desperation heave from Bollinger.

-- (6-0)Bandits 18 - 17 Dragons(2-4)
(TB): QB Hamdan - 8/10 146 yards, RB Herron - 15 carries, 29 yards, WR Rubin - 2 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, TE Wrighster - 4 catches, 66 yards
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 15/32 222 yards, 1 INT, RB Peterson - 8 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Burton - 7 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD, WR Tyree - 4 catches, 52 yards

-- (2-4)Aztecs 21 - 24 Conquerors(4-2)
(MEX): QB Gray - 21/34 283 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 21 carries, 52 yards, WR Aiken - 7 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Losman - 29/41 301 yards, 3 TDs, RB Dorsey - 22 carries, 79 yards, WR Robinson - 8 catches, 112 yards, 2 TDs, WR Davis - 6 catches, 70 yards

-- (4-2)Enforcers 37 - 17 Stampede(5-1)
(CHI): QB Harrington - 29/35 203 yards, 3 TDs, RB Toefield - 11 carries, 63 yards, WR Martin - 7 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD, TE Humphrey - 6 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB McCown - 19/33 222 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Moats - 11 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Moss - 5 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Ferguson - 5 catches, 85 yards

-- (2-4)Stars 31 - 3 Desperados(2-4)
(LA): QB Masoli - 17/25 192 yards, RB Barlow - 16 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 41 yards RB Foster - 11 carries, 54 yards, 3 TDs, WR Williams - 3 catches, 56 yards
(DAL): QB Johnson - 17/41 153 yards, 2 INTs, RB White - 7 carries, 14 yards, WR McNeal - 6 catches, 83 yards

-- (5-1)Ghosts 10 - 25 Express(2-4)
(COL): QB Smith - 19/29 117 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Pittman - 14 carries, 41 yards, RB Clarrett - 7 carries, 41 yards, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Bethel-Thompson - 22/31 197 yards, RB Canidate - 26 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 6 catches, 60 yards, WR Clayton - 4 catches, 43 yards

-- (2-4)Valor 10 - 24 Guardians(1-5)
(DC): QB McPherson - 20/40 170 yards, RB Suggs - 16 carries, 108 yards, RB Jones - 15 carries, 103 yards, WR Jones - 4 catches, 90 yards
(NY): QB Garcia - 24/36 253 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Rhodes - 20 carries, 58 yards, WR Clowney - 8 catches, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Sweed - 4 catches, 42 yards

-- (3-3)Commanders 34 - 24 Mountain Lions(3-3)
(SA): QB Bishop - 17/32 205 yards, 3 TDs, RB Maroney - 10 carries, 93 yards, WR Woods - 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 88 yards, 2 TDs
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 17/27 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Humes - 9 carries, 36 yards, WR Merritt - 3 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Warren - 4 catches, 84 yards

-- (3-3)Force 6 - 27 Rage(4-2)
(OTT): QB White - 16/33 133 yards, 1 INT, RB Fargas - 13 carries, 54 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 60 yards
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 21/27 258 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hicks - 10 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Holt - 7 catches, 94 yards, WR Lelie - 4 catches, 60 yards

-- (2-4)Mammoths 10 - 30 Roughnecks(3-3)
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/39 131 yards, 1 INT, RB Perry - 19 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, Murphy - 6 catches, 48 yards
(OKC): QB Nall - 20/29 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Bell - 7 carries, 58 yards, WR Bowman - 6 catches, 88 yards, WR Kelly - 7 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-4)Brawlers 28 - 32 Steel(3-3)
(PHI): QB Rattay - 15/26 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Griffin - 14 carries, 35 yards, WR Darling - 3 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Brown - 7 catches, 67 yards
(BIRM): QB Davey - 21/29 248 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Duckett - 11 carries, 34 yards, 1 TD, WR Williamson - 5 catches, 110 yards, WR Mathis - 11 catches, 64 yards, 2 TDs

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Stars Get Huge Comeback in Ottawa

