XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

XFL 2005 PreSeason Power Ranking

February 14, 2005

Our analysts have compiled their preseason Power Ranking and we will go in their predicted order to explore all 16 XFL franchises per conference and see what we see as the strengths and deficiencies of each club, including recent roster departures, arrivals, draftees, and the coaching stability of each club. So, let’s get started with our look at how the XFL shapes up.


2004 Recap -

2005 Dallas Desperados - HC Jerry Glanville, OC Danny White, DC Steve Carson, GM Drew Pearson, QBs Clint Stoerner, Rod Rutherford and Pat Barnes, RBs Rod Smart, Carlos King, Keylon Kincade and Terry Battle, WRs MarTay Jenkins, Dedric Ward, Reggie Newhouse, Talman Gardner, Adrian Madise and LaTarence Dunbar, TEs Mike Banks and Bobby Blizzard, OL Scott Scifres, Bernard Holsey, Calvin Collins, Kelvin Garmon, Cliff Washburn, Khiawatha Downey, Jamain Stephens and Solomon Page, DL Mike Sutton, Shante Carver, Albrey Battle, John Nix, Clenton Ballard, Ahmad Miller, Eric England and Alan Harper, LBs Otis Floyd, DeShone Myles, Solomon Bates, Travian Smith and Darren Hambrick, DBs Wendell Davis, Roderick Babers, Dwayne Harper, Jack Brewer, Michael Booker, Terrance Joseph, Lamont Brightful and Rich Coady, P Mike Barr and K Brad Palazzo

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Mexico City Aztecs - HC Bruce Coslet, OC Dwain Painter, DC Jeff Reinebold, GM Bob Ackles, QBs Quinn Gray, Raymond Philyaw and Giovanni Carmazzi, RBs Lawrence Phillips, Marlion Jackson, Sedrick Irvin and Larry Croom, WRs Marcus Nash, Tamarick Vanover, Ben Nelson, DeVeren Johnson, Steve Papin and R.Jay Soward, TEs Mondriel Fulcher, Werne Hippler and Keith Jennings, OL Tony Berti, Frank Middleton, Matt Hill, Marques Sullivan, Pita Elisara, Doug Kaufasi, Justin Bates and Lonnie Palelei, DL Antonio Edwards, Stacy Evans, Dorain Boose, Talance Sawyer, Erik Flowers and Angel Rubio, LBs Joe Tuipala, Quincy Monk, Roger Knight, Masafumi Kawaguchi, Rob Fredrickson and Ryan Phillips, DBs Kelly Herndon, Hurley Tarver, Chris Akins, Vernon Cox, Bobby Gray, Wade Davis, Brandon Sanders and Donnie Abraham, P Brooks Barnard and K Jeff Chandler

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Omaha Mammoths - HC Frank Solich, OC Turner Gill, DC Joe Moglia, GM Steve Ortmayer, QBs Jim Druckenmiller, Spergon Wynn and Brad Banks, RBs Rashaan Salaam, Brock Forsey and Joel Makovicka, WRs Matthew Hatchette, Jeff Ogden, Brian Alford, Troy Bergeron, Sean Morey and Herb Haygood, TE Jay Tant, Mark Anelli and Byron Chamberlain, OL Harry Boatswain, Ryan Young, Bruce Nelson, Chris Dishman, Chad Ward, Aaron Gibson, Chris Watton, Glenn Rountree and Mo Collins, DL Antonio Anderson, Ron Warner, Tramont Lawless, Cullen Jenkins, Daniel Benetka and Leonta Rheams, LBs Karon Riley, Cornell Menafee, Tarek Saleh, Jamie Burrow, Patrick Sapp and Caspor Stiles, DBs Corey Sawyer, Mike Echols, Eric Crouch, Keyuo Craver, Roosevelt Williams, Jammal Lord and Kevin Cobb, P Derrick Frost and K Ola Kimrin

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 San Antonio Commanders - HC Mike Riley, OC Paul Chryst, DC Bill Bradley, GM John Peterson, QBs Michael Bishop, Chad Hutchinson and Glenn Foley, RBs Quentin Griffin, Skip Hicks, Reynaldo Brathwaite and Ontiwaun Carter, WRs Rashaun Woods, Siaha Burley, Thabiti Davis, Darrin Chiaverini, Ahmad Merritt and LC Stevens, TEs Johnny Huggins and Rodrick Monroe, OL Rome Douglas, John Feugill, Steve Herndon, Dan Neil, Chance Pearce, Derek West, Octavious Bishop, Marcus Spriggs and Mathias Nkwenti, DL Peppi Zellner, Demetric Evans, Dwight Johnson, Chartric Darby, Barron Tanner, Rameel Connor and Jamal Reynolds, LBs Corey Atkins, Muadianvita Kazadi, Jason Sykes, Will Overstreet, Levar Fisher and Kelvin Moses, DBs Duane Hawthorne, Bashir Levingston, DeAuntae Brown, Brandon Everage, Darrick Vaughn, Keith Davis, Monty Montgomery, Jacoby Shepherd and Tay Cody, P Steve Cheek and K Jesus Angoy

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Los Angeles Stars - HC Al Luginbill, OC Wes Chandler, DC Bob Valesente, GM John Elway, QBs Marquel Blackwell, Ryan Dinwiddie and Cade McNown, RBs Ken Oxendine, Malaefou MacKenzie and Rashaan Shehee, WRs Darnell McDonald, Jeremaine Copeland, JJ Stokes, Kareem Kelly and Todd Doxzon, TEs Tremayne Allen, Sean Brewer and Josh Wilcox, OL Donta Kendrick, Matt Stinchcomb, Scott Whittaker, Bobby Singh, Jeff Grau, Jose Portilla, Nate Miller and Zack Quaccia, DL Ramondo Stallings, Damonte McKenzie, Daved Benefield, Curtis Eason, Regan Upshaw, Eric Johnson and Kelvin Kinney, LBs Ryan Nece, Jamir Miller, Kendyll Pope, Larry Atkins and Markus Steele, DBs Clifton Abraham, Reggie Durden, Leomont Evans, Marcell Allmond, Jason Shivers, Shea Showers and Antuan Simmons, P Damon Duval and K Clay Rush

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Seattle Sea Devils - HC Rick Neuheisel, OC Kerwin Bell, DC Dennis Thurman, GM Eric Tillman, QBs Akili Smith, Jason Fife and Brock Huard, RBs Ken Simonton, Jamal Robertson, Onterrio Smith and Dan Curley, WRs Dane Looker, Craig Yeast, Jason Willis, James Hundon, Dameane Douglas and Onome Ojo, TEs Darnell Dinkins, Mikhael Ricks and Jed Weaver, OL Jonathan Himebach, Tom Ackerman, Scott Peters, Greg Randall, Jeff Hatch, Mike Houghton, Tyrone Hopson, Makoa Freitas and Alcender Jackson, DL DeVone Claybrooks, Dwayne Missouri, Mike Ulufale, Jeremy Staat, Moses Harper, Cleveland Pinkney and Terdell Sands, LBs Hakim Akbar, Keith Adams, Khari Samuel, Drew Wahlroos, Antico Dalton and Jonathan Jackson, DBs Rogers Beckett, Deke Cooper, Dennis Weathersby, Delphfine Lee, Matt Stevens, Ahmad Hawkins and Earthwind Moreland, P Dirk Johnson and K Hayden Epstein

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 New Orleans VooDoo - HC Art Shell, OC Ken Margerum, DC Jim Criner, GM Steve Livingstone, QBs Craig Nall, Casey Clausen and Rohan Davey, RBs Jason Wright, Jarrett Ferguson and Autry Denson, WRs Shannon Culver, Charlie Adams, Kevin Prentiss, Michael Jennings, Ron Bellamy and LaVell Boyd, TEs Chad Mustard, Bradford Banta and Chad Hayes, OL Travis Claridge, Troy Andrew, Cameron Spikes, Josh Warner, Edward Ta'amu, Mathias Vavao, Joe Wong, Yusuf Scott and Craig Osika, DL Lionel Barnes, Brock Lesnar, Jeff Hazuga, Bobby Setzer, Melvin Williams, Nathan Davis and Oliver Gibson, LBs Josh Symonette, Mike Nattiel, Terry Pierce, Tyreo Harrison, Jody Littleton and Louis Green, DBs Keyon Nash, Pat Dennis, Waine Bacon, Travis Coleman, Daryon Brutley, Jykine Bradley and Clint Finley, P Eddie Johnson and K Jason Witczak

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap - The Sacramento Mountain Lions are a 2005 expansion franchise.

2005 Sacramento Mountain Lions - HC Dennis Erickson, OC Steve Sarkisian, DC Greg McMackin, GM Terry Donahue, QBs JT O'Sullivan, Casey Bramlet and Kevin Daft, RBs Chris Fuamatu-Mu'afala, Eric McCoo, Ed Stansbury and Brandon Warfield, WRs Freddie Mitchell, Aaron Boone, LaShaun Ward, Todd Devoe, Shockmain Davis and Reggie Barlow, TEs Joe Kavanaugh, Bill Baber and Bryan Fletcher, OL Josh Lovelady, Lui Fuata, Victor Rogers, Dave Kadela, Lance Nimmo, Rolando Cantu, Mike Sheldon, David Loverne and Brad Lekkerkerker, DL Felipe Claybrooks, Jabbar Threats, Emarlos Leroy, Stalin Colinet, Terrell Jurineack and Lamanzer Williams, LBs Sekou Sanyika, Lawrence Flugence, LaMarcus McDonald, Mauguala Tuitele and Eugene McCaslin, DBs Cory Hall, Than Merrill, Oliver Celestin, Charles Drake, Jermaine Mays, Cecil Doggette and Rodregis Brooks, P Kyle Larson and K Bill Gramatica

