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XFL Arlington Renegades

Arlington Renegades Game Notes

April 19, 2023 - XFL (XFL)
Arlington Renegades News Release


SERIES NOTES: The Renegades are 0-2 all-time against the Roughnecks. Houston won matchups on March 1, 2020 at Choctaw Stadium (27-20) and in Week 2 of this season on Feb. 26 at TDECU Stadium (23-14).

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Orlando Guardians at St. Louis Battlehawks - 11 am CT (ESPN / ESPN+)

D.C. Defenders at San Antonio Brahmas - 2 pm CT (ABC / ESPN+)

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Houston Roughnecks at Arlington Renegades - 2 pm CT (ESPN / ESPN+)

Vegas Vipers at Seattle Sea Dragons - 6 pm CT (ESPN2 / ESPN+)

OVERTIME THRILLER IN D.C.

The Arlington Renegades (4-5) overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit before suffering a 28-26 overtime loss to the XFL-best D.C. Defenders (8-1) on Sunday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The Renegades could have secured a postseason spot with a win or San Antonio loss (won vs. Orlando) over the weekend, but will instead see their postseason fate stretch into the final weekend of the XFL regular season. Additional notes:

‚¬Â¢ Arlington scored a season-high 26 points while also allowing a season-high 28 points

‚¬Â¢ Marked the first overtime game in Renegades franchise history (including 2020 and 2023).

‚¬Â¢ Arlington utilized the unique 4th-and-15 try for the first time on Sunday, and were successful on a miraculous throw by QB Luis Perez late in the 4th to retain possession and set up a game-tying FG by K Taylor Russolino.

‚¬Â¢ Eight of Arlington's 9 games have been decided by one possession (9 points or less).

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

The Arlington Renegades' postseason fate will be decided this weekend, as the team needs either a win vs. Houston or a San Antonio loss (vs. D.C. on Saturday) in order to secure a spot in the XFL South Division Championship Game, which will be hosted by the Houston Roughnecks on Saturday, April 29 at TDECU Stadium (6 p.m. CT on ESPN2).

If an Arlington loss is coupled by a San Antonio win this weekend, San Antonio would clinch the postseason spot by virtue of the 3rd tiebreaker:

‚¬Â¢ Tiebreaker #1: Head-to-head (ARL and SA are 1-1 against each other)

‚¬Â¢ Tiebreaker #2: Divisional record (ARL and SA would each be 3-3 against XFL South)

‚¬Â¢ Tiebreaker #3: Combined record of opponents in wins (SA opponent wins would max out at 16, while ARL opponent wins would max out at 11 to give SA the tiebreaker)

The North Division Championship will be hosted by the D.C. Defenders on Sunday, April 30 at Audi Field (2 p.m. CT on ESPN). The winners of those Division Championship games will advance to the XFL Championship Game on Saturday, May 13 at The Alamodome in San Antonio (7 p.m. CT on ABC).

SOME OFFENSE

The Renegades scored a season-high 26 points in Sunday's narrow loss, surpassing their previous high in a 22- 20 win all the way back in Week 1 vs. Vegas. Despite averaging an XFL-low 15.2 points per game this season, the Renegades have posted 2 of their 3 highest point totals of the season in back-to-back weeks. The recent uptick has seen the offense average 19.7 points per game over the last 3 contests.

QB Luis Perez put forth one of the best performances by an XFL quarterback this season, completing 31 of 41 passes for 335 yards with one TD and one INT. Those represented the highest marks by an Arlington QB in 2023 by a wide margin. The only XFL signal-caller to have more passing yards or more completions in a single game this season is Seattle QB Ben DiNucci, who threw for 377 yards on March 4 at Vegas and completed 35 passes on Feb. 19 at D.C. In 2 games since being installed as the Arlington starter, Perez has completed 47 of 66 passes (71%) for 525 yards with one TD and one INT.

XFL HONORED AT TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

The XFL and Arlington Renegades were recognized by the Texas State House of Representatives with the reading of an Honorary Resolution at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Tuesday. Renegades head coach Bob Stoops and Houston Roughnecks head coach Wade Phillips represented the XFL in Austin for the reading of the resolution, which is believed to be the first recognition of its kind for a professional spring football league.

PUTTING THE 'D' IN DEFENSE

The Renegades defense, playing their first game without the XFL's 2nd-leading tackler in LB Donald Payne (placed on IR on 4/23 - ankle), was dealt a tough assignment on Sunday and allowed a season-high 28 points to the XFL's highest-scoring offense in D.C. (29.9 ppg through Week 9). The unit managed to pick off a pair of passes to give them 7 takeaways in the last 2 games following a season-high 5 takeaways on April 8 at Orlando.

