XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 1: Renegades Flex Defensive Muscle to Hold off Vipers

February 16, 2023

Dallas, TX - The Dallas Renegades opened the 2023 XFL season with a dramatic 22-20 win over the Mexico City Vipers at Choctaw Stadium. The Vipers started off the game with a 12-play, 69-yard possession that resulted in a 5-yard touchdown pass from QB Luis Perez to WR Jeff Badet. The Renegades ended their first possession with a 38-yard field goal conversion by K Taylor Russolino and it would be his first of many on the day. The next scoring drive wouldn't come until late in the second quarter, when Perez threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Badet and converted on the two-point attempt, giving the Vipers a 14-3 lead. Right before the end of the first half, Renegades QB Drew Plitt threw an interception to Vipers LB CJ Avery. The Vipers would head into the locker room after a 49-yard missed field goal by K Bailey Giffen.

The Renegades came out strong to start the second half with a 22-yard interception for a touchdown by DL Tomasi Laulile, but would fail on the two-point attempt. On the very next possession Vipers RB John Lovett would fumble the ball on an 8-yard run, which was recovered by Renegades DB Jamal Carter. The Renegades could only capitalize with a 32-yard field goal by Russolino, keeping the game still within reach at 14-12. The Vipers second half woes continued when they turned the ball over on downs after a fake punt attempt inside their own zone. Russolino would give the Renegades the first lead of the day, 15-14, on a 25-yard field. That would be his third made field goal on the day. The Renegades chewed up much of the fourth quarter with a 9:50, 16-play, 58-yard drive but failed to score on a fourth and goal attempt when Plitt was sacked for a 2-yard loss by DL LaRon Stokes. Three plays later, the Vipers would turn the ball over for the third time of the game, on another interception thrown by Perez. Which was returned for a touchdown by DB De'Vante Bausby and extended the Renegades lead to 22-14. With only 58 seconds left in the game and down by 8, the Vipers would worry the Renegades on an impressive last-minute drive. Perez began the possession with a 30- yard pass to WR Cinque Sweeting. Perez continued the drive on the very next play with a 10-yard pass to WR Martavis Bryant, setting up the Vipers inside the Renegades 20-yard line. After Perez threw two, back-to-back incompletions he found Sweeting on a touchdown pass to set up for a game deciding two-point conversion. The Vipers failed to tie the game, giving the Renegades their first win of the season.

-- (0-0)Vipers 20 - 22 Renegades(0-0)
(MEX): QB Perez - 22/36 249 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Lovett - 15 carries, 25 yards, WR Badet - 6 catches, 81 yards, 2 TDs, WR Sweeting - 3 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Plitt - 19/25 172 yards, 1 INT, RB Smith - 29 carries, 83 yards, WR Vaughns - 4 catches, 38 yards, TE Cannella - 7 catches 70 yards

-- (0-0)Apollos 41 - 20 Valor(0-0)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 16/25 212 yards, 3 TDs, RB Johnson - 22 carries, 107 yards, RB Walton - 13 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 4 catches, 74 yards, WR Whitehead - 4 catches, 63 yards, 2 TDs, WR Moncrief - 4 catches, 35 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Bortles - 19/31 199 yards, 1 TD, RB Allen - 15 carries, 81 yards, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 57 yards, WR Richardson - 3 catches, 52 yards

XFL Week 1: Greys Fall Big on Road

February 17, 2023

Houston, TX - The Calgary Greys dropped their XFL opener, suffering a 33-12 loss to the Houston Roughnecks at TDECU Stadium. Calgary opened the scoring when QB Paxton Lynch threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to WR Cody Latimer less than five minutes into the contest. Calgary's 2-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Greys on top 6-0. Houston answered with a touchdown drive of its own with under three minutes left in the first quarter when QB Nathan Rourke located WR Jontre Kirklin for a 10-yard touchdown pass that evened the score at 6-6. The Roughnecks added 15 points in the second quarter and 21 straight after Calgary took a 6-0 lead. Silvers connected with WR Deontay Burnett for a 48-yard touchdown and RB Max Borghi scored on a 27-yard run before a 33-yard field goal extended the Roughnecks' lead to 21-6 going into halftime.

The Roughnecks made it 24 straight points with another 33-yard field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Greys looked to mount a comeback. With 6:40 left in the game, Lynch fired a 51-yard touchdown pass to WR Andrew Jamiel to cut Calgary's deficit to 24-12 but Houston added another touchdown and a field goal en route to a 33-12 victory over the Greys.

-- (0-0)Greys 12 - 33 Roughnecks(0-0)
(CAL): QB Lynch - 27/39 278 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Martin - 14 carries, 78 yards, WR Jamiel - 3 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Latimer - 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB Rourke - 26/42 272 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Borghi - 16 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Burnett - 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Kirklin - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Showboats 28 - 20 Steel(0-0)
(MEM): QB White - 15/21 201 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 13 carries, 97 yards, 2 TDs, RB Emmons - 19 carries, 72 yards, WR Henderson - 3 catches, 62 yards, WR Lucien - 4 catches, 53 yards
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 22/32 193 yards, 2 TDs, RB Yeldon - 18 carries, 111 yards, RB Richardson - 14 carries, 34 yards, WR Benjamin - 7 catches, 56 yards, 2 TDs, WR Stewart - 4 catches, 43 yards

XFL Week 1: Dragons Fall Just Short

February 18, 2023

Cologne, GERMANY - Seattle received the opening kickoff and scored on their first series of the season when QB Ben DiNucci scrambled and flipped a 6-yard touchdown pass to WR Josh Gordon to put the Dragons up 6-0 and to cap off a 11-play, 71-yard drive following the missed three-point conversion. On the next offensive possession for the Dragons, DiNucci helped extend the drive after converting a fourth down conversion to WR Jahcour Pearson, setting up a 36-yard field goal for K Dominik Eberle to increase the Dragons lead to 9-0. Heading into the second quarter, Defenders QB, Jordan Ta'amu, rushed for a 1-yard touchdown run and completed a 2-point conversion to WR, Lucky Jackson, to trim the lead to 9-8. With time winding down in the first half, the Dragons failed to tack on three more points after a missed 40-yard field goal by Eberle.

As the second half rolled around, the Dragons marched down the field on their first possession where RB Brendan Knox finished off the series with a 13-yard touchdown run. Soon after, DiNucci helped his offense convert a 3-point conversion and expand the lead to 18-8 with the help of an offsides penalty by the Defenders. On the ensuing possession for the Dragons, DiNucci was picked off by DB Michael Joseph where he returned it back for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 18-16 after a successful 2-point conversion rushing attempt by Kyle Murphy. Both teams went into the fourth quarter neck and neck, but the Defenders were able to gain the early momentum in the fourth quarter after Joseph intercepted DiNucci for the second time this game. The Defenders capitalized off the turnover when QB D'eriq King rushed for a 5-yard touchdown to put the Defenders up 22-18, their first lead of the game following the failed 2-point conversion attempt. The Dragons looked to regain the momentum back after CB Bryce Thompson intercepted Ta'amu, giving the ball right back to the Dragons. After a series of turnover on downs committed by both teams, the Dragons looked to retake the lead on the final drive but fell short after DiNucci coughed up the ball on the Defenders' four-yard line and was scooped up by LB Jamal Brooks, sealing the first victory of the XFL season to the Defenders

-- (0-0)Dragons 18 - 22 Defenders(0-0)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 35/54 288 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Knox - 14 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 12 catches, 95 yards
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 9/21 93 yards, 1 INT, RB Smith - 19 carries, 84 yards, WR Malone - 5 catches, 43 yards

-- (0-0)Commanders 16 - 21 Ghosts(0-0)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 10/24 124 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hill - 19 carries, 78 yards, RB Ervin - 10 carries, 42 yards, WR Ward - 3 catches, 51 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 13/23 128 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Colburn - 19 carries, 112 yards, RB Williams - 14 carries, 84 yards, WR Carter - 4 catches, 44 yards, WR Suell - 4 catches, 44 yards

XFL Week 1: Last-Minute Field Goal has Alphas Escaping at Home

February 18, 2023

Atlanta, GA - The Monarchs got great field position when WR Janarion Grant returned the kickoff 29 yards to the 47. On the next play, Monarchs QB Jeremiah Masoli found WR Jake Wieneke in the middle for a 38-yard gain and tied the game 7-7 when Masoli found WR Mario Alford for a 20-yard touchdown. A 39-yard field goal with 5:26 left in the third quarter gave Montreal a 14-10 lead. The Monarchs got the ball back when Howell knocked the ball out of Dalton Schoen’s hands and it was recovered by Sherrod Baltimore at the Ottawa 35. But two plays later, Alphas QB JT Barrett slipped away from a blitz and found WR Justin Hardy for a 27-yard catch. Barrett later pushed into the end zone. It was 16-14 with 6:10 left after a missed convert attempt. Masoli torched Atlanta’s defense with a 51-yard strike to WR BJ Cunningham, taking the ball to the 43. That led to a 43-yard field goal to take a 17-16 lead. The Atlanta got the ball back with inside of two minutes left. Barrett was told he had to leave the game after taking a big hit and backup QB Ryan Finley came into the game with the ball on the 45. The game was decided on a 24-yard field goal with six seconds left. “We won’t be holding our heads down for long,” said Masoli. “We have 24 hours to be mad about this and then we get back to work. Penalties, obviously turnovers hurt us, too. Our defense played awesome. And for all the yards we had an offense, we definitely need to pick it up in our production. We need to need to put points on the board to give our defense a cushion.”

-- (0-0)Monarchs 17 - 19 Alphas(0-0)
(MON): QB Masoli - 24/34 380 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Wilder - 20 carries, 61 yards, WR Roosevelt - 7 catches, 71 yards, WR Cunningham - 5 catches, 92 yards, WR Alford - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Barrett - 18/26 188 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 19 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Evans - 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 5 catches, 69 yards

-- (0-0)Maulers 30 - 20 Guardians(0-0)
(PIT): QB Haskins - 15/22 239 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Groshek - 15 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, RB London - 14 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Thomas - 4 catches, 115 yards, WR Gaither - 5 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs
(NY): QB Kessler - 15/23 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 13 carries, 75 yards, RB Gallman - 14 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD, TE Bibbs - 5 catches, 56 yards

-- (0-0)Fleet 23 - 25 Stallions(0-0)
(SD): QB Johnson - 12/16 179 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 6 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD, RB Smallwood - 16 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD, RB Thomas - 17 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 4 catches, 59 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(STL): QB McGough - 13/23 228 yards, 2 TDs, RB Scarbrough - 22 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD, RB Marable - 9 carries, 61 yards, WR Cain - 5 catches, 127 yards, 2 TDs, WR Williams - 3 catches, 41 yards

XFL Week 1: Rosen lead Mountain Lions to Season-Opening Win

February 19, 2023

Salt Lake City, UT - Pulling wins out of tight games in the final three minutes was among coach Dave Dickenson’s stated goals for the Salt Lake City Mountain Lions during training camp. The Mountain Lions delivered in their 30-27 victory over the Oklahoma City Stampede to open the XFL season when K Rene Paredes kicked a 38-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining. Trailing 24-14 at halftime, the Mountain Lions outscored the Stampede 16-3 in the second half. Paredes was good on his three field-goal attempts, including two in the third quarter that ate into the 10-point halftime deficit. Stampede pulled even, however, with his 23-yard field goal with 4:09 remaining in the game. Paredes was good from 41 yards and 23 yards in the third quarter for Salt Lake to trail 24-20.

Mountain Lions DL Karter Schult blocked the Stampede field-goal attempt in the final minute of the third. Salt Lake scored 10 points in the last two minutes of the first half. DB Ciante Evans picked off Stampede QB Bryce Petty to give the Mountain Lions the ball at midfield. Salt Lake RB Devontae Booker ran the ball in from seven yards out and vaulted over a DB Treston Decoud to get to the end zone.

“I’m not going to say it was a clean game in any three of the three phases, special teams, offense and defense, but the guys kept battling and rallying,” Dickenson said. “We were the ones that made the plays late. It was a good start to the year. Rene, say what you want, the guy is money,” Dickenson said.

-- (0-0)Stampede 27 - 30 Mountain Lions(0-0)
(OKC): QB Petty - 18/32 250 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Artis-Payne - 19 carries, 140 yards, 2 TDs, WR Westbrook - 4 catches, 112 yards, TE Parham - 4 catches, 51 yards
(SLC): QB Rosen - 25/39 256 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Booker - 13 carries, 60 yards, 2 TDs, RB Turbin - 6 carries, 43 yards, WR Clay - 7 catches, 101 yards, WR Stringfellow - 4 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Bolts 17 - 23 Brigade(0-0)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 16/31 229 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Sankey - 17 carries, 61 yards, WR Gibson - 3 catches, 45 yards, WR Huff - 4 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
(BAL): QB Bahar - 14/29 198 yards, 2 INTs, RB Thompson - 19 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 5 catches, 86 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 5 catches, 66 yards

XFL Week 1: Crusaders Scratch Past Bandits

February 19, 2023

London, ENGLAND - The London Crusaders saved their best for last by scoring 18 fourth-quarter points en route to a 30-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Bandits. The Crusaders led 12-6 heading into the fourth quarter and increased the lead to 15-6 three minutes into the stanza on K Brett Lauther’s fifth field goal of the season opener for both teams. Tampa made things interesting on their next possession when QB Colin Kaepernick connected with WR Charone Peake on a 71-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap to 15-13 but the Crusaders responded with a pair of touchdowns as QB Taylor Heinicke hit WR Alonzo Russell on a 20-yard scoring play and then followed up with a one-yard touchdown run on the next possession. Heinicke was thrilled that the Crusaders' offense found an extra gear in the fourth quarter. “The first half wasn’t how we wanted to start, but to tell you the truth that one felt good because, if you look at our team last year, we always started fast and then slowed up toward the second half. It felt good tonight to finish,” said Heinicke. "That was one of our big talks offensively and ‘finished’ was the word of the year for us. To have that come back full circle for our first game, it really shows the guys that it means a lot.”

After Peake’s touchdown, the Crusaders responded with their best drive of the game, going 85 yards on seven plays. They completed the drive with Russell's touchdown but the biggest play on the drive was a third-and-one gamble at midfield with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders kept the drive alive on a two-yard run by RB Christine Michael. On Tampa’s first offensive play following the touchdown, Kaepernick was intercepted by DB Darius Hillary who returned the ball 39 yards to the one-yard-line. Henicke scored on a quarterback sneak on the next play and then hit TE Duke Williams on a two-point convert attempt to increase the lead to 30-13. While the London offence took some time to find its way, the defense hit the ground running with eight sacks and two interceptions. LB Dexter McCoil had two sacks. “It goes to show that everybody came to play,” said McCoil. “It speaks to our depth. The linebackers were outstanding and the defensive backs allowed us time to rush the passer because of their coverage. They helped us get to the quarterback for sure.”

-- (0-0)Bandits 13 - 30 Crusaders(0-0)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 18/28 222 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Williams - 11 carries, 26 yards, WR Greene - 8 catches, 72 yards, WR Peake - 2 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
(LON): QB Heinicke - 22/32 311 yards, 1 TD, RB Jones - 10 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD, RB Michael - 14 carries, 33 yards, WR Washington - 4 catches, 92 yards, WR Russell - 9 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Panthers 6 - 34 Brawlers(0-0)
(OAK): QB Mallett - 18/38 226 yards, 2 INTs, RB Washington - 11 carries, 51 yards, WR Hamilton - 6 catches, 82 yards, WR Jones - 4 catches, 77 yards
(PHI): QB Walker - 19/25 241 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 11 carries, 34 yards, 1 TD, RB Butler - 15 carries, 47 yards, RB Williams - 10 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 6 catches, 96 yards, 2 TDs, WR Fulgham - 8 catches, 86 yards

-- (0-0)Enforcers 25 - 24 Mammoths(0-0)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 9/17 146 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 5 carries, 51 yards, RB Williams - 13 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 19 carries, 113 yards, WR Echols-Luper - 4 catches, 85 yards, WR Moore - 3 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Wolford - 13/27 171 yards, 2 TDs, RB West - 22 carries, 146 yards, 1 TD, WR Callaway - 4 catches, 49 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 1: BattleHawks Rally in Final Minutes for Improbable Win at Vancouver

February 20, 2023

Vancouver, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Charlotte Battlehawks completed a furious fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Vancouver Otters, 18-15 to open the 2023 season. The BattleHawks produced 16 points in the final 1 minute, 25 seconds of the game to erase a 15-3 deficit. QB A.J. McCarron delivered his first touchdown pass of the season to WR Hakeem Butler to draw the BattleHawks to within six points, 15-9. He then found WR Austin Proehl in the end zone for a 3-point conversion from the 10-yard line to cut the Otters lead to 15-12. Head coach Anthony Becht then called for a 4th-and-15 attempt from the Charlotte 25-yard line rather than an onside kick to take advantage of a rule unique to the XFL and McCarron connected with Proehl for 22 yards to get the BattleHawks to their own 47-yard line. A 15-yard roughing the passer penalty and three more McCarron pass completions from put the BattleHawks 14 yards from the end zone. McCarron again found Proehl on the next play to give Charlotte the deciding score with 16 seconds remaining in regulation.

Vancouver had built its 15-3 lead with three field goals and a touchdown. The Otters scored their only touchdown with 10:42 left in the fourth quarter to complete a 10-play, 63-yard drive that expanded their lead to 12-3. K Parker Romo put Vancouver up by 12 when converted a 48-yard field goal for his third successful kick of the game and left the BattleHawks with 3:02 to make their comeback. The BattleHawks recorded their first points of the season with a 32-yard field goal by K Donny Hageman with 8:04 left in the first half to tie the game, 3-3. LB Terrill Hanks put Charlotte in position for the field goal when he strip-sacked Otters QB Jack Coan. Feeney recovered the fumble himself and returned it 32 yards to the Brahmas' 29-yard line.

-- (0-0)BattleHawks 18 - 15 Otters(0-0)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 18/27 190 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hill - 15 carries, 68 yards, WR Butler - 5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Proehl - 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(VAN): QB Coan - 25/36 207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ballage - 24 carries, 84 yards, RB Patrick - 14 carries, 48 yards, WR Tolliver - 3 catches, 49 yards

-- (0-0)Jousters 10 - 40 Breakers(0-0)
(TOR): QB Bryant - 12/32 158 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB White - 13 carries, 52 yards, WR Garrett - 4 catches, 68 yards
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 17/29 251 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Jones - 12 carries, 69 yards, RB Ellis - 19 carries, 42 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lee - 3 catches, 99 yards, WR Dixon - 4 catches, 68 yards

San Antonio to Host 2023 XFL Championship Game

February 21, 2023

San Antonio, TX - The XFL announced that the Alamodome, home of the San Antonio Commanders, has been selected as the host site of its 2023 XFL Championship Game. "We are thrilled to announce that San Antonio and the Alamodome will be the host of this season's Championship Game," said Russ Brandon, XFL President. "I have been so impressed by the level of enthusiasm and commitment from the fans in San Antonio. We can't wait to bring together the best two teams to compete for the Championship title in an event that will celebrate our players, coaches, and the revival of professional football in San Antonio."

"San Antonio is the perfect spot for the championship game and we are more than ready to host this exciting event," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "From the Alamo to the Riverwalk to the city's burgeoning culinary scene, XFL fans will have an array of fantastic entertainment options for championship weekend in San Antonio. The Alamodome is built for sports' biggest championships, from Final Fours to bowl games, so hosting the XFL title game here is a perfect fit. For 30 years, the Dome has been home to many of football's biggest moments and memories, and we couldn't be happier to host so many more on one of the sport's biggest stages."

XFL Draft Stockpiles HBCU Talent Ahead of Legacy Bowl

February 22, 2023

New York, NY - During this week's XFL draft, all teams selected at least one player from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Chicago Enforcers led the charge by grabbing a league-high three players from HBCU schools in Tuesday's draft. Daryl Johnston, executive director of football operations for the XFL, and James Popp, director of player administration, were both on hand for the HBCU combine at the New Orleans Saints' indoor facility in Metairie, Louisiana, which included 30 scouts from most NFL teams to evaluate 100 draft-eligible players on hand. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, an all-star game showcasing draft-eligible players from HBCUs, takes place at Tulane University's Yulman Stadium.

The Enforcers talked with every player they drafted about exhausting their NFL options before figuring out what awaits them in the XFL, including potential inclusion in this year's upcoming NFL draft. "I had a conversation with every last guy, explaining to them that we're not trying to take away their NFL opportunity," Popp said. "What we want them to do is go through the process - every young man deserves that because it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal and once they go through the process, if something doesn't go the way they want it to go, we let them know that they will have a home with the Enforcers, to be able to come in and compete for a spot."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: With QB Case Cookus Healthy Again, Ghosts Look Dangerous

February 23, 2023

Memphis, TN - It was just like he never left. Columbus Ghosts QB Case Cookus' impressive run last season ended with a broken right leg in the playoffs, which ended up being a close loss to the St. Louis Stallions. Fast-forward to 2023 and a healthy Cookus picked up right where he left off. The Northern Arizona product scorched the Memphis Showboats, completing 20 of 29 passes (69%) for 212 yards and three touchdowns in Columbus' 27-23 road victory at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Cookus had an eventful offseason that included getting married just five days after having surgery to fix his broken ankle, then four months of rehab that eventually led to a stint on the practice squad for the Los Angeles Rams. "I pushed really hard to try and get back in shape," Cookus said. "I worked on my footwork, cleaning up my base and my flexibility. It was a grueling rehab, but a lot of people helped me through the process. I feel so bad for my wife because we got married, and I sat on the couch for about a month and a half with my foot up. She'd go off and work and I'd be there sitting on the couch all day. So, I want to thank her for taking care of me."

The favorite target for Cookus on Saturday was Cincinnati product Devin Gray, who finished with seven receptions for 77 yards on nine targets. One of them was a pretty, over-the-shoulder grab for a 14-yard score on a corner route late in the third quarter that gave the Ghosts a 27-17 lead. "It's been a big priority with such a short training camp - we just got together about a month ago - so we've been building chemistry every day," Gray said. "All the guys have been just getting reps in against different looks, just making sure we're always able to help Case out."

Behind an enthusiastic crowd, the Showboats rallied late in the fourth quarter to make it a game. "The atmosphere was awesome," Showboats offensive coordinator Todd Haley said. "It was exciting. Just the crowd support and the energy, that's something that our team is going to be able to use. Unfortunately, today it didn't go the way we wanted it to, but that exceeded all expectations."

Memphis product QB Brady White led the Showboats on a 12-play, 42-yard scoring drive, punctuated by a 1-yard run by RB Alex Collins that cut Columbus' advantage to 27-23 with 7:49 left. After forcing Columbus to punt later in the fourth quarter, the Showboats got the ball on their own 20-yard line with 1:32 left. However, the Showboats' drive stalled at Columbus' 40-yard line as White failed to connect with TE Jay Jay Wilson while throwing across his body on fourth-and-6 with 34 seconds left. Cookus and the Stars ran out the clock from there. "Not good enough," White said, when asked to evaluate his performance. "You've got to make plays. I put this 100 percent on me. I know we had some other stuff, and it's a team game. But as a quarterback, I feel the weight of the plays I did not make."

White completed 16 of 29 passes for 182 yards and two scores. But he also had a bad interception on the opening drive, when last year's interception leader Channing Stribling picked off an errant pass from White near the end zone. The Ghosts turned that Memphis miscue into points, as Cookus led the Ghosts on a nine-play, 71-yard drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass to WR Chris Rowland on a whip route for a 7-0 lead. Columbus would never trail from there. Collins carried the offense for Memphis, totaling 88 scrimmage yards and a score. Haley replaced White with 6-7, 250-pound backup QB Cole Kelley in the second quarter because of his experience running the two-minute offense. Kelley finished 2-of-5 for 16 passing yards. Ghosts new addition WR Corey Coleman made an impact in his first game with Columbus. The former first-round NFL draft selection finished with four receptions for 65 yards, including a 35-yard catch on a seam route that put Columbus in scoring position on the team's first drive of the game. Coleman capped his day with a 6-yard reception that helped move the chains late. "He's stepped in and been very unselfish," Cookus said about Coleman. "He's lined up wherever Coach has asked him. And what Corey also does well is he runs his routes very clean. He's very direct in what he does, and he's easy to throw the ball to." "He's a veteran guy who came in and has shown leadership," Gray said. "He's shown different techniques on how to do things, and a different perspective. Also, he's a new guy coming in, so he just brings a different juice."

While Cookus played well, the Showboats put pressure on him up front. Memphis sacked Cookus five times, including two each by LB Greg Reaves and DL Jordan Williams. The Showboats also had two blocked field goals, including DL Jeremiah Valoaga getting his hands on a K Luis Aguliar 50-yard field goal and DB Karrheem Darrington knocking down an Aguliar extra point. "We had a couple in there, and Case will tell you, we probably should have thrown the football," Tressel said. "As things start to get blurry as the line backs up, sometimes you can't get exactly the throwing angle you want. We'll get better. Between scheme and technique, we're about 50-50 on those."

-- (1-0)Ghosts 27 - 23 Showboats(1-0)
(COL): QB Cookus - 20/29 212 yards, 3 TDs, RB Colburn - 12 carries, 61 yards, WR Gray - 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Coleman - 4 catches, 65 yards
(MEM): QB White - 16/29 182 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Collins - 18 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 2 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR McDaniel - 4 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Crusaders 19 - 12 Monarchs(0-1)
(LON): QB Heinicke - 15/22 228 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Michael - 14 carries, 48 yards, RB Jones - 12 carries, 57 yards, WR Henry - 4 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(MON): QB Masoli - 27/38 331 yards, RB Wilder - 17 carries, 94 yards, WR Cunningham - 7 catches, 77 yards, WR Guerra - 7 catches, 91 yards, WR Roosevelt - 5 catches, 55 yards

XFL Week 2: Defense, Depth, Experience: Stallions Show Why They're Contenders

February 24, 2023

St. Louis, MO - The St. Louis Stallions knocked off the Chicago Enforcers, 27-10, behind another signature defensive performance, plus an offense that does just enough to win. The Stallions forced a turnover on the Enforcers' first possession of the game after LB Nate Holley knocked the ball free from TE Braeden Bowman. Then, with their first offensive play of the game, Stallions QB J'Mar Smith hit XFL newcomer WR Austin Watkins for a 61-yard TD throw and catch. It was Watkins' only catch of the game, but it set the tone. After the fumble and long TD allowed within the first three minutes of the season, things didn't get much better for the Generals. Their next four possessions ended in punts, and they converted just four of their first 12 third downs into first downs.

Enforcers QB Dakota Prukop was solid in splitting time with starter QB De'Andre Johnson, completing 13 of his 17 passes for 148 yards. But in the third quarter and trailing just 17-10, Prukop surrendered a fumble that changed the game. After the Stallions recovered, they hit Chicago with an explosive play, with Stallions QB Alex McGough rushing for a 29-yard TD to put St. Louis ahead 24-10. While the Enforcers made four trips inside the Stallions' 20, they scored on just one of them. For Enforcers coach Lovie Smith, the reason for the loss was simple. "It's a game that when you put a whole bunch of stats together from a whole bunch of games and you look at penalties and turnovers, it doesn't change," he said. "They penalties and turnovers play a major, major factor in games, the other ones big plays, you know, and they hit one right off the bat and put us on our heels. I loved how we responded to that. However, you know, I think we have a good football team. I just don't think we played well enough consistently tonight."

With 6:49 left to play, the Stallions let kicker Brandon Aubrey put the game out of reach at 27-10 with a 49-yard field goal, his only field goal of the evening. McGough came off the bench in place of Smith late in the second quarter, putting the Stallions up 17-10 just before the half with a 6-yard touchdown pass to TE Jace Sternberger. McGough ended up completing 7 of 11 passes for 68 yards and also led the Stallions in rushing yards with 51 on just five carries, scoring twice on the ground. His ability to extend plays and manipulate the middle of the defense with his speed created an advantage for the Stallions and a headache for the Enforcers' defense. With Sternberger, along with WRs Davion Davis and Myron Mitchell, Holtz's passing attack demonstrated the strength of the team's depth, depending on three newcomers to carry them offensively while their run game produced just 88 yards on 21 carries. Sternberger caught all five of his targets for 62 yards and his first XFL TD from his roommate, McGough. Sternberger's contributions demonstrated the kind of talent on display in the XFL and just how difficult it can be to make a roster in this league.

-- (1-0)Enforcers 10 - 27 Stallions(1-0)
(CHI): QB Prukop - 13/17 148 yards, RB Victor - 8 carries, 84 yards, RB Rawls - 15 carries, 81 yards, WR Echols-Luper - 5 catches, 54 yards, WR Pierson-El - 4 catches, 46 yards
(STL): QB Smith - 10/15 160 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, QB McGough - 7/11 68 yards, 1 TD, 5 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs, RB Marable - 10 carries, 31 yards, WR Watkins - 1 catch, 61 yards, TE Sternberger - 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Guardians 36 - 38 Jousters(0-1)
(NY): QB Kessler - 22/35 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 16 carries, 116 yards, 2 TDs, RB Gallman - 14 carries, 57 yards, 2 TDs, WR White - 6 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 3 catches, 41 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 16/21 247 yards, 4 TDs, RB Pressley - 15 carries, 68 yards, RB Cox - 11 carries, 59 yards, WR Garrett - 3 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 4 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: Carson Strong's Sizzling Outing Helps Panthers Overcome Miscues in Opening Win

February 25, 2023

Baltimore, MD - QB Carson Strong kept things simple and that led to big things for the Detroit Panthers. The Nevada product finished an impressive 23 of 25 passing for 249 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Panthers ran away from the Baltimore Brigade in the second half for a 29-13 victory. "I just stuck to the game plan," a stoic Strong said. "Trusting what was called, trusting the guys around me, and putting the offense in best position possible to succeed."