April 19, 2011

Ottawa, ONTARIO, CANADA - A case of a team letting up too early as Ottawa thought they had this one in the bag but let up 16 unanswered 4th quarter points to allow Los Angeles to steal a dramatic win in the final minutes. QB Brock Huard played three near-perfect quarters, throwing for four scores and guiding the Force to a 28-13 lead with just one quarter to play, but the Stars came all the way back thanks to two big-play touchdowns. Early on it was all Ottawa as Huard threw a 1st quarter TD to WR Reche Caldwell and then doubled down with a second scoring throw to WR Dane Looker. Down 14-3, Los Angeles got back in the game with a 24-yard scoring toss from QB Jeremiah Masoli to WR Dwayne Jarrett, but Ottawa would go on to score 14 to the Stars’ 3 points over the course of the next two quarters. Huard found both tight ends, Mikhael Ricks and Bennie Joppru for scoring tosses and it looked like the home team were in control, up 28-13.

But the fourth quarter belonged to the Stars. The quarter opened with a dynamic RB Kevan Barlow run, a simple counter run left that turned into a 24-yard touchdown scamper. The Stars would get even closer on their next drive when they got the ball kicked between the uprights. Now down only five at 28-23, the Stars and the crowd of 51,232, could feel the momentum leaving their side. The got the ball back with just under two minutes to go, down by five. It would take them only 57 seconds to score as Masoli first used short passes to the boundaries to get into Ottawa territory. Then, on a 2nd and 10, he threaded the needle to a streaking WR Reggie Williams and the big receiver did the rest, shaking off a glancing hit from the safety and spinning his way into the end zone to put the Stars up 29-28. They would fail on a 2-point conversion attempt, giving Ottawa a chance to win with a field goal, but the Force could not muster a late drive to counter.

-- (3-4)Stars 29 - 28 Force(3-4)
(LA): QB Masoli - 24/31 307 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Barlow - 11 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Jarrett - 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
(OTT): QB Huard - 20/34 324 yards, 4 TD, RB Fargas - 14 carries, 77 yards, WR Looker - 11 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Caldwell - 7 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-3)Commanders 34 - 17 Bandits(7-0)
(SA): QB Bishop - 27/40 256 yards, 2 TDs, RB Maroney - 21 carries, 60 yards, WR Woods - 7 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Morgan - 7 catches, 58 yards
(TB): QB Hamdan - 14/30 190 yards, 2 INTs, RB Herron - 12 carries, 70 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 68 yards

-- (2-5)Mammoths 24 - 31 Brawlers(2-5)
(OMA): QB Banks - 30/38 207 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Perry - 15 carries, 120 yards, WR Chatman - 8 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Murphy - 4 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Rattay - 18/28 243 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hart - 14 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Brown - 4 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-4)Mountain Lions 28 - 38 Dragons(2-5)
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 28/45 260 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 13 carries, 34 yards, 1 TD, WR Warren - 7 catches, 87 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 77 yards, WR Germany - 4 catches, 65 yards
(SEA): QB Bollinger - 28/34 322 yards, 3 TDs, RB Dixon - 12 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Burton - 8 catches, 107 yards, WR Biddle - 6 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD, TE Wiggins - 7 catches, 47 yards, 2 TDs

