XFL Round-Up: Deondre Francois Returns as Orlando Guardians Drop to 1-8

Having the former FSU quarterback back in the lineup wasn't enough for the Guardians to come out on top.

The quality of football is increasing every week with the XFL approaching the postseason. Only one more game separates the eight teams in the league from the playoffs or the end of the season. At this point, two spots remain open after the D.C. Defenders and Houston Roughnecks qualified for the postseason in Week 8.

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Three of the four games over the weekend were decided by seven points or less, including a pair of contests that came down to two points. That included another close defeat for the Orlando Guardians which dropped the team to 1-8. Despite a touchdown pass from former FSU quarterback Deondre Francois, the Guardians couldn't hold on after leading at halftime.

There are eight teams in the league that are split into two four-team divisions - the XFL North and XFL South. Each franchise will play the teams in their division twice while also playing the four teams in the opposite division once to make up a total of ten regular season games. The top two teams in each division will advance to the playoffs.

Multiple former Seminoles are playing in the league, including Orlando quarterback Deondre Francois, San Antonio running back Jacques Patrick, Orlando linebacker Terrance Smith, and D.C. linebacker Reggie Northrup.

Here's a complete look at the week and how former Florida State stars performed.

Houston Roughnecks (6-3) vs. Vegas Vipers (2-7): Roughnecks 28, Vipers 21

No former Seminoles were involved in the contest.

The Roughnecks put together a dominant third quarter to finish off their second straight victory and effectively eliminate Vegas from playoff contention. Despite winning the turnover battle and outgaining Houston, a rough start to the second half put the Vipers in a hole they couldn't climb out of. 

Next Week: Houston at Arlington/Vegas at Seattle

San Antonio Brahmas (3-6) vs. Orlando Guardians (1-8): Brahmas 25, Guardians 23

San Antonio Running Back Jacques Patrick: 20 carries for 80 yards with one touchdown and five catches for 50 yards

San Antonio Offensive Lineman Derrick Kelly: Kelly remains on the Injured/Reserved list after he suffered a calf injury in Week 3

Orlando Quarterback Deondre Francois: 3/5 passing for 20 yards with one touchdown pass and two rushes for seven yards

Orlando Linebacker Terrance Smith: Four total tackles (2 solo, 2 assisted), one tackle for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble

Orlando Linebacker DeCalon Brooks: Brooks is on the Injured/Reserved list

Former FSU cornerback Tony Carter (defensive coordinator), former assistant Mark Snyder (linebackers coach), and former safety Devin Bush Sr. (defensive analyst) are members of Seminole legend Terrell Buckley's coaching staff in Orlando.

In a fierce matchup that included five former Seminoles between the lines, San Antonio won its first home game of the season. The Brahmas put the finishing touches on the victory with a pick-six in the fourth quarter before controlling the clock in the final minutes. Deondre Francois returned and tossed a touchdown while Jacques Patrick had another productive outing.

Next Week: San Antonio at D.C./Orlando at St. Louis

D.C. Defenders (8-1) vs. Arlington Renegades (4-5): Defenders 28, Renegades 26

D.C. Linebacker Reggie Northrup: Six total tackles (2 solo, 4 assisted)

The Defenders have already clinched a spot in the postseason but that hasn't shifted the team's mindset on the field. This one didn't come easy though. D.C. lead 26-9 entering the final frame before Arlington came all the way back to tie it. The Defenders settled down and converted in overtime while holding off the Renegades for their league-leading eighth win of the season.

Next Week: D.C. at San Antonio/Arlington vs. Houston

St. Louis Battlehawks (6-3) vs. Seattle Sea Dragons (6-3): Sea Dragons 30, Battlehawks 12

St. Louis Wide Receiver George Campbell: Did not record any stats

In a crucial game to keep its playoff hopes alive, Seattle controlled St. Louis for a 30-12 victory. The Sea Dragons and Battlehawks both enter the final week of the regular season with 6-3 records. Former FSU wide receiver George Campbell didn't appear on the stat sheet for the second straight week.

Next Week: St. Louis vs. Orlando/Seattle vs. Vegas

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