Detroit trailed 13-9 at halftime but scored 20 answered points in the second half for the win. Panthers WR Joe Walker finished with a game-high 105 receiving yards on six receptions, including a 34-yard catch on a deep ball for the final score of the game. The Brigade moved the ball well between the 20-yard lines, but Baltimore turned it over four times. The Panthers turned those miscues into 14 points. RB Stevie Scott paced the Panthers on the ground with 67 rushing yards on 12 carries, including a 1-yard run for a score. The Panthers played quick and used tempo to keep Baltimore's defense off-balance most of the game, with Strong finding success hitting WRs like Walker, Ishmael Hyman and Trey Quinn on in-breaking routes. DL Breeland Speaks led the charge defensively for the Panthers, finishing with seven combined tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. Speaks' big day included a game-sealing sack on Baltimore's final drive of the game by corralling Baltimore athletic QB Kenji Bahar. Speaks said Detroit's strategy defensively included keeping Bahar contained in the pocket and not letting him scramble to his right. "It was a great day," Speaks said. "We just followed the game plan. Coach drew up some stuff. In the second half, we started bringing a little more pressure. And I just so happened to make a few plays."

Special teams miscues and defensive penalties tilted the game in Baltimore's favor in the first half. With Baltimore trailing 9-6, Walker muffed a punt, and Baltimore DB Jeremiah Johnson recovered on the Panthers' 17-yard line. On the same drive, the Brigade also benefited from a defensive pass interference penalty on DB Cory Rahman while defending Baltimore WR Teo Redding in the end zone. Rahman suffered an Achilles injury on the play and did not return. RB TJ Pledger turned that penalty into points, scoring his second touchdown of the game from 2 yards out and giving the Brigade a 13-9 lead at halftime. Along with the Walker muffed punt, K Cole Murphy missed a 35-yard field goal wide right and missed an extra point. Detroit P Kyle Kramer also had a punt blocked.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson's son shined for Brigade. Josh Pederson understands what it's like to play in the NFL. He can get an up-close view from his father. The Jaguars head coach was at the stadium to watch his son play. The younger Pederson did not disappoint catching all three of his targets. An undrafted rookie out of Louisiana-Monroe two years ago, Pederson spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs and is looking to land a job in the NFL. "This is a great opportunity for all of these players to really not only showcase their talent but also get on tape," Pederson said. "That's one thing I really encouraged my son to do, just get on tape and get meaningful reps. That's what all of these guys are doing because one day they are trying to get back to the NFL if they can."

-- (0-1)Panthers 29 - 13 Brigade(1-0)
(OAK): QB Strong - 23/25 249 yards, 3 TDs, RB Scott - 12 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Walker - 6 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, WR Hyman - 6 catches, 45 yards
(BAL): QB Bahar - 13/22 109 yards, 2 INTs, RB Pledger - 16 carries, 41 yards, 2 TDs, WR Chism - 3 catches, 42 yards

-- (0-1)Fleet 37 - 7 Alphas(1-0)
(SD): QB Johnson - 26/37 237 yards, 1 TD, RB Smallwood - 17 carries, 65 yards, 2 TDs, 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 6 catches, 59 yards, WR Posey - 6 catches, 58 yards
(ATL): QB Barrett - 13/30 161 yards, 1 INT, RB Smith - 17 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 52 yards, WR Evans - 4 catches, 63 yards

-- (0-1)Steel 17 - 18 Bandits(0-1)
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 17/32 182 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Yeldon - 10 carries, 138 yards, RB Richardson - 14 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Benjamin - 3 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Lodge - 4 catches, 40 yards
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 16/23 216 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 15 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Greene - 4 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Peake - 4 catches, 65 yards

XFL Week 2: Dragons Erase huge Deficit to beat Apollos

February 25, 2023

Orlando, FL - The Dragons found themselves behind 24-0 late in the first half before they kicked into gear to score a 33-30 victory against the Orlando Apollos and QB Ben DiNucci wanted to sprinkle his teammates with praise after his team overcame a 24-point deficit to win in overtime. “I know a lot of people will be talking about our offense and me turning things around,” said DiNucci. “But the defense stepped up. We had an interception to win the game, a strip on a quarterback sneak for a touchdown and Dominik Eberle, that guy doesn’t get enough credit. He’s the best kicker in the game.” Eberle went a perfect 4-for-4, including a game-tying 39-yard field goal as regulation time expired and a 35-yarder on Calgary’s offensive possession to begin overtime. Seattle LB Jordan Evans picked off Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert at the 17-yard line to end the game. Seattle DB Kareem Orr also had an interception in the third quarter and stripped Gilbert on a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter. Orr scampered in for a 45-yard score to tie the game at 30-30 with 4:12 remaining. “We just kept preaching resiliency and making a play at the right time,” Orr said.

At halftime, DiNucci pulled aside his receiving corps in the locker room to talk about a comeback. The bid stalled early in the third quarter when Apollos DB Keith Reaser intercepted DiNucci but the Apollos were badly outscored in the fourth quarter as DiNucci found WRs Josh Gordon and Blake Jackson for scores. “I lit a fire in myself after the pick,” said DiNucci. “Everybody showed up at the right time. It sucked to be in that position, and a good team shouldn’t be in that position. But all the guys stepped up and made the plays.”

“It’s disappointing,” Apollos head coach Orlondo Steinauer said. “It’s going to sting, and it should. We didn’t finish. We had opportunities and didn’t do it.”

-- (0-1)Dragons 33 - 30 Apollos(1-0)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 28/42 313 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Prosise - 14 carries, 66 yards, WR Pearson - 7 catches, 109 yards, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 36/51 425 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Johnson - 15 carries, 66 yards, WR Marshall - 11 catches, 131 yards, 1 TD, WR Whitehead - 8 catches, 96 yards, WR Moncrief - 7 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Ford - 6 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Stampede 3 - 44 Roughnecks(1-0)
(OKC): QB Petty - 17/25 204 yards, 2 INTs, RB Artis-Payne - 10 carries, 38 yards, WR Westbrook - 3 catches, 60 yards
(HOU): QB Rourke - 39/45 436 yards, 4 TDs, RB Borghi - 16 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Burnett - 9 catches, 87 yards, WR Putman - 7 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Kirklin - 8 catches, 143 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 2: Emotional Win for Breakers'

February 26, 2023

Los Angeles, CA - After the Pittsburgh Maulers and Los Angeles Breakers each scored a field goal on their opening possessions of the season, neither team averaged more than 2.7 yards per play in the first half. There were no offensive touchdowns until the fourth quarter. The Maulers offense, though, was especially erratic, compiling just 156 total yards in the game. Pittsburgh QBs James Morgan and Troy Williams combined to complete just 10 of 27 passes for 81 yards with starter Dwayne Haskins out. But the defense did what it could to keep the Maulers in striking distance. Their effort was punctuated when former first-round pick and Alabama LB Reuben Foster hit Breakers RB Anthony Jones and caused a fumble. The hit came in Foster's first game as a professional in more than four years, dating back to October 2018. Maulers LB Kyahva Tezino recovered Jones' fumble in the end zone for the defensive score. "He's a legitimate player," Maulers coach Byron Leftwich said. "He's a heck of a man, a leader. He's a guy that wants to have the play come down to him. He exemplifies what we want to be on defense. So he's everything that I can hope for. The men look towards him. So do I."

The Maulers had an opportunity to score their first offensive touchdown with 10:23 left to play. But on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Breakers LB Vontae Diggs managed to stop Maulers RB Garrett Groshek in the backfield. After the turnover-on-downs, the Breakers were forced to punt after 11 plays and chewing 4:58 off the clock. However, Los Angeles P Matt Coughlin's 21-yard punt was returned 82 yards to pay dirt by WR Isiah Hines, tying the score at 15-15 with 4:32 left to play. After Maulers K Nathan Hierlihy missed his extra point attempt, he made a bad situation worse when he yanked his kickoff out of bounds, which allowed QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Breakers to begin their series from the 50-yard line. Pittsburgh WR Isiah Hennie tied the score late with a dynamic punt return touchdown. Breakers put the game in the hands of one of the oldest players in the league, the 34-year-old quarterback. Following two short completions, Bethel-Thompson found TE Sage Surratt on a crossing route over the middle for a 36-yard gain. A steady diet of Bethel-Thompson-to-Jones led to a 2-yard completion for the game's first offensive touchdown, coming with 1:13 to play. A made extra point made the game 22-15 when the Maulers took over possession. The Maulers' last chance to tie the game came on a failed pass attempt on fourth down from the Breakers' 32-yard line.

Bethel-Thompson came back to the XFL after spending the last half of his career in the CFL, where he won two Grey Cups and passed for more than 4,000 yards twice. "Coming out in the first half, we were like a Ferrari, but we kind of put the wrong gas in the Ferrari," he said. "So we weren't moving so well. And then the second half kind of got going and that means the most. I thought offensively it was probably one of the most painful first halves of football I've ever had to witness. But I was proud of our guys that they stepped up and they came out to play unbelievably in the second half."

-- (1-0)Maulers 15 - 22 Breakers(1-0)
(PIT): QB Morgan - 10/27 81 yards, RB London - 14 carries, 38 yards, WR Walker - 3 catches, 42 yards
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 23/41 302 yards, 1 TD, RB Jones - 23 carries, 62 yards, WR Adams - 5 catches, 70 yards, WR Lee - 5 catches, 85 yards, WR Dixon - 6 catches, 95 yards

-- (1-0)Renegades 18 - 20 Mountain Lions(1-0)
(DAL): QB Plitt - 15/27 171 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smith - 17 carries, 119 yards, RB Farrow - 12 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD, WR Lawler - 3 catches, 53 yards, TE Cannella - 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
(SLC): QB Rosen - 17/27 225 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 21 carries, 73 yards, WR Tate - 5 catches, 98 yards, 2 TDs, WR Clay - 5 catches, 53 yards

-- (0-1)Otters 16 - 25 Valor(0-1)
(VAN): QB Coan - 11/20 106 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ballage - 11 carries, 129 yards, 1 TD, RB Patrick - 12 carries, 64 yards, WR Turpin - 6 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Bortles - 20/24 287 yards, 2 TDs, RB Allen - 20 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Daniels - 6 catches, 114 yards, WR Richardson - 5 catches, 110 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-1)Greys 26 - 27 Commanders(0-1)
(CAL): QB Lynch - 14/22 207 yards, 2 TDs, 5 carries, 27 yards, 1 TD, RB Martin - 12 carries, 67 yards, RB Darrington - 10 carries, 56 yards, WR Latimer - 2 catches, 59 yards, WR Rogers - 4 catches, 78 yards
(SA): QB Griffin III - 19/26 224 yards, 1 TD, RB Hill - 14 carries, 81 yards, RB Ervin - 10 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 9 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 71 yards

-- (1-0)Defenders 26 - 16 Mammoths(0-1)
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 20/26 247 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 17 carries, 126 yards, 1 TD, RB Armstead - 11 carries, 58 yards, WR Malone - 5 catches, 81 yards, WR Ferguson - 4 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Wolford - 21/35 315 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB West - 12 carries, 45 yards, WR Callaway - 12 catches, 149 yards, WR Dunbar - 3 catches, 85 yards, TE Truesdell - 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2: BattleHawks Hold off Bolts

February 27, 2023

Charlotte, NC - Berlin got two field goals in the final 45 seconds of the second quarter to stake Charlotte to an 11-6 lead to cap an eventful opening half. His 38-yard kick to end the quarter followed DB Ron Brooks’s 28-yard interception return. Berlin connected from 29 yards out at 14:45 to cap a 10-play, 73-yard match but the late flurry notwithstanding, the opening half had the flow of a stagnant swamp. The combined 14 penalties for 165 yards didn’t help, neither did the eight punts, three turnovers and no TDs. Berlin had almost as many penalty yards (100) as total yards (115). The contest got chippy in the second when a melee ensued after Berlin LB Cameron Judge stepped on the chest of Charlotte OL , who was attempting to make the block. Both were disqualified while Berlin LB Eric Pinkins was penalized for unnecessary roughness. Charlotte QB AJ McCarron’s 15-yard touchdown pass to WR Hakeem Butler at 2:35 of the third put the Bolts up 20-6 and capped a five-play, 72-yard drive to open the second half.

“I thought all three phases had their moments,” Charlotte head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said. “Offensively we moved the ball but we couldn’t finish drives, kicking field goals and not making them. I thought we made a lot of good plays, we didn’t make some of the simple ones.”

-- (0-1)Bolts 19 - 20 BattleHawks(1-0)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 18/30 270 yards, RB Sankey - 18 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 7 catches, 127 yards, WR Huff - 6 catches, 83 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 22/31 269 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Williams - 18 carries, 87 yards, WR Ateman - 6 catches, 66 yards, WR Butler - 7 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Brawlers 34 - 27 Vipers(0-1)
(PHI): QB Walker - 24/36 304 yards, 3 TDs, RB Butler - 7 carries, 72 yards, RB Williams - 8 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 8 catches, 194 yards, 3 TDs, WR Coates - 6 catches, 41 yards
(MEX): QB Perez - 20/37 244 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smith - 22 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, RB Lovett - 15 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Bryant - 8 catches, 104 yards, WR Allison - 7 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: BattleHawks Rally again to Topple Seattle on the Road

March 2, 2023

Seattle, WA - After an 18-15, come-from behind victory at Vancouver in Week 1, the BattleHawks found themselves down by one point with 1 minute, 21 seconds to play. QB AJ McCarron then led the BattleHawks 50 yards down the field, while accounting for 23 rushing yards himself, to set up K Donny Hageman for a 44-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired. Charlotte took their first lead of the contest, 17-12, when WR Hakeem Butler caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from McCarron for the BattleHawks' longest play of the season with 7:14 left in the game. The Dragons came back with a seven-play, 60-yard touchdown drive of their own two possessions later to take an 18-17 lead, but they were unable to complete a 3-point conversion attempt from the Charlotte 10-yard line. The BattleHawks' special teams and defense provided the offense several extra opportunities thanks to three turnovers in the second half. WR Gary Jennings recovered a muffed punt by Seattle WR Jahcour Pearson and DL Kevin Atkins recovered a fumble by RB Morgan Ellison that Charlotte DL LaCale London forced with 10:20 left in the third. Hageman converted his first 44- yard field goal of the night seven plays later to bring St. Louis within one point of Seattle, 12-11.

London forced another fumble that Atkins recovered again on the next Seattle drive. The BattleHawks forced three fumbles for the game and hold a 5-0 turnover margin for the season. The Charlotte offense got on the scoreboard with its first drive of the second quarter on a 14- play, 72-yard drive McCarron completed with a quarterback sneak from the 1 yard line. He then found WR Marcell Ateman for a 2-point conversion that narrowed Seattle's lead to 12-8. Seattle built a 12-0 lead early with a 29-yard field goal with 4:02 left in the opening quarter and a 54-yard touchdown pass from QB Ben DiNucci to WR Jahcour Pearson on the first play of the second quarter. Seattle elected a 3-point conversion attempt, and DiNucci connected with Josh Gordon in the end zone to extend the Dragons' advantage to a dozen points.

-- (2-0)BattleHawks 20 - 18 Dragons(1-1)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 22/36 184 yards, 1 TD, RB Durant - 18 carries, 75 yards, WR Butler - 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Ateman - 7 catches, 60 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 19/29 196 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ellison - 18 carries, 88 yards, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 59 yards, WR Pearson - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-0)Ghosts 12 - 13 Jousters(1-1)
(COL): QB Cookus - 9/24 154 yards, 1 INT, RB Williams - 12 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, RB Colburn - 17 carries, 63 yards, WR Coleman - 4 catches, 64 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 13/20 142 yards, 2 TDs, RB Pressley - 12 carries, 57 yards, WR Garrett - 4 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Wright - 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Heinicke goes Off Against Struggling Commanders

March 3, 2023

London, ENGLAND - QB Taylor Heinicke validated a late decision to play and WR Malik Henry overcame a couple early gaffes with the go-ahead touchdown for the London Crusaders in a 30-23 win over the visiting San Antonio Commanders. Heinicke, a game-time decision to start because of a sore foot, threw for 321 yards and a touchdown. London head coach Dave Dickenson had made the decision to start backup Kevin Hogan until Heinicke indicated the taping of his foot made it feel secure enough for him to play. “I talked to Coach and said ‘meet me on the field and see how it feels,’ and it felt good enough to move around the pocket,” Heinicke said. “I don’t think I was running full speed at all. I was thankful for Coach having that trust in me.”

RBs Christine Michael and Matt Jones scored rushing touchdowns in addition to Henry’s touchdown catch for London in front of an announced 32,739 fans. Henry compiled 173 receiving yards on six catches in the game, including a 46-yard grab. He also fumbled the ball away and incurred an offside penalty in the first half. So taking a 28-yard pass from Mitchell and sprinting to plant his foot in the corner of the end-zone for a touchdown in the last minute of the third quarter felt like redemption. The Crusaders trailed at halftime but LB Dexter McCoil intercepted an QB Robert Griffin III pass intended for WR Josh Doctson to put the ball on the 38-yard line with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter. Heinicke’s throw to Henry on the next play gave the Crusaders the lead for the first time in the game. DL Channing Ward contributed a pair of sacks and a pass knockdown in the third quarter that ended 20-17 in favor of London. Lauther padded the Crusaders’ lead to 23-17 with a 35-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter, but K Nick Rose responded with a 46-yarder to keep the Commanders within range. San Antonio’s attempt to recover an onside kick was foiled by WR Carlton Agudosi grabbing the ball first.

-- (1-1)Commanders 23 - 30 Crusaders(2-0)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 20/31 225 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hill - 17 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 7 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD, WR Doctson - 7 catches, 55 yards
(LON): QB Heinicke - 21/28 321 yards, 1 TD, RB Michael - 19 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Washington - 4 catches, 77 yards, WR Henry - 6 catches, 173 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Apollos 41 - 31 Monarchs(0-2)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/30 287 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 20 carries, 107 yards, 2 TDs, RB Walton - 12 carries, 75 yards, 2 TDs, WR Whitehead - 6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 5 catches, 75 yards, WR Moncrief - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
(MON): QB Masoli - 15/23 186 yards, 3 TDs, RB Wilder - 10 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Roosevelt - 3 catches, 65 yards, 2 TDs, WR Wieneke - 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Defenders, Weather Wear down Vipers

March 4, 2023

Mexico City, MEXICO - On a cold, windy evening in the desert, pregame sprinkles before the Vipers home opener with the visiting Cologne Defenders turned into a downpour just before the half. After a sloppy and largely uneventful first half, Cologne created their own deluge of a sort, dominating the second half with an impressive run game and spoiling the Vipers' first home game, 18-6. At the half, the score was 6-0 for the Vipers. At the beginning of the second half the rain was pouring down. Cologne took the kickoff and fielded the ball on their own 25-yard line. Ta’amu began to put together first downs. A pass to Lucky Jackson gave Cologne the ball on the 45. On a 4th and two, K Matt McCrane attempted a 47-yard field goal and made it. The score was now 6-3 for the Vipers.

On the kickoff, the McCrane slipped on the rain soaked field and the ball did not travel the correct distance. Vegas took over on their own 45-yard line. After Vipers moved the ball to the 7, a delay of game penalty brought the ball back to the 12. On the field goal attempt, Giffen slipped and the kick was no good. D’Eriq King went in at quarterback for DC. King established a running attack handing to Armstead and taking the ball himself. Then, King took the ball to the 29. King kept it himself and scampered into the end zone for a touchdown. The score was now 10-6 for the Defenders. Vipers fumbled the ball on their next possession and Cologne’s Brooks recovered the ball on the 44. King took over and handed to Armstead for a nine-yard gain. RB Abram Smith then ran for a 26-yard gain. Cologne now had a first down on the 9 and Smith ran the ball in for another Cologne touchdown. The score was now 18-6 for the Defenders. Vipers could not achieve a first down and were forced to punt. Cologne took over at their own 28. King kept the ball on the ground, handing to Armstead three times in a row for a first down at the 44. With 2:47 remaining, Cologne was running out the clock. After the two minute warning, with Mexico City having no time outs remaining, Cologne was able to completely run out the clock.

-- (2-0)Defenders 18 - 6 Vipers(0-2)
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 11/23 93 yards, 12 carries, 68 yards, RB Smith - 15 carries - 101 yards, 2 TDs, RB Armstead - 15 carries, 62 yards, WR Hammond - 3 catches, 24 yards
(MEX): QB Perez - 12/23 98 yards, RB Smith - 12 carries, 63 yards, WR Allison - 2 catches, 33 yards

-- (1-1)Bandits 33 - 13 Breakers(2-0)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 18/26 201 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Williams - 21 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD, WR Peake - 5 catches, 43 yards, WR Greene - 2 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 13/27 146 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Jones - 21 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, WR Lee - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR Taylor - 4 catches, 67 yards

-- (1-1)Showboats 30 - 45 Brawlers(2-0)
(MEM): QB Willis - 14/28 224 yards, 2 TDs, RB Collins - 14 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 11 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Treadwell - 3 catches, 71 yards, TE Funchess - 2 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Walker - 17/21 321 yards, 2 TDs, RB Butler - 10 carries, 62 yards, 3 TDs, RB Williams - 18 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 111 yards, WR Miller - 4 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD, WR Fulgham - 4 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 3: Mountain Lions stay Unbeaten

March 4, 2023

Salt Lake City, UT - Salt Lake DL Karter Schult was understated about his fourth-quarter interception for a touchdown. The veteran snared a tipped pass by Omaha QB John Wolford to help seal Salt Lake’s 26-12 win over the visiting Mammoths. The Mountain Lions remained unbeaten to start the XFL season. After sacking Wolford early in the fourth quarter, Schult ran an interception back 30 yards to score with 8:40 remaining in the game. “It was a good night. A good night at the office,” Schult said. “Offense, defense, special teams came out and did what we needed to do, get the win. I’m living right. That’s all I can say, man. Yup, just having opportunities to run to the ball. The ball just so happened to find me. Just got to be hungry. You don’t get rewarded for being lazy.”

Schult’s pick wasn’t the first Wolford throw to deflect off a receiver’s hands and into enemy arms. “Bad luck right now, man,” Wolford said. “Every single one of those guys have been open and just unfortunate, man. Just a string of bad luck. Much like a hitter being in a slump, it’s kind of hitting us right now. Shoot, there’s only so many times that can happen, you know. Eventually, it will start going our way.”

“I really do think they’re a great football team. I don’t care what their record says,” Mountain Lions QB Josh Rosen said. “They’re going to be there at the end, for sure. Both teams have a mutual respect for each other. At the same time, we don’t like each other very much because we have played in some big games the last couple of seasons.” The Mammoths need to turn field goals into touchdowns, their head coach said. “But I was definitely proud of our football team’s effort,” he said. I didn’t see any quit. I thought we just didn’t seize our opportunities when the momentum hit us.”

Salt Lake led 6-3 after the first quarter, 14-9 at halftime and 18-9 after three quarters. Both quarterbacks connected on long passes in first-half scoring drives. Rosen hit WR Kaelin Clay with a 46-yard completion to boost a drive capped by K Rene Paredes’ 45-yard field goal. Rosen and WR Auden Tate combined for a 35-yard reception on the next series, which ended with Paredes’ 30-yarder to make it 6-0 at 9:29. After facing second down and 27 following a penalty, Wolford scrambled and threw a 41-yard strike to WR Steven Dunbar. After Schult hit pay dirt with a pick-six, K Andrew Franks made it 25-12 with his 41-yarder at 9:56 of the fourth. Wolford was also intercepted by Mountain Lions DB Ciante Evans late in the fourth quarter.

-- (0-2)Mammoths 12 - 26 Mountain Lions(2-0)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 25/42 237 yards, 2 INTs, RB Johnson - 7 carries, 32 yards, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 53 yards, WR Callaway - 6 catches, 78 yards
(SLC): QB Rosen - 21/32 302 yards, 1 INT, RB Booker - 22 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR Clay - 6 catches, 96 yards, WR Tate - 5 catches, 58 yards, WR Godwin - 3 catches, 73 yards

-- (1-1)Fleet 27 - 24 Enforcers(1-1)
(SD): QB Johnson - 19/33 257 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smallwood - 21 carries, 77 yards, RB Thomas - 14 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 6 catches, 127 yards, WR Ross - 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Kizer - 18/29 202 yards, 1 TD, RB Rawls - 19 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 9 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Pierson-El - 5 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 5 catches, 46 yards

XFL Week 3: Otters Pull Away for First Franchise Victory

March 5, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA - Despite a strong defensive effort in the first half, the Calgary Greys fell to the Vancouver Otters in their home opener. Vancouver struck first on the game's opening drive when QB Jack Coan hit TE Deon Yelder for a three-yard touchdown pass, giving the visitors a 6-0 lead. The Greys matched the score with a touchdown pass of their own from QB Paxton Lyncph to WR Eli Rogers for eight yards to tie the game at 6-6. It was Rogers' first touchdown catch of the season. The Greys ran the ball efficiently on the first drive with RB Jah-Maine Martin at the helm, including a league-best 38-yard rush to put the team in scoring position. Lynch went 3-of-3 for 41 yards on the possession. Late in the first half, the Otters found the end zone again with a 19-yard touchdown pass to TE Alize Mack. Coan's second touchdown pass of the day and a successful two-point attempt put Vancouver up 14-6. Calgary was bullish on the defensive front tallying seven tackles-for-loss and holding the Otters 0-for-4 on third down. The Greys' defense allowed negative seven rushing yards in the first half. "I just feel like when I make a commitment, that's what I'm going to do. When I'm on this team I'm going to give everything I got. They drafted me for a reason on this team," said Martin.

The Otters found the end zone six minutes into the third quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Coan to WR Jalen Tolliver. A successful one-point conversion put the Otters up 20-6 with 8:50 left in the third quarter. A blocked punt set up the next Vancouver score. A one-yard rush by RB Jonathan Hillman and a successful one-point conversion left the score 27-6. Early in the fourth quarter, Calgary backup QB Deondre Francois found WR Cody Latimer for a 4-yard touchdown pass to pull within 15 points, 27-12. Francois' first touchdown pass of the season resulted in Latimer's second touchdown catch. A fourth-quarter goal from Otters' K Parker Romo accounted for the final score. "My whole message to the guys, this whole week man, we left some meat on the bone. It felt like we had the trouble the first two weeks but it was a great learning lesson for us and for our team," said Otters head coach Bill O'Brien.

"I feel like we're heading in the right direction. Like I told the players and the coaches, we want to reel back everything when we get back first thing in the morning," said Greys head coach Jack Del Rio.

-- (0-2)Otters 30 - 12 Greys(0-2)
(VAN): QB Coan - 16/24 165 yards, 3 TDs, RB Ballage - 15 carries, 46 yards, TE Mack - 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Tolliver - 3 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD
(CAL): QB Lynch - 15/32 87 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Martin - 22 carries, 100 yards, WR Payton - 8 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Panthers 19 - 13 Alphas(1-1)
(OAK): QB Strong - 13/19 197 yards, RB Washington - 15 carries, 103 yards, WR Hamilton - 4 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 3 catches, 67 yards
(ATL): QB Barrett - 11/21 222 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smith - 16 carries, 71 yards, WR Evans - 4 catches, 141 yards, 1 TD, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 59 yards

-- (1-1)Brigade 31 - 17 Guardians(0-2)
(BAL): QB Bahar - 10/18 156 yards, 1 TD, 4 carries, 37 yards, 2 TDs, RB Crowell - 22 carries, 165 yards, RB Pledger - 9 carries, 91 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Kessler - 13/25 181 yards, RB Perkins - 15 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, RB Gallman - 10 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 2 catches, 78 yards, WR McKay - 4 catches, 54 yards

XFL Week 3: Pittsburgh Mauls Birmingham

March 5, 2023

Pittsburgh, PA - The Maulers started in explosive fashion with WR Jeff Thomas returning the opening kickoff for an 88-yard touchdown. K Ramiz Ahmed added to the lead with two consecutive field goals, including a 48-yard kick that gave his side a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Steel broke the ice at the start of the second with a 41-yard field goal by K Brett Lauther but Pittsburgh answered right away with Haskins’ first touchdown pass of the game. Haskins threw a 70-yard bomb for WR Bailey Gaiter increasing the lead to 20-3. Ahmed’s third field goal of the night gave Pittsburgh a 20-point advantage heading into halftime. Birmingham attempted a scoring drive to start the second half but Pittburgh’s defense held the Steel in the red zone, limiting the visitors to a field goal. Maulers DB Devin Hafford intercepted a ball Steel WR ArDarius Stewart dropped in mid-air and his 21-yard return gave Pittsburgh a 30-6 lead. Ahmed recorded his fourth and fifth field goals of the game to bring the score to 36-6. The Steel scored their lone touchdown of the night in the dying embers of the game when QB Mike Glennon found Stewart with a five-yard pass.

“Haskins given us a lot of confidence and he has a good way about him,” said Maulers coach Duce Staley. “He’s been in this league 2 years now and can do everything athletically and can think the game really well. He’s just a quality quarterback and we saw that today and he made really good decisions.”

-- (0-2)Steel 13 - 36 Maulers(1-1)
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 17/28 191 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Richardson - 14 carries, 54 yards, WR Benjamin - 8 catches, 53 yards, WR Stewart - 4 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD
(PIT): QB Haskins - 18/24 273 yards, 1 TD, RB Groshek - 13 carries, 60 yards, WR Thomas - 4 catches, 68 yards, WR Gaither - 2 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Valor 30 - 24 Stampede(0-2)
(DC): QB Bortles - 15/22 165 yards, 1 TD, RB Allen - 22 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD, RB - 15 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR - 5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 16/19 249 yards, 1 TD, RB Artis-Payne - 14 carries, 72 yards, RB Brooks - 11 carries, 31 yards, 2 TDs, WR Westbrook - 7 catches, 178 yards

XFL Week 3: Renegades Can't Keep Pace at Houston in First Loss

March 6, 2023

Houston, TX - The Dallas Renegades were handed their second straight loss of the season by the Houston Roughnecks at the TDECU Stadium in Houston. The first quarter of the contest resulted in an early 13-0 lead for the Roughnecks. An opening drive 42-yard field goal by K Hunter Duplessis is what put them on the board first. Riding the early momentum, Roughnecks QB Nathan Rourke threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to RB Nick Holley to score the first touchdown of the contest. The Renegades bounced back in the second quarter, regaining control of the game, when WR LuJuan Winningham scored his first touchdown of the season. Winningham caught a 4-yard pass from QB Drew Plitt to put the Renegades on the board with 9:23 left in the quarter. Plitt continued the team's scoring momentum with a 13 yard touchdown pass to TE Nate Becker. After a successful two point conversion to WR Tyler Vaughns, the Renegades took their first lead of the game. Dallas was up 14-11 headed into the half.

