XFL 2001

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: Enforcers Win in Return to Soldier Field

February 24, 2003

Chicago, IL - An exciting day of XFL action wasn’t over until a wild late-game sequence between the Columbus Ghosts and Chicago Enforcers, and even then it wasn’t over. An interception return for a touchdown, a 75-yard scoring pass and a 49-yard field goal, all in the final two and a half minutes of regulation, only served to send the game into overtime. Chicago finally prevailed on a touchdown pass in the extra session, and we could all exhale and take stock of what had happened in the first game back at Soldier Field for the XFL.

-- (0-1)Ghosts 30 - 37 Enforcers(0-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 15/25 286 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Wiley - 7 carries, 80 yards, RB Keaton - 5 carries, 23 yards, 2 TDs, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 119 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 27/36 376 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 8 carries, 48 yards, WR Bailey - 7 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 3 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Lord - 5 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Rage 24 - 21 Commanders(1-0)
(ORL): QB Kuklick - 20/35 211 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clark - 14 carries, 15 yards, WR Culver - 6 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 5 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 22/41 265 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 8 carries, 89 yards, RB Stecker - 13 catches, 104 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 91 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Stevens - 3 catches, 32 yards, 1 TD
*Orlando Rage starting QB Joe Hamilton missed game due to injury

XFL Week 2: Wild Drop Desperados

February 25, 2003

Dallas, TX - Wild RB Rashaan Salaam scored a pair of rushing touchdowns and caught another as the Minneapolis Wild used a 21-0 run in the second half to defeat the Dallas Desperados, 42-20. Salaam, the XFL's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, scored his first of the day late in the third quarter to give Minneapolis a 35-21 lead. He increased the Wild's margin to 42-21 with a 1-yard scamper early in the fourth quarter. Minneapolis' defense shut down the Desperados in the second half at 21-21. QB Craig Whelihan replaced starter Sherdrick Bonner in the fourth quarter after Bonner sustained a shoulder injury.

-- (0-1)Wild 42 - 21 Desperados(1-0)
(MIN): QB Bonner - 18/27 179 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 17 carries, 94 yards, 2 TDs, 6 catches, 35 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 7 catches, 124 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 21/38 236 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Battle - 10 carries, 15 yards, WR Sippio - 6 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Pettis - 4 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
*Minnesota Wild signed QB Sherdrick Bonner earlier this week to replaced Jim Druckenmiller

-- (0-1)Sea Devils 6 - 31 Steel(0-0)
(SEA): QB Smith - 19/48 188 yards, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 12 carries, 22 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 102 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 22/34 226 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Bostic - 14 carries, 101 yards, 2 TDs, WR Williams - 5 catches, 76 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 73 yards, TE Smith - 3 catches, 18 yards, 2 TDs

-- (0-1)Express 14 - 20 Guardians(0-1)
(MEM): QB Martin - 21/35 204 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Autry - 26 carries, 51 yards, WR Simmons - 7 catches, 45 yards, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 86 yards, 2 TDs
(NY): QB Kanell - 22/33 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Aska - 15 carries, 53 yards, WR Dar Dar - 5 catches, 62 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-0)Stars 23 - 21 Outlaws(1-0)
(LA): QB McNown - 22/38 266 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Shehee - 12 carries, 81 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 117 yards
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 18/36 205 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 22 carries, 76 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 117 yards

Detroit Looking to be an Expansion Team for CFL or XFL

February 27, 2003

Detroit, MI - The CFL says it's not interested in revisiting expansion to the United States, but former Miami Dolphins receiver Oronde Gadsden still wants to try. Gadsden, who played with Miami from 1998 to 2002, has put together a group, including Detroit Pistons' owner William Davidson, mayor Dennis Archer and Detroit Fury owner William Clay Ford, that plans to pursue a CFL or XFL expansion franchise for Detroit.

"I'm going to put my best foot forward," Gadsden said from Miami. "I'm going to try. I've got a few interested guys down here with myself. Because of the suspension of NFL Europe, there's lots of people in South Florida who don't have a chance to play. In these financial times, you are looking for something with stability and the CFL is extremely stable." Gadsden played in both Arena Football and NFL Europe before joining the Dolphins. Though Gadsden never played in Canada, he said he knows many players who have. "I know a little bit about it because I looked at it when I was doing my tour around the AFL and World League [later known as NFL Europe]" he said. "We want it to be a win-win situation for everyone involved. The city that I've put my finger on is Detroit."

Gadsden said he believes Detroit would be ideal because it's a border city where people are already familiar with the Canadian game. "It's a great bang for your buck for what you pay to see it," said Gadsden, who caught Dan Marino's last touchdown pass in the NFL. "I think you could get the best of both worlds if you get a team on the U.S. border, with 12 players and three downs, you could have a great thing. Detroit borders Canada and people in those two cities already watch CFL on TV so it's not a big change, not like bringing it to Miami."

Gadsden's biggest problem will be that - after the ill-fated southern expansion in the early 1990s - the CFL has apparently no interest in returning to the United States. "The CFL has not discussed the opportunity of U.S. expansion with this group," CFL league spokesman Jamie Dykstra said. "We have no interest in adding an expansion franchise in the United States. Our focus is on building our league in Canada." Gadsden's plan actually reflects the CFL's original designs on U.S. expansion, which were built around the idea of expanding to cities located within driving distance of the border. However, when the league's first two expansion suitors turned out to be San Antonio and Sacramento, the league shelved that priority and went to Baltimore, Las Vegas, Memphis, Birmingham, Ala., and Shreveport, La. The league returned to San Antonio for the 1995 season after relocating the franchise from Sacramento. "It's something that can be done. I know it's been done before but I think not locating teams close to the border was the downfall," Gadsden said. "Like I said, I don't think a team would work in Miami or for CFL teams to travel to Miami." The CFL in recent years has tried to distance itself from its expansion years, adopting a more nationalist platform and suggesting that expansion to the U.S. was a mistake. However, Montreal Alouettes owner Robert Wetenhall is on record of supporting a return to the U.S. built on the concept of targeting border cities. If the CFL won't budge on expanding to the United States, Gadsden said, "the XFL is also looking like a viable option at this point."