‚¬Â¢ Arlington's defense has an XFL-best 21 takeaways this season, edging out HOU (20).

‚¬Â¢ The Renegades have forced a turnover in all 9 games this season.

‚¬Â¢ Arlington leads the XFL with 12 INT (HOU is 2nd w/ 11) and ranks T2nd with 9 fumble recoveries (STL leads w/ 12).

‚¬Â¢ The Renegades have scored 77 of their 137 points (56.2 percent) off turnovers this season.

‚¬Â¢ The Renegades are allowing 18.8 points per game, the 3rd-best mark in XFL behind San Antonio (17.1 ppg) and Seattle (18.7 ppg).

FINDING PAYDIRT

Arlington RB De'Veon Smith continued his stretch of strong play on Sunday by carrying the ball 12 times for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns while battling through a lower leg injury. Smith is tied with D.C. RB Abram Smith for the XFL lead with 7 rushing touchdowns this season, as he has 7 scores in the last 6 games and owns 7 of the team's 12 offensive TDs in 2023. After averaging under 3 yards per carry through the season's first 5 weeks, Smith has carried the ball 47 times for 190 yards (4.0 yards per carry) over the last 4 games. In addition to TDs, he ranks among XFL ball carriers in attempts (2nd, 115) & yards (4th, 365).

‚¬Â¢ As a team, Arlington has averaged 109.3 rushing yards over the last 3 games, putting up the following totals: 113 (Week 9 at D.C.), 91 (Week 8 at Orlando), 124 (Week 7 vs. Seattle).

CANNELLA LEADS THE WAY

After being held without a catch or target in QB Luis Perez's team debut in Week 8 at Orlando, TE Sal Cannella bounced back on Sunday at D.C. by totaling the most receiving yards by a Renegade this season (92 yards on 7 catches). Cannella's efforts included a clutch grab to convert a late 4th-and-15 attempt that helped Arlington retain possession. He leads the team with 39 catches and 374 receiving yards in 2023. Cannella ranks 2nd among XFL tight ends to Orlando's Cody Latimer (47 rec., 558 yds.) in most categories.

‚¬Â¢ Cannella joined the XFL this season after playing for the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL. He was named to the All-USFL team after leading all tight ends in receiving yards.

BIG WILLIE STYLE

Arlington LB Willie Taylor continued his strong campaign with a huge game in Week 8 at Orlando, recording an interception, forced fumble, and 3 tackles (one for loss). Taylor is among Arlington's team leaders in tackles for loss (8) and sacks (4 - tied with LB Will Clarke). One of the youngest players in the league at just 23 years old, Taylor is one of just two XFL players that are eligible for the NFL Draft (along with Seattle QB Harrison Frost).

He played in college at Washington State and Eastern Kentucky, and finished up his college career last Fall before jumping straight to the XFL.

THE KICK IS GOOD

After going 2-for-3 on Sunday at D.C. -- including a clutch 27-yard try to force overtime -- Arlington K Taylor Russolino is 13-for-16 on field goal attempts this season. He ranks 3rd in the XFL in successful field goals behind San Antonio's Parker Romo (15) and Seattle's Dominik Eberle (14). Including his time spent with St. Louis in 2020 - when he went 9-for-10 in FG attempts - Russolino has now converted 22 of 26 (84.6%) of FG attempts in the XFL.

ALL HAIL THE KING

In addition to Russolino on the kicking side, Arlington P Marquette King has found plenty of success in the punting game for the Renegades. The former NFL All-Pro has had 38 punts (3rd in XFL) for 1,757 yards (2nd in XFL) through 9 games, good for an average of 46.2 yards/punt. That average ranks 2nd in the league behind San Antonio's Brad Wing (47.7 yds/ punt). In addition to his punting prowess, King continues to pursue his musical interests off the field. His newest single, "Grind, ‚¬Â was recently released.

SOME EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

As with all XFL teams, the Arlington Renegades roster consists of players with extensive professional experience, including time spent at the sport's highest level in the NFL. Of the 51 players on the team's season-opening roster, 25 had appeared in at least one NFL game. Those 25 players have a total of 506 games of NFL experience. Leading the way for Arlington is former All-Pro P Marquette King with 84 games of NFL experience, while LB Will Clarke (53), CB Cre'von LeBlanc (52), and DB Will Hill (50) have each eclipsed the half-century mark in games played at the NFL level.

THE WORLDWIDE LEADER

On May 17, 2022, the XFL announced a multi-year broadcast agreement with The Walt Disney Company and ESPN. This season, all 43 games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) will be featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN networks, and FX. All XFL games will be streamed on ESPN+.