In the second half of the game, Rourke threw a 15-yard pass to WR Cedric Byrd to put up 6 more for the Roughnecks. The next big play of the half happened early in the fourth when Houston DB Sean Davis intercepted Plitt's pass, returning it for 15-yards. Houston's regained possession set them up with a scoring drive. RB Max Borghi had a 4-yard rushing touchdown that increased the Roughneck's lead to nine. The Renegades' special teams and defense provided the offense with several extra opportunities thanks to the three Houston turnovers in the second quarter alone. WR LuJuan Winningham forced two fumbles, the first that was recovered by TE Sal Cannella and the second by LS Antonio Ortiz. DB Josh Hawkins forced and recovered the final fumble of the quarter giving the Dallas offense the ability to put up 14 points.

-- (1-1)Renegades 14 - 23 Roughnecks(2-0)
(DAL): QB Plitt - 15/30 120 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 15 carries, 41 yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, TE Cannella - 4 catches, 38 yards
(HOU): QB Rourke - 14/28 173 yards, 2 TDs, RB Borghi - 19 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Putman - 4 catches, 65 yards

-- (2-0)Stallions 10 - 6 Bolts(0-2)
(STL): QB McGough - 8/12 115 yards, 1 TD, RB Scarbrough - 18 carries, 99 yards, RB Marable - 18 carries, 81 yards, TE Sternberger - 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(BER): QB Kaaya - 10/27 130 yards, RB Sankey - 13 carries, 88 yards, WR Huff - 4 catches, 38 yards

Stallions QB J’Mar Smith Out For Season

March 7, 2023

St. Louis, MO - The St. Louis Stallions have been taking blow after blow early in the XFL season. Starting QB J’Mar Smith is now ruled out for the rest of the year with a finger injury suffered in week three. This is not ideal timing for the Stallions. They opened up their season 3-0 with Smith until he got injured. Luckily, the Stallions has a very capable QB in the likes of Alex McGough. Interestingly enough, Alex was the starter in 2022, before he got injured and J’Mar eventually took over. Now, McGough will be the official starter, likely for the rest of the season. He came into the game for Smith against Berlin and was played well. His first pass was a dart to the end zone to TE Jace Sternberger, to put St. Louis in front.

It’s been a rough start for St. Louis when it comes to injuries. LB Scooby Wright suffered an injury in week one and his current status is questionable. Meanwhile, WR Marlon Williams tore his achilles and is officially done for the year as well. Seeing Marlon go down is not the sight anyone wanted to see. After a spectacular 2022 season, he was poised to be the team's top receiver replacing WRs Osirus Mitchell and Victor Bolden in 2023.

McMahon lauds AJ McCarron for taking less money

March 7, 2023

Charlotte, NC - Former Cincinnati Bengals QB AJ McCarron has hit the ground running in his first season in the XFL, leading the Charlotte BattleHawks to two thrilling comeback victories for a 3-0 start. McCarron received praise from XFL founder Vince McMahon on Friday for his decision to leave the NFL in order to “create memories” with his two young sons. “Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play,” McMahon said, “Now he’s 3-0 and led his team to back-to-back exciting last minute wins. I’d say he’s creating some memories for his boys. AJ’s decision means a helluva lot to me, personally.” McMahon was referring to comments made by McCarron last week about his decision to pursue a career in the XFL rather than the NFL, where he served as a backup quarterback for teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders.

“My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. That’s a big reason I chose to return this way,” McCarron said. “I probably could’ve tried to come back with an NFL team and had a chance to probably make bigger money, but no one knows what the future holds. I’m enjoying this, and it’s a great way to create some memories for me and my boys.”

Greys' DC Buckley Throws Entire Team Under the Bus

March 8, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA - There have only been three XFL games so far this season. However, the Calgary Greys have already proven to be one of the worst teams in the league. Now, tensions are starting to get high. Calgary benched starting quarterback Paxton Lynch in their first game. Calgary was dominated in back-to-back-to back weeks by Houston, Orlando and San Antonio. This led to defensive coordinator Terrell Buckley throwing his entire team under the bus when asked about how his team could try to get back into the game with San Antonio. “We’ve got to get different guys in there,” Buckley said. “Obviously, we’ve got guys out there that are not competing, that are not making plays. So, we have got to get people in there, young men, that want to play, that want to compete and make plays. I’m seeing guys that are not performing. I tell them, ‘Look at the scoreboard.’ They’ve got to perform.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 4: McLeod Bethel-Thompson Guide Breakers' Strong Finish

March 9, 2023

Los Angeles, CA - RB Wes Hills hesitated for a moment, slowing to a jog in the open field, then sped into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown with 42 seconds left. Hills' third touchdown gave the Los Angeles Breakers a wild 38-31 win over the Baltimore Brigade. Twice in the final seven minutes, Baltimore had answered a Los Angeles touchdown with one of their own to tie the game and with the ball at the 14-yard line, the Breakers could have run the clock down to the final seconds to try to end the game with a field goal to win. But scoring a touchdown would also mean giving the Brigade a chance to answer again and Los Angeles coach John DeFilippo even has a call named "church mode" to instruct a player to go down short of scoring in such a scenario, but it wasn't the call. "I wanted to go down. I was in the thought process of going down. Should I score?" said Hills, who played the last two years with the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. "I heard someone yell 'Just score' so I just ran it in. It's been a long road to get here, but I'm very thankful to Coach Flip for giving me an opportunity to come out here and play, to show what I can do."

Los Angeles QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, another CFL import, had finished a solid game by dropping a 34-yard lob to WR Lee Morris over coverage down the middle to put them in position to win. "We knew that play was in the bag and Coach had a feeling," Bethel-Thompson said. "I missed it a couple times this week in practice and Coach stayed on me every time. It's beautiful when drill work comes to fruition in a game. The way Morris ran that route was perfect. I knew where he was going, and he made an unbelievable catch."

The 34-year-old quarterback threw for 251 yards, and just as importantly, no interceptions. His counterpart, Baltimore's Kenji Bahar, threw three picks, including two in the final minute. Bahar's touchdown pass to WR Justin Hall had tied the game at 31-31 with 1:53 remaining and the Breakers went three-and-out, giving Baltimore the chance to win in regulation. From his 42, Bahar threw a deep pass that was intercepted by Breakers DB Jarey Elder, returning it to midfield to set up Bethel-Thompson's throw to Morris. Given one more chance after Halls' touchdown in the final minute, Bahar was picked off again, this time by LB Vontae Diggs, to seal the Breakers' win. "It was one of those back-and-forth games, but at the end, we just couldn't sustain anything, something we have to work on," said Brigade coach Curtis Johnson.

Bethel-Thompson had a strong game, especially in connecting with TE Sage Surratt, who had 11 catches on 11 targets for 121 yards and a touchdown. Bahar, despite the three interceptions, finished with 266 yards and three scores, including two to Hall as part of an eight-catch, 110-yard day for him.

-- (2-1)Brigade 31 - 38 Breakers(2-1)
(BAL): QB Bahar - 18/30 266 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Pledger - 18 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Hall - 8 catches, 110 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ratliff-Williams - 4 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 23/34 251 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hills - 18 carries, 110 yards, 3 TDs, WR Dixon - 4 catches, 52 yards, TE Surratt - 11 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-0)Defenders 37 - 26 Brawlers(3-0)
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 15/19 195 yards, 2 TDs, 10 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 16 carries, 135 yards, RB Armstead - 11 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Malone - 4 catches, 55 yards, WR Ezzard - 3 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Walker - 17/31 244 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Butler - 17 carries, 69 yards, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Fulgham - 5 catches, 59 yards

XFL Week 4: St. Louis Shrugs Off Injuries with 40-Point Rout of Memphis

March 10, 2023

St. Louis, MO - The St. Louis Stallions dominated the Memphis Showboats in a 42-2 win. "People just keep stepping up," coach Skip Holtz. "I love the culture. I love the leadership. This team's a lot of fun to coach. Overall, there were a lot of really good things in this game to build on, for sure." St. Louis had entered the game with uncertainty, having lost a starting quarterback, running back and receiver to serious injuries, leaving them shorthanded. QB Alex McGough led the way, throwing for four touchdowns and 302 yards without a turnover, while RB Zaquandre White rushed for 75 yards and two scores. "I heard all week about what we didn't have, what we lost," coach Skip Holtz said. "Let's talk about what we do have. We have a quarterback who has played a lot of football, that has a lot of talent, was the first pick of this football team. We've got a young running back I think the world of, but nobody's seen him yet because he's been sitting in third place. We've got talent on this team. Everybody's been working. It was just how they'd performed under the lights and I was impressed with what I saw tonight."

"That was not acceptable in any way, shape or form, by me, the coaching staff or the players," coach Todd Haley said. "When you take an ass-kicking like that, you've got to take a long shower and get rid of it and move forward. They're not canceling the season. We have to play another game this week and we have to figure out a way to get ourselves in a position to win a game."

McGough's first pass was a 47-yard throw to TE Jace Sternberger and the two would connect five times for 126 yards and a touchdown. That score put St. Louis up 21-0 just before halftime. The Stallions did not let up and McGough credited his teammates for making it easy for him. McGough's only real blemish on the night came late in the third quarter, when he was sacked in the end zone by Memphis, resulting in a safety. St. Louis outgained Memphis by a 463-183 margin and had a 27-10 edge on first downs, holding the Showboats to one conversion in 11 third-down attempts. "You know what they're capable of. They're capable of doing great things. I'm just trying to get the ball in their hands as fast as I can, just follow my reads. The line was amazing. All the sacks were my fault, the safety was my fault. They played great."

"We just kept talking about every doing their job," Holtz said. "Nobody has to be Hercules. We don't have to leap tall buildings. When the tide rises, all boats rise, and we've got a couple of guys out, so everybody has to pick up a little bit of the weight. I think the whole league is more talented, top to bottom, and I definitely feel our team is more talented this year than we were a year ago. We've got 80 percent of our starters back, but the depth is so much different."

-- (1-2)Showboats 2 - 42 Stallions(3-0)
(MEM): QB White - 15/25 141 yards, 1 INT, RB Collins - 11 carries, 37 yards, WR Mitchell - 5 catches, 42 yards
(STL): QB McGough - 21/28 301 yards, 4 TDs, RB White - 8 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs, RB Marable - 16 carries, 68 yards, WR Davis - 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD, TE Sternberger - 5 catches, 127 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Dragons 32 - 27 Valor(2-1)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 17/26 229 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Prosise - 15 carries, 77 yards, RB Ellison - 10 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 6 catches, 87 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 19/29 317 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Allen - 17 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Daniels - 3 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Cobbs - 4 catches, 91 yards

XFL Week 4: Energized Defense Set Tone as Enforcers Mash Maulers

March 11, 2023

Pittsburgh, PA - In a hard-hitting contest filled with head-scratching penalties and at times poor execution, the Chicago Enforcers made a few more plays than the Pittsburgh Maulers, pulling away in the second half for a 20-3 victory. With both offenses mired in quicksand most of the game, LB Chris Orr and Chicago's defense provided the juice the Enforcers needed to pull away by scoring 17 straight points in the second half after going into the locker room with the game tied at 3-all at the half. The linebacker out of Wisconsin finished with a team-high of 10 tackles and a sack. Chicago held Pittsburgh to 166 total yards, notched four sacks and forced three turnovers. "We feed off each other," Orr said. "That's what playing defense is all about. Nobody watches the game and roots for the defense. We go into every game feeling like our backs are against the wall and we only have each other to lean on. Anytime we can pull some energy from anybody, we're definitely going to do it."

Pittsburgh's offense mustered just three points. Head coach Byron Leftwich used both his quarterbacks in James Morgan and Troy Williams, but neither could get anything going on offense. Williams finished 11-of-16 for 70 yards, while Morgan was 8-of-14 for 54 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble. The Maulers couldn't run the football either, with just 70 yards on the ground. "I didn't go to MIT, but I know if you extrapolate three points a game over 20 games, that's 60 points for a season," Leftwich said. "And that's not going to get it done. The turnovers were atrocious, and the special teams were atrocious. And that doesn't fall on the players. That falls on me. I've got to find a way to help these young men that are busting their butts."

Enforcers K Nick Sciba put Chicago up 6-3 with his second field goal of the game, this one from 47 yards out midway through the third quarter. But Chicago seized control of the game on the following possession when backup QB Dakota Prukop connected with WR Cam Echols-Luper on a bubble screen for a 10-yard score. WR Alonzo Moore made the key block on the perimeter to spring Echols-Luper down the sideline for the score with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Chicago's final score was set up by a pass deflection by DL Hercules Mata'afa on a backward pass by Morgan that he recovered on the 1-yard line. RB Darius Victor did the rest from there, bowling in from a yard out for the final tally. The Maulers squandered a prime opportunity to get points in the first half. Pittsburgh got a big play with 2:37 in the first quarter. LB Kyahva Tezino stripped the ball away from Enforcers RB Kingston Davis on a swing route. Pittsburgh DL Nasir Player recovered the ball on the 41-yard line. Tezino finished with a game-high 15 tackles on the day. However, the Maulers failed to capitalize on the turnover, as the Enforcers twice kept Pittsburgh out of the end zone from the 1-yard line on quarterback push plays by Morgan, including fourth down. "That was huge," Orr said. "We knew this was going to be a defensive game. They have a pretty good defense as well. And we wanted to show that we were the better defense. No shot at them at all, but that's what you want to do every week."

Failing to convert on fourth down was one of several missed opportunities for the Maulers, who also dropped three would-be interceptions. Pittsburgh also whiffed on a chance at three points in the third quarter when LS Riley Lovinggood rolled the snap back to holder Matt Mengal and the Maulers didn't get a chance to convert a game-tying field goal. Leftwich reiterated that he wants to be aggressive on offense. "How do you get success and confidence in your offense? You score," Leftwich said. "Six points won't win professional football games. I want to have confidence that we can score in those situations. That's two weeks in a row, and we've had in essence six snaps from the 1-yard line, and we haven't gotten one yard. So, would I do it again next week? Yes."

-- (1-2)Enforcers 20 - 3 Maulers(2-1)
(CHI): QB Prukop - 13/21 136 yards,1 TD, RB Victor - 15 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Echols-Luper - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 2 catches, 44 yards
(PIT): QB Morgan - 19/30 124 yards, 1 INT, RB London - 16 carries, 57 yards, WR Hennie - 9 catches, 53 yards

-- (0-3)Mammoths 6 - 17 BattleHawks(3-0)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 11/20 110 yards, 1 INT, RB West - 17 carries, 122 yards, WR Callaway - 3 catches, 37 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 14/22 176 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Durant - 17 carries, 78 yards, WR Butler - 4 catches, 58 yards

-- (2-1)Bandits 31 - 26 Otters(1-2)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 16/28 217 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 23 carries, 75 yards, WR Greene - 5 catches, 59 yards, WR Peake - 2 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(VAN): QB Coan - 15/27 159 yards, 3 TDs, RB Ballage - 21 carries, 131 yards, WR Turpin - 3 catches, 37 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 4: Hype is Real with Rourke

March 11, 2023

London, ENGLAND - Roughnecks QB Nathan Rourke lived up to the hype as the young Canadian QB led the Houston Roughnecks to their fourth straight victory with a 34-31 decision over the host London Crusaders. Rourke finished the game completing 23 of 31 passes for 359 yards, two passing touchdowns, one rushing TD and two interceptions, the first of his career. Trailing 14-6 to start the second half, the Crusaders grabbed momentum when DB Kenny Robinson intercepted Rourke and ran the ball to the 16-yard line. Three plays later RB Christine Michael ran in a five-yard touchdown. On Houston’s next possession Robinson came up with another interception, running the ball back 56 yards to the seven-yard line. QB Taylor Heinicke ran for six yards and punched in a one-yard TD. K Brett Lauther had a rare miss on the convert and London took a 20-14 lead. The lead didn’t last long as Rourke then connected with WR Deontay Burnett for a 71-yard TD pass and with the convert regained a 21-20 lead. Houston padded its lead after RB Max Borghi wrapped up a six-play sequence with a five-yard run into the end zone giving the Roughnecks a 28-20 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Crusaders added a 38-yard field goal midway through the fourth, while Lauther had 32- and 15-yard field goals for the Roughnecks to make it 34-23. In the final minute of play the Crusaders managed to march down field and get to the one-yard line, thanks to a pass interference call and Michael punched in a TD. A two-point convert made it 34-31 with 29 seconds remaining.

Rourke made his presence early on. After not having a single three-and-out last week the Crusaders handed Rourke his first on the opening drive. On Houston’s next possession, on a third-and-short gamble Rourke ran in a 50-yard touchdown and took an early 7-0 lead. Rourke connected with Burnett in the second quarter and got the Roughnecks to three-yard line. Borghi then ran in an eight-yard TD to make it 14-3.

-- (3-0)Roughnecks 34 - 31 Crusaders(3-0)
(HOU): QB Rourke - 23/31 359 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 5 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, RB Borghi - 19 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Burnett - 7 catches, 166 yards, 1 TD, WR Kirklin - 10 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Putman - 3 catches, 62 yards
(LON): QB Heinicke - 14/27 162 yards, 4 carries, 18 yards, 1 TD, RB Michael - 17 carries, 73 yards, 2 TDs, WR Henry - 5 catches, 92 yards

-- (0-3)Vipers 20 - 27 Mountain Lions(3-0)
(MEX): QB Hundley - 19/25 223 yards, 2 TDs, RB Guice - 22 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Bryant - 7 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Allison - 6 catches, 69 yards
(SLC): QB Rosen - 21/31 248 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 20 carries, 84 yards, WR Godwin - 5 catches, 89 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 4: Panthers Answer Reggie Corbin's Call, Ride Hard-Charging Back Over Ghosts

March 12, 2023

Columbus, OH - Oakland Panthers RB Reggie Corbin pleaded with offensive coaches on a sideline phone in the first half. In the second half, the Panthers finally listened and Corbin put Oakland on his back with an 11-carry, 131-yard performance that included two touchdowns in a 24-10 victory over the Columbus Ghosts. Corbin's first touchdown came on a 2-yard sweep to the right that gave Oakland the lead for good, 17-10 with 52 seconds left in the third quarter. Corbin then put the game away by breaking loose for a 52-yard run with a little over six minutes left for the final score of the game. Corbin only had 43 yards in the first half. Along with Corbin's stellar play, the Panthers got after Ghosts QB Case Cookus, sacking him four times. Cookus scuffled as he also lost a fumble on a sack by DL Breeland Speaks on his team's final offensive play. "His shoulder was fine, I think," Columbus head coach Jim Tressel said. "In the fourth quarter there, he got hit in the kneecap or something, but structurally he's good. He's going to be sore tomorrow, but we've got to do a better job of protecting him. That was our issue tonight."

LB Frank Ginda paced the Panthers defensively with 10 combined tackles and an interception. For Columbus, DB Amani Dennis finished with two interceptions, but the Ghosts had at least four other potential interceptions drop to the ground. Speaks leads the Panthers with four sacks. "In this league, the rosters change quite a bit," head coach Jeff Fisher said about his team's play defensively. "Outside of points, taking the ball away gives you another opportunity to get points that you wouldn't have had otherwise. That, along with the sacks have been big plays. The nice thing about the sacks is we've gotten a couple takeaways off them, otherwise a sack is just a tackle for loss. And it's exciting because you get to hit the quarterback, and as it happened tonight, he got a little roughed up there."

-- (2-1)Panthers 24 - 10 Ghosts(2-1)
(OAK): QB Strong - 15/30 174 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Corbin - 11 carries, 131 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hyman - 3 catches, 53 yards, TE Hikutini - 3 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Cookus - 29/44 283 yards, 2 INTs, RB Colburn - 11 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD, WR Gray - 8 catches, 67 yards, WR Suell - 4 catches, 63 yards, WR Coleman - 7 catches, 59 yards

-- (0-3)Steel 20 - 41 Apollos(2-1)
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 19/29 228 yards, 2 INTs, RB Yeldon - 15 carries, 86 yards, WR Benjamin - 4 catches, 52 yards, WR Lodge - 4 catches, 67 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 18/29 224 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 16 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD, RB Walton - 9 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Whitehead - 7 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 3 catches, 56 yards

XFL Week 4: Turnovers Causing Issues in Oklahoma City

March 12, 2023

Oklahoma City, OK - Atlanta’s defense opened the scoring on Oklahoma City’s first possession after the game. While deep in their own territory, QB Bryce Petty’s intended pass to WR Deon Cain was picked off by Atlanta DB Tyson Graham for a 46-yard touchdown interception return. Petty was picked off for a second time in the opening quarter after a bobbled snap led to a rushed throw. That set Atlanta up with short field position. On the ensuing possession, Atlanta QB JT Barrett connected with WR Malachi Jones on a 15-yard touchdown pass. Petty managed just 18 yards of offense in the first quarter. Atlanta opened the second quarter with a 15-yard field goal that put the Alphas up 17-0. Oklahoma City appeared set to get their first points of the game after moving the ball down to the 29-yard line. They found themselves in a fourth-and-one situation and decided to go for it but turned the ball over on downs. The Stampede recorded their first points of the game late in the first half when they connected on a 52-yard field goal.

Oklahoma City got off to a much better start in the second half and had a bit of luck to go with it. Petty’s pass in the end zone appeared set to be his third interception of the game. The ball went right to the hands of DB Damian Swann. But WR Dede Westbrook managed to strip the ball from Swann’s hands while in the end zone for Oklahoma City’s first touchdown of the game. Late in the third, Oklahoma City was on the 10-yard line with a chance to tie the game, but Petty’s completed pass to WR Geremy Davis was fumbled. DB Donatello Brown picked up the ball and lateralled the ball to LB Patrick Levels who ran the ball up to midfield before the team connected on a 20-yard field goal on the ensuing possession and put Atlanta up 20-10 in the fourth quarter. After the change of possession, tensions began to rise on the Stampede sidelines. Davis and OL Trevon Tate had to be separated by teammates. On the ensuing possession for Oklahoma City, Petty engineered one of his better drives of the game. He found TE Parham for a four-yard TD pass to cut the lead to 23-22, but missed on the point-after attempt to spoil the comeback. “I’ve got to sit down and talk to those guys, we’ve got to get more disciplined and grow up and be men and find ways to fight through the frustration,” Stampede head coach Bob Stoops said. “We can’t act like that. It looks like Junior College.”

-- (1-2)Alphas 23 - 22 Stampede(0-3)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 25/31 215 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smith - 13 carries, 61 yards, WR Evans - 5 catches, 73 yards, WR Jones - 7 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 27/37 314 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Artis-Payne - 22 carries, 111 yards, WR Westbrook - 5 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 5 catches, 67 yards, TE Parham - 5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Commanders 29 - 25 Jousters(2-1)
(SA): QB Griffin III - 15/26 159 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hill - 21 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD, WR Doctson - 6 catches, 69 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 20/31 197 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB White - 11 carries, 48 yards, RB Cox - 11 carries, 59 yards, WR Garrett - 5 catches, 81 yards, WR Wright - 3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-3)Monarchs 23 - 29 Guardians(0-3)
(MON): QB Masoli - 22/29 282 yards, 3 TDs, RB Wilder - 15 carries, 31 yards, WR Roosevelt - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Cunningham - 5 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Kessler - 22/28 272 yards, 1 TD, RB Perkins - 18 carries, 81 yards, RB Gallman - 15 carries, 63 yards, 2 TDs, WR White - 7 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 3 catches, 60 yards

XFL Week 4: Fleet Stopped Short in Dallas

March 13, 2023

Dallas, TX - The San Diego Fleet lost 18-25 to the Dallas Renegades at Dignity Health Sports Park despite a fourth quarter rally by QB Josh Johnson and WRs Tre McBride and John Ross. Late in the fourth quarter with 4:45 remaining, Johnson connected with Ross for a 74-yard touchdown reception that split the Renegades' cover two defense. This touchdown reception stands as the longest pass and reception in Fleet history. McBride followed with a successful three-point conversion that was moved from the 10 to the 5 yard line by a defensive penalty. All of this happened within 18 seconds.

The defensive effort stood as a high point for the Fleet. CB Bradley Sylve picked off a pass from QB Kyle Sloter intended for TE Sal Cannella in the first quarter. Sylve ran it back for 10 yards. LB Victor Ochi also intercepted a pass in the third quarter deep middle intended for Cannella and returned it for 18 yards. Johnson finished the game 18-for-34 with 226 yards and two touchdowns. Ross led the team with 119 yards and two touchdowns off of six receptions. On defense, DB Ahmad Dixon led with eight total tackles. LB Willie Mays and DL Cedric Reed both record a sack for a loss of eight and seven yards respectively.

-- (2-1)Fleet 18 - 25 Renegades(1-2)
(SD): QB Johnson - 18/34 226 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smallwood - 11 carries, 48 yards, WR Ross - 6 catches, 119 yards, 2 TDs, WR McBride - 6 catches, 48 yards
(DAL): QB Sloter - 28/40 305 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 99 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ford - 10 carries, 55 yards, 10 catches, 66 yards, WR Smallwood - 6 catches, 53 yards, TE Cannella - 5 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-3)Bolts 36 - 20 Greys(0-3)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 19/22 208 yards, 2 TDs, RB Sankey - 13 carries, 111 yards, 2 TDs, RB Whyte - 10 carries, 63 yards, WR Huff - 3 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 8 catches, 85 yards
(CAL): QB Lynch - 21/38 257 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Martin - 22 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Latimer - 5 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 84 yards

Albany Empire Announce Antonio and Eddie Brown Are Coming Home

March 14, 2024

Albany, NY - The newly announced Arena Football League, is proud to announce their first franchise in Albany, New York. The Albany arena team, under the ownership of Ron Tridico and Nate Starling, are joining the AFL and fielding a team starting in the 2024 season. Albany has signed a three-year agreement and will play in the Times Union Center. Former NFL Superstar and Super Bowl LV Champion Antonio Brown is joining the Empire ownership. Additionally, his father and Arena Football legend 'Touchdown' Eddie Brown joins the Empire front office as Vice President. “The addition of this market is tremendous for the AFL,” stated Commissioner Chris Siegfried. “Adding Albany along with Antonio and Eddie into our league is going to make for a ton of excitement in 2024. I’m really looking forward to all of the great matchups next season.”

"What we are doing here today is about sustainability and the future, we want to make it so football is here in Albany forever," said Empire owner Mike Kwarta "That's why I'm thrilled to announce that Antonio Brown and his father 'Touchdown' Eddie Brown are coming home to join the Empire."

"I remember being here as a kid watching my dad play in this building, all the little kids with face paint cheering. So this is great for me to be here with my kids and my dad and give back to this community," Brown said. "I'm excited to be here and help bring these players and community a football title."

"Everything right now is surreal, I'm home." said Eddie Brown "Life is great! We're excited to get started and do things the Empire way."

Humble QB Nathan Rourke Hates the Hype Machine

March 15, 2024

Houston, TX - Nathan Rourke is the story. He’ll never tell it, though. He deflects praise like Neo dodging bullets in the Matrix. He can have a record-setting performance, but he’ll pick apart his flaws. He could have a teammate drop a ball, he’ll beat himself up for making a bad throw. The Houston Roughnecks QB has been in the XFL spotlight since his record-shattering Game 1 performance and the hype machine rolled into London this week, even when he threw interceptions on back-to-back series, the hyperbole only grew larger after he led his team back to a 34-31 win, finishing with 359 yards passing and two touchdowns.

“It’s just something that I’m gonna have to adjust to as a young guy in the league, in professional sports. It’s just going to be a part of something that I’m gonna have to get better at in terms of understanding," said Rourke. "But when you’re on a good team, these things are gonna follow you. So, you know it is what it is.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5: Philadelphia Blitz Los Angeles

March 16, 2023

Los Angeles, CA - Brawlers QB PJ Walker passed for 288 yards and three touchdowns, while WR Jalen Saunders ran back the game’s opening kickoff for a major to give his team an early 7-0 lead. Walker added a quarterback sneak for a score as well as stepping into the end zone late in the fourth quarter. K Sergio Castillo also chipped in with three field goals for the Brawlers. The Breakers got two touchdown receptions from WR Marquis Lee and one from WR Johnnie Dixon. QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson went 16-for-25 in the air, passing for 278 yards with two interceptions. QB Aqeel Glass took over under center late in the fourth quarter, for his first action of the young season. The Brawlers' dominance began with the first play of the game, Saunders’ 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Breakers’ opening drive was halted when DL Kony Ealy picked off a pass intended. That set up a nine-play drive that was topped off by a 12-yard pass to WR Travis Fulgham deep in the end zone. The Brawlers pushed their lead to 21-0 as the first quarter ended, after Walker finished off a 77-yard drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak.