[BengalErnst]

Kanell Has High Hopes for Guardians

March 2, 2003

New York, NY - Instead of the red and blue, he was expecting to be wearing for 2003 with the New York Giants, Danny Kanell now sports the black, gray and red of the XFL New York Guardians. The team didn't play well in week one when he sat out for precaution reasons but the Kanell-Green connection is shaping up to be one of the most potent combinations in the league. "We've got ourselves a veteran quarterback who has won at a high level," said Guardians head coach Rusty Tillman. "Danny is a winner. He has good intangibles and solid leadership skills." Kanell's leadership can be traced back to his collegiate days at the Florida State where he earned a place in the school's record book and represented the Seminoles twice as the ACC Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

"We still got to get to know each other and see how everyone reacts in different situations," said Kanell. "We have a great team on paper, but we will have to come together as a team to win."


XFL Week 3: Undefeated Steel Last One Standing

March 3, 2003

Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Steel left Sunday as the XFL’s only unbeaten team, and with that status as the league's best team very much intact after a resounding victory over the Enforcers. Enforcers' quarterback Jarious Jackson stayed in the game after having his left shoulder examined in the medical tent on the sideline following a first-quarter hit. He landed heavily on that shoulder and remained down on the field while his teammates gathered around him. But after making two trips to the medical tent, Jackson was back on the field for Chicago's next possession. However, already trailing the Steel, 30-7, entering halftime, Coach Mike Singletary decided to save his starting signal caller.

-- (1-0)Steel 38 - 14 Enforcers(1-0)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 31/43 316 yards, 3 TDs, RB Bostic - 12 carries, 45 yards, 2 TDs, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD, TE Smith - 6 catches, 43 yards, 2 TDs
(CHI): QB McDougal - 13/33 199 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Johnson - 10 carries, 13 yards, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 3 catches, 74 yards
*Chicago's starting QB Jarious Jackson left game due to injury(shoulder)

-- (1-1)Wild 17 - 20 Express(0-2)
(MIN): QB Bonner - 22/39 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, Salaam - 18 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 4 catches, 60 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 17/30 202 yards, 1 TD, RB Shaw - 18 carries, 60 yards, WR McCullough - 8 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD, WR Simmons - 5 catches, 63 yards, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 51 yards

XFL Week 3: Seattle Shocker

March 4, 2003

Los Angeles, CA - The Seattle Sea Devils posted their first victory in franchise history with a 20-9 shocker over the defending champions in front of 18,067 fans. The 9 points allowed by Seattle is the fewest by an opponent in team history. The first quarter was ruled by the defense as Seattle got the only score on an interception by DB Clinton Hart. Then Seattle came out firing in the second half. WR Onome Ojo returned the second half kickoff back 55 yards to set up RB Ken Simonton touchdown for a 28 yard touchdown. After a Los Angeles touchdown, QB Akili Smith found WR Dane Looker from nine yards out to put the Devil Raiders on top for good.

-- (0-2)Sea Devils 20 - 9 Stars(2-0)
(SEA): QB Smith - 14/30 146 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 16 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 8 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 27/43 271 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Shehee - 11 carries, 29 yards, WR Copeland - 8 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 52 yards

-- (1-1)Commanders 20 - 31 Desperados(1-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 21/37 193 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Stecker - 16 carries, 45 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 73 yards, 2 TDs
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 19/30 258 yards, 2 TDs, RB King - 13 carries, 44 yards, WR Hundon - 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD, WR Pettis - 7 catches, 81 yards

XFL Week 3: Ghosts Let One Get Away

March 5, 2003

New York, NY - The Columbus Ghosts came back from a 25-10 deficit with 13:30 remaining in the game to take a 27-25 lead over the New York Guardians with three minutes to play, but could not hold on for their first win of the season, as they fell to New York, 31-27, on Friday night before 21,922 fans. Columbus used a 17-0 fourth quarter run to take their first lead of the game on a 22-yard touchdown from QB Joe Germaine to Ken Yon Rambo with 2:54 remaining, but New York's QB Danny Kanell found WR Yatil Green in the end zone with 4.7 seconds left to give the Guardians their second consecutive win and keep the Ghosts winless on the season. "I thought the way we played in the second half we had a great chance to win," said Ghosts head coach Earle Bruce. "We never gave up. With the deficit we were under to come back and do what we did in the second half, I just can't say enough about the way we played."

"I was really disappointed to lose in the end," said Germaine. "We knew we had it in the second half, but they made a big play at the end. If it hadn't been for some of our bad plays in the first half, it would have been a totally different game."

-- (0-2)Ghosts 27 - 31 Guardians(1-1)
(COL): QB Germaine - 23/33 234 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Keaton - 15 carries, 49 yards, WR Furrey - 8 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 61 yards, 2 TDs
(NY): QB Kanell - 29/37 298 yards, 2 TDs, RB Edwards - 10 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, RB Aska - 15 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 3 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD

Penalties, Game Length Decrease

March 7, 2003

Greenwich, CT - During the offseason, the Rules and Competition Committee set out to reduce the number of penalties and to decrease the length of games in order to improve the game for the XFL fans. Through three weeks, results prove the Committee did its job. "We made a conscientious effort this offseason to improve the way our game is played," said President of Operations and XFL Rules and Competition Committee Chairman Gene Nudo. "We tried to make the game as penalty-free as possible and to decrease the length of our games. We realize it's early, but results have been favorable. We'll continue to monitor both factors as the season goes along."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 4: Shootout in Columbus

March 10, 2003

Columbus, OH - After leading a masterful drive in the final seconds of regulation only to see a potential winning field goal attempt on the last play sail wide, Steel QB Spergon Wynn took it upon himself in overtime. No way was Columbus' QB Joe Germaine going to end up with the ball in his hands again. Wynn finished off one of the finest games of his career with a 10-yard touchdown pass to TE Ed Smith on the opening drive of overtime, capping Birmingham's rally for a 40-34 win over the Columbus Ghosts on Sunday. Despite the effort, the expansion Ghosts remain win-less on the season.

"Knowing when to run, knowing when to pass, he's doing an amazing job," Birmingham head coach Gerry DiNardo said of his quarterback. "It's fun to watch him and I'll never get used to it because he's always going to do something to surprise us."

