XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

XFL 2022 Roster Update

February 14, 2022


2021 Recap -

2022 Dallas Renegades - HC Bob Stoops, OC, DC, GM, QBs Landry Jones, Dakota Prukop and Kevin Anderson, RBs De'Veon Smith, Lavon Coleman, Lance Dunbar and Kenneth Farrow, WRs Kenny Lawler, Marquise Lawson, Kendrick Rogers, Steven Dunbar, Terrance Williams and Brice Butler, TEs David Grinnage and Thomas Duarte, OL Luke Joeckel, Willie Beavers, Travis Swanson, Parker Ehinger, Joey Hunt, Jordan Murray, Jonathan Cooper and Roderick Johnson, DL Valentin Gnahoua, Ja'Gared Davis, Julian Taylor, Doug Costin, Beau Allen, Dontavius Russell and Olubunmi Rotimi, LBs Darnell Sankey, Samuel Eguavoen, Kentrell Brothers, DBs Jamar Wall, Monshadrik Hunter, Delvin Breaux, Kameron Kelly, Derrick Kindred, Kalan Reed and Josh Hawkins, P Richie Leone and K Garrett Hartley

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2022 Los Angeles Breakers - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Colin Kaepernick, Kyle Sloter and Zach Smith, RBs Jordan Ellis, Ezra Gray, TJ Logan and Larry Rose, WRs Marquis Lee, Johnnie Dixon, Taywan Taylor, Jonathan Adams, Hergy Mayala, Chad Williams and Shawn Poindexter, TEs Hakeem Valles, Sal Cannella and Justin Johnson, OL Kai Absheer, Paul Adams, Jack Kramer, Steven Rowzee, Jared Thomas, Treyvion Shannon, Toree Boyd and Tim Coleman, DL Eddie Vanderdoes, Lorenzo Mauldin, Djimon Brooks, Davin Bellamy, Reggie Howard, Shareef Miller, Anree Saint-Amour, Shakir Soto, Kamilo Tongamoa and Nigel Chavis, LBs Su'a Cravens, Vontae Diggs, Jerod Fernandez and Christian Sam, DBs Aashari Crosswell, Keith Washington, Saquan Hampton, Adonis Alexander, Nevelle Clarke, Derrick Jones, Dartez Jacobs and Ike Brown, P Matt White and K Taylor Bertolet

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2022 Omaha Mammoths - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs John Wolford, Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers, RBs Jacques Patrick, Darius Jackson, Charcandrick West and Brandon Wilds, WRs Antonio Callaway, Olabisi Johnson, Dan Williams, Jake Lampman, Tanner McEvoy and Jalen Tolliver, TEs DeAndre Goolsby, Pharoah McKever and Nick Truesdell, OL Jerald Foster, Martez Ivey, Marquis Lucas, Christian Westerman, Russell Bodine, Jordan McCray, Na'Ty Rodgers and Andrew Tiller, DL Brandin Bryant, Shane Bowman, Deiontrez Mount, Jason Neill, Bobby Richardson, Anthony Zettel, Ryan Glasgow and Nikita Whitlock, LBs Kyle Emanuel, Emmanuel Beal, Marquis Flowers, Jack Cichy, Terrance Plummer and Lucas Wacha, DBs Trey Caldwell, Marcelis Branch, Demontre Hurst, Tarvarus McFadden, Anthoula Kelly, Robert Priester, Nick Nelson and Robenson Therezie, P Jake Schum and K Andrew Franks

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2022 San Antonio Commanders - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Robert Griffin III, Logan Woodside and Mason Fine, RBs Jeremy Hill, Tyler Ervin, David Cobb and Aaron Green, WRs Josh Doctson, Demarcus Ayers, DuShon David, Trey Quinn, Daniel Braverman, Darius Prince and Greg Ward, TEs Cameron Clear, Ricky Seals-Jones and Rico Gathers, OL Brian Folkerts, Zac Kerin, Dillon DeBoer, De'Ondre Wesley, Trevon Tate, Spencer Drango, Martinas Rankin, Dominick Jackson, Mason Gentry and Fred Lauina, DL Folarin Orimolade, Montori Hughes, Corey Vereen, Daeshon Hall, Jashon Cornell, Deion Barnes, Matthew Godwin and Arthur Miley, LBs Jayrone Elliott, Tyrone Holmes, Joel Lanning, Kennan Gilchrist, Nick Temple, BJ Goodson and Shaan Washington, DBs Darryl Morris, Chris Williamson, De'Vante Bausby, Kurtis Drummond, Marqui Christian, Derron Smith, Duke Thomas and Orion Stewart, P Joseph Zema and K Nick Rose

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2022 Chicago Enforcers - HC Lovie Smith, OC, DC Mike Singletary, GM, QBs DeShone Kizer, De'Andre Johnson and Kyle Lauletta, RBs Darius Victor, Trey Williams, Kingston Davis and Mike Weber, WRs Amara Darboh, Alonzo Moore, Jehu Chesson, KaVontae Turpin, J'Mon Moore, Darrius Shepherd, Cameron Echols-Luper and Randy Satterfield, TEs Braedon Bowman, Woody Brandom and Mason Sikes, OL Calvin Ashley, Justin Calderon, Brandon Haskin, Garrett McGhin, Robert Myers, Brian Schwenke, Terry Poole, Jake Lacina and Evan Heim, DL Kolin Hill, Toby Johnson, Hercules Mata'afa, Tyshun Render, Destiny Vaeao, Bryson Young and Deyon Sizer, LBs Jalen Choice, D'Juan Hines, Chris Orr and Angelo Garbutt, DBs Blake Countess, Dravon Askew-Henry, DJ Daniel, Iman Marshall, Trae Elston, Paris Ford, Shalom Luani, David Rivers and Christian Tutt, P Brock Miller and K Caden Novikoff

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2022 Memphis Showboats - HC , OC Todd Haley, DC, GM, QBs Ryan Willis, Zach Mettenberger and Brady White, RBs BJ Emmons, Justin Stockton, Juwan Washington and Tra Minter, WRs Carlos Henderson, Rashard Davis, Derrick Dillon, Vinny Papale, Devin Lucien, John Franklin III and Keith Mumphery, TE Devin Funchess and Cheyenne O'Grady, OL Dallas Thomas, Evan Boehm, Brett Boyko, Jarron Jones, Jalen Booth, Shon Coleman, Tyler Catalina, Corbin Kaufusi, Bruno Reagan, Darrin Paulo and Matt Burrell, DL Sam Montgomery, John Atkins, Adam Shuler, Sulaiman Kamara, Daylon Mack, Jeff McCulloch, Austrian Robinson and Jeremiah Valoaga, LBs Micah Awe, Brandon Marshall, Anthony Butler, Travis Feeney, TJ Neal and Greg Reaves, DBs Christian Campbell, Rannell Hall, Quenton Meeks, Obi Melifonwu, Jermaine Kelly, Anthony Cioffi, Delrick Abrams and Stephen Griffin, P Brandon Wright and K Tyler Rausa

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2022 Salt Lake City Mountain Lions - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Luke Falk, Josh Woodrum and Austin Allen, RBs Devontae Booker, Robert Turbin, Terron Ward and Joel Bouagnon, WRs Kaelin Clay, Kenny Bell, Sam Mobley, Jordan Leslie, Terry Godwin, De'Mornay Pierson-El and Brian Tyms, TEs Troy Fumagalli, Austin Traylor and Anthony Denham, OL Nick Callender, Ryan Cummings, Joshua Miles, Zach Banner, Javon Patterson, Leon Johnson, Tuni Kanuch and Salesi Uhatafe, DL Darius Hamilton, Tenny Palepoi, Bronson Kaufusi, Karter Schult, Sealver Siliga and Handsome Tanielu, LBs Luke Carrezola, Greer Martini, Bryce Hager, Kamalei Correa and John Timu, DBs Ciante Evans, Will Davis, Micah Hannemann, Jeremiah Johnson, Damarious Randall, Jordan Sterns, Steve Williams and LeShaun Sims, P and K Taylor Bertolet

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2022 Oklahoma City Stampede - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Bryce Petty, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Eric Dungey, RBs Cameron Artis-Payne, Chris Thompson, Austin Walter and Dimitri Flowers, WRs Geremy Davis, Freddie Martino, Damion Ratley, Jazz Ferguson, Jerrod Heard, Flynn Nagel and Kermit Whitfield, TEs Donald Parham, Romello Brooker and Julian Allen, OL Chance Warmack, Josh Allen, Will Richardson, Alex Balducci, Darius James, Pace Murphy and Maurquice Shakir, DL Frank Alexander, Omarius Bryant, Winston Craig, Cortez Broughton, Tony Geurad, Tomasi Laulile, Gelen Robinson and Tyrell Thompson, LBs Jesse Aniebonam, Asantay Brown, Reshard Cliett, Ray Ray Davison, James Folston, Tobenna Okeke, Gerald Rivers and Tre Watson, DBs Aaron Colvin, Ronald Martin, Tenny Adewusi, Donatello Brown, Treston Decoud, Marwin Evans, Ro Farris and D'Montre Wade, P and K Austin MacGinnis

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2022 Houston Roughnecks - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Brandon Silvers, Cole McDonald, Jake Rudock and Brock Osweiler, RBs Alfred Blue, Mike Gillislee, Romar Morris and Tommy Bohanon, WRs Cody Core, Ryan Switzer, Christian Gibbs, Davion Davis, Cedric Byrd, Tavonn Salter, Ben Putman and Nate Holley, TEs Delfonte Diamond and Nick O'Leary, OL Tyrell Crosby, Dru Samia, Sam Tevi, Rick Leonard and Cole Toner, DL Jake Ceresna, Trenton Thompson, Geneo Grissom, Julian Howsare, Ra'Shede Hageman and Chad Thomas, LBs Danny Mason, Avery Williams, Ben Gideon, Randell Johnson and Duke Ejiofor, DBs Qudarius Ford, William Likely, P Jeff Locke and K Nathan Hierlihy

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2022 Seattle Dragons - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Ben DiNucci, Mike Bercovici and Antonio Pipkin, RBs LaMichael James, Byron Marshall, CJ Prosise and Thomas Rawls, WRs Josh Gordon, Brandon Arconado, Richard Mullaney, Michael Bandy, Damor'ea Stringfellow, Kwadarrius Smith and Blake Jackson, TEs Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Colin Jeter, OL Jake Fisher, Isaac Asiata, Colin Kelly, Kirk Barron, Venzell Boulware, Pierce Burton, Jacob Ohnesorge and Brant Weiss, DL Marcell Frazier, Hayes Pullard, PJ Hall and Will Sutton, LBs Steven Johnson, Adam Bighill and Kyle Queiro, DBs Winston Rose, Trumaine Washington, Kamari Cotton-Moya, Antoine Brooks, Erick Dargan and Simeon Thomas, P Stefan Flintoff and K Jimmy Comacho

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2022 St. Louis Stallions - HC, OC Skip Holtz, DC, GM, QBs J'Mar Smith, Montell Cozart and Alex McGough, RBs Daryl Richardson, Tony Brooks-James, CJ Marable and Bo Scarbrough, WRs Victor Bolden, Stacy Coley, Osirus Mitchell, Adrian Hardy, Marlon Williams, Michael Dereus, Manasseh Bailey and Peyton Ramzy, TEs Cary Angeline and Sage Surratt, OL O'Shea Dugas, Darius Harper, Cameron Hunt, Ryan Pope, Tyree St. Louis, Marquez Tucker and Michael Rodriguez, DL Aaron Adeoye, Keyshon Camp, Doug Costin, Willie Henry, Jonathan Newsome, Seth Thomas, Dondrea Tillman and Willie Yarbary, LBs Henoc Muamba, Kendell Beckwith, DeMarquis Gates, Terrill Hanks, Quentin Poling, Trey Baldwin and Scooby Wright, DBs David Amerson, Josh Nurse, Brian Allen, Lorenzo Burns, Tae Hayes, Tyree Robinson, Josh Shaw and Christian McFarland, P Colby Wadman and K Brandon Aubrey

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2022 San Diego Fleet - HC Mike Martz, OC Jon Kitna, DC Joe Vitt, GM, QBs Josh Johnson, Nate Stanley and Khalil Tate, RBs DeAnthony Thomas, Malcolm Perry, Elijah Hood and Winston Dimel, WRs Devier Posey, Adonis Jennings, Tre McBride, Jordan Smallwood and Nelson Spruce, TEs Seth Devalve, Kaden Smith and Ryan O'Malley, OL Damian Prince, Toa Lobendahn, Anthony Morris, Lene Maiava, Joshua Garnett, Storm Norton, Patrick Vahe and Jaelin Robinson, DL Shawn Oakman, Devin Taylor, Latarius Brady, Roderick Henderson, Curtis Weaver, Alex Jenkins and Andrew Stelter, LBs Peter Kalambayi, Sione Teuhema, Quentin Gause, Cedric Reed, Will Smith and Alex Funches, DBs Anthony Orange, Alden Darby, Jerome Couplin, Mar'Sean Diggs, Ahmad Dixon, Jaylen Dunlap, Harlan Miller, Arrion Springs, Mike Stevens, Bradley Sylve and Roman Tatum, P Colton Schmidt and K Giorgio Tavecchio

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2022 Oakland Panthers - HC Jim Fisher, OC, DC, GM, QBs Brett Hundley, Shea Patterson and Paxton Lynch, RBs DeAndre Washington, Reggie Corbin, DeAndre Torrey, Cameron Scarlett and Stevie Scott, WRs Cobi Hamilton, TJ Jones, Ishmael Hyman, Lance Lenoir, Joe Walker, Quincy Adeboyejo, Ray Bolden, Devin Ross and Jeff Badet, TEs Ryan O'Malley, Marcus Baugh and La'Michael Pettway, OL Greg Robinson, Josh Dunlap, Brodarious Hamm, Cordel Iwuagwu, Tegan Koroma, Teton Saltes, Marquell Harrell, Keith Williams and Syrus Tuitele, DL Walter Palmore, Breeland Speaks, JaQuan Bailey, TJ Carter, Vantrel McMillian, Cavon Walker, Ethan Westbrooks and Tre Williams, LBs Taiwan Jones, Frank Ginda, Emeke Egbule, Justin Hughes, Terry Myrick and Alexander Vainikolo, DBs Eddie Graham, Jalin Burrell, Tino Ellis, Jameson Houston, Sean Mahone, Dominique Martin, Joseph Putu and Cory Rahman, P Kyle Kramer and K Cole Murphy

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2022 Mexico City Vipers - HC Mike Nolan, OC, DC, GM, QBs Spencer Rattler, Kelly Bryant and Jalan McClendon, RBs Derrius Guice, Rod Smith, Ryan Green and Rhett Ellison, WRs Martavis Bryant, Marquis Bundy, Saeed Blacknall, Anthony Amos, Markeith Ambles and Deion Holliman, TE Evan Rodriguez, OL William Campbell, Kahlil McKenzie, Sean Hickey, Avery Young, Tony Adams and Isaiah Williams, DL Robert Windsor, Leterrius Walton and Kwaku Boateng, LBs Vic Beasley, Paul Dawson, Martrell Spaight, Jovan Santos-Knox and Pita Taumoepenu, DBs Jamar Summers, Tim Harris, Jumal Rolle, Tray Walker, Dee Milliner and Rashaan Gaulden, P and K Jonathan Song

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2022 Orlando Apollos - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Garrett Gilbert, Austin Appleby and Tommy Stevens, RBs Mark Walton, D'Ernest Johnson, Chris Rainey and Sola Olateju, WRs Donteea Dye, Donte Moncrief, Charles Johnson, Jalin Marshall, Lucky Whitehead, Dillon Mitchell and Marcus Green, TEs Scott Orndoff, Sean Price and Jordan Leggett, OL Seantrel Henderson, Quinterrius Eatmon, Aaron Evans, Dariusz Bladek, Tre Jackson, Marquis Lucas, Chris Martin and Ronald Patrick, DL Avery Moss, Kellen Soulek, Justin Hamilton, Josh Banks, Izaah Burks, Giorgio Newberry, Leon Orr and Jerel Worthy, LBs Victor Ochi, Christian French, Cory James, Jachai Polite, Earl Okine and Devante Downs, DBs EJ Gaines, Josh Evans, LaDarius Gunter, Will Hill, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Deji Olatoye, Keith Reaser, Natrell Jamerson and Marquez White, P Ben Turk and K Elliott Fry

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2022 Birmingham Steel - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Connor Cook, Tahj Boyd and Keith Price, RBs Trent Richardson, Ty Isaac, TJ Yeldon and Marshaun Coprich, WRs Kelvin Benjamin, Quan Bray, Quinton Patton, ArDarius Stewart and Robert Foster, TEs Braedon Bowman, Wes Saxton and Colin Thompson, OL Larson Graham, Ucambre Williams, Brandon Greene, Caleb Benenoch, Korren Kirven, Jylan Ware and Kitt O'Brien, DL Quinton Dial, Joshua Frazier, Christian Miller, Rickey Hatley, Darius Philon, Casey Sayles and Jeremy Faulk, LBs Stephone Anthony, Xzavier Dickson, Tim Williams, Ramik Wilson, Shaheed Salmon and Simoni Lawrence, DBs Gareon Conley, Cordrea Tankersley, Max Redfield, Chris Davis, Jordan Lucas, JaCorey Shepherd and Trovon Reed, P Colton Schmidt and K Nick Novak

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2022 New York Guardians - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Josh Freeman, Connor Kaegi and Jake Dolegala, RBs Paul Perkins, Tim Cook, Paul Terry and Orleans Darkwa, WRs Brandon Burks, DeAngelo Yancey, Kevin White, Tanner Gentry, Joe Horn Jr., MeKale McKay and Colby Pearson, TEs EJ Bibbs, Jake Powell and Keenan Brown, OL Garrett Brumfield, Anthony Coyle, TJ Clemmings, Ian Silberman and Maea Teuhema, DL Rykeem Yates, Toby Johnson, Joey Mbu, Jarrell Owens, Rodney Gunter, Ryan Mueller, Dominique Easley and Charles Wright, LBs Nick DeLuca, Shilique Calhoun, DJ Alexander, Cassh Maluia, Jawuan Johnson and Darnell Leslie, DBs Calvin Pryor, Adarius Pickett, AJ Hendy, Demetrious Cox, Jeremiah McKinnon, DeJuan Neal, Andrew Soroh and Wesley Sutton, P Justin Vogel and K Sam Sloman

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2022 Columbus Ghosts - HC Jim Tressel, OC, DC, GM, QBs Bryan Scott, Case Cookus and KJ Costello, RBs Dexter Williams, Matt Colburn and Darnell Holland, WRs Duron Carter, Braxton Miller, Devin Gray, Brennan Eagles, Diondre Overton, Maurice Alexander and Jordan Suell, TEs Bug Howard and Pro Wells, OL Andrew Donnal, Jahair Jones, Gunnar Vogel, Clay LeGault, Paul Nosworthy, Alex Akingbulu, Blake Camper, Colby Ragland and Jackson Scott-Brown, DL Mike Barnett, James Crawford, Ralph Holley, Cedrick Lattimore, Antwan Owens and Tony Fair, LBs Josh Banderas, Te'von Coney, Jordan Moore, Gabriel Sewell and Avery Roberts, DBs Kavon Frazier, Jack Tocho, Bradley Sylve, Evan Worthington, Mazzi Wilkins, Channing Stribling, Joshua Moon and Amani Dennis, P Luis Aguilar and K Matt Mengel

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2022 Washington Valor - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Cardale Jones, Vad Lee and Blake Bortles, RBs Javorius Allen, Khalid Abdullah, Nick Brossette and Donnel Pumphrey, WRs Davaris Daniels, Paul Richardson, Rashad Ross, Simmie Cobbs, Malachi Dupre, Eli Rogers, Jalen Rowell and DeAndre Thompkins, TEs Tyree Jackson, Donnie Ernsberger, Bucky Hodges and Khari Lee, OL Malcolm Bunche, Jon Toth, Derwin Gray, Luke Bowanko, Chris Brown, Rishard Cook, Randall Harris, Terronne Prescod and Logan Tulley-Tillman, DL Kalani Vakameilalo, Kenny Bigelow, Jay Bromley, Elijah Qualls, Daryle Banfield and Siupeli Anau, LBs Jonathan Celestin, KeShun Freeman, Anthony Johnson, D'Andre Walker, AJ Tarpley and Jameer Thuman, DBs Reggie Cole, Elijah Campbell, Deion Harris, Josh Jenkins, Tyree Kinnel, Desmond Lawrence, Carlos Merritt and Sherrod Baltimore, P Hunter Niswander and K Nick Vogel

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2022 Tampa Bay Bandits - HC Steve Spurrier, OC, DC, GM, QBs Matt Barkley, Deondre Francois and BJ Daniels, RBs Karlos Williams, Dontae Strickland, Deshawn Waller and Ja'Quan Gardner, WRs Rashad Greene, Charone Peake, Dontez Byrd, KD Cannon, Reuben Mwehla, Austin Proehl, Keenan Reynolds, John Santiago and Kasen Williams, TEs Orson Charles and Connor Hamlett, OL Matthias Goossen, Sukh Chungh, Dillon Day, Brandon Haskin, Christian Morris and Cyril Richardson, DL Martin Ifedi, Stansly Maponga, Praise Martin-Oguike, Caleb Brantley, Pasoni Tasini, Justin Lawler, Jordan Thompson and Anthony Moten, LBs Davis Tull, Telvin Smith, Jonathan Woodard, Damon Lloyd, Brandon Bell and Durrant Miles, DBs Mohammed Seisay, Jeremy Clark, Godwin Igwebuike, Marko Myers, Levonta Taylor, Jermaine Ponder and Santos Ramirez, P Ryan Winslow and K Ernesto Lacayo

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2022 Philadelphia Brawlers - HC, OC Junes Jones, DC, GM, QBs Phillip Walker, Eric Barriere and Kai Locksley, RBs James Butler, DeAngelo Henderson, Andre Williams and Marquez Williams, WRs Travis Fulgham, Sammie Coates, Ryheem Malone, Kahlil Lewis, Jalen Saunders and Cam Phillips, TE Caleb Wilson, OL Isame Faciane, Tejan Koroma, Demetrius Rhaney, Isiah Cage, Sebastian Tretola and Kevin Palmer, DL Corey Crawford, Kony Ealy, Nick James, Caushaud Lyons, Johnny Maxey, Israel Antwine and Gabe Wright, LBs Carl Bradford, Kaelin Burnett, Leon Jacobs, LaTroy Lewis, Brian Peters and Edmond Robinson, DBs Jonathan Rose, Corrian Ballard, Cody Brown, Marqueston Huff, Charles James, Deatrick Nichols, Deji Olatoye and Saivion Smith, P Austin Rehkow and K Sergio Castillo

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2022 London Crusaders - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Jordan Ta'amu, Taylor Heinicke and Nick Fitzgerald, RBs Keith Ford, Matt Jones, Christine Michael and Lenard Tillery, WRs Malik Henry, Carlton Agudosi, Kamar Jorden, Riley Ridley, Bralon Addison, Alonzo Russell and L'Damien Washington, TEs Levine Toilolo, Cole Hunt and Marcus Lucas, OL Menelik Watson, Jake Campos, Kevin Bowen, Dejon Allen, Gerhard de Beer, Matt McCants, Andrew McDonald and Kent Perkins, DL Khyri Thornton, Andrew Ankrah, Will Clarke, Dewayne Hendrix, DaVonte Lambert, Gimel President, Casey Sayles, Channing Ward and JoJo Wicker, LBs Terence Garvin, Ro'Derrick Hoskins, Chris Covington, Shaq Jones, Dexter McCoil and Anthony Stubbs, DBs Ryan White, Darius Hillary, JaCoby Stevens, Harold Jones-Quartey, Robert Nelson, Joe Powell and Marquez White, P Marquette King and K Taylor Russolino

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2022 Berlin Bolts - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Cody Kessler, Philip Nelson and Brad Kaaya, RB Akeem Hunt, Kerrith Whyte, Bishop Sankey and Terrell Watson, WRs Shelton Gibson, Josh Huff, Isaiah Burse, Dontez Ford, Shay Fields, Laquvionte Gonzalez and Francis Owusu, TEs James O'Shaughnessy, Clive Walford and Gavin Escobar, OL John Montelus, Daniel Brunskill, Phillip Norman, Jeremiah Kolone, Erick Browne, Damien Mama and Beau Nunn, DL Malik McDowell, Alex Barrett, Damontre Moore, Myles Nash, Alex Tchangam, Tani Tupou and Aaron Jackson, LBs Obum Gwacham, Cameron Judge, Cameron Smith, Jordan Glasgow, John Lotulelei and Eric Pinkins, DBs Tre Roberson, Ron Brooks, Xavier Coleman, Greg Ducre, Kendall James, Dominique Martin, Damarius Travis and Demetrius Wright, P Sam Irwin-Hill and K Donny Hageman

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2022 Pittsburgh Maulers - HC Duce Staley, OC Kirby Wilson, DC, GM Chris Watts, QBs Matt McGloin, Josh Love and Roland Rivers, RBs Garrett Groshek, Madre London, James Gilbert and Mikey Daniel, WRs Markus Wheaton, Jeff Thomas, Bailey Gaither, Branden Mack, Delvon Hardaway, Tre Walker and Jalen McCleskey, TEs Artayvious Lynn, Hunter Thedford and Matt Seybert, OL Isaiah Battle, Chidi Okeke, Abdul Beecham, Adam Bisnowaty, Xavier Dampeer, Justin Evans, Nico Falah and Brayden Patton, DL Terry Beckner, Carlo Kemp, Chris Okoye, Jeremiah Pharms, Nasir Player, Boogie Roberts, Olive Sagapolu and Leevel Tatum, LBs Blaze Alldredge, Malcolm Howard, Zane Zandier, EJ Ejiya and Kyahva Tezino, DBs Marcus Sayles, Jaylon McClain-Sapp, Arnold Tarpley, Prince Charles Iworah, Devin Hafford, Shakur Brown, Malcolm Elmore, Keith Gipson and Bryce Torneden, P Max Duffy and K Ramiz Ahmed