The Breakers ran into penalty trouble to start the second quarter. Pinpoint passes by Bethel-Thompson to RB Anthony Jones and Lee moved the ball to midfield before a sack by DB Cody Brown brought the first punt of the game. After a 45-yard field goal late in the second, the Breakers responded, igniting the home crowd. Bethel-Thompson capped off a two-play touchdown drive with a 66-yard bomb to WR Taywan Taylor while the next drive was stalled by back-to-back offensive penalties before Bethel-Thompson hit Lee in the end zone from 36 yards out. The Breakers added a late field goal and took a 27-14 lead into the dressing room at halftime. Philadelphia added to its lead in the third. Castillo split the uprights again from 46 yards then Walker hit Fulgham in the end zone for the second time, pushing the lead to 37-14. Early in the fourth, Bethel-Thompson connected with Lee for his second touchdown of the game. Philadelphia landed the knockout when Walker connected with WR Cam Phillips from 15 yards.

-- (3-1)Brawlers 43 - 22 Breakers(3-1)
(PHI): QB Walker - 23/30 288 yards, 3 TDs, RB Butler - 19 carries, 96 yards, RB Williams - 10 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Fulgham - 8 catches, 117 yards, 2 TDs, WR Phillips - 7 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 20/32 305 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Jones - 8 carries, 33 yards, WR Lee - 6 catches, 136 yards, 2 TDs, WR Mayala - 5 catches, 54 yards

-- (3-1)Crusaders 49 - 6 Alphas(2-2)
(LON): QB Heinicke - 21/26 305 yards, 2 TDs, RB Michael - 12 carries, 104 yards, RB Jones - 10 carries, 61 yards, 2 TDs, WR Henry - 6 catches, 150 yards, 1 TD, WR Jorden - 7 catches, 66 yards
(ATL): QB Barrett - 13/20 97 yards, 2 INTs, QB Finley - 7/10 102 yards, RB Smith - 17 carries, 88 yards, WR Evans - 6 catches, 122 yards, WR Hardy - 6 catches, 33 yards

XFL Week 5: BattleHawks Fall after Second-Half Struggles

March 17, 2023

Cologne, GERMANY - A 2-yard touchdown pass and 5-yard, two-point conversion pass from QB AJ McCarron to WR Steven Mitchell with 22 seconds to play were not enough for the BattleHawks to come back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Defenders took a lead they would not relinquish with 17 straight points in the second half. A 2-yard touchdown run by QB Jordan Ta'amu gave Cologne a 23-20 lead with 3 minutes, 8 seconds left in the third quarter, and a successful two-point conversion extended the Defenders' lead to 25-20. A field goal and touchdown in the fourth quarter then gave Cologne a 34-20 advantage.

Charlotte recovered from a 14-0 deficit in the first half and took its only lead of the game when McCarron completed a 23-yard pass to TE Jake Sutherland with 8:26 left in the third quarter. Sutherland's first touchdown catch of the season gave the Battlehawks a 20-17 lead. WR Darrius Shepherd put the BattleHawks in position for the go-ahead touchdown with a 72- yard kickoff return. Shepherd also had a 58-yard return in the fourth quarter. The BattleHawks overcame an early 14-0 deficit and tied the score at 14 points apiece on their final drive of the first half. McCarron was 7-for-8 for 67 passing yards on a drive that ended with a 1-yard completion to WR Hakeem Butler with three seconds left before halftime. Butler caught five passes for 58 yards on the drive, including his team-high third TD catch of the year. The Defenders stormed to their 14-point lead within the first 5:15 of the game. A 77-yard touchdown drive that included a two-point conversion put D.C. up, 8-0. CB Michael Joseph then intercepted McCarron two plays later and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. Charlotte closed to within six points of Cologne's lead, 14-8, with its first score of the game when McCarron found RB Brian Hill for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 5:33 left in the first quarter. McCarron then hit Shepherd for a 5-yard pass good for a two-point conversion that completed an eight-play, 73-yard drive.

-- (4-0)BattleHawks 28 - 34 Defenders(4-0)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 26/42 262 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Hill - 15 carries, 50 yards, WR Butler - 9 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, WR Ateman - 9 catches, 100 yards
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 14/23 210 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 16 carries, 54 yards, 2 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, Armstead - 11 carries, 51 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 89 yards

-- (2-2)Ghosts 13 - 16 Bolts(1-3)
(COL): QB Cookus - 11/17 133 yards, RB Colburn - 14 carries, 49 yards, RB Williams - 16 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Coleman - 3 catches, 37 yards
(BER): QB Kaaya - 17/28 193 yards, 1 TD, RB Hunt - 17 carries, 136 yards, WR Huff - 4 catches, 73 yards, WR Gibson - 6 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5: Seattle Stuns Mexico City Late

March 18, 2023

Mexico City, MEXICO - Seattle received the opening kickoff, but the Vipers' defense looked to make a stand early after forcing QB Ben DiNucci to fumble on their first offensive series which was recovered by LB CJ Avery. The Vipers capitalized off the turnover after QB Brett Hundley spotted WR Jeff Badet in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown pass, giving the first points to the Vipers and a 6-0 lead following the failed 2-point conversion. A few series later, the Dragons tied up the game at 6-6 after DiNucci found WR Blake Jackson for a 26-yard touchdown pass to cap off a 7-play, 91 yard drive, but failed to complete the three-point conversion. In the second quarter, both teams exchanged field goals with a 39-yard field goal by K Bailey Giffen and a 34-yard field goal by K Dominik Eberle, tying the game at 9-9 going into halftime.

Heading into the second half, the Vipers offense started off the quarter with an explosive 56-yard pass to Badet where Hundley cleaned up the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, taking the lead right back to 17-9 after a successful 2-point conversion to WR Martavis Bryant. On the first offensive series for the Dragons in the second half, DiNucci threw an interception to DB Adam Sparks, leading to a 47-yard field goal by Giffen to increase the Vipers lead to 20-9. The Dragons responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass to WR Josh Gordon from DiNucci, trimming the lead to 20-15 following the missed 3-point conversion. As the fourth quarter rolled around, Eberle cut the Vipers lead to 20-18 after tacking on a 32-yard field goal. On the next series, the Vipers looked to pull away after Hundley converted a 50-yard touchdown pass to RB John Lovett, pushing the lead to 26-18 after a missed two-point conversion. The Dragons came roaring back on their next series after DiNucci darted a 22-yard touchdown pass to WR Juwan Green to cut the lead to 26-24 after failing to convert another three-point conversion. After forcing the Vipers to punt on their next series, DiNucci found Gordon deep downfield for a 65-yard touchdown pass to convert a fourth down and to take a late 30-26 lead after missing a 3-point conversion. The Vipers looked to make one last heroic comeback, but fell short after a failed fourth down conversion, sealing the first victory of the season for the Seattle Dragons.

-- (2-2)Dragons 30 - 26 Vipers(0-4)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 29/37 377 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Ellison - 17 carries, 103 yards, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, WR Pearson - 7 catches, 99 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Hundley - 14/30 233 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, RB Guice - 10 carries, 41 yards, WR Badet - 4 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Sweeting - 3 catches, 59 yards

-- (2-2)Maulers 21 - 34 Jousters(2-2)
(PIT): QB Morgan - 16/29 202 yards, 1 TD, RB London - 18 carries, 67 yards, RB Groshek - 17 carries, 48 yards, 2 TDs, WR Thomas - 4 catches, 61 yards, WR Liggins - 3 catches, 53 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 15/28 216 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Cox - 16 carries, 124 yards, RB Dixon - 17 carries, 98 yards, 2 TDs, WR Garrett - 3 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Rogers - 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-4)Monarchs 27 - 13 Showboats(1-3)
(MON): QB Masoli - 8/19 104 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Richard - 19 carries, 122 yards, RB Wilder - 20 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Roosevelt - 2 catches, 49 yards
(MEM): QB White - 10/28 118 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Collins - 12 carries, 41 yards, RB Emmons - 13 carries, 83 yards, WR Treadwell - 4 catches, 63 yards

-- (1-3)Guardians 24 - 20 Brigade(2-2)
(NY): QB Kessler - 8/14 99 yards, 2 TDs, RB Gallman - 12 carries, 100 yards, RB Perkins - 17 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 4 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 2 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD
(BAL): QB Bahar - 14/25 177 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Pledger - 18 carries, 97 yards, RB Thompson - 18 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 3 catches, 55 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-2)Enforcers 34 - 24 Commanders(2-2)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 16/31 182 yards, 2 TDs, RB Victor - 19 carries, 149 yards, 2 TDs, RB Rawls - 19 carries, 52 yards, WR Echols-Luper - 4 catches, 65 yards, WR Pierson-El - 3 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Woodside - 14/18 242 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Ervin - 12 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, RB Hill - 19 carries, 43 yards, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 111 yards, WR Ward - 4 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Ayers - 3 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5: Greys Come Up Short against Renegades

March 19, 2023

Dallas, TX - The Calgary Greys dropped a heartbreaker at Choctaw Stadium, falling to the Dallas Renegades 10-9. Calgary opened the contest with a strong drive on its opening possession, embarking on a 12-play, 48-yard march that resulted in a Jose Borregales 35-yard field goal, giving the Greys a 3-0 lead. The drive took nearly half the first quarter. The Greys have now scored on their opening possession in all five games this season. Dallas responded with a field goal of its own with under 40 seconds left in the first quarter when K Taylor Russolino hit a 21-yarder to even the score at 3-3. Both teams remained scoreless in the second and third quarters before Calgary took a six-point lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. QB Paxton Lynch took a quarterback draw three yards into the end zone for the score. Calgary's 1-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Greys on top 9-3.

With 7:58 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas answered with its own touchdown after QB Kyle Sloter connected with WR Tyler Vaughns for a 17-yard touchdown, tying it at 9-9. A successful 1-point conversion run by RB De'Veon Smith gave the Renegades a 10-9 advantage, their first lead of the contest. The Greys had two more possessions, but could not penetrate Dallas territory. Lynch was 19-of-31 passing for 219 yards and one rushing touchdown. Sloter finished the contest with 124 passing yards and one touchdown, completing 18 of 23 attempts. Lynch also led the Greys with 10 carries for 43 yards, while WR Cody Latimer recorded six receptions for 66 yards. “Defense has been incredible, no doubt about it. Coming up with turnovers, but stops. Defense has been really good," said Renegades head coach Bob Stoops. “Darnell’s a powerful strong linebacker and made some nice plays, has picked things up, you know, more and more each week he’s been here. He’s fit in really well. He’s been a big plus to the defense, definitely.”

-- (0-4)Greys 9 - 10 Renegades(2-2)
(CAL): QB Lynch - 19/31 219 yards, RB Martin - 17 carries, 52 yards, WR Latimer - 6 catches, 66 yards, WR Rambo - 4 catches, 57 yards
(DAL): QB Sloter - 18/23 124 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 18 carries, 49 yards, TE Cannella - 10 catches, 72 yards

-- (4-0)Stallions 49 - 37 Apollos(3-1)
(STL): QB McGough - 12/16 91 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 7 carries, 136 yards, RB Scarbrough - 10 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD, RB White - 10 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD, RB Marable - 6 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD, TE Sternberger - 6 catches, 39 yards, 2 TDs, TE Moss - 3 catches, 34 yards, 2 TDs
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 28/35 281 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 16 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD, RB Walton - 21 carries, 60 yards, WR Mitchell - 6 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 6 catches, 86 yards, WR Whitehead - 5 catches, 64 yards

-- (4-0)Mountain Lions 31 - 14 Panthers(3-1)
(SLC): QB Rosen - 23/31 324 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 25 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 5 catches, 67 yards, WR Arcega-Whiteside - 8 catches, 82 yards, WR Clay - 3 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
(OAK): QB Strong - 8/19 106 yards, 2 INTs, RB Corbin - 10 carries, 147 yards, 1 TD, RB Washington - 17 carries, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Hamilton - 4 catches, 48 yards

XFL Week 5: Fleet Dominate on the Ground

March 19, 2023

San Diego, CA - San Diego broke open 3-3 first-quarter tie with a 19-point explosion in the second quarter. WR John Ross and RB DeAnthony Thomas scored touchdowns for the Fleet. K Giorgio Tavecchio connected on field-goal attempts of 28 and 18 yards. Tavecchio had earlier hit a 50-yard field goal. The touchdown reception by Ross capped a six-play, 101-yard drive. WR Devier Posey helped the Riders get into scoring position with a 33-yard reception to the 19-yard line. The Fleet carried a 22-6 lead into the third quarter. Washington WR Davaris Daniels scored on a 22-yard touchdown catch to narrow the lead to 22-13. The Fleet replied on their next offensive series with an 18-yard touchdown reception by WR Nelson Spruce. The Fleet didn’t execute the two-point convert, but led 28-13. San Diego was particularly effective on the ground. Thomas rushed for 104 yards on nine carries while RB Wendell Smallwood had 16 carries for 78 yards. “That’s what we have with the two-headed monster at running back,” said Fleet QB Josh Johnson. “If it’s not one guy’s night, it’s the other guy’s. Smallwood did a great job of receiving and catching the ball out of the backfield and then making good, hard runs.”

-- (2-2)Valor 13 - 28 Fleet(2-2)
(DC): QB Bortles - 21/33 268 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Allen - 13 carries, 66 yards, WR Daniels - 10 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Richardson - 3 catches, 75 yards
(SD): QB Johnson - 17/22 231 yards, 2 TDs, RB Thomas - 9 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, RB Smallwood - 16 carries, 78 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 6 catches, 67 yards

-- (3-1)Bandits 41 - 27 Stampede(0-4)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 13/19 170 yards, 2 TDs, RB Williams 20 carries, 125 yards, RB Gardner - 11 carries, 165 yards, 3 TDs, WR Greene - 3 catches, 70 yards, WR Peake - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 25/52 273 yards, 2 TDs, RB Artis-Payne - 21 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Westbrook - 8 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 6 catches, 74 yards, TE Parham - 5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5: Roughnecks Hold off Vancouver

March 20, 2023

Houston, TX - The Houston Roughnecks continued their stellar play by defeating the Vancouver Otters by a score of 22-13 at TDECU Stadium. Houston has cemented their place at the top of the XFL Western Conference. The Otters struck first with an opening drive touchdown, set up by a 59-yard return on the opening kickoff. After going down 7-0, Roughnecks' QB Nathan Rourke led the offense down the field for a scoring drive of their own, capped off by a 7-yard touchdown by WR Jontre Kirklin. A successful 2-point try from Rourke to Kirklin gave the Roughnecks their first lead of the game at 8-7. Houston's defense would hold the Vancouver offense to two punts for the remainder of the quarter. The second quarter was controlled entirely by the Roughnecks, as the offense came up with big plays and the defense remained stout. After completions of 27 and 25 yards, Silvers would hook up with Kirklin yet again for a 3-yard touchdown to increase their lead to 14-7. Silvers tossed his third touchdown to cap off the first half, as he connected with WR Deontay Burnett on an 18-yard pass. A successful three-point try by QB Cole McDonald bumped the score up to 22-7 going into halftime.

After a Rourke interception midway through the third quarter by Otters' DB Kameron Kelly, San Antonio would strike back with a 2-yard touchdown rush of their own, making the score 22-13. While the Houston defense held Vancouver scoreless in the second quarter, the Otters returned that same favor in the third. An early fourth quarter interception by Roughnecks' DB Ajene Harris gave him his third of the season in as many games. On Vancouver's next drive, they were held to no gain three consecutive times at the one-yard line by Houston's defensive front. On fourth down, a combined tackling effort by Harris and DB Jordan Mosley stuffed the Otters for a four-yard loss and a pivotal turnover on downs. The game would later end in true Roughnecks' fashion, as LB John Daka and LB Chauncey Rivers combined for a sack as the clock ran out, giving Houston the victory over Vancouver.

-- (1-3)Otters 13 - 22 Roughnecks(4-0)
(VAN): QB Coan - 8/20 64 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Patrick - 17 carries, 63 yards, TE Mack - 3 catches, 27 yards
(HOU): QB Rourke - 25/36 281 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Borghi - 15 carries, 74 yards, WR Kirklin - 6 catches, 77 yards, 2 TDs, WR Burnett - 4 catches, 79 yards

-- (0-4)Mammoths 13 - 7 Steel(0-4)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 12/22 124 yards, 1 TD, RB West - 19 carries, 91 yards, WR Callaway - 4 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 9/28 120 yards, RB Yeldon - 20 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Benjamin - 3 catches, 34 yards

Multiple Players Ejected After Brawl Breaks Out

March 21, 2023

Charlotte, NC - Things got a bit heated during an XFL matchup between the BattleHawks and the Defenders. Late into the fourth quarter of the tilt, a massive fight broke out on the field, during which players from both sides could be seen shoving one another to the ground. At one point amid the fracas, a Charlotte player appeared to throw the helmet of a Cologne player, covering quite a good bit of distance with the heave. As a result of the brawl, three players were ejected from the game. The Defenders saw LB Francis Bernard and OL Rod Taylor head for an early shower, while the BattleHawks played the rest of the game without RB Brian Hill. All three players will also miss next week's game.

Roughnecks Riding High with 5-0 Start

March 22, 2023

Houston, TX - The Houston Roughnecks coaching staff tells its players there are no ties on the goal line. You either win or you lose. So when the Vancouver offense lined up at the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter against Houston this past weekend, the Roughnecks defense didn't plan on losing. Houston was winning 22-13, but a nine-point game in the XFL is a one-score game and the Otters, who lost in Week 1 after being up 12 points with a few minutes to go, knew better than anyone that the next four plays were the ballgame. The Roughnecks emerged from that goal-line stand like they have in every game so far: victorious. "You don't see many better goal-line stands than that," said Houston head coach Wade Phillips, who began coaching in 1969. "In my whole career, I'd seen hardly any better than that."

While the defense has been drawing the headlines, the Houston offense ranks second in the league in yards per game. QB Nathan Rourke has been the fulcrum of the group. He is second in the league in passing yards and leads the league in completions of over 20 yards. "He's really come along well," Phillips said. "He's a good quarterback in the first place, but I think he's learning the system, comfortable with it. He's very accurate as a passer and he's a very smart guy. I think he'll continue to get better and better."

Although there are still about two months to go before the XFL Championship Game, the Roughnecks are feeling confident about the way they are playing. But their eyes aren't looking into the horizon and missing the games in front of them. DB AJ Hendy said the coaching staff has done a good job getting the team to buy into a day-by-day approach. They want to stack wins on top of each other, and so far they've been doing that. "We've got a good group of guys," Hendy said. "Everybody is unselfish and wants to accomplish the goal of winning a championship. We don't shy away from that."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 6: Valor Squander Huge Lead

March 23, 2023

Washington, DC - The Valor squandered a 31-12 third-quarter lead against the BattleHawks. QB Blake Bortles passed to WR DaVaris Daniels and WR Simmie Cobbs for touchdowns, while RB Javorius Allen scored on a pair of short runs. RB Brian Hill scored a pair of TDs for Charlotte. RB Mateo Durant also scored while QB AJ McCarron passed 10 yards to WR Marcell Ateman more than 10 minutes into the fourth quarter. Things didn’t begin well for the Valor, who failed to gain a first down on their opening possession after being trapped deep in their own territory that eventually resulted in Hill’s touchdown following a five-yard run up the middle at 4:50. The Valor cut into that deficit on a 19-yard field goal at 11:27.

The Valor went on a nine-play, 86-yard drive to begin the second quarter. The drive consumed more than seven minutes and was capped by Allen’s six-yard touchdown at 4:09 which increased their lead to 17-6. Two plays later, Bortles eluded the rush and found Cobbs open in the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown at 8:36. On the next play a pass deflected and was intercepted by DB Elijah Campbell, who returned it 50 yards to the one-yard line. Allen scored a touchdown on the next play, at 9:45, for a 24-6 advantage. The BattleHawks engineered a late drive before halftime, thanks to a pair of 20-yard receptions by Ateman. Although Charlotte eventually drove to the 14, the visitors could only muster a field goal. An interception by LB Tre Watson and added another field goal on the final play of the first half.

Battlehawks missed a 47-yard field goal early in the third quarter and the Valor then produced an eight-play, 72-yard drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run that increased their lead to 31-12 but the BattleHawks then capitalized on a fumble that was recovered by DL Freedom Akinmoladun that eventually led to another one-yard touchdown run giving the Valor a 31-18 lead heading into the final period.

-- (4-1)BattleHawks 32 - 31 Valor(2-3)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 19/31 230 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Durant - 14 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, RB Galloway - 9 carries, 23 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ateman - 7 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 4 catches, 71 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 19/26 241 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Allen - 14 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs, WR Daniels - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Richardson - 7 catches, 76 yards

-- (1-4)Mammoths 31 - 37 Roughnecks(5-0)
(OMA): QB Wolford - 17/30 176 yards, 3 TDs, RB West - 19 carries, 173 yards, 1 TD, WR Callaway - 4 catches, 59 yards, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 55 yards, 2 TDs
(HOU): QB Rourke - 21/29 243 yards, 3 TDs, RB Borghi - 18 carries, 118 yards, 2 TDs, WR - 6 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Kirklin - 5 catches, 54 yards, WR Rhymes - 5 catches, 67 yards

XFL Week 6: Champion Stallions Have No Answers for Breakers' Attack

March 24, 2023

St. Louis, MO - Stallions WR Deon Cain took the opening kickoff to the house, and like Kid 'n Play, threw a party at the end of his 82-yard dash. Los Angeles QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson responded by finding former Oklahoma WR Lee Morris, splitting the safeties in the middle of the field for six, 40 yards for a touchdown. Bethel-Thompson would go on to finish 20-for-28 for 283 yards, with three TDs and one interception, as the Breakers put up 483 yards of offense against a dominant Stallions defense. Stallions QB Alex McGough then completed a screen pass to WR Davion Davis that he turned into a 45-yard gain, carrying the Stallions inside the 10-yard line and setting up a field goal. But on their second drive, the Breakers fed RB Wes Hills with great results, becoming the first team this season to score more than 10 points against the Stallions all inside the first quarter. At the end of the first period, the score remained Los Angeles 14, St. Louis 10. McGough took a hit early in the second quarter that knocked him out of the game into the medical tent, which made way for former Prairie View A&M QB Jalen Morton, who ran for five yards before taking a sack that forced a punt and momentum change. McGough did return, though, finishing 17-of-26 passing for 238 yards, with two passing TDs and a pick. McGough returned early in the second quarter and showed he was good to go, rolling to his right and completing a strike to Davis for a first down. Just a couple of plays later, though, his pass was intercepted by LB Jerod Fernandez to give the Breakers the ball inside the 25-yard line. Los Angeles turned that into three points on a 37-yard field goal from K Matt Coghlin and a seven-point lead with 7:52 left in the half. With 4:59 left in the half, though, Stallions DB Lorenzo Burns came on a blitz to hit Bethel-Thompson just as he threw. The ball, floating like a wounded duck, fell into the hands of DB Donnie Lewis inside the 25-yard line. They were the first picks of the season for both McGough and Bethel-Thompson. McGough then found WR Austin Watkins for a 24-yard gain to the 1-yard line. RB CJ Marable punched into the end for the Stallions' first offensive touchdown of the game and tied it at 17-17 with 3:39 left in the half. But that was more than enough time for Los Angeles and St. Louis to score. Bethel-Thompson found WR Dee Anderson for explosive plays of 42 and 19 yards in just more than two minutes to take back the lead, 24-17. The Stallions respond with a length-of-the-field drive, with McGough finding the second-leading receiver TE Jace Sternberger for a 19-yard TD with 42 seconds left in the half and it was 24-24. "Alex played a heck of a football game," Holtz said. "I think he's dialed in. I think ever since he took over the reins he has seen the field. He's thrown the ball extremely accurately. He made one mental mistake today when he threw the interception right there. But, other than that, I don't know that we can ask a whole lot more out of that guy in the play."

The Breakers dialed up the same first-half play that saw Bethel-Thompson hit Morris for six, and it worked again for six in the second half, this time to WR Jonathan Adams to put the Breakers back on top 31-24 in the third quarter. A large part of the Breakers' ability to move the ball was Hills, who went for 191 yards and three touchdowns and was loud about it. "We're in their hub," said Hills following the win. "We're in their city. We beat them on their turf."

A face mask penalty on the Breakers moved the ball inside the 10-yard line and set up McGough to find Davis for six. The quick strike brought the St. Louis crowd back into the game just as Bethel-Thompson and the Breaker offense came back on the field. Bethel-Thompson and Hills took the Breakers down the field for six, making the game 45-31 with 4:56 left to play. There would be no answer from the Stallions offense, which gave up two sacks on the final series. As the Stallions put the punt team on the field, Holtz was heard on the broadcast saying, "Well, boys, they want it worse than us."

-- (3-2)Breakers 45 - 31 Stallions(5-0)
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 20/28 283 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hills - 34 carries, 191 yards, 3 TDs, WR Adams - 6 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Anderson - 3 catches, 66 yards, TE Surratt - 4 catches, 51 yards
(STL): QB McGough - 17/26 238 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Marable - 11 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 5 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD, TE Sternberger - 3 catches, 29 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-1)Bandits 7 - 19 Commanders(2-3)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 15/25 213 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Williams - 19 carries, 51 yards, RB Gardner - 8 carries, 61 yards, WR Peake - 4 catches, 54 yards, WR Humphrey - 3 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Woodside - 17/21 297 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 15 carries, 41 yards, RB Ervin - 14 carries, 52 yards, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 5 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Bahar Sparks Brigade' Victory Over Showboats

March 25, 2023

Baltimore, MD - With 13 seconds remaining and his team down three points, a surprised WR Justin Hall found himself wide open with the game on the line. Hall concentrated on the pass from QB Kenji Bahar, brought it into his chest and tip-toed down the sideline for a 3-yard touchdown reception and the game-winner in a wild, 30-26 come-from-behind victory for the Baltimore Brigade over the Memphis Showboats. "I peeked, and the corner had left," Hall said. "He went with the outside receiver, and I just knew I was wide open. Kenji made a great pass. The O-line held their own, everybody did their 1-of-11, and we ended up with the win."

Three players earlier, Bahar hit TE Josh Pederson for a 36-yard completion down the middle of the field to set up the score. Bahar had his best game of the season, finishing 22-of-36 for 235 yards, with two touchdowns. His only blemish was an interception at the end of the first half. Hall finished with six receptions for 90 yards and two scores, including a Herculean effort on a wide receiver screen. The Ball State product broke four tackles, cutting across the field and outrunning Memphis DB Jermaine Kelly for a 41-yard touchdown reception that gave the Brigade a 10-3 lead midway through the second quarter. The Brigade leaned on the ground game to control the clock most of the evening, finishing with 132 yards on the ground. "I was excited to see Thompson play," said Baltimore DB Donald Rutledge, who led the Brigade with nine combined tackles. "I've seen it all day in practice, all week all camp and he delivered."

The Showboats tied the game at 10-all just before the half on a nifty trick play. Memphis went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. RB Alex Collins took a direct snap from center, ran left and then stopped and floated a left-handed pass to TE Jay Jay Wilson in the back of the end zone for the score. "They had confidence in me, and I manifested it," Collins said. "I was excited when they called Skipper. I saw it happen before it happened."

The Brigade scored 13 unanswered points in the third quarter to seize control of the game at 23-10. Baltimore started six of its eight drives on offense at midfield or in Memphis territory in the second half. The Brigade still had trouble staying disciplined, with 11 accepted penalties for 110 yards. However, the Showboats did not let the Brigade quietly go away, mounting a late comeback. A K Brandon Wright 26-yard field goal cut Baltimore's advantage to 23-13 with 11:30 left in the game. Memphis head coach Todd Haley curiously chose to go for the 4th-and-12 retention play and the Showboats failed to convert, giving the Brigade the ball on the Memphis 33-yard line. However, the Memphis defense held, and the Showboats got the ball back. Making his first start this season, QB Ryan Willis hit RB Kerrith Whyte on a flat route, and with LB Khalan Tolson getting caught in the middle of the field, the speedy running back took it down the sideline 30 yards for a score with 4:12 left in the game, cutting Baltimore's lead to 23-20 with 4:12 left. K Nick Vogel missed a 40-yard field goal wide left on Baltimore's ensuing possession and the Showboats took it on their own 30-yard line with 2:49 left, needing just a field goal to tie. Memphis quickly marched 70 yards on five plays. Willis found WR Ryan McDaniel, who made a circus catch for a 28-yard touchdown after DB Nick Grant tipped the ball up in the air. But the Showboats left too much time on the clock with 1:48 left and the Brigade drove the length of the field for the game-winner. Looking for a spark on offense after scoring just two points last week, Haley made a change at quarterback, starting Willis in place of Memphis product Brady White. "I thought we had a pretty good grasp of their defense all game long," Willis said. "Honestly, I think we beat ourselves a lot. Those are the critical areas, and we didn't do a good enough job of finishing. But we were moving the ball pretty well all game."

-- (1-4)Showboats 26 - 30 Brigade(2-3)
(MEM): QB Willis - 21/38 307 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Collins - 15 carries, 21 yards, WR McDaniel - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Mitchell - 2 catches, 56 yards
(BAL): QB Bahar - 22/36 235 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Thompson - 21 carries, 81 yards, 2 TDs, RB Pledger - 6 carries, 51 yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, WR Hall - 6 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs, TE Pederson - 4 catches, 63 yards

-- (3-2)Fleet 23 - 25 Dragons(3-2)
(SD): QB Johnson - 18/30 203 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smallwood - 13 carries, 28 yards, RB Thomas - 8 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ross - 6 catches, 118 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 8 catches, 69 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 23/32 369 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Prosise - 18 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 6 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-3)Alphas 28 - 30 Defenders(5-0)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 8/15 79 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Barber - 18 carries, 159 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 15 carries, 136 yards, 2 TDs, WR Jones - 2 catches, 25 yards, WR Evans - 3 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 12/12 187 yards, 2 TDs, 7 carries, 73 yards, RB Smith - 22 carries, 165 yards, 1 TD, WR Malone - 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Cannon - 2 catches, 79 yards

XFL Week 6: Mistakes on Both Sides of the Ball Cost Vipers

March 25, 2023

Salt Lake City, UT - The Mexico City Vipers showed they could hang with the Salt Lake City Mountain Lions. They didn’t show they could beat them, though and there are no moral victories in this league. On a hot and humid night, the Vipers put up a fight against the undefeated Mountain Lions, but penalties and a failure to execute in the red zone ultimately meant they didn’t have enough to leave with a win. It was a game they absolutely could and possibly should have won. That only made the loss hurt more. “I’m sure they feel like they got away with one, too,” said Vipers QB Luis Perez. “It’s frustrating because obviously they’re a hell of a team and they made their plays, as well, but we had a lot of plays out there that could win us that football game. It’s not just one, it’s four, five, six, seven, eight."