-- (0-3)Ghosts 34 - 40 Steel(2-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 18/36 424 yards, 3 TDs, RB Wiley - 10 carries, 55 yards, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 131 yards, 1 TD, WR Furrey - 5 catches, 176 yards, 1 TD, WR Dugans - 3 catches, 57 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 27/33 306 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Alexander - 19 carries, 74 yards, RB Bostic - 9 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 185 yards, 2 TDs, TE Smith - 5 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Sea Devils 12 - 31 Wild(1-2)
(SEA): QB Smith - 31/58 235 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Robertson - 11 carries, 36 yards, WR Looker - 7 catches, 35 yards, 1 TD, WR Douglas - 6 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 16/22 215 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 28 carries, 79 yards, 2 TDs, WR Morey - 6 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD, Prentiss - 2 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-1)Outlaws 10 - 20 Desperados(2-1)
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 16/42 113 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 15 carries, 120 yards, WR Vanover - 5 catches, 39 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 25/39 239 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB King - 15 carries, 76 yards, RB Battle - 18 carries, 63 yards, WR Hundon - 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Pettis - 6 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-2)Commanders 26 - 15 Stars(2-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 14/22 176 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stecker - 20 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Stevens - 6 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 21/38 196 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Shehee - 9 carries, 25 yards, WR Copeland - 9 catches, 67 yards, WR McDonald - 9 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 4: Orlando Knocks off New York

March 10, 2003

Orlando, FL - Rage QB Joe Hamilton tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to WR Dialleo Burks in the back of the end zone with little to no time remaining propelling the Rage to a 34-24 win over the New York Guardians before a sellout crowd. DB Clevan Thomas stoked Orlando to its biggest lead of the game at 20-10 when he intercepted a pass and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. It was Thomas' league-leading fourth pick of the season and he became the first Rage to return interceptions for scores in consecutive games.

Guardians QB Danny Kanell was intercepted again on New York's next possession leading to a 4-yard touchdown run by RB Michael Black and a 27-10 Rage advantage with 7:39 left in the third quarter. New York pulled within three points and by closing out the third quarter scoring with a 22-yard touchdown toss from Kanell to TE Marcus Hinton and then early in the fourth when Kanell found WR Craig Yeast.

-- (2-1)Guardians 24 - 30 Rage(2-0)
(NY): QB Kanell - 14/32 151 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Edwards - 13 carries, 72 yards, WR Green - 7 catches, 50 yards, TE Hinton - 6 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 12/20 150 yards, 2 TDs, RB Black - 10 carries, 29 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 52 yards

-- (1-1)Enforcers 23 - 30 Express(1-2)
(CHI): QB McDougal - 18/38 154 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Moss - 10 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Lord - 6 catches, 65 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 59 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 23/33 253 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Autry - 23 carries, 42 yards, WR Simmons - 4 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD, WR Minnis - 4 catches, 59 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5: Two Quarterback System Working in Orlando

March 17, 2003

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Rage pulled off an enormous comeback to beat the Birmingham 34-31 in overtime, with Jay Taylor again nailing the game-winning kick. Quarterback Brian Kuklick carried the Rage in the comeback, throwing for 186 yards in just the second half. Both teams possessed the ball in overtime to open the fifth quarter before Kuklick drove the Rage down the field on the second OT drive, leading to the game-winning field goal. Kuklick and the Rage came alive in the second half, with the offense skyrocketing as the game moved along. He completed 13 of 26 attempts for 186 yards and a touchdown, with one big-time throw on the day to WR Shannon Culver that got the game into the extended stanza.

-- (3-0)Steel 31 - 34 Rage(3-0)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 13/19 169 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Bostic - 18 carries, 45 yards, RB Alexander - 16 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 6 catches, 95 yards, 2 TDs, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 97 yards
(ORL): QB Kuklick - 13/26 186 yards, 1 TD, QB Hamilton - 8/20 149 yards, 2 TDs, RB Clark - 6 carries, 21 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 129 yards, 2 TDs, WR Culver - 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-3)Sea Devils 15 - 23 Desperados(3-1)
(SEA): QB Smith - 17/37 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 11 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 6 catches, 54 yards, WR Ojo - 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 20/35 255 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Battle - 15 carries, 44 yards, WR Hundon - 5 catches, 132 yards

-- (2-2)Guardians 16 - 20 Wild(2-2)
(NY): QB Kanell - 21/38 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Aska - 13 carries, 37 yards, WR Green - 3 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, TE Hinton - 6 catches, 62 yards
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 23/41 202 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 15 carries, 77 yards, WR Morey - 7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Prentiss - 6 catches, 49 yards

XFL Week 5: Memphis Keep Ghosts Winless

March 18, 2003

Columbus, OH - Turnovers and possessions. The difference between winning and losing a football game is based on which team commits the fewest turnovers while taking advantage of those cherished offensive possessions. For the fifth consecutive week, the Ghosts has been on the wrong side of the equation. "We're a good football team that just happens to be 0 and 5," said Ghosts head coach Earle Bruce. "There's a long season ahead of us and we're not going to panic."

The first half was a mirror image of the entire game. Twice the Ghosts was inside Memphis' 10-yard line and failed to score. Even so, the Express held only a slim 14-13 lead at the break. After halftime, Germaine turned the ball over on a fumble, forced by Express DL DeAngelo Lloyd, which Memphis used the momentum from the turnover and quickly made the game 21-13 on a QB Tee Martin 8-yard strike to WR Andy McCullough. Columbus' next drive covered 77 yards, culminating with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Germaine to WR Danny Farmer. The PAT was missed, and Memphis now led 21-19. Memphis countered on its next possession, when Martin found WR Tony Simmons in the end zone. The 6-yard reception put Memphis ahead 28-19. "Overall I thought Joe played well," said Bruce. "He made a couple mistakes when he was trying to make things happen. Before the game, I told him not to be a hero. And today he tried to be a hero.

