The XFL Names New Era Official Sideline Headwear Partner
November 2, 2018
San Francisco, CA – The XFL announced a multi-year partnership with New Era Cap Co. Inc., making the international sports and lifestyle brand the official sideline headwear partner of the league. Fans of the Atlanta Alphas, Birmingham Iron, Memphis Express, Orlando Apollos, Mexico City Conquerors, St. Louis Stallions, San Antonio Commanders and San Diego Fleet will be able to purchase the brand's headwear styles at retail in XFL stadiums on game days or online.
"As we continue to build our alliance of world class partners, it was an easy decision to bring in New Era Cap to provide our players and fans with signature, premium caps on-the-field, in-the-stands and at home," said Charlie Ebersol, XFL co-founder and CEO. "New Era Cap is a brand rooted in sports and innovation, and has become synonymous with our favorite players, leagues and teams, making them a perfect partner for the league."
"The XFL's commitment to players, fans and the game make it a strong addition to our portfolio of licensed league partners," said Ryan DiNunzio, Director of Football for New Era Cap. "We are excited to bring our unique style to the league in its historic first year, providing fans and players with high-quality gear so they can proudly rep their team anywhere."
InAugural XFL Rules Announced
November 9, 2018
Stamford, CT – America's favorite game is evolving, and that means less stall and more ball. When the XFL Opening Weekend kicks off, the new league will feature exciting gameplay innovations that deliver what football fans have told us they want, a faster pace of play and more action. The league gathered ideas and input from a variety of qualified and credible sources, including current and former football coaches, players, officials, broadcasters, medical professionals, and sports industry experts - along with, a nationwide survey of more than 26,000 football fans. Then, over the last year, the XFL tested a wide range of rules and gameplay options under game conditions on the field of play. The gameplay innovations that resulted from this intensive effort put the XFL in a position to offer more of the excitement and on-the-field elements that fans love, meaningful plays, minimal downtime, heightened competition, and enhanced player safety. We're doing this in a manner that allows the XFL to stay true to the game America loves most and without any gimmicks ever.
- Safer Kickoff Returns - Coverage teams will line up just five yards apart to make the kickoff safer for players. Touchback penalties will be in place to incentivize returnable kicks and the potential for the big plays.
- 4th Down and 15 - In place of the onside kick, the trailing team will receive the ball on their own 35 yard line facing fourth down and 10.
- More Action For Points After Touchdowns - A tiered point system allows teams to go for one point from the 2-yard line, two points from the 5-yard line and three points from the 10-yard line. A possible "nine-point touchdown" means an 18-point deficit is still a two-possession game.
- Shootout-Style Overtime Format - Each team's best offensive and defensive players will determine the result of a game tied at the end of regulation time. Each team receives five attempts to score from the 5-yard line in a hockey shootout format, with the clubs alternating attempts (receiving two points per success) until one team's total is insurmountable.
- Double Forward Pass - Multiple forward passes will be allowed behind the line of scrimmage to create more play options for offenses.
- Running Game Clock and Fewer Timeouts - The clock will run continuously outside of the two-minute warning, and teams will only be allotted two timeouts per half.
-25-Second Play Clock - A 25-second play clock that begins after the ball is spotted for the next play will eliminate some of the downtime between plays.
-One Foot in Bounds - Only one foot needs to be in bounds to be counted as a reception (this allows players to stabilize their bodies and reduce the chance of injury).
-Shorter Halftime - Halftime will be a 10-minute period before the action resumes.
-Dedicated Ball-Spotting Official - Eliminates confusion, enables quicker ball spots and powers a faster game.
Redskins to Sign Josh Johnson After Colt McCoy Season-Ending Leg Injury
December 4, 2018
San Diego, CA – The Washington Redskins are signing QB Josh Johnson. Johnson played for four teams from 2009 to 2014 and made five starts. He's thrown five touchdowns, 10 interceptions and completed 54.2 percent of his passes. Johnson was most recently the No. 1 overall pick in the XFL draft by the San Diego Fleet.
The acquisition comes after Washington signal-caller Colt McCoy suffered a broken right fibula against the Philadelphia Eagles that ended his season. No. 1 quarterback Alex Smith suffered a broken tibia and fibula versus the Houston Texans on November 18. Veteran Mark Sanchez is now the starter, but the Skins are clearly looking for further insurance.
The XFL Announces Eight 2020 Expansion Home Cities
December 5, 2018
New York, NY – The XFL announced the eight cities and venues its 2020 expansion teams will call home when the league launches it's second season. Dallas(Globe Life Park), Houston(TDECU Stadium), Los Angeles(StubHub Center), New York(MetLife Stadium), Charlotte(Bank of America Stadium), Seattle(CenturyLink Field), Tampa Bay(Raymond James Stadium), Washington, DC(Audi Field). The announcement was made today by XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck at a press conference held at MetLife Stadium, which included representatives from all eight markets.
"After months of research and consideration, we're thrilled to announce the cities and venues of the XFL's next eight teams," said Luck. "We are committed to being ingrained in the local community and extremely fortunate that our teams will have world-class facilities to call home."
Birmingham Iron Building Roster with in-state Talent
December 16, 2019
Birmingham, AL - "The way the XFL is set it up, it should be equal throughout all eight teams," head coach Tim Lewis said, "because every team has the rights to enough players, they've done numbers on how many have been drafted into the NFL, so it should come out equal. Now we don't think that way. We think we're going to get some excellent players from those schools. Alabama, Auburn, UAB, some of our schools that have a lot of guys going into the NFL, but they have a lot make it and stay on NFL rosters. But we will have several good players from those allocated schools of ours. Let me put it this way: I'm glad we've got them."
"The roster will continue to take shape over the month," Lewis said. "Our staff has done a fantastic job of putting it together thus far, and the fans will see some familiar faces. We're committed to bringing home a championship. That's the goal of the coaching staff and our organization. That's what we're working toward. The fans can expect high-quality football being played at Legion Field in the spring. They better get their tickets, and they better get ready for a good show."
CFL Partners with LFA, GFL and XL for Developmental Purposes
December 18, 2018
Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA - CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie announced this morning that the league would be focusing on expanding the game of football internationally. Ambrosie announced that the CFL has partnered with the Professional American Football League of Mexico (LFA), the German Football League (GFL) and the Japanese X-League, allowing all three leagues to serve as developmental leagues for the CFL.
The CFL also announced that they would be expanding their rosters to allow for two designated active roster international players along with three practice squad international players that wouldn't count against the league's salary cap. Diego Viamontes, the reigning MVP of the LFA, would be the first international player signed to the league as he would be joining the Edmonton Eskimos for the 2019 season as a WR/KR.
XFL GM praises Josh Johnson's play with Redskins
December 21, 2018
San Antonio, TX - Picking up his first-ever NFL victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, Redskins QB Josh Johnson has quickly shown that still he belongs in the league. Johnson’s fast success with the Redskins is a bit surprising to see, especially since a month ago he was all set to be the starting quarterback for the San Diego Fleet in the new XFL. But for Fleet general manager Dave Boller, who selected Johnson first overall in the XFL draft, the veteran quarterback’s success with the Redskins isn’t at all surprising.
“Josh felt like he had something to prove, that he could still play in the NFL,” Boller said. “When we watched his tape, we knew he still had the skillset to play as well. Josh’s combine workout seven years ago was one of the best of any quarterbacks ever, from throwing to running to jumping, everything. He hit it out of the park. You just have to scratch your head. Even in his last preseason game for Baltimore, he was playing with third stringers in the second half and I think he led them on two or three drives.”
XFL Teams Start Training Camps Today
January 4, 2019
San Antonio, TX - The countdown to the XFL's inaugural season reaches another milestone today. The eight teams in the XFL, begin training camp today in San Antonio, Texas. Each team starts camp with 60 players, with rosters cut to 50 for the start of the season.
"As we get closer to our first snap on February 3rd, our experienced general managers and personnel teams have been working around the clock to build their rosters and offer players a chance to begin, extend or revitalize their careers," said Oliver Luck, XFL commissioner. "I know the pressure and dedication that goes into building a championship-caliber team and it's been exciting to see our rosters fill up with talented athletes that have come from all over the country, from small universities in the Midwest to powerhouse SEC schools and successful NFL franchises. They are all vying for another shot in professional football."
XFL Unveils Austin Generals Role in the League
January 25, 2019
Austin, TX – The idea isn’t revolutionary, though it’s unique to professional football today. The XFL has established the Austin Generals for the benefit of the rest of the 8-team league and for 40 players still chasing their football dreams. The Generals are essentially an extra squad stocked with players available to fill open roster spots on any team in the league at any time. Say the Orlando Apollos lose a safety in Week 2, they can “call up” a football-ready replacement in time to face the New York Guardians in Week 3.
“In every football league, there is constant churn,” XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck said. “I’m sure every one of these rosters is going to change by the time Week 1 rolls around. They’ll bring in new guys or someone pulls a hamstring, it’s just inevitable. So the Generals will be ready to roll as a replacement team that’s got to be constantly replenished, so all these guys that get the bad news about getting cut, a bunch of them are going to be back in the league through the Generals. It was lifted directly from my experience with NFL Europe,” Luck said. “We literally called it ‘Team Dallas’ because it was in Dallas. The genesis of that was with teams in Europe, American players needed work permits. You couldn’t pick up a left tackle off the street in Scotland. We needed a group of guys who could practice and literally jump on a plane.”
XFL Head of Football, Bill Polian, is overseeing the Generals, which will now be based in Austin, Texas, and will practice and share some resources with the future Dallas XFL franchise, such as training and medical services, it will largely function as a separate entity. "Work visas aren’t required this time around, but the need remains." Polian referred to the Generals as the “best 40 players that our teams want at the ready.” The slimmed-down roster won’t include specialists but will have all other position groups and will practice several times per week. “Guys that are on Generals, probably a quarter of them will end up starting multiple games in the XFL this season,” he said. “Their dreams aren’t close to being dead.”
XFL Finds Ownership Group for Expansion Dallas Franchise
January 25, 2019
Frisco, TX – Professional football returns to Frisco next spring with the launch of the XFL's newest member. The team will be owned by Steve and Kim Germain. "We are super excited about doing business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas," said Kim Germain. "We literally could have placed this team in any city in the country and we chose Frisco because of its people, its reputation and just because there is so much excitement and energy in and around the city. Frisco is a spectacular area and the people of Frisco deserve this exciting sport."
"Anytime you can add another quality ownership group that fits our future vision and mission to grow the XFL, it makes a great day," stated XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. "We are growing in the right markets with the right people at the right time"
The Germain family are no strangers to professional sports and entertainment, the Germain family has also owned stakes in indoor football teams, NASCAR teams and has been involved in naming rights of arenas and entertainment venues. "Mr. Germain is committed to making XFL football in the Dallas area a huge success and he and his family are in this for the long haul, as you will see as we begin to make announcements in the very near future," said Charlie Ebersol, XFL co-founder. "You could not ask for a better family or an ownership group that cares as much about the game than the Germains. We look forward to matching their enthusiasm for the sport with our play on the field to bring Dallas a team they will be proud to support."
"Make no mistake, we have extremely high expectations. As you will soon learn, our management team and our coaching staff are collectively approaching 100 years in the indoor football game. We've won championships, but most of all, we've successfully assimilated the local community wherever we have been, and we look forward to doing so here in Frisco," said Steve Germain.
The team will soon make announcements about the team name, logo, coaches, ticket sales, and how to partner with the new organization.
NFL Network to Televise 20 XFL Games
February 1, 2019
San Francisco, CA – The XFL and NFL Network announced a multi-year programming deal that will include live event coverage of the XFL's regular season. Starting with the opening weekend, NFL Network will air two games per week in primetime on Saturday and Sunday night.
"NFL Network understands the mission and vision for the XFL and what we are trying to accomplish," said Charlie Ebersol, XFL co-founder and CEO. "This partnership will now keep professional football in its primetime television spot, allowing fans to continue watching America's most popular sport well into the spring."
"Having live football games on NFL Network in February, March, and April will be a great addition to our lineup and a nice complement to our coverage of the NFL Combine and NFL Draft," said Mark Quenzel, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production at NFL Network.
Michael Vick now Taking Non-Coaching Role in XFL
February 5, 2019
Atlanta, GA - The former Pro Bowl quarterback is now taking on a new role, still in the league, but away from coaching. "Vick is instead taking on a role in the league's administrative body. It was an unusual set of circumstances in that Mike had accepted a role with Brad Childress early on as an offensive coach, as an offensive coordinator," XFL Commissioner Bill Polian said. "And then with Brad's sudden departure, things, they kind of just, they got hard. I can't thank the Atlanta franchise enough for pulling through the hard times. But circling back to Mike, his role is going to change. You can appreciate the difficulty from a place he was put into. His role is going to change and we spoke to Mike over the past couple days and he's going to move over and assume a league role along with Hines Ward in player development. That's the best place for him."
"Because of the timing thing, it wasn't possible for him to come in and take an active role with respect to the offense," Alphas head coach Kevin Coyle said. "So Mike and I both agreed in a conversation last night that let's just take a deep breath and let's kind of embrace the league, embrace the experience and we'll see where the coaching opportunities are down the road."
United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merger
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Bob Stoops Named Head Coach of XFL Dallas
February 7, 2019
Dallas, TX - The XFL announced that Bob Stoops, the winningest head coach in University of Oklahoma history, has been named head coach and general manager of the XFL team in Dallas.
"We're incredibly excited to have an individual as accomplished as Bob Stoops join the XFL family," said Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner. "Bob's achievements at Oklahoma are legendary, and he's the perfect person to lead our team in Dallas. Having a coach as successful as Bob share the XFL's vision to reimagine the game is energizing and further validates our mission."
"I'm looking forward to working with Vince McMahon, Oliver Luck and the great group of people they've put together to help develop the XFL and build an outstanding team for fans in the Dallas area," said Stoops. "When the chance to play a key role in building a new football league came my way I couldn't pass it up. The style of play in this league will allow us to innovate and refresh the game, and that makes me excited to get back to the sideline again."
XFL Week 1: Tough Commanders Too Much for Fleet, 15-6, in Opener
February 9, 2019
San Antonio, TX - QB Logan Woodside passed for 255 yards and Nick Rose made three field goals to lead San Antonio to a 15-6 victory over San Diego on Saturday night in front of 27,857 fans at the Alamodome. The Commanders piled up 364 yards of offense and held the Fleet to 295. San Antonio also finished with a huge edge in time of possession, intercepted three passes and harassed Fleet passers with six sacks on the night, including a crushing hit on San Diego starting QB Mike Bercovici that sent his helmet flying. Woodside, who played collegiately at Toledo, completed 18 of 36 passes, including five apiece to MeKale McKay (80 yards) and Greg Ward Jr. (65 yards). Alonzo Moore added 78 receiving yards on three catches. Meanwhile, Orion Stewart led the defense with six tackles and recorded one of the interceptions, along with De'Vante Busby and Zack Sanchez.
Commanders K Nick Rose hit a pair of first half field goals to give the home side a 6-0 advantage, but the Fleet rallied with a pair of field goals late in the half to knot the score at six at halftime. Starting field position hampered both offenses in the first half as two offensive drives began at the seven-yard line and another at the five. After a scoreless third period, San Antonio cracked the end-zone on the first play of the fourth quarter on a three-yard run by RB Kenneth Farrow to provide the winning margin. Rose capped the scoring with his third field goal with 3:34 remaining. A late, promising San Diego drive ended with an interception in the end-zone. For the Fleet, QB Philip Nelson replaced Bercovici behind center in the third period, but didn't fare much better against the stifling Commanders defense.
-- (0-0)Fleet 6 - 15 Commanders(0-0)
(SD): QB Bercovici - 15/25 176 yards, 2 INTs, RB Gardner - 8 carries, 55 yards, WR Brown - 6 catches, 66 yards, WR Ford - 3 catches, 56 yards, TE Escobar - 4 catches, 48 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 18/36 255 yards, 2 INTs, RB Cobb - 15 carries, 79 yards, RB Farrow - 14 carries, 37 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 5 catches, 80 yards, WR Moore - 3 catches, 78 yards, WR Ward - 5 catches, 65 yards
XFL Week 1: Apollos Crush Alphas 40-6 in Inaugural Outing
February 9, 2019
Orlando, FL - Behind coach Steve Spurrier, the Orlando Apollos overwhelmed the Atlanta Legends, 40-6, before 20,191 in the rain at Orlando's at Spectrum Stadium. The Apollos offense stole the show as Orlando dominated the first half against visiting Atlanta to take a 22-6 lead into the locker room.
Trailing 16-6 with under a minute left in the first half, Alphas coach Brad Childress gambled by going for it on fourth and one in his own territory with under a minute left. The move backfired when the Apollos stopped them and then scored on a Spurrier special right before the half to take a commanding lead. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert caught the late first-half score on a pass from WR Jalin Marshall. Gilbert also threw for the first touchdown in XFL history to Marshall earlier in the game. An early fourth quarter scoring pass to RB D'Ernest Johnson put the game out of reach at 31-6, and Orlando added a pick six by LB Terence Garvin off a tipped pass to make the rout complete. In addition to his touchdown reception, Gilbert completed 15 of 25 throws for 227 yards and a pair of scores. The Alphas struggled after taking an early 3-0 lead. K Younghoe Koo scored the first points in league history with a first quarter field goal. Atlanta QB Matt Simms completed 15 of 28 throws with a pair of interceptions.
-- (0-0)Alphas 6 - 40 Apollos(0-0)
(ATL): QB Simms - 15/28 164 yards, 2 INTs, RB Folston - 15 carries, 56 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 43 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 15/25 227 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hunt - 10 carries, 73 yards, RB Johnson - 10 carries, 48 yards, 2 catches, 33 yards, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 60 yards, WR Hyman - 3 catches, 45 yards, WR Marshall 1/1 5 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 1: Iron Curtain Shuts out Memphis, 26-0
February 10, 2019
Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Iron defense pitched the XFL's first ever shutout and RB Trent Richardson ran in a pair of touchdowns in a 26-0 victory over the Memphis Express before 17,039 Sunday afternoon in pro football's return to Legion Field. Kept in check most of the day, Richardson scored on runs of four and five yards in the second half and also added a two-point conversion.
Birmingham QB Luis Perez went 19-of-33 for 252 yards, with WR Quinton Patton on the receiving end of four balls for 107 yards. Iron K Nick Novak provided all the scoring in the first half, connecting on three field goals as Birmingham built a 9-0 lead at the break. Novak added another successful kick in the second half. Memphis QB Christian Hackenburg completed just 10 of 23 attempts for 87 yards with an interception. QB Brandon Silvers replaced him late in the game and promptly threw an interception. Eleven penalties for 97 yards further slowed the Express.
"Oh, it was the first shutout? I haven't had a chance to watch any of the other games yet. Well, I'll tell you the defensive coordinator, Rick Minter, we worked really hard putting together a plan with a limited amount of exposure to that team that we had. We didn't know if they were going to be an empty, wildcat, or throw the ball all night or run it all night. We just had no idea as all the teams go into it in the dark. I thought he did a fantastic job at putting together a defensive package that kept it all in front and inside and tackled the catch, and that's what we did and got the players to understand it, they bought into it, and executed it," said Iron head coach Tim Lewis.
-- (0-0)Express 0 - 26 Iron(0-0)
(MEM): QB Hackenberg - 10/23 87 yards, 1 INT, RB Stacy - 17 carries, 76 yards, WR Horn - 2 catches, 28 yards, WR Howard - 4 catches, 33 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 19/33 252 yards, RB Richardson - 23 carries, 58 yards, 2 TDs, WR Patton - 4 catches, 107 yards, WR Etta-Tawo - 6 catches, 36 yards
XFL Week 1: Wolford, Conquerors Put on a Show with 38-22 Win over St. Louis
February 10, 2019
Mexico City, MEXICO - The Mexico City Conquerors closed out the XFL's opening weekend with a 38-22 victory over the St. Louis Stallions. Mexico City QB John Wolford opened the scoring when he hit TE Gerald Christian for a five-yard touchdown with 1:03 left in the first quarter. The pass capped off a 95-yard drive. RB Matt Asiata replied for St. Louis with a one-yard scoring run in the second period to knot the game at 8-8. Following a stalled drive, Wolford made St. Louis pay for a muffed punt when he hit WR Rashad Ross in stride for a 36-yard touchdown on the next play. K Nick Folk's 53-yard field goal pushed the Conquerors' advantage to 19-8 at 3:25 of the second quarter. QB Josh Woodrum connected with WR Jordan Leslie for a score with 13 seconds left in the second quarter, and the two-point conversion brought St. Louis within 19-16 at the half.
Unfortunately for the Stallions, Woodrum injured his hamstring right before the half. QB Matt Linehan replaced him to open the third quarter. Wolford went right to work after the break. He hit Ross again with 2:52 left in the third for a four-yard score to make it 27-16. Conquerors WR De'Mornay Pierson-El intercepted Linehan on the following play and Wolford immediately found Pressley for a 30-yard touchdown to push the advantage to 35-16. The two touchdown passes came just 14 seconds apart on the game clock. Linehan responded with a seven-yard dart to TE Nick Truesdell in the back of the end-zone to cut the Mexico City deficit to 35-22 with 11:37 left in the game. Folk connected from 32 yards out with 6:07 remaining for the final points of the game. The veteran kicker finished his night two-for-three, including a 53-yarder. Wolford stole the show, completing 18 of 29 throws for 275 yards and all four Conquerors' touchdowns. Ross was on the receiving end of five of those balls for 103 yards and two scores. The XFL does not use extra points. Mexico City finished the night four-for-four on their two-point conversion attempts while St. Louis went two-for-three.
-- (0-0)Stallions 22 - 38 Conquerors(0-0)
(STL): QB Woodrum - 10/22 103 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, QB Linehan - 7/13 56 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Oliver - 8 carries, 40 yards, RB Bouagnon - 16 carries, 39 yards, WR Denham - 5 catches, 59 yards, TE Truesdell - 3 catches, 23 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Wolford - 18/29 275 yards, 4 TDs, RB Pressley - 18 carries, 64 yards, RB Stockton - 15 carries, 69 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 103 yards, 2 TDs, WR - Mullaney - 5 catches, 57 yards, TE Christian - 4 catches, 44 yards
Steve Spurrier says Tim Tebow is Sticking with Baseball
February 12, 2019
Orlando, FL - One Florida Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback will not be coaching another in the XFL. Steve Spurrier, said this morning that after the XFL briefly reached out to Tebow in the ball, it became clear that Tebow’s focus is on playing baseball.
“No, and I don’t blame Tim,” Spurrier said. “Tim’s got a chance to go to Major League Baseball. I think Tim’s probably headed in the baseball direction. I don’t blame him. If I were in his situation I’d probably do the same thing.”
Although Tebow is still a long shot to become a Major Leaguer, he has played better in the minor leagues of the Mets organization than most people expected, and he’ll be in spring training with the Mets this year. Tebow is enormously popular and would be a huge asset to the XFL, but it’s not going to happen.
The XFL Looks to Build on Strong Debut in Week Two
February 13, 2019
San Francisco, CA - Following its historic debut last weekend, the XFL is pleased. One of the biggest surprises of the opening weekend was the positive reactions to the league's debut from much of the national media. Back in 2001, many of the same outlets began their unrelenting criticism of the XFL. For the iteration, many media outlets said nothing but good things about the relaunched league. The public response was stronger than expected as well. CBS scored a 1.9 rating and 3.25 million viewers for the inaugural AAF games. Head-to-head, the XFL topped ABC's competing Thunder-Rockets NBA regular season game, which had a 1.7 and 2.67 million.
"This was an incredible opening weekend for the XFL, in which the quality of play and fan support far exceeded my expectations," said Charlie Ebersol, XFL co-founder & CEO. "We had the number one sports app on iTunes and Google Play, strong viewership on CBS, CBS Sports Network and NFL Network, 11 of the 20 top trending topics on Twitter in the U.S. on Saturday night. These are all accomplishments I couldn't have imagined when we first started this conversation three years ago. The narrative of the XFL will be a growth story, so now it's back to work as we look to improve week to week."
"Our focus heading into this inaugural season was football, football, football," said Bill Polian, XFL Head of Football. "We wanted to put a quality product on the field, and I'm proud of what was on display this weekend. We saw big plays on both sides of the ball and I loved the intensity the players showed. There are areas that certainly need to be improved, but that's why we have high caliber coaches on the sidelines, to help our players learn, grow and improve on and off the field."
LA Chargers GM sees Potential for XFL as Developmental League for NFL
February 14, 2019
Los Angeles, CA - Count Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco as a fan of the XFL. Telesco said he watched the league's slate of games over the weekend with his two sons and believes the XFL could potentially be a developmental league for the NFL. Telesco said he spoke with his former mentor, XFL Head of Football Bill Polian, last year about what Telesco would like to see in a developmental league, and that he will send representatives from the Chargers' pro personnel department to scout XFL games.
"It's a great idea," Telesco said. "It has the potential to be a nice complement to the NFL. It's a great spot for a developmental league for players, but even aside from that, coaches and front office, officiating, athletic trainers and video equipment people, public relations, all of that. So I think it's a great place where people can develop in every department of football operations. Every department that touches a football team can get some real-life experience."
Telesco said he'll have scouts from his pro personnel department at the game, including the San Diego Fleet's home opener against the Atlanta Alphas on Sunday.
"With San Diego close pretty close, it will be pretty convenient for us to scout," Telesco said. "It's a place where young guys can go play. No. 1, you get a chance to go play football and get paid for it, so that's nice. No. 2, you get great coaching. And No. 3, you get a chance to put tape together so the NFL can evaluate you again. Most of these guys we've seen before, but it gives them a chance to develop and learn, get better at their craft and get it on tape."
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Stallions Open 400 Level Seating for First Home Game
February 15, 2019
St. Louis, MO - The XFL announced that due to overwhelming demand for the St. Louis Stallions, the league has increased the seating capacity for the team's home opener at The Dome at America's Center. Single-game tickets in the 400-level for the home opener will go on sale this Monday. "The support from St. Louis fans has been outstanding," said Janet Duch, Chief Marketing and Team Business Operations Officer of the XFL. "We saw the anticipation and demand for the home opener and decided it was time to increase capacity in the stadium to let as many fans as possible show their love for the game and the long-awaited return of football to St. Louis."