After a back-and-forth first half that saw the Vipers special teams unit step up in a major way and basically gift their teammates ten points, first when LB Kamalei Correa forced a RB Brian Burt fumble that gave the Mountain Lions the ball on the 19-yard line and set up a WR Kaelin Clay touchdown and then again when DB Henri Toliver chased down P Michael Carrizosa and forced a turnover-on-downs. That set up a field goal right at halftime that sent the two teams into their locker rooms tied at 13.

It was more of the same in the second half. Two very good teams throwing haymakers at one another, but the Vipers' inability to get into the end zone was arguably the deciding factor. When the Mountain Lions got close to the end zone, they scored. When the Vipers got deep in Mountain Lions territory, they did not. Mexico City fans will rightfully feel aggrieved by officiating that at times did legitimately feel biased against them, but that can be litigated on another day. Ultimately, Clay got his second of the night and that was the difference. Twice, the Vipers found themselves with the chance to get into the end zone. Twice, they failed. On the first attempt, WR Martavis Bryant couldn’t come up with a catch and then Badet, who had a tough game, dropped a pass. They settled for a field goal. The Vipers next time down the field, RB Derrius Guice put them on the three-yard-line, but an attempt to have backup QB Jalan McClendon pass the ball into the end zone didn’t work and then miscommunication led to WR Geronimo Allison and Badet colliding on the third-down effort. There will undoubtedly be questions about why the Vipers didn’t just try to smash the ball in with Guice. “We had our opportunities, we had balls in our hands,” head coach Rex Ryan said. “Maybe not easy throws, we called the play the wrong direction on the one-yard line. They’re a good defense and they force you to make mistakes and ultimately, we weren’t good enough.”

-- (0-5)Vipers 19 - 26 Mountain Lions(5-0)
(MEX): QB Perez - 12/28 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Guice - 12 carries, 110 yards, WR Bryant - 4 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Allison - 4 catches, 53 yards
(SLC): QB Rosen - 27/38 315 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 11 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 11 catches, 152 yards, WR Clay - 6 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs

-- (3-2)Jousters 14 - 26 Guardians(2-3)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 12/18 155 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cox - 12 carries, 85 yards, RB White - 15 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Garrett - 2 catches, 47 yards, WR Wright - 4 catches, 41 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Kessler - 22/31 305 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 18 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 4 catches, 70 yards, WR Reynolds - 3 catches, 66 yards, WR White - 4 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Special Teams, Defense Fuels Maulers' Win over Ghosts

March 26, 2023

Columbus, OH - Three days before they faced the Columbus Ghosts, the Pittsburgh Maulers signed K Chris Blewitt to the active roster. Blewitt, whose career includes three stints with NFL franchises, quickly caught his new teammates' attention by banging kicks through the uprights from farther and farther away, as he warmed up for the first time. Eventually, head coach Byron Leftwich gathered his team around Blewitt to create a bit of pressure for an attempted 62-yard field goal. Blewitt's kick cleared the crossbar with room to spare. He certainly meant a lot to Pittsburgh during Sunday's 21-13 win that gave the Maulers their first victory of the season. Blewitt tied the XFL record for most field goals in a single game with five - 46 yards, 50 yards, 24 yards, 34 yards and 35 yards - before the offense finally reached the end zone late in the third quarter. "And I think the guys thought, 'Here we go,'" Leftwich said. "So little things mean a lot, and Chris means a lot to us."

Special teams and defense fueled the Maulers on an afternoon when Blewitt's timely kicking was bolstered by lengthy kickoff and punt returns that flipped the field and taxed what had been a high-flying Columbus offense. Three second-half takeaways and a critical fourth-down stop in the closing seconds sealed the win. The Ghosts received the opening kickoff and, after an excellent return by WR Chris Rowland, needed just six plays to reach the end zone by the 12:07 mark of the first quarter. QB Case Cookus completed all four of his passes for 43 yards, the last of which found WR Corey Coleman for a beautiful 24-yard score on a back-shoulder throw. "I thought it was our offense's best week of practice," Leftwich said, "so you could kind of see this coming. The defense has been playing solid, and obviously the special teams with Chris, the new addition, has been outstanding, really, the whole time. So this you could see brewing in the mix of what we were putting together in our stew. It was not a surprise. I was just glad that they all decided to show up on the same day."

But what seemed like a harbinger for another lopsided defeat proved to be nothing more than a mirage, a finely-scripted opening drive that failed to foreshadow what the rest of the half had in store. The simple completions vanished, the coverage on Coleman improved, and every attempt by Columbus to establish its rushing attack was stuffed at the line of scrimmage. RBs Dexter Williams and Matt Colburn combined for eight yards on their first eight carries. After gaining 47 yards on their first possession, the Ghosts ended the half with drives of six yards, five yards, 17 yards and minus-1 yard, as the Maulers clawed back into the game with Blewitt's field goals. "Every one of those runs, we're just, like, really close to popping, you know?" Columbus head coach Jim Tressel said. "We're on the right people. We're pushing the right people. At some point, you know, in my opinion, we've got to get that to where we have a legitimate running game."

Then came the Ghosts' avalanche of turnovers that hamstrung each attempt at a comeback. Cookus fumbled when he was leveled by DL Olive Sagapolu, and the Maulers turned a short field into a touchdown. LB Reuben Foster corralled a deflected pass for an interception after Cookus was hit as he released the ball. DB Eli Walker snared an overthrow by Cookus near the midway point of the fourth quarter. "They were huge," QB Troy Williams said when asked about his team's defense. "They were outstanding. Our defense has been lights out all year. That just gives the offense even more confidence as we continue to progress, like we were able to get it into the end zone late. Just continue to trust our coaches and the players and just continue to progress from here." The moment of levity from Leftwich when he was asked about his team's questionable play calling in the red zone, where consecutive possessions featured handoffs on third and long as the Maulers settled for field goals. "I think that we think we're the Golden State Warriors," Leftwich said in reference to four consecutive field goals by Blewitt. "Steph Curry and Klay Thompson with all these 3s." After splitting time with QB James Morgan the last two weeks, Williams made his first start of the season with offensive coordinator John Tomlinson tailoring his game plan accordingly. Tomlinson eschewed a downfield passing attack in favor of shorter crossing routes and check downs more in line with Williams' skill set. He encouraged his quarterback to escape the pocket when necessary and Williams finished as the team's leading rusher with 65 yards that moved the chains at critical junctures. His 15-yard scramble in the first quarter moved the Maulers into field goal range for Blewitt's second connection of the half. His 16-yard jaunt in the second quarter maneuvered the offense into the red zone for another chip shot field goal that give Pittsburgh its first lead at 9-7. It never trailed again. "Whether it's dance or music, you feel the rhythm," Leftwich said. "And to me, it just had a different look throughout the week. The players took ownership of what we were doing."

-- (2-3)Maulers 21 - 13 Ghosts(2-3)
(PIT): QB Williams - 10/18 96 yards, 1 TD, 7 carries, 65 yards, RB London - 23 carries, 70 yards, WR Gaither - 6 catches, 65 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 23/36 238 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Colburn - 12 carries, 20 yards, WR Coleman - 8 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Overton - 6 catches, 77 yards

-- (1-4)Monarchs 3 - 27 Crusaders(4-1)
(MON): QB Masoli - 9/20 111 yards, RB Richard - 16 carries, 71 yards, WR Cunningham - 3 catches, 48 yards
(LON): QB Heinicke - 17/27 173 yards, 2 TDs, RB Michael - 18 carries, 161 yards, RB Jones - 20 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Henry - 7 catches, 72 yards, WR Agudosi - 5 catches, 48 yards

-- (4-1)Brawlers 21 - 17 Bolts(2-3)
(PHI): QB Walker - 17/22 229 yards, 2 TDs, RB Butler - 20 carries, 90 yards, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 87 yards, 2 TDs, WR Fulgham - 5 catches, 58 yards
(BER): QB Kaaya - 15/30 289 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hunt - 19 carries, 101 yards, RB Sankey - 7 carries, 62 yards, WR Huff - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 3 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Gilbert Shines Again in Blow Out

March 26, 2023

Orlando, FL - The Apollos dominated from the very beginning, opening the game with a near-perfect nine-play, 68-yard scoring drive. Apollos QB Garrett Gilbert had ample time to find his targets and finished the series with a short toss to RB D'Ernest Johnson, who darted 10 yards into the end zone for his first score of the game. The Greys responded with 35-yard field goal. The Apollos worked the ball up the field and Johnson escaped traffic to streak 36 yards into the end zone for another TD. The extra point gave Orlando a 14-3 cushion heading into the second quarter. Calgary cut the advantage to 14-6 with a 37-yard field goal to open the second frame. Gilbert delivered a massive toss early in the quarter, sending a 31-yard bomb to WR Lucky Whitehead near the far sideline. Gilbert followed the play up by scrambling out of the pocket for an 11-yard rush, then dished the ball to Johnson who evaded the Greys’ defense and sprinted 21 yards into the end zone for his third TD of the night. Johnson recorded his fourth score, rushing six yards to make it 28-6. Gilbert briefly appeared to chalk up a massive rushing touchdown but the play was called out of bounds. Instead, he settled for a two-yard sneak on a third down that increased the lead to 35-6. The Apollos took a 42-6 lead into the locker room.

Just over four minutes into the quarter, Lynch completed a one-yard quarterback sneak to give the Greys their only touchdown of the game. The Greys tried to build on the scoring drive, pushing steadily down the field on their next possession before Lynch was sacked again, this time for a nine-yard loss. Calgary settled for a 30-yard field goal and whittled its deficit to 42-15. Gilbert boosted the home side’s lead with a 17-yard rushing touchdown and DL Avery Moss closed out the quarter with his third sack of the game.

-- (0-5)Greys 15 - 59 Apollos(3-2)
(CAL): QB Lynch - 21/32 262 yards, 4 INTs, RB Martin - 10 carries, 47 yards, WR Rogers - 6 catches, 64 yards, WR Latimer - 5 catches, 72 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 26/29 282 yards, 3 TDs, RB Johnson - 17 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs, 6 catches, 33 yards, 2 TDs, RB Walton - 7 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs, WR Marshall - 6 catches, 110 yards, WR Whitehead - 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-2)Renegades 24 - 30 Stampede(0-5)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 24/34 284 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Farrow - 15 carries, 77 yards, WR Lawler - 7 catches, 96 yards, TE Cannella - 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 26/37 276 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 20 carries, 71 yards, WR Westbrook - 6 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, TE Parham - 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 6: Panthers' Spoiled by Loss to Explosive Enforcers

March 27, 2023

Oakland, CA - Oakland stumbled early and often against the Enforcers. Head coach Jeff Fisher's team surrendered 21 points in a 10-minute span between the first and second quarters and no amount of cajoling, pleading and emotional support from the crowd was enough to erase the deficit. A balanced Enforcers' attack gained 198 yards on the ground and 180 more through the air to secure a 28-13 victory that cast an unfortunate pall on an otherwise raucous evening. "I thought they were awesome," Fisher said. "I really did. There was a bunch of people out there. And, to be perfectly frank with you, that's one of the disappointments I had was not to have a better showing for the people that were here, because we're a much better football team than that and we didn't show that today. I hope they come back and support us and continue to believe in us."

An early deficit notwithstanding, the Enforcers raced to a 21-3 lead that highlighted their superior athletes with RBs Darius Victor and Thomas Rawls whose combinations of vision and explosiveness were problematic for the Panthers on the fast track of an indoor playing surface. The former turned a beautifully arced screen pass into a 51-yard touchdown after he outran the Oakland defense down the left sideline. Victor reached the end zone again when he broke through the line of scrimmage and stiff-armed DB Sean Mahone to the ground for an impressive 35-yard score. The latter, Rawls, transformed a simple read-option into a 70-yard run up the middle that launched Chicago into the red zone. He scored one snap later by veering around the right side of the formation in the wake of an excellent play-action fake. His aerial contributions, while modest, supplied a heavy dose of lateral throws outside the numbers that forced Oakland to defend the full width of the field. "It's very important, because you create explosive plays doing that," Rawls said. "Force them to cover the whole field. On a football field, there's four lanes, and if you attack each lane, there's nothing that they can do. They can't be right."

Eventually, the steady flow of bubble screens and horizontal passes lulled Oakland's defense to sleep early in the fourth quarter. The Enforcers stacked two receivers on the right side of the formation but executed a perfect fake in which QB DeShone Kizer pumped his shoulder and the Panthers bit on what they thought was another quick pass to the perimeter. Instead, WR Alonzo Moore streaked downfield on a vertical route for an easy 72-yard score. Kizer completed his first seven passes and finished 10 of 15 for 180 yards and two scores. Rawls and Victor also combined for 166 rushing yards and two more touchdowns on 19 carries. "Versatility is a big, big deal in football," Riley said, "and the things that they present, that they can do, is really important to how we build our team offensively. I thought that they both showed that tonight."

With his team trailing by 18 points, QB Carson Strong completed passes of 10 yards, 7 yards and 17 yards in the span of four snaps before drawing a defensive pass interference penalty on the fifth snap. He connected with WR Trey Quinn for a 28-yard touchdown to punctuate a nine-play, 66-yard drive that proved to be the Panthers' only trip to the end zone. Despite the spark Strong had given the offense, QB Josh Love returned as the primary signal caller in the second half. He orchestrated a marathon 16-play, 66-yard drive that washed more than nine minutes off the clock but stalled with two completions short of the chains in the red zone. "I think they had a good game plan coming in against us," Love said. "We just can't shoot ourselves in the foot early in the game. We've got to go out there and do our job and go out there with whatever play call we have and compete and get the job done. I think definitely this is a wake-up call. We've got to get back to the drawing board and have a great week of practice and move on."

Oakland's hope for a victory in its home opener were erased on the next possession when Love, who finished 15 of 31 for 101 yards, stared at his receiver on the right sideline and fired an interception into double coverage. The Enforcers broke the game open with a 72-yard touchdown on their next offensive snap. "It was an 8-point ball game for a while there, and things looked like they were turning in our favor," Fisher said. "That's what I felt, and I think our team felt that. And then we kind of shot ourselves in the foot."

-- (3-2)Enforcers 28 - 13 Panthers(3-2)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 10/15 180 yards, 2 TDs, RB Rawls - 10 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 11 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD, 1 catch, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 1 catch, 72 yards
(OAK): QB Love - 15/31 101 yards, 1 INT, RB Scott - 12 carries, 63 yards, RB Corbin - 11 carries, 51 yards, WR Quinn - 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-5)Steel 29 - 20 Otters(1-4)
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 6/15 131 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Yeldon - 15 carries, 135 yards, 1 catch, 71 yards, 1 TD, RB Richardson - 16 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Benjamin - 2 catches, 39 yards
(VAN): QB Coan - 16/29 179 yards, 2 TDs, RB Patrick - 24 carries, 97 yards, RB Ballage - 12 carries, 58 yards, WR Turpin - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Akers - 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD

Tiger-cats Sign QB Cardale Jones

March 27, 2023

Hamilton, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Hamilton Tiger-cats of the CFL have inked former XFL QB Cardale Jones after the quarterback refused to report to the Massachusetts Pirates earlier this week. Jones was transferred to the Pirates from the Valor back in December for further development after losing his starting job to former Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blake Bortles as part of the XFL-IFL player partnership.

Quinten Dormady Exonerated. Returned to XFL Greys Active Roster

March 28, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA - Recently, Calgary Greys QB Quinten Dormady had been accused of sharing his team’s plays with an opposing team. This accusation was revealed in an online tweet that also pointed out Dormady had been released from the Greys.

After an independent investigation, the XFL released the following statement: “Upon completing a formal review that included players, coaches, and XFL staff conducted by an outside law firm, it has been determined that allegations of impropriety were unsubstantiated and there is no basis for disciplinary action against Calgary Greys QB Quinten Dormady. Mr. Dormady has been removed from the Office of the President’s Reserve List and added to the team’s active roster.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 7: Apollos Lose to Brawlers in Rollercoaster Ride at Home

March 30, 2023

Orlando, FL - Leading by four points at halftime, the Brawlers continued scoring, defeating the Orlando Apollos 40-33 before 41,537 fans. Third-string RB Elijhaa Penny paced the Brawlers with three short-yardage touchdown runs. QB Phillip Walker passed to WRs Cam Phillips and Jalen Saunders for two more. Orlando managed to drive to the Philadelphia 24 in the final minute before the drive stalled. The first of RB Marquez Williams’s three fumbles while returning kicks occurred on the game’s opening play and it was recovered by P Dom Maggio. But the Brawlers escaped without surrendering points.

The Apollos nonetheless opened the scoring on their second possession, driving 90 yards in five plays, including a 42-yard pass to WR Donte Moncrief. Orlando increased its lead with field goal to make it 11-0 at 2:29 of the second quarter. But the Brawlers bounced back on their next possession, requiring only 80 seconds to drive 70 yards, aided by a 69-yard completion to a wide open Saunders who took advantage of an obvious breakdown in the secondary. Penny scored on a one-yard run at 3:49. Philadelphia also completed a two-point convert on a pass to pull within three points. The Brawlers then engineered an impressive seven-play, 101-yard drive to take the lead. A scrambling Walker found Saunders in the end zone for a four-yard touchdown pass, giving the visitors a 15-11 lead and K Sergio Castillo 49-yard field goal increased the lead to 18-11, but the Apollos weren’t finished. On a second down and short yardage play, QB Garrett Gilbert passed 47 yards to WR Jalin Marshall. Orlando settled for a 23-yard field goal, making the score 18-14 at halftime.

K Elliott Fry’s 37-yard field goal pulled Orlando to within one point, but the Brawlers then mounted a nine-play, 70-yard drive on their opening possession of the second half which was capped by Penny’s two-yard scoring run. The Apollos scored a safety after Williams fumbled a punt, retrieved it and was tackled in the end zone. Orlando then took the lead following a seven-play, 74-yard drive, culminating in RB Mark Walton’s one-yard touchdown run. The Brawlers were driving early in the fourth quarter until they inexplicably decided to insert a cold Kai Locksley into the game. The backup quarterback fumbled at the 19. But credit Philadelphia for not losing its composure. The visitors went 56 yards in seven plays, capped by Penny’s third touchdown on a one-yard run. Philadelphia took a two-touchdown lead after DB Deatrick Nichols forced a fumble that was recovered by LB Omari Cobb, who returned it to the 3. Two plays later, Walker passed to Phillips for the score.

-- (5-1)Brawlers 40 - 33 Apollos(4-2)
(PHI): QB Walker - 25/31 341 yards, 2 TDs, RB Butler - 16 carries, 90 yards, RB Penny - 3 carries, 10 yards, 3 TDs, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Fulgham - 5 catches, 99 yards, WR Saunders - 9 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 25/40 344 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 17 carries, 79 yards, RB Walton - 9 carries, 59 yards, 2 TDs, WR Moncrief - 9 catches, 118 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 5 catches, 133 yards, WR Whitehead - 9 catches, 74 yards

-- (2-3)Alphas 24 - 10 Guardians(3-2)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 7/16 188 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 20 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Evans - 4 catches, 146 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 2 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Kessler - 25/42 270 yards, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 15 carries, 59 yards, WR McKay - 7 catches, 98 yards, WR Yancey - 6 catches, 50 yards

XFL Week 7: Roughnecks Cruise to Win, Remain Undefeated

March 31, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA - The Houston Roughnecks remain undefeated on the season as they took down the Calgary Greys by a score of 44-16. The Roughnecks got off to a quick start in this one, thanks to RB Dejoun Lee's 41-yard kick return on the opening kickoff. The opening drive would end with a 21-yard touchdown pass from QB Nathan Rourke to WR Travell Harris, giving them a 6-0 lead. Houston's defense came up big on Orlando's opening drive of the game, as DB William Likely came up with a 42-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. A successful two-point try pass from Silvers to WR Jontre Kirklin put the visitors up 14-0. Later in the quarter, Kirklin would connect with fellow WR Deontay Burnett on a double pass, 49-yard touchdown to go up by 20 points after 15 minutes of play. Calgary avoided a first half shutout early in the 2nd quarter, as they saw a 33-yard field goal go through the uprights to put them on the scoreboard. The Houston defense was doing its thing in the first half, seeing LB Emmanuel Ellerbee and LB Trent Harris each pick up a half sack, DL Trevon Mason and LB Tim Harris each getting a sack, DB Jordan Mosley forcing a fumble and DB Sean Davis recovering a fumble. The defense faltered at the end of the half, however, allowing a 31-yard touchdown pass to make the score 26-10 going into halftime.

After giving up an 81-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter, the Roughnecks would later respond with a 1-yard touchdown by Lee on the ground. This score was set up by a pass interference penalty on the Calgary secondary in the end zone, placing the ball on the goal line. After three quarters of play, Houston led 32-16. The Roughnecks kept up their air attack on offense in the fourth quarter, as Rourke connected with WR Harris on a 59-yard touchdown. Though now up by 22 points, the Houston defense stayed hungry, as Harris came up with a 1-yard sack later on in the quarter. The Roughnecks offense wasn't quite done yet, as they ended the final quarter with another 1-yard touchdown rush by Lee, to go up 44-16.

-- (6-0)Roughnecks 44 - 16 Greys(0-6)
(HOU): QB Rourke - 26/32 253 yards, 3 TDs, RB Lee - 12 carries, 65 yards, 2 TDs, WR Burnett - 3 catches, 62 yards, WR Kirklin - 5 catches, 77 yards
(CAL): QB Lynch - 18/30 286 yards, 2 TDs, RB Martin - 19 carries, 82 yards, WR Rambo - 2 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Latimer - 4 catches, 57 yards

-- (2-4)Ghosts 27 - 30 Crusaders(5-1)
(COL): QB Cookus - 17/28 298 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Colburn - 22 carries, 37 yards, 2 TDs, WR Coleman - 7 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Suell - 2 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Carter - 3 catches, 82 yards
(LON): QB Heinicke - 18/29 288 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Michael - 16 carries, 76 yards, RB Jones - 18 carries, 58 yards, WR Henry - 4 catches, 141 yards, WR Agudosi - 7 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs, TE Toilolo - 3 catches, 16 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 7: Otters' Offense Stalls

April 1, 2023

Seattle, WA - Vancouver is held without a touchdown for the first time this season in a low-scoring affair that resulted in a 15-6 Seattle victory. For the first time since week one, Seattle was held to just one passing touchdown. The Otters' defense held Seattle's number one ranked passing offense in check, allowing just 264 passing yards, more than 20 yards less than their season average. For the fourth straight game, San Antonio drew first blood and put points on the board first. K Parker Romo made a 38-yard field goal with 0:38 left in the first quarter to give the Brahmas a 3-0 lead. The field goal capped off an 11 play, 60-yard drive. To end the second half, Parker Romo nailed a 57-yard field goal to tie the game at 6-6. Romo's 57-yarder is the longest made field goal in the XFL this season. It also was Romo's fourth made field goal of 40+ yards.

DB Luq Barcoo held the XFL's leading receiver Josh Gordon to just two catches and 12 yards throughout the first half. Barcoo had three pass break-ups and only allowed one first down reception. He had a crucial interception with 1:44 left in the fourth quarter to give the Otters a second chance at a comeback. Barcoo has not allowed a touchdown reception, nor committed a defensive penalty this season. The Otters' offense relied on moving the ball through the air more than usual. Vancouver had a season-low 11 rushing attempts, which was 15 less than their previous low. The Otters threw the ball a season high 39 times for 189 yards. WR Jalen Tolliver set a new game-high for receptions with six catches for 54 yards.

-- (1-5)Otters 6 - 15 Dragons(4-2)
(VAN): QB Coan - 20/39 189 yards, RB Ballage - 11 carries, 21 yards, WR Tolliver - 6 catches, 54 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 28/41 264 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ellison - 20 carries, 81 yards, WR Pearson - 8 catches, 76 yards, WR Gordon - 9 catches, 93 yards

-- (4-2)Bandits 34 - 10 Showboats(1-5)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 12/17 227 yards, 3 TDs, RB Gardner - 16 carries, 100 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 20 carries, 49 yards, WR Humphrey - 3 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD, WR Greene - 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Willis - 18/36 240 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Collins - 17 carries, 53 yards, WR Treadwell - 6 catches, 97 yards, WR Henderson - 5 catches, 84 yards, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-3)Maulers 19 - 31 Mammoths(1-5)
(PIT): QB Williams - 13/22 179 yards, 11 carries, 49 yards, RB Groshek - 11 carries, 87 yards, RB London - 6 carries, 77 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gaither - 3 catches, 76 yards, WR Liggins - 5 catches, 56 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 22/29 359 yards, 4 TDs, RB West - 21 carries, 83 yards, WR Callaway - 5 catches, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR Robertson - 4 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR Sheehy-Guiseppi - 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, TE Truesdell - 4 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Stampede Rally in Final Quarter to Blitz Short-handed Steel

April 1, 2023

Birmingham, AL - The short-handed Birmingham Steel were no match for RB Cameron Artis-Payne as the Oklahoma City Stampede registered a 31-21 victory. Artis-Payne gained 143 yards on 26 carries as the Stampede overcame a 21-14 deficit with 17 points in the final 4:30 of the game. Stampede QB Bryce Petty, who finished 30 of 38 passing for 336 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, couldn’t say enough about Artis-Payne’s impact. “He brings a level of toughness to our team. He brings a level of toughness to our office. He takes on four or five guys on every play, I can’t imagine the defense wants to go against him,” said Petty. “We are lucky to have him.”

The Steel with 10 regulars out of the lineup entered the game as underdogs but came close to earning a victory before Oklahoma City took over the game late in the fourth quarter. The final quarter splurge allowed the Stampede to overcome a 21-14 deficit. WR Dede Westbrook, who caught a 70-yard pass play in the second quarter, hauled in a five-yard touchdown pass that tied the game 21-21 with 4:28 remaining. K Austin MacGinnis kicked the game-winning field goal, a 29-yarder, with 47 seconds left in the game. Oklahoma City sealed the deal on the ensuing kickoff when LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley scooped up a fumble by returner Quan Bray and scored a 10-yard touchdown. The winning field goal was set up by a 35-yard punt return by Damion Ratley that put the Stampede on the 50-yard line with 3:30 remaining.

It was the combination of big plays and turnovers that allowed Birmingham to keep the game close until the late stages. The Steel capitalized on five turnovers, the Stampede lost three fumbles, were stopped on one third down gamble and were intercepted once. The Stampede gathered momentum by scoring two touchdowns in the final 1:39 of the second quarter. QB Mike Glennon hit WR Kelvin Bryant with a 10-yard scoring pass to cut the lead to 11-9. Then with 26 seconds left in the half, Bray scored an electric 112-yard touchdown on a return of a missed 61-yard field goal attempt. Bray caught the ball to the left of the uprights but worked his way across the field and down the right sideline into the end zone to give Birmingham a 15-11 halftime lead.

-- (1-5)Stampede 31 - 21 Steel(1-5)
(OKC): QB Petty - 30/38 336 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 26 carries, 143 yards, WR Westbrook - 8 catches, 152 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 4 catches, 65 yards, TE Parham - 9 catches, 64 yards
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 13/28 131 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Richardson - 15 carries, 43 yards, WR Benjamin - 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Foster - 4 catches, 77 yards

-- (3-3)Brigade 39 - 27 Fleet(3-3)
(BAL): QB Bahar - 6/16 88 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 14 carries, 76 yards, RB Thompson - 16 carries, 195 yards, 1 TD, RB Crowell - 17 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD, WR Chism - 4 catches, 62 yards, 3 TDs
(SD): QB Johnson - 23/33 287 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smallwood - 11 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, RB Thomas - 13 carries, 73 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 116 yards, 2 TDs, WR McBride - 6 catches, 50 yards, WR Posey - 7 catches, 74 yards

XFL Week 7: BattleHawks Top Dallas

April 2, 2023

Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte BattleHawks opened their home schedule with a 24-11 win over the Dallas Renegades before a record-setting crowd of 38,310 fans. The BattleHawks took a lead they would not relinquish when QB A.J. McCarron found WR Darrius Shepherd for a 27-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left before halftime. McCarron then connected with RB Brian Hill for five yards to complete the two-point conversion to put Charlotte in front, 11-3. Hill rumbled 15 yards to the end zone with 6:48 left in the third quarter to extend the BattleHawks' lead to 17-3. Hill also caught a 20-yard pass two plays earlier. He finished the game with a season-high 115 all-purpose yards, including a season-high 89 rushing yards that were the most by a BattleHawks player this season.

The Renegades closed to within six points of the BattleHawks with a touchdown and two-point conversion on their first drive of the fourth quarter to make it 17-11, but Charlotte responded six plays later when McCarron and WR Hakeem Butler connected for a 25-yard touchdown. McCarron then hit TE Jake Sutherland on a 2-yard pass for a one-point conversion and build the lead to 13 points, 24-11. Charlotte initially grabbed a lead on its first drive of the game, which covered 45 yards on 10 plays and ended on a 28-yard field goal by K Donny Hageman with 5:37 left in the first quarter. Hill provided 34 of the yards on that drive with four carries. Dallas then tied the game at three points apiece with 4:27 left before halftime on a 37-yard field goal by K Taylor Russolino. The BattleHawks defense provided the offense multiple extra opportunities via turnovers for the fourth straight game. Charlotte created four turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble. DB Nate Meadors, LB Tre Watson Sr. and LB Silas Kelly all intercepted Dallas QB Kyle Sloter, while LB Travis Feeney forced and recovered his second fumble of the season.