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2022 Baltimore Brigade - HC, OC Kevin Sumlin, DC, GM, QBs Clayton Thorson, Kenji Bahar and Terry Wilson, RBs Dalyn Dawkins, Jordan Salima, Devwah Whaley and Mark Thompson, WRs Tavarres King, Michael Campanaro, Tyler Palka, Teo Redding, JoJo Ward, Isaiah Zuber and Anthony Ratliff-Williams, TE Brandon Barnes, Josh Pederson and Julian Allen, OL Vinston Painter, Braxton Webb, Nick Buchanan, Avery Gennesy, Tyler Higby, Brandon Hitner, Kristjan Sokoli, John Yarbrough and Erick Browne, DL Nick Usher, Domenique Davis, Isaiah Chambers, Ahmad Gooden, Joey Ivie, Chris Odom, Cory Thomas and Ikenna Onwuasoanya, LBs Jelani Jenkins, Beniquez Brown, Reggie Northrup, Drequan Brown, Donald Payne, Drew Lewis and Tegray Scales, DBs Cariel Brooks, Micah Abernathy, Jeremiah Johnson, Bydarrius Knighten, William Likely, Jerry Cantave and Manny Bunch, P Andrew Galitz and K Justin Medlock

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2022 Atlanta Alphas - HC Mark Richt, OC, DC Kevin Coyle, GM, QBs JT Barrett, Ryan Finley and Justin Holman, RBs Isaiah Crowell, Tarean Folston, Bronson Hill and Akrum Wadley, WRs Shaquelle Evans, Montay Crockett, Malachi Jones, Justin Hardy, Ervin Philips and James Quick, TEs Keith Towbridge, Jake Sutherland and Charles Standberry, OL John Kling, Tayo Fabuluje, Ulrick John, Toby Weathersby, Christian DiLauro, Freddie Burden, Jason Spriggs, Jared Machorro and Trae Moxley, DL Tavaris Barnes, David Dean, Ronald Blair, Sutton Smith, JT Jones and Josh Avery, LBs Patrick Levels, Khalil Bass, Connor Strachan, Marquel Lee, Ukeme Eligwe and Tyler Starr, DBs Tyson Graham, Quincy Mauger, Donatello Brown, Dezmen Southward, Dwayne Hollis, Ken Webster, Blessuan Austin, Brendan Langley and Damian Swann, P Cameron Nizialek and K Younghoe Koo

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2022 Cologne Defenders - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs Ryan Mallett, Keller Chryst and David Fales, RBs Ka'Deem Carey, Elijah McGuire, Blake Morgan and Kenneth Dixon, WRs Chad Hansen, Josh Malone, Lucky Jackson, Neal Sterling, Jawill Davis and Ka'Ronce Higgins, TEs Jerell Adams, Kahale Warring, Chris Clark and Jevoni Robinson, OL Travis Bond, Ty Allen, Nico Siragusa, Daronte Bouldin, Jermarcus Hardrick, Spencer Long, Jon Halapio, Patrick Lewis and Hugh Thornton, DL Vincent Valentine, Craig Roh and Avery Ellis, LBs Shane Ray, Don Unamba, Khaseem Greene, Aaron Wallace, Tobi Antigha and Steve Beauharnais, DBs Colton Jumper, Kieron Williams, DJ Swearinger, Isaiah Johnson and Sterling Moore, LS Brian Khoury, P Drew Kaser and K Matt McCrane

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2022 Toronto Jousters - HC, OC Ryan Dinwiddie, DC Al Golden, GM Michael Clemons, QBs Bo Levi Mitchell, Nick Arbuckle and Luis Perez, RBs John White, Jhurell Pressley and Chandler Cox, WRs Keyarris Garrett, Kendall Wright, Jaleel Scott, DaeSean Hamilton and Eric Rogers, TEs Temarrick Hemingway, Gerald Christian and De'Quan Hampton, OL Tim Gardner, JC Hassenauer, Jake Rodgers, Jeremiah Poutasi, Lukayus McNeil, Brian Wallace, Taylor Tappin, Shane Richards and Brian Fineanganofo, DL Tracy Sprinkle, Jason Strowbridge, Xavier Kelly, Cordarro Law and Dwayne Hendrix, LBs Odell Willis, Jake Ryan and Bear Woods, DBs DaShaun Amos, James Sample, Darian Thompson, Tedric Thompson, Shaquille Richardson and Stanley Jean-Baptiste, LS Jake Reinhart, P and K Boris Bede

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2022 Montreal Monarchs - HC Chris Peterson, OC Jeff Tedford, DC Mark Dantonio, GM Danny Maciocia, QBs Jeremiah Masoli, Alek Torgerson and Aaron Murray, RBs Chuba Hubbard, De’Lance Turner, Marcelias Sutton and James Wilder Jr., WRs Janarion Grant, BJ Cunningham, Fabian Guerra, Naaman Roosevelt, Jake Wieneke and Mario Alford, TEs Lance Kendricks, Chris Herndon and Jeff Heuerman, OL Andrew Lauderdale, Chase Farris, Jamon Brown, Cole Boozer, Austin Davis, Patrick Lawrence and Michael Dunn, DL Julius Warmsley, Drake Nevis, Ashaad Mabry, Jackson Jeffcoat and Dylan Wynn, LBs Larry Dean, Jatavis Brown, DBs Loucheiz Purifoy, Nick Marshall, Khari Willis, Damon Arnette, Taylor Loffler and Greg Reid, P and K Austin Jones

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2022 Charlotte Battlehawks - HC, OC, DC, GM, QBs AJ McCarron, Dustin Vaughan and Seth Suida, RBs LaDarius Galloway, Spencer Ware, Devante Mays and Elliot Taylor, WRs Hakeem Butler, Marcell Ateman, Taivon Jacobs, Drew Morgan, Tommy Lavine and AJ Greene, TEs Matthew Wilkerson, Ben Koyack and Gabe Holmes, OL Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Jake Bennett, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Alex Lewis, Eric Lofton, Vadal Alexander and Dallas Warmack, DL Freddie Bishop, Woody Baron, Charles Tapper, LBs Micah Awe, Tyrice Beverette, DBs Ed Gainey, Montae Nicholson, Branden Dozier, Jonathon Mincy, Malik Gant and Martese Jackson, P and K Seth Small

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[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 1: King of Canada Crowned

February 16, 2022

Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Sports Network (TSN) got a perfect start into their XFL foray with this shootout. QB Jeremiah Masoli led the Monarchs down the field on the first possession that ended with a 26 yard touchdown pass to TE Lance Kendricks. After a short Jousters' possession, Monarch RB Chuba Hubbard took his first XFL carry 89 yards for a touchdown giving the Monarchs an early 14-0 lead. Jousters QB Bo Levi Mitchell then responded for his first career XFL TD pass when he hit WR Keyarris Garrett for the score. The Monarchs ended the first with a field goal and the 17-7 lead. The Jousters then responded with a 16 yard touchdown run from RB Jhurell Pressley to start the 2nd quarter. After another Monarch field goal, Toronto scored again on the ground with a RB Chandler Cox 9 yard scamper. RB James Wilder Jr. responded for the Monarchs with a two yard plunge and after a Jousters' fumble, the Monarchs added an additional field goal for the halftime score of 30-21.

Pressley then got the 2nd half scoring started with his own 60 yard touchdown run before Monarch K Sam Sloman then added his 4th field goal for the Monarchs and the score was 33-28 at the end of three. Cox then found his second score of the game to give his Jousters their first ever lead, 34-33. It was short lived however as Sloman then kicked his 5th field goal of the afternoon. After a 4th down attempt failed for Toronto on the following possession, Sloman set an XFL record for field goals in a game with his 6th successful attempt on the day giving the Monarchs the 39-34 victory.

-- (0-0)Monarchs 39 - 34 Jousters(0-0)
(MON): QB Masoli - 23/35 242 yards, 1 TD, RB Hubbard - 27 carries, 204 yards, 1 TD, RB Wilder - 11 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 6 catches, 79 yards, WR Rogers - 3 catches, 49 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 25/40 288 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 17 carries, 83 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cox - 13 carries, 73 yards, 2 TDs, WR Garrett - 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Wright - 5 catches, 62 yards

-- (0-0)Valor 22 - 6 Alphas(0-0)
(DC): QB Bortles - 19/25 288 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Allen - 23 carries, 81 yards, RB Pumphrey - 10 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 3 catches, 61 yards, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Finley - 12/27 113 yards, RB Crowell - 14 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Evans - 5 catches, 56 yards

XFL Week 1: Breakers' Pass Rush Wrecks Havoc

February 17, 2022

Detroit, MI - Los Angeles Breakers DL Davin Bellamy wasted little time making one of the loudest and most lasting impressions. On the first play from scrimmage, Bellamy burst through the line and immediately tracked down Ghosts QB Bryan Scott in the backfield for a five-yard sack. Scott lost his helmet as he was spun around on the powerful hit from the 6-foot-5, 259-pound Bellamy. The game was a mere 27 seconds old, but a theme had already been established and it would be a consistent one during the Breakers' 23-17 victory over Columbus. Bellamy had come to wreak havoc and the Los Angeles pass rush was going to be a problem all day. Bellamy had three sacks in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a Los Angeles defense that wracked up six for the game. "That's why he was our first pick," Breakers head coach Larry Fedora said of Bellamy, who was the first edge rusher taken in the XFL Draft. "We knew he could be very good in this league. He's a heck of a professional, the way he handles himself on and off the field. Everything that he does, including being a good leader." "He comes with an attitude every day in practice," Breakers DL James Folston Jr. said of Bellamy. "And he came with an attitude today, obviously, and it set the tempo for the defense on the first play. Everybody piggybacked off of it." "He's a leader, and he brings a lot of energy to the team," said DL Shakir Soto, who had a sack of his own. "To see him go out there and get a couple of sacks, I was like, 'Man, I've got to get me one.' He motivated everyone to play even harder."

Los Angeles needed every bit of the strong defensive effort early, as its only points in the first half came via a pick-six and a blocked punt that went through the end zone for a safety. The Breakers led 9-7 at the break. Scott eventually got on track, completing 25 of 36 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown. The Mountain Lions had two chances in the final 10 minutes to try to take the lead with a touchdown. The first ended when Soto sacked Scott and forced a fumble that was recovered by DL Shareef Miller to end the threat. The other ended in a punt after a quick three-and-out with just 3:26 left. The Breakers ran out the clock from there behind their backfield tandem of RBs TJ Logan and Jordan Ellis. As the game went to the fourth quarter with the score tied at 17-17, Los Angeles faced a fourth-and-1 at the 2-yard line. A field goal would have given the Breakers the lead, but Fedora didn't waver one bit during the commercial break before the start of the final period. He was rewarded with the game-winning points when Ellis powered his way through the middle for a touchdown. "I believe we can run the football," Fedora said. "Our offensive line does a heck of a job up front. Those tight ends, when they're involved in the running game, and all those receivers do a good job of blocking. And we've got some quality backs who can make plays. So, I'm going to probably be more aggressive than conservative in those situations."

Ellis finished with 89 yards on 18 carries, and Logan added 56 yards and a TD of his own on 15 attempts for a Breakers offense that amassed 171 yards on the ground. The pair was extremely effective after halftime, helping Los Angeles gain 141 yards of total offense in the third quarter alone. Tressel and the Ghosts were left to lament dropping a game in which they had nearly a seven-minute advantage in time of possession, despite averaging just 3.9 yards per play. "The difference tonight was the turnover thing, especially the turnover for a touchdown and the punt block for a safety," Tressel said of Los Angeles scoring all its first-half points without the benefit of an offensive score. "Those are points that can't and shouldn't happen."

Conversely, Fedora was thrilled to see his team make a big impact in all three phrases. "Other than the penalties we had, I felt it was a complete game from all three areas," Fedora said. "Anytime you block a punt, it greatly increases your chances to win a football game."

-- (0-0)Ghosts 17 - 23 Breakers(0-0)
(COL): QB Scott - 25/36 202 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Colburn - 9 carries, 52 yards, 4 catches, 43 yards, WR Carter - 7 catches, 74 yards
(LA): QB Sloter - 17/27 150 yards, 1 TD, RB Ellis - 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, RB Logan - 15 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, TE Cannella - 6 catches, 58 yards

XFL Week 1: Brigade' Opportunistic Defense Stymies Panthers

February 18, 2022

Baltimore, MD - With the game on the line, the Baltimore Brigade defense did what it had done for most of the day against the Oakland Panthers. It stopped them. On fourth-and-26 from the Houston 30-yard line, the Roughnecks made the stop that finally extinguished Oakland's strong second-half rally to hold on for a 17-12 victory. QB Shea Patterson's last-second pass for WR La'Michael Pettway was caught just inches out of the right corner of the end zone, giving Houston its first victory of the 2021 season. On a day that began cold and wet with a weather delay and ended up hot and humid, the Roughnecks' defenders doubled as the Houston Hitmen all afternoon, enforcing their will on the Panthers for most of the game. Roughnecks head coach Kevin Sumlin expected that defensive coordinator Tim Lewis and the Houston defense would be a problem for opponents this season. When I asked Sumlin what he thought the strength of his team was in March, he pointed to the defense. With one game down and one win, he's certain about it now. "I think our defensive front, our 'backers, can match up and play with anybody," he said. "They basically won the game for us."

Roughnecks DL Ahmad Gooden had three forced fumbles and two sacks. "Yeah, it was a good day," Gooden said. "Coach Lewis put together the game plan, and we've been working really hard. The linebackers all got together and made sure that we rehearsed. So, I guess I was just in the right place at the right time and trusted the defense."

When the Roughnecks walked into the locker room at halftime, they were in control with a 17-0 lead. "Even though you know, we stalled out on offense, our defense pitched a shutout in the first half," Sumlin said. Sumlin would not have been pleased with his team's ability to throw the ball, though, even in wet conditions. QB Clayton Thorson completed just six of 13 pass attempts for 52 yards in the half, fewer than RB Mark Thompson rushed for (59) on fewer rushing attempts (10). But Thorson finished with just 73 passing yards, completing just nine of his 17 pass attempts. The Panthers fumbled the ball five times, three in the second quarter and each quarterback lost one in the first half. In fact, the Panthers completed as many passes in the first half as they fumbled five. By the end of the game, Michigan had fumbled the ball an astounding nine times with three turnovers. "In the game of football," Fisher said, "you don't turn the ball over like we did and win very many of them."

But Patterson managed to lead the Panthers to their first scoring drive of the season with 9:35 left in the third quarter. He finished off the drive with a pass to WR Lance Lenoir from eight yards out after RBs Stevie Scott III and Cam Scarlett carried the Panthers downfield. The Panthers were at their best when running the ball, and their ability to run the ball allowed Patterson to settle down and ease into the game. "Anytime you need to fix something on offense," Fisher said, "you need to turn around and hand it off."

-- (0-0)Panthers 12 - 17 Brigade(0-0)
(OAK): QB Patterson - 17/25 192 yards, 1 TD, RB Scott - 18 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, RB Scarlett - 15 carries, 65 yards, WR Lenoir - 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(BAL): QB Thorson - 10/18 81 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Thompson - 13 carries, 71 yards, WR Ward - 7 catches, 48 yards

-- (0-0)Dragons 27 - 19 BattleHawks(0-0)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 18/22 154 yards, 3 TDs, 8 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD, RB Prosise - 14 carries, 65 yards, WR Gordon - 4 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD, WR Stringfellow - 4 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD
(CHA): QB McCarron - 15/27 249 yards, RB Galloway - 16 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD, RB Ware - 12 carries, 74 yards, WR Ateman - 6 catches, 140 yards, WR Butler - 5 catches, 45 yards

XFL Week 1: Brawlers Stage Furious Comeback but Drop XFL Opener

February 18, 2022

Philadelphia, PA - The Dallas Renegades stormed out of the gate but had to hold on for a hard-fought 33-29 victory over the Philadelphia Brawlers. The Renegades scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the game, opening the contest with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a two-yard touchdown run by RB. QB Landry Jones then capped the next two drives with touchdown passes of 12 yards to WR Steven Dunbar and seven yards to WR Kenny Lawler to up Dallas' lead to 21-0. Brawlers QB PJ Walker was picked off midway through the second quarter by Renegades DB Kameron Kelly who returned the interception for a 27-yard touchdown and gave Dallas a seemingly comfortable 28-0 lead. A 31-yard field goal with four minutes left in the half increased the cushion to 31-0.

Walker connected with WR Cam Phillips on a 75-yard scoring pass late in the half but the Brawlers' struggles continued when the two-point convert attempt failed, making the halftime score 31-6 for the Renegades. Walker and the offense suddenly came to life. He completed nine-of-11 passes for 106 yards in the quarter and slashed the Renegades lead to 32-15. Meanwhile, Jones and the Renegades struggled to match their first-half success. Dallas was limited to two first downs in the second half after compiling 19 in the opening two quarters. Outscored 20-0 in the second half, the Renegades took a 34-23 lead on a 47-yard field goal with 2:49 left in the contest. When the Brawlers returned to the field, Walker engineered a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive with an 18-yard scoring toss to WR Sammie Coates. The Brawlers got the ball back deep in their end with 31 seconds left but DB Josh Hawkins sealed the victory for the Renegades with an interception.

-- (0-0)Renegades 34 - 29 Brawlers(0-0)
(DAL): QB Jones - 28/35 230 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 18 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 7 catches, 69 yards, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Walker - 27/42 397 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Butler - 9 carries, 34 yards, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD, WR Coates - 7 catches, 92 yards, WR Fulgham - 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Roughnecks 29 - 13 Mountain Lions(0-0)
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 16/20 281 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Blue - 16 carries, 73 yards, WR Holley - 4 catches, 72 yards, WR Core - 5 catches, 68 yards, WR Putman - 4 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB Falk - 11/22 171 yards, 1 TD, RB Booker - 17 carries, 73 yards, WR Clay - 3 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Pierson-El - 4 catches, 58 yards

-- (0-0)Apollos 29 - 7 Commanders(0-0)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 14/23 174 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 19 carries, 76 yards, RB Walton - 15 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 5 catches, 63 yards, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Griffin III - 6/23 98 yards, 1 TD, RB Hill - 14 carries, 48 yards, RB Ervin - 11 carries, 67 yards, WR Ward - 3 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 1: J'Mar Smith Sparks Stallions

February 19, 2022

Pittsburgh, PA - QB J'Mar Smith couldn't contain his happiness following the Oklahoma City Stampede 28-24 comeback victory over the Chicago Enforcers. With 1:49 left in the game, K Nick Rose lined up to attempt a 47-yard field goal with the score tied at 21-21. After missing two attempts earlier in the game, Rose nailed his final try to give the Enforcers a three-point edge. But it was Smith who put the Stampede in a position to win. "He did a phenomenal job," Stampede coach Skip Holtz said of the former Louisiana Tech star. "I've been watching him do this for a long time in college. So, it was neat to see him get out on that field and do it."

The Enforcers even finished the night with the ball in their hands, but time was not on their side as Oklahoma City held on for the win. The Stampede did not start in rhythm and finished the first half with just four first downs. But down three with the game in the balance and less than two minutes left, they found their stride. "Sometimes it takes a little longer to get in rhythm," said Smith. Not only did he not start the game, he opened the contest 0-for-4 and seemed unlikely to complete a pass, let alone lead a comeback victory. Smith was the second QB selected in the Supplemental Draft and he didn't buck at all to the notion that Alex McGough was not only the first pick made by the Stallions but the clear starter. Smith just bided his time, however, and made the most of his opportunity. "For me," Smith said, "this is just a great opportunity just to play football again. It's a lot of guys on this team that just want the opportunity, and I'm one of them. Just to get out there with a group of guys who just want to have fun playing the game that we love to play."

Chicago's defense looked like it settled in after allowing its only score in the first half, holding the Stampede to just seven points and creating the first turnover of the season when DB Shalom Luani picked off McGough. And while Smith came off the bench and eventually acquitted himself well, Enforcers backup QB De'Andre Johnson looked like he would be the reserve to take over the game in the second half. Johnson accounted for 157 total yards, including 98 on the ground and proved his coach correct when he said he'd be shocked if the Enforcers didn't run the ball well. Chicago ran for a gaudy 222 yards, averaging five yards per rush. At one point in the second half, the Enforcers ran the ball 19 consecutive times. Making use of Johnson's legs looked like the plan for head coach Lovie Smith and his staff from the moment they drafted him. Smith said Perez and Johnson would split reps play-to-play, and the two-QB system worked well at times. "When we got into a certain kind of game today," he said, "and DeAndre obviously fit that real well and was able to do some stuff that was really good."

-- (0-0)Stallions 28 - 24 Enforcers(0-0)
(STL): QB Smith - 11/16 156 yards, 2 TDs, RB Marable - 15 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 5 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Kizer - 13/18 143 yards, 2 TDs, QB Johnson - 12 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 15 carries, 66 yards, RB Williams - 13 carries, 54 yards, WR Satterfield - 5 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Vipers 34 - 17 Bandits(0-0)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 17/20 204 yards, 3 TDs, RB Guice - 19 carries, 95 yards, RB Smith - 15 carries, 88 yards, WR Bryant - 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Ambles - 3 catches, 55 yards
(TB): QB Barkley - 11/16 212 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 21 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD, WR Cannon - 1 catch, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Peake - 2 catches, 57 yards

XFL Week 1: Late field goal gives Fleet Victory

February 19, 2022

Oklahoma City, OK - Oklahoma City was up 17-12 heading into the fourth quarter and QB Bryce Petty wasn’t pleased that the Stamps let the game slip away in front of 23,921 fans. “We gift wrapped that thing,” said Petty. “We are young and we played that way. Guys that are asked to step up didn’t step up, myself included. I think there’s plays out there to be had. There’s just penalties that are unacceptable, plays that are unacceptable at times during the game.”

The Argos opened the scoring at 7:55 of the first quarter when WR Devier Posey hauled in a nine-yard touchdown pass from QB Josh Johnson to cap off an impressive 12-play, 94-yard drive. Petty and the Stamps responded with a lengthy 17-play, 72-yard drive of their own that stalled on the 13-yard line and then kicked a 20-yard field goal to give the Stamps their first points of the game. Petty then engineered a 12-play, 79-yard drive that he capped off by tossing an eight-yard TD pass to WR Jazz Ferguson in the back of the end zone at 10:27 of the second quarter. After the Fleet went two-and-out, Oklahoma City’s LB Tre Watson blocked the punt and recovered it on San Diego’s 19-yard line but the Stamps had to settle for a 22-yard field goal by K Austin MacGinnis. The Fleet responded with a 54-yard field goal making it a 14-12 game heading into the third quarter. Both teams had great chances to hit the scoresheet early in the second half but were thwarted by turnovers.

RB Elijah Hood appeared to be on his way into the end zone for a lengthy touchdown for the Argos until Oklahoma City DB D'Montre Wade chased him down from behind and knocked the ball out of his hands. After DB Treston Decoud recovered the fumble in the end zone, the Stamps started out an impressive drive of their own from their 20-yard line. Ferguson appeared to cap off that drive with a four-yard TD catch from Petty, but San Diego launched a successful challenge that resulted in an offensive pass interference penalty to overturn the previous play. On third down once again, Petty tossed a short pass that TE Romello Brooker wasn’t able to haul in at the goal line, resulting in a turnover on downs. After DL Shawn Oakman recovered a fumble by Oklahoma City RB Austin Walter, Johnson tossed a 37-yard touchdown pass to WR Nelson Spruce at 6:59 of the fourth quarter and the two-point convert pulled the Fleet into a 20-20 tie, which set the stage for the game-winning kick. “I felt like we were in charge of that game, but we gave it away with some costly mistakes and they took it,” said Stampede head coach Bob Stoops. “They made all the plays in the last eight minutes and it was an unfortunate loss.”

-- (0-0)Fleet 23 - 20 Stampede(0-0)
(SD): QB Johnson - 26/37 354 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hood - 13 carries, 52 yards, WR Posey - 6 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, WR Spruce - 5 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 23/35 252 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 18 carries, 75 yards, WR Ferguson - 5 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, TE Parham - 6 catches, 53 yards

-- (0-0)Mammoths 6 - 19 Steel(0-0)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 24/41 242 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Patrick - 16 carries, 54 yards, WR Callaway - 7 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD, WR Tolliver - 7 catches, 73 yards
(BIRM): QB Cook - 18/28 217 yards, 2 TDs, RB Richardson - 22 carries, 126 yards, WR Benjamin - 4 catches, 69 yards, 2 TDs, WR Patton - 5 catches, 70 yards

-- (0-0)Defenders 26 - 16 Bolts(0-0)
(COL): QB Mallett - 17/26 271 yards, 1 TD, RB Carey - 14 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Malone - 5 catches, 98 yards, WR Hansen - 5 catches, 85 yards
(BER): QB Kaaya - 11/21 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Sankey - 18 carries, 62 yards, WR Huff - 5 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 3 catches, 76 yards

XFL Week 1: Showboats' Defense Stymies Pittsburgh Maulers

February 20, 2022

Pittsburgh, PA - The Memphis Showboats topped off the weekend of XFL action with a Monday nightcap, defeating the Pittsburgh Maulers 17-3 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. QB Jordan Ta'amu was in control at the line of scrimmage, in sync with play caller Bob Saunders and generally unfazed by the defenses the Maulers showed him. After Ta'amu started the night 5-for-5 on pass plays and led the Crusaders to a score on their opening drice, the Maulers' defense did a good job of catching up to him. The Crusaders scored all 17 of their points in the first half. Ta'amu finished with 185 passing yards on 32 passes with two interceptions and a touchdown. Eight of Ta'amu's 20 completions and 86 of his passing yards were to TE Cheyenne O'Grady.

Maulers head coach Kirby Wilson made no secret that he wanted his squad to be a ground-and-pound team with an offense that lines up, looks the defense in the eye and then tries to grind their bones to make their bread. But the former Steelers assistant was met by the Bandits' version of the steel curtain. Using a front that deployed DL Zac Dawe, Reggie Howard and Daylon Mack, Pepper Johnson's defense looked like it was running downhill all night. It's not enough to say that the Crusaders stopped a power-running team from running the ball. The Crusaders spent enough time in the Maulers' backfield that I wouldn't have been shocked if Pittsburgh started demanding rent. Todd Haley's Crusaders needed just 59 tackles to stop the Maulers, who snapped the ball 61 times, because 12 of those tackles were for loss. That's nearly a tackle for loss on every drive the Maulers' offense began, and nearly one-fifth of the tackles made were for loss. That's a deadly efficient defense and one that can pay dividends for an offense that likes to go fast.

The Maulers did not help themselves. In 60 minutes of football, the Maulers created nine negative plays and eight penalties, three of which were for unsportsmanlike conduct. Wilson will not be happy with that, as he has said he wants to be the kind of football team that does not beat itself. If it was a statement of purpose, the Crusaders were ready with a response, as RBs Garrett Groshek and Madre London could do little to nothing behind their offensive line. The Maulers' first seven plays were runs that gained a total of just 6 yards. Defensive coordinator Jarren Horton might have a star on his defense, though. LB Kyahva Tezino was outstanding defensively, with an interception and a forced fumble.