XFL Week 2: Iron Pounce on St. Louis Mistakes to Stay Perfect
February 16, 2019
Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Iron broke through late for a 12-9 victory over the visiting St. Louis Stallions before 17,319 at Legion Field Saturday afternoon. After falling behind 9-0 and with Birmingham looking listless on offense for much of the game, a crucial fumbled punt return was recovered in the end zone by Iron LB Shaheed Salmon with 2:36 left in the third. RB Trent Richardson scored the game-winner on a two-yard burst up the middle with 4:36 left in the fourth. Birmingham QB Luis Perez connected on 24 of 38 attempts for 184 yards, helping make up for a running game that managed just 47 yards all day. Richardson ran for 41 yards and a score, his third in two weeks.
"Offensively, we just grounded it out," said Birmingham head coach Tim Lewis. "They were a big, strong team and it did not shock me. Coach Erickson is a heck of a coach. They brought a really big, salty team in here. They had lost their game to Arizona, and they were meaning to do business to us. We stood up to the challenge. They brought their team in ready to do their thing and they had us down 9-0 at halftime. We had to find a way to grind it out so my hats off to him and his staff and his players for putting up a heck of a game. They are a big, strong, tough team and they kept everything in front and inside, and they did a really heal very many points against us."
Stallions K Taylor Bertolet suffered a miserable game in the loss. After connecting on a 53-yard field goal to give St. Louis a 9-0 advantage in the second quarter, he missed three second half field goals, including a potential game-tying kick with under a minute left. Another field goal attempt was crushed by a bad snap. The St. Louis rushing attack amassed 151 yards on the ground, led by RB Joel Bouagnon with 70 yards on 11 carries. Stallions QB Austin Allen, seeing his first action of the season, completed 15 of 31 passes for 114 yards.
-- (0-1)Stallions 9 - 12 Iron(1-0)
(STL): QB Allen - 15/31 114 yards, RB Bouagnon - 11 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD, RB Oliver - 14 carries, 59 yards, WR Pierson-El - 6 catches, 28 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 24/38 184 yards, RB Richardson - 19 carries, 41 yards, 7 catches, 50 yards, WR Patton - 3 catches, 44 yards
XFL Week 2: Conquerors Revive Offense Late, Rally for 20-18 Victory at Memphis
February 16, 2019
Memphis, TN - The Mexico City Conquerors rallied late for a 20-18 victory at the Liberty Bowl in the home opener for the Memphis Express Saturday night. Mexico City trailed 12-0 at halftime, a margin that lasted most of the third quarter. QB John Wolford hit WR Rashad Ross for Mexico City's first score with 1:06 left in the third to cut their deficit to 12-6, but Memphis QB Christian Hackenberg countered with a four-yard scoring run to make it 18-6 Express at 13:40 of the fourth. RB Justin Stockton bolted through the Memphis defense on a 45-yard touchdown scamper on Mexico City's ensuing possession, with Wolford running in the two-point conversion, the only successful attempt of the night. Wolford completed Mexico City's third consecutive scoring drive by connecting with RB Tim Cook from four yards out for the winning score at the 7:07 mark of the fourth.
Mexico City's defense controlled the Memphis offense after Hackenberg's touchdown run in the third. The Conquerors stopped Hackenberg inches short on a fourth down attempt with 3:29 left and didn't let the Express offense reach its own 30 yard-line on its last possession. Wolford connected on 14 of 22 attempts for 194 yards with two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Mexico City ran for 209 yards, topped by Cook's 73 on the ground. WR Josh Huff caught two passes for a team-high 84 yards. RB Zac Stacy ran for 101 yards and a score to lead a Memphis rushing attack that totaled 175 in a losing effort. Hackenberg completed 14 of 25 throws for just 102 yards. Memphis drew 21,980 for its home opener on a cool, 39-degree night.
-- (1-0)Conquerors 20 - 18 Express(0-1)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 14/22 193 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cook - 13 carries, 72 yards, RB Pressley - 12 carries, 58 yards, RB Stockton - 11 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Horn - 5 catches, 56 yards
(MEM): QB Hackenberg - 14/25 102 yards, 7 carries, 39 yards, RB Stacy - 18 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 2 catches, 84 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 67 yards
XFL Week 2: Orlando Apollos Rally for 37-29 Victory over San Antonio Commanders
February 17, 2019
San Antonio, TX - Garrett Gilbert passed for 393 yards and two touchdowns and Orlando rallied from a 12-point, second-half deficit for a 37-29 victory over San Antonio on Sunday afternoon in front of 29,176 fans at the Alamodome. Gilbert, who played collegiately at Texas and SMU, completed 19 of 28 passes in leading the Apollos to the comeback road win. His favorite target was WR Charles Johnson, who hauled in seven passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. With San Antonio clinging to a 29-23 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Gilbert found WR Jalin Marshall for a 23-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Orlando had a chance to take the lead but Gilbert's pass attempt on the two-point try fell incomplete. However, the Apollos did reclaim the lead on the next possession, as DB Keith Reaser stepped in front of a QB Logan Woodside pass and returned it 39 yards to paydirt. WR Rannell Hall hauled in a Gilbert pass on the two-point conversion attempt to put the Apollos up 37-29.
On the ensuing possession, the Commanders marched all the way inside the Orlando 5-yard line, but a fourth-and-goal pass from Woodside was batted away in the end zone, turning the ball back over to the visitors, who ran out the final three minutes and five seconds on the clock to drop the Commanders to 1-1 on the season. Nursing an 18-17 halftime advantage, San Antonio K Nick Rose booted his third field goal of the night, this one from 37 yards, to put the home team up 21-17 early in the third quarter. The Commanders then scored their first-ever defensive touchdown when LB Jayrone Elliott's strip sack of Gilbert was picked up by DL Joey Mbu, who rumbled eight yards into the end zone for the score. Woodside found TE Evan Rodriguez on a successful two-point attempt to push the lead to 29-17, but Orlando would rally, starting with a pair of K Eliott Fry field goals that made it a six-point contest with 13:55 remaining. Woodside passed for 223 yards and a touchdown and RB Kenneth Farrow rushed for a game-high 74 yards on 13 carries, as San Antonio gained 398 yards and held the ball for 35:30, compared to Orlando's 24:30.
San Antonio raced out to a 12-0 lead after two possessions. Farrow took a direct snap, weaved his way around left end and flipped into the end zone to open the scoring. On the ensuing possession, Woodside found Rodriguez wide open in the flats for a walk-in score on the final play of the opening stanza. The Apollos finally got on the board early in the second, as a 54-yard pass down the left sideline from Gilbert to Johnson set up a 1-yard TD plunge by RB De'Veon Smith, who also ran in the 2-point conversion untouched to make it 12-8. The teams then traded field goals, as Rose drilled a 50-yarder midway through the quarter and Fry answered from 35 yards to make it 15-11. Orlando grabbed a 17-15 lead late in the first half on a 21-yard pass from Gilbert to Johnson in the corner of the end zone, but Rose connected from 38 yards as time expired in the half to give San Antonio the lead once again.
-- (1-0)Apollos 37 - 29 Commanders(1-0)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 19/28 393 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 8 carries, 57 yards, WR Johnson - 7 catches, 192 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 3 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Thompson - 2 catches, 70 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 20/39 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Farrow - 13 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, RB Green - 12 carries, 69 yards, WR Ayers - 5 catches, 80 yards, WR McKay - 5 catches, 71 yards
XFL Week 2: Fleet Find the End Zone, First Win over Atlanta, 24-12
February 17, 2019
San Diego, CA - After playing nearly 111 minutes of football without scoring a touchdown, San Diego Fleet RB Ja'Quan Gardner found the end zone twice in the fourth quarter to lift San Diego to a 24-12 victory over the Atlanta Alphas in the Fleet's rainy home opener. An announced crowd of 30,019 welcomed professional football back to San Diego more than two years after the NFL's Chargers left for Los Angeles. "This is a huge win for us to get back on track," said Gardner. "Very fun game, ecstatic crowd. Football is back in San Diego and we couldn't be happier."
Atlanta, also held without a touchdown in week one, scored its first touchdown in the opening quarter on a 19-yard pass from QB Matt Simms to WR Malachi Jones, staking the Alphas to a 9-0 advantage. The score was set up by a DB Carlos Merritt interception. The Fleet managed a pair of late first-half field goals from K Donny Hageman to cut Atlanta's lead to three at the half. LB Ryan Moeller set the Fleet up for the second kick by picking off a deflected pass. Gardner powered San Diego back into the game, running for a game-high 104 yards and the pair of scores. All told, the Fleet rolled up 185 yards rushing, out-gaining Atlanta by more than 100 yards on the ground (185-82).
-- (0-1)Fleet 24 - 12 Alphas(0-1)
(SD): QB Nelson - 14/30 142 yards, 1 INT, RB Gardner - 15 carries, 104 yards, 2 TDs, RB Watson - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 58 yards
(ATL): QB Simms - 17/25 160 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Pittman - 14 carries, 62 yards, RB Wadley - 6 carries, 21 yards, 8 catches 70 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
Carolina Hurricanes Owner Tom Dundon invests $250M in XFL
March 1, 2019
Dallas, TX - Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, and Dundon Capital Partners LLC, made a $150 million investment in the upstart XFL and will become a majority owner. "This has been an extraordinary undertaking for us," said Charlie Ebersol, XFL Co-founder. "It's a giant challenge and opportunity, and as a startup you are constantly looking for some peace of mind. When we got out of the first week of games, we saw there was so much interest from investors, it's great."
CBS and the league said more than 6 million people watched the XFL this last weekend. Dundon said once he saw the league in action, it made his potential involvement in it an easier choice. "I had seen the deal when they were conceptualizing the league," he said. "It wasn't something that I would do, because there were so many questions about the quality of football and all the things that come up when you try to start something new. Once it went on TV, looked great, got good ratings, I talked to people that were supportive of it. Through mutual acquaintances, it all came together on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. I wish it was more thought out than that, but it was that simple."
Ebersol said in a statement, "Tom, Vince McMahon, and I will work with our great team to expand our football operations and technology business. Tom is a self-made American success story who brings a wealth of knowledge in the sports, entertainment and finance worlds and proven leadership to our organization."
Some believe the NFL may one day buy the XFL, but Dundon said that wasn't on his mind when he made the investment. "For whatever reason, people love American football," he told ESPN. "They watch it. There are enough good players, about 1 percent of college players make it to the NFL. Now, with our league, maybe 2 percent of players get to play. It's viable just to be a support or development area for players whose ultimate goal is to get to the NFL. This league only exists because of the NFL's success. If the NFL had wanted to do it, they had the wherewithal to do it. I don't think about them as someone to buy a league. I think about them this as, 'Let's just create a league because it was a compelling thing to do.'"
Dundon, 47, is the former CEO of the Dallas-based lending firm Santander Consumer USA. He is the co-founder of Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, home of the PGA Tour's AT&T Byron Nelson; the majority owner of Employer Direct Healthcare, a healthcare services company; and a primary investor in Topgolf.
Pep Hamilton Named XFL Head Coach in Washington DC
February 21, 2019
Washington, DC - The XFL announced that Pep Hamilton, who has more than 20 years of experience as a football coach in the NFL and with major college programs, has been named the head coach of the XFL team in Washington, DC. DC Defenders: On the shoulders of giants, they stand tall. Unconquerable. Unyielding. Marching ever forward. A force united. One quest. One purpose. One resolve. Seeking glory through grit. Victory through valor. The DC Defenders. Taking their stand.
"We are thrilled to welcome Pep Hamilton to the XFL family," said Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner. "Pep, through hard work and dedication, has climbed the coaching ladder in the college and pro ranks, and has earned this opportunity to become a head coach for the first time in his career. It's meaningful that Pep will lead our team in Washington, where he played quarterback and began his coaching career at Howard University."
"I'm excited to join the XFL and lead the team in Washington, a city with which I have a lifelong attachment," said Hamilton. "I appreciate the confidence Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck have in me, providing an opportunity to be the head coach and placing the football operations of their Washington team in my hands. We plan to put together a terrific, hard-working staff, and a great football team for fans in and around our nation's capital."
“We love the market, and it fits our strategic plan,” Charlie Ebersol, XFL Co-founder said. “It’s a great football town, if you look at the support the Redskins have had over the years, and the other teams in the area. The population density, the media attention, the fact that we’re looking for more presence on the East Coast. It’s a nice strategic fit for us geographically."
February 15, 2019
St. Louis, MO - The XFL announced that due to overwhelming demand for the St. Louis Stallions, the league has increased the seating capacity for the team's home opener at The Dome at America's Center. Single-game tickets in the 400-level for the home opener will go on sale this Monday. "The support from St. Louis fans has been outstanding," said Janet Duch, Chief Marketing and Team Business Operations Officer of the XFL. "We saw the anticipation and demand for the home opener and decided it was time to increase capacity in the stadium to let as many fans as possible show their love for the game and the long-awaited return of football to St. Louis."
XFL Week 2: Iron Pounce on St. Louis Mistakes to Stay Perfect
February 16, 2019
Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Iron broke through late for a 12-9 victory over the visiting St. Louis Stallions before 17,319 at Legion Field Saturday afternoon. After falling behind 9-0 and with Birmingham looking listless on offense for much of the game, a crucial fumbled punt return was recovered in the end zone by Iron LB Shaheed Salmon with 2:36 left in the third. RB Trent Richardson scored the game-winner on a two-yard burst up the middle with 4:36 left in the fourth. Birmingham QB Luis Perez connected on 24 of 38 attempts for 184 yards, helping make up for a running game that managed just 47 yards all day. Richardson ran for 41 yards and a score, his third in two weeks.
"Offensively, we just grounded it out," said Birmingham head coach Tim Lewis. "They were a big, strong team and it did not shock me. Coach Erickson is a heck of a coach. They brought a really big, salty team in here. They had lost their game to Arizona, and they were meaning to do business to us. We stood up to the challenge. They brought their team in ready to do their thing and they had us down 9-0 at halftime. We had to find a way to grind it out so my hats off to him and his staff and his players for putting up a heck of a game. They are a big, strong, tough team and they kept everything in front and inside, and they did a really heal very many points against us."
Stallions K Taylor Bertolet suffered a miserable game in the loss. After connecting on a 53-yard field goal to give St. Louis a 9-0 advantage in the second quarter, he missed three second half field goals, including a potential game-tying kick with under a minute left. Another field goal attempt was crushed by a bad snap. The St. Louis rushing attack amassed 151 yards on the ground, led by RB Joel Bouagnon with 70 yards on 11 carries. Stallions QB Austin Allen, seeing his first action of the season, completed 15 of 31 passes for 114 yards.
-- (0-1)Stallions 9 - 12 Iron(1-0)
(STL): QB Allen - 15/31 114 yards, RB Bouagnon - 11 carries, 70 yards, 1 TD, RB Oliver - 14 carries, 59 yards, WR Pierson-El - 6 catches, 28 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 24/38 184 yards, RB Richardson - 19 carries, 41 yards, 7 catches, 50 yards, WR Patton - 3 catches, 44 yards
XFL Week 2: Conquerors Revive Offense Late, Rally for 20-18 Victory at Memphis
February 16, 2019
Memphis, TN - The Mexico City Conquerors rallied late for a 20-18 victory at the Liberty Bowl in the home opener for the Memphis Express Saturday night. Mexico City trailed 12-0 at halftime, a margin that lasted most of the third quarter. QB John Wolford hit WR Rashad Ross for Mexico City's first score with 1:06 left in the third to cut their deficit to 12-6, but Memphis QB Christian Hackenberg countered with a four-yard scoring run to make it 18-6 Express at 13:40 of the fourth. RB Justin Stockton bolted through the Memphis defense on a 45-yard touchdown scamper on Mexico City's ensuing possession, with Wolford running in the two-point conversion, the only successful attempt of the night. Wolford completed Mexico City's third consecutive scoring drive by connecting with RB Tim Cook from four yards out for the winning score at the 7:07 mark of the fourth.
Mexico City's defense controlled the Memphis offense after Hackenberg's touchdown run in the third. The Conquerors stopped Hackenberg inches short on a fourth down attempt with 3:29 left and didn't let the Express offense reach its own 30 yard-line on its last possession. Wolford connected on 14 of 22 attempts for 194 yards with two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Mexico City ran for 209 yards, topped by Cook's 73 on the ground. WR Josh Huff caught two passes for a team-high 84 yards. RB Zac Stacy ran for 101 yards and a score to lead a Memphis rushing attack that totaled 175 in a losing effort. Hackenberg completed 14 of 25 throws for just 102 yards. Memphis drew 21,980 for its home opener on a cool, 39-degree night.
-- (1-0)Conquerors 20 - 18 Express(0-1)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 14/22 193 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Cook - 13 carries, 72 yards, RB Pressley - 12 carries, 58 yards, RB Stockton - 11 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Horn - 5 catches, 56 yards
(MEM): QB Hackenberg - 14/25 102 yards, 7 carries, 39 yards, RB Stacy - 18 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 2 catches, 84 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 67 yards
XFL Week 2: Orlando Apollos Rally for 37-29 Victory over San Antonio Commanders
February 17, 2019
San Antonio, TX - Garrett Gilbert passed for 393 yards and two touchdowns and Orlando rallied from a 12-point, second-half deficit for a 37-29 victory over San Antonio on Sunday afternoon in front of 29,176 fans at the Alamodome. Gilbert, who played collegiately at Texas and SMU, completed 19 of 28 passes in leading the Apollos to the comeback road win. His favorite target was WR Charles Johnson, who hauled in seven passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. With San Antonio clinging to a 29-23 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Gilbert found WR Jalin Marshall for a 23-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Orlando had a chance to take the lead but Gilbert's pass attempt on the two-point try fell incomplete. However, the Apollos did reclaim the lead on the next possession, as DB Keith Reaser stepped in front of a QB Logan Woodside pass and returned it 39 yards to paydirt. WR Rannell Hall hauled in a Gilbert pass on the two-point conversion attempt to put the Apollos up 37-29.
On the ensuing possession, the Commanders marched all the way inside the Orlando 5-yard line, but a fourth-and-goal pass from Woodside was batted away in the end zone, turning the ball back over to the visitors, who ran out the final three minutes and five seconds on the clock to drop the Commanders to 1-1 on the season. Nursing an 18-17 halftime advantage, San Antonio K Nick Rose booted his third field goal of the night, this one from 37 yards, to put the home team up 21-17 early in the third quarter. The Commanders then scored their first-ever defensive touchdown when LB Jayrone Elliott's strip sack of Gilbert was picked up by DL Joey Mbu, who rumbled eight yards into the end zone for the score. Woodside found TE Evan Rodriguez on a successful two-point attempt to push the lead to 29-17, but Orlando would rally, starting with a pair of K Eliott Fry field goals that made it a six-point contest with 13:55 remaining. Woodside passed for 223 yards and a touchdown and RB Kenneth Farrow rushed for a game-high 74 yards on 13 carries, as San Antonio gained 398 yards and held the ball for 35:30, compared to Orlando's 24:30.
San Antonio raced out to a 12-0 lead after two possessions. Farrow took a direct snap, weaved his way around left end and flipped into the end zone to open the scoring. On the ensuing possession, Woodside found Rodriguez wide open in the flats for a walk-in score on the final play of the opening stanza. The Apollos finally got on the board early in the second, as a 54-yard pass down the left sideline from Gilbert to Johnson set up a 1-yard TD plunge by RB De'Veon Smith, who also ran in the 2-point conversion untouched to make it 12-8. The teams then traded field goals, as Rose drilled a 50-yarder midway through the quarter and Fry answered from 35 yards to make it 15-11. Orlando grabbed a 17-15 lead late in the first half on a 21-yard pass from Gilbert to Johnson in the corner of the end zone, but Rose connected from 38 yards as time expired in the half to give San Antonio the lead once again.
-- (1-0)Apollos 37 - 29 Commanders(1-0)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 19/28 393 yards, 2 TDs, RB Johnson - 8 carries, 57 yards, WR Johnson - 7 catches, 192 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 3 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD, WR Thompson - 2 catches, 70 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 20/39 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Farrow - 13 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, RB Green - 12 carries, 69 yards, WR Ayers - 5 catches, 80 yards, WR McKay - 5 catches, 71 yards
XFL Week 2: Fleet Find the End Zone, First Win over Atlanta, 24-12
February 17, 2019
San Diego, CA - After playing nearly 111 minutes of football without scoring a touchdown, San Diego Fleet RB Ja'Quan Gardner found the end zone twice in the fourth quarter to lift San Diego to a 24-12 victory over the Atlanta Alphas in the Fleet's rainy home opener. An announced crowd of 30,019 welcomed professional football back to San Diego more than two years after the NFL's Chargers left for Los Angeles. "This is a huge win for us to get back on track," said Gardner. "Very fun game, ecstatic crowd. Football is back in San Diego and we couldn't be happier."
Atlanta, also held without a touchdown in week one, scored its first touchdown in the opening quarter on a 19-yard pass from QB Matt Simms to WR Malachi Jones, staking the Alphas to a 9-0 advantage. The score was set up by a DB Carlos Merritt interception. The Fleet managed a pair of late first-half field goals from K Donny Hageman to cut Atlanta's lead to three at the half. LB Ryan Moeller set the Fleet up for the second kick by picking off a deflected pass. Gardner powered San Diego back into the game, running for a game-high 104 yards and the pair of scores. All told, the Fleet rolled up 185 yards rushing, out-gaining Atlanta by more than 100 yards on the ground (185-82).
-- (0-1)Fleet 24 - 12 Alphas(0-1)
(SD): QB Nelson - 14/30 142 yards, 1 INT, RB Gardner - 15 carries, 104 yards, 2 TDs, RB Watson - 14 carries, 49 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 58 yards
(ATL): QB Simms - 17/25 160 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Pittman - 14 carries, 62 yards, RB Wadley - 6 carries, 21 yards, 8 catches 70 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
Carolina Hurricanes Owner Tom Dundon invests $250M in XFL
March 1, 2019
Dallas, TX - Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, and Dundon Capital Partners LLC, made a $150 million investment in the upstart XFL and will become a majority owner. "This has been an extraordinary undertaking for us," said Charlie Ebersol, XFL Co-founder. "It's a giant challenge and opportunity, and as a startup you are constantly looking for some peace of mind. When we got out of the first week of games, we saw there was so much interest from investors, it's great."
CBS and the league said more than 6 million people watched the XFL this last weekend. Dundon said once he saw the league in action, it made his potential involvement in it an easier choice. "I had seen the deal when they were conceptualizing the league," he said. "It wasn't something that I would do, because there were so many questions about the quality of football and all the things that come up when you try to start something new. Once it went on TV, looked great, got good ratings, I talked to people that were supportive of it. Through mutual acquaintances, it all came together on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. I wish it was more thought out than that, but it was that simple."
Ebersol said in a statement, "Tom, Vince McMahon, and I will work with our great team to expand our football operations and technology business. Tom is a self-made American success story who brings a wealth of knowledge in the sports, entertainment and finance worlds and proven leadership to our organization."
Some believe the NFL may one day buy the XFL, but Dundon said that wasn't on his mind when he made the investment. "For whatever reason, people love American football," he told ESPN. "They watch it. There are enough good players, about 1 percent of college players make it to the NFL. Now, with our league, maybe 2 percent of players get to play. It's viable just to be a support or development area for players whose ultimate goal is to get to the NFL. This league only exists because of the NFL's success. If the NFL had wanted to do it, they had the wherewithal to do it. I don't think about them as someone to buy a league. I think about them this as, 'Let's just create a league because it was a compelling thing to do.'"
Dundon, 47, is the former CEO of the Dallas-based lending firm Santander Consumer USA. He is the co-founder of Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, home of the PGA Tour's AT&T Byron Nelson; the majority owner of Employer Direct Healthcare, a healthcare services company; and a primary investor in Topgolf.
Pep Hamilton Named XFL Head Coach in Washington DC
February 21, 2019
Washington, DC - The XFL announced that Pep Hamilton, who has more than 20 years of experience as a football coach in the NFL and with major college programs, has been named the head coach of the XFL team in Washington, DC. DC Defenders: On the shoulders of giants, they stand tall. Unconquerable. Unyielding. Marching ever forward. A force united. One quest. One purpose. One resolve. Seeking glory through grit. Victory through valor. The DC Defenders. Taking their stand.
"We are thrilled to welcome Pep Hamilton to the XFL family," said Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner. "Pep, through hard work and dedication, has climbed the coaching ladder in the college and pro ranks, and has earned this opportunity to become a head coach for the first time in his career. It's meaningful that Pep will lead our team in Washington, where he played quarterback and began his coaching career at Howard University."
"I'm excited to join the XFL and lead the team in Washington, a city with which I have a lifelong attachment," said Hamilton. "I appreciate the confidence Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck have in me, providing an opportunity to be the head coach and placing the football operations of their Washington team in my hands. We plan to put together a terrific, hard-working staff, and a great football team for fans in and around our nation's capital."
“We love the market, and it fits our strategic plan,” Charlie Ebersol, XFL Co-founder said. “It’s a great football town, if you look at the support the Redskins have had over the years, and the other teams in the area. The population density, the media attention, the fact that we’re looking for more presence on the East Coast. It’s a nice strategic fit for us geographically."
Last edited by BengalErnst on Mon Jan 29, 2024 7:20 pm, edited 13 times in total.
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
by BengalErnst » Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:51 am
Charles Johnson Likes Lack of “Politics” in XFL
February 22, 2019
Orlando, FL - WR Charles Johnson played 39 games for the Vikings between 2014 and 2016, but a knee injury kept him out after signing with the Panthers in 2017 and he failed to make the Jets out of camp in 2018. Johnson said he “lost that love that I once had growing up and playing in high school and college” after those experiences, which may have been why he initially passed on an invitation to play for the XFL. After hearing from former teammates who were enjoying the league, Johnson changed his mind and signed with the Orlando Apollos. His first two games have resulted in 233 receiving yards and the overall experience of playing in a new league is one that’s been enjoyable thus far.
“Everybody’s pretty much equal,” Johnson said, “There’s no politics in this situation. The NFL’s different. If you’re a first-round pick, if you’re not playing, that looks bad on the guys upstairs, so they’re going to make sure you’re out there playing. When you’re out here, they just want to see the best players out there, and win games.”
Continued success over the rest of the season may leave Johnson in position to decide whether he’s going to wade back into the NFL’s political pool for a shot at returning to the league in 2019.