-- (3-3)Renegades 11 - 24 BattleHawks(5-1)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 23/39 205 yards, 3 INTs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Vaughns - 4 catches, 45 yards, TE Cannella - 6 catches, 40 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 20/27 214 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Shepherd - 8 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 5 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Stallions Knock Down Mountain Lions

April 2, 2023

St. Louis, MO - The St. Louis Stallions earned themselves a bounce back victory, defeating the Salt Lake City Mountain Lions by a score of 36-27. The game opened with the Mountain Lions taking a 7-0 lead over the Stallions. The Stallions offense came with a methodical rebuttal, as RB CJ Marable closed the drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. On the ensuing possession, Salt Lake missed their field goal attempt and the Stallions were set up nicely. The score remained at 7-7 with the Stallions in possession of the football as the first quarter came to a close. To start the second quarter, St. Louis took a 10-7 lead with a field goal. The Stallions defense came back out and forced a turnover on downs, as momentum was continuing to swing in their favor. Stallions WR Deon Cain took a short pass from QB Alex McGough and broke some tackles on his way to the end zone. The Stallions were now in front by a score of 16-7. On the following possession, Salt Lake answered with a touchdown of their own in just four plays. Neither team was able to capitalize on their next possession, and the score remained the same going into halftime, in favor of the Stallions.

The Stallions came out of the half swinging for the fences. Stallions WR Davion Davis took the first kickoff of the second half for the touchdown, but it was called back due to a taunting penalty. The Stallions offense overcame that adversity and still ended their drive with a touchdown. McGough found WR Adrian Hardy open for the three-yard score. On the very next drive, the Mountain Lions responded with a touchdown. The third quarter ended with a score of 23-21, with the Stallions still maintaining the lead. Just a few plays into the start of the fourth quarter, McGough threw a touchdown pass to Cain. The Mountain Lions didn't take long to return the favor, scoring another touchdown. The game remained with a score that held a difference of two points between both teams. The Stallions delivered their final offensive blow on the following drive, with a rushing touchdown from Davis. This touchdown left the score at 36-27 and that score is where the game would end, as the Stallions defense came up with another fourth down stop. The Stallions look revitalized this week, pulling off a much needed victory.

-- (6-0)Mountain Lions 27 - 36 Stallions(5-1)
(SLC): QB Rosen - 25/41 249 yards, 3 TDs, RB Booker - 18 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR - 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD
(STL): QB McGough - 21/30 242 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Scarbrough - 21 carries, 164 yards, RB Marable - 17 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Cain - 6 catches, 116 yards, 2 TDs

XFL Week 7: Berlin Goes to Work and Gets a Lunch-bucket Win over DC

April 2, 2023

Berlin, GERMANY - The visiting Washington Valor put together a 14-play, 89-yard drive that took them from the shadow of their own goalposts all the way into Bolts territory, looking to take the lead with a touchdown. But Berlin stood firm with DB Damarius Travis knocking down a QB Blake Bortles pass to WR Paul Richardson in the back of the end zone. A LB Jameer Thuman interception of QB Brad Kaaya at midfield gave the visitors life again, but the defense once again held firm as Berlin came away with a blue-collar 17-12 win over the Valor. Before Bortles tossed a game-sealing pick on a Hail Mary, his previous three drives had all petered out on failed third-down plays as a defense that bent all night stiffened up when it mattered most.

“I’ll be honest. I’ll just say this, the defense won us the game,” Kaaya said. “I don’t feel like I played well enough to win this game. Not in a professional football game against that team. I can’t make those type of mistakes, can’t miss the type of throws. I don’t want to have to be in a position to rely on the defense like that. I know that they’re gonna get us stops. But we’ve got to take better control of the field position that special teams and the defense has given us. We got to take advantage of the momentum. And we just got to put drives together and finish them. I feel like I’m very lucky to be standing in front of you with the win.”

-- (2-4)Valor 12 - 17 Bolts(2-4)
(DC): QB Bortles - 26/38 297 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Allen - 21 carries, 94 yards, WR Daniels - 9 catches, 83 yards, WR Richardson - 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
(BER): QB Kaaya - 22/30 250 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Sankey - 18 carries, 76 yards, WR Huff - 8 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 8 catches, 70 yards, TE Baugh - 3 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-3)Commanders 16 - 26 Breakers(4-2)
(SA): QB Woodside - 12/28 183 yards, RB Hill - 17 carries, 47 yards, RB Ervin - 15 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 4 catches, 85 yards
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 22/30 250 yards, RB Hills - 10 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD, RB Jones - 10 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR Lee - 8 catches, 116 yards, WR Adams - 8 catches, 96 yards

-- (3-3)Jousters 17 - 24 Enforcers(4-2)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 21/28 209 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Cox - 18 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD, RB Dixon - 14 carries, 57 yards, WR Garrett - 6 catches, 48 yards
(CHI): QB Kizer - 10/18 139 yards, 1 TD, RB Rawls - 15 carries, 98 yards, 2 TDs, RB Victor - 12 carries, 81 yards, WR Pierson-El - 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: More Miscues for Vipers

April 3, 2023

Cologne, GERMANY - The Mexico City Vipers couldn't overcome an early miscue and fell, 32-18, to the Cologne Defenders. On the first play of the game, a botched snapped caused a Viper fumble by QB Brett Hundley and led to a Cologne score five plays later when QB D'Eriq King punched in a five-yard score the first touchdown of the game. At the end of the first quarter, Vipers K Bailey Giffen cut the lead in half with a 37-yard field goal, getting the Vipers on the board. Cologne's King opened up the second quarter with his second rushing touchdown followed by a good 2-point conversion pass, bringing the game to 14-3. During the middle part of the stanza, the Vipers threatened to close the gap, but settled with a 33-yard field goal by Giffen. Mexico City had an opportunity to tie the game late in the half, but a QB Luis Perez touchdown was overturned and time ran out and the Defenders held a 14-6 lead going into halftime.

Mexico City had a prime opportunity to open the second half LB Travis Koontz recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. However, the Vipers couldn't convert on a fourth down, turning the ball over which then turned into three more points for DC after K Matt McCrane nailed a 35- yard field goal, bringing the score to 20-6. Perez connected with WR Cinque Sweeting for a 26-yard touchdown to open the fourth quarter, narrowing the lead to one score. After trading possessions, the Defenders kept the lead for the remainder of the fourth quarter after McCrane hit a 26- yard field goal and the Cologne scored another touchdown when King connected with WR Jequez Ezzard for a 32-yard score, putting the game at 29-12. The Vipers answered about a minute later, when Perez and Sweeting paired up again to score the last touchdown of the game. McCrane hit his third field goal of the game late in the fourth to drive the score up to 32-18.

-- (0-6)Vipers 18 - 32 Defenders(6-0)
(MEX): QB Perez - 23/32 283 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Smith - 12 carries, 62 yards, WR Badet - 7 catches, 80 yards, WR Sweeting - 3 catches, 65 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bryant - 6 catches, 90 yards
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 14/19 177 yards, 9 carries, 89 yards, QB King - 2/2 38 yards, 1 TD, 4 carries, 8 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 26 carries, 76 yards, WR Blair - 4 catches, 84 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 65 yards

-- (3-3)Panthers 27 - 23 Monarchs(1-5)
(OAK): QB Strong - 15/27 189 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Corbin - 17 carries, 87 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 68 yards, WR Hamilton - 4 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD, TE Baugh - 3 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD
(MON): QB Masoli - 17/27 213 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Richard - 18 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD, WR Roosevelt - 5 catches, 71 yards, WR Cunningham - 4 catches, 59 yards

XFL Kicker sets Lumen Field Record

April 4, 2023

Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - While Vancouver K Parker Romo’s kick was not enough points to give his team the win, his 57-yard field goal with .04 seconds remining in the half set a Lumen Field record. Romo’s kick went straight through the uprights with over 10 yards distance to spare. 57-yards is now the mark to beat for any team playing at Lumen Field. Former Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka had booted a longer field goal, but he did so on the road. His longest kick at Lumen Field was 55-yards. Romo currently holds the record for the XFL’s longest field goal and he has kicked the two longest field goals of this season at 57 Yards and 48 yards.

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Behind Healthy Mark Thompson, Brigade Run Hard to Win

April 6, 2023

Columbus, OH - Baltimore cruised to a 41-16 win over the falling Columbus Ghosts to kick off the XFL's Week 8 slate. Just call Baltimore RB Mark Thompson the not so little engine that could, as the Brigade rolled on in the first half of Thursday's game. The 6-foot-1 running back scored on Baltimore's opening drive in spectacular fashion: bobbing, weaving and spinning out of tackles for a 33-yard scamper into the end zone. At one point, it looked like Thompson even surprised himself with the way he was able to shake defenders and how much open field he found in front of him. He wasn't even close to done, either. Thompson ended the day with three rushing touchdowns, racking up 134 total yards on 13 carries. "Great to be back on the field, be out there with the team," said Thompson. "The energy, those guys bring it, so I try to bring my part, too, as one of 11. Being patient, letting everything open up and let those big guys up front do their thing and just hitting the holes when I had to hit them, and staying on assignment."

Columbus wasn't so lucky, not being able to find any sort of rhythm offensively. Despite opting to receive the opening kickoff and starting the day with an easy 5-yard completion by QB Case Cookus, momentum proved elusive, and the Ghosts went three-and-out on their first drive. They wouldn't see their initial first down of the game until 13 minutes later. It came on their lone touchdown drive of the first half, largely due to a spark from the defense after LB Joey Alfieri recovered a fumble. Cookus himself took three sacks in the first half alone and Columbus uncharacteristically only managed to convert one of six third-down attempts. "Our third-down package, we really just had this thing: beat me there don't meet me there in the backfield. I think we all take that to heart," said Baltimore DL Reggie Walker. "It was just a day where everyone on the D-line was coming and coming and coming."

In all, the Brigade racked up six sacks on Cookus. Walker finished with two, along with two tackles for loss. After Baltimore surrendered that aforementioned fumble, they responded three-fold by the time the first half was over. Their next score came on a 10-yard run by Thompson on a well-balanced seven-play, 69-yard drive put together by QB Kenji Bahar at the start of the second quarter. Baltimore got in two more scores before the half was over, including a 54-yard touchdown from Bahar to WR Keke Chism on a short crosser, hitting Chism over the middle in stride. The Brigade went into the locker room at halftime up 27-7. Baltimore lost Bahar halfway through the third quarter, but not before they put together a nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive in the first possession of the second half. Bahar was listed as questionable with a right knee injury and did not return to the game, finishing 15-of-21 for 230 yards and two touchdowns. That didn't stop the Brigade, either. On the very next drive, with backup QB Terry Wilson in the game, Baltimore again ended up in the end zone, albeit in an unorthodox way. From the 29-yard line, Wilson took off up the middle and had the ball punched out of his hands. But like everyone's hope at the craps table, the ball took a fortuitous roll, exactly where Baltimore needed it. Chism recovered the ball in the end zone and the play was ruled a touchdown, putting the Brigade up 41-7 after the good extra point. Columbus was able to muster some late-game energy and scored a touchdown with 1:06 left to play. They went for the XFL-exclusive three-point play, in which a team is allowed to run a play from the 10-yard line with the goal of getting into the end zone for three points. It was intercepted and after a long return the other way, Wilson took a couple of knees to end the game with a final score of 41-16.

-- (4-3)Brigade 41 - 16 Ghosts(2-5)
(BAL): QB Bahar - 15/21 230 yards, 2 TDs, RB Thompson - 13 carries, 134 yards, 3 TDs, RB Crowell - 24 carries, 83 yards, WR Chism - 2 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Ratliff-Williams - 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Redding - 5 catches, 79 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 24/36 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Colburn - 11 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD, WR Gray - 8 catches, 61 yards, WR Coleman - 5 catches, 49 yards

-- (1-6)Steel 26 - 9 Greys(0-7)
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 9/20 142 yards, RB Yeldon - 18 carries, 95 yards, RB Richardson - 17 carries, 58 yards, 2 TDs, WR Foster - 5 catches, 83 yards
(CAL): QB Dormady - 14/27 194 yards, 1 INT, RB Darrington - 18 carries, 92 yards, WR Latimer - 4 catches, 86 yards, WR Rambo - 4 catches, 49 yards

XFL Week 8: Late Gamble Pays off for Showboats

April 7, 2023

Oakland, CA - Memphis offensive coordinator Todd Haley's gamble paid off for his team and with the help of Haley's gutsy call, Memphis got a huge win, a 29-10 triumph over Oakland. The Showboats put the game away thanks in large part to Haley's decision to go for it on fourth-and-3 from the Oakland 32 with his team up 16-10. He could have left it up to his kicker, who had already hit from beyond 50 yards twice in the game. But a nine-point lead in the XFL isn't as sure of a lead as its NFL counterpart. With the three-point play rule in the XFL, no single-digit lead is more than a one-score lead. So, Haley decided to be aggressive. "I'm a big go with my gut guy," said Haley after the game. "Obviously we all prepare, we study, we know what we like, don't like. And in that situation, I just felt the momentum of the game, we were starting to get it going, and I felt like a big play there which WR LaQuon Treadwell made and QB Ryan Willis made where it was a huge, huge situational play for us. And that's what the game comes down to. It's making critical plays in critical situations."

The fourth-and-3 gamble paid off as the Showboats went empty. Willis dropped back and hit Treadwell for a 15-yard gain. It set Memphis up at the 17 and three carries later, the Showboats had second-and-goal at the 6. Willis pulled the ball himself and ran it right up the middle for the 6-yard score, punctuating Memphis' lead, 23-10 with 5:08 left in the game. As if that hadn't already put the game away, Oakland QB Josh Love was stripped of the ball on a sack on the Panthers' ensuing drive. It was Memphis LB Jeff McCulloch who forced the fumble, recovered it and then took it all the way to the house, tacking on six more points to the Showboats' total. "I just have to thank the man upstairs. I wasn't supposed to be playing today because of injuries," said McCulloch after the game. "But coach, he had faith in me and allowed me to come back out here with this team that we've been working with."

McCulloch's strip-sack touchdown return was just one of four turnovers forced by the Showboats' defense, in addition to the fact they allowed the hometown Panthers just 10 total points. It was a total team effort at the end of the game to secure the Memphis' win in Oakland in front of the Panthers' home crowd. "When you get a win like this as a team, it's just really good for everybody involved," said Haley. "It'd be one thing if guys were dragging their tails between their legs and not working, but this group has worked really hard and continues to work really hard despite the outcomes of a couple of those games. So, to come on the road and get a win was a big, big thing for us."

The Showboats gained steam as the game began, settling for a field goal on two of their first three drives, before punching it in on a quarterback sneak from Willis in the second quarter. Though they wouldn't score again before halftime, the Showboats also kept Oakland's points to a minimum. After getting to the 6-yard line, the Panthers were forced to kick the field goal after the Showboats stuffed them on third-and-1. The Memphis defense then held up its end of the bargain the rest of the way, keeping the Panthers to just one trip to the end zone for the third straight week.

-- (1-6)Showboats 29 - 10 Panthers(4-3)
(MEM): QB Willis - 15/26 151 yards, 6 carries, 27 yards, 2 TDs, RB Whyte - 18 carries, 64 yards, WR Treadwell - 3 catches, 58 yards
(OAK): QB Love - 19/27 134 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Scott - 12 carries, 66 yards, RB Corbin - 19 carries, 61 yards, WR Walker - 7 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 8: Apollos Outlast Mountain Lions in Heavyweight Match

April 7, 2023

Salt Lake, UT - It was billed as a heavyweight showdown between two of the best teams in the XFL and it delivered. The Salt Lake City Mountain Lions gave the Orlando Apollos their best shot, but it wasn’t enough. In the end, QB Garrett Gilbert four touchdown passes were enough to earn the visiting Apollos a 35-28 victory. For Mountain Lions QB Josh Rosen, there’s a pretty clear lesson in that. “They’re a better football team than we are, that’s what I would say, at this moment,” said Rosen. “I don’t think they will be at the end of the season, hopefully that’s where we’re climbing to but if you lose to a team, they’re better than you. That’s just a fact. I hope we take it to heart. Go watch some film but use it to your advantage, they’re one of the better coached football teams, so obviously anything they’re doing against you they’re picking up on film, so they’re showing you what your deficiencies are. That’s offense, defense and special teams.”

It is worth noting that the Mountain Lions gave the Apollos a fight. The game was decided in the final few minutes and had a few things gone the Lions' way, they might very well have wound up with a victory. From the start, the Mountain Lions were always able to move the ball until they got near the end zone. At that point, their drives seemed to just diea and you couldn’t escape the feeling that maybe that was going to come back to haunt them. They scored field goals on their first four drives which emphasized just how dominant the Apollos are when their backs are against the wall in their own zone.

The teams went into their locker rooms at halftime with the Apollos up 17-12, but the fun was just getting started. Almost immediately, RB Devontae Booker ran in back to back two-yard touchdown to put the Mountain Lions up 25-17. Then, Gilbert found WR Donte Moncrief for a breathtaking 25-yard touchdown. With under four minutes left, the Apollos were now up 32-28. It felt like there had to be more twists coming, but the Apollos ultimately locked down. They scored the only points in the final couple of minutes with one more field goal and the Mountain Lions settled for the loss. “We got beat. I don’t want to say any more than that,” said Mountain Lions head coach Dennis Erickson. “There was good effort, unfortunately they made more plays. It was back and forth, we had our chances, but we didn’t get any stops. We didn’t make our plays. I didn’t think it was a sloppy game, at all. I thought it was a well-played game as well.”

-- (4-3)Apollos 35 - 28 Mountain Lions(6-1)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/30 270 yards, 4 TDs, RB Johnson - 15 carries, 110 yards, RB Walton - 7 carries, 50 yards, WR Whitehead - 4 catches, 80 yards, WR Marshall - 5 catches, 55 yards, WR Moncrief - 7 catches, 69 yards, 2 TDs
(SLC): QB Rosen - 21/32 219 yards, RB Booker - 14 carries, 92 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ross - 5 catches, 74 yards, WR Arcega-Whiteside - 6 catches, 43 yards

XFL Week 8: Breakers Outlast Enforcers Behind 2-TD Effort by Wes Hills

April 8, 2023

Chicago, IL - John DeFilippo believed his team was in for a tough test in the Chicago Enforcers, describing the Los Angeles Breakers escaping with a gritty, 20-17 road victory as a being in a "14-round heavyweight fight. No offense to any of the other teams we played, but we knew coming in that this was going to be the best defense we played," DeFilippo said. "So, we give a lot of credit to them."

In a closely contested game that they never trailed, the Breakers relied on their stalwarts on offense and relentless defensive effort led by LB Vontae Diggs to outpunch the Enforcers. RB Wes Hills grinded out 89 rushing yards on 26 carries, scoring his team's only two touchdowns of the game. Hills also had another 71 receiving yards and finished with 159 scrimmage yards. Breakers QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson completed 26 of 37 passes for 279 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception. TE Sage Surratt totaled six receptions for 94 yards. While Los Angeles scuffled a bit on offense, the Breakers did have two touchdowns called back due to penalties and Bethel-Thompson fumbled trying to throw the ball away at the end of the half, with Los Angeles failing to get a potential field goal off because time ran out. "We feel like we were sloppy," Bethel-Thompson said. "We feel like we weren't executing like we want to. We consider ourselves a high-octane offense. And we want to get to that point."

Chicago kept it close by leaning on the running game. The Enforcers finished with 176 yards rushing. RB Thomas Rawls led the way with 108 yards on thirteen carries, including a 19-yard run for a score while RB Darius Victor added 65 yards. However, QB DeShone Kizer couldn't generate much in the passing game to balance things out, mustering just 113 yards in the air, with most of that coming on a 62-yard touchdown pass in the first half to WR Cameron Echols-Luper. Chicago also finished with nine accepted penalties for 105 yards. "We haven't been a high-scoring team, so we need it in that range to win," Enforcers head coach Lovie Smith said. "And we did. But after we scored on a nice drive, we didn't come back with another one that changed the game."

Defensively, the Breakers held the Enforcers to 278 total yards, sacking Johnson three times. Down by three points in the fourth quarter, Chicgo had two chances to move into field-goal position to tie the game but could not get past midfield. Los Angeles K Matt Coghlin remained perfect on the year, making two field goals from 25 yards. Coghlin is 14-for-14 on fields goals this season and has not missed an extra point. "We just did a good job of making our plays and doing our job," said Diggs, who finished with a team-high 11 combined tackles and a sack. "We had 11 hats to the ball the majority of the time."

-- (5-2)Breakers 20 - 17 Enforcers(5-2)
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 26/37 279 yards, 1 INT, RB Hills - 26 carries, 88 yards, 2 TDs, 7 catches, 71 yards, WR Lee - 4 catches, 43 yards, TE Surratt - 6 catches, 94 yards
(CHI): QB Kizer - 7/14 113 yards, 1 TD, RB Rawls - 13 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD, RB Victor - 9 carries, 64 yards, WR Echols-Luper - 2 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-4)Jousters 15 - 18 Otters(1-6)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 16/31 184 yards, RB Dixon - 18 carries, 40 yards, RB Pressley - 11 carries, 77 yards, WR Garrett - 5 catches, 58 yards, WR Rogers - 3 catches, 50 yards
(VAN): QB Coan - 10/22 112 yards, RB Patrick - 15 carries, 106 yards, RB Ballage - 11 carries, 62 yards, WR Turpin - 4 catches, 49 yards

-- (6-1)BattleHawks 19 - 26 Bandits(5-2)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 13/30 270 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Durant - 15 carries, 64 yards, WR Ateman - 6 catches, 115 yards, WR Butler - 2 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 15/22 160 yards, 2 TDs, 5 carries, 41 yards, RB Williams - 20 carries, 56 yards, RB Gardner - 17 carries, 85 yards, WR Humphrey - 5 catches, 57 yards, WR Peake - 3 catches, 52 yards

XFL Week 8: Vipers' Late Comeback bid Comes up Short in Road loss

April 8, 2023

London, ENGLAND - It was too little, too late for the Vipers. A fourth-quarter comeback fell short and the Vipers lost 24-17 to the London Crusaders before 40,932 spectators. The Crusaders were outscored 11-0 in the final period. The Vipers drove to the 21 before QB Brett Hundley was intercepted on the game’s final play. Hundley passed four yards to WR Markeith Ambles for the Vipers' only touchdown, while K Bailey Giffen added three field goals. London's touchdowns were scored by RBs Matt Jones and Christine Michael on a short runs and QB Taylor Heinicke on a pass to WR L'Damien Washington. K Brett Lauther added a field goal.

A 39-yard punt return by RB Brian Burt put the Vipers in scoring position. But the visitors couldn’t punch the ball into the end zone and settled for a 26-yard field goal. The Crusaders then promptly went on a five-play, 70-yard drive. Heinicke ran for a 30-yard gain and then passed 17 yards to WR Malik Henry, putting the ball inside the 10. Three plays later, on third and goal, Jones scored on a one-yard, off-tackle run. Lauther’s 30-yard field goal gave London a 10-6 lead before Lauther’s 61-yard field goal attempt into the wind just before the intermission fell short.

Although the Vipers had the wind advantage again in the third quarter, the visitors were outscored 14-0 in the period. Following a Mexico City three-and-out, the Crusaders engineered a six-play, 90-yard drive. Heinicke connected with Washington for a 40-yard catch-and-run touchdown at 5:10, the wide-receiver completing a pretty inside/outside move to elude Mexico City’s defenders. Following another Mexico City three-and-out on which the visitors unsuccessfully challenged what appeared to be a blatant pass-interference penalty, the Crusaders produced their second touchdown of the quarter on Michael’s two-yard run giving London a 24-6 advantage. The Vipers however, clawed their way back into the game against the wind in the fourth quarter. It began with a fake punt that produced a 21-yard gain to the 36. That eventually resulted in a 27-yard field goal. Then, after LB Vic Beasley forced a fumble that was recovered by LB Jovan Santos-Knox, the Vipers generated an eight-play, 87-yard drive, culminating in Hundley’s four-yard touchdown pass. WR Cinque Sweeting’s 57-yard punt return put the Vipers in scoring position, but on a fourth-and-10 gamble from the London 27 with 2:23 remaining, Hundley was stopped short, gaining six yards.

-- (0-7)Vipers 17 - 24 Crusaders(6-1)
(MEX): QB Hundley - 25/41 288 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Guice - 14 carries, 89 yards, WR Bryant - 8 catches, 154 yards, WR Allison - 9 catches, 92 yards
(LON): QB Heinicke - 20/28 250 yards, 1 TD, RB Michael - 10 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, RB Jones - 8 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Henry - 5 catches, 102 yards, WR Addison - 9 catches, 65 yards

-- (3-4)Fleet 19 - 27 Alphas(3-4)
(SD): QB Johnson - 20/29 219 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smallwood - 21 carries, 88 yards, RB Thomas - 13 carries, 69 yards, WR Ross - 7 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 6 catches, 78 yards
(ATL): QB Barrett - 8/14 152 yards, 2 TDs, RB Barber - 11 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 19 carries, 73 yards, WR Evans - 3 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Hardy - 2 catches, 40 yards

XFL Week 8: Rourke Guides Roughnecks to Victory over Monarchs

April 9, 2023

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA - The Monarchs opened up a 17-3 second-quarter lead before WR Mario Alford returned a missed field goal only to the two-yard line and one play later, RB James Wilder Jr. was tackled for a three-yard loss as the Roughnecks picked up the safety. Houston then outscored Montreal 28-3 to ice the win over the Monarchs. “I felt like the safety took the wind out of our sails and that’s what did us in,” said Monarchs QB Jeremiah Masoli. “I think we had only five plays in the second quarter, which felt like we barely had the ball. Then they did a good job of just driving the field.”

The Roughnecks got touchdowns from Rourke on a one-yard run along with a 15-yard reception from WR Deontay Burnett, and a 14-yard catch by WR Dominique Rhymes. K Hunter Duplessis hit field goals of 26 and 49 yards. The Roughnecks also got the safety from DB Sean Davis in the second quarter. Wilder on a one-yard run and TE Jeff Heuerman, on an eight-yard reception, both scored touchdowns for Montreal. K Austin Jones added a 28-yard field goal.

Rourke lived up to his advance billing by leading the Roughnecks to the come-from-behind win. Rourke told reporters that there were concerns about the slow start. They were confident that they would find the way as the game progressed. “There wasn't anything special to the comeback,” said Rourke. “They were just making some plays and we needed to execute at a higher level. We’re very confident that when we execute to the best of our abilities, nobody can get in our way except ourselves. Credit to Montreal, they made some great plays early on but we found a way. I’m extremely proud of the guys for doing so.'”

-- (7-0)Roughnecks 31 - 20 Monarchs(1-6)
(HOU): QB Rourke - 27/33 336 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 20 yards, 1 TD, RB Borghi - 19 carries, 77 yards, WR Burnett - 5 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Kirklin - 7 catches, 110 yards
(MON): QB Masoli - 19/29 176 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Wilder - 10 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Cunningham - 5 catches, 39 yards

-- (3-4)Guardians 37 - 34 Mammoths(2-5)
(NY): QB Kessler - 16/25 226 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 23 carries, 111 yards, RB Darkwa - 18 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR White - 3 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 3 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD
(OMA): QB Wolford - 24/41 396 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB West - 21 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Callaway - 8 catches, 114 yards, 3 TDs, WR Dunbar - 6 catches, 88 yards, WR Robertson - 4 catches, 81 yards

-- (3-4)Renegades 9 - 26 Valor(2-5)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 9/21 154 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 68 yards, RB Farrow - 11 carries, 70 yards, WR Bolden - 4 catches, 59 yards, WR Lawler - 3 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
(DC): QB Bortles - 20/28 317 yards, RB Pumphrey - 10 carries, 50 yards, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR Richardson - 3 catches, 61 yards, TE Hodges - 4 catches, 58 yards

XFL Week 8: Spirited Effort from Dragons

April 9, 2023

Oklahoma City, OK - On Seattle’s second offensive play, QB Ben DiNucci found WR Jahcour Pearson coming across the middle of the field and it turned into a 46-yard gain to the 41 before settling for a 46-yard field goal and a 3-0 lead. After a successful coach’s challenge by the Dragons which wiped out a catch and first down by WR Dede Westbrook at the Seattle 25, the Stampede settled for a 42-yard field goal. A 20-yard catch by Pearson helped set up a 31-yard field goal with 33 seconds left in the first quarter. It was 6-3 for Seattle. Under pressure from Seattle’s pass rushers, OKC QB Bryce Petty found TE Donald Parham open in the end zone for a touchdown. The convert gave the home side a 10-6 lead midway through the second quarter. The Stampede made it 13-6 with a 32-yard field goal in the final minute of the half after a 15-play, 71-yard drive that ate up a lot of clock. The Dragons tied the game when DiNucci rolled right to buy some time and lofted a pass to Pearson, who was open in the end zone. The touchdown came with 13 seconds left in the first half.

After starting the second half on its 32-yard line, the Dragons marched led by the running of CJ Prosise, who carried four times for 33 yards and got a 21-yard field goal to take a three-point lead. On Oklahoma City’s next possession, Stampede RB Cameron Artis-Payne coughed up the ball and the Dragons pounced on it at mid-field. The Dragons couldn’t take advantage and after DiNucci was sacked and they had to punt. On Seattle’s next possession, Pearson caught passes of 15 and 20 yards and WR Josh Gordon extended the drive with second effort and a 12-yard gain, but the biggest dagger for the Stampede was an objectionable conduct penalty deep in their own end. On the next play after the penalty, WR Blake Jackson caught a seven-yard touchdown pass. After the touchdown, the Stampede took two more objectionable conduct penalties, it really was the hat trick of stupidity. The Stampede turned the ball over on downs and the Dragons got it back with 1:40 left.