-- (0-0)Showboats 17 - 3 Maulers(0-0)
(MEM): QB Willis - 20/32 185 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Emmons - 19 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD, TE O'Grady - 8 catches, 86 yards
(PIT): QB McGloin - 9/16 121 yards, RB Groshek - 16 carries, 55 yards, WR Thomas - 4 catches, 43 yards

-- (0-0)Crusaders 16 - 12 Guardians(0-0)
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 12/20 71 yards, RB Michael - 11 carries, 39 yards, WR Washington - 6 catches, 33 yards
(NY): QB Freeman - 33/44 333 yards, 3 INTs, RB - 15 carries, 89 yards, WR McKay - 9 catches, 72 yards, WR Yancey - 8 catches, 98 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: Smith Clutch Again as Stallions Top Brigade

February 23, 2022

Dallas, TX - Stallions QB J'Mar Smith threw for 214 yards, hitting 19 of 29 attempts with two touchdowns and an interception. But 108 of those yards came on his two TD passes. One of those came on a fade to 6-foot-5 WR Osirus Mitchell went up and got for their second 34-yard touchdown connection in as many weeks. With the extra point, the Stampede took a 19-18 lead with 13:26 left in the third quarter. After forcing Houston into a three-and-out, Oklahoma City walked down the Roughnecks in the next series. "My fundamentals are out of whack," Smith said. "Just gotta go back to work this week."

Behind an offensive line that found the Houston front seven movable for the first time all night, the Stampede went 78 yards on 11 plays, seven of which were runs to take a 26-18 lead with a rushing TD by former Coastal Carolina star C.J. Marable with 5:33 left in the third quarter. Marable ended the night with 76 yards on 16 rushes to lead the Stampede, who ended up with 169 yards on the ground after running the ball just 12 times in the first half. "Actually," Stampede coach Skip Holtz said, "I came out in the second half and said we're gonna start running the ball. I'm gonna try and slow the game down."

The Roughnecks cut the lead to 26-21 late in the third quarter, but the Stampede would buck back. Smith hit a big pass again, this time finding a streaking WR Marlon Williams for a 65-yard touchdown pass to extend Oklahoma City's lead to 33-21 with 12:55 to play. Williams, who recorded his first catch against the Roughnecks, finished the night with 89 receiving yards. Roughnecks QB Clayton Thorson, meanwhile, personified Houston's streaky struggles. One of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Northwestern history, Thorson made both heroic plays and some he'd want to take back, finishing 13 of 27 for 141 yards, two TDs and three interceptions. Thorson made one play out of nothing, avoiding a sack, scrambling to his left and finding WR Tyler Simmons for a late, 44-yard score - a play that brought the Roughnecks back to within five. He also made two throws that felt rushed, forced and without control. One of those was a pass that killed a last-gasp drive when it was tipped and intercepted with 1:01 to play. The first two touchdowns of the game came on explosive defensive plays. Early in the first quarter, Stampede DB Brian Allen picked off Thorson and returned it 48 yards to the end zone. Minutes later, Roughnecks DB Will Likely picked off Smith and returned it 62 yards for a TD. The nickel back also added six tackles and a forced fumble, and he even returned kicks and punts for the Roughnecks. "Will tells me every week that he wants to play offense," Roughnecks coach Kevin Sumlin said. "If he keeps catching passes like this, he might get his wish."

Each defense acquitted itself well, responsible for a combined 12 of the 53 points scored. They accounted for five total turnovers, too, including four interceptions.

-- (1-0)Brigade 28 - 33 Stallions(1-0)
(BAL): QB Thorson - 13/27 141 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Thompson - 16 carries, 93 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 7 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD
(STL): QB Smith - 19/29 214 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Marable - 16 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD, RB Brooks-James - 9 carries, 62 yards, WR Williams - 3 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Dragons 27 - 7 Steel(1-0)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 17/22 233 yards, 2 TDs, RB Prosise - 13 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD, RB James - 7 carries, 109 yards, WR Gordon - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 63 yards
(BIRM): QB Cook - 9/24 144 yards, 1 TD, RB Richardson - 18 carries, 86 yards, WR Benjamin - 2 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Breakers' Rout of Showboats a Warning Shot to Rest of XFL

February 24, 2022

Dallas, TX - The Los Angeles Breakers played the most dominant game of any team of the early XFL season and the final score of 34-3 over the Memphis Showboats only told part of the story. The Breakers established their dominance early with a clinical scoring drive on their first possession. It was a 13-play, 79-yard march that took 5:44 off the clock and was punctuated with QB Colin Kaepernick sneaking into the end zone for the first points of the game and then spiking the ball. The Breakers' defense held Omaha to negative-two yards, one yard passing, negative-three yards rushing in their first two series. And the Breakers' offense picked up 10 first downs and held the ball for more than 11 minutes in the first quarter while building a 14-0 lead. Perhaps the only action item the Mammoths could feel good about is they hadn't turned the ball over. The Bandits managed to put together a scoring drive with 5:51 left in the half, mostly behind their rushing attack, but that resulted in only a field goal. By intermission, the Breakers led 21-3, had a 246-108 advantage in yards gained, averaging better than six yards per play, and had picked up 17 first downs. It might have been the best and most complete half of football played by any team in the first two weeks and despite being held scoreless in the third quarter, the Breakers were never threatened in the second half and it certainly sends message to the rest of the league.

The Breakers have a high-flyer and he's a problem. WR Martavis Bryant was unstoppable for the Breakers, used his height and leaping ability on several occasions against the Mammoths. It started with a sky-walking, toe-tapping 2-point conversion in the first quarter and continued with a series of jaw-dropping athletic displays, including a one-handed grab that had some observers already declaring it the catch of the season. Omaha did prove capable of running the ball, outgaining Los Angeles 130-108 on the ground and averaging a solid 4.3 YPC. But the Mammoths couldn't sustain anything. Their first three drives were three-and-outs. Some of Omaha's struggles should be credited to the Los Angeles defense, which was impressive for the second straight week. The Breakers allowed only 194 yards of offense and 3.1 yards per play. They also only let the Mammoths reach the red zone once and notched three takeaways, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.

-- (1-0)Breakers 34 - 3 Showboats(1-0)
(LA): QB Sloter - 25/39 266 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ellis - 21 carries, 64 yards, RB Logan - 10 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Adams - 5 catches, 92 yards, WR Dixon - 5 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Willis - 11/28 96 yards, 2 INTs, RB Emmons - 14 carries, 39 yards, WR Franklin - 5 catches, 37 yards

XFL Week 2: Ghosts Find Groove vs. Maulers

February 25, 2022

Dallas, TX - Ghosts QB Bryan Scott limped toward the locker room at Protective Stadium, walking off a cramp, eye-black sweated through and hair matted down. But there was an unmistakable smile across his face after leading the Ghosts to a 30-23 victory against the Pittsburgh Maulers. "Coach Tressel has a great system," Scott said. "But with this system, there's a lot of reading between myself and the receivers as well - one-high safety, two-high safeties looks. We know if we get quarters or cover six, whatever it is, the receivers have to read that, too. And then we just have to gain that trust."

The Maulers managed only 186 yards in their season-opener against the London Crusaders and just 97 of those yards came through the air. The offense sprang to life midway through the second quarter. Maulers QB Matt McGloin found his groove with 225 passing yards and Pittsburgh outgained Columbus, 348-303. Maulers coach Kirby Wilson still isn't pleased with his team's performance, but he admitted one reason the offense played better is that he was better. "First of all," Wilson said, "I improved as the play-caller. And they couldn't get better until I got better. So, I got better in that area. Therefore, they were allowed to be better."

The Maulers' defense also had some moments, including a sack and a pick on the opening drive. DB Jaylon McLain-Sapp made his interception with one hand. Later, Maulers DL Carlo Kemp fought through a block to a scrambling Scott for a strip-sack-fumble. McLain-Sapp scooped the ball and ran it back 79 yards for the Maulers' first touchdown of the season. The Maulers' defense created three turnovers in the first half, helping the offense climb back from a 14-3 deficit for a chance to win the game with their last possession. That effort was thwarted, though, when Ghosts DB Channing Stribling picked off McGloin's tipped pass with 38 seconds left to play. "Man, I'm so sick of him in practice already," said Scott of Stribling. "I'm just happy that other quarterbacks get to go through my pain that I gotta go through five days a week."

-- (0-1)Maulers 23 - 30 Ghosts(0-1)
(PIT): QB McGloin - 21/39 236 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Groshek - 18 carries, 77 yards, WR Gaither - 7 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Scott - 26/36 272 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Terry - 8 carries, 33 yards, WR Carter - 8 catches, 87 yards, 2 TDs, WR Suell - 6 catches, 72 yards

-- (1-0)Crusaders 17 - 12 BattleHawks(0-1)
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 15/17 160 yards, 1 TD, 6 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, RB - Michael - 20 carries, 73 yards, WR Henry - 3 catches, 42 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 12/20 130 yards, RB Galloway - 15 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, RB Ware - 11 carries, 65 yards, WR Ateman - 3 catches, 37 yards

-- (1-0)Monarchs 10 - 24 Valor(1-0)
(MON): QB Masoli - 16/32 175 yards, RB Hubbard - 15 carries, 115 yards, WR Roosevelt - 2 catches, 38 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 15/19 250 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Allen - 23 carries, 92 yards, RB Pumphrey - 16 carries, 73 yards, WR Daniels - 3 catches, 78 yards, WR Rogers - 3 catches, 69 yards

-- (0-1)Jousters 12 - 27 Renegades(1-0)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 9/19 105 yards, 1 TD, RB Cox - 14 carries, 91 yards, WR Wright - 3 catches, 39 yards
(DAL): QB Jones - 24/31 293 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 25 carries, 117 yards, 2 TDs, WR Butler - 8 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 47 yards

-- (0-1)Mountain Lions 17 - 34 Fleet(1-0)
(SLC): QB Falk - 15/34 222 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 15 carries, 68 yards, WR Clay - 3 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs, WR Pierson-El - 4 catches, 49 yards
(SD): QB Johnson - 23/30 322 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Thomas - 22 carries, 123 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 67 yards, WR Posey - 7 catches, 125 yards, 1 TD, WR Smallwood - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Defense Grabs 4 Interceptions as Vipers earn Victory

February 26, 2022

Canton, OH - Nursing a calf injury, QB Ryan Mallett went 21-for-38 for 290 yards. He also threw four interceptions and the Defenders turned the ball over on downs once. After going three-and-out on their first drive, the Vipers had much better success marching down the field the second time around as QB Spencer Rattler completed four straight passes to four different receivers to get deep into Cologne territory. Unfortunately for the Vipers, they had to settle for a field goal that they missed a 22-yard field goal wide to the left. The Defenders then threatened to score on their next drive as WR Josh Malone hauled in a 14-yard catch from Mallett, before he tossed a 35-yard strike to WR Chad Hansen for a big gain. After RB Ka’Deem Carey was brought down just short of a first down, the Mexico City defense stood tall and forced the Defenders to turn the ball over on downs. Vipers booted a 20-yard field goal as time expired in the first quarter to put them up 3-0 before Cologne responded with a 48-yard kick through the uprights at 2:02 of the second quarter to get the Defenders on the scoreboard. Rattler then capped off a six-play, 75-yard drive at the five-minute mark of the second by plunging into the end zone for a one-yard run. RB Derrius Guice scampered three yards across the goal line for a two-point convert to give the visitors a 11-3 lead.

Cologne had a great chance to get back in the game in the third quarter when LB Don Unamba forced a fumble and recovered the ball on the Mexico City 40-yard line, but two plays later Vipers LB Jovan Santos-Knox picked off an errant pass by Mallett to end the threat. The Defenders managed to put together an eight-play, 51-yard drive late in the third quarter and into the fourth, but had to settle for another 48-yard field goal. After Mexico City kicked a 29-yard field goal to give the Vipers a 14-6 lead, the Defenders marched into the red zone once again, but the drive ended when DL Kwaku Boateng leapt in the air to pick off a pass in the end zone that was intended for Malone. Defenders kicked their third field goal of the game, from 20 yards out, with 2:47 remaining on the clock to pull Cologne within six points. The Defenders had one last chance to win the game on the final play of the game, but Mallett couldn’t find an open receiver in the end zone on his desperation toss from midfield.

-- (1-0)Vipers 14 - 9 Defenders(1-0)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 26/33 342 yards, RB Guice - 17 carries, 80 yards, WR Bryant - 4 catches, 121 yards, WR Ambles - 6 catches, 108 yards
(COL): QB Mallett - 21/38 290 yards, 4 INTs, RB Carey - 13 carries, 66 yards, WR Hansen - 7 catches, 102 yards, WR Malone - 3 catches, 68 yards

-- (0-1)Alphas 7 - 20 Brawlers(0-1)
(ATL): QB Finley - 20/39 166 yards, 1 INT, RB Crowell - 14 carries, 123 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 8 catches, 50 yards, WR Quick - 5 catches, 49 yards
(PHI): QB Walker - 32/40 292 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Butler - 18 carries, 53 yards, WR Phillips - 10 catches, 99 yards, WR Coates - 8 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Bandits 13 - 30 Apollos(1-0)
(TB): QB Barkley - 19/29 233 yards, 1 TD, RB Gardner - 18 carries, 96 yards, WR Proehl - 5 catches, 76 yards, WR Reynolds - 5 catches, 70 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 13/21 211 yards, RB Johnson - 18 carries, 112 yards, WR Moncrief - 5 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 5 catches, 67 yards

-- (0-1)Commanders 31 - 35 Guardians(0-1)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 27/42 335 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 13 carries, 71 yards, WR Ward - 5 catches, 101 yards, 2 TD, WR Doctson - 3 catches, 68 yards, WR Quinn - 5 catches, 57 yards
(NY): QB Freeman - 17/29 301 yards, 3 TDs, RB Perkins - 17 carries, 168 yards, 2 TDs, WR White - 4 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs, WR McKay - 3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Mammoths 30 - 33 Roughnecks(1-0)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 13/25 206 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Patrick - 22 carries, 82 yards, RB West - 14 catches, 78 yards, WR Callaway - 5 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Tolliver - 3 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 14/23 204 yards, 3 TDs, RB Gillislee - 14 carries, 66 yards, RB Blue - 18 carries, 64 yards, WR Core - 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 3 catches, 44 yards

XFL Week 2: Panthers Fall to Chicago Enforcers in a Slugfest

February 27, 2022

Detroit, MI - With five seconds left to play, Oakland QB Shea Patterson had willed the Panthers into a position to win. After passing for all of 40 yards in the previous 10 drives, Patterson converted a fourth-and-20 from the Oakland 10-yard line after nearly taking a sack for a safety on the same play. Four plays later, he took the snap, scrambled to his right, and tried to find his favorite target of the night in WR Lance Lenoir, but the pass fell incomplete. The Enforcers held on to win a defensive slugfest with two quarterbacks splitting reps for a consecutive week. QBs DeShone Kizer and De'Andre Johnson formed the XFL version of Voltron in leading the Enforcers to their first win. They combined for 145 passing yards and Johnson rushed for 27 more. "I really didn't plan for it," Enforcers coach Lovie Smith said of splitting quarterback duties. "I've never done it in all my years of coaching."

RB Jacques Patrick had the biggest rush of the game in the Enforcers' second series, gashing for 21 yards up the middle. The Enforcers rode Patrick for a total of 36 rushing yards before coming away with three points as Smith continued to swap quarterbacks almost play-for-play. The Enforcers followed up a 223-yard rushing performance against the Stampede last week with 113 yards on 32 carries, nothing as gaudy as their opener, but certainly suitable for the kind of team Smith wants to field, a ball-control offense coupled with an opportunistic, attacking defense. While the Panthers still have a QB problem. Fisher made the decision to stick with Patterson from start to finish. Apart from a great drive to open the second half and the final drive of the game, Patterson spent most of the night scrambling for time to throw. "We've got to settle down at the quarterback spot," Fisher said.

-- (0-1)Enforcers 10 - 6 Panthers(0-1)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 13/19 97 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 20 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Shepherd - 5 catches, 58 yards
(OAK): QB Lynch - 14/29 124 yards, RB Scott - 16 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD, TE Pettway - 3 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Bolts 8 - 30 Stampede(0-1)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 17/25 156 yards, 2 INTs, RB Sankey - 11 carries, 45 yards, WR Ford - 3 catches, 51 yards
(OKC): QB Petty - 17/25 222 yards, 2 TDs, RB Artis-Payne - 18 carries, 89 yards, RB Dunbar - 8 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Edwards - 5 catches, 62 yards, WR Ferguson - 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: Johnson's Dual-Threat Skills Lift Enforcers Past Ghosts

March 2, 2022

Columbus, OH - Needing a spark, Chicago Enforcers head coach Lovie Smith replaced DeShone Kizer with dual-threat QB De'Andre Johnson in the second half and the Texas Southern product made Smith look smart, helping Chicago overcome an early, 10-point deficit for a 24-16 win over the Columbus Ghosts. Johnson finished just 6-for-8 passing for 130 yards. But his ability to run Smith's zone-read offense ignited the running game. Johnson rushed 11 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, and the Enforcers finished with 270 yards on the ground. "The things he did, the choices he made and what he brought to that game, in particular, made a big difference in the game," Smith said.

In the second half alone, the Enforcers ran it 32 times and passed it just four times, physically imposing their will upfront. RB Jacques Patrick finished with 111 rushing yards on 19 carries, while RB De'Veon Smith totaled 51 rushing yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. "It's pretty easy when your offensive line is getting a push," Smith said. "I was just hiding behind them and getting as low as possible."

The Ghosts got on the scoreboard first when TE Bug Howard made a diving catch over the middle on a pass from QB Bryan Scott. Chicago DB Dravon Askey-Henry jumped over the receiver to avoid a late hit, but in doing so failed to touch him at all. So, Howard got up and ran the rest of the way for 41-yard score and 7-0 lead for Columbus. "With the way the rules are today, we don't want no penalties or for anybody to get kicked out of the game," Chicago LB D'Juan Hines said. "It was smart, but we still have got to touch him down. That's on us."

Ghosts backup QB Case Cookus came in for an injured Scott, who limped off the field with an injured knee with 4:03 left in the second quarter. On his first play, Cookus connected with WR Jordan Suell on a 47-yard pass to the 4-yard line. The Ghosts had to settle for a 22-yard field goal from Mengal, though, going up 10-0 with 2:57 left in the first half. Rose made a 54-yard field goal at the end of the first half, cutting Seattle's advantage to 10-3. The Enforcers came out in the second half focused on running the football. On a drive directed by Johnson, Chicago ran it seven straight times, capped by a 4-yard touchdown run by Smith. That tied the score at 10-all. Cookus got the Ghosts the lead back, buying some time and finding WR Diondre Overton over the middle for a 6-yard score. The touchdown put the Ghosts ahead only 16-10. The Enforcers answered again, this time with Smith bulling through the line for a 1-yard score, his second touchdown of the evening. Rose's extra point gave Chicago the lead for good, 17-16 with 11:17 left to play. Johnson completed the scoring for the night with a 4-yard run with just over six minutes left in the game.

Columbus head coach Jim Tressel said he was pleased with the way his backup QB Cookus played in relief of an injured Scott. The 6-4, 205-pound quarterback out of Northern Arizona finished 13-for-20 for 146 yards, with a touchdown and no interceptions. "He played well," Tressel said. "I expected that. He's a good football player. He had a couple throws where he probably would have preferred to have those back, but I thought he did a good job coming off the bench."

-- (1-1)Enforcers 24 - 16 Ghosts(1-1)
(CHI): QB Johnson - 6/8 130 yards, 11 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 19 carries, 110 yards, RB Victor - 13 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs, WR Turpin - 5 catches, 78 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 13/20 146 yards, 1 TD, RB Terry - 6 carries, 17 yards, TE Howard - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-2)BattleHawks 27 - 23 Bandits(0-2)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 12/18 183 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 20 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD, RB Ware - 14 carries, 65 yards, WR Ateman - 4 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 3 catches, 50 yards
(TB): QB Barkley - 20/31 212 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Williams - 15 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, RB Gardner - 9 carries, 66 yards, WR Greene - 4 catches, 57 yards, WR Peake - 4 catches, 40 yards

XFL Week 3: Panthers Turn to Run Game, Defense in Win

March 3, 2022

Detroit, MI - With the Panthers struggling to move the ball through the air, Oakland leaned on the ground game with good success, rolling up 244 rushing yards in a 24-0, runaway win over the Pittsburgh Maulers. Entering the contest, the Panthers averaged 132 rushing yards a contest, fourth in the XFL. So, it made sense for Fisher to hand the ball off to RBs Reggie Corbin (132 rushing yards), Stevie Scott III (54 yards) and Cameron Scarlett (33). Corbin gave credit to the offensive line for owning the line of scrimmage and making everything click upfront. "We've got a stable of backs that are slowly learning their role," Corbin said. "Everybody's continuing to get healthy and we've just got to keep going, stay true to everything Coach Fisher is telling us and just be ourselves."

On the opening drive, QB Paxton Lynch guided the Panthers on a 52-yards, nine-play scoring drive, with Scott III bouncing outside for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Lynch had a 20-yard run on that drive. He also plunged up the middle of Pittsburgh defense for the 2-point conversion. The Panthers scored again later in the first quarter to go up 16-0, taking advantage of a short field after Pittsburgh fumbled a punt return. Lynch exited in the first quarter due to an apparent ankle injury and Patterson replaced him. Neither were effective in moving the ball through air. Lynch finished 3-for-8 for 23 passing yards. Patterson was 8-for-17 for 49 yards. "We didn't throw it as well as we would have liked, but the passing game is complemented by the run game," Fisher said. "Now I think people have respect for our run game."

Specifically, Fisher said his offense should be more effective in the play-action game and taking deep shots now that teams must stop the run. As for which quarterback he'll use next week, Fisher is keeping that to himself. As for Pittsburgh, QB Matt McGloin started the game at QB, but with the Maulers struggling to move the ball, he was replaced by QB Josh Love in the second quarter. Pittsburgh head coach Kirby Wilson said both players will get reps this week, and he'll decide on Wednesday or Thursday who will start next week. The Maulers had scoring chances. K Ramiz Ahmed missed from 59 and 56 yards and also had a 46-yard attempt blocked by LB Jameson Houston. They also turned it over on downs on Oakland 19-yard line. The Panthers capped the scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run by Corbin with just over four minutes remaining. Patterson rushed two yards up the middle for the two-point conversion. Fisher said he decided to go for two after each score, for now. "It's kind of the philosophy of our team right now," Fisher said. "We're going to score points however we can. We haven't been kicking the ball as efficient as we would have liked."

The Maulers moved inside the 30-yard line on four different drives but were unable to score. The Maulers also were held without a touchdown for a second game. "When you turn the ball over inside the 5, you jump offsides and commit penalties in the red zone and you miss three field goals, it's hard to win," Wilson said. "It's hard to beat a high school team, let alone a professional league where you're trying to beat men."

-- (0-2)Maulers 0 - 24 Panthers(0-2)
(PIT): QB McGloin - 19/31 135 yards, RB London - 11 carries, 68 yards, WR Walker - 5 catches, 58 yards
(OAK): QB Lynch - 11/25 72 yards, RB Corbin - 20 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, RB Scott - 13 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Lenoir - 4 catches, 41 yards

XFL Week 3: Ta'amu Shines Late

March 4, 2022

Baltimore, MD - Down nine points heading into the final quarter, the London Crusaders took advantage of a blocked punt for a score and QB Jordan Ta'amu drove his team 48 yards on the final drive setting up an 46-yard field goal for a 27-26 win over the Baltimore Brigade. "I thought we had a very good week of practice," Haley said. "The game didn't go by any means how we wanted it to go at times, especially early. But the guys pulled together."

The victory spoiled an impressive night for Baltimore RB Mark Thompson. The University of Florida product rumbled for a season-high 147 rushing yards on 24 carries. Thompson's total included a 55-yard run for a score, helping stake the Bolts to a 26-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter. At 6-2 and 235 pounds, Thompson was tough for the Bolts to bring down, but he also possesses quick feet and instincts to make tacklers miss in space. Thompson paired nicely with the deep passing of Baltimore QB Clayton Thorson, who finished 15-for-24 passing for 240 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. Thorson completed passes to 10 different receivers. "He's a big guy," Baltimore offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin said about Thompson. "He's powerful, and he's a little faster than guys think he is. He's getting in shape. Three weeks ago, I don't know if he would've scored on that long one. He's got good patience and good power."

However, the play of the game occurred with 12:30 left. Punting from their own 39-yard line, Baltimore P Andrew Galitz mishandled the snap and had his punt blocked by London DB Quenton Meeks. WR Vinny Papale came up with the loose ball for the Crusaders, recovering it at Baltimore's 4-yard line. Three plays later, Ta'amu scrambled five yards for a touchdown, cutting Baltimore's advantage to 26-24 early in the fourth quarter and setting up Rousa's theatrics at the end of the game. Haley credited special teams coach Frank Gansz Jr. for the blocked punt, saying it was even more impressive because his punt block unit only had 10 guys on the field. London took control of the game early on a five-play, 75-yard scoring drive after the opening kick. The big play was Ta'amu connecting with Dillon on a deep out, with the crafty receiver making three defenders miss and scampering up the sideline for a 64-yard touchdown.

After the score, the Brigade reeled off 17 unanswered points to regain control of the game. On Baltimore's first drive, K Nick Vogel striped a 46-yard field goal. After forcing the Crusaders to punt, the Brigade took the lead on a weird play. WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams shook loose behind London's defense for a big gain, but had the ball stripped by DB Anthony Cioffi. However, the ball bounced right back up into Ratliff-Williams' hands and he secured it in the end zone for a touchdown, giving the Brigade a 10-7 lead midway through the first quarter. Thompson broke the game open on a 55-yard burst up the middle for a score, sidestepping a defender at the line of scrimmage and running untouched up the left sideline. London cut Berlin's edge to 17-14 on a nine-play, 70-yard drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by San Diego State product Juwan Washington.

Sumlin said unforced errors and penalties were partly to blame for his team's demise against the Crusaders. Sumlin said his team had only one penalty last week, but finished with eight penalties. Two of those penalties occurred in the fourth quarter with Baltimore trying to put the game away, negating a long pass play and a first down that would have kept the chains moving. "We had those two holding calls at critical times," Sumlin said. "That leads to where we are right now, particularly in a close game with yardage and everything else. Statistically, it was about as close as you can, so when that happens, those types of things can't occur for you to win one-score games.