-- (2-2)Express 30 - 25 Ghosts(0-4)
(MEM): QB Martin - 23/35 197 yards, 4 TDs, RB Shaw - 21 carries, 66 yards, WR McCullough - 5 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD, WR Simmons - 4 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Germaine - 26/46 263 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Wiley - 11 carries, 41 yards, WR Furrey - 8 catches, 124 yards, WR Rambo - 7 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-2)Stars 21 - 19 Enforcers(1-2)
(LA): QB McNown - 21/28 227 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 14 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD, RB Oxendine - 9 carries, 82 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 78 yards, WR McDonald - 4 catches, 74 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 23/38 192 yards, 1 INT, RB Moss- 11 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD, WR Lord - 6 catches, 54 yards

XFL Week 5: San Antonio Takes Command of Outlaws

March 19, 2003

San Antonio, TX - RB Aaron Stecker and QB Michael Bishop rushed for two touchdowns each and San Antonio had six scores total as they took advantage of six Las Vegas turnovers and defeated the Outlaws, 40-14, before 25,604. The Commanders(3-2) scored 42 points off the six Las Vegas(1-3) miscues, four of those in the first half. The only blemish for Bishop was an interception. DB Brandon Sanders picked him and ran it back 14 yards with 4:46 left in the third quarter. That setup a drive that was capped by an 8-yard run by RB Lawrence Phillips with 1:25 left to give San Antonio a 28-8 half time margin.

-- (1-2)Outlaws 14 - 42 Commanders(2-2)
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 16/40 149 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Phillips - 10 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 5 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 16/25 201 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 7 carries, 31 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stecker - 18 carries, 139 yards, 2 TDs, WR Stevens - 6 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 5 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD

Oliver Luck Defends XFL Policy of Blocking NFL Interest

March 20, 2003

Greenwich, CT - The Detroit Lions of the NFL tried signing San Antonio Commanders' quarterback Michael Bishop last week and the XFL blocked it. “We said, ‘No, we’re keeping him. He ours. He signed a contract. He’s committed to us,'” XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck said. “Once a player signs a contract, once he passes his physical and signs a contract, then he’s under contract with us. We won’t release that player to the NFL until after our season. We need certainty. We can’t just have guys peeling off. Thanks for the compliment, but we’re not going to let him go. We’re not trying to be a development league for the NFL. Having said that, I hope that every one of our players has a chance to go to the NFL after our season because that means we’ve done our job in terms of playing good football. Bust your butt, play hard, have a chance to get great game tape and you’ll get a shot in the NFL. We are a league of opportunity.”

Whether the XFL can remain viable itself remains to be seen, but they seem dug in on not being poached by the NFL.

[BengalErnst]

Germaine Sidelined for at Least Two Weeks

March 22, 2003

Columbus, OH - Columbus Ghosts' starting quarterback Joe Germaine has been placed on the team's injured reserve list and will miss at least two weeks with a dislocated right index finger. Germaine sustained the injury during Sunday afternoon's loss to the Memphis Express. "Joe suffered a right index finger contusion," said team doctor Dale Snead. "He will go under further evaluation, but for now will definitely be out at least two weeks."

In Germaine's absence, backup quarterback Scott Covington will inherit the starting job. "Injuries are a part of this game," said Ghosts head coach Earle Bruce. "It is unfortunate to lose a guy the caliber of Joe, especially when he is your starting quarterback. Hopefully he will only be out a couple of weeks. We are just fortunate to have an established quality back up in Scott Covington."


XFL Week 6: Guardians Win at Whistle

March 24, 2003

New York, NY - Guardians' QB Danny Kanell threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to WR Kirby Dar Dar on the final play after the game was extended by two straight defensive holding calls giving the Guardians a 31-30 victory over the Chicago Enforcers on Thursday night. With their season on the line, Kanell led an 85-yard touchdown drive in the final 2:25 to give the Guardians(3-3) the thrilling comeback win in a game they trailed by nine points heading into the fourth quarter. Kanell finished 23 for 30 for 272 yards and two touchdowns with WRs Dar Dar and Yatil Green catching 11 passes for 141 yards and two of the scores. Enforcers QB Jarious Jackson threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns but it wasn't enough for the Enforcers(1-4). In a thrilling finish they have now lost four straight games.

-- (1-3)Enforcers 30 - 31 Guardians(2-3)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 17/22 247 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 13 carries, 64 yards, WR Lord - 5 catches, 74 yards, WR Chatman - 6 catches, 74 yards, 2 TDs
(NY): QB Kanell - 23/30 272 yards, 2 TDs, RB Aska - 8 carries, 71 yards, RB Edwards - 12 carries, 53 yards, WR Dar Dar - 6 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 5 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-0)Rage 16 - 34 Express(3-2)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 16/34 223 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Black - 19 carries, 42 yards, WR Burks - 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Gaiter - 3 catches, 52 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 17/35 233 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shaw - 23 carries, 59 yards, WR McCullough - 8 catches, 106 yards

-- (3-2)Wild 27 - 28 Desperados(4-1)
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 23/42 205 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 20 carries, 132 yards, WR Morey - 6 catches, 51 yards, WR Dodson - 7 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 33/41 262 yards, 1 TD, RB Battle - 14 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 54 yards, WR Hundon - 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-2)Stars 45 - 23 Outlaws(1-3)
(LA): QB McNown - 23/38 250 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Oxendine - 20 carries, 90 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 51 yards
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 15/32 145 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 19 carries, 76 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 67 yards, 2 TDs, WR McCready - 5 catches, 57 yards

XFL Week 6: Sea Devils Run out of Gas

March 25, 2003

Seattle, WA - Despite a career-high 180 yards receiving and two touchdowns from WR Dane Looker, the Seattle Sea Devils fell to 1-5 on the season with a 38-17 loss to the San Antonio Commanders. Seattle trailed by just three at the half, but could manage only three points in the second half as the Commanders broke the game open. QB Michael Bishop led San Antonio to two third quarter touchdowns as the Commanders took a 31-17 lead entering the final quarter. Bishop finished the game 16-of-23 for 260 yards passing and three touchdowns. Game MVP Darrin Chiaverini caught 9 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns while RB Aaron Stecker added 158 yards on the ground.

"We played a great game today," said Sea Devils head coach Rick Neuheisel. "We made some mistakes, but we played hard. We did not take advantage of all our opportunities, however we played with heart and that is what I want to see out of these guys."

