LAS VEGAS, Nev. (January 26, 2000) – The San Francisco Demons finished a “productive month” at the first-ever XFL pre-season training camp Friday with a controlled scrimmage against the Las Vegas Outlaws.
The Demons and Outlaws faced off in game-like conditions for the equivalent of one half of football, then practiced in situational terms for the next 45 minutes before finishing with a series of field goal attempts.
“We made big progress again this week, but we still are making mistakes and have work to do,” said Head Coach Jim Skipper. “But, we are definitely heading in the right direction.”
Tailback Vaughn Dunbar, plagued by injury since the Demons’ first mini-camp in November, earned his first extensive action running the ball and gave Skipper an indication he would be healthy if he earns a roster spot.
In that light, Skipper and his staff will spend the better part of the next two days deciding who will comprise the Demons’ 45-man roster for its season-opening week in San Francisco.
“Vaughn looked good in his first extensive play,” Skipper said. “Now, we have some very difficult decisions to make to trim our roster. I assume every team does, though.”
Dunbar and St. Mary’s College product Brandin Young divided time at halfback during the game-like portion of the practice as did quarterbacks Mike Pawlawski and Pat Barnes. Skipper said he is likely to announce his first-game starter after the team’s first practice in the Bay Area next Tuesday at Diablo Valley College.
“We don’t have a quarterback controversy, we have two quarterbacks who can
play ball,” the head coach said. “They are both hanging in there right now, but I will probably announce all of our starters, not just at quarterback, after I talk to the team next Tuesday.”San Francisco put pressure consistently on Las Vegas’ quarterbacks during the scrimmage and Skipper said defensive end Jermaine Miles was among the team’s leaders in collapsing the Outlaws’ pocket of protection.
“We let the quarterback out a few times and lost our lanes of containment, but we have played better defensively and got work done throughout camp,” he added. “We still need to work on our tackling.”
San Francisco suffered only one injury that could cause missed playing time. Center Curtice Macfarlane sustained a left knee injury that will require further evaluation Saturday.
The Demons will assemble at their Concord football facility Tuesday morning, then be transported to Diablo Valley College for the first of their game-week practices. San Francisco will take the field at 10:15 a.m. and practice will begin at 11:00 o’clock. On most days, practice ends at 2:00 p.m.
The Demons open the 2001 season against the Los Angeles Xtreme Sunday, February 4, at Pacific Bell Park, at 1:00 p.m. Season and individual-game tickets are available by calling 1-888-4XFLTIX or at www.sfdemons.com or www.tickets.com on the internet or in person at Pacific Bell Park or Giants’ Dugout stores.