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Chicago Enforcers - HC Mike Singletary, OC Peter Vaas, DC Robert Lyles, GM Dick Butkus, QBs Jarious Jackson, Ell Roberson and Kurt Kittner, RBs LeShon Johnson, Ahmaad Galloway, Robert Holcombe and Derek Watson, WRs Zechariah Lord, Aaron Bailey, Rashied Davis, Marquis Walker, Ruvell Martin and Tai Streets, TEs Rod Rutledge, Nick Eller and Jabari Holloway, OL Tony Pashos, Courtney Van Buren, Paul Janus, Derrick Turner, JP Machado, Tupe Peko, Paul LaQuerre, Brennan Curtin and Rob Murphy, DL Israel Idonije, Sterling Palmer, John Moyer, Lamar King, Darrell Campbell, Colston Weatherington and Cyron Brown, LBs Jamie Baisley, Chike Egbuniwe, Carlos Timmons, Casey Urlacher, Cornelius Anthony and Jason Short, DBs JoJuan Armour, Kory Blackwell, Jordan Younger, Ligarius Jennings, Shane Walton, Brock Williams, Troy Saunders and Kerry Cooks, P Andrew Bayes and K Jose Cortez

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Orlando Rage - HC Jay Gruden, OC Jeff Brohm, DC Pete Kuharchek, GM Tom Veit, QBs Joe Hamilton, Jesse Palmer and Randy Fasani, RBs Maurice Hicks, Santonio Beard and Luke Staley, WRs Dialleo Burks, Mario Bailey, Kevin Swayne, Travis McGriff, Andre King and Jacquez Green, TEs Lawrence Hart, David Sloan and Nate Jackson, OL Jeremy Akers, Dan Goodspeed, Dan Collins, Jason Gamble, Damion Cook, Char-ron Dorsey, Antoine Mirambeau, Cheston Blackshear and Jamie Nails, DL Randy Chevrier, Sedric Clark, Eric Powell, Cedric Woodard, Elton Patterson and Tron LaFavor, LBs Twan Russell, Marcus Reese, Wes Bautovich, Johnny Rutledge, James Burgess and Rashad Harris, DBs Mario Edwards, Billy Parker, Ricky Bell, Kenny McEntyre, Derrick Gardner, Clevan Thomas, Tremain Mack and Alfonso Marshall, P Rodney Williams and K Rob Hart

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 New York Guardians - HC Rusty Tillman, OC Joe Lombardi, DC Jim Tomsula, GM Ron Jaworski, QBs Chris Redman, Moses Moreno and Wally Richardson, RBs Robert Edwards, Roosevelt Potts and Joe Aska, WRs Yatil Green, Kirby Dar-Dar, Glenn Martinez, John Standeford, Zola Davis and Zuriel Smith, TEs Terry Hardy, Marco Battaglia and Marcus Hinton, OL Ed Ellis, Harvey Goins, Mike Mabry, Jason Thomas, Curtis McGee, Juan Porter, Dave Wohlabaugh and David Camacho, DL Dwayne Sabb, Israel Raybon, Christian Maumalanga, Gabe Nyenhuis, Delbert Cowsette and Tom Barndt, LBs Kevin Mitchell, Khari Samuel, Lee Woodall, Tyrell Peters and Raheem Orr, DBs Rob Milanese, Damen Wheeler, Tawambi Settles, Calvin Branch, Joey Eloms, Robb Butler, John Keith and Tyree Talton, P Filip Filipovic and K John Markham

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Birmingham Steel - HC Gerry DiNardo, OC Gene Dahlquist, DC Curley Hallman, GM Tim Berryman, QBs Quincy Carter, Matt Nagy and Eric Kresser, RBs Curtis Alexander, Shaud Williams, Deon Dyer and James Bostic, WRs Stepfret Williams, Quincy Jackson, Trevor Insley, Randy Hymes, Terrance Copper and Freddie Milons, TEs Patrick Hape, Scott Thompson and Reggie Johnson, OL Gennaro DiNapoli, Brent Smith, Steve Sciullo, Matt Hill, Chad Beasley, Waverly Jackson, Kelvin Ingram and Antonio Fleming, DL Quinton Reese, Otis Leverette, Charles Preston, Cedric Pittman, Adrian Dingle, Reggie Grimes and Reggie McGrew, LBs Trev Faulk, Keith Franklin, Orantes Grant, Tony Bua, Bryan Knight and James Willis, DBs Duane Butler, Izell Reese, Tyrone Drakeford, Toya Jones, Tony Dixon, Eric Sloan and Central McClellion, P Mat McBriar and K Lawrence Tynes

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Memphis Express - HC Doug Plank, OC Darren Arbet, DC Weylan Harding, GM Gene Nudo, QBs Tee Martin, Jonathan Quinn and Tony Graziani, RBs Darnell Autry, Shyrone Stith, Trung Canidate and Travis Stephens, WRs Andy McCullough, Eddie Berlin, D'wayne Bates, Milton Wynn, Jarrick Hillary and Snoop Minnis, TEs Marlon Chambers, Hunter Goodwin and Dustin Lyman, OL Dennis O'Sullivan, O'Lester Pope, Anthony Oakley, Reggie Coleman, Damian Lavergne, Brad Williams, LeShun Daniels and Scott Tercero, DL DeAngelo Lloyd, Mao Tosi, Andrew Shull, Gillis Wilson, Joe Minucci and Aubrayo Franklin, LBs Raynoch Thompson, Eric Westmoreland, Rocky Calmus, Donnie Spragan, Marc Megna and OJ Childress, DBs Blaine McElmurry, Julian Battle, Jahi Henley, Darwin Brown, Rashad Holman, Tim Strickland, Terreal Bierria and Nick Ferguson, P Bill LaFleur and K Rob Bironas

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Columbus Ghosts - HC Kippy Brown, OC Steve Logan, DC Fred Pagac, GM Chris Spielman, QBs Joe Germaine, Asad Abdul-Khaliq and Craig Krenzel, RBs Travis Prentice, Duron Croson, Ian Smart and Curtis Keaton, WRs Ken-Yon Rambo, Reggie Germany, Jamall Broussard, PJ Fleck, Ron Dugans and Danny Farmer, TEs Dwayne Blakley, Daniel Wilcox and Ryan Prince, OL Victor Leyva, Melvin Tuten, Dan Greer, DeMingo Graham, Alex Sulfsted, Javiar Collins, Scott Rehberg, Antwan Kirk-Hughes and Bryce Bishop, DL Jevon Langford, Mario Monds, Mario Fatafehi, Derrick Ransom, Norris McCleary, Eddie Freeman and Joey Evans, LBs James Harrison, Courtland Bullard, Cie Grant, Khalid Abdullah and Riall Johnson, DBs Cornelius Coe, Dwayne Stukes, Steve Bellisari, Derek Ross, Butler B'ynote, Nijrell Eason and Rashidi Barnes, P Travis Dorsch and K Matt Bryant

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap -

2005 Washington Valor - HC Doug Williams, OC Jay Schroeder, DC Doug Graber, GM Joe Theismann, QBs Shaun Hill, Ryan Van Dyke and Dave Ragone, RBs John Avery, JR Redmond, Corey McIntyre and Doug Easlick, WRs Geroy Simon, Luther Leverson, Chas Gessner, Eugene Baker and Justin Skaggs, TEs Kori Dickerson, Josh Whitman and Rashod Kent, OL Mike Clare, Jerry Wisne, Chris Janek, Doug Brzezinski, Paul Zukauskas, Dwayne Ledford, Jerry Wunsch, Luke Butkus and Dave Costa, DL Radell Lockhart, Keith McKenzie, Kavika Pittman, Gavin Walls, Cletidus Hunt, Charles Hill and John Schlecht, LBs Idris Price, Torrance Marshall, Dane Krager, Shannon Taylor, Dustin Cohen and Cornell Brown, DBs Kalvin Pearson, Dyshod Carter, Ike Charlton, Dainon Sidney, Willie Pile, Deveron Harper, Cory Bird and Jeremy Unertl, P Kevin Stemke and K Todd France

2005 Preview -


2004 Recap - The Tampa Bay Bandits is a 2005 expansion franchise.

2005 Tampa Bay Bandits - HC Steve Spurrier, OC Hue Jackson, DC George Edwards, GM Pepper Rodgers, QBs Shaun King, Gibran Hamdan and Marcus Crandell, RBs Avon Cobourne, Brian Shay, Herbert Goodman and Leonard Henry, WRs DeAndrew Rubin, Derrick Hamilton, Triandos Luke, Drew Haddad, Chris Doering and PK Sam, TEs Chris Luzar, Chris Eitzmann and Dan O'Leary, OL Jason Jimenez, Mario Branch, Wayne Lucier, Ryan Boschetti, Martin Bibla, Garin Patrick, Ben Sobieski and Kenyatta Jones, DL David Hoelscher, Winfield Garnett, Darrell Wright, Shurron Pierson, Cedric Killings, Montique Sharpe and Jomo Cousins, LBs Mason Unck, Steve Josue, Antonio Wilson, Byron Thweatt and Byron Hardmon, DBs Ricky Sharpe, Stanford Samuels, Jeff Sanchez, Marcus Floyd, Jason Perry, Clarence Love and Kareem Larrimore, P Nick Murphy and K Axel Kruse

2005 Preview - Getting Coach Spurrier to the XFL was a big coup for the league and him snagging former Tampa Bay Buccaneer King to run his fun-n-gun offense will help speed up the expansion team build. That offense is a perfect system for a young team in a league like the XFL. It allows the players to get in space and play to their strengths. I'm not sure how many games this team will win, but I know they'll be fun to watch.

[BengalErnst]

Mountain Lions sign Japanese Player to Practice Squad

February 17, 2005

Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento Mountain Lions set foot into international territory for the first time in franchise history, signing Japanese WR Takuya Furutani to the league's International Practice Squad. Mountain Lions head coach Dennis Erickson cited not only Furutani's talent but also a conscious league-wide effort to globalize the XFL as the keys to his signing. "It is our hope that we can integrate international competition here with our team and potentially travel abroad in the off-season as well," Erickson said. "Hopefully over time, we may be able to develop some talent that can lead others into the game of football world-wide."