-- (3-2)Commanders 38 - 17 Sea Devils(1-4)
(SA): QB Bishop - 16/23 260 yards, 3 TDs, 9 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD, RB Stecker - 18 carries, 158 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 96 yards, 2 TDs, WR Merritt - 3 catches, 81 yards
(SEA): QB Smith - 22/40 295 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 13 carries, 66 yards, WR Looker - 10 catches, 180 yards, 2 TDs

-- (3-1)Steel 31 - 10 Ghosts(0-5)
(BIRM): QB Kresser - 16/23 235 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 15 carries, 95 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 19 carries, 98 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 94 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD
(COL): QB Covington - 14/37 142 yards, 1 TD, RB Montgomery - 6 carries, 21 yards, WR Dugans - 6 catches, 58 yards
*Starting QB Spergon Wynn and Joe Germaine missed game due to injury

XFL Officials Ruled Correctly on Overtime Onside Kick

March 26, 2003

Greenwich, CT - During Sunday's Dallas-Minneapolis game, the Wild kicked off in overtime, recovered their own onside kick and scored on the ensuing possession. Although Dallas failed to recover the onside kick, XFL rules stipulate that this was not considered a possession for the Desperados. The XFL is dedicated to the fact that there must be equal opportunity for both teams in overtime. The XFL does not want the unfair situation of one team winning the toss of the coin, advancing the ball, kicking a field goal and winning the game without the other team ever having a chance of possessing the football. Therefore, each team will receive an opportunity to possess the ball unless there is a defensive score in the first possession of the overtime period. A safety or interception for a touchdown will end the game. A fumbled kick return counts as a possession.

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 7: Commanders Win the Battle for Texas

March 31, 2003

Dallas, TX - Now this is what we've been waiting for. The San Antonio Commanders played tough, physical football on defense and used a balanced, efficient attack on offense to pull out an unexpected 19-14 victory over the Dallas Desperados. This not only marked the Commanders' biggest win of the season, but more importantly showed that the team has perhaps finally found their identity under head coach Mike Riley. For now, the Commanders are the XFL kings of the state of Texas. LB Jashon Sykes led the defense with a game high 7.5 tackles and two pass breakups. DB Bashir Levingston added five tackles and one pass defense.

-- (4-2)Commanders 19 - 14 Desperados(5-1)
(SA): QB Bishop - 20/38 199 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Carter - 14 carries, 76 yards, WR Stevens - 5 catches, 68 yards, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 60 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 25/40 304 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB King - 12 carries, 26 yards, WR Hundon - 5 catches, 148 yards

-- (0-6)Ghosts 12 - 41 Rage(4-1)
(COL): QB Covington - 20/41 195 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs, RB Wiley - 13 carries, 38 yards, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 86 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 15/25 294 yards, 3 TDs, RB Clark - 20 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD, WR Culver - 4 catches, 74 yards, WR Burks - 4 catches, 84 yards, WR Bailey - 3 catches, 60 yards
*Rage QB Joe Hamilton left game in 4th quarter with concussion

-- (4-2)Express 21 - 35 Enforcers(1-4)
(MEM): QB Graziani - 21/32 238 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shaw - 19 carries, 36 yards, WR McCullough - 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Simmons - 3 catches, 68 yards, 2 TDs
(CHI): QB Jackson - 21/33 282 yards, 4 TDs, RB Moss - 15 carries, 110 yards, WR Chatman - 6 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD, WR Lord - 2 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD
*Memphis' starting QB Tee Martin missed game due to injury

-- (3-3)Wild 16 - 24 Outlaws(1-4)
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 25/32 234 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 19 carries, 69 yards, WR Morey - 7 catches, 76 yards
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 22/34 237 yards, 2 TDs, RB Phillips - 19 carries, 51 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Vanover - 4 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 7: Too Little too Late

April 1, 2003

Seattle, WA - The Seattle Sea Devils outscored the Los Angeles Stars 19-12 in the second half but it was not enough as the Stars defeated Seattle 52-27 in front of 25,848 fans. "We came back in the second half and fought hard," said Sea Devils head coach Rick Neuheisel. "We did have a good effort in the second half and our defense played well enough to put us in position to win."

Los Angeles jumped out to a 14 point lead in the first quarter on two touchdown passes from QB Cade McNown, a 32 yarder to WR Rashied Davis and a 29 yard pass to WR Jeremaine Copeland. Seattle got on the board with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter on a RB Ken Simonton 10 yard run, the extra point was blocked, Seattle was down 20. Seattle came right back on the next possession as QB Akili Smith hit WR Dane Looker and after the extra point was missed, the Stars now led 26-12. Simonton was denied at the goal line on fourth and goal from the one to start the fourth quarter. Hicks got some redemption one the next drive, scoring from 14 yards out but after a feel kneel downs the game was over and the Sea Devils fell to 1-6.

-- (1-5)Sea Devils 19 - 26 Stars(4-2)
(SEA): QB Smith - 18/42 113 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 15 carries, 63 yards, 2 TDs, WR Looker - 6 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 24/45 277 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Shehee - 16 carries, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 7 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Davis - 5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-3)Guardians 17 - 31 Steel(4-1)
(NY): QB Kanell - 26/41 177 yards, 1 TD, RB Edwards - 14 carries, 51 yards, WR Green - 7 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD, WR Dar Dar - 6 catches, 51 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 16/23 258 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 13 carries, 52 yards, 3 TDs, RB Alexander - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 116 yards, 3 TDs

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 8: Stars Turn to Milanovich to Defeat Express

April 7, 2003

Memphis, TN - The Los Angeles Stars(6-2) survived the Memphis Express(4-4) with a 23-17 win on Sunday afternoon. After getting out to a big lead in the first quarter, the Stars allowed the Express to chip their way back into the game throughout the second half. They got a huge, clutch play from WR Darnell McDonald to seal the win, but it was shaky toward the end.

It was clear that the Stars should have dominated this game. The Express proved to be inferior on several drives but the Stars simply couldn’t run away with the lead. Even after going up 17-0, the Stars scored just six points through the final three quarters of the game. That said, they saw some clutch defensive plays in big situational moments. But given the shaky play from Milanovich on Sunday, it’s hard to have confidence in the backup. The Stars are hoping starter QB Cade McNown is back next week.

