New York – (5 March 2001) — Last night, 27,000 fans witnessed the LA Xtreme dominate the Hitmen. The Hitmen left the field beaten and battered and Rusty Tillman didn’t gain any new fans.
The game for the Hitmen didn’t start out that grim, The Hitmen won the opening scramble and with a spread out offensive attack, They drove deep into LA territory and had the Xtreme reeling. Thanks to two big 3rd down conversions by WR Zola Davishe, the Hitmen drove from their own 25 yard line to the Xtreme 40 yard line. On a key 2nd and 14, Richardson ran through The LA defense to pick up 20 yards on the scramble, then disaster struck the Hitmen early as Wally Richardson was stripped of the football at the Xtreme 20 yard line by Jeff Russell. The fumble was picked up by Leomont Evans at the 15 and he returned the football 20 yards to set up the Xtreme’s first scoring drive.
The blown opportunity was the first by The Hitmen and wouldn’t be the last. The Xtreme capitalized on their first scoring drive by neutralizing the Hitmen defensive front. The scoring drive went 65 yards and was aided by Rashan Sheehee’s running and a big 24 yard catch and run by Latario Rachal that put LA first and goal at the seven. Four plays later after a crucial face mask penalty by Tyrell Peters who replaced injured Ron Merkerson, Tommy Maddox reached the endzone on a scoring pass to tight end, Josh Wilcox. The Xtreme converted the 1 point with a Tommy Maddox QB draw that would give LA The 7-0 lead.
It was the Hitmen’s turn to respond and they did. The Hitmen drove 71 yards thanks to the running of Joe Aska, who broke a 3rd and 1 play into a 42 yard gain. The drive continued when Rusty Tillman decided to go for it on 4th and 1 from The 11 which actually drew praise from his harshest critic, Jesse Ventura. Two plays later, Wally Richardson connected with Zola Davis for an 8 yard score. Marcus Hinton tied the game on a pretty catch in the endzone. The game was even at 7.
On the Xtreme’s following drive, they answered as Tommy Maddox carved up the Hitmen on a drive that took the Xtreme from their own 35 to NY’s 7 yard line. The drive was built upon by LA’s receivers Jeremaine Copeland and Darnell McDonald. The Hitmen would blow another easy opportunity in this game when cornerback Joey Eloms dropped an easy interception in the end zone. The blown opportunity would prove costly as the Xtreme were able to take the lead on a 36 yard field goal by red hot Jose Cortez.
The Hitmen couldn’t produce a first down on their next drive and were forced to punt. Damon Gibson returned a Leo Araguz punt 30 yards to the NY 36 yard line setting up a another Xtreme drive into the Hitmen’s red zone. The drive ended with another short yardage Joe Cortez field goal extending the Xtreme’s lead to 6. The scoring drive did however end in controversy as XFL cameras caught Tommy Maddox yelling at Darnell McDonald for showing him up to his teammates. It was a fascinating scene that only the XFL could provide because of their fan friendly all access features.
The Hitmen closed the half with a poorly thrown pass by Richardson that was intercepted by Terry Billups. The Xtreme offense took over and drove to the Hitmen 23. On 3rd down, Jeremaine Copeland made the most athletic catch of the XFL season thus far with a one handed diving juggling act that garnered a first down for The Xtreme… NOT. Referees ruled that Copeland never got possession of the football. The replay showed otherwise which lead to Copeland telling the XFL audience that officials are blind and the XFL needs instant replay. Because of the incomplete pass, LA had to settle for a field goal. Cortez finally missed after 8 straight successful kicks. His 40 yard attempt sailed wide left.
The Hitmen closed down the offense and ran out the clock for the first half. Which drew heavy boos and criticism from Rusty’s pal, Jesse Ventura. At halftime, a video piece gave viewers an inside look at Rusty Tillman. Tillman showed a different side by appearing more kind and friendly.
The 2nd half wasn’t so kind and friendly for Rusty Tillman and his Hitmen team. The injuries continued as backup Middle Linebacker Tyrell Peters went down and was replaced by Outside Backer, Mike Barber.
The Xtreme took the opening drive of The 2nd half 65 yards to extend LA’s lead. The drive was a long time consuming drive that was finished off by a Maddox to Copeland TD score. The conversion failed and The score was now 19 to 7.
The Hitmen’s next possession saw them drive to the Xtreme 40 yard line. The situation was a 4th and 2 with 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Tillman opted to punt which opened the doors for yet another Ventura lashing. Ventura showcased two beginners books for Tillman to read, Football 101 and The Art of Coaching.
The Xtreme began their next drive at their own 17 and ended up with another field goal by Jose Cortez which put LA ahead 22 to 7.
NY’s strongest drive came on their next series as they drove down to LA’s 22. On another big first down run by Joe Aska. Aska was stripped by Ron Carpenter at the LA 12. LA recovered and the Hitmen began to show their frustrations when Joe Aska punched a defender in the scramble for the fumble. Aska was ejected by officials. Aska finished with 92 yards rushing on the day.
The Xtreme began a long time consuming drive that milked the clock to 5 minutes before they punted back to NY. The Hitmen drove again to The 33 yard line of the Xtreme thanks to the running and throwing of Wally Richardson who finished with modest stats. On 4th and 3 from LA’s 33 with 1:47 left in the game and trailing by 15, Rusty Tillman decided to attempt a 50 yard field goal against the wind. It ranks as one of the dumbest moves in football history. Rusty’s rationale was that if Araguz connected, They could kick an on-side kick and try to score two more TDS. It amounted to probably the worst call of the XFL season as Araguz missed the 50 yarder. LA ran out the clock to seal The 22-7 victory.
The Hitmen, thanks to The Birmingham loss at the hands of the Demons, only trail the Bolts by 1 game in the eastern playoff race. That was the Hitmen’s only consolation on what is turning into a very frustrating season for Hitmen fans.
Game MVP-Tommy Maddox who threw for 270 yards and 2 TD’s.