XFL Week 3: Woodrum Leads Stallions over Conquerors
February 23, 2019
St. Louis, MO - QB Josh Woodrum returned to the field for the Stallions in Saturday's 23-15 win over the Conquerors. Woodrum finished the game 22-31 on 178 passing yards with a 95.9 passer rating. He had one touchdown and zero interceptions in the Stallions first-franchise win. RB Branden Oliver and RB Joel Bouagnon continued the Stallions' one-two punch where the duo rushed for 85 combined yards against Mexico City. Both Oliver and Bouagnon grabbed a rushing touchdown. The Stallions' defense continued as a force of nature, limiting the Conquerors to a season-low 15 points. LB Greer Martini highlighted St. Louis' defense with seven solo tackles, two passes defended and a game-altering interception. St. Louis scored their first ever points at home when K Taylor Bertolet hit a 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, marking Bertolet's second field goal beyond the 50 yard range. The Stallions scored their first touchdown during the second quarter when Woodrum connected with WR DeMornay Pierson-El for a 25-yard touchdown pass giving St. Louis a 9-0 lead.
Mexico City finished the half strong by scoring nine straight points. K Nick Folk made a 48-yard field goal with 6:03 left in the half. The Conquerors followed this up with a touchdown in the final minute of the half. QB John Wolford completed a one-yard pass to WR Rashad Ross to tie the score at 9-9 heading into the second half. Oliver gave the Stallions the lead again when he rushed for a one-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The Conquerors cut the lead to 15-9 when Folk made his second field goal of the day. Bouagnon scored his one-yard rushing touchdown with 7:24 for left in the game. St. Louis converted on the two-point conversion as Woodrum found Pierson-El in the endzone. The Conquerors couldn't overcome the 23-12 deficit. Folk made his third field goal of the day in the final minute to cut the lead to eight, but the Stallions held on to get their first victory of the season with a 23-15 victory.
-- (2-0)Conquerors 15 - 23 Stallions(0-2)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 14/21 127 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, QB Knight - 8/18 95 yards, RB Pressley - 15 carries, 47 yards, WR Ross - 8 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 7 catches, 73 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 21/30 179 yards, 1 TD, RB Bouagnon - 12 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, RB Oliver - 15 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD, WR Pierson-El - 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Bell - 4 catches, 39 yards
XFL Week 3: Orlando Apollos Go to 3-0 with Win
February 23, 2019
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Apollos remained undefeated Saturday night and prevented the Memphis Express from winning their first game of The Alliance of American Football season with a 21-17 victory at Orlando's Spectrum Stadium. Thanks to an offense that converted only 3 of 11 third-down opportunities, the Apollos weren't as explosive as they had been in their first two games going against an aggressive Memphis defense.
However, they made plays when they had to, including a 21-yard touchdown run by QB Garrett Gilbert that gave Orlando a 21-9 lead with 8:58 to play in the game. Gilbert completed 14 of 28 passes for 207 yards, which included a 37-yard touchdown to WR Rannell Hall with 6:28 remaining in the third quarter that extended the Apollos' lead to 15-6. Gilbert rushed for 43 yards on seven attempts. Despite Orlando's victory, the story of the game was the play of Express QB Zach Mettenberger. After a first half in which starting QB Christian Hackenberg completed 8 of 14 passes for 88 yards with two interceptions and a 36.3 passer rating, Mettenberger entered the game at the start of the second half with Memphis trailing, 9-0. He immediately led the Express down the field on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 30-yard touchdown pass to WR Devin Lucien. In the fourth quarter, a seven-play, 75-yard drive ended with a 40-yard scoring pass from Mettenberger to WR Gerrard Sheppard. A two-point pass to RB Anthony Manzo-Lewis made the score 21-17 with 5:32 to play. However, the Express never saw the ball again as five Orlando running plays netted 62 yards prior to three kneeldowns to conclude the game.
-- (0-2)Express 17 - 21 Apollos(2-0)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 14/28 207 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 13 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 15 carries, 95 yards, WR Hall - 4 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 3 catches, 53 yards
(MEM): QB Mettenberger - 9/12 120 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stacy - 12 carries, 87 yards, WR Byrd - 3 catches, 51 yards, WR Lucien - 3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 3: San Antonio Commanders Fall to San Diego, 31-11
February 24, 2019
San Diego, CA - The San Antonio Commanders fell 31-11 to the San Diego Fleet in front of 24,789 fans on Sunday evening at SDCCU Stadium. San Diego totaled 381 yards of offense, including 202 on the ground. RB Ja'Quan Gardner rushed for an 122 yards on 12 carries, including an XFL-record 83 yard touchdown run. RB Terrell Watson added 73 rush yards on 13 carries. QB Philip Nelson completed 17-of-25 attempts for 193 yards, two scores and a pick. San Antonio finished 291 yards of total offense, with 147 rushing and 144 passing. RB Trey Williams rushed for a team-high 75 yards on seven totes. QB Logan Woodside went 12-of-23 through the air with a TD and two interceptions. WR Mekale McKay caught four passes for 91 yards, including a 47 TD reception.
San Antonio DB De'Vante Bausby opened the game with an interception of Nelson. On the next play, San Antonio's Woodside found McKay in stride for the 47-yard touchdown. The two-point try was completed to TE Evan Rodriguez to give the Commanders an 8-0 lead just 13 seconds into the game. San Diego answered with touchdown of its own as Nelson found WR Nelson Spruce for a 2-yard score to cap an eight-play, 92-yard drive and bring the score to 8-6. On San Antonio's next possession, LB AJ Tarpley stepped in front of a Woodside pass in returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. The Fleet converted the two-point try to secure a 14-8 lead with 11 minutes to play before halftime. After a five-play drive that ended in a Commanders' punt, San Diego added to its lead with Spruce's second touchdown reception of the game from Nelson. The 18-yard score was followed by a Watson conversion run for a 22-8 Fleet advantage that held throughout the remainder of the half. Gardner extended the San Diego lead to 28-8 when he reached pay dirt via an 83-yard run up the middle on 2nd-and-22 with 8:21 to go in the third quarter. After a 45-yard punt from P Joseph Zema, Fleet WR LaQuvionte Gonzalez muffed the punt and the ball was recovered by Commander LB Nick Temple at San Diego's 11-yard line. Taking advantage of good field position, San Antonio K Nick Rose made it a 28-11 San Diego lead with his 23-yard field goal at the 3:29 mark of the third quarter. Fleet K Donny Hageman capped a 12-play, 58-yard drive with a 35-yard field goal to give San Diego a 31-11 lead with 11:49 to play.
-- (1-1)Commanders 11 - 31 Fleet(1-1)
(SA): QB Woodside - 12/23 151 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Williams - 7 carries, 75 yards, RB Farrow - 14 carries, 60 yards, WR McKay - 4 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 4 catches, 43 yards
(SD): QB Nelson - 17/25 193 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Gardner - 12 carries, 122 yards, RB Watson - 13 carries, 73 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 50 yards, 2 TDs, TE Escobar - 6 catches, 61 yards
XFL Week 3: Trent Richardson scores 3 TDs, Birmingham Iron earns 28-12 victory over Atlanta
February 24, 2019
Atlanta, GA - RB Trent Richardson’s return to professional football has left one simple impression on the rest of the XFL. He is unstoppable, at least in goal-to-go situations. Richardson scored three rushing touchdowns while the defense forced four turnovers and allowed two field goals, in four trips to the red zone, to lift the Birmingham Iron to a 28-12 victory today over the Atlanta Alphas at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta. Richardson finished with 46 rushing yards but scored three touchdowns, two in the second half, to give the former Alabama standout six rushing scores this season. He also scored a 2-point conversion attempt after his second touchdown.
Atlanta took a 3-0 lead off a 21-yard field goal from K Younghoe Koo to start the second quarter, but the Iron answered with a 39-yard kick from K Nick Novak and a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Richardson with 2:39 to go in the half. The Alphas managed to score on another field goal attempt near the end of the first half but was shut out in the second half until 1:41 remaining. Birmingham allowed 346 total yards but picked off QB Matt Simms three times, one each by DBs Jack Tocho, Matt Redfield and Jamar Summers, while sacking the former Tennessee quarterback three times. Simms finished 27-of-46 passing for 280 yards and connected with 10 different receivers. He threw a a 23-yard touchdown pass to TE Keith Towbridge late in the fourth quarter. “We just kept plugging away and did a little bit better job on our perimeter run support,” Iron head coach Tim Lewis said. “In the pass game, of course, our guys got after it up front and started putting pressure on the quarterback and intercepted a couple.”
Richardson scored twice in the second half, and Novak nailed another long field goal in the third quarter to push the lead to 26-6 before the final Atlanta score cut the final margin to 28-12. Perez finished 17-of-31 passing for 160 yards and looked far more comfortable in the second half despite throwing his first interception of the season. He was sacked only once. “We ended up getting the ball to our good strong running back and he ended up doing a nice job,” Lewis said. “Defensively, did a nice job of turning the ball over, taking it away from them and we ended up capitalizing on it. Got a little bit of a lead and was able to hold on to it.”
-- (2-0)Iron 28 - 12 Alphas(0-2)
(BIRM): QB Perez - 17/31 160 yards, 1 INT, RB Richardson - 17 carries, 46 yards, 3 TDs, WR Patton - 4 catches, 58 yards
(ATL): QB Simms - 28/48 328 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Wadley - 10 carries, 43 yards, WR Jones - 4 catches, 72 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 58 yards
Jim Zorn Named XFL Head Coach in Seattle
February 25, 2019
Seattle, WA - The XFL announced that former NFL quarterback and head coach Jim Zorn has been named the head coach of the new XFL team in Seattle. "It's an exciting day when Jim Zorn returns to his professional football roots," said Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner. "Jim comes to the XFL with terrific credentials as an NFL player and coach and a reputation for innovation. As the Seahawks first quarterback, he's well-known in the Pacific Northwest and he appreciates our vision to reimagine the game."
Seattle Dragons: Rising from the turbulent sea. Beneath the darkening skies of their weather-hardened home. Relentless, ruthless, ravenous. Not of mythology, but of muscle and might. Not of folklore, but of football. This is your darkest fantasy, in cleats. The Seattle Dragons. Breathing fire.
"I'm thrilled to be heading back to the sidelines, and I thank Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck for this opportunity," said Zorn. "It's not often that on the professional level a head coach also gets to choose his players, so this situation is truly unique. I'm looking forward to working with my coaches and staff to field a competitive, top-flight team for the amazing and loud football fans of the Pacific Northwest."
Can Express QB Switch Salvage Memphis' Season?
February 26, 2019
Memphis, TN - It took two and a half games but Memphis Express head coach Mike Singletary made a change at quarterback, benching QB Christian Hackenberg and inserting Zach Mettenberger into the starting lineup. Hackenberg only threw for 277 yards, no touchdown passes and three interceptions in 10 quarters of work. He tossed two picks, both poorly thrown passes, last week against the Orlando Apollos which resulted in a change at quarterback and his team trailing 9-0 at halftime. Mettenberger sparked the Express offense, completing 9 of 12 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions, but the Express could not complete the comeback against the undefeated Apollos, 21-17. Singletary named Mettenberger the starter for week four.
Johnny Manziel Kicked out of the CFL
February 27, 2019
Hamilton, ONT, CANADA - The Hamilton Tiger-cats released former Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny Manziel and released a statement stating the Canadian Football League "has informed all of its member clubs that it will not register a contract for Manziel should any club attempt to sign him." The Ti-cats' statement said the team was directed to release Manziel by the CFL after it was found Manziel had violated terms of "the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league. We're trying to do what we believe is in the best interests of the entire league. The conditions we set, we thought were the right ones. Those conditions have been violated and we feel it's best, and Hamilton feels its best, to let Johnny move on. And we think it's best for our league that he do the same. And we wish him well.''
A source told ESPN that they believe Manziel's release was a result of an attempt by the quarterback to break his contract to play in an American league. Manziel sent out a message on Twitter thanking his coaches and teammates in Hamilton and said, "My time there reestablished my love for the game of football and the work that goes into it. I look forward to exploring new options within the United States."
"We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement," Tiger-cats general manager Kavis Reed said. "We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed."
February 22, 2019
Orlando, FL - WR Charles Johnson played 39 games for the Vikings between 2014 and 2016, but a knee injury kept him out after signing with the Panthers in 2017 and he failed to make the Jets out of camp in 2018. Johnson said he “lost that love that I once had growing up and playing in high school and college” after those experiences, which may have been why he initially passed on an invitation to play for the XFL. After hearing from former teammates who were enjoying the league, Johnson changed his mind and signed with the Orlando Apollos. His first two games have resulted in 233 receiving yards and the overall experience of playing in a new league is one that’s been enjoyable thus far.
“Everybody’s pretty much equal,” Johnson said, “There’s no politics in this situation. The NFL’s different. If you’re a first-round pick, if you’re not playing, that looks bad on the guys upstairs, so they’re going to make sure you’re out there playing. When you’re out here, they just want to see the best players out there, and win games.”
Continued success over the rest of the season may leave Johnson in position to decide whether he’s going to wade back into the NFL’s political pool for a shot at returning to the league in 2019.
XFL Week 3: Woodrum Leads Stallions over Conquerors
February 23, 2019
St. Louis, MO - QB Josh Woodrum returned to the field for the Stallions in Saturday's 23-15 win over the Conquerors. Woodrum finished the game 22-31 on 178 passing yards with a 95.9 passer rating. He had one touchdown and zero interceptions in the Stallions first-franchise win. RB Branden Oliver and RB Joel Bouagnon continued the Stallions' one-two punch where the duo rushed for 85 combined yards against Mexico City. Both Oliver and Bouagnon grabbed a rushing touchdown. The Stallions' defense continued as a force of nature, limiting the Conquerors to a season-low 15 points. LB Greer Martini highlighted St. Louis' defense with seven solo tackles, two passes defended and a game-altering interception. St. Louis scored their first ever points at home when K Taylor Bertolet hit a 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, marking Bertolet's second field goal beyond the 50 yard range. The Stallions scored their first touchdown during the second quarter when Woodrum connected with WR DeMornay Pierson-El for a 25-yard touchdown pass giving St. Louis a 9-0 lead.
Mexico City finished the half strong by scoring nine straight points. K Nick Folk made a 48-yard field goal with 6:03 left in the half. The Conquerors followed this up with a touchdown in the final minute of the half. QB John Wolford completed a one-yard pass to WR Rashad Ross to tie the score at 9-9 heading into the second half. Oliver gave the Stallions the lead again when he rushed for a one-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The Conquerors cut the lead to 15-9 when Folk made his second field goal of the day. Bouagnon scored his one-yard rushing touchdown with 7:24 for left in the game. St. Louis converted on the two-point conversion as Woodrum found Pierson-El in the endzone. The Conquerors couldn't overcome the 23-12 deficit. Folk made his third field goal of the day in the final minute to cut the lead to eight, but the Stallions held on to get their first victory of the season with a 23-15 victory.
-- (2-0)Conquerors 15 - 23 Stallions(0-2)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 14/21 127 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, QB Knight - 8/18 95 yards, RB Pressley - 15 carries, 47 yards, WR Ross - 8 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 7 catches, 73 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 21/30 179 yards, 1 TD, RB Bouagnon - 12 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, RB Oliver - 15 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD, WR Pierson-El - 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD, WR Bell - 4 catches, 39 yards
XFL Week 3: Orlando Apollos Go to 3-0 with Win
February 23, 2019
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Apollos remained undefeated Saturday night and prevented the Memphis Express from winning their first game of The Alliance of American Football season with a 21-17 victory at Orlando's Spectrum Stadium. Thanks to an offense that converted only 3 of 11 third-down opportunities, the Apollos weren't as explosive as they had been in their first two games going against an aggressive Memphis defense.
However, they made plays when they had to, including a 21-yard touchdown run by QB Garrett Gilbert that gave Orlando a 21-9 lead with 8:58 to play in the game. Gilbert completed 14 of 28 passes for 207 yards, which included a 37-yard touchdown to WR Rannell Hall with 6:28 remaining in the third quarter that extended the Apollos' lead to 15-6. Gilbert rushed for 43 yards on seven attempts. Despite Orlando's victory, the story of the game was the play of Express QB Zach Mettenberger. After a first half in which starting QB Christian Hackenberg completed 8 of 14 passes for 88 yards with two interceptions and a 36.3 passer rating, Mettenberger entered the game at the start of the second half with Memphis trailing, 9-0. He immediately led the Express down the field on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 30-yard touchdown pass to WR Devin Lucien. In the fourth quarter, a seven-play, 75-yard drive ended with a 40-yard scoring pass from Mettenberger to WR Gerrard Sheppard. A two-point pass to RB Anthony Manzo-Lewis made the score 21-17 with 5:32 to play. However, the Express never saw the ball again as five Orlando running plays netted 62 yards prior to three kneeldowns to conclude the game.
-- (0-2)Express 17 - 21 Apollos(2-0)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 14/28 207 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 13 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 15 carries, 95 yards, WR Hall - 4 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 3 catches, 53 yards
(MEM): QB Mettenberger - 9/12 120 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stacy - 12 carries, 87 yards, WR Byrd - 3 catches, 51 yards, WR Lucien - 3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 3: San Antonio Commanders Fall to San Diego, 31-11
February 24, 2019
San Diego, CA - The San Antonio Commanders fell 31-11 to the San Diego Fleet in front of 24,789 fans on Sunday evening at SDCCU Stadium. San Diego totaled 381 yards of offense, including 202 on the ground. RB Ja'Quan Gardner rushed for an 122 yards on 12 carries, including an XFL-record 83 yard touchdown run. RB Terrell Watson added 73 rush yards on 13 carries. QB Philip Nelson completed 17-of-25 attempts for 193 yards, two scores and a pick. San Antonio finished 291 yards of total offense, with 147 rushing and 144 passing. RB Trey Williams rushed for a team-high 75 yards on seven totes. QB Logan Woodside went 12-of-23 through the air with a TD and two interceptions. WR Mekale McKay caught four passes for 91 yards, including a 47 TD reception.
San Antonio DB De'Vante Bausby opened the game with an interception of Nelson. On the next play, San Antonio's Woodside found McKay in stride for the 47-yard touchdown. The two-point try was completed to TE Evan Rodriguez to give the Commanders an 8-0 lead just 13 seconds into the game. San Diego answered with touchdown of its own as Nelson found WR Nelson Spruce for a 2-yard score to cap an eight-play, 92-yard drive and bring the score to 8-6. On San Antonio's next possession, LB AJ Tarpley stepped in front of a Woodside pass in returned it 27 yards for a touchdown. The Fleet converted the two-point try to secure a 14-8 lead with 11 minutes to play before halftime. After a five-play drive that ended in a Commanders' punt, San Diego added to its lead with Spruce's second touchdown reception of the game from Nelson. The 18-yard score was followed by a Watson conversion run for a 22-8 Fleet advantage that held throughout the remainder of the half. Gardner extended the San Diego lead to 28-8 when he reached pay dirt via an 83-yard run up the middle on 2nd-and-22 with 8:21 to go in the third quarter. After a 45-yard punt from P Joseph Zema, Fleet WR LaQuvionte Gonzalez muffed the punt and the ball was recovered by Commander LB Nick Temple at San Diego's 11-yard line. Taking advantage of good field position, San Antonio K Nick Rose made it a 28-11 San Diego lead with his 23-yard field goal at the 3:29 mark of the third quarter. Fleet K Donny Hageman capped a 12-play, 58-yard drive with a 35-yard field goal to give San Diego a 31-11 lead with 11:49 to play.
-- (1-1)Commanders 11 - 31 Fleet(1-1)
(SA): QB Woodside - 12/23 151 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Williams - 7 carries, 75 yards, RB Farrow - 14 carries, 60 yards, WR McKay - 4 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Ward - 4 catches, 43 yards
(SD): QB Nelson - 17/25 193 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Gardner - 12 carries, 122 yards, RB Watson - 13 carries, 73 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 50 yards, 2 TDs, TE Escobar - 6 catches, 61 yards
XFL Week 3: Trent Richardson scores 3 TDs, Birmingham Iron earns 28-12 victory over Atlanta
February 24, 2019
Atlanta, GA - RB Trent Richardson’s return to professional football has left one simple impression on the rest of the XFL. He is unstoppable, at least in goal-to-go situations. Richardson scored three rushing touchdowns while the defense forced four turnovers and allowed two field goals, in four trips to the red zone, to lift the Birmingham Iron to a 28-12 victory today over the Atlanta Alphas at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta. Richardson finished with 46 rushing yards but scored three touchdowns, two in the second half, to give the former Alabama standout six rushing scores this season. He also scored a 2-point conversion attempt after his second touchdown.
Atlanta took a 3-0 lead off a 21-yard field goal from K Younghoe Koo to start the second quarter, but the Iron answered with a 39-yard kick from K Nick Novak and a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Richardson with 2:39 to go in the half. The Alphas managed to score on another field goal attempt near the end of the first half but was shut out in the second half until 1:41 remaining. Birmingham allowed 346 total yards but picked off QB Matt Simms three times, one each by DBs Jack Tocho, Matt Redfield and Jamar Summers, while sacking the former Tennessee quarterback three times. Simms finished 27-of-46 passing for 280 yards and connected with 10 different receivers. He threw a a 23-yard touchdown pass to TE Keith Towbridge late in the fourth quarter. “We just kept plugging away and did a little bit better job on our perimeter run support,” Iron head coach Tim Lewis said. “In the pass game, of course, our guys got after it up front and started putting pressure on the quarterback and intercepted a couple.”
Richardson scored twice in the second half, and Novak nailed another long field goal in the third quarter to push the lead to 26-6 before the final Atlanta score cut the final margin to 28-12. Perez finished 17-of-31 passing for 160 yards and looked far more comfortable in the second half despite throwing his first interception of the season. He was sacked only once. “We ended up getting the ball to our good strong running back and he ended up doing a nice job,” Lewis said. “Defensively, did a nice job of turning the ball over, taking it away from them and we ended up capitalizing on it. Got a little bit of a lead and was able to hold on to it.”
-- (2-0)Iron 28 - 12 Alphas(0-2)
(BIRM): QB Perez - 17/31 160 yards, 1 INT, RB Richardson - 17 carries, 46 yards, 3 TDs, WR Patton - 4 catches, 58 yards
(ATL): QB Simms - 28/48 328 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Wadley - 10 carries, 43 yards, WR Jones - 4 catches, 72 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 58 yards
Jim Zorn Named XFL Head Coach in Seattle
February 25, 2019
Seattle, WA - The XFL announced that former NFL quarterback and head coach Jim Zorn has been named the head coach of the new XFL team in Seattle. "It's an exciting day when Jim Zorn returns to his professional football roots," said Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner. "Jim comes to the XFL with terrific credentials as an NFL player and coach and a reputation for innovation. As the Seahawks first quarterback, he's well-known in the Pacific Northwest and he appreciates our vision to reimagine the game."
Seattle Dragons: Rising from the turbulent sea. Beneath the darkening skies of their weather-hardened home. Relentless, ruthless, ravenous. Not of mythology, but of muscle and might. Not of folklore, but of football. This is your darkest fantasy, in cleats. The Seattle Dragons. Breathing fire.
"I'm thrilled to be heading back to the sidelines, and I thank Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck for this opportunity," said Zorn. "It's not often that on the professional level a head coach also gets to choose his players, so this situation is truly unique. I'm looking forward to working with my coaches and staff to field a competitive, top-flight team for the amazing and loud football fans of the Pacific Northwest."
Can Express QB Switch Salvage Memphis' Season?
February 26, 2019
Memphis, TN - It took two and a half games but Memphis Express head coach Mike Singletary made a change at quarterback, benching QB Christian Hackenberg and inserting Zach Mettenberger into the starting lineup. Hackenberg only threw for 277 yards, no touchdown passes and three interceptions in 10 quarters of work. He tossed two picks, both poorly thrown passes, last week against the Orlando Apollos which resulted in a change at quarterback and his team trailing 9-0 at halftime. Mettenberger sparked the Express offense, completing 9 of 12 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions, but the Express could not complete the comeback against the undefeated Apollos, 21-17. Singletary named Mettenberger the starter for week four.
Johnny Manziel Kicked out of the CFL
February 27, 2019
Hamilton, ONT, CANADA - The Hamilton Tiger-cats released former Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny Manziel and released a statement stating the Canadian Football League "has informed all of its member clubs that it will not register a contract for Manziel should any club attempt to sign him." The Ti-cats' statement said the team was directed to release Manziel by the CFL after it was found Manziel had violated terms of "the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league. We're trying to do what we believe is in the best interests of the entire league. The conditions we set, we thought were the right ones. Those conditions have been violated and we feel it's best, and Hamilton feels its best, to let Johnny move on. And we think it's best for our league that he do the same. And we wish him well.''
A source told ESPN that they believe Manziel's release was a result of an attempt by the quarterback to break his contract to play in an American league. Manziel sent out a message on Twitter thanking his coaches and teammates in Hamilton and said, "My time there reestablished my love for the game of football and the work that goes into it. I look forward to exploring new options within the United States."
"We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement," Tiger-cats general manager Kavis Reed said. "We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed."
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
by BengalErnst » Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:52 am
Johnny Manziel Offered Workout by XFL Following Ban from CFL
March 1, 2019
Stamford, CT - Johnny Manziel's camp has been in contact with XFL officials about the possibility of joining the league, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck said. Luck said the league and Manziel's camp have been in touch after the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner was barred from the Canadian Football League, and the XFL has offered him the opportunity to work out for its teams.
"Right now, it’s a decision of our GMs, and they can decide what they want to do," Luck said. "If talent-wise this is close, the negative of him is that there is drama with him and you are trying to win games and build a team. The positive is that he brings in fans and attention."
XFL Week 4: Alphas Finally get One
March 2, 2019
Mexico City, MEXICO - The Atlanta Alphas earned a tough road win versus the Mexico City Conquerors, 14-11. Alphas QB Aaron Murray threw for 254 yards and ran for another 54, leading the Alphas to its first win of the season. The Alphas began the scoring with the first safety in team history, a tackle in the end zone by DB Ed Reynolds. Alphas RB Denard Robinson scored the first touchdown of the evening, a nine-yard run putting the Alphas up 8-0. Aztecs K Nick Folk hit a 39-yard field goal to end the half, cutting the Alphas lead to 8-3. Mexico City Conquerors QB Josh Wolford threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to his favorite target, WR Rashad Ross, and then converted the two-point conversion, to tie the game 11-11 with 5:20 remaining. The Alphas proceeded to drive down the field and K Younghoe Koo nailed a 33-yard FG to win the game.