-- (4-3)Express 17 - 23 Stars(5-2)
(MEM): QB Graziani - 24/35 326 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Shaw - 15 carries, 11 yards, WR Minnis - 5 catches, 112 yards, WR Simmons - 5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB Milanovich - 21/34 178 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Oxendine - 11 carries, 28 yards, WR Copeland - 7 catches, 52 yards, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-1)Steel 13 - 23 Desperados(5-2)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 19/35 186 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Bostic - 17 carries, 60 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 48 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 23/36 158 yards, RB King - 10 carries, 53 yards, WR Hundon - 6 catches, 57 yards

-- (5-2)Commanders 24 - 17 Outlaws(2-4)
(SA): QB Bishop - 22/36 252 yards, 2 TDs, RB Carter - 18 carries, 80 yards, WR Merritt - 4 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 38 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 21/39 188 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 20 carries, 71 yards, WR Moses - 5 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 4 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-1)Rage 28 - 24 Guardians(3-4)
(ORL): QB Kuklick - 18/28 178 yards, 1 TD, RB Clark - 11 carries, 46 yards, WR Burks - 7 catches, 106 yards, WR Bailey - 5 catches, 48 yards
(NY): QB Kanell - 16/31 305 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Edwards - 10 carries, 22 yards, WR Dar Dar - 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 5 catches, 71 yards

XFL Week 8: Chatman, Defense Beat Columbus

April 8, 2003

Chicago, IL - It was Antonio Chatman night at Soldier Field on Monday as the Chicago Enforcers won 37-10 against the Columbus Ghosts. Chatman hauled in 10 catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns, including a stunning one-handed grab on a 33-yard bomb from QB Jarious Jackson. Chatman's two touchdowns increased his team-leading total to five and improved Chicago's record to 3-4. "It was a terrific performance by AC tonight," said Enforcers' head coach Mike Singletary. "He's struggled a bit to overcome the way defenses are keying on him this year, but I think he has started to figure things out."

-- (2-4)Enforcers 37 - 10 Ghosts(0-7)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 20/31 229 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Johnson - 18 carries, 125 yards, RB Moss - 7 carries, 64 yards, WR Chatman - 10 catches, 145 yards, 2 TDs
(COL): QB Covington - 14/28 147 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Keaton - 10 carries, 46 yards, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 9: Stars Lose Important Game

April 14, 2003

Los Angeles, CA - A disgraceful double whammy of a blown coverage and roughing-the-passer penalty with 18 seconds remaining did the trick. That was all Minneapolis needed to set up a 44-yard field goal from Ola Kimrin to escape Los Angeles with a 26-25 victory. Los Angeles twice took the lead in the final four minutes, but found a way to surrender the advantage. After a defensive battle featuring mostly field goals for the first 56 minutes, Cade McNown and Darnell McDonald blew the game open with an 85-yard touchdown connection with 3:37 remaining. Malecki would miss the ensuing extra point, which would turn out to be significant. Los Angeles just needed one stop to secure a victory, but instead allowed Minneapolis to score in three plays by failing to wrap up RB Roosevelt Potts, who took a short pass from Jim Druckenmiller near the line of scrimmage 59 yards for a touchdown. Kimrin made his extra-point to give the Dolphins a 1-point win.

-- (3-4)Wild 26 - 25 Stars(6-2)
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 25/33 286 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 27 carries, 97 yards, WR Morey - 5 catches, 133 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 25/40 277 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Shehee - 10 carries, 81 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 6 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 9: Guardians Use Comeback to Edge Outlaws

April 15, 2003

Las Vegas, NV - The New York Guardians used a fourth quarter comeback to earn their third road victory of the season, defeating the Las Vegas Outlaws, 45-42, on Sunday afternoon. A crowd of 24,340 fans witnessed 17 unanswered fourth quarter points, which includes DB Damen Wheeler's end zone interception of Outlaws' QB Giovanni Carmazzi with only 28 seconds remaining in the game, completely sealed the victory for the Guardians. New York rebounded from a poor three quarters of play in the fourth quarter as they held the Outlaws scoreless and added 17 points of their own to seal the come-from-behind victory. The Guardians began the quarter with a QB Danny Kanell to WR Yatil Green touchdown connection, which cut the Outlaws lead to 26-20. On the ensuing kickoff, WR Anthony DiCosmo recovered the onside kick, giving the ball right back to the Guardians offense. Four plays later, Kanell tied the score at 26-26 by connecting with WR Kirby Dar Dar.

After the extra point and a field goal putting New York up 30-26. With plenty of time remaining on the clock, the Outlaws drove the ball down to the down to the Guardians 29-yard line, but Clement forced the ball into the end zone where it was picked off by Wheeler.

-- (2-5)Outlaws 26 - 30 Guardians(3-5)
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 22/41 202 yards, 1 TD, RB Phillips - 16 carries, 153 yards, WR Nash - 8 catches, 87 yards, WR Moses - 5 catches, 78 yards
(NY): QB Kanell - 26/41 263 yards, 2 TDs, RB Edwards - 13 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD, WR Green - 8 catches, 86 yards, WR Dar Dar - 7 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD

-- (1-6)Sea Devils 17 - 45 Desperados(6-2)
(SEA): QB Smith - 28/55 206 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 13 carries, 66 yards, WR Looker - 8 catches, 50 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 17/23 217 yards, 3 TDs, RB Battle - 17 carries, 51 yards, WR Hundon - 5 catches, 91 yards, WR Pettis - 5 catches, 70 yards

-- (6-1)Rage 33 - 22 Enforcers(3-4)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 20/34 256 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Clark - 10 carries, 80 yards, 3 TDs, WR Burks - 4 catches, 78 yards, WR Bailey - 6 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 19/28 152 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Moss - 6 carries, 34 yards, WR Jordan - 5 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Chatman - 4 catches, 59 yards

XFL Week 9: Ghosts Defense Sparks First Win

April 16, 2003

Columbus, OH - Ghosts RB Michael Wiley scored from two yards out with 8:47 to play in overtime to give the Columbus Ghosts a thrilling 33-27 come from behind victory over the San Antonio Commanders at home in front of a small but raucous crowd of 12,521. Down by 21 points with 11:45 to play in the third quarter, the Ghosts began to create a storm of their own. Following a third quarter of miscues and missed opportunities for the Commanders, QB Joe Germaine found WR Ron Dugans in the end zone to start the comeback, bringing them to within 14 points at 24-10.