-- (5-2)Dragons 23 - 13 Stampede(2-5)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 24/29 286 yards, 2 TDs, RB Prosise - 11 carries, 50 yards, RB Ellison - 15 carries, 62 yards, WR Gordon - 10 catches, 76 yards, WR Pearson - 7 catches, 144 yards, 1 TD
(OKC): QB Petty - 25/39 340 yards, 1 TD, RB Artis-Payne - 13 carries, 33 yards, WR Westbrook - 6 catches, 84 yards, WR Davis - 5 catches, 84 yards, TE Parham - 7 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-4)Bolts 30 - 28 Commanders(3-4)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 12/20 170 yards, 2 TDs, RB Sankey - 12 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, RB Hunt - 13 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 4 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Woodside - 20/29 282 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 18 carries, 64 yards, RB Ervin - 15 carries, 62 yards, WR Ward - 6 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 60 yards, TE Seals-Jones - 5 catches, 59 yards,

XFL Week 8: Maulers Give up Late Touchdown, Can't Respond in Tough Loss to Stallions

April 10, 2023

Pittsburgh, PA - The Maulers were unable to keep their positive momentum building and fell 24-20 to the St. Louis Stallions. The Maulers went into halftime down 10-9, but K Chris Blewitt continues to be a bright spot for the team. Blewitt accounted for all the team’s first-half scoring, with field goals of 20, 22 and 27 yards. Blewitt added a 46-yarder in the third quarter, bringing his total to nine made field goals in his first two games with the team. The Maulers entered the fourth quarter winning 12-10. The Stallions re-took the lead on their first drive of the quarter with a 9-yard touchdown pass from QB Alex McGough to WR Davion Davis. The Maulers then responded with a score of their own, a 34-yard touchdown sprint from QB Dwayne Haskins. Haskins then found WR Jeff Thomas on the two-point conversion to put the Maulers back on the high side at 20-17. Unfortunately for the Maulers, Stallions WR Deon Cain returned the ensuing kick-off 91 yards for a touchdown. The Maulers got the ball back, but their drive stalled and they punted with 4:51 left in the game. The Stallions then ran out the clock on their win.

The Maulers defense picked up two more interceptions Sunday, one by DB Mark Gilbert and one by DB Keith Gipson. Haskins played well under center for the Maulers, completing 20 of his 32 pass attempts for 210 yards and rushing seven times for 63 yards and a score. WR Bailey Gaither caught six passes for 69 yards for Pittsburgh.

-- (6-1)Stallions 24 - 20 Maulers(3-4)
(STL): QB McGough - 17/29 157 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 10 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD, RB White - 10 carries, 41 yards, WR Davis - 8 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(PIT): QB Haskins - 21/33 217 yards, 7 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, RB Groshek - 8 carries, 36 yards, WR Gaither - 6 catches, 69 yards, WR Thomas - 4 catches, 43 yards

-- (6-1)Brawlers 29 - 36 Defenders(7-0)
(PHI): QB Walker - 21/29 186 yards, 1 INT, RB Penny - 13 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD, RB Butler - 19 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Phillips - 6 catches, 60 yards, WR Fulgham - 7 catches, 42 yards
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 8/12 112 yards, 2 TDs, 11 carries, 48 yards, RB Smith - 14 carries, 148 yards, 1 TD, RB Harris - 7 carries, 93 yards, WR Malone - 4 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ferguson - 3 catches, 51 yards

Roughnecks Run on Nathan Rourke Jerseys is Real

April 11, 2023

Houston, TX - The Houston Roughnecks sold out of Nathan Rourke replica jerseys recently. There’s no word from anyone with the Roughnecks about how many Rourke replicas they started out with and what they projected initially for sales, but it would seem to speak to the popularity of the 24-year-old quarterback and the buzz building around the Roughnecks 8-0 start. For those so inclined, the Roughnecks’ store web page was promoting Rourke jerseys as “now available,” thanks to a “restock.”

"If you would have told me six months ago that we would have a point where we were sold out of Nathan Rourke jerseys I would have told you it was a pipe dream,” said head coach Wade Phillips. “But here we are. It’s happened. You certainly see a lot of Rourke jerseys walking around the stadium on a game day.”

His stats, as it so happens, have been so good some nights that they prompt a double take to make certain you saw what you thought you saw the first time. Rourke has got so good so quickly that you’re starting to see suggestions the National Football League will come calling sooner rather than later. The money would be dramatically better, but Phillips also believes that Rourke “is enjoying the chance he’s getting to play and get better. I don’t think he wants to be holding a clipboard somewhere right now.”

Jace Sternberger Finding Success Following Well-Traveled Career

April 12, 2023

St. Louis, MO - After spending two seasons at Kansas, TE Jace Sternberger made the decision to transfer to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, a community college located in Miami, Oklahoma. It was an experience Sternberger described as "refreshing. Coming from Kansas, being on a team and being around coaches who were working on the same goal, everybody was trying to get out of there," Sternberger said of his year spent at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. "Our goal was to get with it, win games, and get out." That's exactly what Sternberger did as the team finished 9-3 in the 2017 season, which led to him receiving an offer from Jimbo Fisher and the Texas A&M Aggies. Fisher had initially recruited Sternberger when he was at Florida State, but he made the decision to leave FSU and accept the head coaching role at Texas A&M in December 2017. Sternberger followed Fisher to College Station, making him Fisher's first official commitment at his new school. It didn't take long for Sternberger to gain an understanding of just how different the fan base at an SEC powerhouse like Texas A&M is compared to his previous stops. "I remember my JUCO highlight tape had like 2,500 views, but once I posted that I was going to visit A&M, the views went up to 19,000 the next day and were above 30,000 by Sunday," Sternberger. "I just thought that was incredible."

Sternberger's goal in going to Texas A&M was to play against the best competition in college football and prove to himself and others that he belonged. The talented tight end did just that, hauling in a team-high 48 catches for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to being named a consensus All-American. Following his lone season at Texas A&M, Sternberger decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the third round by the Green Bay Packers. He played two seasons in Green Bay, with his best year coming in 2020 where he caught 12 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Sternberger spent the next couple of years bouncing around the NFL from team to team, with stops in Seattle, Washington and Pittsburgh along the way. After being waived by the Steelers in 2022, he signed with the St. Louis Stallions and is in the midst of a standout season with his new club.

Through eight weeks of his rookie season, Sternberger has already recorded 28 catches for 446 yards and six touchdowns, all while helping guide the Stallions to a 7-1 record. He attributes part of his success to Stallions quarterback Alex McGough, who also happens to be his roommate. "It's just something about being around your quarterback every day where you just kind of start to pick up on each other's personalities and this and that," Sternberger said. "When I'm asking questions, Alex knows how my brain works and what I'm processing and what I'm thinking."

It's been a well-traveled journey for Sternberger, who is now on his fifth professional team after three stops in college. But as Sternberger was quick to admit, it's all part of the process of proving to himself and others that he belongs. "That's why I still got that chip on my shoulder," Sternberger said. "I feel like what I'm going through right now is that same exact thing I went through in college, it's just now I'm in an older body and in an older situation because it's the XFL and not JUCO. That's my mindset right now for everything."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Dragons Earn Win Over Roughnecks

April 13, 2023

Seattle, WA - In the first quarter, DB Alijah Holder made a big defensive play for the Dragons' special teams where he got a hand on the punt, giving Seattle great field position for their next offensive series. Shortly after, QB Ben DiNucci scrambled for a 20-yard touchdown run to give the first points to the Dragons, putting Seattle up 6-0 following the missed 3-point conversion. Heading into the second quarter, the Dragons' defense made another big defensive stand after DB Antoine Brooks strip sacked QB Nathan Rourke and was recovered by DL Daniel Jones. Soon after, DB Sean Davis from the Roughnecks intercepted DiNucci, giving the ball right back to the Roughnecks. A couple series later, DiNucci spotted WR Damion Willis in the end zone for a touchdown to increase the lead to 15-0 after a successful 3-point conversion pass to WR Juwan Green.

As the game transitioned into the second half, the Dragons' special teams kept the momentum going after LB Tuzar Skipper blocked the punt, giving the ball back to Seattle on Houston's nine-yard line. Following the turnover, DiNucci threw his second interception of the game to Harris. In the final quarter, the Roughnecks defense was able to cause another turnover on the Dragons' offense after RB Morgan Ellison fumbled and was recovered by DL Glen Logan. The Roughnecks capitalized off the turnover with a 1-yard touchdown run by RB Max Borghi, cutting the lead to 15-6 after an unsuccessful 2-point conversion attempt. As the Dragons looked to extend the lead from the Roughnecks, the Roughnecks forced the fourth turnover of the game for the Dragons after DiNucci was intercepted for the third time by Harris. After forcing the interception, the Roughnecks looked to drive the ball down the field but fell short after the Dragons forced the Roughnecks offense to turn the ball over on downs. The Dragons took advantage of the turnover and gave the ball to RB Darius Bradwell to punch in a 3-yard touchdown run, giving a commanding 21-6 lead to Seattle after the failed 3-point conversion attempt. The Roughnecks looked to make a desperate comeback at the end after Rourke converted a 47-yard touchdown pass to WR Justin Smith, cutting the lead to 21-14 after a 2-point conversion pass attempt from QB Cole McDonald to WR Deontay Burnett. In order to receive the ball back again, the Roughnecks converted a 4th & 15 to keep their hopes alive and to keep the drive going. However, the Dragons' defense prevailed after DL Niko Lalos intercepted Rourke.

-- (8-0)Roughnecks 14 - 21 Dragons(6-2)
(HOU): QB Rourke - 25/47 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Alleyne - 6 carries, 40 yards, WR Harris - 5 catches, 58 yards, WR Burnett - 3 catches, 63 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 17/32 209 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Bradwell - 13 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR Willis - 5 catches, 61 yards

-- (4-4)Guardians 39 - 40 Apollos(5-3)
(NY): QB Kessler - 21/32 404 yards, 3 TDs, RB Perkins - 14 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, RB Darkwa - 14 carries, 50 yards, WR White - 7 catches, 156 yards, WR McKay - 4 catches, 59 yards, 2 TDs, WR Reynolds - 4 catches, 63 yards, WR Yancey - 3 catches, 61 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 18/28 286 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 19 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD, RB Walton - 10 carries, 103 yards, WR Marshall - 3 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Whitehead - 4 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Moncrief - 5 catches, 78 yards

XFL Week 9: Cologne Stays Undefeated

April 14, 2023

Charlotte, NC - BattleHawks QB AJ McCarron pulled Charlotte within one possession of the lead late in the fourth quarter when he completed a 50-yard touchdown pass to WR Steven Mitchell Jr. for his longest pass completion of the season. McCarron connected with Mitchell again on the ensuing two-point conversion to pull Charlotte within eight points of the Defenders. The BattleHawks threatened to complete the comeback on their next drive before Defenders DB Michael Joseph intercepted a McCarron pass with 55 seconds left to end their hopes. The teams traded touchdowns in the second half after Charlotte K Donny Hageman made a 34-yard field goal on the BattleHawks’ first drive after halftime to cut the Defenders’ lead to 14-6.

WR Darrius Shepherd put Charlotte in position for the field goal when he opened the second half with a season-high, 80-yard kick return. Shepherd finished with 155 yards on three kick returns. Cologne opened its lead to 14 points again on a 70-yard touchdown run by RB Abram Smith two plays after Hageman’s field goal. The BattleHawks closed the deficit to eight points with 6:20 minutes left in the third quarter when WR George Campbell caught a five-yard pass from McCarron for his first touchdown reception of the season. Charlotte took a 3-0 lead on a 36-yard field goal by Hageman with 10:02 left in the second quarter after a season-high 16-play scoring driver chewed up 8:55 off of the clock. The lead was short-lived, however. Cologne responded with a 62-yard touchdown rush by Smith two plays later. A successful two-point conversion gave the Defenders an 8-3 lead. D.C. extended that advantage to 14-3 with a touchdown on a five-yard run by Smith with 1:54 left before halftime.

-- (8-0)Defenders 28 - 20 BattleHawks(6-2)
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 12/18 90 yards, RB Smith - 23 carries, 218 yards, 3 TDs, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 54 yards
(CHA): QB McCarron - 22/34 236 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 14 carries, 79 yards, WR Butler - 9 catches, 86 yards

-- (6-2)Mountain Lions 23 - 7 Showboats(2-6)
(SLC): QB Rosen - 23/25 241 yards, 2 TDs, RB Booker - 19 carries, 52 yards, RB Samuels - 17 carries, 53 yards, WR Arcega-Whiteside - 5 catches, 62 yards, WR Clay - 4 catches, 47 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Willis - 15/31 212 yards, 1 TD, RB Collins - 18 carries, 51 yards, WR Henderson - 2 catches, 55 yards, WR Treadwell - 2 catches, 41 yards

XFL Week 9: Vipers Outlast Calgary, Earn First Victory

April 15, 2023

Mexico City, MEXICO - The Mexico City Vipers won their first game of the season, 35-32, against the Calgary Greys. The Greys opened the game driving down the field which was capped off with a QB Quinton Flowers a one-yard rushing touchdown. Following that score, RB Jah-Maine Martin would plow into the endzone on a rush attempt for the one-point conversion giving Calgary a 7-0 lead. About five minutes later, QB Luis Perez would rifle a 35-yard touchdown pass to the outstretched arms of WR Jeff Badet. Following the score, Perez connected with RB Rod Smith for the two-point conversion giving Mexico City an 8-7 lead. Mexico City forced Calgary into a three-and-out to open the second quarter and the Vipers would capitalize by shredding the Greys defense apart on a five-play, 65-yard drive, being capped off when Perez found TE Sean Price over the middle for a 3-yard touchdown extending their lead to 14-7. Shortly after that score, Vipers K Bailey Giffen would cash in a 39-yard field goal, giving Mexico City a 17-7 lead. On the ensuing drive, Calgary would answer back with a methodical eight-play, 45-yard drive, which was finished when Dormady connecting with WR Charleston Rambo for a 25-yard touchdown pass to close out the first half.

WR Cinque Sweeting opened the second half for Mexico City by taking the kickoff 47 yards. Nine plays later, Smith knifed his way into the endzone with a one-yard rushing touchdown, which gave Mexico City a 23-13 lead. Four minutes later, Calgary answered by scoring one of their own short-yardage scores when Martin rushing through a wide gap for a two-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to four. Smith opened the fourth quarter for Mexico City with another one-yard score, rumbling his way in for his second rushing touchdown of the night. Calgary followed that up by driving down the field and scored just over two minutes later when RB Devin Darrington scored from two yards out. Following the score, Darrington successfully ran it in for a 1-point conversion, bringing the game back to a four point deficit. Mexico City found themselves in a crucial 3rdand-five late in the game, just for Perez to again connect with Badet for a 25-yard passing touchdown, bringing the score to 35-26. With just over a minute left in the game, the Greys pulled within three when Dormady found WR Cody Latimer for a 45-yard score. The three-point conversion failed and so did the following 4th-and-15 try by the Greys, which gifted Mexico City the ball on the Calgary 19-yard line. The Calgary defense forced a Mexico City turnover and got the ball back with 20 seconds left in the game but wasn't able to come through with late game heroics as the Vipers defense held strong.

-- (0-8)Greys 32 - 35 Vipers(0-8)
(CAL): QB Dormady - 22/25 256 yards, 2 TDs, RB Martin - 12 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Latimer - 8 catches, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Perez - 20/28 269 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smith - 18 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Badet - 5 catches, 80 yards, 2 TDs, WR Allison - 5 catches, 97 yards

-- (2-6)Stampede 22 - 17 Steel(2-6)
(OKC): QB Petty - 15/25 183 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 18 carries, 90 yards, WR Westbrook - 4 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 6 catches, 41 yards, 2 TDs
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 16/27 216 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Richardson - 17 carries, 55 yards, RB Yeldon - 7 carries, 55 yards, WR Lodge - 3 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Foster - 5 catches, 75 yards

-- (5-3)Enforcers 40 - 23 Crusaders(7-1)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 20/29 250 yards, 3 TDs, RB Rawls - 14 carries, 91 yards, 2 TDs, RB Victor - 15 carries, 95 yards, WR Echols-Luper - 4 catches, 75 yards, WR Pierson-El - 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
(LON): QB Heinicke - 32/42 315 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Michael - 9 carries, 32 yards, RB Jones - 12 carries, 23 yards, 6 catches, 43 yards, WR Washington - 4 catches, 42 yards

XFL Week 9: Los Angeles Breakers Rally for Home Victory

April 15, 2023

Los Angeles, CA - DB Saquan Hampton and the Los Angeles Breakers’ punt-coverage team added to the Washington Valor fourth-quarter woes. Hampton returned a blocked punt 24 yards for the go-ahead touchdown to rally Los Angeles to a wild 34-20 home win over Washington. After LB Jordan Brailford blocked the punt, Hampton picked up the loose ball and ran it in 2:37 into the fourth quarter to break a 17-17 tie. “We always talk about if we win the special-teams battle, for the most part, we have a good chance to win the football game,” said Los Angeles head coach Scott Milanovich. “It was a huge play. That was the best performance our special teams have had since I’ve been here. Our cover teams were excellent as well.”

K Gabe Brkic’s 17-yard field goal pulled Washington to within 24-20. It was aided by Washington’s successful challenge of an incompletion that resulted in a 38-yard pass interference call on Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles countered with a 59-yard, eight-play march that was capped with an 18-yard field goal. DB Bryce Watts cemented the victory, returning a QB Blake Bortles interception 40 yards for a touchdown. Los Angeles LB Su'a Cravens was stellar with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. QB Mcleod Bethel-Thompson said he could sense Toronto’s special-teams units were poised to deliver a game-changing play.

“They were playing physical all night, you could feel it,” he said. “When we kicked the ball off there were bodies flying down there and they were punishing the Valor all night. That blocked punt was a culmination of an entire game of effort and it’s beautiful when a lot of really hard-working guys come together and keep pushing the envelope and then it breaks through like that. A huge swing, a huge play. It was awesome.”

It was a slow start for Los Angeles’ offense, which accumulated just 88 net first-half yards, compared to 219 for Washington. “We’ve got to start faster, we all know that,” Bethel-Thompson said. “We’ve got to go look at what we’re doing schematically again. But the nice part is we make our halftime adjustments and we play well at the end. We’ve just got to play better in the first half. It’s another opponent five days away. It’s going to be a chess match of how much do we change, now much do they change? It’s going to be a physical game, they have championship DNA there, they’re going to bring it and it’s in their house. We’ve got to get our bodies right and prepare for war again.”

WR Marquis Lee scored Los Angeles’ other touchdown while Andrew Harris had a two-point convert. K Taylor Bertolet kicked three field goals. Los Angeles pulled to within 17-16 after Bortles gave up a safety at 13:16 of the third. It came after Wr DeAndre Thompkins elected to return a booming 65-yard punt at the goal line and was tackled after just a three-yard return. Bethel-Thompson capped a three-play, 70-yard march by evading the sack and hitting Lee on a 13-yard touchdown strike. Then he found RB Wes Hills on the two-point convert to cut the lead to 17-14.

-- (3-5)Valor 20 - 34 Breakers(6-2)
(DC): QB Bortles - 29/43 303 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Allen - 15 carries, 75 yards, WR Daniels - 8 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Richardson - 7 catches, 71 yards, TE Hodges - 3 catches, 52 yards
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 17/27 230 yards, 1 TD, RB Hills - 17 carries, 66 yards, WR Lee - 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Adams - 4 catches, 73 yards

-- (6-2)Bandits 17 - 19 Brigade(5-3)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 12/25 257 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 15 carries, 24 yards, WR Humphrey - 4 catches, 79 yards, WR Peake - 3 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Greene - 4 catches, 56 yards
(BAL): QB Bahar - 13/21 179 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Thompson - 17 carries, 75 yards, RB Crowell - 18 carries, 50 yards, WR Chism - 4 catches, 42 yards, WR Ratliff-Williams - 4 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 9: Walker Reaches new Heights as Brawlers Rout Panthers

April 16, 2023

Philadelphia, PA - QB PJ Walker threw for an eye-popping 477 yards, leading the host Philadelphia Brawlers to a 46-14 dismantling of the Oakland Panthers. The quarterback completed 34 of 37 attempts with five touchdown passes. QB Kai Locksley came in under center late in the fourth quarter but did not record a single throw as the Brawlers opted to rush to close out the game. Oakland slotted Josh Love back in at QB, but once again struggled. Love threw for 183 yards, connecting on 15 of 26 attempts with one touchdown pass and an interception. He was sacked five times. Both sides stuttered to start the game, with the Panthers turning the ball over on their first two possessions. The Brawlers capitalized on the second error. Walker connected with WR Travis Fulgham on a two-yard touchdown pass, capping a six-play, 49-yard scoring drive that put Philadelphia up 7-0 midway through the first quarter. Oakland responded, steadily working its way down the field before Love escaped the pocket and fired a 19-yard bullet to WR TJ Jones in the end zone. The seven-play, 69-yard drive marked the Panthers' only points of the first half. Philadelphia was far from through. The Brawlers started their next possession with a 49-yard pass from Walker to WR Braxton Miller, who sprinted into Oakland territory. The young QB followed up with a 16-yard toss to Miller, then tacked on a 14-yard run. Before the end of the opening frame, he sailed another ball to Fulgham for a score. The pair connected once again midway through the second when Fulgham, under pressure, leapt up to reel in a 15-yard toss for his third touchdown of the game, a play that boosted the cushion to 20-7. Just minutes later, Walker found Miller open and the speedy receiver darted 37 yards down the field, outrunning the defense for a 69-yard touchdown. Philadelphia then scored on its fifth straight possession with a 47-yard field goal. Walker ended the half with yet another touchdown, finding WR Cam Phillips along the sideline in the end zone with six seconds left in the half. The veteran receiver made sure to get a foot down.

Walker finished the first half with 386 passing yards and five touchdown passes and Philadelphia went into the locker room up 37-7. The team still had more to give. Early in the third, Brawlers DL Micah Dew-Treadway sacked Love for the second time in the game recording a four-yard loss and adding two points for a safety. The Panthers appeared poised to end the scoring drought before the close of the quarter but DL Kony Ealy spoiled the party with a sack. RB Reggie Corbin finally chalked up some points for the visitors early in the fourth, sprinting six yards into the end zone. The touchdown cut the deficit to 46-14.

-- (4-4)Panthers 14 - 46 Brawlers(6-2)
(OAK): QB Love - 15/26 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Corbin - 11 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Hamilton - 7 catches, 91 yards, WR Jones - 5 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(PHI): QB Walker - 34/37 477 yards, 5 TDs, RB Butler - 20 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Fulgham - 9 catches, 91 yards, 3 TDs, WR Phillips - 6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Miller - 6 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD, WR Saunders - 5 catches, 88 yards

-- (4-4)Alphas 17 - 3 Ghosts(2-6)
(ATL): QB Barrett - 14/28 149 yards, 1 INT, RB Barber - 16 carries, 100 yards, WR Evans - 5 catches, 50 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 27/44 252 yards, 3 INTs, RB Colburn - 12 carries, 62 yards, WR Coleman - 7 catches, 78 yards, WR Gray - 5 catches, 70 yards, WR Suell - 10 carries, 63 yards

XFL Week 9: Commanders Fail to Capitalize on Opportunities Against Stallions

April 16, 2023

San Antonio, TX - For close to 41 minutes, the Commanders remained stride for stride with the powerful St. Louis Stallions. But then the inevitable occurred and once again San Antonio failed to finish a game this season. The end result was a 35-20 Stallions victory before 37,093 spectators. The Commanders were held to two touchdowns, scored by WR Josh Doctson and one in the game’s final minute by WR Austin Mack, along with two field goals. QB Alex McGough passed for two touchdowns, to TE Thaddeus Moss and WR Austin Watkins. RB ZaQuandre White scored on a one-yard run, while WR Davion Davis returned a punt 57 yards before RB CJ Marable added a late score on a six-yard run.

The Commanders were outscored 21-6 in the fourth quarter. San Antonio's defense created the first turnover and it came on McGough’s opening pass, when his throw over the middle was intercepted by DB Derron Smith, giving the Commanders a first down at the St. Louis 27. Although they had to settle for a 24-yard field goal to open the scoring. San Antonio was losing the field position battle in the opening quarter, but nonetheless was playing the Stallions tough. And the Commanders' defense created a second turnover in the period when LB Samuel Eguavoen forced McGough to fumble. The Commanders eventually advanced inside the 10, but on fourth-and-goal, San Antonio elected to gamble from the six-yard line rather than settle for a chip-shot field goal. Doctson caught the pass in the corner of the end zone, but it was ruled the reception was made out of bounds. The turnover provided the visitors with some momentum and St. Louis generated an incredible eight-play, 104-yard drive to take the lead. After Marable gained 13 yards, McGough connected with him for a 35-yard pass play, moving the ball to midfield. Two plays later, McGough passed nine yards to Moss for the touchdown.

The Commanders have had difficulty scoring in the third quarter this season, but finally reversed that trend with a 49-yard field goal pulling San Antonio to within a point, 7-6. But the Stallions then generated an 11-play, 70-yard touchdown drive with McGough passing five yards to Watkins for a 14-6 lead. But WR Greg Ward returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards to the 37 and three plays later, Mack caught a swing pass from QB Logan Woodside for a 15-yard touchdown at 10:14. Backup QB Mason Fine ran the ball in for the two-point convert, leaving the teams tied 14-14. After a field goal hit the right upright on a 50-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter, the Stallions produced a nine-play, 85-yard drive capped by White’s one-yard run on third-and-goal. The drive consumed slightly more than five minutes.

-- (7-1)Stallions 35 - 20 Commanders(3-5)
(STL): QB McGough - 15/26 210 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB White - 17 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD, RB Marable - 6 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Cain - 5 catches, 90 yards, TE Moss - 5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Woodside - 20/31 203 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Ervin - 17 carries, 76 yards, WR Ward - 9 catches, 123 yards, WR Doctson - 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-7)Monarchs 24 - 23 Jousters(3-5)
(MON): QB Masoli - 6/13 108 yards, 1 INT, RB Richard - 14 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, RB Sutton - 12 carries, 68 yards, RB Wilder - 13 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Guerra - 3 catches, 56 yards
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 15/26 228 yards, 2 INTs, RB Cox - 14 carries, 55 yards, RB Pressley - 8 carries, 98 yards, 2 TDs, WR Wright - 4 catches, 87 yards, WR Rogers - 3 catches, 51 yards

-- (3-5)Maulers 42 - 20 Fleet(3-5)
(PIT): QB Haskins - 22/28 341 yards, 3 TDs, RB Groshek - 15 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, RB London - 14 carries, 47 yards, 2 TDs, WR Gaither - 6 catches, 96 yards, WR Thomas - 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Liggins - 2 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
(SD): QB Tate - 16/28 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Smallwood - 18 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, RB Thomas - 19 carries, 63 yards, WR Ross - 6 catches, 60 yards, WR Posey - 3 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 9: Renegades Ride Defensive Dominance

April 17, 2023

Vancouver, ALBERTA, CANADA - Renegades QB Kyle Sloter got off to a slow start against the Otters, but in a game dominated by defense, he did enough to get Dallas the win. Sloter finished the game completing 14-26 passes for 148 yards and an interception in the 12-10 victory over Vancouver. Dallas took the lead on the first drive when K Taylor Russolino hit a 43-yard field goal. Sloter’s lone interception on the day came on the following drive. Vancouver would capitalize on the mistake by scoring its lone touchdown of the day. The six-yard touchdown pass to former Texas Tech and Cowboys WR TJ Vasher gave the Otters a 7-3 lead.

The momentum of the game shifted in the middle of the second quarter, again on a big defensive play. Vancouver drove all the way down to the Dallas 25 with a 10-6 lead. On second and 10, the Otters QB Reid Sinnett attempted a pass to the end zone which was picked off by Renegades DB Joe Powell at the one yard line and returned to the two. On the ensuing drive Dallas marched down the field 98 yards, where RB De'Veon Smith would score the lone Renegades touchdown of the day on a one-yard run. The touchdown gave Dallas a 12-10 lead with 1:12 left in the third quarter. The Renegades defense ended the day with three interceptions, two sacks and seven tackles for loss. Vancouver’s offense managed just 181 total yards on the day and only two of 10 third downs.

-- (3-5)Renegades 12 - 10 Otters(2-6)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 14/26 148 yards, 1 INT, RB Farrow - 14 carries, 75 yards, WR Cannella - 4 catches, 32 yards, WR Arconado - 3 catches, 40 yards
(VAN): QB Sinnett - 20/34 139 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Patrick - 10 carries, 52 yards, WR Vasher - 7 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD, RB Ballage - 5 catches, 42 yards

-- (4-4)Bolts 30 - 24 Mammoths(2-6)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 20/24 220 yards, 3 TDs, RB Hunt - 23 carries, 144 yards, RB Sankey - 22 carries, 103 yards, WR Huff - 5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, TE Escobar - 4 catches, 48 yards, 2 TDs, TE Walford - 5 catches, 46 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 12/23 187 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB West - 14 carries, 87 yards, WR Callaway - 4 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Dunbar - 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

Defenders Run Game, Led by No. 1 Pick Abram Smith, Is Best in the League

April 18, 2023

Cologne, GERMANY - Cologne Defenders RB Abram Smith came into the 2023 XFL season with defined goals. "I wanted to be the best back in the league," Smith said this week. "I wanted to showcase my skills. I wanted to show everybody who believed in me that there's still something to believe in; that my dream isn't going anywhere anytime soon."

The season is only halfway done but the 24-year-old bruiser out of Baylor University is checking boxes on each of those benchmarks. Best back in the league? Smith leads all other rushers by 354 yards. Smith isn't the only one thriving in Cologne's run-heavy offense. Thanks to a standout line and a collection of talented runners around Smith, including QBs Jordan Ta'amu and D'Eriq King. "The coaching staff did a good job getting guys that can run," offensive lineman Ty Clary said. "Jordan and D'Eriq can both run. Our running backs have been awesome. The O-line room, we feel like we're a physical room. It's just the identity that was instilled from the start."