-- (2-0)Crusaders 27 - 26 Brigade(1-1)
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 21/36 255 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB - 15 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR - 6 catches, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR - 4 catches, 57 yards
(BAL): QB Thorson - 15/24 240 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB - Thompson - 24 carries, 147 yards, 1 TD, WR Ratliff-Williams - 2 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Zuber - 3 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-2)Jousters 17 - 24 Guardians(1-1)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 14/36 180 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Cox - 18 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 10 carries, 65 yards, WR Rogers - 4 catches, 58 yards, WR Garrett - 5 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Freeman - 18/31 203 yards, 1 TD, 5 INTs, RB Perkins - 15 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, RB Darkwa - 11 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 3 catches, 56 yards

-- (1-1)Steel 21 - 40 Monarchs(1-1)
(BIRM): QB Cook - 21/37 273 yards, 2 TDs, RB Richardson - 17 carries, 62 yards, WR Benjamin - 5 catches, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Bray - 5 catches, 53 yards
(MON): QB Masoli - 14/28 181 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hubbard - 16 carries, 77 yards, 2 TDs, RB Wilder - 9 carries, 99 yards, WR Roosevelt - 3 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-2)Mammoths 41 - 16 Defenders(1-1)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 18/26 265 yards, 2 TDs, RB Patrick - 21 carries, 181 yards, RB West - 12 carries, 47 yards, 3 TDs, WR Callaway - 5 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Mallett - 20/38 226 yards, 1 TD, RB Carey - 14 carries, 72 yards, WR Malone - 5 catches, 62 yards, WR Hansen - 4 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Brawlers 35 - 20 Roughnecks(2-0)
(PHI): QB Walker - 16/24 208 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 15 carries, 56 yards, RB Butler - 16 carries, 111 yards, WR Fulgham - 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 7 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 18/36 267 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Gillislee - 13 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD, WR Core - 4 catches, 98 yards, WR Holley - 4 catches, 78 yards, WR Putman - 5 catches, 59 yards

XFL Week 3: Apollos Spoil Berlin's Upset Bid

March 5, 2022

Berlin, GERMANY - Off the opening kickoff, the Bolts looked ready to bring the party to their home field. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead after hitting field-goal attempt, scoring from 49 yards out after a 57-yard opening kickoff return from WR Laquvionte Gonzalez. Orlando’s first points of the game came with 7:40 left to go in the first quarter, when their 52-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the crossbar and through. The Apollos dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Bolts 12-0. With 10:05 left before halftime, Orlando took the lead when WR Charles Johnson caught a 10-yard touchdown pass. That capped off a seven-play drive that started on the two-yard line and included a pair of costly penalty calls against Bolts DB Xavier Coleman. Thanks to a safety and a field goal, the Apollos lead grew to 15-6 by halftime.

The two sides exchanged field goals early in the third quarter before the Bolts notched their only touchdown of the game. Video review was required to determine that QB Brad Kaaya had carried the ball over the goal line with a one-yard quarterback sneak that capped off an eight-play drive. Kaaya’s pass attempt for a two-point convert was incomplete. More field goals were exchanged in the final frame, but Berlin was unable to narrow the deficit to less than two points. The game was a penalty-filled affair for both teams. Orlando was assessed 12 penalties for 137 total yards, while Berlin was whistled for 13 infractions for 122 yards.

-- (2-0)Apollos 21 - 16 Bolts(0-2)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 26/31 296 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 22 carries, 127 yards, WR Marshall - 9 catches, 148 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(BER): QB Kaaya - 15/25 128 yards, RB Sankey - 12 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Ford - 4 catches, 53 yards

-- (2-0)Renegades 22 - 28 Dragons(2-0)
(DAL): QB Jones - 22/40 261 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 15 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, RB Farrow - 9 carries, 75 yards, WR Butler - 8 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 67 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 16/29 304 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Prosise - 14 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gordon - 5 catches, 128 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 113 yards

XFL Week 3: Shorthanded Stampede pull out gutsy win over Commanders

March 5, 2022

Oklahoma City, OK - Commanders QB Robert Griffin III found WR Josh Doctson for a go-ahead touchdown early and then led the Commanders on a long drive that ended with a three-yard RB Tyler Ervin touchdown early in the second. At that point, the Stamps could barely move the ball. DL Frank Alexander was out with a leg injury and the team was giving Griffin a ton of time to find his receivers. Then, it all changed. It started with a DB Tenny Adewusi interception deep in Stamps territory. Another Commanders' touchdown would have been incredibly deflating for the Stamps, but instead, they took possession of the ball. Once Bryce Petty got it in his hands, he seemed like an entirely new quarterback. The Stampede confidently marched downfield, mixing up RB Cameron Artis-Payne runs with Petty finding WR Jazz Ferguson. Before the half was through, they added a 32-yard field goal and the Stamps went into halftime down only 14-12.

When the second half started, though, something strange happened. They’d come on strong and proved they could hang in the first half, but in the second, they largely dominated. Petty found TE Donald Parham in the end zone late in the third quarter to give the Stamps the lead and then extended it when Artis-Payne hopped over the goal line to give the Stamps a 28-14 lead. They didn’t exactly cruise to victory, though. A fourth-quarter fumble opened the door for the Commanders, who capitalized when Griffin found WR Greg Ward for a touchdown that made it 28-22. Ultimately, the game came down to the very final play, but the Commanders came up just short of the end zone.

-- (0-2)Commanders 23 - 28 Stampede(1-1)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 18/33 204 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 8 carries, 32 yards, WR Doctson - 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 4 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 23/32 310 yards, 1 TD, RB Artis-Payne - 10 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Ferguson - 7 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD, WR Martino - 5 catches, 69 yards

-- (0-2)Mountain Lions 10 - 27 Showboats(1-1)
(SLC): QB Falk - 15/33 263 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Booker - 16 carries, 57 yards, WR Clay - 4 catches, 72 yards, WR Pierson-El - 3 catches, 59 yards
(MEM): QB Willis - 15/22 208 yards, 1 TD, RB Emmons - 18 carries, 147 yards, 2 TDs, RB Washington - 16 carries, 57 yards, WR Henderson - 3 catches, 77 yards, WR Dillon - 3 catches, 44 yards

-- (2-0)Fleet 24 - 27 Valor(2-0)
(SD): QB Johnson - 17/25 267 yards, RB Thomas - 15 carries, 96 yards, RB Hood - 16 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 4 catches, 65 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 55 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 13/19 181 yards, 2 TDs, RB Allen - 18 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD, WR Daniels - 3 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 4 catches, 48 yards

XFL Week 3: Stallions Resilient Again, Rallying to Beat Breakers

March 6, 2022

Birmingham, AL - The St. Louis Stallions have been the most resilient team in the XFL so far this season and appropriately, they remain the only unbeaten team. For a third straight week, the Stallions dug themselves out of a hole to earn a victory. This time, St. Louis outdueled the Los Angeles Breakers, earning a 22-13 win in the nightcap of the doubleheader at Protective Stadium. The Stallions forced two turnovers, a safety, sacked Breakers' QB Colin Kaepernick four times and held Los Angeles to 316 total yards. With the win, St. Louis improved to 3-0 on the year, while the Breakers dropped to 2-1. The Stallions battled back from a second-half deficit against Los Angeles, the Stallions overcame a 13-10 fourth-quarter deficit. "We have a lot of leadership on this team," said Stallions WR Victor Bolden Jr., who finished with six receptions for 70 yards and a score. "A lot of older guys who've experienced tough games and close games before. So, we just continue to play the next play, and these guys keep stepping up."

After a back-and-forth first half dominated by defense, the Breakers drove 75 yards on 17 plays to open the second half. Kaepernick finished the drive by hitting WR Johnnie Dixon on an in-route for a 10-yard touchdown that went through the hands of LB Scooby Wright. The drive took 8:50 off the clock in the third quarter and put Los Angeles up 13-10. However, the Stallions roared back, taking a 17-13 lead with 7:56 left when QB J'Mar Smith connected with Bolden on a 19-yard corner route. Bolden thought he got in on the previous play, but the official called him out of bounds. Stallions offensive coordinator Skip Holtz said after a timeout he just flipped the play to the other side of the field. "We talked about it during the week that they were going to play us in a lot of man, a lot of single-high coverage," Bolden said. "It was something where we made sure we got the timing down during the week. I just give credit to J'Mar for giving me an opportunity to make a play."

The Breakers would get the ball back but LB DeMarquis Gates then picked off a Kaepernick offering over the middle, returning it to the Los Angeles' 18-yard line to put the game away. K Brandon Aubrey drilled a 33-yard field goal to give the Stampede a 22-13 lead with 1:16 left to play. According to Holtz, this game speaks to the competitive balance of the league. "This league is like NASCAR," Holtz said. "Everybody has the same size engine. It's just who does the best job of driving it that week. And this week, these guys did an incredible job of driving it. Everybody's got talent. Everybody's equal."

Let's talk about the St. Louis' tackling machine. University of Arizona product Scooby Wright III finished with 17 combined tackles and a forced fumble. But he also dropped an interception and was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty for pretending to ride a horse down the Los Angeles' sideline after his team secured a safety. "That was a stupid play on my part," Wright said. "That shouldn't happen. I put our team in a bad situation."

-- (2-0)Stallions 22 - 13 Breakers(2-0)
(STL): QB Smith - 15/38 197 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 8 carries, 59 yards, RB Marable - 16 carries, 36 yards, TE Angeline - 4 catches, 66 yards, WR Bolden - 6 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Sloter - 26/47 240 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Ellis - 25 carries, 90 yards, WR Dixon - 7 catches, 86 yards, 2 TDs, TE Cannella - 6 catches, 64 yards

-- (0-2)Alphas 10 - 23 Vipers(2-0)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 19/24 176 yards, 1 INT, RB Robinson - 13 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 5 catches, 101 yards
(MEX): QB Rattler - 30/35 321 yards, RB Guice - 20 carries, 79 yards, WR Bryant - 8 catches, 106 yards, WR - 15 catches, 117 yards

[BengalErnst]

Linebacker Darnell Sankey stepping up for Renegades

March 8, 2022

Dallas, TX - Linebacker was supposed to be one of the big question marks for the Dallas Renegades heading into the year. The Renegades had veterans ready to start at most positions, but until camp got started, there was no clear frontrunner for the ever-important middle linebacker spot. Those questions didn’t last long, though. By the end of training camp, it was clear that Darnell Sankey had won the job. A couple of weeks in the season, it’s clear that he isn’t intending on letting it go anytime soon. “I think he’s a good leader, as well. I think our linebackers have been really solid,” said Renegades head coach Bob Stoops. “I think the group’s been solid and we weren’t sure about the mike linebacker, we really weren’t. Sankey’s kind of taken it and ran with it. I think he’s upping his game. He’s young, but he’s a good leader, you can tell. He’s smart and he loves football.”

Sankey has taken an area of perceived weakness and turned it into a position of strength for the Renegades. After Week 3, he’s tied for the fourth-most tackles in the XFL, with 17. “It’s always something I’m proud of, but I try not to look at that,” Sankey said. “I just want to win. I really want to win. I don’t like to lose. I’m not a loser. Defensive accolades are nice, they’re good, but that’ll take care of itself. If we come, we perform as a team, we win the championship, all the defensive accolades I get on the way are great, but I really try not to focus on that.”

XFL Week 4: Enforcers' Two-QB System Is Unique, and It's Working

March 9, 2022

Pittsburgh, PA - While some XFL teams are looking for one consistent playmaker at the quarterback spot, Chicago Enforcers head coach Lovie Smith continues to use two quarterbacks with good success. QB De'Andre Johnson got his first start of the year after leading the Enforcers to a comeback win last week, but QB DeShone Kizer also played and the two combined to complete 20 of 24 passes for 200 passing yards and a touchdown in a methodical, 21-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers. The Enforcers never trailed in the contest. Making his first start this season, Johnson finished 9-for-10 passing for 98 yards and a score, while Kizer came off the bench to complete 11 of 14 passes for 102 yards. "I've never done it," Smith said about his two-quarterback system. "I've always played one quarterback the whole way, 40 years of that or whatever. So, I'm really proud of the way these two guys have handled it. They both prepare really well and work very hard at their craft. I love working with them, and my goal is for both of them to be ready to play and contribute." Johnson said he's not concerned about the accolades at the end of the day, just that his team figures out a way to win. "We trust that it's going to work," Johnson said. "And obviously so far, it's been working. We've just got to keep building. It's nothing personal or trying to accomplish certain things. Our main goal is to get the 'W' and get to the championship."

Chicago struggled to consistently move the ball against Pittsburgh's stout run defense. "Football and game day is all about the players," Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Kirby Wilson said. "It always has been, always will be. And we're just going to have to play hard until the playmakers make their plays. We didn't have enough of them today."

WR KaVontae Turpin couldn't be stopped in the win. Turpin reeled in 104 yards to help the Chicago Enforcers pick up a gritty victory against the Pittsburgh Maulers. Johnson found Turpin wide open on a 62-yard corner route for the first score of the game and Johnson's first touchdown pass this season. On the Enforcers' next drive, Johnson took a shot to his right thigh on a quarterback run and had to leave the game for further evaluation. He returned on the next drive. The Enforcers led by as many as 11 points, but three missed K Nick Rose field goals kept the game close and the Maulers had a chance to tie the game on their final drive with 2:30 left. But Pittsburgh's drive stalled at the 37-yard line. "We left a lot of points out there," Smith said. "We had some untimely events happen, a snap over our head in the red zone and a holding penalty when we were inside our 10-yard line. We just left a lot of points out there on the field, but I thought our quarterbacks balanced it out pretty well."

-- (2-1)Enforcers 21 - 13 Maulers(0-3)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 11/14 102 yards, QB Johnson - 9/10 98 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 10 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Turpin - 3 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD
(PIT): QB McGloin - 15/32 169 yards, RB Groshek - 14 carries, 37 yards, 1 TD, WR Walker - 9 catches, 110 yards

-- (0-3)Alphas 17 - 20 Monarchs(2-1)
(ATL): QB Finley - 18/27 259 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Crowell - 20 carries, 68 yards, RB Wadley - 14 carries, 33 yards, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 83 yards, WR Evans - 4 catches, 52 yards
(MON): QB Masoli - 13/20 208 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hubbard - 16 carries, 76 yards, RB Wilder - 10 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WRCunningham - 5 catches, 77 yards, WR Grant - 4 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 4: Last-Gasp Pass and a Victory

March 10, 2022

Detroit, MI - With 10 seconds left and his team on the Baltimore Brigade's 29-yard line, Los Angeles head coach Larry Fedora decided against kicking a field goal, instead dialing up a play for his big-bodied receiver and WR Jon Adams delivered, going up high to haul in a reception for a score on a go-route from QB Kyle Sloter. The Los Angeles Breakers defeated the Baltimore Brigade 23-16 thanks to a game-winning touchdown pass with 10 seconds remaining from Sloter to Adams. Fedora could have kicked the field goal for the win, but felt good about the play call, giving a chance for the 6-3, 220-pound Adams to make a play in the back of the end zone. Adams said he expected to get man coverage, which he did on the winning score. He finished with a game-high six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. The game was not a pretty one for Fedora's Breakers, but they got the job done when it mattered. The Breakers rolled up 506 yards of offense, but also committed four turnovers and had a field goal blocked. "We weren't going to put ourselves in a position to go anywhere else with it," Fedora said. "We didn't want there to be a decision process. And if he didn't have it, throw it away and kick the field goal."

Baltimore had three interceptions and forced a fumble, but couldn't muster enough offense versus the Breakers. "We felt like we made this game as hard as we could possibly make it," Fedora said. "But our guys just kept overcoming." The Breakers did get a strong performance from RB Jordan Ellis, who finished with 104 rushing yards on 19 carries and a score. Sloter's counterpart QB Clayton Thorson had an uneven performance for the Brigade, completing 15 of 27 passes for 127 yards, with a touchdown and no interceptions. Specifically, the Brigade have struggled on offense in the second half all season, scoring a combined 16 points in four games. "We had really poor execution on offense for the majority of the game," Baltimore offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin said. Baltimore led 13-10 at halftime, but the Brigade should have been up more after forcing three turnovers and having DL Chris Odom blocking a 53-yard field goal attempt by Los Angeles K Taylor Bertolet. Odom had a good game defensively for Baltimore, finishing with a sack, a forced fumble and two combined tackles. Baltimore DB Will Likely also played well, totaling seven combined tackles, six pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery.

-- (1-2)Brigade 16 - 23 Breakers(2-1)
(BAL): QB Thorson - 14/26 127 yards, RB Thompson - 14 carries, 10 yards, WR Zuber - 5 catches, 46 yards
(LA): QB Sloter - 26/41 397 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Ellis - 19 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, TE Cannella - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR Adams - 6 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Taylor - 4 catches, 112 yards

XFL Week 4: Ghosts Edge Panthers After Missed FG

March 11, 2022

New York, NY - For Oakland Panthers head coach Jeff Fisher, the decision to have K Michael Carrizosa attempt a 21-yard field goal to win the game was a simple one. Unfortunately for Fisher's Panthers, Carrizosa's attempt bounced off the left upright and wide left, allowing the Columbus Ghosts to survive with a 26-25 victory over Oakland. "Your kicker has to make that kick," Fisher said. "That's not even a PAT." Columbus head coach Jim Tressel said he considered letting the Stallions score a touchdown so his offense could get the ball back but decided to against it. "The kid hit the upright," Tressel said. "We had two of those last week; I don't know if the ball has magnets in it or what. John Madden called them 'doinks' and we've had our share of 'doinks' this year. I feel bad for the kid, but that's the way it happens." Fisher ran RB Reggie Corbin five straight times to get Carrizosa into chip-shot territory at the 3-yard line. The Panthers had just taken the one-point lead on a field goal of their own, a 21-yarder by K Matt Mengel, who finished 4-for-5 on field goals for the evening. Mengal's field goal was set up by a punt that Joe Walker fumbled, and Columbus' Bradley Sylve recovered at the 13-yard line with a 7:29 to play. The game included four lead changes, six turnovers and 34 points off those turnovers. There were only two punts the entire game. While Cookus shined, Panthers QB Paxton Lynch had an uneven performance. Although he struggled to get much going through the air, Patterson did run for 79 yards and a score. "He completely flipped the field and kept us in the game with his legs," Fisher said. "He made some key throws. The touchdown pass was a good throw, so we'll just keep trying to improve each day."

On their first possession of the game, the Panthers also moved the football. However, Lynch made an ill-advised throw, booting out to his right and throwing across his body. Columbus DB Channing Stribling intercepted the underthrown ball intended for WR Lance Lenoir Jr. in the end zone. On Columbus' second possession, Cookus delivered a 39-yard strike to WR Devin Gray over the safety for the score, pushing the Ghosts advantage to 10-0. The Panthers then scored 17 straight points to take the lead. Corbin returned a kick 45 yards. That big play set up a 22-yard field goal by Carrizosa, cutting Columbus' lead to 10-3. The Panthers kept the momentum with DB Sean Williams forcing a RB Paul Terry fumble recovered by DL Cavon Walker. Patterson converted the turnover into points on a nifty, 9-yard scramble for a score. Cookus then made his first big mistake of the night with 2:44 left, a route miscommunication with TE Jordan Suell that led to Williams picking off the errant throw at the 12-yard line. It didn't take long for Oakland to make Columbus pay, with Corbin shaking loose on a zone run for a 88-yard score, giving the Panthers a 17-10 lead after RB Stevie Scott got the two-point conversion on an inside run. The Ghosts evened the score at 17-all at the end of the first half when Cookus found WR Diondre Overton for a 41-yard touchdown down the middle of the field. Cookus ground out 35 rushing yards, taking some hits to move the chains in critical moments of the game. The QB isn't known for his running ability, but said he will take advantage of open space if defenses give him an opportunity to run. "At the time I was doing it, I was helping fire up the team by getting some first downs," Cookus said. "I wasn't doing it in the first half. I try and pick and choose."

-- (1-2)Ghosts 26 - 25 Panthers(1-2)
(COL): QB Cookus - 22/30 190 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Terry - 11 carries, 62 yards, WR Gray - 7 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Overton - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(OAK): QB Lynch - 9/17 67 yards, 9 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, RB Corbin - 13 carries, 154 yards, 1 TD, WR Walker - 3 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-3)Jousters 13 - 31 Fleet(2-1)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 19/35 186 yards, 1 TD, RB White - 14 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Garrett - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR Hamilton - 4 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(SD): QB Johnson - 22/32 239 yards, 4 TDs, RB Thomas - 12 carries, 79 yards, RB Hood - 20 carries, 70 yards, WR Posey - 6 catches, 69 yards, 2 TDs, WR Blacknall - 6 catches, 66 yards

-- (3-0)Vipers 48 - 20 Steel(1-2)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 15/18 244 yards, 4 TDs, RB Guice - 18 carries, 135 yards, RB Smith - 16 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Bryant - 4 catches, 144 yards, 1 TD, WR Ambles - 5 catches, 31 yards, 2 TDs
(BIRM): QB Cook - 23/40 261 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Richardson - 17 carries, 42 yards, WR Patton - 4 catches, 82 yards, WR Benjamin - 7 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-1)Renegades 36 - 20 Roughnecks(2-1)
(DAL): QB Jones - 16/29 360 yards, 3 TDs, RB - 14 carries, 63 yards, WR Dunbar - 5 catches, 164 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 4 catches, 77 yards, WR Lawler - 5 catches, 66 yards
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 22/34 392 yards, 2 INTs, RB Blue - 21 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Core - 8 catches, 130 yards, WR Davis - 3 catches, 90 yards, WR Putman - 6 catches, 76 yards

-- (2-1)Brawlers 36 - 13 Mountain Lions(0-3)
(PHI): QB Walker - 14/20 248 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Butler - 20 carries, 100 yards, 2 TDs, RB Williams - 19 carries, 112 yards, WR Phillips - 3 catches, 86 yards, WR Fulgham - 6 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB Falk - 15/26 166 yards, RB Booker - 14 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Clay - 3 catches, 59 yards, WR Godwin - 6 catches, 48 yards

XFL Week 4: Dragons spoil Mammoths’ home opener

March 12, 2022

Omaha, NE - The Seattle Dragons spoiled the Omaha Mammoths’ home opener with a 24-12 win. Both teams left a lot to be desired offensively and relied on their respective field goal kickers. K Lewis Ward picked up all 12 of Omaha’s points. With the rain pouring down, QB Ben DiNucci was able to connect with WR Josh Gordon for a 46-yard touchdown pass to extend the Dragons' lead to 22-12 early in the fourth and send many of the Mammoths faithful to the exits.

Seattle K Jimmy Camacho gave the Dragons a 15-6 lead early in the third quarter, but Ward responded with 47- and 38-yard kicks of his own to make it 15-12 and keep the Mammoths close. A late touchdown allowed the Dragons to end the half leading 12-6. With Seattle in scoring territory, Omaha DB Randall Evans was called for pass interference, putting the ball on the one-yard line. On the ensuing play, DiNucci punched in the first touchdown of the game. Down 12-3 the Mammoths managed to close the gap with a 48-yard field goal by Ward. The two teams exchanged field goals in the first quarter to tie the game 3-3. Down 3-0 Omaha had a great opportunity to take the lead, but saw its drive stalled on the 10-yard line and settled for a field goal.

-- (3-0)Dragons 24 - 12 Mammoths(1-2)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 23/32 301 yards, 1 TD, RB Prosise - 14 carries, 71 yards, WR Gordon - 5 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 84 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 23/37 206 yards, 1 INT, RB Patrick - 17 carries, 72 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Callaway - 8 catches, 70 yards

-- (1-2)Defenders 16 - 18 BattleHawks(1-2)
(COL): QB Mallett - 30/39 307 yards, RB Carey - 14 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Malone - 7 catches, 77 yards, WR Hansen - 6 catches, 92 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 16/25 243 yards, RB - 17 carries, 81 yards, WR Ateman - 6 catches, 94 yards, WR Butler - 4 catches, 108 yards

-- (0-3)Commanders 9 - 27 Guardians(2-1)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 13/25 168 yards, 2 INTs, RB Hill - 16 carries, 38 yards, WR Ward - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 66 yards
(NY): QB Freeman - 15/17 199 yards, 3 TDs, RB Perkins - 16 carries, 75 yards, WR White - 4 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 3 catches, 58 yards

-- (3-0)Apollos 34 - 13 Bandits(0-3)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 20/24 297 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 13 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, RB Walton - 13 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 4 catches, 46 yards, WR Moncrief - 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB Barkley - 21/35 252 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Williams - 19 carries, 47 yards, WR Peake - 3 catches, 70 yards, WR Greene - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-1)Stampede 35 - 21 Bolts(0-3)
(OKC): QB Petty - 20/27 276 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 15 carries, 101 yards, RB Walter - 14 carries, 96 yards, WR Davis - 7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, TE Parham - 5 catches, 69 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ferguson - 3 catches, 50 yards
(BER): QB Kaaya - 6/12 74 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hunt - 18 carries, 30 yards, RB Sankey - 4 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 2 catches, 35 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 4: Scooby Wright, Stallions' Defense Take Center Stage

March 13, 2022

St. Louis, MO - The comeback kings did it again. For a fourth straight game, the St. Louis Stallions trailed in the second half and once again, the Stallions figured out a way to earn a victory, this one a 16-10 defensive battle over the Memphis Showboats. The Stallions held Memphis to just 158 yards, one offensive touchdown and not a single point in the second half. Energetic LB Scooby Wright led St. Louis with six tackles and a sack. After his sack, which came with just under six minutes remaining in the game and St. Louis holding onto a 13-10 lead, the University of Arizona product performed a sack dance that he described as a "shark-dog" - half shark, half dog. Wright says that's his spirit animal. "There is nobody that has more fun on that field than Scooby Wright," St. Louis offensive coordinator Skip Holtz said. "He is fun to coach, but it is even more fun to watch him play, with the passion and energy he brings every day. I love him."

The Stallions started QB Alex McGough under center for the first time since he suffered an ankle injury in the season opener. QB J'Mar Smith had taken over at quarterback during the team's win streak. McGough said he re-injured the ankle on the second play of the game, but gutted his way through the contest. The former FIU QB finished 14-of-26 for 126 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked four times and had a couple of dropped passes by his receivers. "It felt good getting back out there," McGough said. "I felt more comfortable as the game wore on. That last drive I started to feel pretty good. Obviously, my ankle was killing me, but mentally I was starting to see it, feel it and kind of get back into it."