Now it was time for LB Riall Johnson and the Ghosts' defense to take over. In a play that would swing the game's momentum, Johnson picked off a Michael Bishop pass at the 18 yard line and scampered 32 yards down the right sideline for the touchdown. "We knew the game was not over and we kept fighting until the end," said Johnson, who was named the games MVP. "The fans were great. I love playing here in Columbus." Trailing by seven with 4:40 to play, Johnson came up big again. On third and four, DL Jevon Langford tipped the pass that Johnson intercepted and took to the six yard line. Following a false start penalty, Germaine hit WR Danny Farmer on a 10-yard strike to tie the score. San Antonio still had 2:00 on the clock, but the Ghosts defense stood strong and forced a 54-yard field-goal attempt that was wide right, sending the game into overtime. "We knew we still had a chance when we were down 21," said head coach Earle Bruce. "It's big to get the first win in front of our fans. We needed to steer the ship in the right direction."

"The switch went off in the fourth quarter," said Bishop. "We did not make the plays when we needed to."

-- (6-2)Commanders 27 - 33 Ghosts(0-8)
(SA): QB Bishop - 19/32 240 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 10 carries, 116 yards, RB Stecker - 18 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD, WR Chiaverini - 5 catches, 85 yards
(COL): QB Germaine - 18/23 230 yards, 2 TDs, RB Wiley - 13 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Furrey - 6 catches, 82 yards, WR Dugans - 4 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

-- (4-4)Express 3 - 31 Steel(5-2)
(MEM): QB Graziani - 16/33 207 yards, 3 INTs, RB Shaw - 6 carries, 11 yards, WR McCullough - 6 catches, 87 yards, WR Simmons - 5 catches, 96 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 17/19 207 yards, 2 TDs, RB Bostic - 23 carries, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 85 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 10: Guardians Get the Must Win Game Against Chicago

April 21, 2003

New York, NY - Chicago led 21-6 late in the fourth quarter but allowed 22 unanswered points by New York in a heartbreaking 28-21 loss. This one featured an epic collapse in the fourth quarter. Chicago completely controlled the first three quarters, but the comeback began when New York hit a 36-yard field goal to cut the Enforcers’ lead to 21-9 with 27 seconds left in the third. From there, the wheels completely fell off for the Enforcers.

On the ensuing possession, Chicago's abysmal special teams struck again. New York blocked a Chicago punt that setup a Guardian QB Danny Kanell to WR Kirby Dar Dar touchdown to make it 21-16. A few minutes later, Chicago QB Jarious Jackson committed an intentional grounding penalty in his own end zone, resulting in a safety and two more points. That safety also gave the ball back to New York, and Guardian K Leo Araguz booted his third field goal of the game at the 7:21 mark to tie the score at 21-21. The Guardian defense then forced the shell-shocked Enforcers' offense to go three-and-out, setting up what would be the game-winning drive for New York. Guardians' RB Robert Edwards broke off a 55-yard run to get into the red zone and then capped off the drive a few plays later with a two-yard plunge.

-- (4-5)Guardians 28 - 21 Enforcers(3-5)
(NY): QB Kanell - 7/19 224 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Edwards - 9 carries, 95 yards, 2 TDs, WR Green - 4 catches, 93 yards, WR Dar Dar - 3 catches, 131 yards, 1 TD
(CHI): QB Jackson - 29/47 254 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Johnson - 11 carries, 25 yards, WR Jordan - 7 catches, 103 yards, WR Chatman - 4 catches, 75 yards, 2 TDs

-- (1-8)Ghosts 26 - 17 Express(4-5)
(COL): QB Germaine - 27/36 252 yards, 2 TDs, RB Wiley - 14 carries, 35 yards, WR Furrey - 7 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Farmer - 6 catches, 108 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 16/38 198 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs, RB Shaw - 13 carries, 36 yards, WR Simmons - 6 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 5 catches, 41 yards

-- (1-7)Sea Devils 23 - 22 Outlaws(2-6)
(SEA): QB Smith - 27/47 265 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Simonton - 15 carries, 66 yards, WR Looker - 8 catches, 64 yards, WR Douglas - 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 14/30 174 yards, 1 TD, RB Phillips - 17 carries, 65 yards, WR Vanover - 5 catches, 92 yards, WR Nash - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 10: Steel Fall to Rage in Thriller

April 22, 2003

New York, NY - In a game that featured 11 lead changes, it was a valiant goal-line stand by the Orlando Rage that kept the Birmingham Steel from the division lead with a 47-43 loss. Birmingham had five shots inside the Orlando 10-yard line in the final minute before a LB James Burgess sack of QB Spergon Wynn on fourth down ended the Steel hopes for the victory. Birmingham held a 43-40 lead with just less than five minutes remaining when Orlando QB Joe Hamilton hit WR Dialleo Burks on a 16-yard scoring strike. The Steel then drove down to the Rage three-yard line where they were stopped on four consecutive plays in their effort to reach the end zone.

Orlando opened the second half with a touchdown and the two teams continued to strike back and forth. WR Randy Hymes second touchdown reception of the night with 2:44 remaining in the third quarter gave the Steel a 40-37 lead at the end of three periods. After each team kicked a field goal, Hamilton hooked up with Burks to give the Rage the lead for good.

-- (6-2)Steel 43 - 47 Rage(7-1)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 19/30 302 yards, 2 TDs, RB Alexander - 16 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 73 yards, TE Smith - 6 catches, 73 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 17/26 252 yards, 3 TDs, RB Black - 9 carries, 40 yards, WR Bailey - 5 catches, 86 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 70 yards, 2 TDs, WR Culver - 4 catches, 152 yards

-- (4-4)Wild 21 - 24 Commanders(6-3)
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 16/26 201 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 23 carries, 63 yards, 2 TDs, WR Morey - 5 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD
(SA): QB Bishop - 23/33 316 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 15 carries, 46 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 84 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 110 yards, 2 TDs

-- (7-2)Desperados 7 - 22 Stars(6-3)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 18/30 197 yards, 1 TD, RB King - 8 carries, 36 yards, WR Hundon - 6 catches, 85 yards
(LA): QB McNown - 18/28 218 yards, 2 TDs, RB Oxendine - 13 carries, 83 yards, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 3 catches, 64 yards

Rage Hamilton out for Season

April 24, 2003

Orlando, FL - The Orlando Rage announced that QB Joe Hamilton will miss the remainder of the 2003 season with a torn left rotator cuff, an injury that he sustained against the Birmingham Steel. Hamilton had season-ending surgery Thursday afternoon in Birmingham, Alabama. Hamilton's surgery was performed by world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who is internationally known for his scientific and clinical research contributions in knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries and is sought out by some of the world's greatest athletes for his expertise in athletic injuries. His recovery time is an estimated four to six months.

[BengalErnst]

Maddox, Warner Join NBC Broadcast Team

April 24, 2003

Greenwich, CT - The XFL on NBC will feature star NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and XFL Tommy Maddox serving as guest analysts this Sunday, April 27. Additionally, Maddox will stop by the XFL on NBC studio show, hosted by Al Trautwig with analysts Michael Irvin and Glenn Parker, and feature a discussion with Maddox on his XFL playing days and the impact it had on his NFL career.


XFL Week 11: Enforcers Revenge Early Season Blowout

April 28, 2003

Birmingham, AL - In a battle of the two XFL teams best known for their collapses, it was only fitting that both the Chicago Enforcers and Birmingham Steel squandered fourth quarter leads. Chicago QB Jarious Jackson sidestepped a sack with no time on the clock and found WR Antonio Chatman streaking across the front of the end zone for the tying touchdown, and Andy Crosland made a 48-yard extra-point — after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty — to lift the Enforcers to the victory. The Enforcers' comeback, another in a series of heartbreaking late-game losses for the Steel, was the culmination of a wild final few minutes that saw the lead change hands three times in the final 3:16.

Crosland made a 49-yard field goal to put the Enforcers in front, 16-14, before Birmingham QB Spergon Wynn drove the Steel the length of the field for a go-ahead score. Steel RB Curtis Alexander ran for a first down on third-and-1 with just over a minute to play, and the Enforcers, out of timeouts, let Alexander score a touchdown on the next play. Alexander realized what the Enforcers were doing too late, and could not stop his momentum before crossing the end zone with 1:04 to play.

The Enforcers started their final possession at their own 25, and quickly moved downfield. After another Wynn spike, he scrambled to his left to avoid a sack and threw the game-tying pass to Chatman.

-- (3-6)Enforcers 23 - 22 Steel(6-3)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 15/32 243 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 7 carries, 36 yards, WR Chatman - 4 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 17/25 237 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Bostic - 13 carries, 57 yards, RB Alexander - 20 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 5 catches, 144 yards, 1 TD

-- (2-7)Sea Devils 3 - 31 Ghosts(2-8)
(SEA): QB Smith - 21/38 157 yards, 3 INTs, RB Simonton - 15 carries, 147 yards, WR Looker - 5 catches, 44 yards
(COL): QB Germaine - 28/32 255 yards, 1 TD, RB Wiley - 14 carries, 51 yards, 2 TDs, WR Furrey - 8 catches, 109 yards, WR Farmer - 4 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 11: Stars Win On Last Second TD Pass

April 29, 2003

Los Angeles, CA - Stars WR Rashied Davis made a circus catch in the end zone on the game's final play and K Clay Rush converted the extra point to give the Los Angeles Stars a dramatic 37-36 win over the Minneapolis Wild. Davis, the games MVP, had game-highs of 9 catches and 107 yards, but none bigger than his 6-yard reception as the horn sounded. Davis was hit by a defender on the initial touch knocking the ball into the air. He stuck with the play and pulled the ball in with one hand for the game winning score. QB Cade McNown completed 23 passes for 275 yards and three scores while the Stars piled up 349 yards of total offense. The Wild took a 36-30 lead with 7:40 left in the fourth when QB Sherdrick Bonner tossed a 10-yard scoring pass to WR Sean Morey. Bonner completed 17 of 28 for 219 yards without an interception.

The game was a see-saw battle from the get-go with nine lead changes featured. Stars FB Keala Keanaaina rushed for a pair of scores in the final 96 seconds of the half on runs of 9 and 6 yards and finished with a career-high 43 yards for the game. The Wild gambled on the opening kickoff of the second half and it paid off when WR Brian Alfrod recovered it. Minneapolis drove methodically down the field and RB Rashaan Salaam finished it in the end zone to start off a crazy 2nd half.

-- (4-5)Wild 36 - 37 Stars(7-3)
(MIN): QB Bonner - 17/28 219 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 18 carries, 94 yards, 2 TDs, WR Morey - 8 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 21/28 275 yards, 3 TDs, RB Keanaaina - 8 carries, 43 yards, 2 TDs, WR Davis - 9 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 80 yards

-- (4-6)Express 23 - 27 Rage(8-1)
(MEM): QB Martin - 19/31 215 yards, 1 TD, RB Autry - 13 carries, 35 yards, WR McCullough - 7 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Simmons - 6 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Kuklick - 18/27 215 yards, 1 TD, RB Black - 11 carries, 23 yards, 2 TDs, WR Burks - 6 catches, 69 yards, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 53 yards, WR Culver - 4 catches, 79 yards

XFL Week 11: Las Vegas Upends Dallas

April 30, 2003

Las Vegas, NV - The Dallas Desperados defense held the Las Vegas Outlaws scoreless in the second half but could not overcome a 15 point halftime deficit as the Desperados fell to the Outlaws in front of 18,936 fans. "We had two costly turnovers in the red zone and that was the margin of the game," said Desperados head coach Jerry Glanville. "We got down in the first half and it was a lot to ask of our defense to keep us close."

Dallas QB Clint Stoerner left the game in the third quarter with a sprained right thumb(throwing hand). Stoerner was nine of 14 for 130 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Backup QB Pat Barnes came in relief to pass six of 14 for 68 yards. LB Joe Tuipala had a game high 10.5 tackles, one interception and one pass breakup. LBs Ryan Phillips and Rob Frederickson each tallied seven tackles.

-- (7-3)Desperados 20 - 25 Outlaws(2-7)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 9/14 130 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB King - 13 carries, 67 yards, WR Hundon - 4 catches, 95 yards
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 15/30 153 yards, 3 TDs, RB Phillips - 13 carries, 74 yards, RB Chukwuma - 5 carries, 83 yards, WR Nash - 6 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, TE Brady - 4 catches, 17 yards, 2 TDs