-- (0-3)Alphas 14 - 11 Conquerors(2-1)
(ATL): QB Murray - 21/34 287 yards, RB Robinson - 16 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, RB Folston - 17 carries, 69 yards, 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Jones - 2 catches, 25 yards
(MEX): QB Wolford - 17/31 185 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 14 carries, 110 yards, RB Stockton - 9 carries, 35 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 5 catches, 63 yards
XFL Week 4: Orlando Apollos Survive Snow, Stallions to Remain Undefeated
March 2, 2019
St. Louis, MO - The Orlando Apollos broke open a close game in the second half with two long touchdown drives and defeated the St. Louis Stallions, 20-11, in snowy St. Louis Saturday night. The Apollos remain undefeated at 4-0 and the Stallions fell to 1-3. Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier said, "This was a fun one. I told the guys beforehand if us Florida boys can come out and win one in the snow in Missouri, we'll have something to talk about." Told he was now undefeated in his career in Missouri, Spurrier said, "Well, that's not the big deal. Winning in the snow, that's the big deal." The first half was a battle of field goals as neither offense was able to have much consistency.
The Apollos grabbed a 3-0 lead when K Elliott Fry kicked a 43-yard field goal with 1:05 to play in the first quarter. St. Louis tied the game with a K Taylor Bertolet 36-yard field goal with 11:38 remaining in the second quarter. Fry provided Orlando with a 6-3 halftime lead when he made a 42-yard field goal with 6:10 left. The Apollos took a 14-3 lead with 6:01 to play in third quarter on a 10-play, 91-yard drive in which they actually gained 101 yards because of a 10-yard penalty. The possession ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB Garrett Gilbert to WR Donteeya Dye Jr. and a 2-point conversion pass from RB D'Ernest Johnson to TE Sean Price. The Stallions answered with a 75-yard drive of their own and got to within 14-11 on as 14-yard run by RB Joel Bouagnon and 2-point conversion pass from QB Josh Woodrum to RB Terrell Newby with 27 seconds left in the third quarter. Orlando scored the final points of the game on an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 2-yard touchdown run by RB Akeem Hunt. Hunt carried four times for 32 yards on the possession and Gilbert was 4-for-4 for 43 yards. On St. Louis' four possessions of the second half not including the touchdown, the Apollos held the Stallions to 65 total yards. Gilbert completed 22 of 32 passes for 244 yards with a passer rating of 101.6. Wide receiver Charles Johnson caught nine passes for 105 yards. For St. Louis, Woodrum was 16 of 22 for 161 yards and a 93.2 passer rating.
-- (3-0)Apollos 20 - 11 Stallions(1-2)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/32 244 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 12 carries, 51 yards, RB Hunt - 8 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 9 catches, 105 yards, WR Hall - 4 catches, 57 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 16/22 161 yards, RB Oliver - 17 carries, 71 yards, RB Bouagnon - 10 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Jennings - 2 catches, 43 yards
XFL Week 4: Quarterback Change Leads to First Victory
March 3, 2019
Memphis, TN - Express K Austin MacGinnis lifted the team to the first win with four field goals, including the game-winning 46-yarder with less than 3 minutes to play against the San Diego Fleet that put Memphis up for good, 26-23. His productivity, the four turnovers created by the Memphis defense and a clutch sequence led by QB Zach Mettenberger, making his first start in a Express uniform sent the announced crowd of 33,621 home happy. MacGinnis was good from 46 yards twice. He also drilled a 40-yarder and one from 35 yards out. “I wanted to be playing in the NFL, but didn’t really get my shot,” MacGinnis said before admitting that kicking game-winning field goals is far more fun than studying for the Series 7 and Series 66 exams (which he passed). “This opportunity came up and I made the most of it. I just like to win. It felt good to get out there because the guys put so much work into it. To come through in the clutch for them was great.”
Memphis came into the game with a penchant for falling apart late in games. More than 55 percent of the points the Express gave up and more than 40 percent of the yards they allowed came in the fourth quarter. Head coach Mike Singletary said this week he has spent a considerable amount of time and energy preaching the importance of finishing games strong. Mission accomplished versus the Fleet. Memphis, which trailed 20-15 at halftime, allowed just 3 points and 22 yards of offense in the fourth quarter. It was also clutch. Singletary’s defense created four turnovers overall but came away with two fumble recoveries in the fourth quarter. Special teams also came up big, stopping a fake punt on the San Diego half of the field and parlaying that into the game-winning field goal. “Our defense, starting with our defensive line, the guys have been playing their tails off,” Singletary said. “Our linebackers and DBs stepped up this week as well. We want to be a great defense. You can’t really call yourself a great defense until you answer the call in those situations.”
-- (2-1)Fleet 23 - 26 Express(0-3)
(SD): QB Nelson - 17/30 190 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Watson - 16 carries, 76 yards, WR Ford - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, TE Baugh - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Mettenberger - 18/25 174 yards, 1 TD, RB Stacy - 18 carries, 39 yards, WR Horn - 4 catches, 63 yards, TE Howard - 3 catches, 39 yards
XFL Week 4: San Antonio Commanders Hold off Birmingham Iron in 12-11 Win
March 3, 2019
Birmingham, AL - The San Antonio Commanders defeated the Birmingham Iron by a score of 12-11 on Sunday afternoon at Legion Field. The Commanders found success on the ground all night, as they ran for 161 yards on 41 carries. RB Kenneth Farrow led the way with an XFL-record 142 yards and RB Trey Williams found the end zone on a 12-yard run in the third quarter. QB Logan Woodside completed 11 of his 25 passes for 106 yards, no TDs and no turnovers. Birmingham utilized QB Luis Perez' arm in the loss. Perez completed 19 of his 39 attempts for 202 yards, no TDs and two interceptions. The Iron finished the night with 85 rushing yards on 20 carries.
San Antonio scored the first points of the game on its first possession as K Nick Rose split the uprights from 39 yards out with 2:24 to play in the first quarter. The field goal, which was Rose's eighth of the season, capped a 21 play Commanders' drive that covered 78 yards and took 9:34 off the clock. Birmingham tied the game at 3-3 with 31 seconds to play in the first half on a 33-yard K Nick Novak field goal. The score ended the Iron's 12-play, 64-yard drive. With Birmingham driving in the third quarter, San Antonio DB Zack Sanchez stepped in front of a Perez pass at the Commanders' 19-yard line, ending the Iron's threat. On the ensuing possession, San Antonio marched 62 yards in seven plays with Williams finding paydirt from 12 yards out for his first score of the season. The drive featured six runs, including a season-high 26 yarder by Farrow. Following a fumble recovery at the Birmingham 23-yard line, the Commanders marched down to the Iron 1-yard line but settled for a 20-yard field goal Rose to make it 12-3. Birmingham answered with a touchdown of its own when RB Trent Richardson capped off a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run. After the score, Birmingham attempted an onside conversion play, but Perez was intercepted by DB Orion Stewart and the Commanders kneeled the ball to run out the clock.
-- (1-2)Commanders 12 - 11 Iron(3-0)
(SA): QB Woodside - 11/25 106 yards, RB Farrow - 30 carries, 142 yards, WR Ward - 2 catches, 24 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 19/39 202 yards, 2 INTs, RB Perkins - 10 carries, 67 yards, RB Richardson - 8 carries, 15 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 37 yards, TE Saxton - 3 catches, 54 yards
Tell the League to open the Checkbook one more time for the Apollos!
March 5, 2019
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Apollos are now 4-0, $400,000 dollars richer after a comfortable win against San Diego. “We have put ourselves in a great position,” Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier said. “But I think our players are smart enough to know that it is very early in this season. For the most part, teams in this league are very evenly matched. Even last week, our game would have been a lot closer if you take away a couple of plays.”
Marc Trestman Named XFL Head Coach in Tampa Bay
March 6, 2019
Tampa, FL - The XFL announced that Marc Trestman, a former head coach in the NFL and CFL, where he was two-time Coach of the Year, has been named the head coach and general manager of the new XFL team in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Vipers: In the shadows they wait. Demons, born in darkness. Hunters by instinct. Cold-blooded by nature. Their bite, unavoidable. Their grip, inescapable. They slither and stalk their competition. Luring all who challenge them, into the jaws of defeat. The Tampa Bay Vipers. Ready to strike.
"We are pleased to welcome Marc Trestman to the XFL and excited about the opportunity to leverage his three decades of coaching experience as we reimagine the game of football," said XFL Commissioner, Oliver Luck. "Marc is a two-time Coach of the Year who also led his teams to three CFL Grey Cup championships. He's just the kind of offensive-minded coach whose style will fit the up-tempo, fast-paced game we will deliver to fans when the XFL launches next February."
"I am very excited to be on the ground floor with Oliver, his team, and the other coaches across the XFL to help reimagine football," said Trestman. "I started my coaching career in Florida while I was in law school, and personally know the passion and love for the game that football fans have in the Tampa Bay area and across the state. I can't wait to begin putting a coaching staff together and building a team that will play disciplined, fundamentally sound and exciting football come February. Many thanks to Vince McMahon and Commissioner Luck for this tremendous opportunity."
XFL is Helping Pave the Way for More Women to Coach Football
March 7, 2019
Atlanta, GA - Jen Welter is back coaching on the sidelines in 2019. This time, the first woman to coach in the NFL is with the XFL in a full-time role, as a defensive specialist for the Atlanta Alphas. Welter is one of three coaches who are women in the XFL along with the Birmingham Iron’s Lo Locust and the Mexico City Conquerors’ Jennifer King. Before the new season kicked off, Welter spoke about what it means to be a woman coaching football. “For me in this process, I tell people all the time ‘it’s not enough to have it just be you,’” Welter says. “That’s selfish, if it was just them coaching football and there were no implications for anyone else. To me, that’s not enough and so to hear about the other women at XFL who are doing a great job who are there in the trenches, it shows progress and it encourages me to continue to not only kick butt on the field but to push for change in our society as a whole.”
March 1, 2019
Stamford, CT - Johnny Manziel's camp has been in contact with XFL officials about the possibility of joining the league, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck said. Luck said the league and Manziel's camp have been in touch after the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner was barred from the Canadian Football League, and the XFL has offered him the opportunity to work out for its teams.
"Right now, it’s a decision of our GMs, and they can decide what they want to do," Luck said. "If talent-wise this is close, the negative of him is that there is drama with him and you are trying to win games and build a team. The positive is that he brings in fans and attention."
XFL Week 4: Alphas Finally get One
March 2, 2019
Mexico City, MEXICO - The Atlanta Alphas earned a tough road win versus the Mexico City Conquerors, 14-11. Alphas QB Aaron Murray threw for 254 yards and ran for another 54, leading the Alphas to its first win of the season. The Alphas began the scoring with the first safety in team history, a tackle in the end zone by DB Ed Reynolds. Alphas RB Denard Robinson scored the first touchdown of the evening, a nine-yard run putting the Alphas up 8-0. Aztecs K Nick Folk hit a 39-yard field goal to end the half, cutting the Alphas lead to 8-3. Mexico City Conquerors QB Josh Wolford threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to his favorite target, WR Rashad Ross, and then converted the two-point conversion, to tie the game 11-11 with 5:20 remaining. The Alphas proceeded to drive down the field and K Younghoe Koo nailed a 33-yard FG to win the game.
-- (0-3)Alphas 14 - 11 Conquerors(2-1)
(ATL): QB Murray - 21/34 287 yards, RB Robinson - 16 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, RB Folston - 17 carries, 69 yards, 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Jones - 2 catches, 25 yards
(MEX): QB Wolford - 17/31 185 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 14 carries, 110 yards, RB Stockton - 9 carries, 35 yards, WR Ross - 4 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Huff - 5 catches, 63 yards
XFL Week 4: Orlando Apollos Survive Snow, Stallions to Remain Undefeated
March 2, 2019
St. Louis, MO - The Orlando Apollos broke open a close game in the second half with two long touchdown drives and defeated the St. Louis Stallions, 20-11, in snowy St. Louis Saturday night. The Apollos remain undefeated at 4-0 and the Stallions fell to 1-3. Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier said, "This was a fun one. I told the guys beforehand if us Florida boys can come out and win one in the snow in Missouri, we'll have something to talk about." Told he was now undefeated in his career in Missouri, Spurrier said, "Well, that's not the big deal. Winning in the snow, that's the big deal." The first half was a battle of field goals as neither offense was able to have much consistency.
The Apollos grabbed a 3-0 lead when K Elliott Fry kicked a 43-yard field goal with 1:05 to play in the first quarter. St. Louis tied the game with a K Taylor Bertolet 36-yard field goal with 11:38 remaining in the second quarter. Fry provided Orlando with a 6-3 halftime lead when he made a 42-yard field goal with 6:10 left. The Apollos took a 14-3 lead with 6:01 to play in third quarter on a 10-play, 91-yard drive in which they actually gained 101 yards because of a 10-yard penalty. The possession ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB Garrett Gilbert to WR Donteeya Dye Jr. and a 2-point conversion pass from RB D'Ernest Johnson to TE Sean Price. The Stallions answered with a 75-yard drive of their own and got to within 14-11 on as 14-yard run by RB Joel Bouagnon and 2-point conversion pass from QB Josh Woodrum to RB Terrell Newby with 27 seconds left in the third quarter. Orlando scored the final points of the game on an eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 2-yard touchdown run by RB Akeem Hunt. Hunt carried four times for 32 yards on the possession and Gilbert was 4-for-4 for 43 yards. On St. Louis' four possessions of the second half not including the touchdown, the Apollos held the Stallions to 65 total yards. Gilbert completed 22 of 32 passes for 244 yards with a passer rating of 101.6. Wide receiver Charles Johnson caught nine passes for 105 yards. For St. Louis, Woodrum was 16 of 22 for 161 yards and a 93.2 passer rating.
-- (3-0)Apollos 20 - 11 Stallions(1-2)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/32 244 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 12 carries, 51 yards, RB Hunt - 8 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 9 catches, 105 yards, WR Hall - 4 catches, 57 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 16/22 161 yards, RB Oliver - 17 carries, 71 yards, RB Bouagnon - 10 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Jennings - 2 catches, 43 yards
XFL Week 4: Quarterback Change Leads to First Victory
March 3, 2019
Memphis, TN - Express K Austin MacGinnis lifted the team to the first win with four field goals, including the game-winning 46-yarder with less than 3 minutes to play against the San Diego Fleet that put Memphis up for good, 26-23. His productivity, the four turnovers created by the Memphis defense and a clutch sequence led by QB Zach Mettenberger, making his first start in a Express uniform sent the announced crowd of 33,621 home happy. MacGinnis was good from 46 yards twice. He also drilled a 40-yarder and one from 35 yards out. “I wanted to be playing in the NFL, but didn’t really get my shot,” MacGinnis said before admitting that kicking game-winning field goals is far more fun than studying for the Series 7 and Series 66 exams (which he passed). “This opportunity came up and I made the most of it. I just like to win. It felt good to get out there because the guys put so much work into it. To come through in the clutch for them was great.”
Memphis came into the game with a penchant for falling apart late in games. More than 55 percent of the points the Express gave up and more than 40 percent of the yards they allowed came in the fourth quarter. Head coach Mike Singletary said this week he has spent a considerable amount of time and energy preaching the importance of finishing games strong. Mission accomplished versus the Fleet. Memphis, which trailed 20-15 at halftime, allowed just 3 points and 22 yards of offense in the fourth quarter. It was also clutch. Singletary’s defense created four turnovers overall but came away with two fumble recoveries in the fourth quarter. Special teams also came up big, stopping a fake punt on the San Diego half of the field and parlaying that into the game-winning field goal. “Our defense, starting with our defensive line, the guys have been playing their tails off,” Singletary said. “Our linebackers and DBs stepped up this week as well. We want to be a great defense. You can’t really call yourself a great defense until you answer the call in those situations.”
-- (2-1)Fleet 23 - 26 Express(0-3)
(SD): QB Nelson - 17/30 190 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Watson - 16 carries, 76 yards, WR Ford - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, TE Baugh - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Mettenberger - 18/25 174 yards, 1 TD, RB Stacy - 18 carries, 39 yards, WR Horn - 4 catches, 63 yards, TE Howard - 3 catches, 39 yards
XFL Week 4: San Antonio Commanders Hold off Birmingham Iron in 12-11 Win
March 3, 2019
Birmingham, AL - The San Antonio Commanders defeated the Birmingham Iron by a score of 12-11 on Sunday afternoon at Legion Field. The Commanders found success on the ground all night, as they ran for 161 yards on 41 carries. RB Kenneth Farrow led the way with an XFL-record 142 yards and RB Trey Williams found the end zone on a 12-yard run in the third quarter. QB Logan Woodside completed 11 of his 25 passes for 106 yards, no TDs and no turnovers. Birmingham utilized QB Luis Perez' arm in the loss. Perez completed 19 of his 39 attempts for 202 yards, no TDs and two interceptions. The Iron finished the night with 85 rushing yards on 20 carries.
San Antonio scored the first points of the game on its first possession as K Nick Rose split the uprights from 39 yards out with 2:24 to play in the first quarter. The field goal, which was Rose's eighth of the season, capped a 21 play Commanders' drive that covered 78 yards and took 9:34 off the clock. Birmingham tied the game at 3-3 with 31 seconds to play in the first half on a 33-yard K Nick Novak field goal. The score ended the Iron's 12-play, 64-yard drive. With Birmingham driving in the third quarter, San Antonio DB Zack Sanchez stepped in front of a Perez pass at the Commanders' 19-yard line, ending the Iron's threat. On the ensuing possession, San Antonio marched 62 yards in seven plays with Williams finding paydirt from 12 yards out for his first score of the season. The drive featured six runs, including a season-high 26 yarder by Farrow. Following a fumble recovery at the Birmingham 23-yard line, the Commanders marched down to the Iron 1-yard line but settled for a 20-yard field goal Rose to make it 12-3. Birmingham answered with a touchdown of its own when RB Trent Richardson capped off a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard TD run. After the score, Birmingham attempted an onside conversion play, but Perez was intercepted by DB Orion Stewart and the Commanders kneeled the ball to run out the clock.
-- (1-2)Commanders 12 - 11 Iron(3-0)
(SA): QB Woodside - 11/25 106 yards, RB Farrow - 30 carries, 142 yards, WR Ward - 2 catches, 24 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 19/39 202 yards, 2 INTs, RB Perkins - 10 carries, 67 yards, RB Richardson - 8 carries, 15 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 37 yards, TE Saxton - 3 catches, 54 yards
Tell the League to open the Checkbook one more time for the Apollos!
March 5, 2019
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Apollos are now 4-0, $400,000 dollars richer after a comfortable win against San Diego. “We have put ourselves in a great position,” Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier said. “But I think our players are smart enough to know that it is very early in this season. For the most part, teams in this league are very evenly matched. Even last week, our game would have been a lot closer if you take away a couple of plays.”
Marc Trestman Named XFL Head Coach in Tampa Bay
March 6, 2019
Tampa, FL - The XFL announced that Marc Trestman, a former head coach in the NFL and CFL, where he was two-time Coach of the Year, has been named the head coach and general manager of the new XFL team in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Vipers: In the shadows they wait. Demons, born in darkness. Hunters by instinct. Cold-blooded by nature. Their bite, unavoidable. Their grip, inescapable. They slither and stalk their competition. Luring all who challenge them, into the jaws of defeat. The Tampa Bay Vipers. Ready to strike.
"We are pleased to welcome Marc Trestman to the XFL and excited about the opportunity to leverage his three decades of coaching experience as we reimagine the game of football," said XFL Commissioner, Oliver Luck. "Marc is a two-time Coach of the Year who also led his teams to three CFL Grey Cup championships. He's just the kind of offensive-minded coach whose style will fit the up-tempo, fast-paced game we will deliver to fans when the XFL launches next February."
"I am very excited to be on the ground floor with Oliver, his team, and the other coaches across the XFL to help reimagine football," said Trestman. "I started my coaching career in Florida while I was in law school, and personally know the passion and love for the game that football fans have in the Tampa Bay area and across the state. I can't wait to begin putting a coaching staff together and building a team that will play disciplined, fundamentally sound and exciting football come February. Many thanks to Vince McMahon and Commissioner Luck for this tremendous opportunity."
XFL is Helping Pave the Way for More Women to Coach Football
March 7, 2019
Atlanta, GA - Jen Welter is back coaching on the sidelines in 2019. This time, the first woman to coach in the NFL is with the XFL in a full-time role, as a defensive specialist for the Atlanta Alphas. Welter is one of three coaches who are women in the XFL along with the Birmingham Iron’s Lo Locust and the Mexico City Conquerors’ Jennifer King. Before the new season kicked off, Welter spoke about what it means to be a woman coaching football. “For me in this process, I tell people all the time ‘it’s not enough to have it just be you,’” Welter says. “That’s selfish, if it was just them coaching football and there were no implications for anyone else. To me, that’s not enough and so to hear about the other women at XFL who are doing a great job who are there in the trenches, it shows progress and it encourages me to continue to not only kick butt on the field but to push for change in our society as a whole.”
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
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XFL Week 5: Stallions rally to take lead late, but last-second field goal gives Fleet 27-25 victory
March 9, 2019
St. Louis, MO - Fleet K Donny Hageman kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to give San Diego a wild 27-25 victory over the St. Louis Stallions on Saturday night in Week 5 of the XFL in San Diego. Hageman’s third field goal of the night was set up moments earlier by a 45-yard completion from QB Mike Bercovici to WR Dontez Ford. QB Josh Woodrum had led the Stallions on a 76-yard scoring drive in the closing minutes to go up 25-24 with just under a minute remaining. DB Kameron Kelly had three interceptions, returning one 23 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown, as San Diego improved to 3-2 with the victory. St. Louis fell to 1-4.
In the third quarter, Fleet DB Jordan Martin returned a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown to give San Diego a 12-11 lead. On the ensuing Stallions drive, Fleet DL Damontre Moore sacked Stallions QB Austin Allen, forcing and recovering a fumble. The offense capitalized on the turnover when Bercovici connected with TE Ben Johnson for an 18-yard touchdown and an 18-11 lead. Bercovici threw for 304 yards and a touchdown in his return to the starting lineup for San Diego. RB Joel Bouagnon ran for two touchdowns to keep the Stallions within striking distance. Woodrum overcame three interceptions to lead the Stallions on what seemed to be a game-winning final drive, tossing a 6-yard touchdown pass to TE Nick Truesdell to pull St. Louis within one. Woodrum then scrambled and completed a 2-point conversion pass to WR Kenny Bell to give the Stallions a 25-24 lead. Bercovici, however, drove the Fleet into field goal position. Hageman split the uprights from 44 yards, and the Fleet remain undefeated at home.
-- (2-2)Fleet 27 - 25 Stallions(1-3)
(SD): QB Bercovici - 22/43 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Sankey - 11 carries, 29 yards, 4 catches, 44 yards, WR Ford - 3 catches, 94 yards, TE Baugh - 2 catches, 65 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 47 yards
(SLC): QB Woodrum - 31/48 380 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Bouagnon - 12 carries, 47 yards, 2 TDs, WR Pierson-El - 8 catches, 130 yards, TE Truesdell - 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 5: Atlanta Alphas earn first home victory
March 9, 2019
Atlanta, GA - An interception in the final four minutes gave the Atlanta Alphas one more chance to secure its first win, a 23-20 victory over Memphis, before the home crowd at Georgia State Stadium. “It feels good just to get that win,” Alphas’ QB Aaron Murray said. “We finished, we finished the game, that’s two weeks in a row now where we had an opportunity late in the game to go down there and score, and we did it.”
The Alphas’ fortunes turned after a pass interference penalty was called on Atlanta DB Desmond Lawrence, which gave the Memphis Express a first down with the score tied 20-20 and less than five minutes left in the game. Express RB Zac Stacy took advantage stretching out a catch for 31 yards and putting Memphis within striking distance. Atlanta DB Tyson Graham intercepted a pass from Memphis QB Zach Mettenberger and ran it back for 14 yards to give Atlanta another possession in the final three minutes. Murray, making his first start, led the Atlanta Alphas and moved down the field with a 15-yard pass to TE Keith Towbridge, followed by a 16-yard run from RB Tarean Folston. The Alphas reached the 17-yard line with 13 seconds in the game before K Younghoe Koo kicked the game-winning 35-yard field goal. “We were confident once we got the ball down deep in the territory we were going to be able to win the game,” coach Brad Childress said. And just like that the Alphas earned their first home win over Memphis. Murray dominated in the passing game against Memphis. In the first half he threw 17-of-26 for 196 yards. The former Georgia Bulldog quarterback finished with 27-of-43 passes for 306 yards. Mettenberger, another onetime Bulldog, struggled. He finished 8-of-16 for 172 yards.
The Alphas had a dominant first half. Atlanta worked its way down the field on the opening drive, with Murray completing a pass to WR Seantavius Jones for 21 yards. The Alphas ended their opening drive with points on the board after a 38-yard field goal from Koo. Memphis earned its first points in the first quarter following a LB DeMarquis Gates recovery of an Atlanta fumble. Mettenberger completed a 29-yard pass to WR Reece Horn to put the Express on Atlanta’s 14-yard line. Stacy scored on a 7-yard touchdown run, but the Express were not able to complete the two-point conversion. Memphis led Atlanta 6-3 with five minutes left in the first quarter. Atlanta’s first touchdown came in the second quarter when Folston scored from 2 yards out. It was Folston’s first touchdown this season. Murray followed with a pass to TE Justin Thomas for the two-point conversion, Atlanta’s first successful conversion this season. “Yeah it’s a little funky every time you score you want to run off the field, you have to remind yourself to stick on the field and go for a two-point play,” Murray said. “It was a great catch, they played it really well.”