The Showboats jumped on the scoreboard first, matriculating down the field on an eight-play, 39-yard scoring drive. K Tyler Rausa made a 37-yard field goal to give Memphis a 3-0 lead. The Stallions took a 7-3 lead with 1:21 left before halftime on a 17-play, 77-yard drive. McGough capped the drive with a 1-yard quarterback sneak for the score. The Showboats took just 44 seconds to retake the lead. Memphis drove the length of the field on a drive that included QB Ryan Willis finding TE Cheyenne O'Grady on a 26-yard flea flicker and then throwing a 9-yard laser to WR Rashard Davis in the back of the end zone for a score. The Showboats went into the locker room up 10-7 at halftime. The Stallions opened up the second half with a K Brandon Aubrey 39-yard-old field goal, tying the game at 10-10. Later in the third quarter, St. Louis benefited from prime field position with Memphis backed up. WR Victor Bolden returned a punt to Memphis' 27-yard line. Aubrey's 49-yard field goal with 3:40 left in the third quarter put St. Louis up 13-10. Aubrey made another field goal, this one from 26-yards, with 59 seconds left, giving the Stallions a six-point lead. The Showboats got the ball back but didn't cross midfield.

-- (2-1)Showboats 10 - 16 Stallions(3-0)
(MEM): QB Willis - 13/22 125 yards, RB Emmons - 17 carries, 52 yards, WR Dillon - 5 catches, 61 yards
(STL): QB McGough - 14/26 126 yards, Marable - 17 carries, 55 yards, RB Brooks-James - 14 carries, 71 yards, WR Bolden - 5 catches, 61 yards

-- (3-0)Crusaders 27 - 10 Valor(3-0)
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 15/22 183 yards, 2 TDs, RB Michael - 10 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, RB Jones - 10 carries, 71 yards, WR Washington - 6 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Russell - 5 catches, 67 yards
(DC): QB Jones - 16/31 188 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Allen - 17 carries, 68 yards, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 59 yards, WR Rogers - 5 catches, 50 yards


Calgary Becomes the Third Canadian XFL Franchise

March 15, 2022

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA - N. Murray Edwards and Calgary Sports and Entertainment LLC announced that the Calgary Stampeders would be leaving the Canadian Football League and joining the XFL for the 2023 season. The 2018 CFL Champions opted out of the 2022 CFL/EFL merger in order to begin preparations for the 2023 XFL season. However, Calgary Sports and Entertainment LLC minority owner and former Calgary Stampeders' QB Doug Flutie announced a new team name and logo for the franchise, the Calgary Greys.

Minority owner and spokesperson Flutie then announced that the team retained many of the former Stampeders' coaching staff. Former head coach Dave Dickenson would be the Greys' offensive coordinator while former OC and DC Brent Monson and Pat DelMonaco would stay on the staff as the OL coach and LBs coach/special teams coordinator, respectively. Calgary Stampeders' general manager John Hufnagel would stay on in the same position. New familiar faces would also be joining the coaching staff. Former Stampeders great and current TSN host, Henry Burris would be joining as the QBs coach and former Stampeders and XFL's Dallas Desperados' great Kelvin Anderson as the RBs coach.

Next, Calgary Sports and Entertainment LLC minority owner and former Calgary Stampeders' QB Jeff Garcia came out to introduce the crowd to their newest head coach, former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Jack Del Rio. Del Rio was the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2011 and for the Oakland Raiders from 2015-2017. He was most recently the defensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team in 2020 and 2021. Former Ole Miss DBs coach Terrell Buckley would be joining the staff as the defensive coordinator. Jack Del Rio's son Luke Del Rio would also be joining the staff as the WRs Coach. The Greys will be playing their home games at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5: Crusaders' Defense Clamp Down Late to Edge Panthers

March 16, 2022

Memphis, TN - With nearly 700 yards of offense combined, the London Crusaders sealed a 27-20 victory against the Oakland Panthers thanks to QB Jordan Ta'amu's 207 yards passing and two touchdowns. The contest was still in the balance with less than two minutes to go when Crusaders LB Greg Reaves forced Panthers RB Stevie Scott to fumble. "Turnovers were the game," said Crusaders LB Christian Sam. "Turnovers win games." QB Paxton Lynch was on his A-game against the London Crusaders, as he threw for 306 passing yards and one touchdown for the Oakland Panthers. "It really is," Fisher said. "It's just more time, more reps, and the offense. You know, he settled down, made some really good throws, but that's the immediate answer." The Panthers put up 409 yards of offense to the Crusaders' 273, though Ta'amu and the London offense got off just 49 snaps to Oakland's 70. Ta'amu completed just 15 of his 24 pass attempts, but two of those went for touchdowns. He also completes passes to seven different targets. Ta'amu's 207 passing yards meant the two former Ole Miss and Kansas City Chief teammates combined to pass for 513 yards in their first game against each other at any level.

The Oakland Panthers brought out the tricks for a XFL-style double-pass touchdown involving backup QB Shea Patterson, TE Ryan O'Malley and RB Joe Walker. The pass took advantage of an XFL rule in which a double-pass is not only allowed but the first pass can be a forward pass as long as it's thrown behind the line-of-scrimmage. But London responded with its own trick play, a flea flicker, that RB Juwan Washington pitched back to Ta'amu, only for Ta'amu to fumble the ball, recover it, spin, and then throw a jump ball to WR Derrick Dillon over the middle. Dillon snatched it out of the air and turned it into a 50-yard touchdown. "I've always been taught when everything around me is chaotic that I gotta stay calm and collected, and I still needed to toss it back," Ta'amu said. "I knew I had one bounce to get it and make something happen. I was gonna throw it away, but soon as I grabbed the ball I saw Derek Dillon in my vision, made a spin move and kind of gave him a 50-50 shot." The Panthers made it 20-20 with six minutes left, but it took the Crusaders just over two minutes and six plays to respond with a go-ahead touchdown behind 30-yard rush from Washington. With starter RB BJ Emmons sidelined, Washington essentially handled the running back duties by himself. His play was indicative of the kind of grit that head coach Todd Haley has come to love about his team. "I'm gonna say the same thing I say every time with these guys," Haley said. "I really truly enjoy being around them. They care. They love football. They run through walls and do whatever is necessary to be ready to play a game and everything did not go our way in that game, but they stuck together and found a way to win a game which we needed desperately."

-- (1-3)Panthers 20 - 27 Crusaders(4-0)
(OAK): QB Lynch - 23/37 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Corbin - 14 carries, 32 yards, TE Pettway - 5 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 5 catches, 68 yards
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 15/24 207 yards, RB - 14 carries, 48 yards, 2 TDs, WR - 5 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR - 2 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-2)Roughnecks 0 - 14 Alphas(0-4)
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 14/28 167 yards, 1 INT, RB Gillislee - 13 carries, 42 yards, RB Blue - 20 carries, 57 yards, WR Core - 3 catches, 55 yards, WR Switzer - 5 catches, 48 yards
(ATL): QB Finley - 13/23 203 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Crowell - 20 carries, 92 yards, WR Evans - 5 catches, 104 yards, WR Hardy - 3 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5: Enforcers Find Rhythm

March 17, 2022

Chicago, IL - At the podium in the media conference room, Chicago Enforcers coach Lovie Smith marveled at the stat sheet alongside QB De'Andre Johnson and WR KaVontae Turpin. "Look at that," he said to them. "Running, passing, that's good balance." From the outset, Smith and staff saw the style of coverage the Breakers liked to run, primarily man coverage and saw that they had a little something for that. He chose to start Johnson at quarterback and for the first time this season, didn't pull him in favor of more-passing-oriented DeShone Kizer, in what had been a two-quarterback offense. Johnson led the Enforcers to a 27-17 win. He finished with 255 total yards, completing 14 of 21 pass attempts for 213 yards. When the game was over and Kizer hadn't played a snap, Smith admitted he didn't think that would be the case when the game kicked off. "I did not plan to do it like it happened today," he said. "But I did think early it was important to not sit back there in the pocket against their pass rushers. And so we were going to have to provide some movement on the edges before we settled back into being able to throw some balls in the pockets, and that was it." The Enforcers racked up 401 total yards in what Smith believed was his team's best performance all season. "I would think so," Smith said. "I would think when you look at it, and then you gauge the opponent, which is hard to do in this league because all of our games have been close, Los Angeles has been impressive. And our guys just prepared well, studied well and respected him and them." The Chicago Enforcers' defense had two interceptions and forced a turnover on downs against the Breakers. DB Shalom Luani was responsible for both interceptions. Turpin, a former all-purpose dynamo at Texas Christian, became Johnson's favored target and offensive coordinator Steve Smith's favorite weapon against an aggressive Breakers front. He finished the game with five catches for 106 yards, two rushes for 10 more, plus a 39-yard punt return. "Ever since I started playing football," he said, "I've tried to do everything I can to help the team."

The Breakers' offense is best when it gets to move at breakneck speed, but injury stoppages, a weather delay and a total of 15 penalties committed by both teams led to an offensive performance that better resembled a road car missing gears than the racecar it has been in past weeks. QB Kyle Sloter continued to struggle when a pass he threw was tipped and intercepted by Chicago DB Shalom Luani in the red zone. The Breakers mounted their first scoring drive in the waning minutes of the first half. Sloter found WR Jay Adams on a third-and-15 from the 20 for a touchdown with 1:08 left, a touchdown that Sloter desperately needed. Prior to that, Sloter had completed just seven of 14 pass attempts for 47 yards with an interception. Inside their own 10-yard line, the Breakers' defense stiffened up for the final minute of the second quarter, but Los Angeles was fortunate to be down 17-10 at halftime.

-- (3-1)Breakers 17 - 27 Enforcers(3-1)
(LA): QB Sloter - 15/36 155 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Ellis - 20 carries, 63 yards, WR Adams - 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Johnson - 14/21 213 yards, 1 TD, 10 carries, 39 yards, 2 TDs, RB Victor - 17 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Turpin - 5 catches, 106 yards, 13 carries, 44 yards

XFL Week 5: Maulers Sparked to First Win by Newly-Signed QB Dwayne Haskins

March 18, 2022

Baltimore, MD - In a mid-game interview, Pittsburgh Maulers QB Dwayne Haskins shared some advice for football players trying to find their way into the pro game. "Just keep working," he said. "Don't quit. I was so close to quitting so many times. But I'm here, and I have nothing to lose." The Maulers are certainly glad Haskins didn't quit, as the 29-year-old journeyman, who signed less than a week ago, led Pittsburgh to its first win of the season, 21-20 over the Baltimore Brigade at Protective Stadium. Pittsburgh fell behind 10-0 early and trailed 17-6 midway through the third quarter. In fact, the Maulers never led until Haskins' nine-yard pass settled into the arms of WR Bailey Gaither, who toppled into the end zone for the winning score as time expired. Pittsburgh won the game with grit and determination, mimicking the tough, straightforward approach of head coach Byron Leftwich.

Haskins entered the game in the second quarter in place of starting QB Matt McGloin. His first touch was a three-yard keeper up the middle. His third was a 10-yard pass to Gaither for a first down. That first drive resulted in a 51-yard field goal by K Ramiz Ahmed that pulled the Maulers within 10-3. It wasn't all smooth, Haskins ultimately completed 24 of his 32 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but he saved his best for last. Trailing 20-15 with 3:34 remaining, the Maulers embarked on a 14-play, 71-yard drive that used up the entire clock. Haskins completed eight of his 11 passes on the drive, three of which converted first downs, and one of which provided the game-winning score.

-- (0-4)Maulers 21 - 20 Brigade(1-3)
(PIT): QB Haskins - 24/32 221 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB London - 7 carries, 23 yards, WR Walker - 10 catches, 92 yards, WR Gaither - 10 catches, 108 yards, 2 TDs
(BAL): QB Thorson - 11/24 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Thompson - 17 carries, 80 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 3 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Redding - 4 catches, 71 yards

-- (4-0)Vipers 23 - 8 Guardians(3-1)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 19/27 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 3 carries, 31 yards, 2 TDs, RB Guice - 18 carries, 95 yards, WR Bryant - 4 catches, 60 yards, WR - 4 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Freeman - 23/39 211 yards, 3 INTs, RB Perkins - 10 carries, 79 yards, RB Starks - 13 carries, 132 yards, WR McKay - 10 catches, 79 yards

-- (1-3)Defenders 19 - 32 Fleet(3-1)
(COL): QB Mallett - 26/44 318 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Carey - 15 carries, 51 yards, WR Malone - 6 catches, 57 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hansen - 6 catches, 88 yards
(SD): QB Johnson - 21/29 248 yards, 2 TDs, RB Thomas - 14 carries, 68 yards, WR Posey - 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR McBride - 5 catches, 56 yards

-- (0-4)Bolts 16 - 15 Showboats(2-2)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 20/31 204 yards, 2 INTs, RB Hunt - 12 carries, 41 yards, WR Gibson - 5 catches, 69 yards, WR Huff - 4 catches, 46 yards
(MEM): QB Willis - 12/21 125 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Washington - 11 carries, 69 yards, RB Emmons - 19 carries, 104 yards, WR Lucien - 4 catches, 52 yards, WR Henderson - 5 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-4)Commanders 23 - 20 Jousters(0-4)
(SA): QB Griffin - 18/31 283 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ervin - 13 carries, 62 yards, WR Ward - 5 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, WR Doctson - 6 catches, 82 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 14/22 199 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cox - 18 carries, 49 yards, WR Garrett - 5 catches, 71 yards, WR Scott - 2 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5: DiNucci throws four TD passes, leads Dragons to Win over Apollos

March 19, 2022

Orlando, FL - The Apollos opened the scoring when K Elliott Fry booted a 35-yard field goal at 3:45 of the first quarter. The Dragons took a 7-3 lead at 7:38 when WR Josh Gordon hauled in a 45-yard touchdown pass from DiNucci to cap off an eight-play, 75-yard drive. After being assessed a five-yard penalty for procedure to put them back on their own 20-yard line, the Dragons proceeded to march down the field 80 yards in four plays. DiNucci capped off the impressive drive at 9:35 of the second quarter when he tossed a six-yard touchdown pass to Toliver to put Seattle up 14-3. The Apollos answered right back with a great nine-play, 86-yard scoring drive of their own ending with RB D'Ernest Johnson running into the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown with five minutes left in the opening half. On Seattle’s next drive, they missed their second straight field goal as his 35-yard kick hit the right upright and bounced back on the field. Orlando appeared to jump into the lead with just 35 seconds left before the intermission when LB Andrew Ankrah recovered a fumble and ran into the end zone, but the play was negated due to an offside call on DL Avery Moss. Following an unsuccessful drive by the Dragons to start the second half, QB Garrett Gilbert engineered an eight-play, 83-yard drive that he finished off by tossing a nine-yard touchdown pass to WR Donte Moncrief at 6:20 of the third. The Dragons kicked a 36-yard field goal at 10:15 to pull Seattle into a 17-17 tie heading into the final quarter. Fry then put the Apollos back on top by three points with a 36-yard field goal 51 seconds into the fourth. DiNucci then went back to work as he guided the Dragons on a pair of lengthy drives that both resulted in touchdowns. After RB Thomas Rawls hauled in short pass and ran into the end zone for a 10-yard score at 8:05, DiNucci then connected with WR Brandon Arconado for a 52-yard touchdown pass at 2:39. “Everything’s about us as a team,” said DiNucci, who completed 31-of-41 passes for 398 yards against the Apollos. “I don’t know if we made a statement, but I know what we’re capable of and I know we’re finally starting to scratch the surface. I think we’ve gotten better every week. We’ve faced a lot of adversity and obviously with everything that kind of went down and we’ve come out stronger and we came out better.”

“Those guys never flinched,” Seattle head coach Jaime Elizondo said of his players. "They stuck together. The believe in who they are. This is the standard that we expect. This is what we’re supposed to be about and what we’re supposed to do. I couldn’t be more proud of this team – their resiliency, their character, their mental toughness and they showed it today on the field. I’m really proud of them.”

-- (4-0)Dragons 32 - 20 Apollos(4-0)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 31/41 398 yards, 4 TDs, RB Prosise - 16 carries, 82 yards, WR Gordon - 4 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 94 yards, TE Rodriguez - 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 29/46 328 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 10 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Moncrief - 9 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 9 catches, 123 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 68 yards

-- (3-1)Brawlers 51 - 29 BattleHawks(2-2)
(PHI): QB Walker - 18/23 288 yards, 4 TDs, RB Butler - 15 carries, 112 yards, RB Williams - 14 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Fulgham - 7 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 120 yards, 2 TDs
(CHA): QB McCarron - 23/33 291 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB - 16 carries, 76 yards, WR Ateman - 7 catches, 67 yards, WR Butler - 7 catches, 77 yards, WR - 5 catches, 57 yards

-- (3-1)Valor 31 - 16 Bandits(0-4)
(DC): QB Bortles - 19/26 241 yards, 2 TDs, RB Allen - 21 carries, 79 yards, 2 TDs, RB Pumphrey - 15 carries, 74 yards, WR Daniels - 4 catches, 80 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 47 yards
(TB): QB Francois - 17/33 142 yards, 1 INT, RB Williams - 10 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Greene - 7 catches, 51 yards

-- (1-3)Mammoths 22 - 24 Renegades(3-1)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 18/29 220 yards, RB Patrick - 18 carries, 55 yards, 2 TDs, WR Callaway - 6 catches, 92 yards, TE Truesdell - 4 catches, 44 yards
(DAL): QB Jones - 25/32 293 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 21 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 7 catches, 82 yards, WR Lawler - 6 catches, 58 yards, WR Williams - 3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-3)Steel 18 - 16 Stampede(3-1)
(BIRM): QB Cook - 13/20 164 yards, 1 TD, RB Richardson - 21 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, RB Yeldon - 11 carries, 62 yards, WR Patton - 4 catches, 53 yards, WR Benjamin - 3 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 21/31 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 21 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 2 catches, 57 yards, TE Parham - 6 catches, 44 yards

XFL Week 5: Stallions Methodical, Efficient as They Top Ghosts, Stay Unbeaten

March 20, 2022

New York, NY - The last scoring drive for the St. Louis Stallions was indicative of just how methodical and efficient Skip Holtz's squad was. The Stallions salted a 30-17 win against the Columbus Ghosts with a 17-play, 60-yard march down the field that chewed up 10 minutes and 28 seconds of the fourth quarter, a dominant statement from what remains the XFL's only undefeated team. The Stallions held the ball for more than 38 minutes and scored 23 straight points behind a dominant run game and an efficient passing performance from QB J'Mar Smith. "Let me just say how proud I am of this team," Holtz said. "They continue to find ways to win football games, and there is an art to that."

Ghosts RB Paul Terry took the first play from scrimmage for a 43-yard sprint through the middle of the Stallions defense. Two plays later, he caught a pass for 21 yards to move the Ghosts inside the 10-yard line. RB Matthew Colburn finished the drive, walking into the end zone to open the scoring, 7-0. Later, Terry scored the Ghosts' second touchdown from nine yards out, and a team built to throw the ball all over the yard had scored two rushing touchdowns but those would be the only touchdowns the Ghosts scored. The Stallions took advantage of a glaring weakness for the Ghosts, their run defense. Stallions RB CJ Marable scored from 29 yards out to put the Stallions up 21-17 in the third quarter. He reached the century mark in rushing yards later in the same period and finished with 114 yards on 23 carries. Marable was so efficient that the Stallions starting running back, former Alabama star Bo Scarbrough, was kept on the bench for most of the game. Holtz expects Marable and Scarborough to form a significant tandem in the second half of the season. "I think both Bo and CJ are going to play a role," he said.

Smith and McGough threw touchdowns in the first half. But the offense really found a better passing rhythm when Smith entered the game and found WR Marlon Williams for a pass in between four defenders. Williams then proceeded to go 38 yards to the house to cut the deficit to 17-14 late in the first half. The Stallions squandered an opportunity to score late in the half when their drive stalled out at the five-yard line and K Brandon Aubrey bounced a 23-yard chip shot off the uprights. The Stallions stretched their lead to seven points with two field goals in the third quarter, though, and managed to hold the Ghosts scoreless in the second half. The Ghosts still had a chance to try to win the game late and Ghosts head coach Jim Tressel was going to try to use a couple of unique XFL rules to try to win. On St. Louis' final drive of the game, Tressel told his defense to let the Stallions score. He hoped that would lead to the Ghosts getting the ball back with a chance to score and instead of a traditional onside kick, elect to go for it on fourth-and-12 to retain possession. "We actually even sent a player in and said let them score," Tressel said, "and that might sound funny to your ears. But that was our only chance of winning was to let them score quickly, do the fourth-and-12 and score again."

-- (4-0)Stallions 30 - 17 Ghosts(2-2)
(STL): QB Smith - 17/22 203 yards, 1 TD, QB McGough - 4/11 50 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Marable - 23 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 58 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Cookus - 19/35 215 yards, RB Colburn - 9 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, RB Terry - 5 catches, 43 yards

-- (0-4)Mountain Lions 27 - 20 Monarchs(3-1)
(SLC): QB Falk - 14/23 187 yards, 2 INTs, RB Booker - 18 carries, 119 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bell - 6 catches, 95 yards
(MON): QB Masoli - 19/28 233 yards, 1 TD, RB Hubbard - 12 carries, 55 yards, RB Wilder - 22 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Cunningham - 8 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD, WR Roosevelt - 6 catches, 73 yards

XFL Still Looking at Vancouver

March 21, 2022

Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - XFL Founder Vince McMahon announced this morning that the league was still looking at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada as one of the expansion cities for the 2023 season despite the BC Lions ownership group, David Braley Estate announcing that the team would be folded and the organization disbanded after balking at the $20M XFL buy-in price. Negotiations have begun with the former NBA Vancouver Grizzlies and current NHL Vancouver Canucks ownership group Canucks Sports & Entertainment LLC and majority owner Francesco Aquilini.

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 6: Alphas Take Out the Guardians

March 23, 2022

Atlanta, GA - On the kickoff, WR Tanner Gentry was able to bring the up to the 40, giving the Guardians prime field position to start. The Guardians opted for Josh Freeman at quarterback. Freeman started out a bit slow, only moving the chains a couple times. To be fair, the Alphas defense is looking pretty strong right now. The drive ended with a huge sack by LB Connor Strachan, pushing Dolegala all the way back to the 20-yard line. The Alphas put QB JT Barrett in to start their first drive and he tried to go out there and make a name for himself. With the first play of the game for the Alphas did end up seeing some success on the ground, securing a few solid first downs from RB Isaiah Crowell. The run proved to be a wise choice for the Alphas, bringing them into the red-zone. That’s where the luck ended unfortunately. The team was forced to attempt a field goal, only for it to be blocked by DB Demetrious Cox. The Alphas started out the second quarter and once again focused on their run game. Although successful, it wasn’t enough to get the team past the 50. With the Aviators back in possession of the ball, the team opted to put Jake Dolegala in at QB. The change seemed to help, but the Alphas defense once again came out on top forcing their opponent to punt. The team once again relied on Crowell and the running game, pushing the ball near midfield. Crowell then was able to find a hole, rushing for 25-yards bringing the Alphas within striking distance. With the team continuing to rely on the run game, luck was finally on their side, right at the goal line Barrett was able to run it in for a 7-0 lead. With less than two minutes to go, Freeman was went for a long pass which almost led to an interception but the Alphas were charged with a pass interference charge, giving the Guardians a great spot with 24 seconds left in the half. Closing out the half, the Guardians successfully attempted field goal bring the game to 7-3 in the Alphas favor.

Starting out the half, the Guardians defense once again came out on top forcing RB Akrum Wadley to fumble and regaining control of the ball. Unfortunately after a quick three and out, the team punted the ball back to their opponents. Barrett went for the end-zone only to find the DB DeJuan Neal securing the interception. The Guardians couldn’t do much with the possession, forced to punt it away. The Alphas were able to capitalize on the play, driving the ball down the field far enough to secure another field goal adding to their lead, bringing them to 10-3. The Guardians continued to suffer on the field, ultimately leading to their first fumble of the game giving the Alphas a chance to add some more buffer to the score. At third and goal Barrett passed it to WR Justin Hardy, but came up just a yard short of the touchdown. On 4th down, the Alphas decided to go for it at the goal-line, resulting in Barrett once again running it in for the touchdown for a commanding 17-3 lead. After a few failed drives from both teams, the Alphas once again got back into scoring position. Once in the red-zone, Crowell once again showed off his skills breaking free for a 19-yard run for a touchdown putting them up 23-3. With 6:02 left in the game, the Guardians were finally able to get some plays moving on their next drive. After three successful connections, they were able to get in the end-zone bringing it to 23-9. Crowell once again showcased his running skills, dodging a few tackles and bringing the Alphas to the 45 with a little over two-minutes left in the game. Moving into gear, the Guardians defense once again forced a fumble giving them the ball. It proved to be a little too late for the Guardians, their Alphas had built up a strong enough lead to hold them over and give them the second win of the season. Dolegala was doing well moving the ball down the field, but the drive ended with an interception by the Alphas.

-- (2-3)Guardians 9 - 23 Alphas(1-4)
(NY): QB Dolegala - 11/20 107 yards, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 12 carries, 40 yards, WR Burks - 3 catches, 47 yards
(CHI): QB Barrett - 12/25 115 yards, 1 INT, 10 carries, 33 yards, 2 TDs, RB Crowell - 25 carries, 212 yards, 1 TD, WR Evans - 4 catches, 50 yards

-- (2-3)Steel 10 - 30 Fleet(4-1)
(BIRM): QB Cook - 6/15 96 yards, 1 INT, RB Yeldon - 13 carries, 68 yards, RB Richardson - 18 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Benjamin - 3 catches, 56 yards
(SD): QB Johnson - 16/25 211 yards, 1 INT, RB Thomas - 23 carries, 151 yards, 3 TDs, RB Hood - 13 carries, 47 yards, WR Smallwood - 2 catches, 52 yards, WR Posey - 4 catches, 47 yards

XFL Week 6: Defenders Outlast the Jousters

March 24, 2022

Memphis, TN - Neither were able to get much action out of their first drives. That was until near the 1st quarter, with former New York Guardians QB Luis Perez on the field under his former coach Kevin Gilbride. Perez was able to keep the ball moving down the field, bringing the Jousters within striking distance. Perez masterfully tossed the ball to TE Temarrick Hemingway who ran it in for the score for a 7-0 lead over the Defenders. With QB Ryan Mallett back in control of the ball, they were looking to get back into the game. Mallett was able to get the ball within scoring position, but could not find the end-zone. The teams opted to attempt a 37-yard field goal, erasing the 0 from their score. After a Jousters punt, the Defenders, decided to go for the three points and came out on top. The Defenders were now within one of the Jousters 7-6 with a little under 5 minutes left in the half. Mallett and the Defenders not wanting to stay behind for long went into action. He tossed a long ball to WR Ka'Ronce Higgins and connected for a 65-yard play to the end-zone. The play was under review because it looked as if Higgins let go of the ball right before crossing into the end-zone, but the officials decided that the call stood. The Defenders now lead the Jousters 12-7 with just over a minute left in the half. The Jousters were hoping to get out of the deficit with time running out, but luck was not on their side. Perez tried to lodge one down the field, but was caught by DB DJ Swearinger with 20-seconds left in the half. Mallet now looking to get the team into scoring position to add to their slim lead. With 4 seconds left, K Matt McCrane knocked in a 59 yard field goal and the Defenders ended the half with 15 unanswered points, 9 of which were acquired in the last 1:09 in the half. They now lead the Jousters 15-7 with 2 quarters left.

