LAS VEGAS, Nev. (January 11, 2000) – The San Francisco Demons took the field with another team for the first time as XFL players and the Los Angeles Xtreme won the decision, giving San Francisco a goal for the season opener.
The Demons were without 11 of its 63 squad members Thursday at the Sam Boyd Stadium practice field and Los Angeles clearly held an edge even though no score was kept.
Each team embarked on four 15-play series and the Demons managed only 238 yards on 63 offensive plays. On the other hand, Los Angeles quarterback Tommy Maddox threw three touchdown passes against the Demons’ defense.
“We really didn’t have good practices during the first week of camp, but that’s no excuse,” Coach Jim Skipper said. “We had so many guys hurt and sick that we didn’t do much hitting. It really showed today. We have a lot of work to do in the next two weeks.”
Quarterback Pat Barnes was the Demons’ most consistent offensive weapon, connecting on 12 of 18 passes for 120 yards. Tydus Winans and James Hundon, both NFL veterans, paced San Francisco’s receivers. Winans hauled in six passes for 48 yards and Hundon added five catches for 55 yards. San Francisco rushed for just 52 yards on 23 carries.
On the sidelines Thursday were receivers Mike Adams (knee), Lee DeRamus (hamstring) and Darran Hall (hip) and halfbacks Vaughn Dunbar (hamstring) and Terry Battle (back). The Demons also were without three linebackers: Craig Powell (knee), Dave Thomas (hip) and Barrin Simpson (knee).
San Francisco returns to twice-daily practices Saturday after reviewing the scrimmage on video Friday and will take part in another controlled scrimmage in nine days against Memphis.
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.