In the final three minutes of the second quarter, Folston ran for 7 yards to give Atlanta a first down deep in Express territory. Murray was sacked on the next play, which put the Alphas at second-and-14. Atlanta’s offense stalled, but Koo hit a 25-yard field goal to give the Alphas a 14-12 to end the half. Atlanta went scoreless in the third quarter after Murray was sacked twice and they were forced to punt on both drives. Memphis’ third touchdown of the game came from Mettenberger when he ran into the end zone for one yard to give the Express the lead late in the third quarter. The two-point conversion was converted by RB Terrence Magee to give Memphis a 20-14 lead with under four minutes left in the third quarter. Atlanta tied the game behind the efforts of RB Folston. A 27-yard run from Folston put the Alphas deep in the red zone. Two plays later Folston caught a Murray pass for a 2-yard touchdown, his second of the game. Murray’s two-point conversion pass fell incomplete, so Atlanta and Memphis sat tied 20-20 with 12 minutes left in the game. “It was kind of an unusual game in that I felt right from the get-go we were dominating the game, yet we weren’t dominating on the scoreboard,” Childress said. “So the positive today is that we did find a way to win the game at the end, and we are grateful for that and that our guys came through clutch when we had to have them make some plays.”
-- (1-3)Express 20 - 23 Alphas(1-3)
(MEM): QB Mettenberger - 9/17 181 yards, 1 INT, RB Stacy - 18 carries, 53 yards, 2 TDs, 2 catches, 45 yards, WR Lucien - 2 catches, 75 yards
(ATL): QB Murray - 27/43 306 yards, 1 TD, RB Folston - 14 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 5 catches, 89 yards, TE Towbridge - 4 catches, 56 yards
XFL Week 5: Apollos defense sets tone in statement win over Iron
March 10, 2019
Birmingham, AL - In the battle between the XFL's best offense and its best defense, defense won the day. It just wasn't the defense people expected to win the day. The Orlando Apollos' offense gained 468 total yards against the Birmingham Iron's defense, which came into the game allowing the fewest yards and points in the XFL. But the Apollos' dominant performance on defense was what enabled the offense to keep getting on the field and gaining all those yards. Orlando gave up 272 total yards to Birmingham, but just 49 of those were on the ground. Nearly every time it looked like the Iron were taking the momentum, the defense made a play to stop a drive. In the end, that allowed the Apollos to walk away from Legion Field on Saturday with a 31-14 victory and a perfect 5-0 record.
Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier said after the game that this performance may have been his team's best yet, and is proof Orlando is a contender for the XFL Championship. "If we can stay in focus, stay within ourselves, our guys can achieve a lot this year," Spurrier said.
-- (4-0)Apollos 31 - 14 Iron(3-1)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 23/35 286 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 119 yards, RB Johnson - 12 carries, 66 yards, 5 catches, 73 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, TE Orndoff - 3 catches, 61 yards
(BIRM): QB Price - 18/28 234 yards, 1 TD, RB Richardson - 12 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 37 yards, WR Washington - 3 catches, 75 yards
XFL Week 5: San Antonio Commanders Knock off Mexico City 29-25 in the Desert
March 10, 2019
Mexico City, MEXICO - The San Antonio Commanders turned four first-half turnovers by the Mexico City Conquerors into 18 points to stake a 26-0 halftime lead. In the second half, the Commanders were able to hold onto the lead and beat the Hotshots 29-25. Commanders' QB Logan Woodside completed 21 of his 27 passes for a season high 290 yards, in addition to two TDs. San Antonio finished with 367 yards offensively, as they tied their season high in points in the win. Defensively, the Commanders forced five turnovers on Sunday, the most in team history. Mexico City ran the ball 29 times for 112 yards, and QB John Wolford threw two touchdowns. DB Derron Smith put the Commanders on the board first with a 66-yard pick-six of the Conqueors' John Wolford at the 12:25 mark of the first quarter. The interception ended Mexico City's initial drive of the game that had covered 28 yards in seven plays.
After the Commanders defense forced Conquerors 3-and-out, the San Antonio offense took over on its own 12-yard line and proceeded to put together a 10-play, 88-yard drive that culminated in a 54-yard Woodside to WR Mekale McKay touchdown pass. Woodside ran in the ensuing two-point try to give the visitors a 14-0 lead with less than 10 minutes elapsed off the clock. Reigning Offensive Player of the Week RB Kenneth Farrow extended the Commanders' lead to 20-0 with a 1-yard touchdown plunge 2:25 into the second quarter. The drive, which encompassed nine plays and 38 yards, was set up by a DL Jayrone Elliott recovery of a RB Justin Stockton fumble on a 3-and-1 from the Conquerors' 36. Following Smith's second interception of the first half, Woodside found TE Stehly Reden alone across the middle of the end zone for the Commanders' fourth touchdown of the opening half. The five-yard touchdown pass, which gave the Commanders' a 26-0 lead, capped San Antonio's 70-yard drive that included a 57-yard Woodside to WR Alonzo Moore connection that set the Commanders up at the Conquerors' 13-yard line.
Mexico City made it a 26-8 game with 5:31 showing on the third-quarter clock with a 45-yard Wolford to WR Rashad Ross touchdown pass. The drive was ignited by an DB Erick Dargen interception of Woodside at the 2-yard line as San Antonio was driving for its fifth touchdown of the evening. K Nick Folk added three points for the Conquerors' with 13:04 to play. The 23-yard field goal, trimmed the Commanders' lead to 26-11. San Antonio immediately answered with a field goal of its own as K Nick Rose made his ninth consecutive attempt of the season. The 21-yard field goal was the product of an eight-play, 72-yard drive. Following Rose's successful field goal attempt, Mexico City drove 59 yards down the field, where Wolford found TE Thomas Duarte for a 4-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 10. On the ensuing onside conversion attempt, Mexico City fumbled a completed pass that was then recovered by San Antonio. The Commanders took time off the clock but punted the ball back to the Conquerors with 2:57 left in the game. With 1:21 left on the game clock, Conquerors' RB Tim Cook found the end zone. After a failed two-point try, the score sat at 29-25 in favor of the visitors. The Conquerors did not convert the onside conversion attempt and the Commanders kneeled out the rest of the clock to secure the victory.
-- (2-2)Conquerors 25 - 29 Commanders(2-2)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 19/33 246 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Cook - 16 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, RB Stockton - 13 carries, 49 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Bundy - 3 catches, 49 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 21/27 290 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 22 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 5 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 2 catches, 54 yards, WR Ayers - 4 catches, 50 yards
XFL Dallas Franchise Nicknamed Renegades
March 13, 2019
Frisco, TX - Dallas' newest professional sports team will be known as the Dallas Renegades. The team name prominently features the name of the booming city the team calls home, while also paying homage to the North Texas region's outlaw history. Deep in the heart of Texas, beats a different kind of pulse. A spirit untamed. A swagger that can't be denied. Where big meets bold meets badass. This is outlaw country, inside the lines. This is hell on wheels, between hash marks. This is their home on the range. The Dallas Renegades. Raising Hell. "We are extremely excited to announce our new team identity," said team owner Steve Germain. "Not only is it just a cool name, but I'm proud that we arrived at an identity that represents the amazing city and region in a unique way. Dallas-Fort Worth is such an impressive community and it continues to grow and innovate at a rapid pace."
"We're excited to welcome the Dallas Renegades to our city," said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. "As Sports City USA, we're already the home (or future home) of seven professional sports organizations, so it's no surprise the Dallas Renegades chose our community to kick off their inaugural season. Frisco is also a community focused on showcasing the great works, service, and contributions of our veterans, so we applaud the Renegades' commitment to highlighting local military heroes during games."
Furthering their commitment to the Frisco community, and as a good faith gesture to the fans of football in the Frisco market, the Germain family will provide season tickets to the 2020 Renegades' season at no cost to the season ticket holders of the Frisco indoor football team, Texas Revolution, who ceased operations. "This is something that we feel very strongly about," said Germain. "We have no ties to the previous team, ownership group or league, but we do believe in doing what's right, and what's right in this instance is reaching out to those fans who did not receive value for the support they showed the previous team. We want nothing more than to convert them to Dallas Renegades fans and earn their trust in our great organization."
March 9, 2019
St. Louis, MO - Fleet K Donny Hageman kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to give San Diego a wild 27-25 victory over the St. Louis Stallions on Saturday night in Week 5 of the XFL in San Diego. Hageman’s third field goal of the night was set up moments earlier by a 45-yard completion from QB Mike Bercovici to WR Dontez Ford. QB Josh Woodrum had led the Stallions on a 76-yard scoring drive in the closing minutes to go up 25-24 with just under a minute remaining. DB Kameron Kelly had three interceptions, returning one 23 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown, as San Diego improved to 3-2 with the victory. St. Louis fell to 1-4.
In the third quarter, Fleet DB Jordan Martin returned a fumble 41 yards for a touchdown to give San Diego a 12-11 lead. On the ensuing Stallions drive, Fleet DL Damontre Moore sacked Stallions QB Austin Allen, forcing and recovering a fumble. The offense capitalized on the turnover when Bercovici connected with TE Ben Johnson for an 18-yard touchdown and an 18-11 lead. Bercovici threw for 304 yards and a touchdown in his return to the starting lineup for San Diego. RB Joel Bouagnon ran for two touchdowns to keep the Stallions within striking distance. Woodrum overcame three interceptions to lead the Stallions on what seemed to be a game-winning final drive, tossing a 6-yard touchdown pass to TE Nick Truesdell to pull St. Louis within one. Woodrum then scrambled and completed a 2-point conversion pass to WR Kenny Bell to give the Stallions a 25-24 lead. Bercovici, however, drove the Fleet into field goal position. Hageman split the uprights from 44 yards, and the Fleet remain undefeated at home.
-- (2-2)Fleet 27 - 25 Stallions(1-3)
(SD): QB Bercovici - 22/43 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Sankey - 11 carries, 29 yards, 4 catches, 44 yards, WR Ford - 3 catches, 94 yards, TE Baugh - 2 catches, 65 yards, WR Spruce - 4 catches, 47 yards
(SLC): QB Woodrum - 31/48 380 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Bouagnon - 12 carries, 47 yards, 2 TDs, WR Pierson-El - 8 catches, 130 yards, TE Truesdell - 6 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 5: Atlanta Alphas earn first home victory
March 9, 2019
Atlanta, GA - An interception in the final four minutes gave the Atlanta Alphas one more chance to secure its first win, a 23-20 victory over Memphis, before the home crowd at Georgia State Stadium. “It feels good just to get that win,” Alphas’ QB Aaron Murray said. “We finished, we finished the game, that’s two weeks in a row now where we had an opportunity late in the game to go down there and score, and we did it.”
The Alphas’ fortunes turned after a pass interference penalty was called on Atlanta DB Desmond Lawrence, which gave the Memphis Express a first down with the score tied 20-20 and less than five minutes left in the game. Express RB Zac Stacy took advantage stretching out a catch for 31 yards and putting Memphis within striking distance. Atlanta DB Tyson Graham intercepted a pass from Memphis QB Zach Mettenberger and ran it back for 14 yards to give Atlanta another possession in the final three minutes. Murray, making his first start, led the Atlanta Alphas and moved down the field with a 15-yard pass to TE Keith Towbridge, followed by a 16-yard run from RB Tarean Folston. The Alphas reached the 17-yard line with 13 seconds in the game before K Younghoe Koo kicked the game-winning 35-yard field goal. “We were confident once we got the ball down deep in the territory we were going to be able to win the game,” coach Brad Childress said. And just like that the Alphas earned their first home win over Memphis. Murray dominated in the passing game against Memphis. In the first half he threw 17-of-26 for 196 yards. The former Georgia Bulldog quarterback finished with 27-of-43 passes for 306 yards. Mettenberger, another onetime Bulldog, struggled. He finished 8-of-16 for 172 yards.
The Alphas had a dominant first half. Atlanta worked its way down the field on the opening drive, with Murray completing a pass to WR Seantavius Jones for 21 yards. The Alphas ended their opening drive with points on the board after a 38-yard field goal from Koo. Memphis earned its first points in the first quarter following a LB DeMarquis Gates recovery of an Atlanta fumble. Mettenberger completed a 29-yard pass to WR Reece Horn to put the Express on Atlanta’s 14-yard line. Stacy scored on a 7-yard touchdown run, but the Express were not able to complete the two-point conversion. Memphis led Atlanta 6-3 with five minutes left in the first quarter. Atlanta’s first touchdown came in the second quarter when Folston scored from 2 yards out. It was Folston’s first touchdown this season. Murray followed with a pass to TE Justin Thomas for the two-point conversion, Atlanta’s first successful conversion this season. “Yeah it’s a little funky every time you score you want to run off the field, you have to remind yourself to stick on the field and go for a two-point play,” Murray said. “It was a great catch, they played it really well.”
In the final three minutes of the second quarter, Folston ran for 7 yards to give Atlanta a first down deep in Express territory. Murray was sacked on the next play, which put the Alphas at second-and-14. Atlanta’s offense stalled, but Koo hit a 25-yard field goal to give the Alphas a 14-12 to end the half. Atlanta went scoreless in the third quarter after Murray was sacked twice and they were forced to punt on both drives. Memphis’ third touchdown of the game came from Mettenberger when he ran into the end zone for one yard to give the Express the lead late in the third quarter. The two-point conversion was converted by RB Terrence Magee to give Memphis a 20-14 lead with under four minutes left in the third quarter. Atlanta tied the game behind the efforts of RB Folston. A 27-yard run from Folston put the Alphas deep in the red zone. Two plays later Folston caught a Murray pass for a 2-yard touchdown, his second of the game. Murray’s two-point conversion pass fell incomplete, so Atlanta and Memphis sat tied 20-20 with 12 minutes left in the game. “It was kind of an unusual game in that I felt right from the get-go we were dominating the game, yet we weren’t dominating on the scoreboard,” Childress said. “So the positive today is that we did find a way to win the game at the end, and we are grateful for that and that our guys came through clutch when we had to have them make some plays.”
-- (1-3)Express 20 - 23 Alphas(1-3)
(MEM): QB Mettenberger - 9/17 181 yards, 1 INT, RB Stacy - 18 carries, 53 yards, 2 TDs, 2 catches, 45 yards, WR Lucien - 2 catches, 75 yards
(ATL): QB Murray - 27/43 306 yards, 1 TD, RB Folston - 14 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 5 catches, 89 yards, TE Towbridge - 4 catches, 56 yards
XFL Week 5: Apollos defense sets tone in statement win over Iron
March 10, 2019
Birmingham, AL - In the battle between the XFL's best offense and its best defense, defense won the day. It just wasn't the defense people expected to win the day. The Orlando Apollos' offense gained 468 total yards against the Birmingham Iron's defense, which came into the game allowing the fewest yards and points in the XFL. But the Apollos' dominant performance on defense was what enabled the offense to keep getting on the field and gaining all those yards. Orlando gave up 272 total yards to Birmingham, but just 49 of those were on the ground. Nearly every time it looked like the Iron were taking the momentum, the defense made a play to stop a drive. In the end, that allowed the Apollos to walk away from Legion Field on Saturday with a 31-14 victory and a perfect 5-0 record.
Apollos head coach Steve Spurrier said after the game that this performance may have been his team's best yet, and is proof Orlando is a contender for the XFL Championship. "If we can stay in focus, stay within ourselves, our guys can achieve a lot this year," Spurrier said.
-- (4-0)Apollos 31 - 14 Iron(3-1)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 23/35 286 yards, 2 TDs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 119 yards, RB Johnson - 12 carries, 66 yards, 5 catches, 73 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, TE Orndoff - 3 catches, 61 yards
(BIRM): QB Price - 18/28 234 yards, 1 TD, RB Richardson - 12 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, 5 catches, 37 yards, WR Washington - 3 catches, 75 yards
XFL Week 5: San Antonio Commanders Knock off Mexico City 29-25 in the Desert
March 10, 2019
Mexico City, MEXICO - The San Antonio Commanders turned four first-half turnovers by the Mexico City Conquerors into 18 points to stake a 26-0 halftime lead. In the second half, the Commanders were able to hold onto the lead and beat the Hotshots 29-25. Commanders' QB Logan Woodside completed 21 of his 27 passes for a season high 290 yards, in addition to two TDs. San Antonio finished with 367 yards offensively, as they tied their season high in points in the win. Defensively, the Commanders forced five turnovers on Sunday, the most in team history. Mexico City ran the ball 29 times for 112 yards, and QB John Wolford threw two touchdowns. DB Derron Smith put the Commanders on the board first with a 66-yard pick-six of the Conqueors' John Wolford at the 12:25 mark of the first quarter. The interception ended Mexico City's initial drive of the game that had covered 28 yards in seven plays.
After the Commanders defense forced Conquerors 3-and-out, the San Antonio offense took over on its own 12-yard line and proceeded to put together a 10-play, 88-yard drive that culminated in a 54-yard Woodside to WR Mekale McKay touchdown pass. Woodside ran in the ensuing two-point try to give the visitors a 14-0 lead with less than 10 minutes elapsed off the clock. Reigning Offensive Player of the Week RB Kenneth Farrow extended the Commanders' lead to 20-0 with a 1-yard touchdown plunge 2:25 into the second quarter. The drive, which encompassed nine plays and 38 yards, was set up by a DL Jayrone Elliott recovery of a RB Justin Stockton fumble on a 3-and-1 from the Conquerors' 36. Following Smith's second interception of the first half, Woodside found TE Stehly Reden alone across the middle of the end zone for the Commanders' fourth touchdown of the opening half. The five-yard touchdown pass, which gave the Commanders' a 26-0 lead, capped San Antonio's 70-yard drive that included a 57-yard Woodside to WR Alonzo Moore connection that set the Commanders up at the Conquerors' 13-yard line.
Mexico City made it a 26-8 game with 5:31 showing on the third-quarter clock with a 45-yard Wolford to WR Rashad Ross touchdown pass. The drive was ignited by an DB Erick Dargen interception of Woodside at the 2-yard line as San Antonio was driving for its fifth touchdown of the evening. K Nick Folk added three points for the Conquerors' with 13:04 to play. The 23-yard field goal, trimmed the Commanders' lead to 26-11. San Antonio immediately answered with a field goal of its own as K Nick Rose made his ninth consecutive attempt of the season. The 21-yard field goal was the product of an eight-play, 72-yard drive. Following Rose's successful field goal attempt, Mexico City drove 59 yards down the field, where Wolford found TE Thomas Duarte for a 4-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 10. On the ensuing onside conversion attempt, Mexico City fumbled a completed pass that was then recovered by San Antonio. The Commanders took time off the clock but punted the ball back to the Conquerors with 2:57 left in the game. With 1:21 left on the game clock, Conquerors' RB Tim Cook found the end zone. After a failed two-point try, the score sat at 29-25 in favor of the visitors. The Conquerors did not convert the onside conversion attempt and the Commanders kneeled out the rest of the clock to secure the victory.
-- (2-2)Conquerors 25 - 29 Commanders(2-2)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 19/33 246 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Cook - 16 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, RB Stockton - 13 carries, 49 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD, WR Bundy - 3 catches, 49 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 21/27 290 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Williams - 22 carries, 47 yards, 1 TD, WR McKay - 5 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Moore - 2 catches, 54 yards, WR Ayers - 4 catches, 50 yards
XFL Dallas Franchise Nicknamed Renegades
March 13, 2019
Frisco, TX - Dallas' newest professional sports team will be known as the Dallas Renegades. The team name prominently features the name of the booming city the team calls home, while also paying homage to the North Texas region's outlaw history. Deep in the heart of Texas, beats a different kind of pulse. A spirit untamed. A swagger that can't be denied. Where big meets bold meets badass. This is outlaw country, inside the lines. This is hell on wheels, between hash marks. This is their home on the range. The Dallas Renegades. Raising Hell. "We are extremely excited to announce our new team identity," said team owner Steve Germain. "Not only is it just a cool name, but I'm proud that we arrived at an identity that represents the amazing city and region in a unique way. Dallas-Fort Worth is such an impressive community and it continues to grow and innovate at a rapid pace."
"We're excited to welcome the Dallas Renegades to our city," said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. "As Sports City USA, we're already the home (or future home) of seven professional sports organizations, so it's no surprise the Dallas Renegades chose our community to kick off their inaugural season. Frisco is also a community focused on showcasing the great works, service, and contributions of our veterans, so we applaud the Renegades' commitment to highlighting local military heroes during games."
Furthering their commitment to the Frisco community, and as a good faith gesture to the fans of football in the Frisco market, the Germain family will provide season tickets to the 2020 Renegades' season at no cost to the season ticket holders of the Frisco indoor football team, Texas Revolution, who ceased operations. "This is something that we feel very strongly about," said Germain. "We have no ties to the previous team, ownership group or league, but we do believe in doing what's right, and what's right in this instance is reaching out to those fans who did not receive value for the support they showed the previous team. We want nothing more than to convert them to Dallas Renegades fans and earn their trust in our great organization."
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
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San Antonio Commanders Waive College Allocation Rights of Johnny Manziel
March 15, 2019
San Antonio, TX - The San Antonio Commanders have waived the college allocation rights of QB Johnny Manziel, announced GM Daryl Johnston. "We have decided not to exercise our rights to sign Johnny Manziel as a San Antonio Commander," said Johnston.
"When I took this job as general manager of the Commanders there were foundational experiences from my career as a player and as a broadcaster that I would not deviate from. There were also things that I would have to learn from my experience on the job. One of the most important things I have already learned is when there is an opportunity to get better, you get better. The challenge is finding the balance in what I know and what I have learned and finding the best solution to get better as a team. I truly believe that the moves necessary to add Johnny to our roster do not make us better at this time. I wish Johnny all the best with the XFL and we look forward to competing against him in the future."
XFL Week 6: Conquerors hand Apollos their first loss of the season, 22-17
March 16, 2019
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Apollos' Week 6 matchup with the Mexico City Conquerors came down to one thing: hunger. Mexico City came into the game hungry for its first win in exactly a month after losing three games in a row. Orlando had to decide whether it was hungry to maintain its perfect record and overcome adversity to do it. In the end, the Conquerors' hunger to save their season proved to be stronger than the Apollos' hunger to maintain theirs, and the Conquerors handed the Apollos their first loss of the season, 22-17.
Initially, things looked like they would go well for the Apollos, as they have for a good portion of the season. Orlando opened the game with a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took nearly seven minutes. It seemed like the Mexico City defense had no answer for Orlando RB D'Ernest Johnson early on. Then, Mexico City got the ball. While the Conquerors struggled to get in the end zone on their first two drives, K Nick Folk managed to hit two 50-plus-yard field goals to tie the game. The Apollos answered back with a field goal of their own, but the wheels fell off after that. Orlando's apparent "bend-but-don't-break" strategy on defense stopped working and Mexico City put together a long touchdown drive. Then, Apollos QB Garrett Gilbert threw his first interception of the season. It didn't lead to any points, but Gilbert, under duress quite often, nearly threw several more the rest of the night.
Things didn't get a whole lot better for the Apollos in the second half. The offense continued to look out of sync and Apollos LB Terence Garvin, one of the leaders on defense was ejected from the game for throwing a punch. Despite losing Garvin, Orlando's defense responded, stopping Mexico City's offense and giving its own offense multiple opportunities. The Apollos finally capitalized on one in the fourth quarter, with a six-play, 98-yard touchdown drive to take the lead with less than 10 minutes to play. Mexico City roared back, scoring a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 5:17 left in the fourth quarter to retake the lead. But, the Apollos weren't done yet. They managed to drive down into Mexico City territory, but Gilbert was sacked and fumbled just after the two-minute warning. The Conquerors recovered, but Orlando forced a punt with 55 seconds left on the clock. The Apollos took over on their own 18-yard line, and after an incomplete pass, Gilbert found TE Sean Price wide open down the right sideline for a 48-yard play. Price managed to get to the Mexico City 34-yard line, but stayed in bounds, which to a spike by Gilbert to stop the clock. Another completion, this one for 236 yards to WR Jalin Marshall, got Orlando down to the 8-yard line with less than 10 seconds to go, but a false-start penalty when the Apollos tried to spike the ball led to a 10-second runoff, ending the game.
-- (2-3)Conquerors 22 - 17 Apollos(5-0)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 16/27 162 yards, 1 TD, RB Cook - 13 carries, 85 yards, RB Pressley - 25 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Mullaney - 6 catches, 73 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 51 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 23/48 268 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 11 carries, 55 yards, RB Smith - 12 carries, 54 yards, WR Marshall - 6 catches, 98 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 6: Stallions pitch second-half shutout to earn 22-9 win over Memphis
March 16, 2019
St. Louis, MO - The St. Louis Stallions didn't put on an offensive showcase Saturday afternoon. But the Stallions' defense? That was showcase enough. "Our defense is amazing," St. Louis QB Josh Woodrum said. "I think they are the best defense in the league and it’s not even close. They are awesome, I can’t say enough good things about them." There were some good things to say about Woodrum on Saturday, though, too. He threw for 243 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, and RB Joel Bouagnon added 60 yards on 19 carries to help the St. Louis Stallions to its second win of their inaugural season 22-9 Saturday afternoon over the Memphis Express.
TE Nick Truesdell caught five passes for 67 yards and a touchdown for Salt Lake (2-4), and Anthony Denham added four catches for 42 yards and a score. DL Karter Schult led the Stallions' defense, which held a second-half shutout, and finished with five tackles and two sacks to keep the Express at bay. LB Gionni Paul led the Stallions with six tackles and DL Tenny Palepoi added four tackles and two sacks. The Stallions held Memphis to just 2-of-15 on third down and just 49 rushing yards. Express QB Brandon Silvers threw for 242 yards and a touchdown, but couldn’t find any rhythm in the second half. The Stallions scored on the game’s opening possession, capping a 75-yard drive with Woodrum’s 11-yard slant pass to Truesdell. The tight end caught his third touchdown of the season, and WR Jared Leslie hauled in the 2-point conversion that gave St. Louis an 8-0 lead after a 12-play drive spanning 5:42. Schult’s sack on Memphis’ ensuing drive gave the XFL’s leading sack artist his sixth takedown of the season and forced starting QB Zach Mettenberger from the game. Denham doubled the advantage, hauling in a 4-yard strike from Woodrum as the Stallions took a 16-0 lead out of the first quarter. Woodrum, who threw three interceptions (among the Stallions’ five turnovers) in last week’s 27-25 loss at San Diego, had thrown for 114 yards on 14-of-19 passing in the first quarter. Taylor Bertolet added a 26-yard field goal in the second quarter to give the Stallions a 19-0 lead. But the turnover issues that plagued St. Louis last week showed up again on Saturday. The Stallions turned the ball over four times on Saturday. "We just got to do a better job of cutting down our turnovers," Woodrum said. "We won 22-9 and it felt like we should have been up 40-9 the whole game."