‚¬Â¢ Sunday's game will air on ESPN with the announcing team of Matt Barrie (play-by-play), Eric MacLain (booth analyst), Dawn Davenport and Tiffany Blackmon (sideline reporters).

ST. LOUIS SOUTH

The 2023 Arlington Renegades have a number of connections to the 2020 St. Louis Battlehawks from XFL 2.0. Members of the current coaching staff that worked for St. Louis in 2020, with their former role listed in parenthesis: co-offensive coordinator Jonathan Hayes (head coach), co-offensive coordinator Chuck Long (offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach), co-defensive coordinator Jay Hayes (defensive coordinator), co- defensive coordinator Tim Lewis (defensive backs coach), quality control coach Michael George (asst. to head coach / asst. defensive line coach). Current Renegades players that played for St. Louis in 2020: DL Will Clarke, OL Brian Folkerts (St. Louis-area native & graduate of Hazelwood Central HS), DB Will Hill, P Marquette King, DL Davonte Lambert, DB Joe Powell, and K Taylor Russolino.

THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER

Arlington Renegades head coach Bob Stoops and co-offensive coordinators Jonathan Hayes and Chuck Long all played college football together in 1982 at the University of Iowa under legendary head coach Hayden Fry. The trio were teammates on the Hawkeyes' 1982 Rose Bowl team, and Stoops was later part of the Iowa coaching staff while Hayes concluded his playing career. Hayes served as the tight ends/special teams coach for Stoops at OU from 1999-2002. Long was a coach for the Sooners from 2000-05, as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

RENEGADES IN THE COMMUNITY

The Renegades are committed to being a positive force and constant presence in the community. Below are some of the recent community events and appearances that the team has taken part in:

‚¬Â¢ Jan. 14: Girl Scouts of Texas and Oklahoma - Cookie Distribution Event

‚¬Â¢ Jan. 16: MLK Day / National Day of Service - Volunteering at Mission Arlington (players), meal delivery to needy families in partnership with Prince Lebanese Grill and Park Place Mercedes (Bob Stoops)

‚¬Â¢ Jan. 28: Renegades Open Practice / Bob Stoops Q&A / Player Autograph Session - 1,000+ fans in attendance

‚¬Â¢ Feb. 11: "Meet the Team ‚¬Â fan event at The Parks Mall in Arlington

‚¬Â¢ Feb. 17: Scottish Rite for Children hospital visit; Bob Stoops Ticketstock appearance

‚¬Â¢ March 4: Player Engagement Event at Main Event Entertainment in Grand Prairie, TX

‚¬Â¢ March 25: Player Appearance at Athletes Unlimited Women's Basketball Game

‚¬Â¢ March 30: Player Appearance at Texas Rangers Opening Day Tailgate

‚¬Â¢ April 18: Bob Stoops represents XFL for Resolution at Texas State Capitol in Austin

WELCOME TO ARLINGTON - THE HUB CITY

On July 25, 2022, the XFL announced the selection of the City of Arlington, Texas as its new football operations Hub, signing a three-year agreement that provides a centralized performance facility and multiple practice venues for preseason and in-week training for the League's eight teams. This hybrid Hub model provides players access to full-time, on- site support from coaches and athletic training staff, while still developing team affinity and community relations within their local markets. The Hub also serve as a content creation center, giving the league, its teams and its players an opportunity to build personal brands and engage with fans through social media, in-person events and other media platforms, tapping into the worldwide expertise and reach of XFL Owners, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and RedBird Capital Partners.

HOME SWEET HOME

The Texas Rangers and Choctaw Casinos & Resorts announced a multi-year naming rights partnership for the former Globe Life Park in Arlington in Aug. 2021, re-naming the venue Choctaw Stadium. In addition to hosting the Renegades, Choctaw Stadium is home to the Dallas Jackals (Major League Rugby) and North Texas Soccer Club (MLS Next Pro), while also hosting multiple high school and college football games each year.

To be ready for the 2020 XFL season, Choctaw Stadium underwent a $10 million renovation completed by Manhattan Construction in 115 days. The renovation included the following:

‚¬Â¢ A new seating structure was added in what was formerly left field to accomodate 4,000 more fans and create a more intimate atmosphere

‚¬Â¢ 18 rows of seats and the dugout along what used to be the third base line were demolished

‚¬Â¢ A new network television broadcast booth, plus coaches' booths for the home and visiting teams were added at the 50-yard line

‚¬Â¢ Seating in corners of each end zone were reconfigured to accomodate marching bands

‚¬Â¢ Over 200 sports light fixtures were relocated/re-aimed to be accomodate football and soccer play and broadcast quality

‚¬Â¢ Two new locker rooms in what were previously batting cages were added to accomodate multiple events on the same day

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