Saturday February 8th:
Seattle Dragons: 19 DC Defenders: 31
The DC Defenders won the inaugural game in XFL football history by a score of 31-19 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Thanks to a performance powered by three defensive/special teams touchdowns by way of two interceptions returned and a blocked punt leading to the first touchdown in XFL History.
Meanwhile the Defenders offense was powered by former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones who was playing in his 1st start at QB since the 2014 National Championship game against Oregon. Jones paced the offense with 235 yards passing and two touchdowns to receivers Ross and Khari Lee.
For the opposing Seattle Dragons former Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers lead the way with three touchdowns. Two of the touchdowns were thrown to the son of former National Football League and Rams Legend Ricky Proehl, Dragons wide receiver Austin Proehl. He had five catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
The game ended with Seattle fumbling the ball on the goal-line leading to a Defenders recovery putting an end to the game and the Dragons red zone threat. 17,723 fans attended the game at Audi Field which has a capacity of 20,000 seats this attendance figure was spectacular and a near sell out.
Defenders’ Next Game: Home against New York Guardians (2 PM, Saturday on ABC)
LA Wildcats: 17 Houston Roughnecks: 37
The Houston Roughnecks won their XFL opener by a score of 37-17 over the Los Angeles Wildcats. The Roughnecks performance was paced by former Temple University standout quarterback PJ Walker who passed for 272 yards and four touchdowns against an abysmal Wildcats defense. They fired defensive coordinator Pepper Johnson just days after the game.
Houston’s Next Game: Home against St. Louis (6PM, Sunday on Fox Sports 1)
Sunday February 9th:
Tampa Bay Vipers: 3 New York Guardians: 23
The New York Guardians won their XFL opener over the Tampa Bay Vipers by a score of 23-3. Their offense was paced by Matt Mcgloin the former Penn State standout quarterback who passed for 182 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another. In addition the Guardians were paced by a stout defense holding the Vipers and former Georgia Quarterback Aaron Murray to 3 points.
New York’s Next Game: Against DC in DC (2 PM, Sunday on ABC)
St. Louis Battlehawks: 15 Dallas Renegades: 9
The St. Louis Battlehawks defeated the Dallas Renegades by a score of 15-9. Their offense was paced by former Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu who passed for 209 yards and one touchdown. Running back Keith Ford formerly of Texas A & M, rushed for one touchdown. Dallas was paced by kicker Austin Macginnis who kicked 3 field goals.
Dallas’ Next Game: Away At Los Angeles (3PM, Sunday on ABC)
Author’s Note: All 4 games averaged near sell out capacity with the league average attendance at exactly 17,000 fans per game. Maximum capacity for all XFL games including in some NFL Venues is exactly 20,000 fans because XFL limits all venues, including NFL venues to 20,000 seat capacity. If you are new to XFL football, you can find their rules here.
TV Viewership Note: 3.3 Million Americans tuned in making it the most successful debut for a spring football league in sports history.