And those turnovers allowed the Express to keep it from getting out of hand. K Austin McGinnis hit a 31-yard field goal to get the Express on the board. And then after Memphis recovered a fumble, Silvers threw a perfect pass for 13 yards to the 2-yard line, then hit RB Zac Stacy for an 11-yard touchdown after back-to-back false start penalties. On the same scoring drive, Schult exited the game with an injury. Woodrum threw an interception on his first play after the touchdown, but the Stallions recovered a fumble to take the 19-9 lead into halftime. That was as close as the Express could get. "We're playing good on defense, we have shown a lot of sparks on offense," St. Louis head coach Dennis Erickson said. "Hopefully, we can put it all together next week." St. Louis held Memphis scoreless through the third quarter and Bertolet kicked his second field, one from 22 yards away, to open the fourth quarter that put the Stallions up 22-9. And the defense did the rest to snap St. Louis' two-game losing skid. "We went 1-4 in the first half of the season," Woodrum said. "Our goal is to go 5-0 the second half."
-- (1-4)Express 9 - 22 Stallions(1-4)
(MEM): QB Silvers - 23/37 242 yards, 1 TD, RB Stacy - 13 carries, 39 yards, 4 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD, WR Horn - 8 catches, 129 yards, WR Williams - 7 catches, 70 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 24/37 243 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Bouagnon - 22 carries, 74 yards, WR Jennings - 4 catches, 51 yards, TE Truesdell - 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 6: San Antonio Commanders Finish Road Trip with 37-6 Win over Atlanta
March 17, 2019
Atlanta, GA - The San Antonio Commanders scored early and never trailed as they defeated the Atlanta Alphas 37-6 in front of 20,619 people at Georgia State Stadium. The Commanders scored 37, and the defense matched its best performance of the year by holding the Alphas to just six points. The San Antonio defense led the way by forcing four turnovers, marking the third straight week with three or more turnovers. DBs De'Vante Bausby, Zack Sanchez and Derron Smith all tallied an interception and DB Duke Thomas recovered a fumble in the victory. Offensively, QB Logan Woodside completed 17 of his 23 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, one to WR Mekale McKay and another to TE Evan Rodriguez. Alphas QB Aaron Murray completed 30 passes for 215 yards, in addition to one TD and three interceptions. WRs Keith Towbridge and Seantavius Jones combined for 11 receptions and 80 yards. San Antonio got on the board first when RB Kenneth Farrow scored his third touchdown of the season via a 13-yard rush with 7:45 to go in the first quarter for a 6-0 Commanders' advantage.
On the ensuing drive, the Commanders made the Alphas pay for their second turnover in as many possessions. After Sanchez intercepted a Murray pass, the Commanders marched 48 yards in 12 plays with Woodside finding McKay in the end zone for a 5-yard pass. The two then connected on the 2-point conversion, giving San Antonio a 14-0 lead with 13:35 to play in the opening half. Bausby made it three consecutive Atlanta possessions with a turnover as he picked off Murray on the Alphas first second-quarter possession. The interception was Bausby's league leading fourth of the season. Two plays later Woodside hit Rodriguez in stride down the right side for a 33-yard TD pass. The ensuing conversion attempt failed, putting the Commanders ahead 20-0 with 10 minutes to play before halftime. Atlanta responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 7:18 off the clock and resulted in a Murray to RB Tarean Folston touchdown pass on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line. The conversion attempt failed, leaving the Commanders ahead 20-6.
Greg Ward Jr. capped the first half scoring with an Alliance-record 79-yard punt return for a touchdown. Ward Jr. fielded the 42-yard Cameron Nizialek punt at his own 21-yard line, let the blocks set before sprinting untouched down the right sideline. The score gave San Antonio a 26-6 halftime lead. K Nick Rose connected from 23 yards out for his 11th field goal of the season on the Commanders' opening drive of the second half. The drive, which resulted in a 29-6 San Antonio advantage, consumed 80 yards over 11 plays and 6:21 of game time. Two Atlanta drives later, the Commanders came away with a stop inside the red zone with 14:14 to play. Duke Thomas stopped the Legends' Justin Thomas short of the line to gain at the 2-yard line on a 4th-and-7 play.
-- (3-2)Commanders 37 - 6 Alphas(2-3)
(SA): QB Woodside - 17/23 164 yards, 2 TDs, RB Farrow - 15 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, TE Clear - 5 catches, 45 yards, WR McKay - 3 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Murray - 34/47 232 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Robinson - 13 carries, 52 yards, WR Jones - 6 catches, 38 yards, TE Towbridge - 5 catches, 42 yards
XFL Week 6: Tables Turned, Fleet Fall on Final Play
March 17, 2019
New York, NY - Last week, the Fleet became the first team in the XFL to win on a score as time expired. Tonight, the Iron matched the feat with a 44-yard, game-winning field goal by K Nick Novak as time expired. Tonight marked the Fleet's first loss at home after starting a perfect 3-0. WR Dontez Ford became the first Fleet player to eclipse the 100-yard receiving plateau with his three-catch, 183-yard performance. Ford left in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. It marked the second-highest, single-game receiving yardage output this season behind a seven-catch, 192-yard performance by Orlando's Charles Johnson in Week 2 at San Antonio. WR Dontez Ford caught passes of 72, 70 and 40 yards from QB Mike Bercovici. Ford has now caught San Diego's four longest passes and five of six longest for the Fleet this season (72, 70, 54, 45, 40). WR LaQuvionte Gonzalez (43) has the other.
Birmingham QB Keith Price made his first start of the season. The product of University of Washington initially signed with the Fleet in August, but San Diego opted not to protect him in the league's quarterback draft. Birmingham QB Luis Perez entered the game in the the first quarter and threw for a career-high 359 yards, going 27-for-49 with three touchdowns and two interceptions. San Diego QB Mike Bercovici set a new Fleet single-game passing record with 311 yards, surpassing his previous high of 304 yards in last week's 27-25 win over St. Louis. He finished 17-for-34 with three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Iron. Birmingham's 83-yard touchdown reception from QB Luis Perez to WR L'Damien Washington was the Iron's longest scoring play this season and tied San Diego's RB Ja'Quan Gardner (83-yard run on Feb. 24) for the longest scoring play in league history.
-- (3-2)Iron 32 - 29 Fleet(3-2)
(BIRM): QB Perez - 27/49 359 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Richardson - 20 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, 7 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD, WR Washington - 4 catches, 128 yards, 2 TDs, WR Palmer - 2 catches, 78 yards, WR Patton - 8 catches, 53 yards
(SD): QB Bercovici - 17/34 311 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Gardner - 10 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Ford - 3 catches, 182 yards
Johnny Manziel joining XFL's Memphis Express
March 18, 2019
Memphis, TN - Johnny Manziel has a new football home. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner signed an agreement to join the XFL, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, and was subsequently assigned to the Memphis Express via the league's waiver system. "Johnny Football" comes to the XFL after his run in the Canadian Football League came to an abrupt end last month. The former Texas A&M star and first-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns saw his contract terminated by the Montreal Alouettes after Manziel "contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league.
“We completed extensive background work to determine whether it would be appropriate for Johnny to play this season, and after consulting with many people familiar with his situation, we concluded that it would be good for him to resume his pro football career here in the XFL," said Bill Polian, XFL Head of Football.
XFL Moves Championship Game to Frisco
March 19, 2019
Frisco, TX - The XFL's inaugural championship game has been moved from Las Vegas to the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, the league announced on Wednesday. The XFL's championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 27 with a national broadcast on CBS. The Star is owned and operated by Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.
"The XFL has built a foundation of high-quality football, revolutionary technology and world-class partnerships with the NFL Network and CBS Sports," Jones said in a statement. "It was only natural that we at the Cowboys organization would want to join that great group of partners. I have always believed that our great game of football could use a league to give players the shot they needed to make it to the NFL, and Vince McMahon, Tom Dundon and Charlie Ebersol, have done just that. We are proud to be able to host their inaugural Championship Game."
"Since joining the XFL, I've ignited a mission to accelerate the growth of our league in its next phase as a complementary developmental league for the NFL and its players," said Dundon, majority owner of the XFL. "Our commitment to the three XFL stars, the fans, players, and the game, were at the forefront of our decision to move the game to this magnificent facility."
"Jerry Jones isn't just a close friend of Tom, Charlie and mine, but he is also a great supporter of our league," said McMahon, XFL Co-Founder. "To be able to showcase our brand of top-flight football on NFL Draft weekend in the state-of-the-art football facility built by Jerry is a Texas-sized win for our league. Texas has played a huge support role in the launch of the XFL. Our San Antonio Commanders average nearly 30,000 in attendance for home games, and we are sure football fans in Dallas/Fort Worth will support our Championship."
Trent Richardson hopes NFL is noticing his XFL play
March 21, 2019
Birmingham, AL - When Trent Richardson got traded by the team that drafted him, then cut by the team that traded for him, then cut by two more teams that signed him before even getting on the field for them, it appeared his NFL career was over. He’s hoping to prove that’s not the case. Richardson, who is now playing for the Birmingham Iron and leading XFL in touchdowns, says he’s hoping he’ll get another NFL chance. “People are talking about me going back to the NFL, Richardson said. “That’s the goal. That’s the dream. But while I’m with the XFL I’m going to do everything I can to show I appreciate them.”
Richardson is a long ways away from when he was the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but he’s grateful for the job he has now. “This second opportunity is big for me. Just the opportunity to play professional football. I missed it,” Richardson said. Richardson is probably still a long shot to ever play in the NFL again, but there may be teams at least interested in bringing him in for a workout, and that alone is progress from where he was a year ago, when it appeared that his pro football career was long since over.
March 15, 2019
San Antonio, TX - The San Antonio Commanders have waived the college allocation rights of QB Johnny Manziel, announced GM Daryl Johnston. "We have decided not to exercise our rights to sign Johnny Manziel as a San Antonio Commander," said Johnston.
"When I took this job as general manager of the Commanders there were foundational experiences from my career as a player and as a broadcaster that I would not deviate from. There were also things that I would have to learn from my experience on the job. One of the most important things I have already learned is when there is an opportunity to get better, you get better. The challenge is finding the balance in what I know and what I have learned and finding the best solution to get better as a team. I truly believe that the moves necessary to add Johnny to our roster do not make us better at this time. I wish Johnny all the best with the XFL and we look forward to competing against him in the future."
XFL Week 6: Conquerors hand Apollos their first loss of the season, 22-17
March 16, 2019
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Apollos' Week 6 matchup with the Mexico City Conquerors came down to one thing: hunger. Mexico City came into the game hungry for its first win in exactly a month after losing three games in a row. Orlando had to decide whether it was hungry to maintain its perfect record and overcome adversity to do it. In the end, the Conquerors' hunger to save their season proved to be stronger than the Apollos' hunger to maintain theirs, and the Conquerors handed the Apollos their first loss of the season, 22-17.
Initially, things looked like they would go well for the Apollos, as they have for a good portion of the season. Orlando opened the game with a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took nearly seven minutes. It seemed like the Mexico City defense had no answer for Orlando RB D'Ernest Johnson early on. Then, Mexico City got the ball. While the Conquerors struggled to get in the end zone on their first two drives, K Nick Folk managed to hit two 50-plus-yard field goals to tie the game. The Apollos answered back with a field goal of their own, but the wheels fell off after that. Orlando's apparent "bend-but-don't-break" strategy on defense stopped working and Mexico City put together a long touchdown drive. Then, Apollos QB Garrett Gilbert threw his first interception of the season. It didn't lead to any points, but Gilbert, under duress quite often, nearly threw several more the rest of the night.
Things didn't get a whole lot better for the Apollos in the second half. The offense continued to look out of sync and Apollos LB Terence Garvin, one of the leaders on defense was ejected from the game for throwing a punch. Despite losing Garvin, Orlando's defense responded, stopping Mexico City's offense and giving its own offense multiple opportunities. The Apollos finally capitalized on one in the fourth quarter, with a six-play, 98-yard touchdown drive to take the lead with less than 10 minutes to play. Mexico City roared back, scoring a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 5:17 left in the fourth quarter to retake the lead. But, the Apollos weren't done yet. They managed to drive down into Mexico City territory, but Gilbert was sacked and fumbled just after the two-minute warning. The Conquerors recovered, but Orlando forced a punt with 55 seconds left on the clock. The Apollos took over on their own 18-yard line, and after an incomplete pass, Gilbert found TE Sean Price wide open down the right sideline for a 48-yard play. Price managed to get to the Mexico City 34-yard line, but stayed in bounds, which to a spike by Gilbert to stop the clock. Another completion, this one for 236 yards to WR Jalin Marshall, got Orlando down to the 8-yard line with less than 10 seconds to go, but a false-start penalty when the Apollos tried to spike the ball led to a 10-second runoff, ending the game.
-- (2-3)Conquerors 22 - 17 Apollos(5-0)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 16/27 162 yards, 1 TD, RB Cook - 13 carries, 85 yards, RB Pressley - 25 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Mullaney - 6 catches, 73 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 51 yards
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 23/48 268 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 11 carries, 55 yards, RB Smith - 12 carries, 54 yards, WR Marshall - 6 catches, 98 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 6: Stallions pitch second-half shutout to earn 22-9 win over Memphis
March 16, 2019
St. Louis, MO - The St. Louis Stallions didn't put on an offensive showcase Saturday afternoon. But the Stallions' defense? That was showcase enough. "Our defense is amazing," St. Louis QB Josh Woodrum said. "I think they are the best defense in the league and it’s not even close. They are awesome, I can’t say enough good things about them." There were some good things to say about Woodrum on Saturday, though, too. He threw for 243 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, and RB Joel Bouagnon added 60 yards on 19 carries to help the St. Louis Stallions to its second win of their inaugural season 22-9 Saturday afternoon over the Memphis Express.
TE Nick Truesdell caught five passes for 67 yards and a touchdown for Salt Lake (2-4), and Anthony Denham added four catches for 42 yards and a score. DL Karter Schult led the Stallions' defense, which held a second-half shutout, and finished with five tackles and two sacks to keep the Express at bay. LB Gionni Paul led the Stallions with six tackles and DL Tenny Palepoi added four tackles and two sacks. The Stallions held Memphis to just 2-of-15 on third down and just 49 rushing yards. Express QB Brandon Silvers threw for 242 yards and a touchdown, but couldn’t find any rhythm in the second half. The Stallions scored on the game’s opening possession, capping a 75-yard drive with Woodrum’s 11-yard slant pass to Truesdell. The tight end caught his third touchdown of the season, and WR Jared Leslie hauled in the 2-point conversion that gave St. Louis an 8-0 lead after a 12-play drive spanning 5:42. Schult’s sack on Memphis’ ensuing drive gave the XFL’s leading sack artist his sixth takedown of the season and forced starting QB Zach Mettenberger from the game. Denham doubled the advantage, hauling in a 4-yard strike from Woodrum as the Stallions took a 16-0 lead out of the first quarter. Woodrum, who threw three interceptions (among the Stallions’ five turnovers) in last week’s 27-25 loss at San Diego, had thrown for 114 yards on 14-of-19 passing in the first quarter. Taylor Bertolet added a 26-yard field goal in the second quarter to give the Stallions a 19-0 lead. But the turnover issues that plagued St. Louis last week showed up again on Saturday. The Stallions turned the ball over four times on Saturday. "We just got to do a better job of cutting down our turnovers," Woodrum said. "We won 22-9 and it felt like we should have been up 40-9 the whole game."
And those turnovers allowed the Express to keep it from getting out of hand. K Austin McGinnis hit a 31-yard field goal to get the Express on the board. And then after Memphis recovered a fumble, Silvers threw a perfect pass for 13 yards to the 2-yard line, then hit RB Zac Stacy for an 11-yard touchdown after back-to-back false start penalties. On the same scoring drive, Schult exited the game with an injury. Woodrum threw an interception on his first play after the touchdown, but the Stallions recovered a fumble to take the 19-9 lead into halftime. That was as close as the Express could get. "We're playing good on defense, we have shown a lot of sparks on offense," St. Louis head coach Dennis Erickson said. "Hopefully, we can put it all together next week." St. Louis held Memphis scoreless through the third quarter and Bertolet kicked his second field, one from 22 yards away, to open the fourth quarter that put the Stallions up 22-9. And the defense did the rest to snap St. Louis' two-game losing skid. "We went 1-4 in the first half of the season," Woodrum said. "Our goal is to go 5-0 the second half."
-- (1-4)Express 9 - 22 Stallions(1-4)
(MEM): QB Silvers - 23/37 242 yards, 1 TD, RB Stacy - 13 carries, 39 yards, 4 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD, WR Horn - 8 catches, 129 yards, WR Williams - 7 catches, 70 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 24/37 243 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Bouagnon - 22 carries, 74 yards, WR Jennings - 4 catches, 51 yards, TE Truesdell - 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 6: San Antonio Commanders Finish Road Trip with 37-6 Win over Atlanta
March 17, 2019
Atlanta, GA - The San Antonio Commanders scored early and never trailed as they defeated the Atlanta Alphas 37-6 in front of 20,619 people at Georgia State Stadium. The Commanders scored 37, and the defense matched its best performance of the year by holding the Alphas to just six points. The San Antonio defense led the way by forcing four turnovers, marking the third straight week with three or more turnovers. DBs De'Vante Bausby, Zack Sanchez and Derron Smith all tallied an interception and DB Duke Thomas recovered a fumble in the victory. Offensively, QB Logan Woodside completed 17 of his 23 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, one to WR Mekale McKay and another to TE Evan Rodriguez. Alphas QB Aaron Murray completed 30 passes for 215 yards, in addition to one TD and three interceptions. WRs Keith Towbridge and Seantavius Jones combined for 11 receptions and 80 yards. San Antonio got on the board first when RB Kenneth Farrow scored his third touchdown of the season via a 13-yard rush with 7:45 to go in the first quarter for a 6-0 Commanders' advantage.
On the ensuing drive, the Commanders made the Alphas pay for their second turnover in as many possessions. After Sanchez intercepted a Murray pass, the Commanders marched 48 yards in 12 plays with Woodside finding McKay in the end zone for a 5-yard pass. The two then connected on the 2-point conversion, giving San Antonio a 14-0 lead with 13:35 to play in the opening half. Bausby made it three consecutive Atlanta possessions with a turnover as he picked off Murray on the Alphas first second-quarter possession. The interception was Bausby's league leading fourth of the season. Two plays later Woodside hit Rodriguez in stride down the right side for a 33-yard TD pass. The ensuing conversion attempt failed, putting the Commanders ahead 20-0 with 10 minutes to play before halftime. Atlanta responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 7:18 off the clock and resulted in a Murray to RB Tarean Folston touchdown pass on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line. The conversion attempt failed, leaving the Commanders ahead 20-6.
Greg Ward Jr. capped the first half scoring with an Alliance-record 79-yard punt return for a touchdown. Ward Jr. fielded the 42-yard Cameron Nizialek punt at his own 21-yard line, let the blocks set before sprinting untouched down the right sideline. The score gave San Antonio a 26-6 halftime lead. K Nick Rose connected from 23 yards out for his 11th field goal of the season on the Commanders' opening drive of the second half. The drive, which resulted in a 29-6 San Antonio advantage, consumed 80 yards over 11 plays and 6:21 of game time. Two Atlanta drives later, the Commanders came away with a stop inside the red zone with 14:14 to play. Duke Thomas stopped the Legends' Justin Thomas short of the line to gain at the 2-yard line on a 4th-and-7 play.
-- (3-2)Commanders 37 - 6 Alphas(2-3)
(SA): QB Woodside - 17/23 164 yards, 2 TDs, RB Farrow - 15 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, TE Clear - 5 catches, 45 yards, WR McKay - 3 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Murray - 34/47 232 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Robinson - 13 carries, 52 yards, WR Jones - 6 catches, 38 yards, TE Towbridge - 5 catches, 42 yards
XFL Week 6: Tables Turned, Fleet Fall on Final Play
March 17, 2019
New York, NY - Last week, the Fleet became the first team in the XFL to win on a score as time expired. Tonight, the Iron matched the feat with a 44-yard, game-winning field goal by K Nick Novak as time expired. Tonight marked the Fleet's first loss at home after starting a perfect 3-0. WR Dontez Ford became the first Fleet player to eclipse the 100-yard receiving plateau with his three-catch, 183-yard performance. Ford left in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. It marked the second-highest, single-game receiving yardage output this season behind a seven-catch, 192-yard performance by Orlando's Charles Johnson in Week 2 at San Antonio. WR Dontez Ford caught passes of 72, 70 and 40 yards from QB Mike Bercovici. Ford has now caught San Diego's four longest passes and five of six longest for the Fleet this season (72, 70, 54, 45, 40). WR LaQuvionte Gonzalez (43) has the other.
Birmingham QB Keith Price made his first start of the season. The product of University of Washington initially signed with the Fleet in August, but San Diego opted not to protect him in the league's quarterback draft. Birmingham QB Luis Perez entered the game in the the first quarter and threw for a career-high 359 yards, going 27-for-49 with three touchdowns and two interceptions. San Diego QB Mike Bercovici set a new Fleet single-game passing record with 311 yards, surpassing his previous high of 304 yards in last week's 27-25 win over St. Louis. He finished 17-for-34 with three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Iron. Birmingham's 83-yard touchdown reception from QB Luis Perez to WR L'Damien Washington was the Iron's longest scoring play this season and tied San Diego's RB Ja'Quan Gardner (83-yard run on Feb. 24) for the longest scoring play in league history.
-- (3-2)Iron 32 - 29 Fleet(3-2)
(BIRM): QB Perez - 27/49 359 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Richardson - 20 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD, 7 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD, WR Washington - 4 catches, 128 yards, 2 TDs, WR Palmer - 2 catches, 78 yards, WR Patton - 8 catches, 53 yards
(SD): QB Bercovici - 17/34 311 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Gardner - 10 carries, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Ford - 3 catches, 182 yards
Johnny Manziel joining XFL's Memphis Express
March 18, 2019
Memphis, TN - Johnny Manziel has a new football home. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner signed an agreement to join the XFL, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, and was subsequently assigned to the Memphis Express via the league's waiver system. "Johnny Football" comes to the XFL after his run in the Canadian Football League came to an abrupt end last month. The former Texas A&M star and first-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns saw his contract terminated by the Montreal Alouettes after Manziel "contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league.
“We completed extensive background work to determine whether it would be appropriate for Johnny to play this season, and after consulting with many people familiar with his situation, we concluded that it would be good for him to resume his pro football career here in the XFL," said Bill Polian, XFL Head of Football.
XFL Moves Championship Game to Frisco
March 19, 2019
Frisco, TX - The XFL's inaugural championship game has been moved from Las Vegas to the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, the league announced on Wednesday. The XFL's championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 27 with a national broadcast on CBS. The Star is owned and operated by Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.
"The XFL has built a foundation of high-quality football, revolutionary technology and world-class partnerships with the NFL Network and CBS Sports," Jones said in a statement. "It was only natural that we at the Cowboys organization would want to join that great group of partners. I have always believed that our great game of football could use a league to give players the shot they needed to make it to the NFL, and Vince McMahon, Tom Dundon and Charlie Ebersol, have done just that. We are proud to be able to host their inaugural Championship Game."
"Since joining the XFL, I've ignited a mission to accelerate the growth of our league in its next phase as a complementary developmental league for the NFL and its players," said Dundon, majority owner of the XFL. "Our commitment to the three XFL stars, the fans, players, and the game, were at the forefront of our decision to move the game to this magnificent facility."
"Jerry Jones isn't just a close friend of Tom, Charlie and mine, but he is also a great supporter of our league," said McMahon, XFL Co-Founder. "To be able to showcase our brand of top-flight football on NFL Draft weekend in the state-of-the-art football facility built by Jerry is a Texas-sized win for our league. Texas has played a huge support role in the launch of the XFL. Our San Antonio Commanders average nearly 30,000 in attendance for home games, and we are sure football fans in Dallas/Fort Worth will support our Championship."
Trent Richardson hopes NFL is noticing his XFL play
March 21, 2019
Birmingham, AL - When Trent Richardson got traded by the team that drafted him, then cut by the team that traded for him, then cut by two more teams that signed him before even getting on the field for them, it appeared his NFL career was over. He’s hoping to prove that’s not the case. Richardson, who is now playing for the Birmingham Iron and leading XFL in touchdowns, says he’s hoping he’ll get another NFL chance. “People are talking about me going back to the NFL, Richardson said. “That’s the goal. That’s the dream. But while I’m with the XFL I’m going to do everything I can to show I appreciate them.”
Richardson is a long ways away from when he was the third overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but he’s grateful for the job he has now. “This second opportunity is big for me. Just the opportunity to play professional football. I missed it,” Richardson said. Richardson is probably still a long shot to ever play in the NFL again, but there may be teams at least interested in bringing him in for a workout, and that alone is progress from where he was a year ago, when it appeared that his pro football career was long since over.
Last edited by BengalErnst on Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:20 pm, edited 12 times in total.
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
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XFL Week 7: San Antonio Commanders Score Late to Beat Stallions 19-15
March 23, 2019
San Antonio, TX - Commanders RB Trey Williams' 36-yard touchdown reception and WR Greg Ward Jr.'s two-point conversion catch with less than six minutes remaining helped lift San Antonio to a 19-15 victory over St. Louis on Saturday night in front of an XFL-record 40,345 fans at the Alamodome. Williams took a short pass from reserve QB Marquise Williams, who entered the game in the fourth quarter for injured starter Logan Woodside, sprinted down the right sideline and leaped into the end zone for the go-ahead score. Williams then found Ward Jr. for a successful two-point conversion to put San Antonio up 17-9 with 5:29 left to play. On the ensuing possession, the Stallions drove 75 yards to make it a two-point contest after RB Terrell Newby's 21-yard touchdown reception from QB Josh Woodrum on the first play following the two-minute warning. St. Louis had a chance to tie the score on the two-point try but DB De'Vante Bausby stepped in front of Woodrum's pass in the left flat and returned it untouched to make it 19-15. St. Louis elected to not take an onside conversion and San Antonio got one first down and ran out the clock to ice the win and remain at the top of the Western Conference standings at 5-2.
