XFL Round-Up: Jacques Patrick Notches Best Performance of Season, Orlando falls back to Earth
The postseason is just around the corner with only two weeks remaining in the XFL's regular season. Two teams were able to clinch playoff berths over the weekend as D.C. and Houston stamped their tickets. The Roughnecks will play in the South Division Championship game on April 29 while the Defenders will play in the North Division Championship game on April 30.
READ MORE: Former Florida State Guard Finds New Destination After Entering Transfer Portal
The two teams are still waiting to learn their respective opponents. There are still a couple of teams in the running for the last two postseason spots. One franchise that has already been eliminated from contention is the Orlando Guardians, which came up short on Saturday after winning their first game a week prior.
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.
St. Louis Battlehawks (6-2) vs. Vegas Vipers (2-6): Battlehawks 21, Vipers 17
St. Louis Wide Receiver George Campbell: Did not record any stats
The Battlehawks rallied in the fourth quarter to force overtime against one of the worst teams in the league. After Vegas failed to score on their first attempt of the extra period, St. Louis iced the game with a pass to Hakeem Butler. The Battlehawks have built some momentum on the cusp of the playoffs with their third straight victory.
Next Week: Vegas at Houston/St. Louis vs. Seattle
Orlando Guardians (1-7) vs. Arlington Renegades (4-4): Renegades 18, Guardians 16
Orlando Quarterback Deondre Francois: Did Not Play. Francois hasn't participated since the first half of the season and is dealing with a concussion
Orlando Linebacker Terrance Smith: Three total tackles (1 solo, 2 assisted)
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.
The Guardians were unable to make it two victories in a row after coming up just short of the Renegades. Orlando actually entered the contest as the favorite after knocking off D.C. last week. However, Arlington forced quarterback Quinten Dormady into five turnovers (two interceptions, three fumbles) and that ended up being the difference. Dormady lost a fumble on Orlando's final offensive possession.
Next Week: Arlington at D.C./Orlando at San Antonio
San Antonio Brahmas (2-6) vs. Houston Roughnecks (5-3): Roughnecks 17, Brahmas 15
San Antonio Running Back Jacques Patrick: 16 carries for 96 yards with one score and four catches for 38 yards
San Antonio Offensive Lineman Derrick Kelly: Kelly remains on the Injured/Reserved list after he suffered a calf injury in Week 3
San Antonio is in a slump and despite some promising signs, the team wasn't able to get over the hump against Houston. On the bright side, former FSU running back Jacques Patrick put together his best performance of the season to this point of the year. Patrick rushed 16 times for a season-high 96 yards with a touchdown while also contributing in the passing game. He's tied for third in the league with 322 rushing yards and he's been reliable with zero fumbles.
Next Week: Houston vs. Vegas/San Antonio vs. Orlando
Seattle Sea Dragons (5-3) vs. D.C. Defenders (7-1): Defenders 34, Sea Dragons 33
D.C. Linebacker Reggie Northrup: Season-High 11 total tackles (6 solo, 5 assisted)
The Defenders were involved in another game of the week after their contest came down to one point once again. This time, D.C. was on the other side of the result as the team hung on to knock off a Seattle squad that was in a rhythm. The Sea Dragons entered the game on a five-game winning streak but the Defenders showed why they're the favorite to win the XFL Championship.
Next Week: D.C. vs. Arlington/Seattle at St. Louis
READ MORE: Florida State Lands Commitment From Hard-Hitting Linebacker
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