-- (5-2)Stampede 10 - 31 Express(3-4)
(HOU): QB McCown - 26/39 240 yards, 1 INT, RB Scobey - 14 carries, 47 yards, WR Sippio - 4 catches, 69 yards
(MEM): QB Bethel-Thompson - 23/25 214 yards, 3 TDs, RB Canidate - 27 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 6 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Clayton - 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-2)Enforcers 20 - 17 Ghosts(5-2)
(CHI): QB Harrington - 21/28 279 yards, 2 TDs, RB Toefield - 14 carries, 52 yards, WR Martin - 6 catches, 122 yards, TE Humphrey - 4 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Smith - 22/41 261 yards, 2 TDs, RB Pittman - 12 carries, 38 yards, WR Moore - 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, TE Blakely - 7 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-2)Conquerors 28 - 32 Guardians(2-5)
(LV): QB Losman - 25/34 280 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Dorsey - 17 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Higgins - 4 catches, 125 yards, 1 TD, WR Robinson - 7 catches, 72 yards
(NY): QB Garcia - 34/44 296 yards, 2 TDs, RB Rhodes - 10 carries, 83 yards, 2 TDs, WR Sweed - 5 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Maxwell - 8 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-5)Desperados 19 - 21 Rage(5-2)
(DAL): QB Johnson - 21/41 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB White - 21 carries, 51 yards, WR Johnson - 7 catches, 99 yards, WR McNeal - 6 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, TE Blizzard - 7 catches, 61 yards
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 20/29 292 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hicks - 8 carries, 24 yards, WR Holt - 6 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lelie - 4 catches, 103 yards

-- (4-3)Roughnecks 37 - 14 Steel(4-3)
(OKC): QB Nall - 19/29 243 yards, 2 TDs, RB Bell - 10 carries, 78 yards, WR Bowman - 6 catches, 93 yards, WR Bellamy - 3 catches, 57 yards
(BIRM): QB Davey - 22/37 262 yards, 2 TDs, RB Duckett - 13 carries, 72 yards, WR Mathis - 9 catches, 66 yards, TE Patrick - 7 catches, 72 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-5)Aztecs 6 - 33 Valor(2-5)
(MEX): QB Gray - 23/44 147 yards, RB Booker - 10 carries, 30 yards, WR Aiken - 6 catches, 62 yards
(DC): QB McPherson - 17/32 222 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Suggs - 11 carries, 65 yards, RB Jones - 26 carries, 110 yards, WR Gardner - 4 catches, 62 yards, WR Jones - 4 catches, 84 yards, 2 TDs

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Tynes Delivers from Deep

April 26, 2011

Birmingham, AL - Only six minutes into the game when a well-executed fake to RB Adrian Peterson, drew in the Steel linebackers and allowed veteran TE Jermaine Wiggins to find himself in wide open space. Wiggins had ten yards between himself and a defender so when QB Dennis Dixon found him with the ball, it was an easy touchdown. Birmingham, sticking to their usual ball control offense, did not panic, and only five minutes later a long 9-play drive ended with QB Rohan Davey finding WR Troy Williamson on a fade route to the corner of the end zone. All tied up at 7-7 after one period, the second would remain close as Seattle would manage only two field goals in the second quarter, while Birmingham would take a 1-point lead on a second touchdown from Davey to Williamson. The combo was solid all day, with Williamson finishing with 6 receptions for 104 yards. Davey would hit 9 different receivers on the day, a diverse attack that would keep Seattle on their toes. It helped that RB JJ Arrington racked up 104 yards on the ground. For their part, Seattle focused on the passing attack. In addition to Wiggins’ early touchdown, Dixon relied heavily on his wideouts. Birmingham blanketed WR Taye Biddle, but Dixon found both David Tyree and Keenan Burton frequently. Burton would finish the day with 134 yards on 7 receptions to lead all receivers.

Down one at the half, Seattle would regain the lead on their first possession of the second half as RB Andre Dixon pounded the ball in from 2 yards out to give the Dragons a 19-14 lead. They tried for 2, but the ball glanced off of TE Derek Fine’s hands and was ruled incomplete. After trading field goals to reach 22-17, Birmingham got a 23-yard scoring strike from Davey to WR Chad Lucas. With Williamson now facing frequent double coverage, the Steel had lined up Lucas on the inside, with WR Airese Currie outside of him. The combo route gave Lucas a step on the defender and the corner route worked to perfection. The Steel now led by three but with 7:52 left to play, the game was far from over. Once again Dixon relied on his short passing game finding Burton, then Tyree, and finally WR Cortez Hankton to get in field goal range which evened the score, but left way too much time on the clock for Birmingham to use. The Steel did not rush their final drive, milking the clock down to the final six seconds before using their last time out and trotting out Lawrence Tynes for a final kick. Knowing they would head to overtime if he missed, Tynes lined up for the 52-yard kick and seemed to show no pressure as the ball sailed true.