Neither team could muster much offense in a game controlled by the defenses, as the Stallions outgained the Commanders, 263-240. St. Louis opened the scoring with a K Taylor Bertolet field goal from 32 yards on the game's opening possession. Woodside completed a 21-yard pass caught over the shoulder in the corner of the end zone by WR Mekale McKay to get the Commanders on the board with 4:42 left in first quarter, but Bertolet drilled a 53-yard field goal early in the second stanza to knot the score at 6-6. The Commanders took a three-point lead into halftime. A defensive holding penalty on a field-goal attempt gave San Antonio first-and-goal at the St. Louis 4-yard line late in the first half, but a false start penalty forced the home team to settle for a 23-yard field goal by K Nick Rose. Bertolet again tied the score with his leg, as the former Texas A&M place-kicker split the uprights from 52 yards with 9:20 left in the third quarter to make it 9-9.
-- (2-4)Stallions 15 - 19 Commanders(4-2)
(STL): QB Woodrum - 22/35 229 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Bouagnon - 16 carries, 50 yards, WR Pierson-El - 5 catches, 68 yards, TE Truesdell - 4 catches, 74 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 15/22 213 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Cobb - 18 carries, 56 yards, WR McKay - 2 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD, TE Rodriguez - 3 catches, 71 yards
XFL Week 7: Apollos first in the XFL to clinch a playoff spot after 36-6 rout of Alphas
March 23, 2019
Atlanta, GA - The Orlando Apollos are a playoff team. Led by RB De'Veon Smith's three rushing touchdowns, Orlando beat the Atlanta Alphas at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta 36-6 Saturday afternoon, clinching a spot in the XFL of American Football's inaugural Eastern Conference championship game. The Apollos are now 6-1 on the season. The Apollos' next home game is Saturday, April 6, when the Apollos host the San Diego Fleet.
The Alphas have improved a great deal since losing to the Apollos 40-6 in Week 1, and in the first half of this week's game, it looked like things would be close. There were just six combined possessions in the first half, due to long, sustained drives by both offenses. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert and Atlanta QB Aaron Murray completed a combined 86 percent of their passes in a first half where it seemed both defenses tried to take away the big play while allowing things to work underneath. Any hope of a close game disappeared in the second half, when Atlanta turned the ball over twice to end promising drives. The first came in the third quarter, when Apollos DB Deji Olatoye intercepted a pass from Alphas QB Aaron Murray and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown. That put Orlando up 28-6, and it was all Apollos from there. Murray would throw another interception on the Legends' next possession, this one to DB Cody Riggs at the Apollos' goal line. He was then replaced at QB by Matt Simms. Gilbert added a touchdown pass, to WR Charles Johnson, in the fourth quarter, and the Apollos ran out the clock from there.
-- (5-1)Apollos 36 - 6 Alphas(2-4)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 19/23 217 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 17 carries, 109 yards, RB Smith - 13 carries, 40 yards, 3 TDs, WR Hall - 2 catches, 60 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Murray - 21/30 195 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Robinson - 15 carries, 78 yards, WR Jones - 6 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 7: No Breaks for San Diego
March 24, 2019
San Diego, CA - It was rough from the beginning for the San Diego Fleet as they were penalized for a false start on the first snap of the game. They did recover to score the opening touchdown, but they wouldn't be able to find the end zone nearly enough as the game wore on. The Mexico City Conquerors answered on the following drive when QB Trevor Knight came in for a designed run at quarterback and dove into the end zone to tie the game at 6-6. A couple of field goals later, the Conquerors took a 17-9 lead on a 36-yard pass from QB John Wolford to TE Thomas Duarte. While the Fleet brought the warm and fuzzies on the CBS Sports Network broadcast, the Conquerors poured on the points, extending their lead to 23-9 ahead of the two-minute warning in the second quarter with a 15-yard Wolford pass to WR Deion Holliman.
The final minute of the first half took a turn in the Fleet's direction when Wolford was intercepted by DB Kameron Kelly with 46 seconds left. San Diego converted the turnover into a 38-yard touchdown pass over the middle between two defenders from QB Mike Bercovici to TE Marcus Baugh, cutting the lead to 23-15 at halftime. Baugh's touchdown was then reviewed after he appeared to chuck the ball before crossing the goal line, but officials upheld the score. And the score would stay that way until Wolford took off for a 35-yard rushing touchdown with a little over six minutes to go in the game. The Conquerors would ultimately take home a 32-15 win.
-- (3-3)Conquerors 32 - 15 Fleet(3-3)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 15/19 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 5 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 15 carries, 64 yards, RB Cook - 16 carries, 97 yards, WR Ross - 3 catches, 53 yards, WR Holliman - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(SD): QB Bercovici - 22/43 310 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Sankey - 12 carries, 54 yards, RB Gardner - 12 carries, 52 yards, WR Spruce - 12 carries, 146 yards, WR Owusu - 4 catches, 79 yards
XFL Week 7: Manziel takes OT win in XFL Debut
March 24, 2019
Memphis, TN - QB Johnny Manziel went 24-for-35 passing for 266 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner to WR Dan Williams on a 10-yard slant in his XFL debut. After the defense stopped the Iron offense on the first possession of overtime, Manziel stayed calm and knew he had the game won. It's a confidence that has been with him since he started playing football. Express head coach Mike Singletary gave the game ball to Manziel as his teammates mobbed him in the locker room following the victory. "I guess you can say I was born with it," Manziel said about his calmness in late-game situations. "I've led a lot of game-winning drives back in high school and at Texas A&M. I'm just happy to get back in there, have some drives and get the opportunity to win the game." Singletary knew all week that Manziel was going to be the starting quarterback. Singletary said the plan was to start Manziel and give Hackenberg some playing time during the game. After the game, it was clear to Singletary that Manziel earned the opportunity to play in the future. "Right now, Johnny is our quarterback," Singletary said. "I'm very excited about what Johnny does and what he brings to the team."
The Memphis Express scored the final 17 points of the game after trailing 25-14 with 9:01 left in regulation. The performance of Manziel, the Express defense getting pressure on Iron QB Luis Perez and big plays on special teams carried Memphis to its second win of the season. "I'm really thankful for our guys. It was a complete team win," Singletary said. "We executed and fought for four quarters and we played tough until the end." The momentum of the game started to change late in the third quarter when LB DeMarquis Gates blocked an Iron punt and DB Terrell Bonds ran it back 50 yards for the touchdown. Creating turnovers and getting stops on third down has been a key focus for the Express defense this season. The Express defense and special teams did that to earn their upset win. "When we had opportunity to make plays to change the game, we did that," Singletary said. "That blocked punt changed the game for us. It was a great play and I'm proud of the way our defense and special teams fought the entire game." With the win, the Express kept their hopes alive for the playoffs and found new life thanks to Manziel and heroics on defense and special teams. It was a complete effort for the Express, something the players and coaches preached all week. "Today was really good for us," Manziel said. "We did great things on both sides of the ball and I'm really proud of our guys. What a win."
-- (4-2)Iron 25 - 31 Express(1-5)
(BIRM): QB Perez - 16/37 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Richardson - 23 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Etta-Tawo - 3 catches, 71 yards, WR Patton - 5 catches, 46 yards
(MEM): QB Manziel - 27/40 314 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stacy - 15 carries, 34 yards, WR Horn - 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 8 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
March 23, 2019
San Antonio, TX - Commanders RB Trey Williams' 36-yard touchdown reception and WR Greg Ward Jr.'s two-point conversion catch with less than six minutes remaining helped lift San Antonio to a 19-15 victory over St. Louis on Saturday night in front of an XFL-record 40,345 fans at the Alamodome. Williams took a short pass from reserve QB Marquise Williams, who entered the game in the fourth quarter for injured starter Logan Woodside, sprinted down the right sideline and leaped into the end zone for the go-ahead score. Williams then found Ward Jr. for a successful two-point conversion to put San Antonio up 17-9 with 5:29 left to play. On the ensuing possession, the Stallions drove 75 yards to make it a two-point contest after RB Terrell Newby's 21-yard touchdown reception from QB Josh Woodrum on the first play following the two-minute warning. St. Louis had a chance to tie the score on the two-point try but DB De'Vante Bausby stepped in front of Woodrum's pass in the left flat and returned it untouched to make it 19-15. St. Louis elected to not take an onside conversion and San Antonio got one first down and ran out the clock to ice the win and remain at the top of the Western Conference standings at 5-2.
Neither team could muster much offense in a game controlled by the defenses, as the Stallions outgained the Commanders, 263-240. St. Louis opened the scoring with a K Taylor Bertolet field goal from 32 yards on the game's opening possession. Woodside completed a 21-yard pass caught over the shoulder in the corner of the end zone by WR Mekale McKay to get the Commanders on the board with 4:42 left in first quarter, but Bertolet drilled a 53-yard field goal early in the second stanza to knot the score at 6-6. The Commanders took a three-point lead into halftime. A defensive holding penalty on a field-goal attempt gave San Antonio first-and-goal at the St. Louis 4-yard line late in the first half, but a false start penalty forced the home team to settle for a 23-yard field goal by K Nick Rose. Bertolet again tied the score with his leg, as the former Texas A&M place-kicker split the uprights from 52 yards with 9:20 left in the third quarter to make it 9-9.
-- (2-4)Stallions 15 - 19 Commanders(4-2)
(STL): QB Woodrum - 22/35 229 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Bouagnon - 16 carries, 50 yards, WR Pierson-El - 5 catches, 68 yards, TE Truesdell - 4 catches, 74 yards
(SA): QB Woodside - 15/22 213 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Cobb - 18 carries, 56 yards, WR McKay - 2 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD, TE Rodriguez - 3 catches, 71 yards
XFL Week 7: Apollos first in the XFL to clinch a playoff spot after 36-6 rout of Alphas
March 23, 2019
Atlanta, GA - The Orlando Apollos are a playoff team. Led by RB De'Veon Smith's three rushing touchdowns, Orlando beat the Atlanta Alphas at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta 36-6 Saturday afternoon, clinching a spot in the XFL of American Football's inaugural Eastern Conference championship game. The Apollos are now 6-1 on the season. The Apollos' next home game is Saturday, April 6, when the Apollos host the San Diego Fleet.
The Alphas have improved a great deal since losing to the Apollos 40-6 in Week 1, and in the first half of this week's game, it looked like things would be close. There were just six combined possessions in the first half, due to long, sustained drives by both offenses. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert and Atlanta QB Aaron Murray completed a combined 86 percent of their passes in a first half where it seemed both defenses tried to take away the big play while allowing things to work underneath. Any hope of a close game disappeared in the second half, when Atlanta turned the ball over twice to end promising drives. The first came in the third quarter, when Apollos DB Deji Olatoye intercepted a pass from Alphas QB Aaron Murray and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown. That put Orlando up 28-6, and it was all Apollos from there. Murray would throw another interception on the Legends' next possession, this one to DB Cody Riggs at the Apollos' goal line. He was then replaced at QB by Matt Simms. Gilbert added a touchdown pass, to WR Charles Johnson, in the fourth quarter, and the Apollos ran out the clock from there.
-- (5-1)Apollos 36 - 6 Alphas(2-4)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 19/23 217 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 17 carries, 109 yards, RB Smith - 13 carries, 40 yards, 3 TDs, WR Hall - 2 catches, 60 yards, WR Johnson - 6 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Murray - 21/30 195 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Robinson - 15 carries, 78 yards, WR Jones - 6 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD
XFL Week 7: No Breaks for San Diego
March 24, 2019
San Diego, CA - It was rough from the beginning for the San Diego Fleet as they were penalized for a false start on the first snap of the game. They did recover to score the opening touchdown, but they wouldn't be able to find the end zone nearly enough as the game wore on. The Mexico City Conquerors answered on the following drive when QB Trevor Knight came in for a designed run at quarterback and dove into the end zone to tie the game at 6-6. A couple of field goals later, the Conquerors took a 17-9 lead on a 36-yard pass from QB John Wolford to TE Thomas Duarte. While the Fleet brought the warm and fuzzies on the CBS Sports Network broadcast, the Conquerors poured on the points, extending their lead to 23-9 ahead of the two-minute warning in the second quarter with a 15-yard Wolford pass to WR Deion Holliman.
The final minute of the first half took a turn in the Fleet's direction when Wolford was intercepted by DB Kameron Kelly with 46 seconds left. San Diego converted the turnover into a 38-yard touchdown pass over the middle between two defenders from QB Mike Bercovici to TE Marcus Baugh, cutting the lead to 23-15 at halftime. Baugh's touchdown was then reviewed after he appeared to chuck the ball before crossing the goal line, but officials upheld the score. And the score would stay that way until Wolford took off for a 35-yard rushing touchdown with a little over six minutes to go in the game. The Conquerors would ultimately take home a 32-15 win.
-- (3-3)Conquerors 32 - 15 Fleet(3-3)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 15/19 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 5 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD, RB Pressley - 15 carries, 64 yards, RB Cook - 16 carries, 97 yards, WR Ross - 3 catches, 53 yards, WR Holliman - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD
(SD): QB Bercovici - 22/43 310 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Sankey - 12 carries, 54 yards, RB Gardner - 12 carries, 52 yards, WR Spruce - 12 carries, 146 yards, WR Owusu - 4 catches, 79 yards
XFL Week 7: Manziel takes OT win in XFL Debut
March 24, 2019
Memphis, TN - QB Johnny Manziel went 24-for-35 passing for 266 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner to WR Dan Williams on a 10-yard slant in his XFL debut. After the defense stopped the Iron offense on the first possession of overtime, Manziel stayed calm and knew he had the game won. It's a confidence that has been with him since he started playing football. Express head coach Mike Singletary gave the game ball to Manziel as his teammates mobbed him in the locker room following the victory. "I guess you can say I was born with it," Manziel said about his calmness in late-game situations. "I've led a lot of game-winning drives back in high school and at Texas A&M. I'm just happy to get back in there, have some drives and get the opportunity to win the game." Singletary knew all week that Manziel was going to be the starting quarterback. Singletary said the plan was to start Manziel and give Hackenberg some playing time during the game. After the game, it was clear to Singletary that Manziel earned the opportunity to play in the future. "Right now, Johnny is our quarterback," Singletary said. "I'm very excited about what Johnny does and what he brings to the team."
The Memphis Express scored the final 17 points of the game after trailing 25-14 with 9:01 left in regulation. The performance of Manziel, the Express defense getting pressure on Iron QB Luis Perez and big plays on special teams carried Memphis to its second win of the season. "I'm really thankful for our guys. It was a complete team win," Singletary said. "We executed and fought for four quarters and we played tough until the end." The momentum of the game started to change late in the third quarter when LB DeMarquis Gates blocked an Iron punt and DB Terrell Bonds ran it back 50 yards for the touchdown. Creating turnovers and getting stops on third down has been a key focus for the Express defense this season. The Express defense and special teams did that to earn their upset win. "When we had opportunity to make plays to change the game, we did that," Singletary said. "That blocked punt changed the game for us. It was a great play and I'm proud of the way our defense and special teams fought the entire game." With the win, the Express kept their hopes alive for the playoffs and found new life thanks to Manziel and heroics on defense and special teams. It was a complete effort for the Express, something the players and coaches preached all week. "Today was really good for us," Manziel said. "We did great things on both sides of the ball and I'm really proud of our guys. What a win."
-- (4-2)Iron 25 - 31 Express(1-5)
(BIRM): QB Perez - 16/37 235 yards, 2 TDs, RB Richardson - 23 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Etta-Tawo - 3 catches, 71 yards, WR Patton - 5 catches, 46 yards
(MEM): QB Manziel - 27/40 314 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stacy - 15 carries, 34 yards, WR Horn - 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 8 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD
Last edited by BengalErnst on Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:21 pm, edited 4 times in total.
- BengalErnst
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
by BengalErnst » Wed Dec 13, 2023 11:40 am
XFL Week 8: Johnny Manziel, Mike Singletary and Steve Spurrier give us the wackiest XFL game yet
March 30, 2019
Memphis, TN - The Express played easily their best game of the season, moving the ball on the Apollos and creating takeaways on defense. And, yet, penalties and special teams mishaps doomed them in the end, preventing the upset bid. With both sides exchanging points, the game really began to change in Orlando's favor when Memphis P Ryan Winslow bobbled a snap, giving the Apollos the ball on the 26-yard line. Shortly thereafter, RB D'Ernest Johnson plunged into the end zone for a touchdown. Though the call was initially short, the SkyJudge overturned the ruling and gave Orlando the lead with under two minutes to play.
Finally, Memphis QB Johnny Manziel was picked off as he tried to get rid of the ball as Memphis tried to rally. That allowed Orlando to run out the clock. Manziel had played well finishing the game with 282 yards and a touchdown. His lone mistake ended up being costly. All in all, it was a sloppy, heated game with the teams combining for 25 penalties for 259 yards. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert also had a streaky day with 310 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns, but also two interceptions (and another two called back because of defensive penalties). Those kinds of mistakes are uncharacteristic of Orlando. This easily could have been an Express win and undoubtedly they feel they should have won.
-- (6-1)Apollos 34 - 31 Express(2-5)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/40 310 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 8 catches, 135 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 4 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Manziel - 32/52 282 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Magee - 11 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Sheppard - 9 catches, 98 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 64 yards, WR Byrd - 5 catches, 52 yards
XFL Week 8: Ugly Game in St. Louis
March 30, 2019
St. Louis, MO -The low scoring affair came at the hands of both clubs trading three turnovers each, accounted from two interceptions and a fumble recovery on each side. The typical stout defensive performance by the Stallions remained in full force, holding the Fleet offense to only 54 total yards rushing on the night. However, it was the first game in the season where Stallions did not account for a single sack. After a decisive opening drive into the Fleet red zone, Woodrum would sail a pass down the right sideline to trigger an exchange of possessions to keep the game scoreless at the end of the first quarter. With under two minutes in the second quarter, the Stallions took the lead on a botched center exchange on the Fleet goal line, causing RB Joel Buoagnon to shoot an inadvertent gap to find the end zone. On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Woodrum would find WR Jordan Leslie in the back of the end zone to put the Stallions up 8-0 heading into the half.
The second half would mirror the first with missed opportunities on both sides. Following an exchange of possessions, the Fleet would find a rhythm driving the ball deep into the Stallions end zone, only to find San Diego K Donny Hageman missing a 25- yard field goal wide left. Third down efficiency proved to be a struggle, as both clubs combined converted only 1/9 third down attempts. Early in the fourth quarter, the Fleet would kickstart another drive to move the ball deep into Stallions territory, only to stall and hit a 29-yard field goal to narrow the score to 8-3, with under 11 minutes to play in the game. Penalties would extend the ensuing Stallions drive, however an exchange of punts would follow a Fleet three-and-out with nearly five minutes left in the game. The Fleet who would aim to mount a two-minute drive to potentially take the lead with little time on the clock. Bercovici would convert a game-deciding 4th and 12 with a 23-yard pass to Fleet TE Marcus Baugh to put the Fleet in prime position with under a minute left in the game. But on the a 2nd-and-10 on the Stallions 30-yard line, Bercovici would throw his second interception of the night down the right sideline intended for San Diego WR Brian Brown. Stallions seal the victory with a final score of 8-3.
-- (3-4)Fleet 3 - 8 Stallions(2-5)
(SD): QB Bercovici - 22/47 210 yards, 2 INTs, RB Sankey - 11 carries, 42 yards, WR Spruce - 8 catches, 79 yards, WR Owusu - 6 catches, 74 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 21/32 155 yards, 2 INTs, RB Asiata - 18 carries, 47 yards, RB Bouagnon - 15 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Denham - 4 catches, 32 yards
XFL Week 8: More Defense in Birmingham
March 31, 2019
Birmingham, AL -The Alphas traveled to Birmingham and the Iron were victorious in a game defined by defense. Both teams combined for eight sacks, two interceptions and allowed just six third-down conversions in 28 attempts. The Iron's third-quarter goal line stand proved to be the defining moment of the game, stopping the Alphas at the one-yard line to maintain a 14-9 lead. Iron RB Trent Richardson scored the only touchdown of the game and Alphas K Younghoe Koo converted all three field goal attempts, continuing his perfect kicking season.
Midway through the second quarter, with the score tied 3-3, Richardson scored his league-leading 11th rushing touchdown of the season for an 11-3 lead. On the next Iron possession, the Alphas' defense forced a Richardson fumble with 4:20 left in the half. Koo cut the lead to 11-6 at the half with his second field goal of the day. Alphas QB Aaron Murray drove to the Iron's two-yard line with a chance to take the lead. On fourth and goal, Murray scrambled and dove for the end zone, but Iron DB Max Redfield stopped him short. With 3:49 remaining, Alphas LB Jeff Luc tallied his third sack of the day. The sack was not enough, as the Iron forced turnovers on the Alphas final two possessions to secure the win.
-- (2-5)Alphas 9 - 17 Iron(4-3)
(ATL): QB Simms - 19/35 235 yards, 2 INTs, RB Folston - 17 carries, 48 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 48 yards, TE Thomas - 4 catches, 74 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 12/26 96 yards, RB Richardson - 18 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, TE Saxton - 3 catches, 36 yards
XFL Week 8: San Antonio Commanders Fall to 5-3 After 23-6 Loss to Conquerors
March 31, 2019
San Antonio, TX - Mexico City used a stingy defense and a 200-yard passing night from QB John Wolford to down San Antonio 23-6 in XFL action Sunday night in front of 33,504 fans at the Alamodome. Wolford completed 17 of his 23 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown, while the Conquerors held the Commanders out of the end zone for the first time this season in a key matchup that leaves the two teams tied at 5-3 atop the Western Conference standings with two games remaining in the regular season. San Antonio outgained Mexico City 305-300, posted a 38:03-21:57 advantage in time of possession and was just two yards shy of a season high with 173 rushing yards, but the Commanders were limited to a pair of K Nick Rose field goals.
Mexico City struck first when Wolford found WR Rashad Ross, who caught four passes for a game-high 78 yards, open on a deep pass over the middle for a 58-yard touchdown strike with 9:18 left in the opening quarter. The Conquerors stretched their lead to 9-0 after settling for a 25-yard field goal by K Nick Folk early in the second stanza following an 11-play, 74-yard drive that took 6:34 off the clock. Mexico City then took advantage of a 38-yard interception return by DB Dexter McDougle to the San Antonio 13-yard line. Four plays later, Cook dashed six yards off left tackle to paydirt to make it 15-0.
Rose got the Commanders on the board in the final minute of the first half with a season-long 54-yard field goal. Rose remained perfect on 14 kicks this season after splitting the uprights from 35 yards to make it 15-6 midway through the third quarter. San Antonio put together a time-consuming drive that reached the Mexico City red zone midway through the final quarter. Facing third down at the 18-yard line, reserve QB Marquise Williams dropped back to pass but was sacked and stripped of the ball by DB Da'Sean Downey. Mexico City then put the game away by marching 69 yards on just six plays, the last a 20-yard touchdown scamper by Cook. The two-point conversion pass from Wolford to TE Connor Hamlett made it 23-6 with 4:16 left to play.
-- (4-3)Conquerors 23 - 6 Commanders(5-2)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 17/23 216 yards, 1 TD, RB Cook - 7 carries, 64 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ross - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Mullaney - 5 catches, 60 yards
(SA): QB Williams - 21/32 162 yards, 1 INT, RB Cobb - 20 carries, 87 yards, RB Williams - 14 carries, 73 yards, WR Ward - 5 catches, 48 yards
March 30, 2019
Memphis, TN - The Express played easily their best game of the season, moving the ball on the Apollos and creating takeaways on defense. And, yet, penalties and special teams mishaps doomed them in the end, preventing the upset bid. With both sides exchanging points, the game really began to change in Orlando's favor when Memphis P Ryan Winslow bobbled a snap, giving the Apollos the ball on the 26-yard line. Shortly thereafter, RB D'Ernest Johnson plunged into the end zone for a touchdown. Though the call was initially short, the SkyJudge overturned the ruling and gave Orlando the lead with under two minutes to play.
Finally, Memphis QB Johnny Manziel was picked off as he tried to get rid of the ball as Memphis tried to rally. That allowed Orlando to run out the clock. Manziel had played well finishing the game with 282 yards and a touchdown. His lone mistake ended up being costly. All in all, it was a sloppy, heated game with the teams combining for 25 penalties for 259 yards. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert also had a streaky day with 310 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns, but also two interceptions (and another two called back because of defensive penalties). Those kinds of mistakes are uncharacteristic of Orlando. This easily could have been an Express win and undoubtedly they feel they should have won.
-- (6-1)Apollos 34 - 31 Express(2-5)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 22/40 310 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 8 catches, 135 yards, 1 TD, WR Marshall - 4 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Manziel - 32/52 282 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Magee - 11 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD, WR Sheppard - 9 catches, 98 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 64 yards, WR Byrd - 5 catches, 52 yards
XFL Week 8: Ugly Game in St. Louis
March 30, 2019
St. Louis, MO -The low scoring affair came at the hands of both clubs trading three turnovers each, accounted from two interceptions and a fumble recovery on each side. The typical stout defensive performance by the Stallions remained in full force, holding the Fleet offense to only 54 total yards rushing on the night. However, it was the first game in the season where Stallions did not account for a single sack. After a decisive opening drive into the Fleet red zone, Woodrum would sail a pass down the right sideline to trigger an exchange of possessions to keep the game scoreless at the end of the first quarter. With under two minutes in the second quarter, the Stallions took the lead on a botched center exchange on the Fleet goal line, causing RB Joel Buoagnon to shoot an inadvertent gap to find the end zone. On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Woodrum would find WR Jordan Leslie in the back of the end zone to put the Stallions up 8-0 heading into the half.
The second half would mirror the first with missed opportunities on both sides. Following an exchange of possessions, the Fleet would find a rhythm driving the ball deep into the Stallions end zone, only to find San Diego K Donny Hageman missing a 25- yard field goal wide left. Third down efficiency proved to be a struggle, as both clubs combined converted only 1/9 third down attempts. Early in the fourth quarter, the Fleet would kickstart another drive to move the ball deep into Stallions territory, only to stall and hit a 29-yard field goal to narrow the score to 8-3, with under 11 minutes to play in the game. Penalties would extend the ensuing Stallions drive, however an exchange of punts would follow a Fleet three-and-out with nearly five minutes left in the game. The Fleet who would aim to mount a two-minute drive to potentially take the lead with little time on the clock. Bercovici would convert a game-deciding 4th and 12 with a 23-yard pass to Fleet TE Marcus Baugh to put the Fleet in prime position with under a minute left in the game. But on the a 2nd-and-10 on the Stallions 30-yard line, Bercovici would throw his second interception of the night down the right sideline intended for San Diego WR Brian Brown. Stallions seal the victory with a final score of 8-3.
-- (3-4)Fleet 3 - 8 Stallions(2-5)
(SD): QB Bercovici - 22/47 210 yards, 2 INTs, RB Sankey - 11 carries, 42 yards, WR Spruce - 8 catches, 79 yards, WR Owusu - 6 catches, 74 yards
(STL): QB Woodrum - 21/32 155 yards, 2 INTs, RB Asiata - 18 carries, 47 yards, RB Bouagnon - 15 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD, WR Denham - 4 catches, 32 yards
XFL Week 8: More Defense in Birmingham
March 31, 2019
Birmingham, AL -The Alphas traveled to Birmingham and the Iron were victorious in a game defined by defense. Both teams combined for eight sacks, two interceptions and allowed just six third-down conversions in 28 attempts. The Iron's third-quarter goal line stand proved to be the defining moment of the game, stopping the Alphas at the one-yard line to maintain a 14-9 lead. Iron RB Trent Richardson scored the only touchdown of the game and Alphas K Younghoe Koo converted all three field goal attempts, continuing his perfect kicking season.
Midway through the second quarter, with the score tied 3-3, Richardson scored his league-leading 11th rushing touchdown of the season for an 11-3 lead. On the next Iron possession, the Alphas' defense forced a Richardson fumble with 4:20 left in the half. Koo cut the lead to 11-6 at the half with his second field goal of the day. Alphas QB Aaron Murray drove to the Iron's two-yard line with a chance to take the lead. On fourth and goal, Murray scrambled and dove for the end zone, but Iron DB Max Redfield stopped him short. With 3:49 remaining, Alphas LB Jeff Luc tallied his third sack of the day. The sack was not enough, as the Iron forced turnovers on the Alphas final two possessions to secure the win.
-- (2-5)Alphas 9 - 17 Iron(4-3)
(ATL): QB Simms - 19/35 235 yards, 2 INTs, RB Folston - 17 carries, 48 yards, WR Jones - 3 catches, 48 yards, TE Thomas - 4 catches, 74 yards
(BIRM): QB Perez - 12/26 96 yards, RB Richardson - 18 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, TE Saxton - 3 catches, 36 yards
XFL Week 8: San Antonio Commanders Fall to 5-3 After 23-6 Loss to Conquerors
March 31, 2019
San Antonio, TX - Mexico City used a stingy defense and a 200-yard passing night from QB John Wolford to down San Antonio 23-6 in XFL action Sunday night in front of 33,504 fans at the Alamodome. Wolford completed 17 of his 23 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown, while the Conquerors held the Commanders out of the end zone for the first time this season in a key matchup that leaves the two teams tied at 5-3 atop the Western Conference standings with two games remaining in the regular season. San Antonio outgained Mexico City 305-300, posted a 38:03-21:57 advantage in time of possession and was just two yards shy of a season high with 173 rushing yards, but the Commanders were limited to a pair of K Nick Rose field goals.
Mexico City struck first when Wolford found WR Rashad Ross, who caught four passes for a game-high 78 yards, open on a deep pass over the middle for a 58-yard touchdown strike with 9:18 left in the opening quarter. The Conquerors stretched their lead to 9-0 after settling for a 25-yard field goal by K Nick Folk early in the second stanza following an 11-play, 74-yard drive that took 6:34 off the clock. Mexico City then took advantage of a 38-yard interception return by DB Dexter McDougle to the San Antonio 13-yard line. Four plays later, Cook dashed six yards off left tackle to paydirt to make it 15-0.
Rose got the Commanders on the board in the final minute of the first half with a season-long 54-yard field goal. Rose remained perfect on 14 kicks this season after splitting the uprights from 35 yards to make it 15-6 midway through the third quarter. San Antonio put together a time-consuming drive that reached the Mexico City red zone midway through the final quarter. Facing third down at the 18-yard line, reserve QB Marquise Williams dropped back to pass but was sacked and stripped of the ball by DB Da'Sean Downey. Mexico City then put the game away by marching 69 yards on just six plays, the last a 20-yard touchdown scamper by Cook. The two-point conversion pass from Wolford to TE Connor Hamlett made it 23-6 with 4:16 left to play.
-- (4-3)Conquerors 23 - 6 Commanders(5-2)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 17/23 216 yards, 1 TD, RB Cook - 7 carries, 64 yards, 2 TDs, WR Ross - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD, WR Mullaney - 5 catches, 60 yards
(SA): QB Williams - 21/32 162 yards, 1 INT, RB Cobb - 20 carries, 87 yards, RB Williams - 14 carries, 73 yards, WR Ward - 5 catches, 48 yards
Last edited by BengalErnst on Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:23 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merge
by BengalErnst » Wed Dec 13, 2023 11:48 am
Clemson’s Justyn Ross thinks some players will leave the NCAA for the XFL
April 4, 2019
New York, NY - Justyn Ross was one of the best players on the field in the College Football Championship Game, catching six passes for 153 yards to help Clemson defeat Alabama. Ross is an elite talent, good enough that he could play in the NFL right now. Unfortunately for Ross, he’s a true freshman. Like his teammate, freshman QB Trevor Lawrence, he’s stuck in college because of the NFL rule requiring players to be three years out of high school before they can play in the NFL.
But Ross might only be stuck for one more year, not two. That’s because the XFL has already said it will take players who are less than three years out of high school. Ross and Lawrence would be obvious targets for the XFL, and although Ross told Bleacher Report that he has a good support system in place and a mom who wants him to get a college degree, he thinks other players will see the XFL as a better option than the NCAA. “If the XFL is offering that kind of money, that’s hard for an 18- or 19-year-old to turn down,” Ross says. “If you really need that money, oh yeah, go do that. Something could happen. You can get hurt. Anything can happen. You have to take care of yourself because it can be over just like that.”
A player like Lawrence, who’s the early favorite to be the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, could be the face of the XFL. The money he could make by playing in the XFL in 2020 is minuscule compared to what the NFL will be offering him a year later. But if the XFL can convince even a few highly talented freshmen and sophomores to leave their NCAA eligibility behind and play in a new professional football league, it will be a good way for the XFL to recruit talent and generate attention and a good way for players to turn pro when their only other option is remaining amateurs.
XFL Week 9: Express Save their Best for Last at Final Home Game
April 5, 2019
Memphis, TN - There hasn’t been much excitement around the Express this season and their play at home has been even more disappointing. But everything came together in Memphis’ final home game with the team cruising to a 40-10 victory over the St. Louis Stallions before 27,583 spectators. It was the Express’ largest offensive production of the year.
After both teams failed to generate first downs on their opening possessions, the Express went with a no-huddle offense on their second drive and immediately found success. On second down, RB Khiry Robinson ran for 18 yards. Then, Manziel’s pass over the middle to a WR Dan Williams was good for 22 yards. That gave Memphis a first down at the 13. While Robinson ran for eight yards on first down, a third-down pass to WR Devin Lucien was incomplete. The Express settled for a K Austin MacGinnis 13-yard field goal to open the scoring. On the next possession, following a short run by Robinson on first down, RB Zac Stacy scampered for a 28-yard gain. On the next play, Manziel sent a swing pass to WR Reece Horn, who broke tackles and danced his way down the right sideline for a 42-yard touchdown on the final play of the period, giving Memphis a 10-3 lead following 15 minutes. K Taylor Bertolet's 45-yard field goal on the next series was blocked by DL Anthony Johnson and recovered by DL Corey Vereen. The Express took possession on their 49 and wasted no time adding to their lead. On first down, they completed a successful option pass, Manziel throwing to Williams for a 61-yard touchdown and a 20-3 advantage. A 20-yard run by Manziel put Memphis into scoring position again at the 22. But the Express settled for a 26-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in the half. The teams went to their dressing rooms with Memphis comfortably ahead 23-3.
Manziel and OL Demetrius Rhaney got into a verbal confrontation late in the half, but quickly resolved any perceived differences. Manziel immediately led a scoring drive after having a short field on which to work. Robinson gained 16 yards, but the home team could only generate another field goal, this one from 21 yards that made the score 26-3. St. Louis scored its first touchdown of the afternoon after QB BJ Daniels took them on a nine-play, 91-yard drive. The teams headed into the final quarter with Memphis ahead 26-10. The Express added a defensive touchdown at 9:36 of the period. Daniels fumbled in the end zone after being sacked by DL Sam Montgomery. The ball was recovered by Vereen. Manziel passed 10 yards to Horn for a touchdown in the final minute.
-- (3-5)Stallions 10 - 40 Express(2-6)
(STL): QB Daniels - 21/32 205 yards, 9 carries, 71 yards, RB Bouagnon - 12 carries, 47 yards, WR Bell - 8 catches, 105 yards, WR Clay - 5 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Manziel - 13/25 246 yards, 3 TDs, RB Robinson - 12 carries, 95 yards, RB Stacy - 15 carries, 85 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Lucien - 2 catches, 61 yards, WR Horn - 2 catches, 52 yards, 2 TDs
XFL Week 9: Apollos Lock Up First Place
April 5, 2019
San Diego, CA - The Apollos clinched top spot in the East Division with a 30-13 win over the San Diego Fleet, battling the downpour of rain to put up some big offensive numbers. On Saturday, it took both teams a while to adapt to the conditions. In the first quarter, the teams combined for seven three-and-outs, struggling to get first downs. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert was brilliant, completing 24 of 31 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns in very, very tough weather conditions. San Diego QB Philip Nelson struggled at times and was intercepted twice as he completed 25 of 48 passes for 243 yards. “The rain was a big deal, it was tough,” said Gilbert. “Accuracy becomes an issue. I feel like I throw the ball well in the rain. I feel like I always have. The wind was a factor, the first half was difficult, the second half not so much.”
The Apollos took a 21-10 halftime lead. San Diego got the ball and the wind to start the third quarter, getting a 41-yard field goal to make it 21-13. The Apollos drove the ball downfield into the wind, but on fourth-and-four at the 35, a direct snap to RB DeVeon Smith failed when he was stopped a yard short. A five-yard penalty for an illegal formation cost the Fleet a first down and probably points. Then a 21-yard shanked punt gave Orlando the ball on its 31. On the next play, Gilbert fired a bullet for a 79-yard touchdown pass to WR Jalin Marshall with a bit more than four minutes left in the third quarter. The two-point convert attempt didn’t work.
-- (7-1)Apollos 30 - 13 Fleet(3-5)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 24/31 322 yards, 4 TDs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 31 yards, WR Marshall - 4 catches, 116 yards, 2 TDs, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs, WR Thompson - 7 catches, 62 yards
(SD): QB Nelson - 25/48 243 yards, 2 INTs, RB Gardner - 11 carries, 93 yards, TE Escobar - 6 catches, 56 yards, WR Spruce - 6 catches, 55 yards, WR Ford - 6 catches, 55 yards
XFL Week 9: Opportunistic Defense drives Iron to Big Win
April 6, 2019
Birmingham, AL - A surging Iron defense forced two key fumbles that helped to change the course of the game. Birmingham's 3-2 turnover margin against Mexico City helped to turn the tide against the powerhouse Conquerors en route to a 29-21 victory. A first-quarter play was a prime example with the Conquerors driving in the red zone, LB Beniquez Brown ripped the ball loose from WR Josh Huff. DL Casey Sayles quickly pounced on the football to snuff out the drive and it was Birmingham’s ball on the five-yard line. In the third quarter, it was more disruption from the Iron defense as LB Devin Taylor dislodged the ball from the grasp of Mexico City RB Jhurrell Pressley with DL Jeremy Faulk recovering the fumble. This time, it was Birmingham’s ball on the Mexico City's 19-yard line and three plays later, QB Chris Streveler went over for the third touchdown of the quarter from two yards out to cap a 20-point outburst for the hosts in the quarter.
The two-touchdown swing didn’t go unappreciated. “Yeah, those were huge momentum shifts in the game and securing points for our offence,” said Brown. “Those are the things you’ve gotta do to help win games and beat great teams.” Stripping the ball has become second nature to the Iron. “It’s something we’ve preached since Day 1 but, funny enough, sometimes opportunities present themselves more than others. I found myself in a few different positions trying to get the ball out these last few weeks and it’s great to be able to execute. It’s one of those things where we keep moving on and making these plays. I mean, the turnover differential is key for any team and it’s especially been holding true for us.”
-- (5-3)Conquerors 21 - 29 Iron(5-3)
(MEX): Wolford - 22/35 274 yards, 1 TD, RB Cook - 8 carries, 38 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 113 yards, WR Huff - 6 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Martino - 5 catches, 60 yards
(BIRM): QB Streveler - 24/33 358 yards, 2 TDs, RB Richardson - 15 carries, 86 yards, RB Isaac - 11 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Patton - 5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, WR Washington - 7 catches, 60 yards, WR Palmer - 4 catches, 53 yards
XFL Week 9: Alphas Spank Commanders
April 6, 2019
Atlanta, GA - RB Denard Robinson's seven-yard touchdown run 24 seconds into the second quarter gave the Alphas a 13-0 lead. RB Tarean Folston took over with Robinson on the sideline and carried the ball 19 times for 134 yards. The Commanders finally got on the scoreboard on a 40-yard field-goal attempt and now trailed 13-3. The Commanders capitalized on a WR Montay Crockett fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half. DB Kurtis Drummond recovered the ball on the 44-yard line. On the next play, WR Greg Ward beat DB Damian Swann for a 44-yard touchdown reception. After Long’s convert, the Lions trailed 16-10 just 31 seconds into the second half. “That’s football and it’s the next play mentality when you play defensive back,” Swann said. “I got beat, but I can’t let my team down. I bounced back and you can’t let stuff like that linger.”
The Alphas went ahead 18-10 at 4:52 of the third quarter when QB Marquise Williams conceded a safety. Atlanta's defense came through after the Commanders got the ball back on their 10-yard line. LB Khalil Bass stripped Williams of the ball and DL Tracy Sprinkle scooped up the loose ball and scored on a one-yard fumble return which gave the Alphas a 25-10 lead.
-- (5-3)Commanders 17 - 35 Alphas(2-6)
(SA): QB Williams - 14/28 155 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Farrow - 12 carries, 50 yards, WR Ward - 2 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Murray - 9/17 96 yards, RB Folston - 19 carries, 134 yards, RB Robinson - 13 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 5 catches, 54 yards
XFL Names Expansion Team Presidents
April 9, 2019
Stamford, CT – The XFL has named all eight expansion Team Presidents who will lead all business operations for the XFL in their respective cities. The XFL announced that Heather Brooks Karatz (Los Angeles), Erik A. Moses (Washington DC), Ryan Gustafson (Seattle), Janet Duch (New York), Brian Michael Cooper (Houston), Theotis Brown (St. Louis), Josh Bullock(Tampa Bay) and Justin King (Dallas) are joining the XFL. These presidents will be responsible for their team's fan engagement and business operations, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, content, communications, community relations, and the game day experience.
"Vince McMahon and I are thrilled with the level of our expansion team presidents," said Jeffrey Pollack, XFL Chief Operating Officer. "These presidents know their cities inside and out, will play a key role in one of the most successful launch efforts in professional sports and will help us build a fanbase and get it right."
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to launch a team that is authentic to Los Angeles," said Karatz. "The XFL's mission is to put the fan above all and bring new thinking, not only to the game, but to how we engage fans and their families, connect with the community through a love for football, and manage every aspect of our operations. Starting from scratch means our perspective can be fresh and I can't wait to get started creating a new team for the LA market and entire community."
April 4, 2019
New York, NY - Justyn Ross was one of the best players on the field in the College Football Championship Game, catching six passes for 153 yards to help Clemson defeat Alabama. Ross is an elite talent, good enough that he could play in the NFL right now. Unfortunately for Ross, he’s a true freshman. Like his teammate, freshman QB Trevor Lawrence, he’s stuck in college because of the NFL rule requiring players to be three years out of high school before they can play in the NFL.
But Ross might only be stuck for one more year, not two. That’s because the XFL has already said it will take players who are less than three years out of high school. Ross and Lawrence would be obvious targets for the XFL, and although Ross told Bleacher Report that he has a good support system in place and a mom who wants him to get a college degree, he thinks other players will see the XFL as a better option than the NCAA. “If the XFL is offering that kind of money, that’s hard for an 18- or 19-year-old to turn down,” Ross says. “If you really need that money, oh yeah, go do that. Something could happen. You can get hurt. Anything can happen. You have to take care of yourself because it can be over just like that.”
A player like Lawrence, who’s the early favorite to be the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, could be the face of the XFL. The money he could make by playing in the XFL in 2020 is minuscule compared to what the NFL will be offering him a year later. But if the XFL can convince even a few highly talented freshmen and sophomores to leave their NCAA eligibility behind and play in a new professional football league, it will be a good way for the XFL to recruit talent and generate attention and a good way for players to turn pro when their only other option is remaining amateurs.
XFL Week 9: Express Save their Best for Last at Final Home Game
April 5, 2019
Memphis, TN - There hasn’t been much excitement around the Express this season and their play at home has been even more disappointing. But everything came together in Memphis’ final home game with the team cruising to a 40-10 victory over the St. Louis Stallions before 27,583 spectators. It was the Express’ largest offensive production of the year.
After both teams failed to generate first downs on their opening possessions, the Express went with a no-huddle offense on their second drive and immediately found success. On second down, RB Khiry Robinson ran for 18 yards. Then, Manziel’s pass over the middle to a WR Dan Williams was good for 22 yards. That gave Memphis a first down at the 13. While Robinson ran for eight yards on first down, a third-down pass to WR Devin Lucien was incomplete. The Express settled for a K Austin MacGinnis 13-yard field goal to open the scoring. On the next possession, following a short run by Robinson on first down, RB Zac Stacy scampered for a 28-yard gain. On the next play, Manziel sent a swing pass to WR Reece Horn, who broke tackles and danced his way down the right sideline for a 42-yard touchdown on the final play of the period, giving Memphis a 10-3 lead following 15 minutes. K Taylor Bertolet's 45-yard field goal on the next series was blocked by DL Anthony Johnson and recovered by DL Corey Vereen. The Express took possession on their 49 and wasted no time adding to their lead. On first down, they completed a successful option pass, Manziel throwing to Williams for a 61-yard touchdown and a 20-3 advantage. A 20-yard run by Manziel put Memphis into scoring position again at the 22. But the Express settled for a 26-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in the half. The teams went to their dressing rooms with Memphis comfortably ahead 23-3.
Manziel and OL Demetrius Rhaney got into a verbal confrontation late in the half, but quickly resolved any perceived differences. Manziel immediately led a scoring drive after having a short field on which to work. Robinson gained 16 yards, but the home team could only generate another field goal, this one from 21 yards that made the score 26-3. St. Louis scored its first touchdown of the afternoon after QB BJ Daniels took them on a nine-play, 91-yard drive. The teams headed into the final quarter with Memphis ahead 26-10. The Express added a defensive touchdown at 9:36 of the period. Daniels fumbled in the end zone after being sacked by DL Sam Montgomery. The ball was recovered by Vereen. Manziel passed 10 yards to Horn for a touchdown in the final minute.
-- (3-5)Stallions 10 - 40 Express(2-6)
(STL): QB Daniels - 21/32 205 yards, 9 carries, 71 yards, RB Bouagnon - 12 carries, 47 yards, WR Bell - 8 catches, 105 yards, WR Clay - 5 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Manziel - 13/25 246 yards, 3 TDs, RB Robinson - 12 carries, 95 yards, RB Stacy - 15 carries, 85 yards, WR Williams - 4 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD, WR Lucien - 2 catches, 61 yards, WR Horn - 2 catches, 52 yards, 2 TDs
XFL Week 9: Apollos Lock Up First Place
April 5, 2019
San Diego, CA - The Apollos clinched top spot in the East Division with a 30-13 win over the San Diego Fleet, battling the downpour of rain to put up some big offensive numbers. On Saturday, it took both teams a while to adapt to the conditions. In the first quarter, the teams combined for seven three-and-outs, struggling to get first downs. Orlando QB Garrett Gilbert was brilliant, completing 24 of 31 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns in very, very tough weather conditions. San Diego QB Philip Nelson struggled at times and was intercepted twice as he completed 25 of 48 passes for 243 yards. “The rain was a big deal, it was tough,” said Gilbert. “Accuracy becomes an issue. I feel like I throw the ball well in the rain. I feel like I always have. The wind was a factor, the first half was difficult, the second half not so much.”
The Apollos took a 21-10 halftime lead. San Diego got the ball and the wind to start the third quarter, getting a 41-yard field goal to make it 21-13. The Apollos drove the ball downfield into the wind, but on fourth-and-four at the 35, a direct snap to RB DeVeon Smith failed when he was stopped a yard short. A five-yard penalty for an illegal formation cost the Fleet a first down and probably points. Then a 21-yard shanked punt gave Orlando the ball on its 31. On the next play, Gilbert fired a bullet for a 79-yard touchdown pass to WR Jalin Marshall with a bit more than four minutes left in the third quarter. The two-point convert attempt didn’t work.
-- (7-1)Apollos 30 - 13 Fleet(3-5)
(ORL): QB Gilbert - 24/31 322 yards, 4 TDs, RB Smith - 14 carries, 31 yards, WR Marshall - 4 catches, 116 yards, 2 TDs, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs, WR Thompson - 7 catches, 62 yards
(SD): QB Nelson - 25/48 243 yards, 2 INTs, RB Gardner - 11 carries, 93 yards, TE Escobar - 6 catches, 56 yards, WR Spruce - 6 catches, 55 yards, WR Ford - 6 catches, 55 yards
XFL Week 9: Opportunistic Defense drives Iron to Big Win
April 6, 2019
Birmingham, AL - A surging Iron defense forced two key fumbles that helped to change the course of the game. Birmingham's 3-2 turnover margin against Mexico City helped to turn the tide against the powerhouse Conquerors en route to a 29-21 victory. A first-quarter play was a prime example with the Conquerors driving in the red zone, LB Beniquez Brown ripped the ball loose from WR Josh Huff. DL Casey Sayles quickly pounced on the football to snuff out the drive and it was Birmingham’s ball on the five-yard line. In the third quarter, it was more disruption from the Iron defense as LB Devin Taylor dislodged the ball from the grasp of Mexico City RB Jhurrell Pressley with DL Jeremy Faulk recovering the fumble. This time, it was Birmingham’s ball on the Mexico City's 19-yard line and three plays later, QB Chris Streveler went over for the third touchdown of the quarter from two yards out to cap a 20-point outburst for the hosts in the quarter.
The two-touchdown swing didn’t go unappreciated. “Yeah, those were huge momentum shifts in the game and securing points for our offence,” said Brown. “Those are the things you’ve gotta do to help win games and beat great teams.” Stripping the ball has become second nature to the Iron. “It’s something we’ve preached since Day 1 but, funny enough, sometimes opportunities present themselves more than others. I found myself in a few different positions trying to get the ball out these last few weeks and it’s great to be able to execute. It’s one of those things where we keep moving on and making these plays. I mean, the turnover differential is key for any team and it’s especially been holding true for us.”
-- (5-3)Conquerors 21 - 29 Iron(5-3)
(MEX): Wolford - 22/35 274 yards, 1 TD, RB Cook - 8 carries, 38 yards, WR Ross - 5 catches, 113 yards, WR Huff - 6 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Martino - 5 catches, 60 yards
(BIRM): QB Streveler - 24/33 358 yards, 2 TDs, RB Richardson - 15 carries, 86 yards, RB Isaac - 11 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD, WR Patton - 5 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, WR Washington - 7 catches, 60 yards, WR Palmer - 4 catches, 53 yards
XFL Week 9: Alphas Spank Commanders
April 6, 2019
Atlanta, GA - RB Denard Robinson's seven-yard touchdown run 24 seconds into the second quarter gave the Alphas a 13-0 lead. RB Tarean Folston took over with Robinson on the sideline and carried the ball 19 times for 134 yards. The Commanders finally got on the scoreboard on a 40-yard field-goal attempt and now trailed 13-3. The Commanders capitalized on a WR Montay Crockett fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half. DB Kurtis Drummond recovered the ball on the 44-yard line. On the next play, WR Greg Ward beat DB Damian Swann for a 44-yard touchdown reception. After Long’s convert, the Lions trailed 16-10 just 31 seconds into the second half. “That’s football and it’s the next play mentality when you play defensive back,” Swann said. “I got beat, but I can’t let my team down. I bounced back and you can’t let stuff like that linger.”
The Alphas went ahead 18-10 at 4:52 of the third quarter when QB Marquise Williams conceded a safety. Atlanta's defense came through after the Commanders got the ball back on their 10-yard line. LB Khalil Bass stripped Williams of the ball and DL Tracy Sprinkle scooped up the loose ball and scored on a one-yard fumble return which gave the Alphas a 25-10 lead.
-- (5-3)Commanders 17 - 35 Alphas(2-6)
(SA): QB Williams - 14/28 155 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Farrow - 12 carries, 50 yards, WR Ward - 2 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD
(ATL): QB Murray - 9/17 96 yards, RB Folston - 19 carries, 134 yards, RB Robinson - 13 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Jones - 5 catches, 54 yards
XFL Names Expansion Team Presidents
April 9, 2019
Stamford, CT – The XFL has named all eight expansion Team Presidents who will lead all business operations for the XFL in their respective cities. The XFL announced that Heather Brooks Karatz (Los Angeles), Erik A. Moses (Washington DC), Ryan Gustafson (Seattle), Janet Duch (New York), Brian Michael Cooper (Houston), Theotis Brown (St. Louis), Josh Bullock(Tampa Bay) and Justin King (Dallas) are joining the XFL. These presidents will be responsible for their team's fan engagement and business operations, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, content, communications, community relations, and the game day experience.
"Vince McMahon and I are thrilled with the level of our expansion team presidents," said Jeffrey Pollack, XFL Chief Operating Officer. "These presidents know their cities inside and out, will play a key role in one of the most successful launch efforts in professional sports and will help us build a fanbase and get it right."
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to launch a team that is authentic to Los Angeles," said Karatz. "The XFL's mission is to put the fan above all and bring new thinking, not only to the game, but to how we engage fans and their families, connect with the community through a love for football, and manage every aspect of our operations. Starting from scratch means our perspective can be fresh and I can't wait to get started creating a new team for the LA market and entire community."
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