Starting the second half with possession of the ball, Defenders could not get the ball moving. The team ended up punting to the Jousters with QB Bo Levi Mitchell took over the reigns for Perez. Gilbride was clearly making adjustments at the half as the Jousters were now focusing more on their ground game. This strategy proved to be successful, bringing the franchise into the red-zone. After a few attempts, Mitchell finally found his man. He was able to toss it to Hemingway who secured his second touchdown of the game, making the score 15-13. The Defenders started out the 4th quarter with possession, Mallett still in at QB, continued to look like a well oiled machine. He was throwing very well and was able to move the ball down the field, Defenders decided to go for the field goal, going successful off a 47-yard attempt adding to their lead, bringing the game to 18-13. Mitchell continued on as QB for the Jousters and was able to break free of a few tackles after a high snap, connecting with his receiver for the first down, then was able to connect with WR Keyarris Garrett for the touchdown. The Defenders, now down for the first time in the second half were looking to get back on top before the clock runs out. McCrane was able to successfully knock in a 49-yard field goal. With 1:24 left in the game, the Defenders now lead the Jousters 21-19. The Jousters opted to keep Mitchell in at QB, hoping to give him the opportunity to get the W. Just when everything looked like it was going their way, Mitchell threw the ball away, being intercepted by the Defenders giving them the chance to run out the clock.

-- (0-5)Jousters 19 - 21 Defenders(1-4)
(TOR): QB Perez - 9/19 117 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cox - 12 carries, 46 yards, WR Garrett - 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD, TE Hemingway - 3 catches, 31 yards, 2 TDs
(COL): QB Mallett - 23/30 212 yards, 1 TD, RB Carey - 17 carries, 61 yards, WR Higgins - 2 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Malone - 6 catches, 54 yards

XFL Week 6: Maulers Edge Out Enforcers

March 25, 2022

Pittsburgh, PA - After a quick three and out, the Maulers took control for the first time in the game. QB Dwayne Haskins starting his first game. Unfortunately, he was not able to move the ball by air or ground forcing the Maulers to punt the ball back to their opponents in short order. After a few failed drives, the Maulers were able to get within scoring distance, settling for a 42-yard field goal putting them up 3-0 over the Enforcers. The second quarter started out fairly slow with both teams trading possessions. The Enforcers were able to get some movement by a huge drive from QB DeAndre Johnson, bringing the team all the way down to the 4-yard line. This was the best scoring chance for either team so far in the matchup. The Enforcers would attempt to get into the end-zone, but could not get it done tying up the game 3-3. With the Maulers back in control, Haskins was out there to get some yardage. The team came out lucky after a massive pass was collected by WR Markus Wheaton, but he thought the play was dead despite not being touched after the catch. This lead to DB Blake Countess snatching the ball out of his hands, effectively giving possession to the Enforcers. Unfortunately for Chicago, the refs had blown the whistle making the play dead. Chicago head coach Lovie Smith could be seen on the sidelines giving the officials a hard time for stopping the play. The Enforcers ultimately came out on top, blocking the field goal attempt giving them great field position with plenty of time to score in the half. RB Darius Victor came out strong for the Enforcers, rushing for over 30-yards to get into the red-zone. After a successful 25-yard field goal, the Enforcers re-took a slim lead, 6-3. The Maulers, not wanting to go into the half behind drove the ball down the field into scoring position. Although they still could not get six on the board, the team was able to grab another field goal, tying the game 6-6 with 20 seconds left in the half.

Starting out the second half the game, the Maulers started out the half with possession, looking to re-gain the lead. Both teams struggled a bit to start out, but you could see them making adjustments as the game went on. The Maulers finally broke the ice, becoming the first team to make it into the end-zone via a reception from WR Jeff Thomas to put themselves up 12-6. After a missed field goal, the Maulers moved the ball gracefully down the field. They couldn’t get close enough to get six, but K Ramiz Ahmed put it between the uprights for another three. With time running out, the Enforcers knew they needed to act quick. In a desperation play, they were able to convert on 4th and 1, giving them another chance at the goal line. Thanks to their decision making, the team was finally able to get a touchdown via a spectacular one-handed snag from WR KaVontae Turpin. Now with time running out, the game was within reach for the Enforcers. The Maulers were able to run the clock for most of the remaining time, but made a mistake that could have cost them big. On fourth down, rather than punt the ball they tried to let backup QB Roland Rivers run out the clock. This resulted in a massive loss in yards and turnover on downs. The Maulers tried to draw out the clock, but ended up giving the Enforcers decent ball position with 2-seconds left in the game. Unfortunately for the Enforcers that couldn’t complete the hailmary ending the game.

-- (4-1)Enforcers 12 - 15 Maulers(1-4)
(CHI): QB Johnson - 12/22 155 yards, 1 TD, 6 carries, 45 yards, RB Victor - 18 carries, 67 yards, WR Turpin - 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD
(PIT): QB Haskins - 19/30 225 yards, 1 TD, RB Groshek - 15 carries, 45 yards, WR Gaither - 4 catches, 78 yards, WR Thomas - 5 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-3)Ghosts 13 - 16 Mountain Lions(1-4)
(COL): QB Cookus - 17/30 156 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Colburn - 20 carries, 67 yards, WR Carter - 5 catches, 50 yards
(SLC): QB Falk - 13/23 156 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Booker - 25 carries, 87 yards, RB Turbin - 18 carries, 43 yards, WR Clay - 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-4)Panthers 16 - 33 Valor(4-1)
(OAK): QB Lynch - 15/23 181 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Washington - 15 carries, 136 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 6 catches, 100 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 13/16 146 yards, 1 TD, RB Allen - 29 carries, 84 yards, 3 TDs, RB Pumphrey - 7 carries, 85 yards, WR Daniels - 3 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Brawlers Thump Crusaders in Philly

March 25, 2022

Philadelphia, PA - It may be hard to believe, but the result could have been worse for the London Crusaders than a 33-9 loss to the Philadelphia Brawlers. The Crusaders were without franchise QB Jordan Ta'amu for most of the second half after he hit his head on the turf while being sacked by DL Gabe Wright. Crusaders head coach Craig Dickenson said the quarterback suffered a “minor concussion,” an outcome that would provide a semblance of relief for the undefeated team. Ta'amu was concussed just minutes into the third quarter. He then headed to the locker room, where he remained after failing to clear XFL concussion protocols. “He got slammed to the ground and we’ll see because it’s one of those things that we have to see play out,” Dickenson said. “That’s why he wasn’t in the game. We hope that it clears up right away.”

QB Taylor Heinicke, who took over at quarterback, would get the starting nod next week if Ta'amu isn’t available. No update available on his status. Heinicke moved the ball but, like Ta'amu, wasn’t able to finish drives with touchdowns only producing three field goals. Ta'amu completed 11 of 17 passes for 169 yards and an interception. Heinicke was 10-for-13 for 89 yards. Brawlers QB PJ Walker was sharp, connecting on 19 of 23 passes for 328 yards, including touchdown passes to WRs Travis Fulgham and Ryheem Malone and three rushing touchdowns on one-yard sneaks.

-- (5-0)Crusaders 9 - 33 Brawlers(4-1)
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 11/17 89 yards, 1 INT, QB Heinicke - 10/13 169 yards, RB Michael - 18 carries, 88 yards, RB Jones - 6 carries, 51 yards, WR Washington - 7 catches, 73 yards, WR Russell - 5 catches, 64 yards
(PHI): QB Walker - 19/23 328 yards, 2 TDs, 9 carries, 27 yards, 3 TDs, RB Butler - 18 carries, 80 yards, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 134 yards, WR Fulgham - 5 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-1)Renegades 34 - 37 Mammoths(1-4)
(DAL): QB Jones - 18/30 273 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 13 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, RB Farrow - 9 carries, 54 yards, 2 TDs, WR Dunbar - 3 catches, 85 yards, WR Butler - 5 catches, 52 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 20/23 224 yards, 2 TDs, RB Patrick - 15 carries, 178 yards, RB West - 15 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Callaway - 4 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: BattleHawks Snatch Home Win

March 26, 2022

Charlotte, NC - It goes down as a win but feels like anything but for QB AJ McCarron. McCarron threw a touchdown pass and ran in for another himself as the Charlotte BattleHawks held on for a wild 17-16 victory over the Berlin Bolts. Berlin got the ball at the 50-yard line with 2:23 left in the fourth quarter after a DB Montae Nicholson interception. The Bolts scored on RB Akeem Hunt’s 20-yard run less than a minute later but K Donny Hageman’s tying convert attempt hit the upright. “Overall I feel like me and the offense just did not play well enough to win in the second half,” McCarron said. “It feels like a loss almost for me. That interception I threw at the end, that’s going to sit with me for the next 24 hours, for sure. I was trying to throw the ball away and I didn’t even get it to the sideline. Like, who does that? There were a lot of plays we left out there on offense. An ugly win is a good win regardless. The football gods were looking out for us, we definitely were on the edge of our seats.”

McCarron staked Charlotte to a 14-7 halftime advantage but the home team deserved better. The BattleHawks held the ball for over 18 minutes and accumulated 217 offensive yards compared to 154 yards for Berlin. McCarron was at the 16-yard line in the second quarter but was intercepted in the end zone by DB Jude Adjei-Barimah. “I’ll take any win at this point in the year,” Charlotte head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said. “Bad win, good win, it is what it is but we’ll learn from it. We know we have to be better. The players were upset when I got into locker-room. I think those guys know we left a lot on the field and we were pretty sloppy. We’re not happy with our performance at all.”

RB LaDarius Galloway scored Charlotte’s other touchdown. K Seth Small added the converts and a field goal. RB Kerrith Whyte had Berlin’s other touchdown. Hageman added a convert and field goal, which came after Kaaya’s 19-yard run left the Bolts a yard short of a first down to effectively end a 60-yard, 11-play march. The Bolts had a solid chance to cut into Charlotte’s lead after a blocked punt put them at the 49-yard line. But an incompletion and LB Micah Awe’s sack of Kaaya for a five-yard loss forced the punt. Charlotte opened the second half with a crisp 12-play, 79-yard march but settled for a 26-yard field goal at 6:56 of the third for a 17-7 lead. Kaaya pulled Berlin to within 14-7 with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Whyte at 4:32 of the second after TE Gavin Escobar’s 40-yard touchdown catch at 1:56. McCarron opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run at 13:02 of the first to cap a 10-play, 54-yard march. It was aided by a successful challenge that turned an incompletion into a pass-interference call on Berlin DB Greg Ducre that put Charlotte at the one-yard line.

-- (1-4)Bolts 16 - 17 BattleHawks(2-3)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 25/37 270 yards, 1 TDs, 1 INT, RB Sankey - 8 carries, 60 yards, WR Huff - 5 catches, 53 yards, TE Escobar - 5 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
(CHA): QB McCarron - 23/37 236 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 21 carries, 94 yards, WR Butler - 8 catches, 60 yards, WR Ateman - 3 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-3)Roughnecks 24 - 48 Stallions(5-0)
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 14/27 183 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Blue - 17 carries, 66 yards, RB Gillislee - 17 carries, 64 yards, WR Switzer - 4 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD
(STL): QB Smith - 10/16 184 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 14 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD, RB Scarbrough - 15 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD, RB Marable - 13 carries, 87 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bolden - 3 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 3 catches, 50 yards

XFL Week 6: Vipers Receive Cold Welcome in Orlando

March 26, 2022

Orlando, FL - Apollos QB Garrett Gilbert looked razor sharp, particularly in the early going. In the first quarter, he completed a perfect 10-of-10 passes and drove 193 yards of total offense, helping his team build a 21-7 lead. WR Lucky Whitehead opened the scoring with an eight-yard catch for the Apollos, just five plays and 2:43 into the game. WRs Jalin Marshall and Donte Moncrief, twice, had the other passing touchdowns, while Whitehead also returned a missed field goal for a 109-yard end-to-end score, 51 seconds into the second quarter. Midway through the third quarter, Whitehead also caught a 63-yard aerial, setting the stage for Moncrief’s second tally of the night. Just before halftime, Orlando found the end zone for the fifth time after a wild sequence of plays. DB Keith Reaser returned an interception for 20 yards, three plays after Gilbert threw his first interception into the end zone from the five-yard line. The Apollos’ excellent field position had come courtesy of a fumble recovery by the Apollos' LB Earl Okine with 1:45 to play in the second quarter. Late in the first, WR Deon Holliman caught Mexico City’s only touchdown.

-- (5-0)Vipers 13 - 45 Apollos(4-1)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 30/51 362 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Guice - 15 carries, 40 yards, WR Bryant - 8 catches, 82 yards, WR Holliman - 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/26 319 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 15 carries, 71 yards, WR Marshall - 4 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Moncrief - 5 catches, 72 yards, 2 TDs, WR Johnson - 3 catches, 82 yards

-- (5-0)Dragons 32 - 16 Bandits(0-5)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 22/41 276 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Prosise - 16 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 12 catches, 159 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 55 yards
(TB): QB Barkley - 17/25 221 yards, 1 INT, RB Williams - 11 carries, 62 yards, WR Greene - 5 catches, 43 yards

-- (3-2)Breakers 40 - 45 Stampede(3-2)
(LA): QB Sloter - 13/30 277 yards, 4 TDs, RB Ellis - 17 carries, 131 yards, 1 TD, RB Logan - 13 carries, 79 yards, WR Lee - 4 catches, 102 yards, 2 TDs, TE Cannella - 6 catches, 83 yards, WR Taylor - 1 catch, 76 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 14/17 197 yards, 3 TDs, RB Artis-Payne - 15 carries, 224 yards, 2 TDs, RB Walter - 16 carries, 96 yards, WR Davis - 3 catches, 62 yards, WR Martino - 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD, TE Parham - 3 catches, 28 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 6: Maulers Defeat Showboats In Exciting Fashion

March 27, 2022

Pittsburgh, PA - The Showboats swiftly marched down the field and they scored off an end around to WR Derrick Dillon to put them up 7-0 early. QB Ryan Willis looked sharp in the early stages of the game. The Maulers offense struggled to get things going early on, as they had multiple three and outs and even missed a field goal after Willis fumbled the football. However, things would take a turn when RB Tyler Ervin broke through a gap, and took off for a 52 yard touchdown, tying up the game at 7. Willis struggled to find a groove in the 2nd quarter, and despite some solid ball movement between the 20’s, the Showboats just couldn’t find a way to score. After an impressive march down the field, Willis missed his man and was intercepted by DB Derron Smith but kicking for the Commanders, was an issue as they missed a second consecutive field goal of the day. After another Showboats punt, QB Logan Woodside found WR Josh Doctson for a 7 yard score to get the Commanders on top. While the Showboats continued to struggle, they did pull out quite the interesting trick. On 4th down, Willis took the snap and then punted it 69 yards.

In the 3rd quarter, the Showboats came out with a purpose. They immediately forced a fumble, which DL Daylon Mack recovered, and ended up having to settle for three as K Tyler Rausa knocked through a 35 yarder. The game remained 14-10 heading into the final quarter. The Showboats were given plenty of opportunities in the second half, but ultimately were not able to capitalize. Rausa kicked another field goal to bring the game within one, but the Commanders weren’t going to be shut down forever. On the very next drive, Woodside dropped an absolute dime to WR Greg Ward for a 14 yard score and the Commanders took a 20-13 lead. Disappointingly for the Showboats, they once again marched down the field, only to end up turning the ball over. Willis threw another interception as he was picked off by Smith for the second time. The Commanders controlled the rest of the ball game as a big completion to Doctson and another touchdown run by Groshek put the game away. The Commanders hung on to win 27-20, picking up their second victory of the season.

-- (1-4)Commanders 27 - 20 Showboats(2-3)
(SA): QB Woodside - 22/31 287 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ervin - 11 carries, 93 yards, 2 TDs, WR Doctson - 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 3 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Willis - 15/29 187 yards, 2 INTs, RB Emmons - 12 carries, 39 yards, WR Henderson - 5 catches, 77 yards

-- (1-4)Brigade 28 - 23 Monarchs(3-2)
(BAL): QB Thorson - 14/23 151 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Thompson - 14 carries, 155 yards, 2 TDs, RB Dawkins - 13 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Ratliff-Williams - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR King - 2 catches, 49 yards
(MON): QB Masoli - 9/24 132 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Wilder - 12 carries, 89 yards, RB Hubbard - 23 carries, 129 yards, 1 TD, WR Roosevelt - 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 7: Alphas Conquer the Crusaders

March 30, 2022

Canton, OH - QB Taylor Heinicke started out the game at QB for the Crusaders, looking to build off of his success from last week. Heinicke didn’t take long to get his 1st first down, mixed between the ground game and the air brought his team near the red-zone. The Alphas looked impressive last week, but they started out the game much stronger this week. You could tell that the team was now gelling as Coach Richt had envisioned. Heinicke wanting to take the game into his own hands, tried to rush the ball himself, but could not get the yardage needed leading them to attempt a field goal that unfortunately they were unable to secure keeping the game 0-0. The first Alphas drive for the team was a mixed bag. But, that wasn’t enough to get the team on the board. Ultimately, punting back to the Crusaders who could not move the ball forward. The Alphas again showed a lot of promised, but when presented with 4th & 3 they grabbed the first points of the game, putting them up 3-0. QB Jordan Ta'amu getting his first playing time of the game, rushed for a 1st down on his first play and then continued to showoff his running game, moving the chains again for his team bringing them to mid-field then passing for 15-yards securing another first down and putting him team in prime scoring position but they could not secure a touchdown. Once again opting for a field goal successfully knocking in a 30-yard field goal. The Alphas had some success on their last drive of the half starting a fantastic pass from QB JT Barrett to WR Shaquelle Evans they found the end-zone for the first time making it 9-3.

Barrett looking to build to their score almost threw it away for an interception, but luckily for them the Crusaders couldn't hold onto control. Heinicke started the second half out just as the coaches had hoped, securing a 29-yard pass, moving the ball very well. After only a few plays, Heinicke had moved his team into the red-zone. This drive looked like a completely different Crusaders team than we saw in the first half. Continue to showcase his skills, Heinicke dropped a perfect pass right into the end-zone to TE Levine Toilolo for the 10-9 lead. The Alphas wanted to continue where they left off in the first half but Barrett threw a short underhand pass that he immediately regretted. The ball was picked off the LB Terence Garvin, giving the Crusaders the possession, but the luck didn’t continue. The Alphas defense went toe-to-toe and intercepted the ball themselves as DB Tyson Graham went big with a 56-yard return, putting the Alphas very close to the goal-line which Barrett ran in to take the lead, 15-10. Ta'amu was back in and near the 30, he decided to rush the ball himself only to come up 3-yards shy wrapping up the third quarter. Down by 5, the Crusaders tried their luck on 4th down to start the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t convert giving the Alphas control but a quick turnover gave the ball back to the Crusaders. Heinicke was able to secure a huge first down after a nice pass to WR Malik Henry putting them into scoring position. With less than 10 minutes to go and in 4-down territory, Heinicke was able to gain enough ground on a successful pass to WR L'Damien Washington. This led to the next play which saw Heinicke connecting with TE Cole Hunt for a touchdown for the 17-15 lead. With 8:13 left, Barrett started with a nice rushing play bring them close to a first down. Showing his style, Barrett found a hole and grabbed that first down plus some extra yardage. Barrett continued with another rushing first down after almost being tackled after a blitz from the defense. Barrett determined to end the drive with another score, succeeded by connecting with WR Justin Hardy with 2:36 left for the 23-17 lead.

-- (2-4)Alphas 23 - 17 Crusaders(5-1)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 13/20 145 yards, 2 TDs, 10 rushes, 57 yards, 1 TD, RB Crowell - 15 carries, 70 yards, WR Evans - 3 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 5/11 63 yards, 5 rushes, 39 yards, QB Heinicke - 15/23 185 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Michael - 10 rushes, 52 yards, WR Henry - 4 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, TE Toilolo - 3 catches, 34 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-6)Bandits 20 - 19 Steel(2-4)
(TB): QB Barkley - 18/34 220 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 14 carries, 58 yards, RB Gardner - 7 carries, 63 yards, WR Peake - 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Greene - 4 catches, 45 yards
(BIRM): QB Cook - 8/16 154 yards, 2 TDs, RB Yeldon - 17 carries, 70 yards, RB Richardson - 16 carries, 53 yards, WR Patton - 3 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Benjamin - 2 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Showboats Defeat BattleHawks

March 31, 2022

Memphis, TN - The first quarter started out slow for both teams. Both teams traded the rock back to each other without getting into a position to put points on the score board. After the first quarter both teams were exactly where they were when they started at 0-0. With QB AJ McCarron looking to get some points for his team, DB Obi Melifonwu grabbed an interception on a long pass near the end-zone. QB Ryan Willis now had the opportunity to become the first to get some points for his team. There was some promise on the drive, but the defense still came out on top. Now with 5:08 remaining in the half and the game remaining scoreless, Willis moved the ball a bit and connected with WR Carlos Henderson on 3rd & 5 to bring them near the 20 and into scoring position for the first time in the matchup. Willis finally put the Showboats on the boards with a connection to TE Devin Funchess.

Starting out the second half the Showboats got the chance to build off their first half momentum and decided to test their ground game. Resulting in RB BJ Emmons rushing it all the way to the 17-yard line. RB Juwan Washington was next to showcase his running skills, bringing them to 1st and goal at the 3-yard line. Ending the drive, RB Tra Minter ran it in to give the Showboats their second score of the game and a 14-0 lead. The BattleHawks did not want to fall too far behind but with McCarron aiming for the end-zone, ended up connecting with DB Anthony Cioffi giving them possession once again with a two score lead. The BattleHawks defense wanted to come out strong, but they came out a little too strong. After a face mask penalty, the Showboats gained an extra 15-yards for free. Willis, looking to build on their lead could not make it happen. The drive ended with another interception for the game, giving the BattleHawks a chance to get back into the game. McCarron tried to convert a 3rd and short, but could not make it happen putting his team in a precarious 4th down position. McCarron handed it off to RB LaDarius Galloway who was able to continue the drive, bringing them to first and goal at the 9. After three more attempts they opted for the field goal and were able to secure the 27-yard field goal. Minter returned the kickoff with a huge run, bringing them all the way to the BattleHawks 41. Although they couldn’t find the end-zone, K Tyler Rausa added to their lead with a 35-yard field goal, putting them up 17-3 with a little over 5 minutes left in the game.

-- (3-3)BattleHawks 3 - 17 Showboats(2-4)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 13/29 113 yards, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 14 carries, 57 yards, WR Ateman - 3 catches, 49 yards
(MEM): QB Willis - 17/28 195 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Emmons - 11 carries, 58 yards, WR Henderson - 5 catches, 80 yards, TE Funchess - 7 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Enforcers Hand Defenders Another Loss

April 1, 2022

Canton, OH - To open up the game, Enforcers QB DeAndre Johnson looked sharp and moved the ball but a batted ball at the line forced them to punt. The Defenders followed in a similar vein, as they picked up a couple first downs, but could not get past mid field. On the Enforcers' second drive of the day, it was the RB Darius Victor show. Victor strung together a couple of solid gains and then leaped into the end zone to put his team on top 7-0. The Defenders started to march the ball down again, but wet conditions forced some dropped passes and a sack ended that drive midfield. The Enforcers continued to move the ball well, Johnson made some slick throws to put them in the red zone, but missed a short kick, and it remained 7-0. QB Ryan Mallett looked annoyed in the second quarter. Some dropped passes and missed calls put the Defenders’ offense in slow motion as they failed to push the ball down the field whatsoever. Towards the end of the 2nd quarter, the Defenders finally caught a break. Despite an impressive drive from the Enforcers, a tipped pass was intercepted by DB Sterling Moore. After the turnover, Mallett marched down the field quickly and they were able to kick a field goal before time expired in the half.

The second half kicked off with RB Ka'Deem Carey setting up the Defenders in great field position and then Mallett found WR Lucky Jackson for a 15 yard touchdown to put the Defenders on top for the first time. Johnson was ready to respond, as he efficiently marched the Enforcers down the field. However, a tough penalty put them in a 3rd and 22 situation when Johnson shocked the entire crowd by dropping a 38 yard dime to WR KaVontae Turpin, which put the Enforcers back in front. Similar to most of the first half, the Defenders started to march down the field, but RB Kenneth Dixon fumbled the ball away, ending that drive early. A massive sack forced the Enforcers to punt but the Defenders muffed it and WR J'Mon Moore recovered deep in Defenders territory. Despite the great field position, the Enforcers could not capitalize. On 4th and inches, Johnson tried a QB sneak, but was unable to convert. However, Mallett decided to gift the Enforcers right back, throwing an interception to DB Blake Countess two plays later. Once again, the Defenders defense held up, so the Enforcers settled for a field goal to make it a seven point game. The entire fourth quarter was filled with ridiculous sequences of turnovers. It almost seemed like both teams were doing whatever they could to keep the other side in the game. After marching his team back down the field, Mallett was intercepted by DB Shalom Luani. But, Carey was popped a few plays later, and gave the Defenders possession in excellent field position. Mallett was quite frustrated throughout the game and for good reason. On 3rd and 13 he threw a perfect pass, but it was dropped, and the Defenders had to kick a field goal. As time trickled down towards the end of the game, Johnson made an incredible throw to keep the Enforcers drive alive but, the Defenders were able to take over with under a minute left to play. Unfortunately, the game ended on a controversial call. As time was ready to expire, it appeared as if one of the Enforcers lineman jumped offsides, which should have given the Defenders a free play. Mallett ended up throwing the ball away, thinking they would have one more shot. It turned out that the refs missed it, and the game ended.

-- (4-2)Enforcers 17 - 15 Defenders(2-4)
(CHI): QB Johnson - 18/24 195 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Victor - 18 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD, WR Turpin - 3 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Mallett - 14/30 164 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Carey - 17 carries, 106 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-2)Vipers 30 - 42 Maulers(2-4)
(MEX): QB Bryant - 13/23 162 yards, RB Guice - 21 carries, 163 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smith - 7 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Bryant - 4 catches, 49 yards, WR Ambles - 3 catches, 48 yards
(PIT): QB Haskins - 24/29 334 yards, 3 TDs, RB Groshek - 22 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Thomas - 5 catches, 90 yards, WR Gaither - 7 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs, WR Wheaton - 3 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-1)Fleet 24 - 37 Valor(5-1)
(SD): QB Johnson - 28/46 301 yards, 3 TDs, RB Thomas - 16 carries, 69 yards, WR Posey - 7 catches, 68 yards, WR Smallwood - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Spruce - 5 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Bortles - 17/27 278 yards, 4 TDs, RB Allen - 21 carries, 156 yards, 1 TD, RB Pumphrey - 15 carries, 76 yards, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 101 yards, WR Rogers - 6 catches, 95 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 7: Landry Throws Two Touchdowns and Lead Renegades through Columbus

April 1, 2022

Columbus, OH - The Dallas Renegades jumped to a first-quarter lead and never trailed in a 27-18 win over the host Columbus Ghosts. QB Landry Jones went 21 for 25 passing for 308 yards and two touchdowns. WR Brice Butler caught all six passes thrown his way for 133 yards and touchdown. The Renegades took control of the contest when Jones threw his second touchdown pass of the game. With 9:03 to go in the fourth quarter, Jones found TE David Grinnage for a 17-yard pass to bring the score to 24-15.

Columbus was playing without head coach Jim Tressel, who is in COVID-19 isolation. The Renegades got on the scoresheet first on their first drive of the night. QB Dakota Prukop tapped in for Jones on third down with one yard to go in the red zone and zoomed to his left for a 17-yard run. RB De'Veon Smith confirmed the touchdown with a short two-yard run giving Dallas a 7-0 lead. Ghosts QB Case Cookus tried to respond with a touchdown pass but was intercepted inside the end zone by DB Kameron Kelly. After seven weeks of the XFL season, the Renegades are the only team to record at least one interception in every game.

-- (4-2)Renegades 27 - 18 Ghosts(2-4)
(DAL): QB Jones - 21/25 308 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 12 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 6 catches, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 51 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 16/36 270 yards, 2 INTs, RB Colburn - 18 carries, 139 yards, WR Carter - 6 catches, 76 yards, WR Miller - 4 catches, 85 yards

-- (6-0)Stallions 40 - 33 Dragons(6-0)
(STL): QB Smith - 15/21 260 yards, 2 TDs, RB Scarbrough - 21 carries, 138 yards, RB Marable - 12 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Bolden - 6 catches, 113 yards, WR Mitchell - 3 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 27/35 307 yards, 3 TDs, RB Prosise - 16 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD, TE Rodriguez - 5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Stringfellow - 5 catches, 52 yards

XFL Week 7: Mammoths Blanketed by Apollos

April 2, 2022

Omaha, NE - They were never expected to win this one. Heck, they weren’t even supposed to be able to keep up out of the gates with the Orlando Apollos, who rode a first-place wave into the game. But the Omaha Mammoths made a game of it, surviving an early barrage and even claiming a one-point lead at one point, before falling 37-22 to the visitors in front of a crowd announced at 43,310. Orlando scored on an opening drive that initially resulted in an eight-yard touchdown catch by WR Donte Moncrief that was negated by an offensive-pass-interference penalty, instead, he had to wait two more plays before putting the first points of the game on the board, making a 12-yard catch at the back of the end zone to cap a nine-play, 80-yard drive and go ahead 7-0. Omaha went two-and-out. Orlando made it two touchdowns in as many drives, going ahead 14-0 on a six-play, 49-yard drive that somehow ended in a 21-yard run by RB Mark Walton through an entire crowd of players. Omaha went two-and-out. For the third straight time, Orlando sent the ball into the end zone, but on this one, Mammoths DB Tarvarus McFadden came up with a pass intended for WR Jalin Marshall, earning his second interception in as many games but they gave it right back to Orlando, when a 14-yard catch by WR Dan Williams ended in a fumble.

The second quarter opened with RB Jacques Patrick scoring back to back rushing touchdowns, trundling for 19 yards on the second one to make the game 16-15 at the half. Orlando’s defense took it upon themselves to put some points on the board, with Omaha QB John Wolford scrambling under his own goalpost before getting strip-sacked by DL Leon Orr, before LB Christian French recovered the ball for a touchdown before DB LaDarius Gunter made his first of two interceptions and returned this one 22 yards to the end zone to take a 30-19 lead into the fourth quarter.

-- (5-1)Apollos 37 - 22 Mammoths(2-4)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 19/24 252 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 19 carries, 97 yards, WR Marshall - 6 catches, 72 yards, WR Moncrief - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 3 catches, 47 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 19/33 243 yards, 3 INTs, RB Patrick - 17 carries, 117 yards, 2 TDs, WR Callaway - 5 catches, 60 yards, WR Williams - 3 catches, 58 yards

-- (5-1)Brawlers 37 - 27 Monarchs(3-3)
(PHI): QB Walker - 17/24 270 yards, 3 TDs, 3 carries, 24 yards, 1 TD, RB Butler - 7 carries, 59 yards, WR Phillips - 4 catches, 74 yards, WR Fulgham - 3 catches, 65 yards, WR Coates - 2 catches, 32 yards, 2 TDs
(MON): QB Masoli - 18/30 250 yards, 3 INTs, RB Wilder - 14 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, RB Hubbard - 18 carries, 69 yards, 2 TDs, WR Cunningham - 6 catches, 109 yards, TE Kendricks - 4 catches, 53 yards

XFL Week 7: Guardians Corralled in Oklahoma City

April 2, 2022

Oklahoma City, OK - The Stampede defense come up with three turnovers in the first half. LBs Gerald Rivers and Tre Watson both forced fumbles that Oklahoma City recovered. The Stampede also had a goal-line stand late in the second quarter, stopping New York QB Jake Dolegala on a sneak from the one-yard line and RB Paul Perkins on the following play. New York trimmed the lead to 18-9 with a six-play, 66-yard scoring drive to open the second half. WR Kevin White played a big role in the drive, catching three passes for 60 yards including a 21-yard touchdown reception. WR Geremy Davis had a breakout game for the Stampede, catching nine passes for 99 yards and a 24-yard score. QB Bryce Petty connected with RB Austin Walter on a two-point convert attempt to increase the Stampede lead to 26-9. Dolegala tossed his second touchdown pass of the game four minutes into the fourth quarter, connecting with WR Brandon Burks on an 18-yard play that narrowed the lead to 27-16.

-- (3-3)Guardians 16 - 30 Stampede(4-2)
(NY): QB Dolegala - 22/33 309 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 13 carries, 56 yards, WR White - 6 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 4 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Yancey - 4 catches, 97 yards
(OKC): QB Petty - 21/31 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 21 carries, 122 yards, RB Walter - 9 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 9 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD, TE Parham - 3 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-5)Panthers 13 - 17 Commanders(2-4)
(OAK): QB Lynch - 15/25 118 yards, RB Washington - 16 carries, 75 yard, 1 TD, RB Corbin - 12 carries, 52 yards, WR Hamilton - 4 catches, 41 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 17/24 262 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Hill - 19 carries, 31 yards, WR Ward - 3 catches, 78 yards, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 55 yards

-- (2-4)Roughnecks 17 - 23 Breakers(3-3)
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 25/37 250 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Gillislee - 9 carries, 29 yards, 1 TD, WR Core - 4 catches, 88 yards, WR Holley - 5 catches, 46 yards
(LA): QB Sloter - 19/22 149 yards, RB Ellis - 16 carries, 65 yards, RB Logan - 14 carries, 51 yards, WR Lee - 6 catches, 40 yards

XFL Week 7: Brigade Bomb Jousters in Canton

April 3, 2022

Canton, OH - The offensive line did QB Luis Perez no justice on the first play, collapsing and allowing him to get sacked, losing 9-yards. This was enough to snuff the drive before they had a chance to get rolling. After the punt, the Jousters defense forced a quick three and out, forcing the Brigade to punt back with a little over 10 minutes left in the first. Both teams traded a pair of three and outs. With just a little over four minutes left in the first, the Jousters were finally able to secure the first 1st down of the matchup. The tide had seemed to change. Perez broke the ice with a fantastic pass to WR Keyarris Garrett, giving them the first points of the night and a 6-0 lead. After another three and out, the Brigade punted back to the Jousters who were hoping to add to their lead. Perez continued on his success, looking more comfortable and moving the ball, pumping the offense to a new level. Perez masterfully moved the ball down the field, bringing the team within 20-yards of another touchdown. When all options were off the table, Perez used his legs to bring them closer to the end-zone and within a couple inches of first and goal. Perez connected with TE De'Quan Hampton to add six more and a 13-0 lead. Jousters would have another chance to add to their lead. Perez was looking good out there, but with no timeouts left he started to rush more than he was used to. This resulted in him throwing a pick to DB William Likely. The Brigade were hoping to at minimum get within distance of a field goal. Thanks to the timeouts, they were able to move the ball enough to get into range but to no prevail. The reunited duo of Coach Gilbride and Perez will look to march forward in hopes of grabbing their first win of the season.

To begin the half, QB Clayton Thorson was looking much better on this drive but was once again forced to punt the ball. With the Jousters back in control, Coach Gilbride brings in QB Nick Arbuckle for his first action of the night but the team was having a hard time making the adjustment to Arbuckle’s calls. Leading to the Jousters giving the Brigade the ball back, hoping to make a comeback. Thorson still could not get into the rhythm, ultimately almost throwing a pick and punting away. WR Eric Rogers grabbed the kickoff and ran it back for 94-yards putting six more on the board and now lead 20-0. The Brigade luck continued the way it has been all night, once gain failing to move the chains. With the Jousters back in control, we saw an impressive first down run by Perez. When presented with a 3rd and 15, Perez rushed it again, giving them a new set of downs. Near the end-zone, Perez threw an interception to DB Cariel Brooks, who ran it back 98-yard to get the Brigade their first points. Barnes was successful on the extra-point attempt making it 20-7 with almost a full quarter to go. Anderson coming back in for the Jousters, looking to redeem himself. RB Chandler Cox also showcased his skills, getting another first down for the team, moving them to mid-field. Cox grabbed two more first downs and when stuck at 4th & 2, Cox came to the rescue again continuing the drive and bringing the Jousters within 5-yards of scoring again. Now in great position, a handoff to Rogers to get into the end-zone for the 27-7 lead.

-- (0-6)Jousters 27 - 7 Brigade(2-4)
(TOR): QB Perez - 17/25 204 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cox - 17 carries, 80 yards, WR Garrett - 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Rogers - 3 catches, 37 yards, 2 rushes, 14 yards, 1 TD
(BAL): QB Thorson - 11/29 105 yards, 1 INT, RB Thompson - 20 carries, 43 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 6 catches, 71 yards

-- (2-4)Mountain Lions 24 - 17 Bolts(1-5)
(SLC): QB Falk - 12/16 231 yards, RB Booker - 13 carries, 147 yards, 3 TDs, WR Godwin - 4 catches, 100 yards, WR Pierson-El - 6 catches, 106 yards
(BER): QB Kaaya - 18/30 258 yards, RB Hunt - 23 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 4 catches, 96 yards, TE Baugh - 4 catches, 44 yards

The Indoor Football League(IFL) is Back

April 5, 2022

Sioux Falls, SD - IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon announced that the Indoor Football League would be kicking off their 2022 season at the end of May after the league sat out 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 virus.

The 14 teams participating in the 2022 IFL season will include the Arizona Rattlers, Green Bay Blizzard, Columbus Wild Dogs, Iowa Barnstormers, Sioux Falls Storm, Louisville Xtreme, Massachusetts Pirates, Spokane Shock, Northern Arizona Wranglers, Jacksonville Sharks, Quad City Steamwheelers, Carolina Cobras, Jersey Flight, Ontario Bandits and Cleveland Gladiators.

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Maulers Wreck Alphas

April 6, 2022

Pittsburgh, PA - Dwayne Haskins was moving much better than he has all season and this culminated in Haskins connecting with WR Bailey Gaither, securing the first points early in the game. The Alphas weren’t able to do much on their first drive, ending it with a punt. Haskins continued to showcase his skills, masterfully moving the ball down the field and bringing his squad into scoring possession. Although they couldn’t find the end-zone again, they did add three to their lead with a field goal giving them a 10-0 lead. The Alphas presented with a 4th down, QB JT Barrett took the ball into his own hands, but could not complete the quarterback sneak giving the Maulers the ball again. Haskins was unable to continue his success, leading to DB Donatello Brown picking him off and giving the Alphas the ball again. The Maulers defense did not let up, pushing Barrett way back, putting them at 2nd & 18. On the next play the Maulers defense came out strong again, picking off Barrett giving them another chance with the rock. Haskins was able to connect with WR Tre Walker, bringing them to 1st & Goal. With the next play, Haskins was able to pass to WR Jeff Thomas who grabbed the touchdown and the 17-0 lead early in the 2nd. The Alphas weren’t able to do much on their next drive, giving it away once again to the Maulers. QB Ryan Finley now in for the Alphas was looking a little more productive for his team. After two great passes, he brought the Alphas near the 30, and in great position to score. When all was looking on the up and up, the Alphas fumbled the ball, with LB Kyahva Tezino recovering giving them possession again. Haskins continued to shine on this drive, moving the ball and the chains time after time. After bringing them within 25-yard of the end-zone, Haskins handed it off to RB Madre London who rushed it in to rack up the points. The next drive seemed no different. After a connection from Gaither, the team was once again knocking on the end-zone. With a huge lead, Haskins successfully executed a quarterback sneak, giving them yet another touchdown. With the conversion good, they are up 31-0 in the first half.

The Alphas start out the second half with the ball, but again the Maulers defense came out strong, pushing them back 15. This was enough to stop the Alphas from securing a first down. Pinned back at 4th & 23, they had to punt the back away again. With the Linemen way ahead, head coach Byron Leftwich decided to keep Haskins in the game. London continues to showoff, rushing for a couple first downs on this drive. Gaither was able to secure a spectacular reception, giving the team a first down and putting them within 20-yards of the end-zone. Haskins, on a roll, passes to Thomas, who grabs his second touchdown of the matchup, 37-0. Finley connected with WR Shaquelle Evans to bringing them them to first and goal for possibly the first time of the matchup. On a roll, Finley secures the first points of the game for the Alphas with a WR Justin Hardy reception. Haskins started out the 4th within the 20, but at 3rd & 6. Haskins threw it up to Gaither who secured the touchdown to add to their lead giving them a 44-7 lead.

-- (3-4)Alphas 7 - 47 Maulers(3-4)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 9/19 88 yards, 1 INT, RB Crowell - 14 carries, 32 yards, WR Evans - 3 catches, 43 yards, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD
(PIT): QB Haskins - 30/37 376 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB London - 11 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Gaither - 10 catches, 121 yards, 2 TDs, WR Thomas - 7 catches, 93 yards, 2 TD

-- (3-4)Monarchs 26 - 20 Ghosts(2-5)
(MON): QB Masoli - 6/14 98 yards, RB Hubbard - 22 carries, 246 yards, 2 TDs, RB Wilder - 14 carries, 74 yards, WR Guerra - 3 catches, 73 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 23/33 232 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Holland - 18 carries, 57 yards, RB Colburn - 14 carries, 59 yards, WR Suell - 6 catches, 66 yards, WR Miller - 4 catches, 59 yards, WR Carter - 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Defenders Shine in Victory

April 7, 2022

Tampa, FL - QB Deondre Francois was moving the ball through the air but the Bandit receivers could not pull them in. QB Ryan Mallet looking to rebound from his mistakes last week. For the first two plays of the drive Mallet handed off to RB Ka'Deem Carey who moved the chains. After securing a couple first downs, he brought the ball all the way to the 1-yard line. Setting up RB Kenneth Dixon to continue the ground success by rushing it in on the goal-line giving the Defenders an early lead. When it seemed like Francois was going to secure a first down on the ground, his team was hit with a holding call pushing them back. Although he gained about half of the yards back, the drive ended with a sack forcing them to punt. Carey showcased his skills on the running game once again, moving the chains and bringing the team to the 41-yard line. Mallet connected with WR Lucky Jackson before connecting with WR Ka'Ronce Higgins getting right back at the goal-line ending the 1st quarter. The Defenders held great field possession to start the second and they capitalized on it. After two attempts for Dixon, the third time was a charm, Dixon grabbing the second touchdown for the afternoon. Mallett joined the FOX crew to talk about the game so far. At this point he was 9/10 on passes, grabbing 111 yards with almost 3 quarters to go.

For the first time today, the Bandits were able to move the chains more than once. Francois then took the game into his own hand, running it 30-yards and getting his team near the 6-yard line with a 1st & Goal but ended up settling for three. Mallett and the Defenders were back on the field and were looking to go three-for-three on their drives. This drive, they decided to continue their run game success. With a good lead and a lot of time to go, the Defenders were able to bring the clock under 5 minutes with this drive alone. Ultimately, they couldn’t convert on 3rd & 2, forcing the team to attempt a field goal. K Matt McCrane shined again, knocking it in from 50-yards away. Francois took a big hit, forcing an injury time out bringing QB BJ Daniels into the game for the first time. On third and short, Daniels was able to grab the first down on his first play. With his second play he tossed it to WR Rashad Greene who ran it in for the team's first touchdown.

The Defenders continued to focus on their ground game. Carey continued to showcase his skills on a huge reception from Mallett giving his team the first down and putting them in scoring position again. Carey and Dixon both took turns running the ball, bringing them to the goal-line and tagging on another touchdown. Carey was the man this time, putting six more on the boards. Clearly the Defenders were not taking their foot off the pedal, putting the Bandits in a spot where they needed to score. Daniels and the Bandits could not withstand the Defenders defense, once again being forced to give the ball back. The Defenders didn’t have the greatest luck on this next drive. Mallett ended the drive by throwing his first pick of the game, giving the Bandits great scoring position. They couldn’t capitalize off the interception, giving the ball back to the Defenders in quick fashion. Now in the 4th, the Defenders had the ball and a good shot to pull out the win. The Defenders kept on with the running game, bringing the clock down and them closer to victory. Not looking to score again, the team was happy with ending the game.

-- (1-6)Bandits 9 - 24 Defenders(2-5)
(TB): QB Daniels - 13/19 136 yards, 1 TD, RB Gardner - 14 carries, 45 yards, WR Greene - 3 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Mallett - 22/26 277 yards, 1 INT, RB Carey - 22 carries, 123 yards, 1 TD, RB Dixon - 16 carries, 88 yards, 2 TDs, WR Jackson - 8 catches, 86 yards, WR Malone - 5 catches, 72 yards

XFL Week 8: Mammoths' QB Wolford's Two Interceptions Prove Costly in Loss

April 8, 2022

Memphis, TN - Things aren’t improving for QB John Wolford. Neither, for that matter, are they for the Mammoths. Despite passing for 382 yards, Wolford threw two interceptions in Omaha’s 30-27 defeat to the Memphis Showboats. The Showboats scored two touchdowns in 42 seconds late in the first half. Wolford’s two interceptions led to ten Memphis points. WR Derrick Dillon, on a seven-yard pass, and RB BJ Emmons, on a short run, scored for the 'Boats. A 27-yard touchdown pass to WR Dan Williams in the final minute of regulation time made the final score more respectable. As usual, the Mammoths were forced to play from behind after Memphis opened the scoring. The Showboats waited until their second series, going 94 yards in 10 plays. The big play of the drive was a 31-yard pass to WR Vinny Papale, a last-minute addition to the active roster. Memphis would probably have settled for a field goal except for a pass interference penalty on second down. On the next play, QB Ryan Willis connected 15 yards for the touchdown. The Mammoths rebounded, Wolford directing his team on an 11-play, 79-yard drive. Wolford completed all seven of his passes on the drive, producing 72 yards in the process. That included a 17-yard pass to Williams on the opening play of the second quarter. Two plays later, Wolford connected with WR Antonio Callaway for a 15-yard gain. Two plays later, from the 7, Wolford sent a short pass to Callaway, who swept left and scored at 2:57.

Memphis’ Papale fumbled the ensuing kickoff; the ball recovered by the Mammoths at the 42. Omaha eventually advanced to the 11, but Wolford was sacked on second down and the visitors settled for a 17-yard field goal. Willis engineered an eight-play, 76-yard drive late in the half, thanks to a 25-yard pass to WR Carlos Henderson followed by a 22-yard reception by Dillon, who broke several tackles. Emmons then scored on a three-yard run, giving the Showboats a 14-10 lead. That’s how the first half should have ended, except Wolford’s pass for TE Nick Truesdell was intercepted by LB Greg Reaves. Two plays later, WR Rashard Davis beat the zone coverage on a 45-yard scoring play. The Mammoths opened the second half by going 65 yards in eight plays. That included a 25-yard draw by Wolford along with a 25-yard pass to Callaway. But then, following a time-count infraction, RB Jacques Patrick fumbled at the 10, squandering a glorious scoring opportunity. The Mammoths, to their credit, refused to quit, Wolford directing them on a 12-play, 61-yard drive, culminating in Patrick's three-yard touchdown run. Patrick went over 100 yards on the drive for the game. But the Showboats restored the seven-point lead with a 29-yard field goal on the opening play of the fourth quarter.

-- (2-5)Mammoths 27 - 30 Showboats(3-4)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 30/39 382 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Patrick - 19 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Callaway - 8 catches, 112 yards, TE Truesdell - 6 catches, 66 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Willis - 13/19 210 yards, 2 TDs, RB Emmons - 17 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Henderson - 4 catches, 91 yards, WR Dillon - 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-3)Breakers 24 - 7 Guardians(3-4)
(LA): QB Sloter - 15/25 115 yards, 1 TD, RB Logan - 11 carries, 54 yards, RB Ellis - 15 carries, 69 yards, WR Mayala - 4 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Dolegala - 13/24 118 yards, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 10 carries, 53 yards, WR White - 3 catches, 21 yards

XFL Week 8: DC Wins Thriller in Seattle

April 8, 2022

Seattle, WA - K Nick Vogel converted a QB Blake Bortles touchdown with two seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to snap a 24-24 tie, when the Valor added a late touchdown and beat the Dragons 31-24 at Seattle. Bortles’ one-yard plunge capped a six-play, 54-yard drive that was set up by a short 26-yard punt by Stefan Flintoff. Bortles completed 24 of 31 passes for 279 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. He also rushed for 32 yards on eight carries. The Valor QB was especially sharp passing wise on the game-winning drive, completing four passes for 53 yards. “There is a positive vibe in the locker room and everybody is happy,” Bortles said. “It was a big win as both the defense and offense stepped up in the fourth quarter. Those are the type of games that we needed to prove that we can win those type of games. We’ve talked about being road warriors, right? We also talked about protecting our house by getting an early two points. Now we’re going on a stretch of road games. We have to get comfortable traveling and not being exhausted. We were in a different time zone and it’s tough on your body. The guys did great with that especially in the fourth quarter when we had to win the game and it didn’t look like anybody was lagging or tired.”

The Dragons responded to the Valor scoring on their opening possession with a 47-yard touchdown reception by WR Josh Gordon. QB Ben DiNucci swung a pass to Gordon, who blew by the defense for a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. The Valor settled for another field goal after forcing the Dragons into a three-and-out and then booted a third field goal, that gave them a 9-7 lead in the second quarter. WR Eli Rogers helped set up the field goal with a 39-yard reception that moved the ball to 24-yard line. Gordon scored his second touchdown of the first half on a three-yard pass from DiNucci. The touchdown catch capped a nine-play, 71-yard drive to lead 14-9. In the quarter, LB Jameer Thuman’s league-leading seventh sack forced the Dragons into a punt, setting up the Valor with good field position but the drive stalled at the 23-yard line, leading to 30-yard field goal. The Valor trailed 14-12. The Dragons responded with a 50-yard drive that culminated with a 32-yard field goal to increase their lead to 17-12. Gordon contributed to the drive with receptions of 20 and 12 yards. The Valor were forced into punting on their next possession but WR Brandon Arconado fumbled the punt, which was recovered by the Valor. Five plays later, Bortles connected with Eli Rogers on a 23-yard touchdown pass that gave them an 18-17 lead. In the fourth quarter, the Dragons took advantage of a delayed pass-interference penalty that moved the ball to the one-yard line. On the next play, RB Thomas Rawls scored on a one-yard run to go up 24-18 at 5:32 of the fourth quarter. Bortles was intercepted on the subsequent possession, but the defense forced a three-and-out that led to the shanked punt, leading to the game-winning drive.

-- (6-1)Valor 31 - 24 Dragons(6-1)
(DC): QB Bortles - 24/31 279 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Allen - 20 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 76 yards, WR Rogers - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 23/34 259 yards, 2 TDs, RB Rawls - 7 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 111 yards, 2 TDs, WR Arconado - 4 catches, 46 yards

-- (2-5)Steel 7 - 12 BattleHawks(3-4)
(BIRM): QB Cook - 7/19 88 yards, 1 INT, RB Richardson - 19 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD, RB Yeldon - 16 carries, 54 yards, WR Stewart - 4 catches, 47 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 15/24 243 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 18 carries, 63 yards, RB Ware - 18 carries, 64 yards, WR Ateman - 4 catches, 96 yards, WR Butler - 4 catches, 56 yards

-- (5-2)Crusaders 52 - 33 Mountain Lions(3-4)
(LON): QB Heinicke - 16/21 387 yards, 3 TDs, RB Michael - 16 carries, 122 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jones - 14 carries, 81 yards, 2 TDs, WR Russell - 4 catches, 125 yards, WR Addison - 3 catches, 99 yards, 2 TDs, WR Henry - 5 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB Falk - 9/17 115 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 19 carries, 138 yards, RB Turbin - 21 carries, 120 yards, RB Bouagnon - 7 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Clay - 3 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Jousters Outlast the Enforcers in Rain

April 9, 2022

Chicago, IL - The game started with the Jousters receiving the opening kickoff and QB Luis Perez once again came out first. Despite moving the football well to start, they stalled out midfield and were forced to punt on the opening possession. Unfortunately for the Enforcers, things didn’t go so well to start. A tipped ball at the line of scrimmage was picked off by DL Dwayne Hendrix and he returned it to the endzone, putting the Jousters up 6-0 early. However, that all changed on their second drive. QB DeAndre Johnson made a couple impressive plays with his legs and then found WR KeVonte Turpin on an out route, who took it the rest of the way, giving the Enforcers a 7-6 lead. The wet conditions made things quite difficult for both sides, as the rain was coming down incredibly hard. WR Eric Rogers set up the Jousters with a short field after a solid punt return, which led to Perez finding WR Kendall Wright for a 13 yard score to give the Jousters a 12-7 lead. The Enforcers marched down efficiently to open up the second quarter, but on 4th and 1, the Jousters defense came up clutch, creating a turnover on downs. Perez looked relatively out of sorts, which was mainly due to the conditions. He simply could not get a grip of the football, and that led to plenty of errant throws in the first half. A short punt set up the Jousters in good field position, and Perez found WR DaeSean Hamilton for a score to give them a 19-7 lead going into halftime.

The Enforcers kicked off the third quarter with a solid drive down the field, but once again could not convert on 4th down deep in Jouster territory. As usual, QB Nick Arbuckle came in for the Jousters in the second half, but struggled on his opening possession, as the Jousters were forced to punt quickly. The Enforcers had two drives that lasted over six minutes, but could not come away with any points. After getting inside the 10 yard line, the rainy conditions caused Johnson to fumble the snap, and DL Tracy Sprinkle landed on it. The Jousters then got down the field, taking up quite a bit of time and kicked a 33 yard field goal to go up 22-7. Arbuckle continues to impress with his legs, keeping the drive alive multiple times. As the quarter wound down, the Enforcers marched down the field, but it took too much time off the clock. They turned it over on downs with under a minute left to play, and that was the game as the Jousters won 22-7 in impressive fashion.

-- (5-2)Enforcers 7 - 22 Jousters(1-6)
(CHI): QB Johnson - 15/26 156 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Victor - 14 carries, 54 yards, WR Turpin - 5 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
(TOR): QB Perez - 19/27 199 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cox - 10 carries, 55 yards, WR Garrett - 7 catches, 93 yards

-- (5-2)Fleet 35 - 25 Apollos(6-1)
(SD): QB Johnson - 24/30 296 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Thomas - 21 carries, 120 yards, 3 TDs, WR Posey - 3 catches, 60 yards, WR McBride - 4 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 21/36 304 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 14 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 5 catches, 68 yards

-- (2-5)Roughnecks 20 - 28 Brawlers(6-1)
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 15/26 145 yards, 1 TD, RB Gillislee - 15 carries, 55 yards, RB Blue - 18 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Putman - 4 catches, 48 yards, WR Core - 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Walker - 16/27 222 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Butler - 16 carries, 93 yards, RB Williams - 14 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 70 yards, 3 TDs, WR Fulgham - 5 catches, 61 yards

-- (1-6)Bolts 0 - 13 Stallions(7-0)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 19/37 222 yards, 1 INT, RB Hunt - 14 carries, 50 yards, RB Sankey - 14 carries, 48 yards, WR Huff - 5 catches, 68 yards, WR Gibson - 4 catches, 63 yards
(STL): QB Smith - 7/14 73 yards, 1 TD, RB Scarbrough - 19 carries, 142 yards, RB Marable - 13 carries, 62 yards, WR Bolden - 1 catch, 24 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-5)Brigade 20 - 23 Stampede(5-2)
(BAL): QB Thorson - 11/18 118 yards, 1 TD, RB Thompson - 19 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Campanaro - 3 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 15/26 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 14 carries, 51 yards, RB Thompson - 20 carries, 63 yards, WR Ferguson - 5 catches, 59 yards, WR Martino - 3 catches, 50 yards

XFL Week 8: Vipers Demolish the Panthers in Route

April 10, 2022

Detroit, MI - Mexico City Vipers got off to a fast start as QB Spencer Rattler dropped a 36 yard dime to WR Martavis Bryant down the sidelines. But, K Jonathan Song missed a 37 yard field goal, which left the Vipers empty handed. Both offenses continued to stall throughout the rest of the quarter and it remained 0-0 going into the second. QB Paxton Lynch was able to breathe some life into their offense, completing an important pass to WR TJ Jones on 3rd down. However a missed a 44 yard field goal remained a scoreless ball game. Rattler got it going, finding WR Markeith Ambles down the sidelines for an impressive gain. A few plays later, he found Bryant in the end zone, and the Vipers took a 7-0 lead. The Panthers continued to struggle on offense, as their offensive line simply could not block. The Vipers defensive line was dominating up front, making it impossible for them to get anything going. Rattler continued to make some solid throws, but Marquis Bundy coughed it up at the 3 yard line, cutting short what would have been a scoring drive. Not surprisingly, the Panthers gave it right back to the opponent, as DB Jamar Summers picked off Lynch and returned it inside the 10 yard line. RB Derrius Guice was able to capitalize on the turnover as he ran it in on 4th and goal, putting the Vipers in front 14-0 heading into halftime.

Lynch once again could not find a way to put the Panthers into a scoring position and they had to punt but the defense held up, forcing a punt. However, WR Lance Lenoir muffed the punt and DB Rashaan Gaulden recovered it for the Vipers in the end zone, giving them a 21-0 lead. The Panthers offense finally made a big play as Lynch found WR Cobi Hamilton for a massive gain putting them in the red zone. On 4th and 7, Lynch overthrew Hamilton, but a pass interference call gave them a new set of downs which led to a touchdown run from DeAndre Washington, cutting the lead to 21-7. Ambles caught a couple screen passes from Rattler and made defenders miss to keep their drive alive. Rattler ended up finding Bryant for an 11 yard score and the Vipers were up 27-7. The Panthers simply could not move the football at all tonight, going backwards on their first drive in the 4th quarter and once again had to punt. Guice put on a show on the Vipers' next drive, breaking out a big gain of 34 yards, which put them inside the 5 yard line. Rattler then connected with Bryant for their second Touchdown of the quarter, which put the Vipers up 34-7. The rest of the game was relatively uneventful, as each team traded punts, and then the Vipers ran out the rest of the clock, winning in dominant fashion 34-7.

-- (5-2)Vipers 34 - 7 Panthers(1-6)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 25/36 326 yards, 3 TDs, RB Guice - 20 carries, 132 yards, 1 TD, WR Bryant - 8 catches, 112 yards, 3 TDs, WR Ambles - 10 catches, 75 yards
(OAK): QB Lynch - 13/27 114 yards, RB Washington - 8 carries, 23 yards, 1 TD, WR Hamilton - 2 catches, 67 yards

-- (3-4)Commanders 13 - 23 Renegades(5-2)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 9/23 111 yards, 1 TD, RB Hill - 19 carries, 60 yards, WR Ward - 2 catches, 38 yards
(DAL): QB Jones - 18/27 255 yards, RB Farrow - 28 carries, 116 yards, RB Smith - 20 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 7 catches, 103 yards, WR Lawler - 5 catches, 65 yards, WR Dunbar - 3 catches, 51 yards

Dragons Boast Gordon ‘threat all over the field’

April 11, 2022

Seattle, WA - QB Ben DiNucci swears he and WR Josh Gordon are just scratching the surface when it comes to their chemistry. Defensive backs across the XFL, be warned. “I still think me and him have a long way to go and that just shows you what the ceiling is because we’ve had a lot of success together so far,” said DiNucci. “He’s brought a lot. The physical stuff is pretty obvious. He brings elite speed. I don’t know if anybody else in the league has that level of speed right now, which makes our offense much more dangerous as a vertical threat. But it’s not just raw speed. It’s talented speed, which is hard to find. There are guys who can run that fast but can’t play the position properly. His ability to run routes, to not be just a sideline threat but a threat all over the field, is huge. He’s a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball.”

The Dragons are coming off a 31-24 loss to the Washington Valor that saw the Dragons cough up a 24-18 lead in the waning moments. “Saturday took awhile. They all take awhile when you lose. It certainly wasn’t Monday morning when things were feeling better,” Reilly said. “I think it helps having a good, quality opponent in Washington coming in to help you flush it. It forces you to move on. It’s not to say that we glossed over things. We definitely got a lot of good teaching tape, with things to do and things not to do. It’s given us the experience of having been through a game like that, a game that close. As a veteran, I feel responsible for our team mood. It’s about us talking to the guys and leading them and showing them how to respond after a game like this last game. Defensively we had played really good. Down the stretch, we didn’t hold to our standard, and especially with that last drive."

"All of the quality of players is very similar. Obviously some rosters have more talent than others. But, for the most part, the difference between the teams that win and the teams that lose is how they execute together and what confidence level they play at,” Gordon said. “More often than not, when you’re confident you’re going to win the game, you find a way to do that."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Brawlers Best the Apollos in Game Of The Year Candidate

April 13, 2022

Philadelphia, PA - To open things up, the Philadelphia Brawlers received the kickoff and swiftly got to work. QB PJ Walker dropped a dime to RB James Butler to set them up inside the 5 yard line, but a holding penalty held them to a field goal. The Apollos started to march down the field, but ultimately stalled and had to punt the football on their opening drive. Walker once again made some impressive throws to get the Brawlers down the field, but they had to settle for three to make it 6-0. In the early second quarter, the Apollos' offensive struggles continued and they were forced to punt. Despite an excellent defensive hold, a penalty on the punt attempt gave the Brawlers another chance. The entire drive was kept alive by Apollos penalties, which they ended up paying for. Walker found Butler on a short touchdown pass and the Brawlers went up 13-0. In the final two minutes, the Apollos were able to put it together. QB Garrett Gilbert made some solid throws and RB D'Ernest Johnson converted on a 4th and 1 to keep the drive alive and Gilbert found TE Jordan Leggett to make it 13-7 going into halftime.

The third quarter started off with a bang. On the opening kickoff, WR Jalin Marshall returned the kick all the way to the house which tied the game up at 13 a piece. After another solid drive offensively, the Brawlers settled for a field goal regaining the lead, 16-13. However, the Apollos took control quickly. Gilbert quickly marched his team down, finding Leggett on an absolute bullet in the endzone, putting the Apollos up 20-16. Walker started to struggle, which led to the Brawlers having to punt and you could feel the momentum switching into the Apollos’ hands. In the late 3rd, LB LaTroy Lewis stole the stage for the Brawlers’ defense and made a couple huge plays to force the Apollos to punt the ball back. In the 4th quarter, Gilbert found WR Lucky Whitehead for a 44 yard touchdown, giving them a 27-16 lead. Just when you thought the Apollos were going to run away with it, Walker connected with WR Cam Phillips for a touchdown and a successful two point conversion brought it within 3. The Apollos struck right back. Gilbert found his WR Charles Johnson wide open and he took it in to make it 33-24. Three plays later, Walker dropped a 56 yard dime to WR Travis Fulgham and the game was 33-31 just like that. Johnson broke loose for a 59 yard touchdown run and they went up 39-31 with seven minutes left to play. After a long and tiring drive, the Brawlers were able to punch it in the end zone as Walker found Phillips again and then, WR Sammie Coates made an incredible catch to tie the game up at 39 with two minutes left. The Apollos, then, drove down the field, taking their time, and running down most of the clock only to have K Elliott Fry hook a 39 yard field goal and the Brawlers took over, but time expired before they could score. The Apollos ended up receiving the football on their own 14, but had to punt the ball away, giving it to the Brawlers. Walker dropped a dime to Phillips which set up a short touchdown run by Butler, putting the Brawlers on top 46-39.

-- (6-2)Apollos 39 - 46 Brawlers(7-1)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 29/37 373 yards, 4 TDs, RB Johnson - 21 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Whitehead - 3 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, TE Leggett - 5 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs
(PHI): QB Walker - 35/43 444 yards, 4 TDs, RB Butler - 14 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 13 catches, 143 yards, 2 TDs, WR Fulgham - 8 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-2)Vipers 26 - 14 Steel(2-6)
(MEX): QB Rattler - 16/20 208 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Guice - 19 carries, 61 yards, RB Smith - 12 carries, 58 yards, WR Bryant - 4 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Ambles - 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Cook - 16/31 183 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Yeldon - 14 carries, 96 yards, RB Richardson - 14 carries, 30 yards, WR Benjamin - 5 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Bray - 3 catches, 58 yards

XFL Week 9: Alphas Rebound by Dominating BattleHawks

April 14, 2022

New York, NY - QB JT Barrett connected with WR Justin Hardy to grab the first points of the matchup, 6-0. The BattleHawks continued to struggle into the 2nd quarter, again leading to another Alphas possession. Barrett couldn’t find the end-zone on his last drive, but that didn’t stop him from getting it done this time around. With the touchdown, a 16-0 lead over the BattleHawks. Again, QB AJ McCarron came out with a vengeance, looking better than he has all game. Just when it had seemed like McCarron had converted on 3rd down, the pass was called illegal forcing them to punt away once again. Barrett continued to showcase his skills for the Alphas, throwing long to WR Shaquelle Evans moving the chains and getting them in scoring position. It wasn’t the next drive, but shortly after Barrett found TE Jake Sutherland in the end-zone giving them yet another touchdown in the matchup. When things were looking bleak, McCarron took the game into his own hands, running the ball for the first down keep the play alive for the BattleHawks. McCarron took a good hit, taking a close-line from the Alphas defense. This put the BattleHawks in a worse spot then they already were. With McCarron out for the game, the team needed to put in their backup QB Seth Suida. The Alphas once again have the ball with their massive 23-0 lead. The Alphas weren’t taking their foot off the gas just yet. After another smooth drive, Barrett now found Hardy to add another touchdown. With 46 seconds remaining in the half, the BattleHawks were staring down a 30 point deficit.

The BattleHawks did not want to go down easy. LB Micah Awe moved in position to intercept Barrett’s pass, giving the BattleHawks the best field position they’ve had all night. Near the goal line, Suida handed the ball off to RB LaDarius Galloway who completed the process and secured the touchdown. Suida and the BattleHawks were moving the ball a little better to kick off the 4th. The BattleHawks ran a lot of time off the clock, but could not score. Instead, Suida threw and interception, giving the Alphas great field position with a little over 5 minutes remaining in the game. Justin Holman now came out at QB for the Alphas. They couldn’t add to their lead on 4th down, but they did waste some more time bringing it to 2:09.

-- (4-4)BattleHawks 6 - 30 Alphas(3-5)
(CHA): QB Suida - 8/17 75 yards, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 17 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 4 catches, 64 yards
(ATL): QB Barrett - 21/31 235 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Crowell - 18 carries, 75 yards, WR Evans - 5 catches, 90 yards, WR Hardy - 6 catches, 54 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 9: DiNucci, Gordon Light it up as Dragons Burn Showboats

April 15, 2022

Memphis, TN - The Dragons defense made life miserable for Showboats QB Ryan Willis and Seattle QB Ben DiNucci made him the second best quarterback in the game, putting together one of his finest performances in an XFL uniform and leading his team to a tidy 30-9 win. WR Josh Gordon had a massive night, catching 12 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown, as the Dragons continued to surprise teams through the season. “I thought it was a big game for all of us,” DiNucci said. “Overall, we moved the ball really well and it really starts up front. I was really clean in the pocket all game and I can’t say enough good things about those guys up front. Any time you’re comfortable in the pocket, you feel like you’re gonna be able to throw the ball well. Our receivers made great plays on the ball.”

The Dragons led 17-6 at the half, holding the Showboats to just a pair of field goals. They allowed only another field in the third quarter before shutting the door the rest of the way. Willis looked completely ordinary. The Showboats were never really close on this night and it’s looking more and more like no teams are close to the Dragons in overall talent and performance level this season. Things were so bad for the Showboats that they chose to kneel out the final 40 seconds of the fourth quarter when trailing by 21 points, something that didn’t sit well with some of the players, including Willis. “We put the league on notice,” Gordon said. “Best receiver-quarterback duo in the league. I try to hold myself to the highest standard, make as many plays as possible, so that the whole league can see. I’m proud for me, I’m proud for the team. It was just a good, hard-fought win.”

-- (6-2)Dragons 30 - 9 Showboats(4-4)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 28/33 417 yards, 2 TDs, RB Prosise - 18 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 12 catches, 205 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 73 yards, WR Stringfellow - 4 catches, 68 yards
(MEM): QB Willis - 22/35 222 yards, 1 INT, RB Emmons - 7 carries, 22 yards, WR Henderson - 7 catches, 82 yards, WR Lucien - 4 catches, 54 yards

-- (6-2)Renegades 24 - 34 Valor(7-1)
(DAL): QB Jones - 22/31 334 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 89 yards, WR Butler - 7 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, WR Lawler - 3 catches, 85 yards, 2 TDs, WR Dunbar - 4 catches, 58 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 16/23 228 yards, 3 TDs, RB Allen - 21 carries, 104 yards, WR Daniels - 4 catches, 80 yards, WR Richardson - 5 catches, 67 yards

-- (8-0)Stallions 23 - 20 Roughnecks(2-6)
(STL): QB Smith - 4/7 108 yards, 10 carries, 39 yards, QB McGough - 17/26 209 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB - Marable - 12 carries, 59 yards, WR Mitchell - 6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Bolden - 3 catches, 89 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB Osweiler - 23/33 223 yards, RB Blue - 14 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Core - 7 catches, 73 yards, WR Putman - 3 catches, 75 yards

XFL Week 9: Maulers Edged by Crusaders

April 15, 2022

London, ENGLAND - The Pittsburgh Maulers quarterback wore his emotions on his sleeve after his last-gasp pass was intercepted on a play that iced the London Crusaders' 23-17 victory. Faced with a third-and-10 predicament in the fourth quarter, QB Dwyane Haskins threw a deep pass down the right sideline intended for WR Bailey Gaither, who was covered by two London defenders. The decision to go for it all on third-and-10 was surprising, considering how the Maulers’ offense is based on short and intermediate passes. However, the Maulers were seemingly committed to going over the top instead of focusing on moving the chains. Haskins’ aggravation was evident after the interception. “I was just frustrated that the ball got picked,” said Haskins. “You watch Sunday football or any other team in the XFL, they are connecting on 50-50 balls downfield and for whatever reason we’re not. The times that we do throw the ball down the field, it’s picked or it’s incomplete. We don’t get any pass interference calls or rarely catch it. That’s why I looked frustrated on that play.”

Adding to the overall frustration was the fact that the Maulers trailed 14-0 early in the first quarter after London scored a converted touchdown on each of its its first two possessions. Pittsburgh, which could only counter with field goals, trailed 17-6 at halftime. London increased its lead to 20-7 by the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for a wild fourth quarter. The Maulers were in position to pull out a last-minute win thanks in part to a four-play, 97-yard march that featured a 71-yard reception by Gaither along the left sideline. RB Garrett Groshek, who opened the drive with a 22-yard run, scored on a four-yard run as the Maulers reduced the lead to 20-14 after the convert. London went ahead 23-14 on a 43-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh countered with a 28-yard three-pointer. The Maulers then attempted an onside kick that was caught by WR Jeff Thomas setting the stage for the last-minute drive that ultimately came up short. DL Terry Beckner had two sacks in his first game back with the Maulers after serving a three-game suspension for failing to supply a urine sample during drug testing and for verbal abuse and inappropriate behavior toward doping-control officials.

-- (4-4)Maulers 17 - 23 Crusaders(6-2)
(PIT): QB Haskins - 25/44 269 yards, 1 INT, RB Groshek - 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Gaither - 5 catches, 107 yards, WR Thomas - 8 catches, 63 yards
(LON): QB Ta'amu - 16/26 184 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Michael - 11 carries, 78 yards, WR Washington - 2 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Henry - 3 catches, 48 yards

-- (3-5)Mountain Lions 7 - 33 Ghosts(2-6)
(SLC): QB Falk - 7/20 107 yards, 3 INTs, RB Booker - 12 carries, 51 yards, WR Godwin - 2 catches, 80 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 19/25 237 yards, 2 TDs, RB Colburn - 17 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD, RB Holland - 18 carries, 58 yards, WR Miller - 5 catches, 61 yards, WR Carter - 4 catches, 52 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 9: Enforcers Outlast the Bolts

April 26, 2022

Chicago, IL - Chicago Enforcers QB DeAndre Johnson came out with a huge pass to the end-zone which looked like a touchdown at first. But, due to a holding call, the play was moved back putting them at 3rd & 21. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, but the team was forced to punt it away, giving the Berlin Bolts another shot. QB Brad Kaaya threw one to the end-zone to WR Shelton Gibson who drew the pass interference call, putting them at the goal-line. On the very next play, Kaaya handed it off to RB Akeem Hunt to grab the touchdown. Now behind, Johnson relied on his own legs to move the chains for the team. Just when they thought momentum was on their side, they drew an offsides call pushing them back five and forcing them to punt. The Bolts were now in a great spot to score again and Kaaya brought the team to the goal line and on 2nd down snuck it in himself for another touchdown and they now lead the Enforcers 13-0. The Bolts defense continued to come out strong, but Johnson was able to keep the ball moving on the first few plays. It didn’t last long though, the Enforcers were forced to punt the ball back with 48 seconds left in the half and the Bolts decided to run out the clock and and bring the game to the intermission.

With the Enforcers down 13, they will start out the second half with the ball. Johnson threw it long to KaVontae Turpin for their first score of the afternoon and it was now a one possession game. Although the Bolts still led, their first hand luck was not the same, ending the drive with Kaaya throwing it away, giving the Enforcers the ball and great field position. Johnson and the Enforcers will start the drive 43-yards away from potentially taking their first lead of the game. Relying on their ground game again, RB Darius Victor moved the chains on their first play, getting them even closer to their goal. Now in the red-zone for the first time, they took three shots at the end-zone but could not convert. At this point they brought out K Caden Novikoff and with the successful 30-yard field goal they bring the game within three. The Bolts came into the half with a sizable lead and they’ll be looking to gain some of it back. Kaaya came out strong, throwing it to TE Gavin Escobar who grabbed the extra yardage on the play moving the chains and giving them a great shot at scoring. Ending the third, Kaaya ran the ball himself, giving them another first down going into the 4th. Kaaya threw a short pass to WR Josh Huff, who forced his way into the end-zone and they now lead 19-10 with 14:10 left in the game. Now down nine, Johnson tried to throw it long to Turpin again, but he couldn’t pull it in which would have put them at the 30. Johnson threw an interception on the next play. The Bolts couldn’t get the drive going, but there was now only 3:03 left for the Enforcers to catchup.

-- (1-7)Bolts 19 - 10 Enforcers(5-3)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 15/22 176 yards, RB Hunt - 23 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 5 catches, 61 yards
(CHI): QB Johnson - 12/21 134 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Victor - , WR Turpin - 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-4)Monarchs 9 - 21 Guardians(3-5)
(MON): QB Masoli - 19/33 220 yards, 2 INTs, RB Hubbard - 16 carries, 111 yards, RB Wilder - 19 carries, 54 yards, WR Grant - 5 catches, 83 yards, WR Roosevelt - 5 catches, 52 yards
(NY): QB Freeman - 12/21 139 yards, 1 TD, RB Perkins - 17 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 5 catches, 46 yards

-- (2-6)Brigade 27 - 32 Fleet(6-2)
(BAL): QB Thorson - 15/31 189 yards, 3 TDs, RB Thompson - 24 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, RB Dawkins - 3 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD, WR King - 6 catches, 70 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 4 catches, 59 yards, 2 TDs
(SD): QB Johnson - 15/23 182 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hood - 23 carries, 132 yards, RB Thomas - 12 carries, 92 yards, 6 catches, 46 yards, 2 TDs, WR Posey - 2 catches, 55 yards

-- (1-7)Bandits 20 - 26 Mammoths(2-6)
(TB): QB Daniels - 15/33 203 yards, RB Williams - 16 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD, RB Gardner - 13 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Greene - 2 catches, 53 yards, WR Peake - 5 catches, 44 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 13/27 204 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Patrick - 19 carries, 65 yards, WR Callaway - 6 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-5)Commanders 23 - 9 Breakers(5-3)
(SA): QB Woodside - 17/26 198 yards, RB Hill - 16 carries, 64 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ervin - 17 carries, 93 yards, WR Ward - 8 catches, 100 yards, WR Doctson - 5 catches, 58 yards
(LA): QB Sloter - 21/40 257 yards, RB Ellis - 13 carries, 63 yards, WR Lee - 5 catches, 94 yards, WR Mayala - 4 catches, 52 yards

XFL Week 9: Jousters Dominate the Defenders

April 17, 2022

Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA - On their second drive, the Toronto Jousters swiftly marched down the field, but were held to a field goal inside the five yard line and they took a 3-0 lead. Defense was the big story in quarter one, as neither offense was able to gain much momentum at all. Despite a decent looking march from the Jousters, a couple of dumb penalties pushed them backwards and they had to punt again. TE Jerell Adams coughed it up inside the Defenders red zone and LB Bear Woods scooped and scored, putting the Jousters in front 10-0. The Defenders were finally able to pick up some first downs, but ultimately had to settle for three and cut the lead down to seven. An incredible catch by WR Jaleel Scott set up the Jousters in field goal range, but QB Luis Perez threw an interception as time expired, and we went into halftime with a 10-3 score.

Unfortunately for the Defenders, the offensive struggles continued to start the second half and they had to quickly punt the ball. Perez put them into field goal range and the Jousters took a 13-3 lead. Defenders had another three and out and then DB Shaquille Richardson blocked the punt, setting up the Jousters in great field position. RB Chandler Cox capitalized for his team, running it in from 21 yards out, putting the Jousters on top 19-3 in the late third quarter. The Defenders started to march, but QB Ryan Mallett decided to try a no-look pass, and DB James Sample picked it off and the Jousters held a 16 point lead going into the final period. To open up the 4th, the Jousters got into the Defenders redzone powered by Cox and kicked another field goal to make it 22-3. After a long drive that took up most of the fourth quarter, Mallett finally threw a touchdown, finding WR Lucky Jackson for the score. The two point conversion was good and the game was pulled within 11 points. With such little time left, there wasn’t a whole lot that the Defenders could do and the Jousters hung on to win, 22-11.

-- (3-5)Defenders 11 - 22 Jousters(2-6)
(COL): QB Mallett - 17/30 163 yards, RB Carey - 19 carries, 67 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD
(TOR): QB Perez - 20/30 203 yards, 1 INT, RB Cox - 16 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Garrett - 6 catches, 70 yards

-- (6-2)Stampede 19 - 10 Panthers(1-7)
(OKC): QB Petty - 17/27 197 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 22 carries, 124 yards, WR Davis - 5 catches, 85 yards, WR Ferguson - 3 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD
(OAK): QB Lynch - 13/32 141 yards, 2 INTs, RB Washington - 17 carries, 89 yards, WR Lenoir - 5 catches, 62 yards