-- (3-5)Dragons 25 - 28 Steel(4-4)
(SEA): QB Dixon - 22/38 344 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Peterson - 12 carries, 37 yards, WR Burton - 7 catches, 134 yards, WR Tyree - 5 catches, 97 yards
(BIRM): QB Davey - 19/29 211 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Arrington - 18 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Williamson - 6 catches, 104 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-2)Enforcers 20 - 6 Aztecs(2-6)
(CHI): QB Harrington - 24/32 247 yards, 2 TDs, RB Toefield - 21 carries, 62 yards, WR Martin - 6 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD, WR Russell - 5 catches, 69 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 19/38 165 yards, 1 INT, RB Booker - 13 carries, 49 yards, WR Aiken - 7 catches, 47 yards

-- (4-4)Express 28 - 10 Brawlers(3-5)
(MEM): QB Bethel-Thompson - 10/16 146 yards, 1 TD, RB Canidate - 16 carries, 113 yards, 3 TDs, WR Clayton - 2 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Redman - 21/35 206 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Shelton - 14 carries, 85 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 87 yards, WR Brown - 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-3)Conquerors 28 - 26 Desperados(2-6)
(LV): QB Losman - 22/31 292 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Dorsey - 22 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Higgins - 4 catches, 92 yards, TE Putzier - 4 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Johnson - 23/42 208 yards, 2 TDs, RB White - 17 carries, 46 yards, WR Johnson - 11 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR McNeal - 4 catches, 78 yards

-- (7-1)Bandits 32 - 13 Force(3-5)
(TB): QB Hamdan - 12/22 233 yards, 2 TDs, RB Herron - 11 carries, 82 yards, RB Cobourne - 12 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Jacobs - 6 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs, TE Wrighster - 4 catches, 51 yards
(OTT): QB White - 25/44 195 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Fargas - 18 carries, 82 yards, WR Looker - 9 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-3)Stampede 17 - 14 Mammoths(2-6)
(HOU): QB McCown - 21/41 241 yards, 2 TDs, RB Moats - 17 carries, 22 yards, WR Moss - 11 catches, 126 yards, WR Sippio - 4 catches, 71 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 19/25 157 yards, 2 TDs, RB Perry - 25 carries, 135 yards, WR Murphy - 3 catches, 35 yards

-- (3-5)Guardians 17 - 28 Rage(6-2)
(NY): QB Garcia - 25/39 286 yards, 2 TDs, RB Rhodes - 14 carries, 61 yards, 8 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Sweed - 8 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD, TE Jolley - 6 catches, 82 yards
(ORL): QB Culpepper - 15/28 218 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hicks - 11 carries, 47 yards, WR Holt - 4 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Curry - 2 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-5)Mountain Lions 24 - 23 Roughnecks(5-3)
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 20/31 218 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 54 yards, WR Mitchell - 3 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD, TE Johnson - 4 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Nall - 23/38 232 yards, 1 TD, RB Bell - 14 carries, 85 yards, WR Bellamy - 4 catches, 119 yards, WR Bowman - 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-3)Commanders 13 - 27 Stars(4-4)
(SA): QB Bishop - 19/31 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ross - 11 carries, 71 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 63 yards, WR Morgan - 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Masoli - 25/31 218 yards, 2 TDs, RB Barlow - 22 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 45 yards, 2 TDs, TE Nelson - 5 catches, 64 yards

-- (5-3)Ghosts 17 - 34 Valor(3-5)
(COL): QB Smith - 21/37 194 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Pittman - 18 carries, 47 yards, Rambo - 11 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 7 catches, 62 yards
(DC): QB McPherson - 14/24 169 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jones - 10 carries, 36 yards, WR Gardner - 6 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD