XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 12: Rage Win Dark Game vs Traveling Road Warriors

May 15, 2006

Orlando, FL - In the non-televised game of the week, the Orlando Rage defeated the XFL traveling team, the Road Warriors, 39-6. Rage QB Joe Hamilton was the star of this game, had 2 passing touchdowns, including a 72-yard pass to WR Kevin Swayne, and a 54-yard pass to WR Andre King. King would score again on a touchdown pass from Hamilton in the fourth. Backup RB Luke Staley also scored on a 19-yard run in the third. With 1:59 left in the game, and Orlando leading 39-6, they sealed the game with an Interception in the closing minutes of the game by DB Ifeanyi Ohalete. Road Warriors' QB Craig Nall finished the game 18 of 33 for 137 passing yards and 2 interceptions. Nall’s receivers had 9 drops on the night. Wasn't a pretty game and the league is happy that no one outside of Orlando saw it.

-- (2-8)Road Warriors 6 - 39 Rage(2-8)
(XFL): QB Nall - 18/33 137 yards, 2 INTs, RB Wright - 13 carries, 58 yards, WR Bellamy - 4 catches, 51 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 13/25 268 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smith - 13 carries, 66 yards, 3 catches, 34 yards, WR Swayne - 3 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD, WR Yeast - 4 catches, 81 yards, WR King - 3 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 12: San Antonio Takes Command of Texas

May 16, 2006

Dallas, TX - Desperados QB Clint Stoerner's two-point conversion attempt in overtime was intercepted by Commanders DB William Bartee giving San Antonio a 26-25 win over the Dallas Desperados in front of 24,778 fans. The conversion attempt was set up when Desperados backup QB Rod Rutherford entered the game on third and goal and dove into the end zone for the touchdown, bringing the Desperados to within one point. The game was forced into overtime after Commanders backup QB Chad Hutchinson, who replaced an injured Bishop in the fourth quarter, hit WR Rashaun Woods with a three-yard touchdown pass with just 26 seconds remaining to tie the score at 19-19.

"This is a game tonight that we all thought we should have had," Desperados offensive coordinator Danny White said. "I felt like defensively tonight there was a huge improvement in our pass rush. That was great to see, but frankly our offense let us down."

-- (6-4)Commanders 26 - 25 Desperados(3-7)
(SA): QB Bishop - 24/35 282 yards, 1 TD, RB Griffin - 8 carries, 27 yards, WR Woods - 8 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 54 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 20/27 244 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hambrick - 11 carries, 46 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 3 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-4)Stars 26 - 16 Ghosts(6-5)
(LA): QB McNown - 22/32 202 yards, 2 TDs, RB Croom - 16 carries, 48 yards, 4 catches, 58 yards, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, Copeland - 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 25/37 237 yards, 1 TD, RB Clarett - 8 carries, 26 yards, WR Germany - 3 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD

-- (7-4)Enforcers 27 - 24 Express(4-6)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 21/29 273 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 21 carries, 101 yards, WR Martin - 6 catches, 81 yards, WR Terrell - 3 catches, 65 yards, 2 TDs, WR Streets - 4 catches, 67 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 22/29 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 104 yards, WR McCullough - 6 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Berlin - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 4 catches, 74 yards

XFL Week 12: Omaha Buzzsaw's

May 17, 2006

Omaha, NE - With the game tied at 14-14 at the start of the third quarter the game began to slip away from the Steel. Birmingham's offense suddenly hit the skids, scoring only two first downs on its last six possessions. Meanwhile, the Mammoths showed why they had come into the game as winners of ten of their last twelve, as QB Brad Banks connected on 19 of 25 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns, guiding an efficient attack that scored points on its first nine possessions of the game.

"We ran into a buzz saw tonight," said Steel head coach Gerry DiNardo. "Eric Kresser was under pressure all game and the Mammoths offense was clicking from the start. We had a lot of new guys in the lineup, and while we did some things really well, I think we are going to need some time to click together."

-- (9-2)Mammoths 47 - 14 Steel(6-4)
(OMA): QB Banks - 19/25 238 yards, 3 TDs, RB Diedrick - 12 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 3 catches, 69 yards, WR Bergeron - 7 catches, 99 yards, 2 TDs
(BIRM): QB Kesser - 11/21 138 yards, 1 INT, RB Williams - 32 carries, 114 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 5 catches, 74 yards

-- (6-5)Aztecs 40 - 39 Guardians(7-3)
(MEX): QB Gray - 28/36 411 yards, 4 TDs, RB Jackson - 10 carries, 47 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 104 yards, WR Soward - 6 catches, 113 yards, 2 TDs, WR Wallce - 6 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Redman - 23/33 415 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Jackson - 17 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 14 carries, 71 yards, 2 TDs, WR Green - 8 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 4 catches, 130 yards

-- (7-3)Bandits 36 - 22 Mountain Lions(2-8)
(TB): QB King - 14/24 271 yards, 3 TDs, RB Cobourne - 23 carries, 103 yards, WR Haddad - 3 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD, WR Rubin - 3 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Sam - 3 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 21/37 206 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 18 carries, 89 yards, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 53 yards

XFL Week 12: Valor Bitten by Sea Devils

May 18, 2006

Seattle, WA - The Valor overcame an opening play interception by DB Rashad Bauman on a Shaun Hill pass intended for Geroy Simon, to take a 21-18 halftime lead. Both teams continued exchanged punches through three quarters, only separated by three and four points throughout. The game took a turn on the second play of the fourth quarter when Sea Devils DL Dwayne Missouri sacked Valor QB Shaun Hill jarring the ball loose in the end zone allowing fellow DL Bill Swancutt to jump on the loose ball for a Seattle score, lifting them to a 10-point lead. The Valor rallied back but were not able to close the deficit. The Valor lost the turnover battle, coughing the ball up three times on the day while the Sea Devils did not commit a turnover. On the season the Valor are -12 in turnover margin.

"As a coach, I'm not in panic mode or anything. What I'm trying to do is find a solution. How do we get out of this situation? What are we doing? Again, I feel the defense played reasonably well. We didn't capitalize on all our offensive opportunities," said Washington head coach Doug Williams.

"From day one, the guys made me feel at home," Seattle QB Aaron Garcia said. "Once the game started, I felt pretty comfortable. Coach did a great job of keeping it simple tonight. The guys responded around me and did a great job."

-- (5-5)Valor 31 - 37 Sea Devils(3-7)
(DC): QB Hill - 13/18 166 yards, 1 TD, RB Avery - 22 carries, 120 yards, 2 TDs, WR Simon - 5 catches, 53 yards, WR Gessner - 3 catches, 34 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB Garcia - 29/37 367 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 24 carries, 154 yards, WR Looker - 8 catches, 93 yards, 2 TDs

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 13: Mountain Lions' Comeback Falls Short, Valor Win 45-35

May 22, 2006

Washington, DC - While it was a back-and-forth battle early, the Valor scored 21 straight points in the second quarter to take a commanding lead over the Mountain Lions. Sacramento mounted a comeback scoring 21 consecutive points of their own. But Washington was able to score 10 points in the final period to come away with a 45-35 victory. The game began to turn in the second quarter, ironically after a Sacramento takeaway. With the score tied at 14, LB Joe Odom forced a fumble on DC RB JR Redmond. DL Junior Ioane recovered the loose ball at the home team's 22-yard line, setting up Sacramento with terrific field position. But the Mountain Lions' offense couldn't get anything going. QB JT O'Sullivan threw a pair of incompletions, before completing a six-yard screen pass to WR Shockmain Davis. On 4th-and-4, head coach Dennis Erickson elected to call a fake field goal, with backup QB Kevin Daft taking the ball to the right side. And while it looked to the naked eye as if Daft had reached the line to gain, he was spotted short. From there, Washington ripped off 21 consecutive points to take a commanding 35-14 lead.

-- (2-9)Mountain Lions 35 - 45 Valor(5-6)
(SAC): QB O'Sullivan - 28/41 308 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 16 carries, 60 yards, WR Mitchell - 6 catches, 95 yards, 2 TDs, WR Boone - 4 catches, 68 yards, 2 TDs, WR Edwards - 8 catches, 81 yards
(DC): QB Hill - 24/29 325 yards, 4 TDs, RB Redmond - 12 carries, 70 yards, RB Avery - 16 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 8 catches, 152 yards, 1 TD, WR Watts - 7 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 13: Garcia Providing Leadership in Seattle

May 23, 2006

Seattle, WA - Trailing for much of the game, Seattle drew within a point with five seconds left behind a juggling touchdown catch by WR Dane Looker on a perfectly thrown fade route by QB Aaron Garcia. Faced with the choice of going for the win or settling for a tie and overtime, Seattle head coach Rick Neuheisel went for the two-point conversion and the victory. Garcia came through again, charging into the end zone on a quarterback sweep for the 40-39 victory in front of 30,394 fans. "It was up in the air, but after we met as a staff, we decided to go for it," Neuheisel said. "It turned out to be a great play by Garcia. It was a huge win. It was a home game we had to have. I knew the players would give us everything they had."

"I gave it all I got," Garcia said. "The makeup of our team is to play hard-nosed football. We really pulled together tonight, and it was a great example of what our team is made of."

"They were trying to play us man-to-man, so it's my job to try and beat the man coverage. I just try to get open, and if the quarterback can make a read and find me, then 9 times out of ten it will be a touchdown," said Looker. "We had some good connections and we missed a couple, but we'll continue to work on it."

-- (8-3)Bandits 39 - 40 Sea Devils(4-7)
(TB): QB King - 20/30 323 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Cobourne - 14 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 62 yards, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 69 yards
(SEA): QB Garcia - 29/42 282 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 19 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 12 catches, 149 yards, 2 TDs

-- (6-5)Steel 35 - 13 Express(4-7)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 15/21 177 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 17 carries, 68 yards, WR Lucas - 4 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Insley - 4 catches, 49 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 19/28 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Canidate - 26 carries, 72 yards, WR Berlin - 5 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 5 catches, 59 yards

-- (7-4)Stars 30 - 23 Enforcers(8-4)
(LA): QB McNown - 21/31 241 yards, 3 TDs, RB Croom - 20 carries, 125 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 15/32 175 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 19 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Martin - 5 catches, 43 yards

XFL Week 13: Guardians Soar over Rage

May 24, 2006

New York, NY - A blocked 50-yard field goal returned for a touchdown by DB Randee Drew as the first half expired, gave the Guardians a 20 point lead that was never relinquished. "It was a great way to go in the half," said Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman. "One second they are trying to cut our lead to ten, but then we turn around and extend the thing to 20. That's a big swing."

The teams traded scores to start the second half after Rage QB Joe Hamilton found WR Kevin Swayne on a 18-yard connection while Guardians QB Chris Redman hit Darnerian McCants for his second touchdown pass of the game to put the Guardians up 30-10 with 9:48 left in the third quarter. The Rage countered with a nine-yard score from RB Onterrio Smith to cut it to 30-17. After the score, Orlando recovered an onside kick, giving them a chance to cut the lead to single digits, but the New York defense held tough, forcing them into a four-and-out.

"I give my team credit for responding and fighting back the way they did in the second half," said Rage head coach Jay Gruden. "I don't think it was necessarily a lack of motivation, because we knew what was at stake. What I saw was us feeling our way though that first half. Almost as if we were unsure we should be out there with this team. There was some missed execution. We've got to be able to hit guys when their open. We've also got to be able to protect them at crucial moments. All this started to happen with more consistency in the second half"

-- (7-4)Guardians 33 - 24 Rage(3-8)
(NY): QB Redman - 30/38 347 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 10 carries, 60 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 101 yards, WR McCants - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 19/36 239 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 21 carries, 118 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 73 yards, 2 TDs, WR Yeast - 3 catches, 80 yards

-- (7-4)Commanders 31 - 37 Ghosts(6-6)
(SA): QB Bishop - 21/28 288 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Griffin - 10 carries, 78 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Woods - 5 catches, 81 yards
(COL): QB Germaine - 26/36 266 yards, 1 TD, RB Clarett - 20 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, RB Wells - 13 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Broussard - 9 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 78 yards

-- (2-9)Road Warriors 10 - 17 Desperados(3-8)
(XFL): QB Davey - 12/31 150 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Ferguson - 11 carries, 16 yards, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 56 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Barnes - 14/23 119 yards, 1 TD, RB Smart - 14 carries, 77 yards, RB Hambrick - 17 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 63 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 14: Desperation Heave Intercepted

May 29, 2006

Omaha, NE - Playing in front of a crowd estimated at 31,500 Omaha wasn’t quite as sharp as it has been all season but Omaha survived Friday night despite falling behind 7-0 early and later immediately giving back a touchdown after it had taken a 13-7 lead in the second quarter. Mammoths' QB Brad Banks got the Mammoths out of the hole with an 18-yard pass to TE Jay Tant, then the home team required some magic from WR Herb Haygood. Out of its 411 total yards, 66 came on the Haygood catch and 70 on a 17-play scoring drive to start the second half. The Mammoths held the ball for 10:23 on that 17-play, 70-yard drive to go ahead 20-7 on Bank’s 1-yard QB draw. Enforcers' QB Jarious Jackson then completed 4 of 6 passes for 76 yards on Chicago’s following possession, including the 23-yard touchdown to WR Tai Streets that made the game interesting with 41 seconds left in the third quarter. Jackson led the Enforcers back again after the Haygood touchdown. They pulled within 20-19 when RB Jarrett Payton scored on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1, before the failed PAT. The Enforcers had the football one last time, but Omaha DB Corey Sawyer intercepted a Jackson desperation heave as time expired.

-- (10-2)Mammoths 23 - 19 Enforcers(8-5)
(OMA): QB Banks - 24/37 286 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 21 carries, 52 yards, WR Bergeron - 6 catches, 74 yards, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 27/39 274 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 11 carries, 71 yards, WR Martin - 7 catches, 41 yards, WR Streets - 6 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 14: Long Season Getting Longer for Memphis

May 30, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - Stars QB Cade McNown hit WR JJ Stokes in the back of the end zone for a 12 yard touchdown pass with three seconds left and the Los Angeles Stars went on to beat the Memphis Express 40-21 Sunday night before 19,852 fans. After McNown's touchdown strike the Stars' DL Curtis Eason sacked QB Tee Martin as time expired. The loss was the fifth straight for the Express and left them at 4-9 with one game remaining in a season that keeps getting longer. "It's not a lot of fun losing. The players and the coaching staff have to come together and find a way to win," said Express head coach Doug Plank. "Winning cures all. Right now it's missed opportunities in one game or turnovers and another game it may be bad protection. There's always something that's killing us."

With the score 33-21, the Express got the ball back at their own thirty yard line after a missed field goal by the Stars. On first down QB Tee Martin fired the ball down field for WR Tyrone Calico but DB Marques Anderson was running stride for stride with Calico. Both players had their hands on the ball by Anderson came down with it for the interception at the four. Twelve plays later they cashed it in when McNown hit Stokes for the game sealer. "On that interception that's the only time I've ever under thrown a guy like that. That's a poor throw and you just have to move on," Martin said. "Those interceptions really killed us and that falls on my shoulders."

-- (4-8)Express 21 - 40 Stars(8-4)
(MEM): QB Martin - 21/44 238 yards, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 21 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Berlin - 6 catches, 55 yards, WR Calico - 3 catches, 57 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 20/32 344 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Croom - 12 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 143 yards, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 82 yards, 2 TDs

-- (8-4)Bandits 20 - 28 Ghosts(7-6)
(TB): QB King - 18/27 200 yards, RB Cobourne - 16 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs, 4 catches, 128 yards, WR Rubin - 5 catches, 85 yards,
(COL): QB Germaine - 27/40 201 yards, 1 TD, RB Wells - 15 carries, 61 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 11 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 99 yards

-- (5-7)Sea Devils 34 - 24 Aztecs(7-5)
(SEA): QB Garcia - 31/40 334 yards, 3 TDs, RB Simonton - 14 carries, 144 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 70 yards, WR Morey - 5 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs, WR Looker - 10 catches, 88 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 27/36 326 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 12 carries, 53 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Soward - 5 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 14: Twice the Kicking Drama

May 31, 2006

Orlando, FL - Nothing like having last second drama, twice. Desperados K Brad Palazzo missed a game winning field goal, twice, as time expired and the Orlando Rage held on to beat the Dallas Desperados 26-25 in front of 18,918 fans. With less than a minute to go in the game, Rage running back Onterrio Smith rushed in from 1-yard out on third down to cut the Dallas lead to 25-24. Rather than kick the extra point and tie the game up, the Rage elected to go for two. The move paid off, as Rage QB Joe Hamilton scrambled from pressure and found WR Kevin Swayne in the front corner of the end zone to give the Rage a 26-25 lead with 40 seconds remaining. The Desperados tried to mount a comeback and marched to the 44-yard line with 0:04 left. Palazzo then attempted a 61-yard field goal, but the Rage called timeout right before the snap to ice him. Palazzo missed the first kick wide right. His second attempt missed in almost the identical spot.

-- (4-8)Desperados 25 - 26 Rage(3-9)
(DAL): QB Barnes - 20/37 229 yards, 1 INT, RB Smart - 19 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 107 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 42 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 17/26 189 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 23 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 7 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD

-- (7-5)Steel 40 - 20 Guardians(8-4)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 19/22 270 yards, 4 TDs, 11 carries, 77 yards, RB Williams - 19 carries, 69 yards, WR Lucas - 3 catches, 100 yards, 2 TDs, WR Williams - 6 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs
(NY): QB Redman - 20/31 221 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 14 carries, 39 yards, WR Green - 3 catches, 72 yards, WR Smith - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

-- (7-5)Commanders 24 - 21 Mountain Lions(2-10)
(SA): QB Bishop - 19/31 219 yards, 1 TD, RB Carter - 19 carries, 102 yards, 2 TDs, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 69 yards, WR Woods - 5 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(SAC): QB Bramlet - 28/40 269 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Fuamatu-Ma'afala - 20 carries, 83 yards, WR Mitchell - 7 catches, 83 yards, WR Boone - 5 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 14: Close isn't Good Enough

June 1, 2006

Washington, DC - A strong collective effort by the Valor's defense on Road Warriors' subsequent 4th quarter offensive drives secured the win. With the Road Warriors on the Valor's two yard line with no timeouts and just seconds remaining, LB Wali Rainer made the biggest tackle of the game, hauling down WR Ron Bellamy just before he could reach the goal line. Time expired before another play could be run. "That was one of my biggest plays in Valor history," said Rainer. "This brings us one step closer to the playoffs."

"We didn't play very well tonight, and I am sure a lot of people are doubting if we are good enough to make the playoffs, said Valor QB Shaun Hill. "We will find out a lot about the character of this team as we enter the final week of the season.

"The game was too exciting for my taste," said Valor head coach Doug Williams, who went sprinting down the sideline to celebrate with his team after the game was over. "Every win is special for us. I'm going to get excited about my team."

-- (2-10)Road Warriors 24 - 27 Valor(6-6)
(XFL): QB Nall - 25/39 283 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Denson - 19 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 55 yards
(DC): QB Hill - 16/24 186 yards, 1 TD, RB Avery - 13 carries, 49 yards, 2 TDs, WR Simon - 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

Express Make Coaching Changes

June 2, 2006

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Express announced that they have relieved head coach Doug Plank and general manager Gene Nudo of their duties effective immediately. Offensive coordinator Darren Arbet will take over as Interim Head Coach for the final game of the regular season.

"We want to thank Doug and Gene for all their hard work and dedication that they gave to the Express organization," said owner Frederick Smith. "At this time, we were not getting the results we needed on the field and we had to move in a different direction. We will begin the search for a permanent head coach and general manager when the season is over and we look forward to getting the Express back on track with our goals towards winning an XFL championship."


XFL Week 15: Missed Extra Points Tell the Story

June 4, 2006

Washington, DC - Bandits' K Axel Kruse, who had missed both extra point attempts in this game, redeemed himself by kicking a 36-yard, go-ahead field goal with only 12 seconds left in the game. The field goal put the Bandits up 22-20, and they went on to win by that score. The gield goal was set up after Tampa Bay got the ball back in the fourth quarter, after blocking a 24-yard field goal attempt by Washington’s K Todd France, giving the Bandits the ball back with only 2:51 left in the game. Tampa Bay then got into range with a 49-yard pass from Tampa QB Shaun King to WR Drew Haddad, on third-and-8. Kruse came through with the game on the line, after missing two extra point attempts; he hit the 36-yard field goal for the win. For the Mammoths, France missed one of two of his extra point tries. Tampa drew an estimated 35,000 fans for the game.

-- (7-6)Valor 20 - 22 Bandits(8-5)
(DC): QB Hill - 15/28 250 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Redmond - 8 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD, WR Gessner - 6 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 4 catches, 63 yards, WR Watts - 3 catches, 111 yards
(TB): QB King - 23/36 326 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cobourne - 11 carries, 56 yards, WR Haddad - 2 catches, 77 yards, TE Kinney - 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Sam - 5 catches, 73 yards

XFL Week 15: Guardians Rattled by Aztecs

June 5, 2006

New York, NY - Aztecs QB Quinn Gray completed 25-of-42 attempts for 250 yards and four touchdowns. RB Marlion Jackson was a bright spot offensively grabbing five passes for 69 yards with one touchdown while adding 100 rushing yards and another score. "It was just awesome to get in on this note," said Gray. "We were just really crisp tonight, in every aspect of the game. It was an all-around team victory. We gotta keep this thing going."

Defensively the Aztecs were led by LB Quinton Caver who recorded thirteen tackles, a forced fumble and a sack.

-- (8-5)Guardians 34 - 41 Aztecs(7-6)
(NY): QB Redman - 18/27 339 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 8 carries, 17 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 19 carries, 156 yards, WR Green - 3 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 6 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Gray - 25/42 250 yards, 4 TDs, RB Jackson - 13 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 7 catches, 121 yards, TE Fulcher - 4 catches, 26 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-11)Road Warriors 23 - 17 Express(4-9)
(XFL): QB Nall - 25/37 243 yards, 2 INTs, RB Ferguson - 23 carries, 101 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bellamy - 6 catches, 107 yards
(MEM): QB Graziani - 18/34 159 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 12 carries, 58 yards, WR Berlin - 4 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 4 catches, 77 yards

XFL Week 15: Seattle Finishes Season on High Note

June 6, 2006

Sacramento, CA - Seattle finished their season on a high note, jumping out to an 18-point halftime lead and never trailing in a 37-28 victory over Sacramento in front of 30,178 fans. "We are excited about how we finished our season," Seattle head coach Rick Neuheisel said. "Our guys were really locked in on this game. It was a must win."

The Sea Devils rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns against the Mountain Lions, and dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Seattle's offense scored on every possession in the first half. A strong Seattle pass rush and tight coverage in the secondary limited Sacramento QB Kevin Daft to only nine completions on 20 attempts in the game. Seattle seized complete control in the first 30 minutes with its best defensive performance of the season, surrendering only six points. The Sea Devils shut down the Mountain Lions offense in the first half, and Seattle LB Zeke Moreno blocked a field goal attempt. The Sea Devils made four possession stops in the first half behind several timely breakups by the secondary.

Seattle brought in WR Dane Looker as a running threat on the goal line and Looker didn't disappoint, scoring two touchdowns on the ground. "We talked about doing this two weeks ago with Dane," Neuheisel said. "It really worked out for us today. We didn't miss a beat by putting him in."

-- (2-11)Mountain Lions 28 - 37 Sea Devils(6-7)
(SAC): QB Daft - 9/20 128 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB McCoo - 22 carries, 55 yards, WR Edwards - 6 catches, 104 yards
(SEA): QB Garcia - 20/27 259 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 15 carries, 107 yards, 2 TDs, RB Robertson - 14 carries, 87 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD, 2 carries, 9 yards, 2 TDs, TE Ricks - 4 catches, 65 yards, 2 TDs, WR Morey - 6 catches, 103 yards

-- (4-9)Desperados 13 - 30 Steel(8-5)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 18/32 212 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hambrick - 18 carries, 35 yards, WR Sippio - 7 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 4 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Carter - 28/33 254 yards, 2 TDs, 12 carries, 59 yards, RB Williams - 23 carries, 99 yards, WR Williams - 10 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 76 yards, WR Insley - 4 catches, 55 yards

-- (11-2)Mammoths 31 - 13 Rage(4-9)
(OMA): QB Druckenmiller - 15/29 272 yards, RB Salaam - 22 carries, 44 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bergeron - 3 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 2 catches, 34 yards, 2 TDs, WR Haygood - 2 catches, 73 yards
(ORL): QB Palmer - 11/33 140 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs, RB Smith - 12 carries, 65 yards, 3 catches, 49 yards, WR King - 2 catches, 62 yards, WR Swayne - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 15: Resilient Commanders Rebound for Big Win

June 7, 2006

San Antonio, TX - Deep into the fourth quarter, the San Antonio Commanders found themselves behind by a point in a game in which they had led most of the way. After dominating the Los Angeles Stars throughout the first half, all the good fortune of their hard work had been erased and now it was do-or-die time. Capitalizing on an overaggressive Stars defense that committed one penalty after another during this series, Commanders QB Michael Bishop connected with WR Rashaun Woods for the crucial touchdown. However, having been behind by a point meant San Antonio had to go for the two point conversion. Once again Bishop found just enough grit and determination to find one of his receivers, this time WR Ahmad Merritt, alone in the end zone for the necessary two points. When the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Commanders held on for an exciting 35-28 victory. The stadium of 32,063 fans had witnessed another nail-biting performance from Coach Mike Riley's never-say-die men. Fortunately for the Commanders, the officiating was rock solid when it mattered the most.

"I'm glad they officiated a fair game," said a relieved Riley. "I'm really not counting on those calls, though. Our guys have to find a way to get loose. Our motto is no excuses. If the defender is holding, they've got to get off. I'm never going to count on a call, but I'm glad the officials had to guts to make them when they did."

"What it comes down to a lot of times is pride. I don't like losing regardless of what our record is," said Stars QB Cade Mcnown. "Some times you get the feeling that the breaks aren't going our way or the refs aren't calling a great game but it's the kind of thing you make your own breaks. We're not getting clobbered out here and we're competing every week."

-- (9-4)Stars 28 - 35 Commanders(8-5)
(LA): QB McNown - 28/40 258 yards, 2 TDs, RB Croom - 19 carries, 65 yards, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 50 yards, 2 TDs, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 67 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 20/39 293 yards, 3 TDs, RB Griffin - 9 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD, WR Woods - 4 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, WR Merritt - 6 catches, 79 yards

XFL 2006 League Leaders Finalized

June 8, 2006

Greenwich, CT - These are the regular season stat leaders for the 2006 XFL season.

Top 10 Passing Leaders:
1. Shaun King(TB) - 3590 yards, 27 TDs, 9 INTs
2. Quinn Gray(MEX) - 3417 yards, 26 TDs, 8 INTs
3. Chris Redman(NY) - 3285 yards, 25 TDs, 5 INTs
4. Michael Bishop(SA) - 3209 yards, 25 TDs, 6 INTs
5. Shaun Hill(DC) - 3087 yards, 26 TDs, 9 INTs
6. Cade McNown(LA) - 2957 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs
7. Brad Banks(OMA) - 2860 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
8. Clint Stoerner(DAL) - 2805 yards, 19 TDs, 7 INTS
9. JT O'Sullivan(SAC) - 2579 yards, 19 TDs, 13 INTs
10. Rohan Davey(XFL) - 2176 yards, 14 TDs, 7 INTs

Top 10 Rushing Leaders:
1. Trung Canidate(MEM) - 1368 yards, 5 TDs
2. Ken Simonton(SEA) - 1120 yards, 7 TDs
3. Onterrio Smith(ORL) - 1050 yards. 3 TDs
4. Avon Cobourne(TB) - 1037 yards, 9 TDs
5. Maurice Clarett(COL) - 1003 yards, 5 TDs
6. Ahmaad Galloway(CHI) - 897 yards, 6 TDs
7. Marlion Jackson(MEX) - 783 yards, 7 TDs
8. John Avery(DC) - 753 yards, 2 TDs
9. Shaud Williams(BIRM) - 736 yards, 5 TDs
10. Larry Croom(LA) - 714 yards, 3 TDs

Top 14 Receiving Leaders:
1. Marcus Nash(MEX) - 1450 yards, 9 TDs
2. Dane Looker(SEA) - 1245 yards, 13 TDs
3. Ruvell Martin(CHI) - 1239 yards, 6 TDs
4. Jeremaine Copeland(LA) - 1152 yards, 6 TDs
5. Yatil Green(NY) - 1141 yards, 7 TDs
6. Rashaun Woods(SA) - 1108 yards, 10 TDs
7. Chad Lucas(BIRM) - 1098 yards, 8 TDs
8. Geroy Simon(DC) - 1086 yards, 8 TDs
9. Troy Bergeron(OMA) - 1079 yards, 9 TDs
10. Freddie Mitchell(SAC) - 1033 yards, 9 TDs
11. Bobby Sippio(DAL) - 1016 yards, 7 TDs
12. Ron Bellamy(XFL) - 969 yards, 8 TDs
13. Ken Yon Rambo(COL) - 926 yards, 9 TDs
14. Kevin Swayne(ORL) - 907 yards, 9 TDs

[BengalErnst]

XFL Quarter-Final: Williams Leads Way for Steel

June 11, 2006

Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Steel finally found some room to run, just enough to help them move forward in the playoffs. RB Shaud Williams ran for 84 yards and a touchdown in his return from an ankle injury and the Steel found the end zone and the win column against the Columbus Ghosts. “That’s what good teams have to do," Steel coach Gerry DiNardo said. "We felt good about it, about the run game, regardless of what statistics and situations say. Whatever. We kept chipping away. Obviously, having Williams back adds an element. He’s a warrior. He’s a big, physical presence that can do a lot for us. And that’s clear. Good to have him back there.”

“That just shows you if we put our mind to it, we can’t be stopped,” said QB Quincy Carter. “We’ve just got to keep building that confidence each and every week. He was just taking the hole that was open. He did a good job finding those holes and making the best of them.”

-- (9-5)Steel 28 - 21 Ghosts(8-6)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 18/34 253 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 12 carries, 84 yards, RB Williams - 19 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 4 catches, 112 yards, WR Lucas - 6 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 29/40 257 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clarett - 6 carries, 29 yards, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD

XFL Quarter-Final: Commanders Turn for Hibernation

June 11, 2006

Omaha, NE - The Mammoths defense pressured San Antonio QB Michael Bishop all afternoon, sacking him four times, intercepting him twice and forcing the Commanders to settle for four red zone field goals as it built a 20-12 lead at the end of the third quarter. But it was at the end of the third quarter when the Mammoths finally began to put the game away. After San Antonio cut the lead to 20-18 on a Bishop to WR Darrin Chiaverini 12-yard touchdown pass, the Mammoths scored on back-to-back possessions sandwiched around a DB Eric Crouch interception to take the game 30-18. "We beat a good football team today," said Mammoths head coach Frank Solich. "But we are a good football team too, and we are playing very well right now. We are relatively healthy, our defense is as sound as it has been all season and Brad Banks continues to do the job under center."

"This is a playoff tested team," said Mammoths DL Cullen Jenkins, who had two sacks in the win. "Coach Solich knows how to prepare a team for the postseason and we have shown that we have the talent to compete with anybody."

-- (9-5)Commanders 18 - 30 Mammoths(12-2)
(SA): QB Bishop - 22/35 286 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Griffin - 14 carries, 41 yards, WR Woods - 7 catches, 72 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 25/36 278 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 23 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 14 catches, 151 yards, 1 TD, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD

-- (8-6)Aztecs 23 - 20 Stars(9-5)
(MEX): QB Gray - 32/42 370 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jackson - 16 carries, 53 yards, WR Nash - 11 catches, 147 yards, 2 TDs, WR Soward - 7 catches, 110 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 13/24 138 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Croom - 25 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 4 catches, 60 yards

XFL Quarter-Final: One Big Swing

June 12, 2006

Tampa, FL - Tampa began the second half with a QB Shaun King to WR PK Sam connection of 41 yards to give the Bandits the 21-11 lead. The Guardians ensuing drive finished when RB Joe Aska fumbled at the goal line to give the ball to the Bandits, but the New York defense sacked Redman for a safety on the first play to make the score 21-13 halfway through the third quarter. That was when the momentum shifted to the road team. QB Chris Redman then found WR Zuriel Smith at the 1:20 mark in the third to draw the Guardians closer at 21-20. "It was a nine-point swing," King said. "It was too much for us to overcome."

Tampa added a 22-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24-20. Guardians regained the lead when Redman hit Smith again with 5:14 remaining in the fourth quarter. With a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter, New York's defense forced the Bandits into a third-and-nine at their own 33-yard line. As King rolled out to his right, New York DL Delbert Cowsette broke through the line to wrestle King down at the Bandits twenty five yard line. After the sack, New York forced a turnover on downs when King's fourth-down pass fell incomplete. The stop ended the Bandits' season.

-- (8-6)Guardians 27 - 24 Bandits(9-5)
(NY): QB Redman - 23/40 320 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 13 carries, 56 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 5 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs
(TB): QB King - 18/36 281 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Goodman - 15 carries, 48 yards, WR Rubin - 4 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Sam - 4 catches, 85 yards, 2 TDs

Mexico City LB Quincy Monk Fined and Suspended for Semi-Final

June 14, 2006

Greenwich, CT - Mexico City Aztecs LB Quincy Monk was suspended for one game and fined $1000 for conduct detrimental to the league for a malicious act against a Los Angeles Stars player in this past weekend's Quarter-Final playoff game. The suspension will take effect for this Sunday's Western Conference Championship game between Mexico City and the Omaha Mammoths.

With seven seconds remaining in the second quarter, Monk was defending Stars TE Tremayne Allen, who caught a touchdown pass. Monk proceeded to grab Allen's facemask and twisted it until the entire helmet came off Allen 's head. The conduct was deemed detrimental to the interests of the league and was in direct conflict with the values expressed in the XFL's Mission Statement.

Omaha Mammoths and Frank Solich Agree to Contract Extension

June 15, 2006

Omaha, NE - The Omaha Mammoths and head coach Frank Solich agreed to a contract extension that will ensure that Solich is under contract for the 2007 and 2008 XFL seasons. "I am very excited personally and for the organization to have Frank back to lead the players that are still under contract," said Mammoths general manager Steve Ortmayer. "His contract extension will allow us to build on the success we've had. He's a classy individual with a great football mind. He is one of the sharpest coaches in the XFL and he knows what it takes to win in this game."

"I am very happy that the organization and this city have shown that much faith in me through the past two seasons and for the future," said Solich. "This has been, and continues to be a great organization to work for, with talented people to work with. I look forward to having great success for the next several years in Omaha."


XFL Semi-Final: Who needs 30 points to win? Not your New York Guardians

June 18, 2006

New York, NY - Who needs 30 points to win? Not your New York Guardians. Which was no doubt a surprise. A shootout was actually expected in this one as each team came into the matchup boasting high-powered offenses. Even worse, the New York defense had been shaken with news throughout the week that both starting defensive ends, Delbert Cowsette and Gabe Nyenhuis, as well as starting DB Calvin Branch would all be out of the lineup. But give the Guardians' defense some credit. Although helped by 12 Birmingham penalties, New York's bend-but-don't-break unit did enough to give QB Chris Redman and the offense a chance to pull out the win. The defense allowed 358 yards of offense, but the Steel reached the end zone on only one of four trips into the red zone and that was good enough for the Guardians' offense, which scored on two of three red zone trips, converted 60 percent of its third down chances and totaled 419 yards of offense. And that's exactly what they were able to do, K John Markham splitting the uprights from 56 yards away as the clock hit zeroes to give the Guardians the improbable win.

-- (10-5)Steel 17 - 20 Guardians(9-6)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 23/39 211 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Williams - 14 carries, 88 yards, RB Keaton - 10 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 77 yards, WR Lucas - 5 catches, 59 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 21/32 240 yards, RB Jackson - 16 carries, 90 yards, WR Green - 4 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, TE Hardy - 4 catches, 54 yards

XFL Semi-Final: Omaha Survives at Home

June 19, 2006

Omaha, NE - Trailing 22-19 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Mammoths opened the final period by moving 42 yards for a touchdown to take a 25-22 lead on a WR Troy Bergeron three-yard touchdown reception with 12:09 remaining in the game. Next, the Mammoths defense made one of its biggest stands of the season when it held Mexico City on downs to get the offense the ball back at midfield with 6:25 to play in the game. The key plays in the series came on third and fourth downs, when DBs Eric Crouch and Keyou Craver broke up passes to stop the Aztecs drive. It took the Mammoths offense just four plays and 97 seconds to capitalize as QB Brad Banks again found Bergeron again with a 17-yarder for a touchdown to give the Mammoths a 32-22 lead with 4:48 to play.

But the Aztecs would not go away, as QB Quinn Gray found Kevin McKenzie behind the defense for a 40-yard touchdown strike with 2:18 to play, narrowing the lead to 32-29. Omaha recovered an onside kick and ran the clock out. "I am so proud of this team," said Aztecs head coach Bruce Coslet. "Nobody gave us a chance at the middle of the season, but we re-grouped and started playing like the talented football team I knew we were.

-- (9-6)Aztecs 19 - 27 Mammoths(13-2)
(MEX): QB Gray - 17/28 255 yards, 1 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jackson - 7 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 6 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/29 271 yards, 3 TDs, RB Salaam - 21 carries, 46 yards, WR Bergeron - 8 catches, 93 yards, 3 TDs, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 99 yards

XFL Names 2006 All-League Team

June 23, 2006

Greenwich, CT - The league wanted to honor the most standout players from the 2006 regular season. There are no restrictions to this list, this is just the list of the best players in the league voted on by all coaches, general managers and media outlets.

The 2006 All-XFL Team:
QB Chris Redman New York, RB Trung Canidate Memphis, RB Ken Simonton Seattle, WR Marcus Nash Mexico City, WR Dane Looker Seattle, WR Ruvell Martin Chicago, TE Mikhael Ricks Seattle, OL Dan Goodspeed Orlando, OL Aaron Gibson Omaha, OL DeMingo Graham Columbus, OL Mike Mabry New York, OL Marques Sullivan Mexico City, DL Cullen Jenkins Omaha, DL Aubrayo Franklin Memphis, DL Israel Idonije Chicago, DL Bill Swancutt Seattle, LB James Harrison Columbus, LB Raheem Orr New York, LB Quinton Caver Mexico City, DB Ifeanyi Ohalete Orlando, DB Kris Richard Seattle, DB JoJuan Armour Chicago, DB Lance Frazier San Antonio, P BJ Sander Columbus and K Clay Rush Los Angeles


XFL Million Dollar Game: Mammoths Go Back to Back

June 26, 2006

Omaha, NE - The game got off to a fast start as Omaha DB Eric Crouch, on the opening kickoff, stripped the ball from New York's Zola Davis arms. After the ball came out, LB Raynoch Thompson returned the ball 25 yards for a touchdown. However, the Guardians would respond to the challenge, by having an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended with WR Sean Morey running 16 yards on a reverse play for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Guardians' QB Chris Redman would develop a 6-play, 30-yard drive that concluded with a two-yard touchdown pass to WR Kirby Dar Dar. For the first time in the game, the Guardians led the Mammoths, but the Mammoths refused to enter halftime trailing. Mammoth QB Brad Banks would lead two successful drives, late in the half. First, a two-play, 39-yard would set up a six-yard pass to eventual MVP WR Matthew Hatchette. Then, a three-play, 15-yard drive would set the stage for a 16-yard pass to Hatchette, but the two-point try failed. Still, the Mammoths regained their lead, being ahead 19–14 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Mammoths increased their lead by adding a 46-yard field goal to their score. However, the Guardians would respond with a four-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a 32-yard pass to Dar Dar, but failed on the two-point conversion. The Mammoths would respond with a 71-yard touchdown pass from Banks to Hatchette. In the fourth quarter, the Mammoths would get three points on a 50-yard field goal by K Ola Kimrin. With the Guardians now down 38–23, they needed points and they needed them fast. They would manage a seven-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a five-yard pass from Redman to TE Marcus Hinton. After the Guardians managed to get the ball back, they had less than a minute to get a touchdown and a two point conversion. Some quick passes helped New York get past midfield, but when the Guardians reached a fourth and short situation, the mood throughout TD Ameritrade Park was tension. When the ball was snapped, the hand-off to RB Curtis Alexander was fumbled and Redman managed to recover the ball but was stopped short of the first down.

-- (10-6)Guardians 30 - 38 Mammoths(14-2)
(NY): QB Redman - 27/43 430 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Alexander - 7 carries, 29 yards, WR Dar Dar - 7 catches, 134 yards, 2 TDs, TE Hinton - 9 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Banks - 28/32 387 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 26 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Hatchette - 9 catches, 188 yards, 3 TDs, WR Haygood - 4 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD

CFL Snags Miami Dolphins' RB Ricky Williams in Open Free Agency

June 28, 2006

Greenwich, CT - Miami Dolphins' RB Ricky Williams has a new home in the CFL. Suspended for the 2006 season by the NFL after a fourth violation of the league's drug policy, Williams signed a $440,000, one-year contract Sunday with the CFL Toronto Argonauts -- a deal making him the highest-paid running back in the Canadian league. That was a contract the XFL couldn't compete with due to their player pay structure. Williams wasn't the only player the CFL negotiated for either. The Montreal Alouettes signed former Cincinnati Bengals' WR Peter Warrick to a huge deal while also stealing a few XFL players with the allure of more playing time or more salary.

New York Guardians QB Chris Redman Wins Most Valuable

June 30, 2006

Greenwich, CT -

"This is a great honor and I want to thank all the coaches and the guys on the team for being patient with me, which allowed me to achieve this award," Cumbie said. "I'm really looking forward to next season. With the way we finished this season with two wins, it gave us a taste of how well we can play as a team and gives us the momentum we need to work toward having a strong 2007."

Chicago Rush lineman Khreem Smith was named to the Arena Football League's All-Rookie team, the AFL announced today.

"We are excited for Khreem," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "He has worked hard all season and it is good to see his efforts being recognized. He has been a big part of our turnaround at the end of the season."

[BengalErnst]

Year Six Financial Report Released

July 1, 2006

Greenwich, CT - The attendance numbers went up slightly to an average of 28.3k per game, with Omaha, Columbus, San Antonio and Orlando at the top and Chicago, Sacramento and New York at the bottom.

The report states that the league is 17.7% owned by Alpha Entertainment LLC(McMahon), 17.7% Legendary Field Exhibitions LLC(Ebersol), 17.7% 2929 Sports & Entertainment LLC(Cuban), 3.1% Dallas Football LLC(Jones), 3.1% Kroenke Sports & Entertainment LLC(Walton Kroenke), 3.1% Trifecta Sports Entertainment LLC(Hearst III), 3.1% Speros Ventures LLC(Speros), 3.1% Benson Sports LLC(Benson), 3.1% Maloof Sports LLC(Maloof), 3.1% FedEx Express Sports LLC(Smith), 3.1% Williams Corporation Sports LLC(Williams), 3.1% Wirtz Sports Corporation LLC(Wirtz), 3.1% Foundation Ohio Sports LLC(Renacci), 3.1% Seattle SuperSports LLC(Schultz), 3.1% Monumental Sports & Entertainment LLC(Leonsis), 3.1% Sunburst Sports & Entertainment LLC (Sternberg), 3.1% TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC(Moglia) and 3.1% United Mountain Lions Sports LLC(Hernreich).

Expenditures totaled $163.5M for the 2006 season. Costs consisted of $57.6M from player contracts, $12.9M for Player Bonuses, $48M in front office/coaching contracts, $3M on league staff contracts, $5M loan to Gleiberman Sports & Entertainment LLC(Gleiberman), $15M in stadium leases, $17M in traveling expenses, and $5M on insurance.

The league did receive $24M from TV contracts, $5.3M from each of the fifteen returning owners, $80.2M in ticket sales, $16M in merchandise and $4M in sponsorships totaling $203.7M.

The league ended the 2006 season $40.2M in surplus. The league will continue to operate under a hybrid franchise model, as each franchise is individually ran and operated, but all profits and costs are still league orientated.

Al Luginbill Retires from Coaching

July 7, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Stars announced that the only coach in the history of the Los Angeles Stars, Al Luginbill, has decided to call it a career. "It is with great regret that I leave the Los Angeles Stars organization. I am appreciative of the opportunity to build this franchise. I am proud of the football team that we have built here." said Luginbill. "This is a team with high character men who are excellent football players and are winners. I wish the team and the organization the best next year. With another good off-season this team has the foundation to be highly successful".

"We appreciate Coach Lug's work with this team over the past five seasons. He did a great job building this team and we wish him well in his future endeavors," said Stars minority owner and general manager John Elway. "We are excited about the core group of players that we have and we look forward to building on the momentum we established as an organization this season."

Bruce Coslet Resigns As Aztecs Coach

July 10, 2006

Mexico City, MEXICO - The Mexico City Aztecs announced that they have accepted the resignation of head coach Bruce Coslet. Coslet informed club officials that he intended to resign. "I have decided that it is in the best interest of the Aztecs and my family to step down as head coach, said Coslet.

"We wish Bruce the best as he works through these issues. Bruce's well being is first and foremost with his friends and colleagues at the Aztecs organization," said Aztecs general manager Bob Ackles, who added that the Aztecs will name a replacement soon. "We have several options that are being explored and we will make an announcement as soon as a final decision has been reached."

Express Introduces Head Coach Butch Davis

July 11, 2006

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Express introduced Butch Davis as the team's new head coach. Davis joins the Express after spending the last few seasons coaching the Cleveland Browns. "We are extremely thrilled to be able to hire a coach of Butch Davis' caliber," said Express owner Frederick Smith. "He's got tremendous experience in this game and with professional football. He has the track record of a winner."

Davis brought former Browns' WRs coach Terry Robiskie with him to be the offensive coordinator, while hiring former Seattle Sea Devils defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman for the same position and Tillman Engle as the new general manager. Arthur Smith, son of owner Frederick Smith, and Ron James would also be joining the staff as the TEs and DL coaches. "Ron is a great addition to the staff," said Smith. "He is known as one of the best teachers in the game and he will help us on the line as we look to improve for 2007."

XFL Players Association(XFLPA) Formed

July 12, 2006

Greenwich, CT - The players have formed a new worker's union called the "XFL Players Association" (XFLPA) with the plans to negotiate a new salary structure for the league for the 2007 season. The 2007 season's salary cap has been set for $4M, which doesn't include win bonuses, player health and insurance coverage and player housing allowance. The XFLPA is aiming to end "price-fixed salaries" which would give the players the opportunity to negotiate their own contracts and the owners would not be able to lower the cap until the next agreement expires.

Los Angeles Stars Name Rick Neuheisel Head Coach

July 15, 2006

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Stars named Seattle Sea Devils head coach Rick Neuheisel as their new head coach. He signed a five-year contract with the team, through the 2011 season. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed per team policy. "I am very excited to have this opportunity and I look forward to becoming an active member of the community as we build a team that this region is proud of both on and off the field," said Neuheisel.

Joining Neuheisel in Los Angeles will be Sea Devils' RBs coach Eric Bienemy who will be taking over as the new offensive coordinator. Neuheisel retained Bob Valesente as the defensive coordinator along with Scott Milanovich and Jeff Ogden as the QBs and WRs coaches. Former Stars RB Ken Oxendine will also be joining the staff as the new RBs coach. "We feel Rick can lead our Stars to the title," said Stars minority owner and general manager John Elway. "He's coming off a pretty impressive season with Seattle and we think Los Angeles will be a great fit for him."

Stars' previous offensive coordinator Wes Chandler stepped down from his position after being passed over for the promotion.

Seattle Sea Devils are on the Move

July 18, 2006

Seattle, WA - The XFL has approved the sale and relocation of the Seattle Sea Devils from Howard Schultz and the Seattle SuperSports LLC to Clay Bennett and the Professional OKC Sports Club LLC, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck announced today. The Seattle SuperSports LLC also sold the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics, the WNBA's Seattle Storm, alongside the Sea Devils for a combined $350 million to Bennett with the intentions of moving all three teams to Oklahoma City. The Storm and Sea Devils for the 2007 season, and the SuperSonics for the 2008 season. Bennett said that his primary focus was the SuperSonics, but that he would have a president and vice president hired shortly for the Sea Devils and that their team would be ready to grow the team into a winner.

"This is an important step for the emerging league of the XFL, making another footprint in a big-time major league sports city," Luck said. "Oklahoma City is a terrific fit for XFL football, supported by first class ownership and marketing partnerships, as well as one of the nation's premier professional sports facilities."

"We're very excited about bringing another professional sports team to Oklahoma City," Bennett said. "The addition of the XFL is yet another example of our ability to remake the sports and entertainment landscape in Oklahoma City. In less than a year we will have added three teams and they all benefit the city."

Jim Tomsula named Head Coach of Aztecs

July 26, 2006

Mexico City, MEXICO - Jim Tomsula, one of the most successful position coaches in NFL Europe League history, has been named as the new head coach of the Mexico City Aztecs. Tomsula, who has spent the last few seasons as defensive coordinator of the New York Guardians and Omaha Mammoths, takes over for Bruce Coslet who decided to retire following the 2005 campaign. Known for his passion on the sidelines and the quality of the defensive units he has produced, Tomsula said: "This is a great opportunity and I can't wait to get started. The Aztecs is one of the flagship teams in the league and to have the chance to coach the team in front of the great fans in Mexico City is very exciting. It has been a few years since the Aztecs(Outlaws) have competed for a championship, so they are due for some success. The fans there deserve it and I, along with my staff and the players, will be working very hard to achieve it."

"Jim has a great track record of success in this league and has earned the opportunity to step up to the position of head coach. He is an outstanding teacher and he has had a great rapport with the fans wherever he has coached. I am sure the Mexico City fans will enjoy having Jim as part of their organization and community," said Aztecs' owner Gavin Maloof.

In related news, the Omaha Mammoths have promoted DBs coach Scott Frost to the vacant defensive coordinator position and hired former player, Corey Chamblin as their new DBs coach.


Sacramento Mountain Lions Eye Move to Salt Lake City

August 4, 2006

Sacramento, CA - The XFL is strongly considering moving its Sacramento franchise to Salt Lake City, Utah, where it would play its games at Rice–Eccles Stadium, the Sacramento Bee reported Tuesday. Commissioner Oliver Luck said the league planned on making an announcement next week when the deal is expected to be finalized. There also will be an addition of two local, Salt Lake City minority owners joining the United Mountain Lions Sports LLC. The Mountain Lions were towards the bottom of the league in attendance last season while averaging 21,456.

"Can Salt Lake support this league? Absolutely," owner Robert Hernreich said, adding that the team should bring more than $10 million to the area as well as provide jobs and entertainment. "We know Salt Lake City is a great sports town," he said. "I’m a great believer in Salt Lake and the area, it has the fan base that you want. You come to a town like this, and you bring people who enjoy football," said Hernreich, who expects the team to improve from last year’s 2-12 record. "People do want to see pro football in Salt Lake City. The uniqueness of coming to this city means a lot to me," he said. "It's an incredible sports city."

XFL Loses Ten Young Talents to the NFL

August 7, 2006

Greenwich, CT - New York Guardians OL Mike Mabry signed with the Cleveland Browns. "We are always pleased to see one of our players get another shot in the NFL," head coach Rusty Tillman, "We wish him the best of luck." Mexico City Aztecs RB Marlion Jackson agreed to a contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Orlando Rage DB Javarus Dudley signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago Enforcers WR Carlton Brewster, OL Tupe Peko and DL Khreem Smith signed with the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. Birmingham Steel DB Jerald Brown also signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. San Antonio Commanders standout DB Derrick Lewis has signed a contract with the Houston Texans. "Our organization is extremely proud of Derrick and how he has handled himself as a player and as a representative of the Commanders," said head coach Mike Riley. "He established himself as a premiere XFL player and while we will continue to plan for Derrick being in a Commanders uniform, we wish him the best as he pursues this NFL opportunity."

Seattle Sea Devils DB DaShane Dennis has signed a contract with the NFL's Carolina Panthers. "Right now I don't feel like any of it is real. It hasn't hit me yet," said Dennis. "I want to thank everyone with the Sea Devils for their role in helping make this happen for me." Guardians DL Delbert Cowsette has signed a contract with the Chicago Bears. "The XFL was a great experience for me and the Guardians coaching staff helped me out a ton. I had a great experience in the league and now I'm excited to have another opportunity in the NFL. I'm mentally more prepared because of my experience playing in the XFL," said Cowsette."We are happy for Delbert Cowsette and this opportunity. We feel he is a marvelous player and will do well in Chicago," said New York general manager Ron Jaworski. "We wish him the best and hope for his success."

XFL Alters Salary Structure

August 15, 2006

Greenwich, CT - The XFL and XFLPA announced today that they have reached a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The deal will include a new four tiered salary structure along with expanded health care coverage for players while simultaneously positioning the league for growth and expansion opportunities. The XFL is steadily taking shape with a steady flow of coaching additions, regional showcases, and infrastructure. To help assure league stability and future growth, costs are critical for the league to survive. The league announced the tiered salary cap of $4M with four salary levels starting with the 2007 season. Each “tier” has different player quotas based on an expanded 45 man roster.

1- Similar to the NFL’s “franchise” designation, a $250,000 salary can be exclusively assigned to one player that does not count against the salary cap. This tier will likely be used for the quarterback.
2- Up to three players can be assigned this pay level which represents 4% of the team salary cap which would currently be $160,000.
3- This level allows the largest contingent with 23 players. A player in this tier would represent 2.5% of the team salary cap, which would currently be $100,000.
4- The lowest pay will be allotted to 18 players. Their salary would represent 1.75% of the team salary cap which would currently be $70,000.

"There are NFL practice squad players that have languished on the sidelines without any time on the field. If you’ve been on a practice squad for three years and you’re running scout team, you’re not getting better,” said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. "Maybe you're a college athlete who is less than three years removed from high school and ineligible for the NFL who may also be enticed by endorsement deals available in the XFL which are forbidden by the NCAA."

“We believe passionately in this league,” said Ron Jaworski, Chairman of the XFL Executive Committee. “We love the game, and our players and coaches show incredible talent, dedication and heart every time they step on the field. We are thrilled that we were able to reach this agreement, and we look forward not only to an exciting season, but to big potential for league growth and expansion through new tech, digital and virtual partnerships. We are only just getting started.”


Relocated XFL Team to Be Called Oklahoma City Roughnecks

September 3, 2006

Oklahoma City, OK - They are officially no longer the Seattle Sea Devils or the Oklahoma City Sea Devils. The XFL club that relocated from Seattle to Oklahoma City two months ago will be called the Oklahoma City Roughnecks carrying the name onto the field as they kick off the seventh XFL season at Taft Stadium in the spring of 2007. The Roughnecks was the name chosen by sports fans in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas through a 'Your Town, Your Team, Your Name -- You Make The Call' promotion to name the XFL team. "We truly did listen to the public and the fans who will chant the Roughnecks name from the stands at Taft Stadium," said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. "Roughnecks was not among the four names available when we asked people to vote online, and that is why we added a fifth option to suggest an alternative and that is exactly what happened. Roughnecks soon emerged as the overwhelming favorite."

The Roughnecks also released their new logo and coaching staff. The Roughnecks will be coached by former Dallas Cowboys' head coach Dave Campo, along with Joe Avezzano coaching the defense and Larry Kirksey coaching the offense. Avezzano served as a defensive assistant and special teams coordinator for the Cowboys under Campo while Kirksey has served as the WRs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions the last few years. Josh Heupel would remain on the staff as the QBs coach, while former San Antonio Commanders' WR Darrin Chiaverini will be joining the staff as the WRs coach. Former Dallas Desperados offensive coordinator Danny White will serve as team's general manager. "Our goal was to put together a coaching staff and a football team that is capable of bringing an XFL championship to Oklahoma City," White said. "We are excited about our coaching staff and look forward to announcing the signing of our key players in the upcoming weeks."

"This is a great opportunity to embark on the start of a historic season for the Oklahoma City Roughnecks," head coach Dave Campo explained. "I am excited to be just a small part of what I think will be a history making season and my first order of business is to finalize our football operations staff for the 2007 season and begin the signing of key players to our roster."


Aztecs Name Bart Andrus offensive coordinator

September 20, 2006

Mexico City, MEXICO - The Mexico City Aztecs have named former Memphis Express and Greenwich Road Warriors head coach Bart Andrus as the team's offensive coordinator and re-signed Jeff Reinebold as defensive coordinator and John Kirk as the LBs and special teams coach. "I have worked with Bart for the past five years and he is a professional that knows what I expect," head coach Jim Tomsula said. "He knows what it takes to win a championship and we are very excited to have him on our staff."

The Commanders fired general manager John Peterson and hired Louis Riddick from the Rage. The Mountain Lions fired general manager Terry Donahue and hired Kathrin Platz, the first female general manager in league history. Wes Chandler ended up accepted the offensive coordinator position for the Desperados after Danny White resigned.

Omaha RB Rashaan Salaam Ready to Play One More Year

October 7, 2006

Omaha, NE - Omaha Mammoths RB Rashaan Salaam, the XFL's all-time leading rusher has decided to play one more season, Salaam announced. "After spending the last month discussing it with my family, especially my wife and my father, I have decided to play one more season and retire from the XFL after the 2007 season," Salaam said. "I still have a passion for the game and would like the opportunity to return to the Mammoths to help my teammates defend our title. In addition, my wife and I are expecting a daughter this summer, and although she might not remember it, I would like her to be able to see me play the way my two sons have been able to. I plan to work out hard this off-season and come to camp in January in the best shape of my career."

XFL, BSN to Run Exclusive League Combines

October 11, 2006

Chicago, IL - The XFL and Beyond Sports Network(BSN) have teamed up on a unique partnership to create an exclusive combine system for potential XFL athletes, the league office announced today. BSN and the XFL will be setting up regional workouts around the country that will put athletes through a series of combine tests and position-specific drills. This information, along with select film from the event, will be shared with every XFL team, coach, scout, and general manager.

"This is a very exciting partnership between the XFL and BSN," XFL Director of Football Development Brian Woods said. "Jimmy and his staff work extremely hard to put an outstanding product on the field and these XFL combines will present athletes an opportunity for national exposure. They could be the beginning of many XFL careers."

"I personally have had the incredible good fortune to play for a major college program at Virginia Tech," BSN CEO Jimmy Kibble said. "After college I had the opportunity to play in the NFL, NFL Europe and Arena Football League. I know, from personal experience the difficulties in trying to gain the exposure and recognition in order to get to the professional level. These combines are designed to give players the maximum exposure to all XFL teams.

Salt Lake City and Oklahoma City Allocate Three Players to Bolster Rosters

October 15, 2006

Greenwich, CT - The Salt Lake City Mountain Lions and Oklahoma City Roughnecks acquired three players each, WR Paris Warren, TE Doug Jolley and LB Spencer Toone, LB Lance Mitchell and DBs Andre Woolfork and Derrick Strait, with their territorial allocation that add depth and talent to the roster. QB Reggie McNeal, RB Lee Suggs and Wali Lundy, WRs Doug Gabriel, David Givens and Bethel Johnson, OL Kenyatta Walker, Dan Stevenson, Toniu Fonoti, Fred Matua and Kili Lefotu, DL Marcus Tubbs and Marcus Bell, LBs A.J. Nicholson and Ben Taylor, DBs Terrence Kiel, Mike Rumph, DeJuan Groce, Derrick Gibson, Michael Stone and Glenn Earl. "We believe that we have the pieces of a championship-caliber team," said Commanders head coach Mike Riley. "I am excited about what these guys will bring to our organization on and off the field. These three signings strengthen our team and solidify our foundation for the long run."

"Today was a positive step forward for this organization," Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary said. "Not only did we get an athletic and experienced lineman (Stevenson), but also a big-bodied receiver(Givens) and defensive back(Earl) as well. All three of these players bring intangibles and abilities that will help this team win and are also very competitive players with good football knowledge. Are these the final pieces to the puzzle for the Enforcers? No, but it is a great starting point as we move forward and work hard for the goals set forth."

"We are very excited about both Micheal and Marcus joining the Express," said head coach Butch Davis. "They are two guys that in addition to having excellent abilities have outstanding character and leadership abilities, which we value in our locker room. We expect Marcus to be a major asset to our defense. He is a talented defender who has the ability to rush the passer. That ability is at a premium in our league. He brings a winning attitude and NFL playoff experience to our team also."

"These three players further the Rage mission of being a team that this region is proud of on and off the field," said Rage head coach Jay Gruden. "They exemplify the competitive spirit and commitment to winning that this organization stands for. We are excited to have these three outstanding players who are key components of our plan to get the Orlando Rage back to the next level in the XFL."

Ragone Begins New Career As A Member Of Valor Coaching Staff

November 1, 2006

Washington, DC - It didn't take long for former Washington Valor QB Dave Ragone to find his next job. The Valor announced that Ragone has been hired as the team's QBs coach while also announcing former XFL players, Dwayne Stukes and Cornell Brown will also be joining the staff as the DBs and DL coaches. "I'm excited for the opportunity," said Ragone. "My playing career is over, but to continue to be involved with the Valor organization as a coach is a dream come true. I am looking forward to coaching alongside the best coaches in the XFL."

"Dave Ragone is a welcome addition to our coaching staff," said Valor head coach Doug Williams. "He knows the game well and we plan to put him in the right position to make him the most successful coach he can be."

"Cornell Brown brings a local connection to our coaching team, as he was a tremendous player at Virginia Tech and during his time in the XFL. Although he is new to coaching in the XFL, he has always reinforced to his players the importance of being technically sound, which is something we value on our coaching team."

Mountain Lions Make RB Kevan Barlow First Selection in 2007 Supplemental Draft

November 15, 2006

Greenwich, CT - In their continuing effort to build a championship caliber team, the Salt Lake City Mountain Lions have selected former San Francisco 49ers starting RB Kevan Barlow with the first overall selection. WR Quincy Morgan, DL Anttaj Hawthorne, LB Matt Stewart, OL Austin King, DB Dexter Reid, WR Rod Gardner, DB Guss Scott, RB Eric Shelton, OL Charles Spencer, DL Marquise Hill, DB Rich Gardner, RB Damien Nash, DB Sam Brandon, RB Derrick Blaylock and RB Lamar Gordon finished off the first round of the 2007 XFL Supplemental Draft. "This just the start to what we are trying to do here," said Mountain Lions head coach Dennis Erickson. "We are going to stockpile talent and make this the most competitive training camp this team has ever had."

"We consider building our defensive line to be a priority as we prepare for the 2007 season and Anttaj was the top available free agent at his position available," said Desperados head coach Jerry Glanville. "Anttaj possess outstanding rush stuffing abilities and has been a member of winning teams throughout his career. In addition to his on the field contributions, we expect Anttaj to provide leadership to our younger guys."

"Charles Spencer is a tremendous talent who comes to us with great experience," said Bandits head coach Steve Spurrier. "We think he is going to have a positive effect on our pass protection and are looking forward to seeing him on the field."

"These are four players who have the ability to make an immediate impact on our club and in this league," said Mammoths head coach Frank Solich. "We are going to take a long, hard look at these guys in camp and see if they can contribute to the continued success of this franchise."

Rage Seek to Develop Hispanic Player

December 4, 2006

Orlando, FL - The Rage Rage have begun an initiative to identify, sign, and develop Hispanic players for it's team. The Rages hope to sign at least one player of Hispanic origin for the 2007 season and will commit a space on its practice squad if a qualified candidate can be found. "The Hispanic community is one of the largest and fastest growing segments in all of Central Florida," Rage President Brett Bouchy said. "When marketing to this community we are often asked if we have a Hispanic player. Our goal is to find and develop a player with Hispanic heritage."

Pop Warner and XFL Create Partnership

December 7, 2006

Redwood City, CA - Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., the largest national youth football and cheerleading organization in the United States, and the XFL have announced today at the Pop Warner 50th Super Bowl a strategic partnership that extends throughout the XFL. The creation of the partnership grants the XFL designation as an "Official Partner of Pop Warner" and Pop Warner designation as an "Official Youth Football Partner of the XFL." As a result of the partnership, Pop Warner programs will benefit from being involved in XFL youth football initiatives and will help Pop Warner to increase awareness of existing and new Pop Warner programs in XFL markets.

"Football provides a platform for today's youth to learn countless life lessons," said XFL Co-Founder Dick Ebersol. "We cannot be more thrilled to partner with Pop Warner, a group that shares the same ideals as the XFL when it comes to the value of youth sports. We are grateful to be given the opportunity to communicate these invaluable messages."

Ghosts Harrison Named Cover Athlete for XFL Football: Road to Glory

December 18, 2006

Redwood City, CA - Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that James Harrison, linebacker of the Columbus Ghosts, will serve as the cover athlete for XFL Football: Road to Glory, the second iteration of the XFL franchise. The game, under the EA SPORTS brand, will be available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and will be in stores on January 27, 2007.

"Being chosen as the cover athlete for XFL Football: Road to Glory is definitely one of the highlights of my career," said James Harrison. "I'm very excited to represent the Columbus Ghosts, the XFL, and work with EA to bring to life the quick-hitting action of the XFL. Partnering with EA helps introduce new fans to the non-stop action of the game."


XFL Unveils Road Warriors' Role in the League

January 7, 2007

Greenwich, CT - The idea isn’t revolutionary, though it’s unique to professional football today. The XFL has established the Road Warriors for the benefit of the rest of the 16-team league and for 40 players still chasing their football dreams. The Road Warriors are essentially an extra squad stocked with players available to fill open roster spots on any team in the league at any time. Say the Orlando Rage lose a safety in Week 2, they can “call up” a football-ready replacement in time to face the New York Guardians in Week 3.

“In every football league, there is constant churn,” XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck said. “I’m sure every one of these rosters is going to change by the time Week 1 rolls around. They’ll bring in new guys or someone pulls a hamstring, it’s just inevitable. So the Road Warriors will be ready to roll as a replacement team that’s got to be constantly replenished, so all these guys that get the bad news about getting cut, a bunch of them of them are going to be back in the league through the Road Warriors. It was lifted directly from my experience with NFL Europe,” Luck said. “We literally called it ‘Team Dallas’ because it was in Dallas. The genesis of that was with teams in Europe, American players needed work permits. You couldn’t pick up a left tackle off the street in Scotland. We needed a group of guys who could practice and literally jump on a plane.”

XFL director of scouting Brian Woods is overseeing the Road Warriors, which will now be based in Austin, Texas, and will practice and share some resources with the Desperados, such as training and medical services, it will largely function as a separate entity. "Work visas aren’t required this time around, but the need remains." Woods referred to the Road Warriors as the “best 40 players that our teams want at the ready.” The slimmed-down roster won’t include specialists but will have all other position groups and will practice several times per week. “Guys that are on Road Warriors, probably a quarter of them will end up starting multiple games in the XFL this season,” he said. “Their dreams aren’t close to being dead.”


Express Acquire Quarterback Adrian McPherson from New York

January 10, 2007

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Express have acquired QB Adrian McPherson from the New York Guardians in exchange for DL Aubrayo Franklin, head coach Butch Davis announced. "We understood at the end of last season that we needed to take a look at all positions to see where we could improve," owner Frederick Smith said. "When the opportunity for Adrian to come to Memphis arose, I felt like it would be in our best interest to bring him to compete at the quarterback position next season. He is a tremendous athlete and is a dual threat with both his passing and running abilities."

"Franklin is an impact player," said Guardians general manager Ron Jaworski. "He is an All-XFL caliber player on the defensive side of the ball and we are excited to have him on our roster. Believe me, quarterbacks will know where he is at all times."

Mike & Mike to Call XFL games

January 16, 2007

Greenwich, CT - Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic of ESPN Radio's popular Mike & Mike in the Morning will call XFL games for ESPN in 2007. The entertaining duo, which has worked together for seven years as national radio show co-hosts, will serve as ESPN's top team with Greenberg handling play-by-play and Golic, a former NFL player and longtime college and pro football analyst, providing analysis. ESPN's broadcasts will also feature the talented teams of NFL Live host Trey Wingo with analyst Mark Schlereth and Ron Jaworski, handling play-by-play for the first time, with fellow NFL analyst Merril Hoge.

"ESPN continues to emphasize an inventive, non-traditional approach to covering football, and following that model Mike and Mike will enhance ESPN' s presentation of XFL games and help generate even more excitement on ESPN Radio," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, studio and remote production.

XFL Lands Former NFL Pro-Bowlers Kennedy, Williams and Carswell

January 23, 2007

Dallas, TX - Dallas Desperados announced the free agent signing of former Oakland Raider OL Lincoln Kennedy, while former Pro-Bowl TEs Dwayne Carswell and Boo Williams signed with the Los Angeles Stars and Orlando Rage. "Lincoln Kennedy is an experienced All-Pro veteran of the NFL, and we are counting on his experience and ability to help us win a championship," Desperados head coach Jerry Glanville said. "Under the new rules, protecting the quarterback has become even more important and we expect Lincoln to work in conjunction with the rest of our linemen from last year. Lincoln will have to knock the rust off but what impresses me most about Lincoln is his character, which is what we build this team on last year, and will continue to do. He is committed to being the best lineman in this league and also committed to helping us win a championship. That is all I can ask for."

Force acquire WR Darius Watts from Washington

February 5, 2007

Washington, DC - Wide receiver Darius Watts has been acquired by the Ottawa Force in a trade with the Washington Valor for DL Nathan Davis. "We had been looking for a receiver with experience to give us depth alongside Quincy Morgan and Chris Jackson," said head coach John Jenkins. "Darius Watts is somebody we had targeted, as he has been productive wherever he has been. After watching him in our workouts earlier this week, we approached the Valor about a potential trade. I'm excited to land a receiver with his credentials and veteran savvy."

Enforcers Re-acquire Avery from Washington

February 9, 2007

Chicago, IL - The Chicago Enforcers have acquired RB John Avery from the Washington Valor in exchange for WR Tai Streets. "We are excited to see John back in uniform for us", Enforcers head coach Mike Singletary said. "John brings a wealth of experience and leadership with him and we are looking for a big year out of him."

"I am happy about the trade, I appreciate my time in Washington, the organization and all they did for my family and I. I wish them the best," Avery said. "Now I have an opportunity to jump back in the saddle in Chicago to pick up where I left off and win a championship. It is a happy day. I look forward to finishing my career here and playing in front of my family and friends."

Player Development Part of Mammoths' Success

February 10, 2007

Omaha, NE - When Omaha first jumped into the XFL, it was decided by owner Joe Moglia that the Mammoths would develop many of their own players instead of picking up veteran players from other teams. This philosophy has proven extremely successful over the years as the franchise has now maintained a combination of talented free agents along with players willing to play a lesser role until they learn the nuances of the game. "We really didn't go the way other organizations had gone and take people that would be rentals," said Moglia. "And, we've tried to develop our own players in the game."

Moglia explains that mostly all the Mammoths coaches have college backgrounds. "This college experience in invaluable," he said. "In college, if the guy can't play and you can't get anybody else, you have to make them play. We would like to be good teachers of the game and I think the people we have stuck with have become good players."

"I would say we have tried to combine the younger player with the veteran to make the transition for the non-experienced player easier," said head coach Frank Solich. "The pro mentality sometimes is that if the guy can't play right away, you move him on and get to the next guy. You've got to make a judgement. If the guy can't play today, and we work with him, somewhere down the road he will have a chance to be a successful player."

Discover Card Becomes Exclusive and Official Credit Card of the XFL

February 12, 2007

Greenwich, CT - The XFL and Discover Card have entered into a three-year agreement that designates Discover Card as the Exclusive and Official Credit Card of the XFL and its member teams. "We're very excited to enter into this unique agreement with Discover Card," said Dick Ebersol, XFL co-founer. "Our partnership gives Discover Card the opportunity to reward its Cardmembers with exclusive benefits at XFL games and similarly allows us to introduce the XFL to more fans."

"We are very excited to partner with the XFL as we have a shared mission to consistently exceed our customers' expectations," said Margo Georgiadis, Chief Marketing Officer for Discover Financial Services. "Our partnership will provide Discover Card unique opportunities to deepen our relationship with XFL fans, while delivering meaningful benefits to our Cardmembers at the local team level."

[BengalErnst]

XFL 2007 PreSeason Power Ranking

February 14, 2007

Our analysts have compiled their preseason Power Ranking and we will go in their predicted order to explore all 16 XFL franchises 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.


2006 Recap -

2007 Omaha Mammoths - HC Frank Solich, OC Terry Shea, DC Scott Frost, GM Steve Ortmayer, QBs Mike McMahon, Shane Boyd and Brad Banks, RBs Rashaan Salaam, Dahrran Diedrick, Lamar Gordon and Joel Makovicka, WRs Matthew Hatchette, Kevin Kasper, CJ Jones, Timon Marshall, Troy Bergeron and Herb Haygood, TE Jay Tant, Matt Kranchick and Mark Anelli, OL Ryan Young, Bruce Nelson, Toniu Fonoti, Greg Eslinger, Chad Ward, Ulish Booker, Aaron Gibson and Mo Collins, DL Ron Warner, Tramont Lawless, Cullen Jenkins, Matthias Askew, Daniel Benetka and Jared Clauss, LBs Karon Riley, Cornell Menafee, Tarek Saleh, Jamie Burrow, Patrick Sapp and Caspor Stiles, DBs DeJuan Groce, Eric Crouch, BJ Tucker, Keyuo Craver, Dennis Weathersby, Jammal Lord and Norman LeJeune, P Derrick Frost and K Paul Edinger

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Los Angeles Stars - HC Rick Neuheisel, OC Eric Bienemy, DC Bob Valesente, GM John Elway, QBs Brock Berlin, Ryan Dinwiddie and Cade McNown, RBs Larry Croom, Malaefou MacKenzie, Mike Cloud and Jonathan Smith, WRs Darnell McDonald, Jeremaine Copeland, JJ Stokes, David Kircus, Kareem Kelly and Alex Bannister, TEs Tremayne Allen, Dwayne Carswell and Josh Wilcox, OL Donta Kendrick, Brandon Torrey, Matt Stinchcomb, Scott Whittaker, Fred Matua, Jeff Grau, Thomas Herrion and Zack Quaccia, DL Aaron Hunt, Damonte McKenzie, Daved Benefield, Curtis Eason, Otis Grigsby and Kelvin Kinney, LBs Ryan Nece, Richard Seigler, Jamir Miller, Kendyll Pope, Kris Griffin and Markus Steele, DBs Kris Richard, Marques Anderson, Rich Gardner, Willie Amos, Jason Shivers, Marviel Underwood and Antuan Simmons, P Damon Duval and K Clay Rush

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Oklahoma City Roughnecks - HC Dave Campo, OC Larry Kirksey, DC Joe Avezzano, GM Danny White, QBs Jim Druckenmiller, Aaron Garcia and Brock Huard, RBs Ken Simonton, JD Runnels, Jamal Robertson and Dan Curley, WRs Dane Looker, Sean Morey, Travis Wilson, Jeris McIntyre, Keenan Howry and Onome Ojo, TEs Trent Smith, Mikhael Ricks and Jed Weaver, OL Jonathan Himebach, Lenny Vandermade, Scott Peters, Greg Randall, Mike Houghton, Tyrone Hopson and Makoa Freitas, DL DeLawrence Grant, DeVone Claybrooks, Dwayne Missouri, Mike Ulufale, Bill Swancutt, Cleveland Pinkney and Terdell Sands, LBs Hakim Akbar, Otis Floyd, Khari Samuel, Lance Mitchell, Antico Dalton and Zeke Moreno, DBs Andre Woolfork, Derrick Strait, Gary Baxter, Deke Cooper, Dexter Reid, Rashad Bauman, Antonio Perkins and Shawn Mayer, P Dirk Johnson and K Hayden Epstein

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Mexico City Aztecs - HC Jim Tomsula, OC Bart Andrus, DC Jeff Reinebold, GM Bob Ackles, QBs Quinn Gray, Cody Pickett and Moses Moreno, RBs Jarrod Baxter, Brock Forsey, Damien Nash and Kory Chapman, WRs Marcus Nash, Keron Henry, Airese Currie, DeVeren Johnson, Taco Wallace and R.Jay Soward, TEs Mondriel Fulcher, Werne Hippler and Shad Meier, OL Dylan McFarland, Kili Lefotu, Frank Middleton, Ben Archibald, Marques Sullivan, Bobby Singh, Isaac Snell and Chad Setterstrom, DL Tim McGill, Greg White, Dorain Boose, Earl Cochran, Talance Sawyer and Erik Flowers, LBs Joe Tuipala, Rian Wallace, Quinton Caver, Andre Torrey, Rob Fredrickson and Nick Speegle, DBs Kelly Herndon, Reggie Austin, Rayshun Reed, Vernon Cox, Bobby Gray, Wade Davis and Siddeeq Shabazz, P Brooks Barnard and K Jeff Chandler

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Chicago Enforcers - HC Mike Singletary, OC Peter Vaas, DC Robert Lyles, GM Dick Butkus, QBs Jarious Jackson, John Navarre, Ell Roberson and Drew Henson, RBs Ahmaad Galloway, JR Niklos, Jarrett Payton and John Avery, WRs David Terrell, David Givens, Willie Ponder, Marquis Walker, Ruvell Martin and Luther Leverson, TEs Tory Humphrey, Aaron Shea and Jabari Holloway, OL Tony Pashos, Courtney Van Buren, Paul Janus, Derrick Turner, JP Machado, Dan Stevenson, Paul LaQuerre and Brennan Curtin, DL Israel Idonije, Michael Haynes, Keith McKenzie, Matt Walters, Colston Weatherington and Cyron Brown, LBs Courtney Watson, Chike Egbuniwe, Matt Sinclair, Cornelius Anthony and Sean Tufts, DBs JoJuan Armour, Glenn Earl, Vontez Duff, Shane Walton, Brock Williams, Jeremy LeSueur and Guss Scott, P Andrew Bayes and K Jose Cortez

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 San Antonio Commanders - HC Mike Riley, OC Paul Chryst, DC Bill Bradley, GM Louis Riddick, QBs Michael Bishop, Reggie McNeal and Chad Hutchinson, RBs Quentin Griffin, Brandon Miree, Fred Russell and Cedric Cobbs, WRs Rashaun Woods, Bethel Johnson, Michael Gasperson, Johnnie Morant, Siaha Burley and Ahmad Merritt, TEs Johnny Huggins, Jason Rader and Rodrick Monroe, OL Rome Douglas, Jeb Terry, Taylor Whitley, Jim Molinaro, Kelly Butler, Marcus Spriggs and Mathias Nkwenti, DL Peppi Zellner, Demetric Evans, Dwight Johnson, Chartric Darby, Barron Tanner, Marquise Hill and Jamal Reynolds, LBs Corey Atkins, David Bergeron, Jason Sykes, Will Overstreet, Levar Fisher and Kelvin Moses, DBs Lance Frazier, Terrence Kiel, Greg Brooks, Brandon Everage, Joselio Hanson, Keith Davis, Monty Montgomery and William Bartee, P Glenn Pakulak and K Tim Duncan

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Dallas Desperados - HC Jerry Glanville, OC Wes Chandler, DC Steve Carson, GM Drew Pearson, QBs Clint Stoerner, Rod Rutherford and Pat Barnes, RBs Rod Smart, Jonathan Evans, Troy Hambrick and Keylon Kincade, WRs MarTay Jenkins, Dialleo Burks, Bobby Sippio, Cory Rodgers, Maurice Mann and LaTarence Dunbar, TEs Ryan Hannam, TJ Cottrell and Bobby Blizzard, OL Lincoln Kennedy, Bernard Holsey, Calvin Collins, Kelvin Garmon, Cliff Washburn, Jacob Rogers, Trey Darilek, Jamain Stephens and Solomon Page, DL Anttaj Hawthorne, Marcus Tubbs, James Lee, John Nix, Clenton Ballard, Ahmad Miller and Alan Harper, LBs DeShone Myles, Marquis Smith, Solomon Bates, Travian Smith and Darren Hambrick, DBs Roderick Babers, Willie Offord, Dwayne Harper, Kevin Garrett, Michael Booker, Terrance Joseph, Jeremy Bloom and Kevin McCadam, P Travis Dorsch and K Ryan Killeen

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Salt Lake City Mountain Lions - HC Dennis Erickson, OC Steve Sarkisian, DC Greg McMackin, GM Kathrin Platz, QBs JT O'Sullivan, Casey Bramlet and Ingle Martin, RBs Chris Fuamatu-Mu'afala, Kevan Barlow, Ian Smart and Eric McCoo, WRs Freddie Mitchell, Aaron Boone, Troy Edwards, LaShaun Ward, Shockmain Davis and Paris Warren, TEs Teyo Johnson, Doug Jolley and Bryan Fletcher, OL Sean Bubin, Lui Fuata, Phil Bogle, Devin Wyman, Marko Cavka, Lance Nimmo, Rolando Cantu, David Loverne and Brad Lekkerkerker, DL Felipe Claybrooks, Lauvale Sape, Junior Ioane, Stalin Colinet, Julian Jenkins and Keyonta Marshall, LBs Sekou Sanyika, Lawrence Flugence, Spencer Toone, LaMarcus McDonald and Mauguala Tuitele, DBs Cory Hall, Curry Burns, Antwain Spann, Jared Newberry, Marcus Maxey, Jermaine Mays and Colin Branch, P Kyle Larson and K Bill Gramatica

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Tampa Bay Bandits - HC Steve Spurrier, OC Hue Jackson, DC George Edwards, GM Pepper Rodgers, QBs Shaun King, Timmy Chang and Gibran Hamdan, RBs Avon Cobourne, Jamaal Branch, Herbert Goodman and Noah Herron, WRs DeAndrew Rubin, Derrick Hamilton, Kendrick Starling, Triandos Luke, Drew Haddad and PK Sam, TEs Chris Luzar, Erron Kinney and Dan O'Leary, OL Adrian Klemm, Carlos Joseph, Wayne Lucier, Charles Spencer, Martin Bibla, Garin Patrick, Ben Sobieski and Kenyatta Walker, DL Walter Curry, Winfield Garnett, Darrell Wright, Darrell Shropshire, Scott Scharff and Montique Sharpe, LBs Mason Unck, Nick Hannah, Antonio Wilson, Tyson Smith, Byron Thweatt and Byron Hardmon, DBs Mark Estelle, Stanford Samuels, Jeff Sanchez, Marcus Floyd, Alan Zemaitis, Mike Rumph and DeMario Minter, P Nick Murphy and K Xavier Beitia

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 New York Guardians - HC Rusty Tillman, OC Joe Lombardi, DC Dan Quinn, GM Ron Jaworski, QBs Chris Redman, Raymond Philyaw and Spergon Wynn, RBs Nehemiah Broughton, Diamond Ferri, Derrick Blaylock and James Jackson, WRs Yatil Green, Cedric Bonner, Glenn Martinez, John Standeford, Darnerien McCants and Zuriel Smith, TEs Terry Hardy, Sean McHugh and Marco Battaglia, OL Ed Ellis, Dave Yovanovits, Morgan Pears, Will Svitek, Bryan Anderson and Shannon Snell, DL Gabe Nyenhuis, Aubrayo Franklin, Isaac Hilton, Bryan Save, Lance Legree and Derrick Strong, LBs Isaiah Kacyvenski, Jameel Dumas, Ryan LaCasse, Howard Hodges, Jeremy Cain and Raheem Orr, DBs Randee Drew, Brandon Browner, Calvin Branch, Joey Eloms, Robb Butler, Ronyell Whitaker and Ray Ventrone, P Filip Filipovic and K John Markham

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Columbus Ghosts - HC Marc Trestman, OC Kippy Brown, DC Fred Pagac, GM Chris Spielman, QBs Joe Germaine, Gino Guidugli and Omar Jacobs, RBs Jamar Martin, Bruce Perry, Eric Shelton and Maurice Clarett, WRs Ken-Yon Rambo, Lance Moore, Reggie Germany, Brandon Middleton, Carlos Francis and Jamall Broussard, TEs Dwayne Blakley, Daniel Wilcox and Mike Seidman, OL Victor Leyva, Adam Kieft, Melvin Tuten, Joe Toledo, DeMingo Graham, Alex Sulfsted, Javiar Collins, Scott Rehberg, Larry Turner and Tyson Walter, DL Antonio Smith, Mario Fatafehi, Johnathan Sullivan, Derrick Ransom, Norris McCleary and Eddie Freeman, LBs James Harrison, Wesly Mallard, Keyon Whiteside, Khalid Abdullah and Riall Johnson, DBs Abraham Elimimian, Cornelius Coe, Anthony Floyd, Steve Bellisari, Nijrell Eason and Rashidi Barnes, P BJ Sander and K Matt Bryant

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Orlando Rage - HC Jay Gruden, OC Jeff Brohm, DC Pete Kuharchek, GM Tom Veit, QBs Joe Hamilton, Joel Klatt and Kliff Kingsbury, RBs Maurice Hicks, Onterrio Smith, Santonio Beard and Ciatrick Fason, WRs Craig Yeast, Kevin Swayne, Doug Gabriel, Walter Young, Travis McGriff and Andre King, TEs Lawrence Hart, Wesley Duke and Boo Williams, OL Joaquin Gonzalez, Dan Goodspeed, Dan Collins, Jason Gamble, Damion Cook, Char-ron Dorsey, Antoine Mirambeau, Cheston Blackshear and Jamie Nails, DL Randy Chevrier, Zach Ville, Eric Powell, Derrick Crawford, Jamaal Green, Elton Patterson and Cameron Wake, LBs Matt Stewart, Marcus Reese, Wes Bautovich, Alonzo Jackson, AJ Nicholson and Rashad Harris, DBs Mario Edwards, Derrick Gibson, Ifeanyi Ohalete, Atari Bigby, Eric Joyce, Derrick Gardner and Clevan Thomas, P Rodney Williams and K Rob Hart

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Birmingham Steel - HC Gerry DiNardo, OC Gene Dahlquist, DC Curley Hallman, GM Tim Berryman, QBs Quincy Carter, Matt Mauck and Bryan Randall, RBs Curtis Keaton, DeJuan Green, Shaud Williams and Deon Dyer, WRs Stepfret Williams, Trevor Insley, Randy Hymes, Chad Lucas, Larry Brackins and Freddie Milons, TEs Patrick Hape, Aaron Halterman and Terry Jones, OL Gennaro DiNapoli, Steve Sciullo, Atlas Herrion, Chad Beasley, Jeff Roehl, Kelvin Ingram and Clint Stickdorn, DL Claude Harriott, Quinton Reese, Josh Cooper, Donnell Washington, Cedric Pittman, Adrian Dingle, Reggie Grimes and Reggie McGrew, LBs Saleem Rasheed, Trev Faulk, Keith Franklin, Orantes Grant, Tony Bua and Bryan Knight, DBs Woodrow Dantzler, Izell Reese, Sam Brandon, Ramon Walker, Waine Bacon and Keyon Nash, P Mat McBriar and K Lawrence Tynes

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Washington Valor - HC Doug Williams, OC Frank Reich, DC Doug Graber, GM Joe Theismann, QBs Shaun Hill, Bryson Spinner and Eric Kresser, RBs Lee Suggs, Wali Lundy, Cedric Humes and Doug Easlick, WRs Geroy Simon, Rasheed Marshall, Aaron Hosack, Tai Streets, Chas Gessner and Rod Gardner, TEs Kori Dickerson, Andy Stokes and Rashod Kent, OL Jerry Wisne, Patrick Estes, Doug Brzezinski, Paul Zukauskas, Dwayne Ledford, Jerry Wunsch, Luke Butkus and Dave Costa, DL Chukie Nwokorie, Nathan Davis, Carlos Hall, Monsanto Pope, Charles Hill and John Schlecht, LBs Torrance Marshall, Barrett Green, Dane Krager, Ben Taylor and Dustin Cohen, DBs Kalvin Pearson, Jamaine Winborne, Pete Hunter, Dainon Sidney, Willie Pile, Bruce Thornton, Cory Bird and Jeremy Unertl, P Kevin Stemke and K Todd France

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Memphis Express - HC Butch Davis, OC Terry Robiskie, DC Dennis Thurman, GM Tillman Engle, QBs Adrian McPherson, Tee Martin and Jonathan Quinn, RBs Cedric Houston, Trung Canidate and Travis Stephens, WRs Andy McCullough, Eddie Berlin, Craig Bragg, Tyrone Calico, Dez White and Jarrick Hillary, TEs Marlon Chambers, Hunter Goodwin and Dustin Lyman, OL Dennis O'Sullivan, Ben Nowland, Anthony Oakley, Isaiah Ross, Austin King, Damian Lavergne, William Obeng and Qasim Mitchell, DL DeAngelo Lloyd, Mao Tosi, Marcus Bell, Andrew Shull, Tony Brown and Seante Williams, LBs Raynoch Thompson, Eric Westmoreland, Rocky Calmus, Donnie Spragan, Marc Megna and Eddie Moore, DBs Gerrick McPhearson, Julian Battle, Cory Peoples, Etric Pruitt, Billy Alford, Michael Stone and Terreal Bierria, P Bill LaFleur and K David Kimball

2007 Preview -


2006 Recap -

2007 Ottawa Force - HC John Jenkins, OC Joe Paopao, DC David Catapano, GM Forrest Gregg, QBs Craig Nall, Jason Gesser and Rohan Davey, RBs JR Redmond, DeAndra Cobb, Jarrett Ferguson and Autry Denson, WRs Darius Watts, Quincy Jackson, Quincy Morgan, Chris Jackson and Dante Ridgeway, TEs Joey Hawkins, Bradford Banta and Jerome Collins, OL Travis Claridge, Jason Jimenez, Cameron Spikes, Josh Warner, Edward Ta'amu, Mathias Vavao, Doug Nienhuis, Lewis Kelly and Erik Pears, DL Lionel Barnes, Chad Lavalais, Jimmy Verdon, Kevin Carberry and Jonathan Goddard, LBs Lester Towns, Mike Nattiel, Terry Pierce, Tyreo Harrison and Sedrick Hodge, DBs Pat Dennis, Ben Emanuel, Arturo Freeman, Kyries Hebert, Mitch Meeuwsen, Aric Williams and Therrian Fontenot, P Pat Fleming and K Shaun Suisham

2007 Preview -

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 1: Ottawa Succeeds in the Stands

February 26, 2007

Ottawa, ONTARIO, CANADA - In their XFL debut the Ottawa Force failed to succeed on the field but in the stands they surpassed all expectations. On an absolutely beautiful day the Force faced off against the Los Angeles Stars. It was all that it was promised and more. The Stars took an early 19 to nothing lead and appeared to be setting up a rout. The 35,331 Force fans were getting anxious and after a QB Rohan Davey fumble that led to a Stars field goal the fans started calling for the backup QB Craig Nall. But Davey was at the bat and refused to strike out. Before the half he led the Force to their first touchdown. He added two more in the second half but the Stars' weren't willing to slow down as their QB, Cade McNown lead the Stars to two more touchdowns including one with 22 seconds remaining on the clock to celebrate a 34-21 victory. However, the Force won over the crowd in the XFL's first game in Canada.

The real victory was the support that the Force received from Canada. The crowd was far beyond the 25,000 that the league had expected. The fans were into the game even when the Force were down by 19. As the Force rallied the fans got louder and were rocking the stadium. I believe that the Force proved that they have a good product and have started to win over the fans. I expect that most of the fans in attendance will return in two weeks. The XFL put on a great show and the Force showed the heart that earns fan support. If they can pull out a win on the road next week they should return home to a crowd of the same size.

-- (0-0)Force 21 - 34 Stars(0-0)
(OTT): QB Davey - 25/34 252 yards, 1 TD, RB Cobb - 16 carries, 42 yards, 2 TDs, WR Morgan - 8 catches, 101 yards, WR Watts - 6 catches, 73 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 18/30 284 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Croom - 19 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 7 carries, 30 yards, 2 TDs, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD, WR Stokes - 5 catches, 91 yards

XFL Week 1: Bandits Show Fight, Fall to Valor

February 27, 2007

Tampa, FL - If Saturday's 39-35 defeat at the hands of the Washington Valor showed one thing about this year's Tampa Bay Bandits team is that the 2007 squad has no quit. It would have been easy for the Bandits to ride away after falling behind 20-7 in the first half and trailing 31-20 after three quarters. However, Tampa outscored Washington 15-10 in the second half and came within a whisker of winning their season opener. "The first game, we were a little sloppy, but I was proud of the way we came back and battled through," said Bandits head coach Steve Spurrier. "Hopefully we can bounce back from this. I know we've got a couple guys dinged up, so we've got to get healthy."

The Valor trailed by 19 points as late as the 11:19 mark in the fourth quarter before making a key defensive stop. Following a 13-yard touchdown pass from QB Shaun King to WR DeAndrew Rubin, DB Mike Rumph picked off a Valor QB Shaun Hill pass and Tampa struck quickly on a 20-yard King to RB Avon Cobourne touchdown connection to bring the Bandits to within four points at 39-35. "We've got to get on track earlier," King said. "I wouldn't say we came out flat, but we weren't precise enough in what we were doing."

-- (0-0)Valor 39 - 35 Bandits(0-0)
(DC): QB Hill - 24/30 261 yards, 3 TDs, RB Lundy - 13 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 9 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD, WR Gardner - 4 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB King - 12/16 201 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cobourne - 17 carries, 88 yards, WR Rubin - 2 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Desperados 15 - 20 Mammoths(0-0)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 20/31 234 yards, RB Hambrick - 13 carries, 36 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 156 yards, WR Burks - 6 catches, 52 yards
(OMA): QB Banks - 25/33 256 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 16 carries, 52 yards, WR Bergeron - 5 catches, 77 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hatchette - 6 catches, 95 yards

-- (0-0)Steel 31 - 20 Enforcers(0-0)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 27/42 277 yards, 2 TDs, RB Williams - 16 carries, 49 yards, 2 TDs, WR Williams - 7 catches, 74 yards, WR Lucas - 8 catches, 85 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 16/22 215 yards, 2 TDs, RB Galloway - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Martin - 7 catches, 129 yards, TE Humphrey - 3 catches, 35 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 1: Aztecs Ran Over by Express in Opener

February 28, 2007

Memphis, TN - The Memphis Express started the 2007 season with a bang, but eventually fell to the Mexico City Aztecs 38-27 in the season opener for both teams. Express QB Adrian McPherson completed 23 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns in his return to the XFL. His favorite target of the night was WR Tyrone Calico. Calico caught 11 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. In a game that's dominated by offense, special teams played a large factor in the game as Memphis kick returner Jarrick Hillary returned seven kickoffs for 163 yards, giving the Express great field position all night.

-- (0-0)Express 38 - 27 Aztecs(0-0)
(MEM): QB McPherson - 23/33 274 yards, 4 TDs, RB Canidate - 29 carries, 102 yards, WR Calico - 11 catches, 123 yards, 2 TDs, WR Berlin - 5 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs
(MEX): QB Gray - 18/39 252 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Nash - 11 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 6 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Commanders 19 - 21 Mountain Lions(0-0)
(SA): QB Bishop - 15/24 219 yards, 1 TD, RB Cobbs - 17 carries, 108 yards, WR Woods - 4 catches, 84 yards, WR Merritt - 8 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 15/20 259 yards, 3 TDs, RB McCoo - 7 carries, 24 yards, WR Mitchell - 5 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Warren - 2 catches, 77 yards, TE Johnson - 5 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Ghosts 13 - 20 Guardians(0-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 29/45 265 yards, RB Clarett - 14 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 6 catches, 87 yards, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 50 yards
(NY): QB Redman - 18/24 222 yards, 2 TDs, RB Jackson - 11 carries, 26 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR Smith - 6 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 1: Roughnecks Win Laugher

March 1, 2007

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Roughnecks head coach Dave Campo was anticipating a hard-fought, tight game against Orlando. Instead he got to see a laugher, as the Roughnecks opened the 2007 season with a more than convincing 32-7 win over the Rage. "What can I say, it seemed like everyone on this team came up big tonight," Campo said. "Aaron Garcia did a great job, Dane Looker was big, Antonio Perkins was big, Zeke Moreno was big. It goes on and on."

The Roughnecks used four defensive stops and jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the game and never looked back. Thanks to kicking problems for Orlando(two missed field goals) and a tenacious defense, Orlando could never get any closer than sixteen points in the game. About the only offensive negative of the game came from WR Sean Morey, who tweaked a hamstring in the first quarter. His injury will be evaluated tomorrow by trainers. Oklahoma City found heroes on the defensive side of the ball as well. Moreno, as well as rookies Derrick Strait and Lance Mitchell, all recorded sacks in the game. Perkins and Andre Woolfork each had interceptions. "We need to guard against being too full of ourselves," Campo added. "They are a very good team and are going to win a lot of games this year. We'll enjoy this one during the weekend, but we'll get back to work on Monday."

-- (0-0)Rage 7 - 32 Roughnecks(0-0)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 13/31 216 yards, 3 INTs, RB Fason - 14 carries, 20 yards, WR Gabriel - 4 catches, 84 yards
(OKC): QB Garcia - 15/29 211 yards, 2 TDs, RB Simonton - 16 carries, 72 yards, WR Looker - 6 catches, 78 yards, TE Ricks - 6 catches, 66 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: Receivers Handle Challenge for Salt Lake City

March 5, 2007

Salt Lake City, UT - After trailing 35-22 late in the third, the Mountain Lions closed the gap to six with less than three minutes to go as QB JT O'Sullivan threw an eight-yard strike to WR Troy Edwards, who held on in spite of a de-cleater and some initial doubts by officials. WR Freddie Mitchell had previously retained possession for Salt Lake City with a short hitch on fourth-and-five. A three-and-out by Columbus allowed O'Sullivan and company to reach the Ghosts' 24 with under a minute left. From there facing heavy pressure, O'Sullivan finally launched a floater down the left sideline, where a leaping Mitchell beat double coverage to bring down the ball at the one. WR Paris Warren followed up a timeout by the flustered Columbus defense with a one-yard hitch that tied the game. Salt Lake City chose to give the Ghosts the first crack at points in an overtime format resembling the NCAA’s. With the improvisational skills of QB Joe Germaine putting Columbus back up by seven, Mitchell answered on the last possible play of the Mountain Lions' series by hauling in a 20-yard rainbow near the back of the endzone. He concluded by securing the all-important point-after on a quick slant. Salt Lake City went first in the second overtime period, taking their first lead of the night on a 20-yard catch-and-run by Warren. Germaine soon proved to be fresh out of his own miracles and the game fizzled with Salt Lake City winning 48-42.

-- (0-1)Ghosts 42 - 48 Mountain Lions(1-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 26/33 332 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Clarett - 24 carries, 133 yards, 2 TDs, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 89 yards, WR Germany - 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 6 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB O'Sullivan - 16/29 374 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Barlow - 18 carries, 87 yards, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 88 yards, 2 TDs, WR Warren - 3 catches, 115 yards, 2 TDs, WR Edwards - 2 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Game-winning Field Goal Lifts Steel over Valor

March 6, 2007

Birmingham, AL - Birmingham Steel K Lawrence Tynes woke up with a fever but ended the day feeling well as he kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Steel defeated the Washington Valor, 33-31, in their home opener in front of 34,222 fans. "It wasn't the prettiest kick, but we'll take it," Tynes said after the kick skimmed the left upright.

The Steel were led by QB Quincy Carter who completed 24-of-36 passes for 231 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. RB Curtis Keaton who caught a touchdown pass, rushed for one touchdown and had two tackles on special teams. LB Saleem Rasheed proved to be a defensive standout with two sacks for a loss of 18 yards. Neither defense could come up with a stop as both teams scored on every possession of the 4th until Valor K Todd France missed a critical PAT off the upright. "Quincy Carter was magnificent tonight," said Steel head coach Gerry DiNardo.

-- (1-0)Steel 33 - 31 Valor(1-0)
(BIRM): QB Carter - 24/36 231 yards, 3 TDs, RB Williams - 11 carries, 78 yards, RB Keaton - 18 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Lucas - 5 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Hill - 23/37 240 yards, 2 TDs, RB Lundy - 11 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 5 catches, 88 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gardner - 4 catches, 67 yards

-- (1-0)Stars 24 - 38 Bandits(0-1)
(LA): QB McCown - 19/30 210 yards, 3 TDs, RB Croom - 14 carries, 54 yards, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 4 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB King - 24/38 235 yards, 3 TDs, RB Cobourne - 21 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Haddad - 3 catches, 64 yards, WR Sam - 5 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Oklahoma City Rough Up Force

March 7, 2007

Oklahoma City, OK - It could not have been any clearer that the Roughnecks improved tremendously in all facets during the off-season, as the offense and defense made plays when the team needed it most in a rousing 37-3 victory Sunday in front of 33,600 fans. The Roughnecks wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as QB Aaron Garcia hit TE Mikhael Ricks for an 18-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive of the game. After a Force field goal, the Roughnecks answered on a long drive capped by RB Dan Curley's one-yard touchdown run-the first of two for the game-and a 13-0 lead midway through the opening quarter. The defense then went on the attack as DB Derrick Strait deflected a Force QB Craig Nall's pass in the end-zone, setting up a LB Lance Mitchell sack the following play. Mitchell stripped the ball in the process and DB Andre Woolfork recovered the fumble. After another long drive ending in a touchdown, the defense answered once again when LB Otis Floyd intercepted Nall and returned it 24 yards for a score. The Force started the game with a 24-3 deficit that they were unable to recover from.

-- (1-0)Roughnecks 37 - 3 Force(0-1)
(OKC): QB Garcia - 25/40 260 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 13 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD, RB Curley - 10 carries, 42 yards, 2 TDs, WR Looker - 8 catches, 71 yards, TE Ricks - 7 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
(OTT): QB Gesser - 10/20 72 yards, 1 INT, RB Redmond - 14 carries, 45 yards, WR Jackson - 3 catches, 24 yards

-- (1-0)Express 24 - 13 Desperados(0-1)
(MEM): QB McPherson - 19/27 168 yards, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 21 carries, 124 yards, 2 TDs, RB Houston - 15 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 6 catches, 54 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 21/36 202 yards, RB Hambrick - 19 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 4 catches, 68 yards

-- (1-0)Guardians 20 - 17 Aztecs(0-1)
(NY): QB Redman - 19/26 238 yards, 1 TD, RB Jackson - 11 carries, 26 yards, WR Green - 7 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Smith - 6 catches, 79 yards
(MEX): QB Gray - 22/29 227 yards, 2 TDs, RB Forsey - 17 carries, 45 yards, WR Wallace - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Omaha Struggles in Orlando

March 8, 2007

Orlando, FL - With the Orlando Rage leading 14-13 late in the third quarter and the Mammoths pinned back against its goal line, Omaha QB Brad Banks was pressured and called for intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety and a 16-13 Rage lead. On Orlando's ensuing possession, the Mammoths defense had the opportunity to regain the momentum for Omaha, forcing the Rage into a fourth-and-11 from their own 45 yard line. However, Orlando Rage QB Joe Hamilton found former Oakland Raider wide receiver Doug Gabriel open for a 26-yard gain. The first down set up a RB Ciatrick Fason 1-yard touchdown run two plays later, boosting the lead to 23-13. Bank's third interception led to a Orlando touchdown with 30 seconds remaining to reach the final score. "This will never happen again," said Mammoths QB Brad Banks. "I'm confident about that. It was a hard lesson and we learned early. We're going to have to fight. Any loss is frustrating, but I'm more than confident that the next time we face them we will be a different group. We're going to work harder, make a couple of changes and correct the mistakes."

"We played hard to the end, but other than that we didn't do much well this afternoon," said Mammoths head coach Frank Solich. "We struggled to protect our quarterback and we really didn't tackle very well. However, we won't let this game define us. We are going to work hard this week to come out and be better next week."

-- (1-0)Mammoths 13 - 30 Rage(0-1)
(OMA): QB Banks - 24/45 243 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Salaam - 17 carries, 32 yards, WR Bergeron - 6 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Haygood - 5 catches, 66 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 16/26 259 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 15 carries, 81 yards, RB Fason - 12 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Gabriel - 5 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD, WR Swayne - 5 catches, 75 yards

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: Stars Enforces Homefield Advantage on Omaha, 24-17

March 12, 2007

Los Angeles, CA - A crowd of 35,603 football-crazed Los Angeles Stars' fans packed the house to witness their Los Angeles Stars win a game, an exciting 24-17 win over the visiting defending champion, Omaha Mammoths. The Stars has quickly become almost as popular as the other professional sport teams in just a short time. Live radio broadcasts also gave the Stars an additional medium to reach out to potential fans. Stars' QB Cade McNown was the hero for the home team this game, passing for 197 yards and two TDs; an early one to RB Larry Croom and a 51 yard strike to WR Darnell McDonald on the very first offensive play the second half. McDonald's ability to go in forward motion before the snap count allowed the speedy receiver to create a 6 yard cushion from the nearest defensive back and McNown hit McDonald in stride to open up the scoring in the second half. McNown was often able to examine the defense several times over, as a result of his offensive line’s fantastic pass blocking. The Stars' offensive line looks to be one of the the best among this league. Mammoths’ RB Lamar Gordon provided most of the highlights for his team. Omaha coach Frank Solich went to Gordon on the ground early and often, as he gained 101 yards on 22 carries, as well as three receptions out of the backfield for 93 yards.

-- (1-1)Mammoths 17 - 24 Stars(1-1)
(OMA): QB Banks - 20/30 292 yards, 2 TDs, RB Gordon - 22 carries, 101 yards, 3 catches, 93 yards, WR Hatchette - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Bergeron - 4 catches, 69 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 22/33 197 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cloud - 21 carries, 89 yards, RB Croom - 9 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Guardians Lose Redman and Game to Ottawa

March 13, 2007

New York, NY - The New York Guardians found themselves down by a touchdown 33 seconds into the game after an onside kick attempt on the opening kick off failed. They played catch up the rest of the way but never got over the hump and fell to the Ottawa Force 17-9 before 17,586 fans. After an apparent New York touchdown was nullified by an offensive holding penalty with 5 seconds left, a desperation QB Raymond Philyaw pass fell incomplete. But a defensive pass interference call gave the Guardians another chance and Philyaw's next pass went incomplete as time expired giving Ottawa its first XFL win. "We spend more time on special teams than anybody else in the league but that's what we got beat on tonight," said Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman. "I was disappointed in our special teams play tonight. We need to get better."

The Guardians lost starting quarterback Chris Redman for a majority of the season with a fractured tibia on the first offensive series of the game. "It will be tough but we're just going to have to battle. We'll rally around each other in practice and go from there," Tillman added.

-- (2-0)Guardians 9 - 17 Force(0-2)
(NY): QB Philyaw - 7/22 155 yards, 2 INTs, RB Jackson - 9 carries, 13 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 94 yards
(OTT): QB Davey - 22/29 217 yards, 2 TDs, RB Redmond - 12 carries, 67 yards, WR Watts - 5 catches, 97 yards, WR Morgan - 4 catches, 37 yards, 2 TDs

-- (2-0)Mountain Lions 28 - 20 Bandits(1-1)
(SLC): QB Sullivan - 16/24 203 yards, 3 TDs, RB Barlow - 18 carries, 98 yards, WR Warren - 3 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD, TE Jolley - 5 catches, 103 yards, 2 TDs
(TB): QB King - 17/32 295 yards, 2 TDs, RB Cobourne - 6 carries, 16 yards, 4 catches, 68 yards, 2 TDs, WR Haddad - 4 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Onside Recovery Leads to Comeback

March 14, 2007

Chicago, IL - Memphis Express QB Adrian McPherson connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass to WR Tyrone Calico with 14 seconds remaining as the Express rallied to burn the Chicago Enforcers, 35-31. However, despite the 333 total offensive yards by McPherson and his four total touchdowns, it was an on-side kick that proved to be the difference maker. Down 31-22 with 1:45 seconds remaining in the game, Memphis scored to close to within two at 31-29. The Express followed by recovering the onside kick, leading to the drive that gave Memphis its first lead of the game. "That onside kick at the end of the game, they had tried it earlier in the game and couldn't convert on it," Chicago head coach Mike Singletary said. "They got a good bounce, the scramble happened and their guy got it. At that point they pretty much knew they were in control of what was going to happen in the game. Coach Butch Davis, like he always does, worked the clock and left us little time to try to get something done."

Chicago made a last try to get something done and re-write the game story with its own dramatic ending, but fell just short as Enforcers QB Jarious Jackson completed a 30-yard pass to WR Ruvell Martin, who was tackled at the 13-yard line as time expired. "As the clock started winding down, we knew it was going to come down to the last person with the ball would have an opportunity to win," Jackson said. "It's back to the drawing board. We've got to see where it went wrong and see how we can get better."

"As a defensive unit we've got to hold up our end a lot more," Enforcers DB JoJuan Armour said. "We need to get them a couple of stops because we know as good as Jarious is that he can't win it by himself."

-- (2-0)Express 31 - 23 Enforcers(0-1)
(MEM): QB McPherson - 25/34 261 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Canidate - 22 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Calico - 3 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 3 catches, 41 yards, 2 TDs
(CHI): QB Jackson - 21/35 193 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 12 carries, 66 yards, WR Martin - 4 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Terrell - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-2)Desperados 17 - 37 Valor(1-1)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 22/40 239 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Hambrick - 14 carries, 36 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 120 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 36 yards, 2 TDs
(DC): QB Hill - 22/25 279 yards, RB Lundy - 15 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs, RB Suggs - 14 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Simon - 7 catches, 105 yards, WR Gardner - 4 catches, 53 yards

-- (0-2)Aztecs 23 - 41 Roughnecks(2-0)
(MEX): QB Gray - 22/34 271 yards, 1 TD, RB Nash - 16 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Wallace - 8 catches, 70 yards, WR Nash - 4 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Garcia - 14/19 250 yards, 3 TDs, RB Simonton - 8 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 5 catches, 133 yards, 2 TDs, WR Wilson - 7 catches, 45 yards

XFL Week 3: Orlando Runs out of Chances

March 15, 2007

Orlando, FL - San Antonio delivered its punches and the Orlando Rage absorbed them, but Orlando was unable to counter punch when it needed to and fell 24-30 in front of 26,850 fans. It was a typical back-and-forth XFL game even in the final few minutes. San Antonio built a 27-17 lead on a 23-yard field goal with 6:31 left. Rage QB Joe Hamilton then drove the Rage deep into Commanders territory, converting a pair of third downs along the way. He lofted a first-down pass to WR Kevin Swayne for an 11-yard touchdown and added the extra point to cut the lead to three with 2:11 left. After a Commanders punt, the defense incurred 30 yards in penalties that eventually put the ball at the 42 yard line. Rage WR Doug Gabriel made a leaping grab for eight yards on third down, but Hamilton's fourth down pass to WR Andre King was incomplete, resulting in the Rage's second turnover-on-downs of the game.

-- (0-1)Commanders 30 - 24 Rage(1-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 25/36 300 yards, 3 TDs, RB Cobbs - 13 carries, 47 yards, WR Woods - 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 9 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 12/18 295 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 12 carries, 44 yards, WR Gabriel - 3 catches, 147 yards, WR Swayne - 3 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD

Chemistry Key Element in San Antonio

March 16, 2007

San Antonio, TX - Commanders new general manager Louis Riddick received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Only by the looks of things on the field with the Commanders heading into the 2007 campaign, you'd think he might have trained in the science of chemistry. After all, chemists carefully describe the properties they study in terms of quantities, with detail on the level of molecules and their component atoms. "I think the chemistry is great, the energy level is fantastic and we're ready for this season," said Riddick, who begins his first year with the Commanders. "I went out and spent some money on some guys who might not have had experience, but those guys stepped it up and had wonderful camps and are up for the challenge."

Seven newcomers highlight the upgraded roster and the biggest story this season is a revamped offensive line that will have quarterback Michael Bishop staring downfield, rather than to the heavens. "We feel if he is healthy and playing well, he gives us a great chance to compete and play for a championship," Riddick said. "If he is hurt or not playing well, we're an average football team."

"I looked for big things on the guys on the line, and I am pleased with their performances," Bishop said. "Coach has been more receptive to my ideas, which is a show of mutual respect, and I can just tell this season Rashaun and I are on the same page so much more, the chemistry is just eerie. I can sense it in team meetings, that we're thinking the same things, when I am talking or he is talking, it's as if we can finish each other's sentences. Then you throw Bethel Johnson in the mix, it's as if he's been here all along, because he brings in a lot of experience."

"With the group of guys we have, this is a great locker room. Just a good group of people and if they can play as well on the field as they've developed in camp and bonded, I look for good thing's from this team," said head coach Mike Riley.