Banks Tabbed as Mammoths Starter

February 20, 2005

Omaha, NE - Omaha Mammoths head coach Frank Solich announced he has named the former Heisman trophy candidate Brad Banks the team's starting quarterback. "Brad has done a good job all through camp and deserves to get the chance," said Solich. "He has been very consistent and has done everything you could ask of a quarterback to get ready to play. I think the team is ready to follow him."

"I am excited about the opportunity Coach Solich is giving me," said Banks. "I am grateful to be playing for a great organization and with very talented teammates. I plan on doing everything I can to reward the faith that Coach Solich has shown in me."



XFL Week 1: Spurrier Wins XFL Debut

February 26, 2005

Tampa, FL - The XFL fifth season got off to a ragged, yet successful start Thursday night, as the Tampa Bay Bandits beat the New Orleans VooDoo 33-20 before a crowd of 35,603. The Bandits wasted no time giving the crowd something to cheer, scoring on their first play from scrimmage. Tampa lined up in a double-tight end formation on its own 49, then sent WR PK Sam deep on a post pattern, where QB Shaun King found him in stride for the XFL’s first touchdown of the season. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer King finished with 215 yards passing and 2 TDs. Bandits coach Steve Spurrier seemed content with his team's performance. “It’s been excellent,” said Spurrier. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but there hasn’t been anything disappointing. I like it. The cheerleaders, everything. And I’ll be back.”

-- (0-0)VooDoo 20 - 33 Bandits(0-0)
(NO): QB Nall - 24/32 191 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Denson - 19 carries, 47 yards, WR Bellamy - 8 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Culver - 4 catches, 58 yards
(TB): QB King - 20/29 215 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cobourne - 15 carries, 41 yards, WR Sam - 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Ghosts 27 - 10 Aztecs(0-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 28/38 277 yards, 2 TDs, RB Keaton - 23 carries, 83 yards, WR Germany - 8 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 90 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 7/13 51 yards, QB Carmazzi - 5/19 47 yards, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 20 carries, 69 yards, WR Nash - 5 catches, 49 yards
*Aztecs' QB Quinn Gray left the game in late 2nd quarter with injury

-- (0-0)Desperados 24 - 22 Enforcers(0-0)
(DAL): QB Barnes - 17/30 222 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smart - 20 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Jenkins - 5 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 72 yards
(CHI): QB Kittner - 18/33 195 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 15 carries, 59 yards, WR Streets - 7 catches, 101 yards, WR Davis - 7 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD
*QBs Jarious Jackson and Clint Stoerner missed game due to injury

XFL Week 1: Mammoths Stomp Rage

February 27, 2005

Orlando, FL - The Omaha Mammoths with a 37-28 win in their season opener in Orlando against the Rage. The Mammoths replaced the Minneapolis Wild, who were traditionally among the league's leaders in rushing during their stint, ran for a whopping 210 yards on 46 carries in a dominant performance. "This is a big win, but it's just one win," said Mammoths head coach Frank Solich. "It was a gritty performance by every guy out there. They kept their cool and came through every time they needed to."

The game saw nine lead changes before Omaha helped seal the win with two interceptions in the fourth quarter. In fact, it was the Mammoths' defense that stepped up big to hold the Rage to just seven points in the 2nd half after falling behind, 28-23, early in the period. Orlando QB Joe Hamilton threw for just 136 yards, one touchdown and was picked off three times in the loss. The game had a wild start after the Rage recovered an onside kick on the opening kickoff, then cashed in on a 35-yard TD run from RB Luke Staley on the next play. The game was back-and-forth from that point, however, with neither team able to settle into any kind of comfortable lead.

-- (0-0)Rage 28 - 37 Mammoths(0-0)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 11/26 136 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Staley - 16 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/28 273 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 33 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD, WR Haygood - 4 catches, 80 yards, WR Hatchette - 8 catches, 48 yards

-- (0-0)Stars 17 - 24 Steel(0-0)
(LA): QB Blackwell - 20/42 212 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 14 carries, 48 yards, WR Stokes - 3 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 69 yards
(BIRM): QB Carter - 15/29 234 yards, 1 TD, RB Alexander - 17 carries, 60 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 88 yards
*Stars' QB Cade McNown missed game due to injury

-- (0-0)Valor 20 - 30 Express(0-0)
(DC): QB Hill - 34/48 290 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 14 carries, 66 yards, WR Simon - 7 catches, 85 yards, WR Baker - 6 catches, 55 yards, WR Gessner - 6 catches, 75 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 15/24 199 yards, 2 TDs, RB Canidate - 28 carries, 173 yards, WR Berlin - 3 catches, 52 yards, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 53 yards

-- (0-0)Mountain Lions 30 - 20 Guardians(0-0)
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 22/29 246 yards, 2 TDs, RB McCoo - 12 carries, 49 yards, WR Mitchell - 6 catches, 75 yards, WR Boone - 5 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Moreno - 13/27 213 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Edwards - 9 carries, 46 yards, WR Green - 6 catches, 67 yards

XFL Week 1: Sea Devils fall to San Antonio in Overtime, 36-35

February 28, 2005

San Antonio, TX - Seattle Sea Devils' RB Onterrio Smith's two-point conversion attempt in overtime fell one-yard short, giving San Antonio a 36-35 win over the Sea Devils before 31,229 fans. The two-point attempt came after Smith scored his first career XFL touchdown, a four-yard run that cut the Commanders lead to one. "It was designed to be a quick pass," said Smith. "They put two defenders on my blocker and hit me before I could get in. I tried to put my head down and bull my way in, but I didn't quite get there."

The Sea Devils went for the win on the two-point conversion due to the fact that San Antonio already had scored in OT on a three-yard run by RB Quentin Griffin. XFL overtime rules give each team one possession. If the score remains tied after each team has had the ball, the game becomes a sudden-death affair. The Rush led 29-26 in regulation when San Antonio K Jesus Anjoy nailed a 44-yard field goal attempt with just two seconds left to send it to the extra frame. That came after Seattle K Hayden Epstein hit a 30-yard field goal of his own to give the Sea Devils a three-point lead with just 54 seconds remaining.

The loss erased the biggest comeback in Sea Devils history, as the Sea Devils climbed back from 22 points down to not only tie the game, but to take the lead in the final frame. "Nothing went right for us early," said Seattle head coach Rick Neuheisel. "We threw an interception, we fumbled away a snap and we couldn't stop them on defense. Before we knew it we were down 25-3. I am proud of the way we battled back, but you can't spot any team, especially one as talented as San Antonio, a big lead and expect to win.

-- (0-0)Sea Devils 35 - 36 Commanders(0-0)
(SEA): QB Smith - 27/49 273 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 16 carries, 94 yards, WR Yeast - 4 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 5 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 24/32 280 yards, 3 TDs, RB Griffin - 14 carries, 62 yards, 3 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 4 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Woods - 8 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD

Aztecs QB Gray Out for Remainder of the Season

March 1, 2005

Mexico City, MEXICO - Mexico City Aztecs QB Quinn Gray suffered a season ending injury to his left knee during the second quarter of the Aztecs' season opener. "Anytime something like this happens you feel bad for the player. Quinn had an excellent season last year and had worked really hard to get himself prepared for this year," explained head coach Bruce Coslet. "We are very confident in being able to lean on the ground game and find a way to win games."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: Desperados Run Rampant Over Aztecs

March 5, 2005

Mexico City, MEX - DB Roderick Babers and LB Darren Hambrick set up both Dallas touchdowns on long fumble returns and the Dallas’ defense also set up a field goal as the Desperados beat the Aztecs 25-3. Babers made an 60-yard return in the second quarter, and Hambrick had a 75-yarder in the third quarter. The victory left Dallas as one of only three XFL teams undefeated through the first two weeks. Memphis and Columbus, the others.

The two teams traded first-quarter field goals, a 47-yarder by the Desperados’ K Brad Palazzo and a 23-yarder by K Jeff Chandler. On the first play of the second quarter, the Aztecs had the ball at the Dallas 20 but a bad handoff to RB Sedrick Irvin was picked up by Babers, which resulted in the 9-3 lead. With Mexico City down by six early in the third quarter, RB Lawrence Phillips appeared to go over for a tying 8-yard touchdown run, but fumbled at the goal line where Hambrick scooped up the ball and returned it down the left sideline to the 25 that set up the 15-3 lead. QB Pat Barnes had a 9-yard touchdown pass to WR MarTay Jenkins in the third quarter, and Palazzo kicked an 18-yard field goal in the fourth. Palazzo’s final field goal came after DB Rich Coady intercepted Giovanni Carmazzi’s pass and returned it to the Mexico City 8.

-- (1-0)Desperados 25 - 3 Aztecs(0-1)
(DAL): QB Barnes - 22/39 171 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Hambrick - 18 carries, 122 yards, RB Smart - 10 carries, 107 yards, WR Jenkins - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Carmazzi - 9/27 152 yards, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 18 carries, 109 yards, WR Nash - 5 catches, 108 yards

-- (1-0)Ghosts 38 - 41 Valor(0-1)
(COL): QB Germaine - 20/33 200 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smart - 12 carries, 57 yards, 2 TDs, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Dugans - 6 catches, 64 yards
(DC): QB Hill - 22/40 270 yards, 2 TDs, RB Avery - 18 carries, 118 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Gessner - 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Rage 3 - 13 Express(1-0)
(ORL): QB Hasselbeck - 13/36 92 yards, RB Hicks - 14 carries, 54 yards, WR Swayne - 3 catches, 33 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 16/27 185 yards, 1 TD, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 95 yards, WR Bates - 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Minnis - 3 catches, 50 yards

-- (0-1)Enforcers 30 - 20 Mammoths(1-0)
(CHI): QB Kittner - 15/29 174 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 16 carries, 164 yards, WR Davis - 6 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 5 catches, 52 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 21/35 233 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 21 carries, 76 yards, WR Haygood - 7 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: The Kicker was the Hero

March 6, 2005

Seattle, WA - New York Guardians K John Markham made sure that QB Chris Redman won his first XFL start. Markham's record-breaking seven field goals and superb play on special teams helped New York squeak out of Washington with a 28-24 victory before 19,441 fans. "Once again John showed why he is so valuable," Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman said. "The special teams play was no doubt the difference in the game."

Markham was also a perfect 7-of-7 on kicks. His 22-point performance also included a key fumble recovery after kicking off and was honored as the Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in his XFL career. "This means a lot to me," said Markham, "I didn't even know that kickers could win that award. I want to thank my holder and snapper because I couldn't do it without them."

"I felt comfortable out there," Redman said. "This is an arena I'm familiar with, and I was happy with they way I played, especially in the second half and this is a big win for us. Anytime you can go on the road and come away with a win, it is huge. This is definitely something we can build on as a team."

"We didn't change anything up," Tillman said. "It was a matter of execution. I felt like we came out and our line played really well in protecting Redman, and I thought Chris played well himself.

-- (0-1)Guardians 28 - 24 Sea Devils(0-1)
(NY): QB Redman - 14/29 159 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 18 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD, WR Dar Dar - 3 catches, 56 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 59 yards
(SEA): QB Smith - 23/39 180 yards, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 23 carries, 150 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 66 yards, WR Yeast - 5 catches, 39 yards

-- (0-1)Stars 13 - 20 Bandits(1-0)
(LA): QB Blackwell - 16/31 137 yards, RB Oxendine - 17 carries, 47 yards, RB Shehee - 17 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 47 yards, WR Copeland - 7 catches, 55 yards
(TB): QB King - 19/40 252 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cobourne - 12 carries, 73 yards, WR Sam - 5 catches, 76 yards

-- (1-0)Commanders 25 - 28 Steel(1-0)
(SA): QB Bishop - 20/40 209 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Griffin - 10 carries, 59 yards, WR Woods - 8 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 3 catches, 55 yards
(BIRM): QB Carter - 16/27 220 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 9 carries, 17 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Insley - 4 catches, 69 yards

XFL Week 2: VooDoo Outlast Mountain Lions, 35-31

March 7, 2005

Seattle, WA - It wasn't pretty, but the VooDoo overcame an early 17-point deficit to outlast the Sacramento Mountain Lions 35-31 Monday night. After allowing a club-record 24 points in the first quarter, the VooDoo climbed to within three points at halftime and took their first lead of the game with 5:53 left on a 12-yard touchdown pass from QB Craig Nall to WR Ron Bellamy. The New Orleans defense stopped Sacramento on its final two possessions in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The VooDoo fell behind 17-0 in the first quarter after Nall fumbled snaps on the club's first two possessions. Nall also fumbled on New Orleans' third drive, leading to a 49-yard field goal attempt which was blocked.

Sacramento's own snap problems helped the VooDoo climb back into the game in the second quarter. After VooDoo RB Autry Denson closed the gap to 24-13 with a touchdown run, DB Keyon Nash recovered a fumble by Mountain Lions QB JT O'Sullivan, giving New Orleans the ball at its own 17-yard line. On fourth-and-four, Nall found WR Shannon Culver across the middle for a 27-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion attempt cut the Mountain Lions' lead to 24-21.

-- (0-1)VooDoo 35 - 31 Mountain Lions(1-0)
(NO): QB Nall - 16/19 183 yards, 3 TDs, RB Denson - 17 carries, 77 yards, 2 TDs, WR Prentiss - 5 catches, 83 yards, WR Culver - 6 catches, 59 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bellamy - 7 catches, 135 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 20/34 205 yards, 1 TD, RB McCoo - 7 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 6 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

Aztecs Trade for Moreno

March 8, 2004

Mexico City, MEXICO - The Mexico City Aztecs have finished a trade deal with the New York Guardians that will send XFL veteran QB Moses Moreno to Mexico City for QB Raymond Philyaw and future considerations. "We know Moses will thrive in the system the Aztecs have in place and we wish him the best," said Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman. "We will continue to improve by building around talented linemen and a solid skills group."

"We have some of the most talented receivers in the league and run a very quarterback-friendly system," Aztecs head coach Bruce Coslet added. "Moses has continued to improve over the course of his career and will put up similar numbers to the quarterbacks that I have coached in the past."

"I'm very happy about this situation, coming to a class organization such as the Aztecs," Moreno said. "Gavin Maloof is the epitome of what an owner should be in the XFL and where it is headed in the future. Now, I have to come in and produce, pick up where Quinn Gray left off and hopefully propel the team further in the playoffs and go for the championship."

XFL On The Path To Success in Omaha

March 10, 2005

Omaha, NE - The XFL announced that the Omaha Mammoths have sold out their stadium for the second consecutive week and 24,000 seats have already been sold at TD Ameritrade Park for week 4's matchup against the Orlando Rage. The XFL had some trouble selling tickets in certain cities last year, and it appears that new locations and loyal fanbases have really paid off for the startup pro football league. "The atmosphere in TD Ameritrade Park last week was electric and the passion and enthusiasm the Omaha fans have for football and for the Mammoths was evident for all to see,” said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. “People assured us then that in less than a week the second home game would sell out and they have made true on that promise. The stadium will be rocking again on Saturday night and will make for a great atmosphere and compelling television viewing.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: Express Out-Wrestled Aztecs

March 13, 2005

Mexico City, MEX - Express DB Terreal Bierria made a 88-yard interception return down to the two yard line with less than two minutes to play that set up a QB Tee Martin to WR Eddie Berlin slant that propelled the Memphis Express to beat the Mexico City Aztecs 21-17 in the XFL on Sunday. “I saw the pass and just broke on the ball and was able to grab it and there wasn’t anybody in front of me,” Bierria said. "Can't believe I got caught."

The interception was the third turnover by the Aztecs. The others also came in Memphis territory, including a fumble by RB Lawrence Phillips in the first quarter. “We had interceptions and fumbles at the wrong times and when you do that it makes for a long day,” Mexico City coach Bruce Coslet said. Phillips came into the game as the league’s second-leading rusher. He gained 69 yards against the Express’ defense that played bend but don't break defense all afternoon. Express LB Rocky Calmus, the league’s leading tackler, had 11 stops. Bierria had nine tackles and fellow DB Nick Ferguson had eight. Andy McCullough, scored the Express’ other second half touchdown on a 12-yard out with 1:36 left in the third quarter. RB Trung Canidate rushed for 91 yards on 15 carries. Aztecs QB Moses Moreno completed 29 of 42 passes for 272 yards and 2 TDs in his first start with the team. WR Marcus Nash was the favorite target, catching eight passes for 87 yards. With the temperature in the 40s, the crowd was considerably down from the more than 36,000 who attended the Aztecs’ opener two weeks ago. The announced crowd Sunday was 27,582. The game featured offsetting personal foul penalties that seemed to be borrowed from the XFL’s relative, the WWF. After a third-quarter play, Aztecs’ OL Pita Elisari chopped Express DL Joe Minucci below the neck, almost mimicking a wrestling move. Minucci stumbled backward, then shoved Elisari to the ground.

-- (2-0)Express 21 - 17 Aztecs(0-2)
(MEM): QB Martin - 20/28 259 yards, 2 TDs, RB Canidate - 15 carries, 91 yards, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 79 yards
(MEX): QB Moreno - 29/42 272 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 14 carries, 69 yards, 6 catches, 34 yards, WR Nash - 8 catches, 87 yards, WR Soward - 6 catches, 59 yards, WR Vanover - 4 catches, 65 yards

-- (1-1)Mammoths 29 - 23 Commanders(1-1)
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/27 232 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 24 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 56 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 27/39 284 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Carter - 15 carries, 22 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 92 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 4 catches, 51 yards

-- (1-1)Enforcers 18 - 13 Rage(0-2)
(CHI): QB Kittner - 17/28 184 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 12 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 6 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 5 catches, 74 yards
(ORL): QB Fasani - 18/31 132 yards, 1 TD, RB Hicks - 17 carries, 37 yards, WR Burks - 9 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD, TE Hart - 5 catches, 62 yards

-- (1-1)Guardians 21 - 19 VooDoo(1-1)
(CHI): QB Redman - 16/20 164 yards, 2 TDs, RB Aska - 18 carries, 27 yards, WR Blackwell - 5 catches, 33 yards, 2 TDs, WR Green - 4 catches, 66 yards, WR Dar Dar - 2 catches, 42 yards
(NO): QB Davey - 16/24 183 yards, 1 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 18 carries, 79 yards, RB Black - 15 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Bellamy - 7 catches, 86 yards

XFL Week 3: Mountain Lions Fall to Valor

March 14, 2005

Sacramento, CA - It was not the 21-yard field goal with three seconds left that the Mountain Lions lamented most following a 29-28 loss to the Washington Valor in front of 126,620 fans. Rather, it was the squandered opportunities in the moments throughout the game that gnawed at the team the most. Washington might not have been in position for its last-minute comeback from eight points down had the Mountain Lions managed to convert either of the Valor turnovers it forced into points. Mountain Lions' defense coaxed two interceptions from Washington QB Shaun Hill, a second-quarter grab by DB Oliver Celestin and a fourth-period, goal-line snare by LB Sekou Sanyika. But the Mountain Lions offense could turn neither into points, as an interception and a missed field goal ended the their chances of capitalizing on Washington's mistakes. "Those are things we've certainly got to take advantage of," Sacramento head coach Dennis Erickson said. "If we're going to be a great football team, we've got to correct those mistakes."

"They turn it over to us, we turn right back and turn it over to them the very next play," Mountain Lions QB JT O'Sullivan said. "Those things can't happen. That was huge in the game. We could have gone up 14 points and we didn't do it. I always say kicking a field goal in this league's way too hard to rely on a kicker to make a field goal. We're paid to play and put the points on the board offensively. We can't allow him to be kicking field goals."

-- (1-1)Valor 29 - 28 Mountain Lions(1-1)
(DC): QB Hill - 25/40 271 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Avery - 19 carries, 71 yards, WR Simon - 8 catches, 63 yards, WR Gessner - 7 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 29/39 306 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 8 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 8 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, WR Boone - 9 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Ghosts 13 - 38 Bandits(2-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 25/42 239 yards, 1 TD, RB Prentice - 15 carries, 40 yards, WR Broussard - 8 catches, 56 yards, WR Rambo - 8 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Germany - 8 catches, 53 yards
(TB): QB King - 14/22 190 yards, 2 TDs, 11 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, RB Cobourne - 16 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 5 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-0)Steel 32 - 26 Desperados(2-0)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 23/32 286 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Bostic - 14 carries, 51 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 64 yards, WR Insley - 3 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 21/40 235 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB King - 14 carries, 33 yards, WR Jenkins - 7 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Sea Devils' New QB Paves Way to Win

March 15, 2005

Seattle, WA - Seattle Sea Devils QB Brock Huard and WR Dane Looker made lasting impressions on Stars fans, as the Seattle's new duo made a dashing combination in Huard's debut in a 29-18 win over the Los Angeles Stars in front of 26,632 fans. The pair hooked up on the XFL's play of the year so far this season, when Huard connected with Looker on a 85-yard scoring strike despite throwing from the seat of his pants in his own end zone. "It was unreal playing in front of these fans," Huard said. "This is the most noise I've ever played in front of. I actually had to calm myself down at the beginning of the game because there was so much energy."

Seattle head coach Rick Neuheisel said the game's final few moments were typical of the XFL. "This is a crazy league. You can work really hard throughout the game and then at the end almost lose it all."

-- (0-2)Sea Devils 29 - 18 Stars(0-2)
(SEA): QB Huard - 30/43 255 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 9 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD, WR Ojo - 6 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Blackwell - 12/21 146 yards, RB Oxendine - 15 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, RB Shehee - 15 carries, 52 yards, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 60 yards, WR Copeland - 4 catches, 59 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 4: Rage Finally Win One

March 20, 2005

Orlando, FL - The winless Rage and winless Aztecs squared off in a freezing drizzle Saturday night and the outcome had a familiar look: Mexico City lost, leaving the Aztecs as the only team in the league without a victory. The matchup of winless teams drew a respectable-sized crowd of 24,856, most of whom stood throughout and stayed to the end despite temperatures in the 30s, steady rain and an icy breeze blowing. How chilly was it? In between flashy dances in slinky black leather, the vaunted cheerleaders spent much of the game in parkas.

After falling to 0-4, the Aztecs took steps to ensure fans don’t abandon them. They announced they will let all of Saturday’s fans in to the next home game for free as a reward for braving the elements. But for the football-starved fans it was pure delight. “Nothing’s better than going to a football game in the winter and having a hot dog and a beer,” said Aztecs' fan Kit Mann. “Mud, snow, freezing rain — that’s real football.”

The Rage were again missing their top player, QB Joe Hamilton, with an injured quadriceps and the results have been an anemic offensive up until the Rage found the Aztecs. Orlando opened the scoring on K Jay Taylor’s 19-yard first-quarter field goal and survived a last-second second-period threat to preserve the 10-7 lead. Following a pass interference call that gave the Aztecs the ball at the Rage 1 with one second left in the half, Mexico City coach Bruce Coslet spurned a chance for the tying field goal and decided to go for it. But RB Lawrence Phillips was stuffed at the line for no gain — the last serious threat for the Aztecs to take the lead. With the Rage up 27-17 late in the 4th, Rage DB Clevan Thomas interception came after the ball slipped out of Aztecs’ QB Moses Moreno’s hands near the Orlando goal line. “It was really a miracle pick because I busted the assignment,” Thomas said. “I was in the right place at the right time.” Taylor’s 37-yard field goal with 3:39 left in the game finished the scoring.

“We made some plays, we really did,” Orlando coach Jay Gruden said. But “we were fortunate a couple of times they didn’t capitalize on our mistakes. We’re very fortunate to win the game.”

“The loss was gut-wrenching,” Coslet said.

-- (0-3)Rage 30 - 17 Aztecs(0-3)
(ORL): QB Hasselbeck - 26/34 261 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Staley - 13 carries, 102 yards, WR Burks - 6 catches, 94 yards, 2 TDs, WR Swayne - 5 catches, 48 yards
(MEX): QB Moreno - 18/28 243 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 15 carries, 27 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Vanover - 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Ghosts 14 - 16 Guardians(2-1)
(COL): QB Germaine - 20/32 200 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Keaton - 6 carries, 21 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Broussard - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Redman - 18/31 191 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Aska - 14 carries, 81 yards, WR Blackwell - 5 catches, 88 yards, WR Green - 3 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-1)Enforcers 16 - 24 Stars(0-3)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 15/30 195 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Galloway - 17 carries, 55 yards, WR Davis - 5 catches, 108 yards, 2 TDs
(LA): QB McNown - 18/29 200 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 12 carries, 56 yards, WR Copeland - 7 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-0)Steel 30 - 24 Commanders(1-2)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 23/29 253 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 17 carries, 38 yards, WR Williams - 9 catches, 74 yards, WR Insley - 8 catches, 71 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 20/34 287 yards, 3 TDs, RB Carter - 15 carries, 31 yards, WR Merritt - 8 catches, 79 yards, 2 TDs, WR Woods - 4 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 4: Bandits Edge Valor

March 21, 2005

Washington, DC - Tampa Bay Bandits QB Shaun King tossed four scoring passes and LB Steve Josue returned an interception three yards for a touchdown helping Tampa erase a 14-3 first quarter deficit by outscoring San Jose 34-7 the rest of the way. The Bandits were aided by four consecutive Washington turnovers, including two interceptions by Josue from his linebacker position. "He played it as well as anybody," said Valor QB Shaun Hill. "He does a nice job of stepping up and that's it. I just have to be able to see that better and not give it up to him."

"The guys hung in there at the end but we made a lot of mistakes and any time you make a lot of mistakes you are not going to win football games," said Washington Valor head coach Doug Williams.

-- (3-0)Bandits 37 - 21 Valor(2-1)
(TB): QB King - 23/43 280 yards, 4 TDs, RB Cobourne - 12 carries, 83 yards, WR Sam - 6 catches, 132 yards, WR Rubin - 5 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs
(DC): QB Hill - 20/42 285 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Avery - 17 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 46 yards, WR Simon - 6 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Gessner - 4 catches, 51 yards

-- (2-1)Desperados 24 - 28 Mammoths(2-1)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 18/32 205 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 15 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Jenkins - 7 catches, 59 yards, TE Blizzard - 6 catches, 55 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 25/39 225 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 23 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 8 catches, 90 yards, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Sea Devils 34 - 20 Mountain Lions(1-2)
(SEA): QB Huard - 25/36 243 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 21 carries, 132 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Dixon - 6 catches, 44 yards
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 20/30 273 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 13 carries, 46 yards, WR Mitchell - 5 catches, 100 yards, WR Davis - 5 catches, 45 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 4: VooDoo Surprise Express

March 22, 2005

Memphis, TN - VooDoo QB Rohan Davey threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns in the New Orleans VooDoo's surprising 35-21 victory over the Memphis Express. New Orleans held Memphis' high-powered offense to just 212 total yards and sacked QB Tee Martin six times.

After trading touchdowns on the first five possessions of the game, the VooDoo opened up a 28-14 lead in the second quarter when DL Nathan Davis recovered a Express fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Davis had two sacks and led the defensive effort that provided consistent pressure on Express QB Tee Martin. At the end of a scoreless third quarter, Davey found a wide-open Ron Bellamy for a 45-yard touchdown to give New Orleans a 35-21 lead. The VooDoo sealed their second victory of the season when DB Waine Bacon intercepted Martin on Memphis' final drive.

-- (1-2)VooDoo 35 - 21 Express(3-0)
(NO): QB Davey - 18/31 217 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 11 carries, 33 yards, WR Culver - 6 catches, 70 yards, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Martin - 16/25 132 yards, 2 TDs, RB Canidate - 20 carries, 62 yards, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 63 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5: Ghosts End Losing Streak

March 26, 2005

San Antonio, TX - Columbus Ghosts' QB Joe Germaine hit WR Ken Yon Rambo a 2-yard slant with 19 seconds left as the Ghosts beat the San Antonio Commanders 15-13 Sunday night, snapping a two-game losing streak. Rambo’s touchdown capped an eight-play, 82-yard drive.

“Finally, things happened a little right for us after two very frustrating games,” Germaine said. Rambo also scored on a 31-yard post in the third quarter as the Ghosts scored their first touchdown in six quarters. QB Michael Bishop found WR Ahmad Merritt with a touchdown pass of 19 yards in the first half for Commanders, but San Antonio were held scoreless in the final two quarters. Bishop completed only 17 of 37 passes for 190 yards and struggled to find his accuracy all night.

-- (1-3)Ghosts 14 - 12 Commanders(1-3)
(COL): QB Germaine - 19/25 183 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 15 carries, 63 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 109 yards, 2 TDs
(SA): QB Bishop - 17/37 190 yards, 1 TD, RB Griffin - 18 carries, 43 yards, WR Merritt - 6 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Woods - 3 catches, 50 yards

XFL Week 5: Bandits Shocked in Mexico City

March 27, 2005

Mexico City, MEXICO - This loss hurt the Tampa Bay Bandits. Literally. The Mexico City Aztecs recorded their first win of the season, easily handling the undefeated Bandits 32-9 before 17,171 fans and the loss hurt more than the blemish to their record, as both starting QB Shaun King(sprained knee) and RB Avon Cobourne(groin) left the game with injuries. "We were out of rhythm all game," said Bandits head coach Steve Spurrier. "Nothing clicked for us offensively, and on defense we put a lot of pressure on their guy but didn't tackle well and never made the big play."

The two teams reversed identities in the first half, with the winless Aztecs playing near-flawless football while the undefeated Bandits appearing out-of-synch and careless. The score was indicative of Tampa Bay's performance, as the Aztecs held a 35-26 lead at halftime. QB Shaun King had a rough evening. He completed 22 of 32 passes for only 199 yards and three interceptions, he overthrew several receivers and loss a crucial fumble on the Aztecs goal line in the second half.

-- (4-0)Bandits 9 - 32 Aztecs(0-4)
(TB): QB King - 18/30 201 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cobourne - 15 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Sam - 6 catches, 69 yards, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 53 yards
(MEX): QB Moreno - 20/35 271 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 20 carries, 152 yards, 2 TDs, WR Nash - 5 catches, 89 yards, WR Soward - 4 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-3)Stars 25 - 17 Express(3-1)
(LA): QB McNown - 20/33 201 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Oxendine - 14 carries, 38 yards, RB Shehee - 14 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 71 yards
(MEM): QB Quinn - 20/30 196 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 18 carries, 75 yards, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 83 yards, WR Simmons - 5 catches, 42 yards

-- (1-3)Mountain Lions 42 - 27 VooDoo(2-2)
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 25/33 299 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB McCoo - 9 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, RB Mu'afala - 6 carries, 60 yards, 2 TDs, WR Mitchell - 5 catches, 86 yards, WR Boone - 5 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Barlow - 4 catches, 91 yards
(NO): QB Davey - 29/40 279 yards, 2 TDs, RB Denson - 19 carries, 56 yards, WR Bellamy - 9 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Culver - 4 catches, 71 yards

-- (1-3)Rage 10 - 35 Mammoths(3-1)
(ORL): QB Hasselbeck - 36/62 270 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Staley - 11 carries, 33 yards, WR Burks - 9 catches, 99 yards, TE Hart - 6 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 12/19 141 yards, 4 TDs, RB Salaam - 14 carries, 38 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 56 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 5: Steel Hang on at Home

March 28, 2005

Birmingham, AL - Birmingham Steel QB Quincy Carter never looked more comfortable than he did against the Chicago Enforcers. Chicago's WR Rashied Davis brought back a kick off 55 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter to give the Enforcers a 7-3 lead but from there, Carter and his offense took control. First he hit WR Freddie Milons in stride for a 21-yard touchdown pass. After DB Izell Reese picked off a pass, Carter hooked up with WR Milons again. This time it was good for four yards and Birmingham led 17-7 at the half. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter and the Steel entered the fourth period holding a 24-14 advantage. The Steel capped off the game with a Carter to WR Stepfret Williams connection. With just two minutes remaining in the game, Carter found him open in the end zone and hit the target for a 23 yard score. The Steel took the game, 31-14.

-- (4-0)Steel 31 - 14 Enforcers(2-2)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 17/26 209 yards, 3 TDs, 13 carries, 83 yards, RB Bostic - 18 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 25/38 200 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 13 carries, 57 yards, WR Martin - 6 catches, 71 yards, WR Davis - 8 catches, 93 yards

-- (3-1)Guardians 25 - 24 Sea Devils(2-2)
(NY): QB Redman - 21/38 360 yards, 3 TDs, RB Aska - 9 carries, 46 yards, WR Dar Dar - 7 catches, 86 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, TE Battaglia - 2 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB Huard - 25/33 270 yards, 1 TD, RB Simonton - 22 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Yeast - 6 catches, 46 yards

XFL Week 5: Valor Mauled in Big-D

March 29, 2005

Dallas, TX - Clint Stoerner fired two touchdown passes to lead the Dallas Desperados to a 27-7 win over the Washington Valor on Monday night. The win lifted Dallas to 1-3 on the season, while the Valor lost their fourth straight game. "We got beat in every aspect of the game tonight, hats off to Dallas," Valor head coach Doug Williams said. "We didn't block anyone, we didn't get stops when we needed them and frankly I wasn't very good at play-calling tonight. We pretty much got what we deserved."

"Maybe we came in with too much confidence, but either way we got our butts kicked," Valor DB Kalvin Pearson said. "We gave up too many big plays on defense and we certainly had trouble protecting our quarterback. When you do that against a good team you are going to get beat."

-- (2-2)Desperados 27 - 7 Valor(2-2)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 16/20 178 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 18 carries, 102 yards, RB Hambrick - 17 carries, 65 yards, WR Jenkins - 7 catches, 66 yards
(DC): QB Ragone - 24/38 199 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Redmond - 12 carries, 24 yards, WR Simon - 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 6: Hamilton’s last-minute pass puts Rage over Guardians

April 3, 2005

Orlando, FL - Orlando QB Joe Hamilton threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to WR Andre King with 20 seconds left Saturday night to give the Orlando Rage a 29-23 victory over the New York Guardians. The touchdown pass, Hamilton’s third of the night, capped a 281-yard passing performance by the Orlando QB. King caught 7 passes from Hamilton for two touchdowns. The victory was the first home win of the year for Rage(2-4), while the road woes continued for New York, dropping them to 1-2 on the road. Orlando had to rely on the passing game after starting RB Luke Staley went out in the third quarter with a bruised shoulder.

The Hamilton to King scoring pass offset New York’s go-ahead touchdown pass from QB Chris Redman to WR Zola Davis with two minutes to play. The score, Redman's third of the night, gave the Guardians a 23-22 lead. The teams exchanged leads throughout the night after Orlando scored on the opening drive. New York led 17-15 at the half as both teams scored easily. Each punted only once in the half and Orlando had the only turnover, a fumble at the Guardians 1-yard line that New York recovered in the end zone, thwarting a Rage scoring drive.

The difference in the first half was the Guardians’ ability to convert their extra points. New York scored on a 25-yard catch by WR Zuriel Smith, who had 78 yards receiving on the night. K John Markham hit a 38-yard field goal for New York in the first quarter. Hamilton's second touchdown pass, a 6-yarder to tight end Terrance Huston, gave Orlando a 22-17 lead, setting the stage for the exchange of scores in the final two minutes.

-- (1-4)Rage 29 - 23 Guardians(4-1)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 26/40 281 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hicks - 14 carries, 88 yards, WR King - 7 catches, 51 yards, 2 TDs, TE Hart - 4 catches, 67 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 12/28 223 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Edwards - 7 carries, 18 yards, WR Davis - 3 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 2 catches, 54 yards, WR Smith - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-3)Enforcers 20 - 9 Express(3-2)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 21/30 242 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 18 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 7 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 6 catches, 66 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 18/28 220 yards, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 88 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 63 yards, WR Simmons - 5 catches, 63 yards

XFL Week 6: Mountain Lions Outlast San Antonio Commanders

April 4, 2005

Sacramento, CA - Mountain Lions WR Freddie Mitchell's 12-yard TD catch with 10:24 remaining in overtime and DB Cory Hall's stop of Commanders RB Quentin Griffin inside the VooDoo 1 with 3:06 left gave Sacramento a 38-32 overtime victory over San Antonio. The first overtime game in the history of the Mountain Lions was a wild affair as San Antonio rallied to tie the game, 32-32 with 22 seconds remaining in regulation on a three-yard scoring run by RB Ontiwaun Carter. In overtime, the Mountain Lions got the ball first and QB JT O'Sullivan drove Sacramento 75 yards in seven plays and scored on Mitchell's touchdown catch. K Bill Gramatica's extra-point attempt hit the right upright as the Mountain Lions led, 38-32.

-- (1-4)Commanders 40 - 29 Mountain Lions(2-3)
(SA): QB Bishop - 20/33 232 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 9 carries, 102 yards, 2 TDs, RB Griffin - 10 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, RB Carter - 10 carries, 86 yards, WR Woods - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 22/33 264 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 16 carries, 23 yards, WR Mitchell - 7 catches, 97 yards, 3 TDs, WR Davis - 5 catches, 102 yards,

-- (1-4)Aztecs 34 - 14 Valor(2-3)
(MEX): QB Moses - 18/31 205 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 13 carries, 128 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 9 catches, 207 yards, 2 TDs
(DC): QB Hill - 20/33 259 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Redmond - 17 carries, 37 yards, WR Simon - 7 catches, 83 yards, WR Gessner - 6 catches, 69 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-3)Sea Devils 23 - 19 Ghosts(2-3)
(SEA): QB Huard - 26/45 280 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 18 carries, 52 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 19/29 174 yards, 1 TD, RB Keaton - 14 carries, 48 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 58 yards

XFL Week 6: Mammoths Exorcise Stars

April 5, 2005

Los Angeles, CA - The Omaha Mammoths used a 21-0 run in the third quarter to roll to a 48-35 road win over the Los Angeles Stars. The third quarter belonged to the Mammoths. Holding on to a four-point lead, Los Angeles looked like it was headed for a touchdown on a 24-yard pass play to WR JJ Stokes but DB Keyuo Craver knocked the ball out of Stokes' hands at the two and recovered the ball. A few play later, Mammoth QB Brad Banks hooked up with WR Troy Bergeron on a 13-yard touchdown to give Omaha a 24-21 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, the Mammoths crossed up Los Angeles with an onside kick and DB Eric Crouch recovered for Omaha. Banks capped off a 58-yard drive with 2-yard touchdown pass to WR Matthew Hatchette and the Mammoths extended the lead to 31-21.

The Mammoths' special teams contributed to the next Omaha score as well. On the ensuing kickoff, the Mammoths stripped WR Kareem Kelly of the ball and the DB Kevin Cobb recovered. RB Rashaan Salaam then scored on a nine-yard run and Omaha had its biggest lead of the night at 38-21. "It feels good. They handled us pretty easily the last few years, so anytime you can go on the road and get a win against a good team, it's huge," Salaam said. "Keyou's play is what really turned things around for us."

"It was a physical game and I thought Los Angeles was trying to intimidate us," Mammoths' head coach Frank Solich said. "We were frustrated early, but I think the main thing is that we never displayed any panic. We were able to go out and get the job done."

-- (4-1)Mammoths 38 - 21 Stars(2-3)
(OMA): QB Banks - 21/35 215 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 18 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 7 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 27/35 224 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Oxendine - 12 carries, 31 yards, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 54 yards

-- (4-1)Bandits 40 - 21 VooDoo(1-4)
(TB): QB King - 20/35 204 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cobourne - 10 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Sam - 7 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
(NO): QB Davey - 24/42 219 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 7 carries, 26 yards, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 41 yards, WR Culver - 6 catches, 102 yards

-- (3-2)Desperados 27 - 7 Steel(5-0)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 20/30 253 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smart - 12 carries, 52 yards, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 82 yards, WR Jenkins - 6 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD,
(BIRM): QB Carter - 26/34 207 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Williams - 18 carries, 57 yards, WR Williams - 7 catches, 74 yards

Valor Relieve Offensive Coordinator Jay Schroeder

April 8, 2005

Washington, DC - The Washington Valor have relieved offensive coordinator Jay Schroeder of his duties, head coach Doug Williams announced. QBs coach Frank Reich has been promoted to fill the position and will share the play calling duties with Williams. "This is a tough decision," said Williams, "At this point in time our offensive production is not at the level it should be right now and a change needed to be made. We thank Jay for his work here and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

In addition, the Valor have added former AFL QB Scott Semptimphelter and Dean Cokinos as the team's QBs coach and WRs coach. "Scott is a good addition to this team," said Williams, "He is a guy that is very knowledgeable and experienced at the quarterback position, and he has a lot to offer our quarterbacks and our offense."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 7: Dallas Takes Claim of Texas in Blowout

April 9, 2005

Dallas, TX - QB Clint Stoerner threw for a touchdown and ran for another as the Dallas Desperados handed the San Antonio Commanders a thorough beating in the battle of Texas, 31-6 on Friday night. K Brad Palazzo added 29- and 31-yard field goals in the first half and backup RB Troy Hambrick ran 3 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown for the Western Division-leading Desperados at Texas Stadium in front of 31,876.

San Antonio lost QB Michael Bishop possibly for the rest of the regular season on the first play of the second quarter with a separated right shoulder. He was sacked by Dallas LB Darren Hambrick. Bishop completed five of 10 passes for 46 yards before the injury. Chad Hutchinson replaced Bishop, completing 16 of 35 passes for 209 yards and was intercepted four times. He spoiled the shutout by running 3 yards for a touchdown with 10:17 left. Stoerner, who scored from a yard out, completed 27 of 40 passes for 291 yards. Long punt returns by Talman Gardner set up both of the Desperado’s first-quarter scores. Palazzo opened the scoring with a 29-yard field goal, four plays after Gardner’s 51-yard return gave Dallas the ball on San Antonio’s 20-yard line. Stoerner scored on a quarterback sneak three plays after Gardner’s 34-yard return put the ball on the Commanders 12. The Desperados increased its lead to 18-0 on Stoerner’s 6-yard touchdown pass to WR MarTay Jenkins with 3:26 left in the first half after a 57-yard interception return by DB Wendell Davis with 1:05 left in the half.

-- (4-2)Desperados 31 - 6 Commanders(2-4)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 27/40 291 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smart - 13 carries, 62 yards, WR Gardner - 5 catches, 65 yards, WR Jenkins - 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Hutchinson - 16/35 209 yards, 4 INTs, RB Griffin - 18 carries, 55 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 64 yards, WR Woods - 5 catches, 71 yards

XFL Week 7: Mistakes Cost Bandits

April 10, 2005

Chicago, IL - The Bandits turned the ball over three times and committed 10 penalties for 65 yards in a 19-13 loss to the Chicago Enforcers. "It's a good football team," Bandits head coach Steve Spurrier, "You can't turn the ball over, you can't commit stupid penalties, you can't do dumb stuff. And we did."

Despite their sloppy performance, the Bandits trailed 16-13 with a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. But QB Shaun King threw his second interception of the game, giving Chicago the ball back with 5:18 remaining. Three plays after the big turnover, Enforcers QB Jarious Jackson put the game away with a 28-yard touchdown strike to WR Rashied Davis. The Enforcers defense forced Tampa Bay into a fourth-and-13 situation from its own 28-yard line and with King scrambling to avoid a swarm of defenders, his prayer heave hit the turf ending the game. "We pretty much had to go for it," King. "If we punted, it would have given them the ball with the chance to run the clock out and win the game. We didn't want to do that. We'd rather have the ball in our hands."

"We lost as a football team," said Spurrier, visibly disgusted over his club's recurring mental mistakes. "It doesn't matter what 12 (King) does or whatever. We lost as a football team. We didn't make plays when we had the opportunity to make plays. In the XFL it's gonna be a close game. You don't try and do too much, you do your job and let the chips fall where they may. We didn't do our job."

-- (5-1)Bandits 13 - 19 Enforcers(3-3)
(TB): QB King - 17/29 193 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Henry - 11 carries, 20 yards, WR Sam - 6 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 19/24 225 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 13 carries, 14 yards, WR Davis - 4 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 3 catches, 34 yards

-- (5-1)Mammoths 34 - 20 Sea Devils(3-3)
(OMA): QB Banks - 23/34 253 yards, 3 TDs, RB Salaam - 22 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 4 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs
(SEA): QB Huard - 31/42 220 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 24 carries, 71 yards, WR Looker - 8 catches, 74 yards, 2 TDs, WR Yeast - 7 catches, 55 yards

-- (2-4)Stars 30 - 24 Rage(2-4)
(LA): QB McNown - 21/36 218 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Oxendine - 6 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 85 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 20/37 246 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Staley - 14 carries, 36 yards, WR Green - 7 catches, 68 yards, WR King - 4 catches, 73 yards

XFL Week 7: Fourth Quarter Offensive Explosion

April 11, 2005

Washington, DC - A fumbled exchange late in the fourth quarter thwarted the Washington Valor's comeback bid, as the team fell 41-34 to the Birmingham Steel in front of 126,492 fans. Washington QB Shaun Hill hit WR Geroy Simon for a game-tying touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but Birmingham WR Freddie Milons returned the kickoff 89 yards for a score. The Valor drew even again thanks to another Hill-Simon connection on the next possession and Washington's defense followed with an important stop to put the Valor in scoring possession and a chance to take the lead. A fumbled snap gave the ball back to the Steel, however, and Birmingham QB Quincy Carter found WR Stepfret Williams to again give Birmingham the one-score lead. "We played with a lot of energy, I never doubted that," Valor head coach Doug Williams said. "But you have to play smart. You can't give up big plays defensively and then turn around and not make big plays of your own."

"I'm trying not to make a mistake instead of going out there and making a play," Hill said. "I have to play more aggressive."

-- (5-1)Steel 41 - 34 Valor(2-4)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 19/25 225 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 28 carries, 156 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Insley - 5 catches, 77 yards
(DC): QB Hill - 26/39 281 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Avery - 11 carries, 108 yards, WR Simon - 7 catches, 105 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gessner - 5 catches, 91 yards

-- (2-4)Aztecs 27 - 24 Mountain Lions(2-4)
(MEX): QB Moreno - 21/26 184 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 22 carries, 97 yards, 2 TDs, WR Nash - 4 catches, 66 yards, WR McCready - 5 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 28/44 331 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 12 carries, 44 yards, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Boone - 4 catches, 74 yards, WR Davis - 5 catches, 102 yards

XFL Week 7: Bironas wins it!

April 12, 2005

Memphis, TN - Rob Bironas' 35-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining gave the Memphis Express a 26-23 victory over the New York Guardians tonight in a battle royale between two of the top teams in the eastern division. "It feels real good, especially after the guys kind of bailed me out last week," said Bironas, "As a kicker, you want the game to rest on your foot."

"Just a good old fashioned, hard-nosed battle between two top teams that wanted it real bad," said Express head coach Bart Andrus. "Like it usually goes in this great league, it came down to which team executed in the big spots. Our guys keep finding ways to win games."

-- (4-2)Guardians 23 - 26 Express(3-3)
(NY): QB Redman - 17/36 282 yards, 1 TD, RB Aska - 6 carries, 41 yards, WR Dar Dar - 3 catches, 70 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Quinn - 26/40 312 yards, 3 TDs, RB Canidate - 15 carries, 74 yards, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 5 catches, 72 yards, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Mammoths Beat Down Mountain Lions

April 16, 2005

Sacramento, CA - Mammoth RB Rashaan Salaam continued his elite play by rushing for 73 yards and two touchdowns as the Omaha Mammoths posted the complete beatdown, a 49-7 victory over the Sacramento Mountain Lions. Salaam, a former NFL first-round pick, has been among the top players in the league since the inaugural season. He carried 16 times, including touchdown runs of 13 yards in the first quarter and nine in the third period. DB Keyou Craver had a pair of interceptions for Omaha which dealt Mountain Lions it's fifth loss, who had 194 total yards and five turnovers in the game.

Omaha also knocked out Sacramento QB Kevin Daft, who completed 7 of 16 passes for 104 yards before being drilled by DL Cullen Jenkins and leaving with a concussion midway through the second quarter. Casey Bramlet replaced Daft and was 9-of-17 for 56 yards and three interceptions. On the game’s first play from scrimmage, Banks found WR Sean Morey who raced 73 yards for a TD to give the Mammoths a 6-0 lead. The next possession saw Omaha put together a 56-yard drive in seven plays, capped by Salaam’s first score.

-- (2-5)Mountain Lions 7 - 49 Mammoths(6-1)
(SAC): QB Daft - 7/16 104 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB McCoo - 18 carries, 26 yards, WR Barlow - 6 catches, 54 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 23/31 231 yards, 3 TDs, RB Salaam - 16 carries, 73 yards, 2 TDs, RB Forsey - 10 carries, 80 yards, WR Hatchette - 6 catches, 60 yards, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 64 yards, WR Morey - 1 catch, 73 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Enforcers Come Back, Holds on Against Express

April 17, 2005

Chicago, IL - It must have been one heck of a halftime speech by Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary. Trailing 14-3 against the Memphis Express, Chicago outscored Memphis 14-3 in the third quarter en route to a nail-biting 27-24 win before 28,110 fans at Soldier Field. Comeback aside, it took a missed 61-yard field goal by Express K Rob Bironas as timed expired to seal the win. "I was disappointed in our execution in the first half," said Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary. "And I let the guys know how I felt. But they played with great emotion and energy in the second half, and I'm real proud of the way they responded."