It's not just that the Defenders are running the ball more than any other team under offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss, either. They are also the most effective team on the ground as Cologne leads the league in yards per carry and first down percentage. "When you see running backs who run hard, not just run into open gaps, then they're back there blocking, too, you want more for them," Clary said.

Smith isn't the only one putting up big-time numbers. Ta'amu, the starting quarterback, is fourth in the league with 416 yards. King, the backup quarterback who plays significant snaps in the Defenders offense, leads the league with ten rushing touchdowns. Even at running back, Smith has some great mates. Ryquell Armstead, a former 1,000-yard rusher at Temple University and Jacksonville Jaguars running back, is eleventh in the league in rushing yards and third in rushes of 10 yards or more. "Whoever we have back there, and we've played two or three guys at that position, they've all done a great job," Cologne offensive line coach Russ Ehrenfeld said. "None of those guys are selfish. It's not about them. It's about the team."

The development of the offensive line through the first half of the season has been impressive, and they've done it despite playing four different players at center. Ehrenfeld emphasizes good technique and fundamentals from his group, and they have bought in to his teachings and the overall offensive scheme. "I love my guys up front," Smith said. "They know that. They know I trust them. They know I'm gonna have their back and I'm gonna follow them wherever they take me." Smith and the rest of the Cologne rushers are going to be following them a lot more over the coming weeks. Ehrenfeld said the Defenders have no plans of slowing down their rushing attack. "We're gonna run it until people make us stop running it."

[BengalErnst]

Tampa Bay Bandits Name WWE Superstar 'Big E' as Emcee for Home Games

April 19, 2023

Tampa, FL - The Tampa Bay Bandits announced that WWE Superstar Ettore "Big E" Ewen will serve as the Bandits' official emcee at the rest of their home games this season. As emcee, Big E will add fun and excitement to the XFL's unique fan-first, family-friendly atmosphere. "I am excited to join forces with the XFL and the Bandits," said Big E. "Tampa has some of the best fans in the world and I look forward to connecting with them, the host of SummerSlam this August." Big E will bring fun to the pre- and post-game fan interactions, in-game interviews with fans in the stands, on-field recognitions and touchdown celebrations. Fans can also get involved with WWE Big E Fan Cam Moments by tweeting photos at the game for a chance to be featured on the video boards and on social. "Big E has built his WWE reputation on his outstanding talent and his fabulous personality. Big E will be on screen frequently, where his positive, engaging and outgoing charisma will shine through for fans in the stands and at home." said Nancy McDonald, Vice President of Marketing at the XFL. "We couldn't think of a better emcee for the Bandits'."

XFL Week 10: Haskins a One-Man Show, Pushing Maulers to Win

April 20, 2023

Oakland, CA - If it's possible to have a one-man show in football, Pittsburgh Maulers QB Dwayne Haskins is as close as it comes. In a game featuring teams that have both experienced offensive struggles, Haskins single-handedly willed his team to a 23-7 victory over the hometown Oakland Panthers. Haskins was responsible for 243 of his team's 299 total yards. He completed 15 of 19 pass attempts for 184 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while also leading the team in rushing yards with 59 on 10 carries, including one for a 13-yard score. "I just feel like we started to trust one another more and more each week," said Haskins. "Each game we spend more time with each other on and off the field, so I feel like that's been great for us. And we feel like anybody on offense can get going at any point in time. So just trying to keep harping on staying on top of our base rules and keep trying to have fun."

Aside from Haskins, WR Bailey Gaither had a spectacular one-handed grab in the third quarter to move the Maulers 43 yards down the field. The Maulers were also improved in the red zone. They came into the game having converted just one of 12 red zone trips into a touchdown. They were three-for-four, with 21 total points coming from inside the 20. The Maulers' defense lived up to its reputation. Coming into the game leading the XFL in turnover margin, the Maulers took the ball away four times, setting up 13 points for the offense. In a low-scoring game like this, that made all the difference. "The big thing for us was getting the ball in our playmakers' hands," said head coach Byron Leftwich. "We've been preaching that these past couple of weeks. I think we're just playing with a lot of confidence. We know how good we are currently. We can be we know how much better we can get. So I think we're just trying to keep the train rolling."

WR Ishmael Hyman was the early hero for the Panthers. After winning the coin toss and electing to defer, the Panthers forced an empty possession from the Maulers thanks to a DL Breeland Speaks tackle for loss. On the ensuing punt, Hyman returned the ball from the goal-line to the Pittsburgh 26 on a thrilling run, bobbing, weaving and breaking tackles along the way. From there, QB Josh Love was able to take it the rest of the way, the drive culminating in a 5-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone to former Dallas Cowboys TE Cole Hikutini. The Panthers led 7-0 with 9:09 still left in the first quarter. The Panthers couldn't sustain much offensively after that, however. Pittsburgh quickly tied it up on the ensuing possession, thanks to a well-balanced drive by Haskins in which he was able to use his own mobility to move the chains. The Maulers' first score came on a shovel pass to TE Mason Stokke, evening the score at seven in the first quarter and while the next drive looked promising for the Panthers, RB Reggie Corbin fumbled the ball at the Michigan 41-yard line, giving the ball back to Pittsburgh in plus territory. Haskins quickly hit Hennie and the Maulers were in the red zone. They ended up scoring on a pass to Hennie, giving Pittsburgh its first lead of the game. Speaks had a great day for the Panthers, not only stopping the Maulers' first possession nearly single-handedly but sacking Haskins three times and finishing with six combined tackles, one for loss and a fumble recovery. Speaks leads the league in sacks with fourteen. He also recovered a fumble late in the game to set the Panthers' offense up at the 25-yard line. It was Haskins' lone blemish, but after an interception of Carson Strong in the end zone, didn't turn into any points for the Panthers. Haskins was able to run the ball in for the score from 13 yards out on the ensuing drive, putting the Maulers up 23-7 after a blocked extra-point attempt. Oakland's offense couldn't manage any kind of rhythm. Despite leading and then being down just one score in the first half, the Panthers had minus-1 rushing yards through the first two quarters and finished the game with only 18 yards on the ground.

Panthers head coach Jeff Fisher continued to give playing time to both Love and Strong at the quarterback position. Strong finished 13-of-23 for 94 yards and an interception. He was sacked four times. Love was 8-for-12 for 68 yards, a touchdown and an interception. "There will still be a quarterback competition," Fisher said. "We'll still talk about it this week. And we'll still be able to let you know who's going to start the week, but I don't believe any performance was convincing to say this person is the guy."

-- (4-5)Maulers 23 - 7 Panthers(4-5)
(PIT): QB Haskins - 15/19 184 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 10 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, RB Groshek - 15 carries, 35 yards, WR Gaither - 4 catches, 89 yards, WR Hennie - 6 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
(OAK): QB Strong - 13/23 94 yards, 1 INT, RB Corbin - 9 carries, 11 yards, WR Hyman - 4 catches, 43 yards, WR Quinn - 5 catches, 40 yards

-- (4-5)Renegades 24 - 16 Commanders(3-6)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 10/21 136 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 19 carries, 112 yards, 2 TDs, RB Farrow - 18 carries, 64 yards, WR Lawler - 2 catches, 55 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 12/21 183 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ervin - 20 carries, 79 yards, RB Hill - 16 carries, 63 yards, WR Ward - 5 catches, 96 yards, WR Doctson - 3 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 10: Brigade Take Their Shot and It Pays Off in Win Over Stallions

April 21, 2023

St. Louis, MO - Trailing on the road as the fourth quarter began and with their starting quarterback missing the game with an injury, the Baltimore Brigade finally saw an opportunity to throw deep on the defending SFL champion St. Louis Stallions. Backup QB Terry Wilson didn't waste that chance. Wilson, who had thrown for 48 yards in the first three quarters, covered that in one crucial pass, heaving a 50-yard pass down the middle that WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams hauled in for a go-ahead score on the way to a key 27-20 win over the Stallions. Wilson put the Brigade ahead, and RB Mark Thompson helped put the game away, rushing for two of his three touchdowns in the final four minutes. "I saw Anthony running down there, and I just trusted his speed, and I let it float," said Wilson, making his first start in two seasons as QB Kenji Bahar couldn't go due to an ankle injury. Down 27-13 late, St. Louis got a touchdown with 10 seconds left, leaving them with a uniquely XFL choice: take the traditional onside kick or try an untimed fourth-and-15 play from their 35. They chose the offensive play but couldn't convert, allowing Baltimore to run out the clock. Wilson played mistake-free football, throwing for 132 yards and the touchdown while also rushing for 42 yards.

"A very frustrating day," Holtz said. "I will give Baltimore an awful lot of credit, it stinks to lose. Nobody likes to lose. We certainly had opportunities today that we could have capitalized on. We made our share of mistakes, and it was a frustrating day in a lot of respects."

-- (6-3)Brigade 27 - 20 Stallions(8-1)
(BAL): QB Wilson - 11/20 132 yards, 1 TD, 6 carries, 42 yards, RB Thompson - 16 carries, 78 yards, 3 TDs, WR Ratliff-Williams - 2 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Hall - 6 catches, 46 yards
(STL): QB McGough - 24/37 209 yards, 2 TDs, 6 carries, 76 yards, RB Marable - 13 carries, 46 yards, TE Sternberger - 4 catches, 41 yards

-- (6-3)BattleHawks 24 - 29 Stampede(3-6)
(CHA): QB McCarron - 15/22 173 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Galloway - 15 carries, 76 yards, RB Durant - 17 carries, 95 yards, WR Ateman - 4 catches, 63 yards
(OKC): QB Petty - 20/29 224 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Artis-Payne - 14 carries, 87 yards, WR - 7 catches, 109 yards, 3 TDs, WR - 6 catches, 50 yards, TE Parham - 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 10: Ghosts Get First Home Win on Leg of Kicker Luis Aguilar

April 22, 2023

Columbus, OH - It was a game measured through the uprights for the Columbus Ghosts, whose kicker, Luis Aguilar, kicked eight field goals, accounting for all of the 24 total points including the 55-yard game-winner and setting a new XFL single-game record in the process. Aguilar's longest kick of the game came in the second quarter, when he booted a field goal from 56 yards out to recapture the lead for his team. Aguilar was met with raucous cheers from the Columbus sideline following the kick. He kicked another 51-yarder late in the third quarter to put the Ghosts up 18-10 and then hit again from more than 50 yards to get the Ghosts back in the win column. Not only that, but it wasn't Aguilar's usual routine.

The Enforcers had just tied the game on a hard-found quarterback sneak across the goal line. QB DeShone Kizer hit TE Woody Brandom and with 21 seconds left in the game it was up to QB Case Cookus and the offense to get Aguilar in range or go into overtime. Long story short, they did and Aguilar kicked through the 55-yard attempt just like he had seven others on the day. All those field goals were indicative of a stellar defensive performance by the Ghosts, who continually gave the offense bonus possessions through takeaways. One of the more thrilling turnovers forced by Columbus came halfway through the third quarter just as Chicago was getting ready to answer the last field goal. Down 15-10, Kizer drove his team down the field and was just outside the red zone when his pass bounced off the receiver and into the hands of Ghosts DB Mazzi Wilkins. DB Amani Dennis also recovered a fumble near the goal line that was initially forced by DL Jordan Scott. It prevented another promising drive by Chicago from turning into points in the fourth quarter. "I think what was special about the defense this week, you could just feel it on the sideline, they brought the energy the whole game," said Cookus. "And I think that's something that we're kind of lacking those first few and you can see they're flying around making plays. Yes, they gave up a few here and there, big plays, but they rallied around each other and supported each other and they just kept that high energy positivity, hard hitting coming through. It was awesome to see them play a game and, as an offense, we look at that and we want to play better for them."

It was the Ghosts who started off with the ball and WR Terry Wright got things off to a hot start by taking the opening kickoff past midfield to the 49. From there, Cookus and RB Matthew Colburn took turns moving the chains on a well-balanced drive that got as close as the 1-yard line. But the Enforcers were able to stuff the Ghosts at the goal line, with LB Chris Orr forcing Colburn back three yards on third down. It forced Columbus to settle for their first field goal of the game, making it 3-0 with 5:41 left in the first quarter. The Enforcers' rushing attack finally came alive with Kizer running it in on the aforementioned score from 35 yards out in the second quarter. He was left wide open with space to run, his offensive linemen well into the second level and clearing the way for him. Just like that, Chicago took a 7-6 lead with 12:59 left in the first half. The Ghosts took a hit when what was initially called a fantastic toe-drag touchdown by WR Corey Coleman was reversed after review. It would have been a 21-yard touchdown pass, but instead, the Ghosts kicked yet another field goal, their fourth of the game, which Aguilar again booted through for a 12-10 lead right before the half.

-- (6-3)Enforcers 21 - 24 Ghosts(2-7)
(CHI): QB Kizer - 17/24 190 yards, 1 INT, 7 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 8 carries, 52 yards, RB Victor - 13 carries, 50 yards, WR Moore - 5 catches, 58 yards
(COL): QB Cookus - 18/30 125 yards, RB Colburn - 19 carries, 43 yards, WR Suell - 4 catches, 32 yards

-- (2-7)Steel 24 - 28 Vipers(1-8)
(BIRM): QB Glennon - 13/24 177 yards, 1 TD, RB Yeldon - 19 carries, 126 yards, 2 TDs, WR Foster - 3 catches, 70 yards, WR Benjamin - 4 catches, 63 yards
(MEX): QB Perez - 13/25 202 yards, 2 TDs, RB Guice - 20 carries, 115 yards, RB Smith - 14 carries, 57 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bryant - 3 catches, 55 yards, 2 TDs, WR Allison - 5 catches, 55 yards

-- (3-6)Jousters 37 - 12 Otters(2-7)
(TOR): QB Mitchell - 17/19 285 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Cox - 21 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 12 carries, 71 yards, 2 TDs, WR Garrett - 6 catches, 109 yards, WR Rogers - 2 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
(VAN): QB Sinnett - 9/19 98 yards, 2 INTs, RB Patrick - 16 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Turpin - 3 catches, 39 yards

XFL Week 10: Crusaders Kicker Shanks Game-winning FG, Misses Again in OT to End Winning Streak

April 22, 2023

London, ENGLAND - Just a fraction of an inch on what was an otherwise heroic goal-line stand. No problem. Trudge on. And London did, marching it down into field goal range in a tie game, 31-yards away from becoming the winningest European team in XFL history. A terribly shanked kick with zeros on the game clock was perhaps the sign London’s run was coming to a halt. Another botched kick, this time a doink off the upright in overtime, proving the latter true. London’s incredible winning streak ended in dramatic fashion in front of 41,000 plus, with the Tampa Bay Bandits derailing London. DL Channing Ward was just a hair offside when the Crusaders stuffed the Bandits for a third time near the goal line late in the fourth quarter while protecting a 17-10 lead. An uncharacteristic mistake by a team not known to make many. It followed up QB Taylor Heinicke’s fifth sack endured in the game, only this time the ball was stripped out of his hands, offering Tampa a lifeline. LB Dexter McCoil categorized it as a play that came back to bite his team after the game, but now of that should have mattered when K Brett Lauther stepped up to a 31-yard chip shot with 20 seconds left in the game clock, the score tied 17-17, hero status up for grabs and a historic win at his feet. The Crusaders let those final seconds run off the clock before it was Lauther’s time to shine. The attempt was shanked so poorly that the kick never made it anywhere near the end zone. “I felt like I hit it with all my foot,” Lauther said. “I’m going to watch the film to see if I miss hit it or if there’s a slight adjustment I need to make in like my foot or something like that. But it just felt like I got too much of the ball and, obviously, it went to the left and low.”

London deferred first possession to start the extra frame, holding the Bandits to no yards, setting up a K Ernesto Lacayo field goal to put Tampa up 20-17. Needing a touchdown to remedy their late mishaps and win the game outright, an offense that struggled to get it going for large portions of the night was held right back. Lauther stepped up to the plate once again. For a second time in a matter of minutes, however, Lauther missed, clattering it off the uprights for the miss affectionately known as the doink from 37 yards out. “I washed the fourth-quarter miss right away,” Lauther said. “I went into the next one and, obviously, the ball flight looked better than that one. I thought I hit it well but, obviously, the outcome wasn’t what I wanted it to be. I just wanted to get the three points for the team. But unfortunately took the loss today and those things happen and I’m just going to move on to the next game.”

-- (6-3)Bandits 20 - 17 Crusaders(7-2)
(TB): QB Kaepernick - 18/27 213 yards, RB Williams - 22 carries, 70 yards, 2 TDs, WR Greene - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Peake - 7 catches, 71 yards
(LON): QB Heinicke - 21/27 251 yards, 1 TD, RB Michael - 15 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Henry - 6 catches, 108 yards, WR Russell - 8 catches, 72 yards

-- (0-9)Greys 26 - 32 Valor(3-6)
(CAL): QB Dormady - 16/21 248 yards, 1 TD, RB Darrington - 20 carries, 109 yards, WR Rogers - 5 catches, 84 yards, WR Latimer - 2 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 4 catches, 50 yards
(DC): QB Bortles - 19/27 279 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Allen - 23 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD, RB Pumphrey - 20 carries, 92 yards, WR Daniels - 5 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, TE Hodges - 3 catches, 55 yards

XFL Week 10: Massive Comeback as Houston Finally gets Statement Win

April 23, 2023

San Diego, CA - The San Diego Fleet had a defensive game plan that seemed to throw Houston Roughnecks superstar QB Nathan Rourke off his game for a little while. They opened up a big lead against the team that’s on top of the standings. It looked like they were cruising to a win. And then, they weren’t. The Fleet couldn’t move the ball in the second half and despite a defensive effort that gave them a chance to hang on to their halftime lead, the Roughnecks crawled and clawed their way back into the game and then sealed the win with a last second field goal to walk away with a 42-41 win. The first half gave the Fleet a lot to be happy about. That only made the second half feel worse. “F—ing terrible. That was awful,” said Fleet QB Josh Johnson. “Everybody. Bad penalties, bad decisions. Everybody, from sidelines to the guys on the field. Everybody was terrible. I’m not saying I was good. Everybody out there, it was a bad second half. You score 40 points, you can’t lose a game. Hats off to what they did, obviously, coming back in that second half was insane.”

There was a lot to like, but the inability to move the ball in the second half will haunt the Fleet. Both the defense and special teams unit scored touchdowns throughout the game, but the offense’s inability to move the ball meant the defense was on the field way too much. Against a potent offense like the Roughnecks, that was never a recipe for winning. The Fleet started the game with a three-man defensive line that seemed specifically designed to confuse Rourke’s eyes. They dropped extra guys into coverage and closed-up space between the receivers. For a while, it worked. The Roughnecks got on the board first with a field-goal, but that was largely because the Fleet fumbled a punt and gave them great field position. For the rest of the first quarter, though, it was all Fleet.

Another field goal put the Fleet up 13-3, and they extended their lead even further when DL Curtis Weaver dropped back into coverage, picked Rourke off and then ran the ball into the endzone. Suddenly, it was 20-3 and Rourke and this Roughnecks were looking very mortal. Before anyone could cue up their “Roughnecks are overrated” hot takes, though, Rourke settled down and showed why he’s special. A field goal put the Fleet up 23-10, but Rourke had found his confidence. The next time he got the ball, he again marched the Roughnecks downfield before running the ball into the end zone himself. The Fleet may have started fast, but their lead was only six and momentum was firmly in the Roughnecks’ hands. This was not a straightforward game, though. Adjustments were made, momentum came and went. When the Fleet got the ball back, they put the ball in the hands of RB Wendell Smallwood, who found the holes he needed to put them in striking distance of the end zone. Once there, Johnson did the rest, connecting with WR Devier Posey in the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown.

It was 30-18 and felt like a shootout. That feeling wouldn’t last. In the second half, the offense dried up, especially for the Fleet. There can be no complaints about the defensive play for the San Diego crew. They held the Roughnecks to field goals while their own offense struggled to find first downs and looked generally out-of-sorts. That they were held to two field goals until midway through the fourth quarter is credit to a near-heroic defensive effort by the Fleet. But then, it all seemed to fall apart. With the Roughnecks in a third-and-two situation, Rourke lined up in shotgun and connected with WR Deontay Burnett for a 53-yard touchdown. There was lots of time on the clock and the Fleet were only up 33-31 and had done almost nothing on offense. It felt almost inevitable that the Roughnecks were going to complete the comeback. And then, RB Tayon Fleet-Davis worked his magic and the whole game seemed to flip on its head and not for the last time. The Fleet returner took the kickoff deep in his own territory and ran like there was nobody else on the field. He scurried and scampered for 99 yards until he found himself in the end zone. Turning point? Maybe, but it didn’t last. Again, this was a game where momentum genuinely seemed to just go wherever it pleased, and the Roughnecks responded to Fleet-Davis’s big moment by going back to Burnett for an impossible to describe catch and then handing the ball to Rourke to run it into the end zone. When the Fleet yet again couldn’t get more than one first down on their ensuing drive, it gave Rourke another chance to earn the win. And he did what he does and marched the Roughnecks downfield and put them in position to kick the game-winning field goal. That was that. The Fleet lost. They gave Rourke the chances he needed and he got the job done.

-- (8-1)Roughnecks 42 - 41 Fleet(3-6)
(HOU): QB Rourke - 39/52 488 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 4 carries, 8 yards, 2 TDs, RB Borghi - 13 carries, 45 yards, WR Rhymes - 7 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Kirklin - 7 catches, 57 yards, WR Burnett - 8 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD, WR Cottoy - 6 catches, 61 yards
(SD): QB Johnson - 18/32 206 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smallwood - 11 carries, 83 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Posey - 3 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Spruce - 8 catches, 54 yards

-- (5-4)Bolts 21 - 37 Apollos(6-3)
(BER): QB Kaaya - 17/23 169 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hunt - 14 carries, 79 yards, RB Sankey - 12 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Gibson - 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 15/20 241 yards, 2 TDs, RB Walton - 11 carries, 107 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 17 carries, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Moncrief - 4 catches, 53 yards, WR Whitehead - 3 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD

-- (8-1)Brawlers 30 - 20 Mammoths(2-7)
(PHI): QB Walker - 20/27 271 yards, 2 TDs, 9 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD, RB Butler - 16 carries, 107 yards, WR Phillips - 5 catches, 120 yards, 2 TDs, WR Fulgham - 4 catches, 41 yards
(OMA): QB Wolford - 20/30 234 yards, 1 TD, RB West - 16 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Callaway - 4 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Dunbar - 5 catches, 51 yards

XFL Week 10: Mountain Lions Earn ‘Character Win’ over Dragons

April 23, 2023

Salt Lake City, UT - QB Josh Rosen was receiving medical treatment in the third quarter before returning on Salt Lake’s first possession of the fourth and promptly hit WR Justyn Ross on a 60-yard touchdown pass to tie the score 24-24. That allowed Salt Lake to regain the momentum after WR Auden Tate’s 87-yard punt return touchdown was disallowed due to a holding penalty, to the dismay of the 33,018 fans. “I’m going to go out there and play, that’s how I’m wired,” Rosen said. “That touchdown pass was a critical situation. We thought we had a big play, an explosive touchdown on special teams but it’s the mentality that, yeah, it didn’t go our way but we’ve got to put our foot in the ground and move forward and go. I’m just proud of the way we responded as an offense.”

RB Devontae Booker’s 23-yard touchdown run put Salt Lake ahead 31-24, capping a 77-yard, five-play drive. K Jake Verity made it a 10-point game with a 46-yard field goal. QB Ben DiNucci staked Seattle to a 21-14 halftime lead with a six-yard touchdown strike to WR Jahcour Pearson, capping a wild and eventful end to the quarter. The Dragons took a 17-14 lead on a 19-yard field goal but received a first down at the six-yard line after LB Kamalei Correa was flagged for pyramiding, a play where a defensive player is lifted up by teammates in an effort to block a kick. Pearson's touchdown capped a 46-yard, seven-play drive that took 56 seconds. Over that span, Salt Lake received two misconduct penalties, a pass interference call and roughing the passer, plus the pyramiding while Seattle received a misconduct flag and facemask penalty. Four penalties came on Seattle’s first play from the 46-yard line. The Dragons won a challenge for pass interference, who registered the interception while defending against WR Kaelin Clay. All three misconduct calls also came following the turnover.

-- (7-2)Dragons 27 - 34 Mountain Lions(7-2)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 24/37 287 yards, 1 TD, RB Prosise - 15 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 9 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD, WR Gordon - 4 catches, 70 yards
(SLC): QB Rosen - 16/21 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Booker - 10 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD, RB Samuels - 9 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Ross - 4 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Clay - 6 catches, 44 yards

-- (4-5)Guardians 34 - 23 Alphas(5-4)
(NY): QB Dolegala - 11/20 130 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Perkins - 12 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs, RB Darkwa - 13 carries, 46 yards, WR White - 4 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Barrett - 13/23 209 yards, 1 INT, RB Barber - 9 carries, 90 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 17 carries, 66 yards, WR Evans - 6 catches, 105 yards, WR Hardy - 4 catches, 66 yards

XFL Week 10: Showboats Hand the Breakers Tough Break

April 24, 2023

Los Angeles, CA - These Memphis Showboats are only starting to build their turnaround, but it took a big step in handing the Los Angeles Breakers a huge loss, 17-10, with the defense leading the way. "We played great complementary football today, the defensive created turnovers, picking up the offense when we needed it, but then the offense, ultimately when we needed it most, had a great drive and finished it and really kind of put the game in our possession."

Memphis QB Jarrett Guarantano barely saw the biggest play of the winning drive. Trailing 10-9 with three minutes to play, the Showboats had a third-and-5 at the Breakers' 16-yard line, definitely in field-goal range but wanting more. A blitzer came unchecked up the middle, and Guarantano was hit as he threw, taking the hit and landing on his back as a high pass dropped into the outstretched arms of TE Jay Jay Wilson, who got to the 3-yard line, setting up a much easier touchdown throw from Guarantano to a wide open Juwan Washington for the go-ahead score. Wilson wasn't the intended receiver on the throw, but Guarantano was thrilled to see it land in the right place at the right time. "First, I'm on the ground, so I don't even see, but I look up and I see the ball just float and I see Jay Jay running underneath it, wide open. I probably wouldn't have thrown it more accurately if I tried to throw it to him," Guarantano said.

Los Angeles came in near the league lead in total offense and scoring, but Memphis held them to 10 points, including three turnovers. They had a chance to tie the game in the final two minutes, but the Showboats didn't let them past their own 30, getting a fourth-down stop to seal the win. "It starts with our defensive staff coming up with a great game plan for what they do," said safety Troy Warner, who led the Showboats with 12 tackles. "We just executed, and that's been the big thing in this turnaround these last few weeks, just paying attention to small things, the details and executing at a high level."

Los Angeles got 206 yards and a touchdown from QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, but only the one touchdown, facing consistent pressure that led to four sacks. RB Wes Hills was kept out of the end zone and held to 38 yards on 14 carries. "Offensively, it was not a very good day," coach John DeFilippo said after his first loss of the season. "We did not take advantage of the turnovers that our defense got and the field position our defense got us. It hasn't been who we are all season, and I'm looking forward to watching our team bounce back."

-- (2-7)Showboats 17 - 10 Breakers(7-2)
(MEM): QB Guarantano - 24/36 224 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Washington - 18 carries, 31 yards, WR Treadwell - 6 catches, 62 yards, WR Mitchell - 4 catches, 51 yards, TE Wilson - 5 catches, 64 yards
(LA): QB Bethel-Thompson - 25/35 206 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Hills - 14 carries, 38 yards, 7 catches, 46 yards, WR Adams - 4 catches, 51 yards

-- (2-7)Monarchs 13 - 31 Defenders(9-0)
(MON): QB Masoli - 14/24 165 yards, 1 INT, RB Richard - 13 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Roosevelt - 4 catches, 63 yards
(COL): QB Ta'amu - 11/14 218 yards, 1 TD, 9 carries, 47 yards, RB Smith - 20 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, RB Harris - 16 carries, 46 yards, 2 TDs, WR Cannon - 3 catches, 93 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 93 yards

Masoli Sidelined with Serious Leg Injury

April 25, 2023

Cologne, GERMANY - When Monarchs QB Jeremiah Masoli went down after a cheap-shot hit by Cologne Defenders LB Francis Bernard, the Montreal Monarchs had to be preparing for the worst-case scenario. Masoli, who missed much of the 2019 CFL season with a torn ACL, left the game on crutches. The veteran quarterback had an MRI done and the news may not be great, but it really could be worse. It’s believed the Monarchs will announce that Masoli sustained a bone-based injury to his leg, not a ligament one. That would mean a much better timeline for recovery. While he will miss the season, there’s a chance he could return to play in 2024 but retirement is likely.

That means the Monarchs will push ahead into their next game, likely using backup Aaron Murray as the starter but looking to acquire another signal caller from around the league. It’s expected the XFL will announce a decision on a suspension for Bernard. It’ll be interesting to see if the Defenders react and maybe come up with some punishment of their own for a player who’s a multi-time repeat offender.

Mountain Lions Cash in on Free Agency ‘Betts’ with Leading Sack Master

April 26, 2023

Salt Lake City, UT - Salt Lake City general manager Zach Potter says the Mountain Lions brass saw this constant causing of quarterback chaos coming from Mathieu Betts. DL Betts signed with the Mountain Lions as a free agent in January after two seasons with Edmonton Elks, heads into Week 11 with eight sacks, tying him for the third best total in the XFL. The 6-foot-3, 250 pounder didn’t record a single sack in his 13 games with the Elks. Potter says that Betts was better than his numbers in Edmonton, and while he was doing a lot things right he wasn’t being rewarded on the game sheet for it. The production was coming, Potter said. It was just going to take a little patience, something that now is a correct assessment. “He’s an excitable, energetic football player and he’s exactly what we needed,” said Potter. “Going into free agency, we wanted to get a high-energy defensive lineman and we got two in Betts and David Menard. Those two have helped us become the active line that we’ve wanted to be.”