The Enforcers had a chance to ice the game late in the fourth quarter, but was stopped on four consecutive plays from within the 2-yard line. After RB Ahmaad Galloway was stopped on fourth down by LB Rocky Calmus, the Express took over with 58-seconds remaining. "We needed to contain Tee," said Singletary. "I thought we did a nice job, but he still made some incredibly athletic plays out there." Memphis QB Tee Martin played well, completing 20 of 26 passes for 266 yards and two scores. But he also tossed a crucial, third-quarter interception that turned a potential 24-10 Memphis lead into a subsequent 17-17 tie.

-- (4-3)Express 24 - 27 Enforcers(4-3)
(MEM): QB Martin - 20/26 266 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 12 carries, 65 yards, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 91 yards, WR Minnis - 6 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 21/33 199 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 16 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 5 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD, 6 carries, 65 yards

-- (2-4)Ghosts 17 - 31 Stars(3-4)
(COL): QB Germaine - 31/46 333 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Keaton - 5 carries, 19 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, TE Blakely - 5 catches, 44 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 20/29 284 yards, 2 TDs, RB Oxendine - 8 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 83 yards, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Guardians Corral Desperados

April 18, 2005

Dallas, TX - The Guardians made just enough plays behind ten crucial stops by their defense and earned a 16-10 victory over Dallas on the road. "We won real ugly today," said Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman, whose team overcame two turnovers and a missed field goal with an inspired defensive effort. "We'll take them however we can get them, but we can't win ugly every week. We've got to win, we've got to be on point and take care of our business."

The Guardians stopped Dallas' offense fives times in each half and intercepted QB Clint Stoerner three times. New York also recovered a live kickoff late in the fourth quarter to set up a late touchdown run by RB Robert Edwards. The Desperados cut New York's lead to 16-10 and threatened to score again early in the fourth quarter, but Stoerner's pass was picked off in the end zone by DB Calvin Branch. On the last drive of the game, the Desperados turned the ball over again on RB Carlos King's fumble, sealing the victory for New York.

-- (4-3)Guardians 16 - 10 Desperados(5-2)
(NY): QB Redman - 21/37 292 yards, RB Edwards - 15 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Dar Dar - 7 catches, 66 yards, WR Green - 8 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 21/38 228 yards, 3 INTs, RB Smart - 12 carries, 97 yards, WR Jenkins - 4 catches, 36 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-4)VooDoo 13 - 33 Rage(2-5)
(NO): QB Davey - 22/30 274 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Denson - 13 carries, 36 yards, WR Culver - 4 catches, 125 yards, 1 TD, WR Bellamy - 5 catches, 62 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 22/34 261 yards, 2 TDs, RB Staley - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Green - 4 catches, 74 yards, WR King - 5 catches, 55 yards, 2 TDs

-- (3-4)Aztecs 31 - 34 Steel(6-1)
(MEX): QB Moreno - 26/36 271 yards, 3 TDs, RB Phillips - 22 carries, 93 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 76 yards, 3 TDs, WR Soward - 6 catches, 82 yards
(BIRM): QB Carter - 18/22 278 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 22 carries, 142 yards, WR Williams - 6 catches, 111 yards, WR Insley - 5 catches, 125 yards, 3 TDs

-- (2-5)Valor 38 - 31 Bandits(5-2)
(DC): QB Hill - 26/34 233 yards, 1 TD, RB Redmond - 14 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, RB Avery - 10 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs, WR Baker - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Gessner - 5 catches, 82 yards
(TB): QB King - 31/52 233 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, RB Henry - 18 carries, 88 yards, WR Sam - 9 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Luke - 6 catches, 60 yards

XFL Trade Deadline Brings Burks to Dallas, Bostic to New Orleans and Smith to Orlando

April 21, 2005

Greenwich, CT - The Dallas Desperados made a blockbuster deal with the Orlando Rage and Seattle Sea Devils acquiring WR Dialleo Burks in exchange for veteran LB Otis Floyd and DL Eric England to Seattle, while Orlando received RB Onterrio Smith and WR Craig Yeast. The Birmingham Steel also sent RB James Bostic and WR Quincy Jackson to New Orleans for DBs Waine Bacon and Keyon Nash. The XFL's trade deadline was today at 5 p.m. ET.

"Any time you can add a player of Dialleo's caliber to your team at this point in the season, it is positive move," explained Dallas head coach Jerry Glanville. "Dialleo has been one of the most dominate offensive players in this league for several years and we are very excited for him to be joining us. Having coached against Dialleo, I know the challenges he presents for opposing defenses and he will certainly be a welcome and valuable addition for us."

"The numbers speak for themselves on guys like James and Quincy," said VooDoo head coach Art Shell. "James and Quincy are without a doubt two of the most talented all-around players in this sport and they will bring playoff experience and a very good knowledge of the game to this team."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Express Snake Bitten at Home

April 23, 2005

Memphis, TN - The Express squandered an eight-point lead in the fourth that ended in a 29-24 loss to the Dallas Desperados. In a matchup of two of the XFL’s best teams, Memphis actually outplayed the Desperados for much of the night and had a 24-16 lead with 6:44 remaining after Express QB Jonathon Quinn found WR D'wayne Bates for 59 yards and a touchdown. But behind QB Clint Stoerner, the West-leading Desperados were able to rally. Stoerner found WR Zuriel Smith with a 49-yard touchdown pass, capping a seven-play, 73-yard drive that pulled the Desperados within 24-23 with 2:54 to play. After forcing the Express to go three-and-out, the Desperados moved 56 yards in eight plays for the winning score. A 27-yard interference penalty on DB Nick Ferguson moved the ball to the Memphis 7. Two plays after the penalty, RB Troy Hambrick scored on a one-yard run to give Dallas a 29-24 lead with 26 seconds remaining.

Stoerner finished 28 of 37 for 218 yards with a touchdown. K Brad Palazzo kicked a 26-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to give Dallas a four-point lead before Memphis used some trickery to move back in front. Off a lateral, TE Dustin Lyman found WR D'wayne Bates with a 22-yard TD pass to give the Express an 18-16 lead with 8:26 left.

-- (5-3)Desperados 29 - 24 Express(4-4)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 28/37 218 yards, 1 TD, RB Hambrick - 18 carries, 61 yards, 2 TDs, WR Burks - 9 catches, 67 yards
(MEM): QB Quinn - 31/48 241 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 15 carries, 96 yards, WR Bates - 7 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-5)VooDoo 27 - 37 Aztecs(3-5)
(NO): QB Nall - 27/40 278 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Bostic - 18 carries, 68 yards, WR Bellamy - 5 catches, 69 yards, WR Culver - 7 catches, 66 yards
(MEX): QB Moreno - 13/19 214 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 17 carries, 162 yards, 2 TDs, WR Nash - 6 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 4 catches, 112 yards

-- (7-1)Mammoths 13 - 20 Enforcers(5-3)
(OMA): QB Wynn - 17/25 196 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 25 carries, 93 yards, WR Hatchette - 5 catches, 63 yards, WR Bergeron - 2 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 27/42 236 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 15 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 8 catches, 120 yards, WR Martin - 6 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 9: Sea Devils Wallop Ghosts

April 25, 2005

Seattle, WA - Everything went right for Columbus, at least on the first play of the game. But after returning the game's opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Ghosts were dominated for the remainder of the game as the Seattle Sea Devils recorded a 37-7 win before 33,050 fans. QB Brock Huard had a huge night for the Sea Devils, completing 22 of 30 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Huard, who has brought some consistency to this this team, did not throw and interception and led the Sea Devils to points on their first six possessions. Huard left the game after three quarters and backup QB Akili Smith mopped up. "Whenever you can win by 30 in this league, you know everyone played well," Seattle head coach Rick Neuheisel said. "I thought Brock had his best game of the season. He made great decisions all night, didn't try to force anything and hit the right receivers."

-- (2-5)Ghosts 7 - 37 Sea Devils(3-4)
(COL): QB Germaine - 29/45 209 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Keaton - 10 carries, 10 yards, WR Rambo - 8 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB Huard - 22/30 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 13 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR Ojo - 6 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 56 yards

-- (5-3)Bandits 16 - 26 Guardians(5-3)
(TB): QB King - 19/34 268 yards, 1 TD, RB Henry - 12 carries, 32 yards, WR Sam - 6 catches, 111 yards, WR Doering - 6 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Redman - 20/31 250 yards, 2 TDs, RB Aska - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Dar Dar - 6 catches, 86 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 9: Commanders Crushed In Final Seconds

April 26, 2005

San Antonio, TX - Commanders head coach Mike Riley preaches to his team about playing a complete game rather than just one good half and after leading the Los Angeles Stars by six points at halftime, the Commanders simply couldn't finish. Los Angeles took advantage of a sputtering Commanders offense in the second half, outscoring them by two touchdowns over the final two quarters in a 26-18 victory. "We've had a tendency to play well one game and like horse bleep the next," Stars head coach Al Luginbill added. "Now is the time to put that behind us and get some consistency. We have another huge home game next week."

-- (4-4)Stars 26 - 18 Commanders(2-5)
(LA): QB McNown - 28/42 272 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shehee - 17 carries, 34 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 76 yards, 2 TDs, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 67 yards
(SA): QB Hutchinson - 15/24 185 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Carter - 16 carries, 18 yards, WR Woods - 8 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 79 yards

Three Former XFL Players Taken in NFL Draft

April 27, 2005

New York, NY - The XFL got some free publicity out of the NFL Draft this weekend as three former XFL rookies were drafted in the first five rounds of the draft. Former New York Guardians' WR Mike Williams was drafted #10 overall by the Detroit Lions, while former Columbus Ghosts' RB Maurice Clarett was drafted in the 2nd round by the Denver Broncos and former Guardians' QB Adrian McPherson was drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints. All three players had their XFL highlights played on ESPN when selected, and all three represented the XFL proudly.

"Adrian made one of the most athletic plays I have ever witnessed a quarterback, or any player, make on any level," said New York Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman. "He is one of the most naturally-gifted athletes that I have come in contact with while being associated with the game of football."

"Maurice is a very good player, very quick and a hard guy to wrap up," said Columbus Ghosts general manager Chris Spielman. "That made him a good running back in the XFL and will make him a good one in the NFL, too."