United Football League Season Reaches Halfway Mark
October 16, 2012 - United Football League (UFL 1) News Release
The United Football League seasons hits its midpoint this week and the standings are a mix of highs and lows.
Atop the pile: The unbeaten Las Vegas Locomotives (3-0), coached for a fourth season by Jim Fassel. The Locos are both the league's highest-scoring team (80 points) and stingiest on defense (21 points). The Locos visit the Omaha Nighthawks (2-1) on Wednesday night, playing at TD Ameritrade Park at 9 p.m. ET. All games are televised by the CBS Sports Network.
The Locos defeated the Nighthawks 41-6 in Week 2 at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium. The Nighthawks rebounded from that loss to win 38-10 at home against the Virginia Destroyers, and coach Bart Andrus indicated the loss in Las Vegas could not be laid solely at the feet of the defense.
"Our defense didn't give up 41. Our offense gave up 14 points on a fumble return and an interception return," and that put the Nighthawks in an unenviable hole. The Nighthawks are potent when they take care of the football, leading the UFL in total offense and passing offense.
The Locos will be playing the second of three straight road games. They don't return home until Oct. 31. The Sacramento Mountains Lions (0-3) continue to seek that elusive first victory when they make their second trip to Virginia Beach to play the Destroyers (1-2). The Destroyers won the first matchup 37-29, with the Mountain Lions making the game close in the final minute.
The Destroyers lead the league in total defense, rushing defense, and pass defense, no doubt a bit of tradition in the family of coach Kurt Schottenheimer. The offense never could get going in a 38-10 loss to Omaha, though.
The Mountain Lions lost starting Josh Johnson to a knee injury in the opener, but he is expected to be ready for the Virginia game, giving the club a boost with his experience (five NFL seasons) and mobility.
The UFL schedule this season calls for eight regular-season games. The championship game is set for Dec. 1 at a site to be named. Las Vegas won the title in the UFL's first two seasons and was defeated last year in the finale by Virginia.
Week 4 Schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 9 p.m. ET
Las Vegas (3-0) at Omaha (2-1)
Site: TD Ameritrade Park
Announcers: Brent Stover (play by play), Adam Archuleta (analyst), Lauren Gardner (sideline reporter)
TV: CBS Sports Network (check local listing at www.cbssportsnetwork.com )
Friday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. ET
Sacramento (0-3) at Virginia (1-2)
Site: Virginia Beach SportsPlex
TV: CBS Sports Network (check local listing at www.cbssportsnetwork.com )
Announcers: Howard David (play by play), Jamie Dukes (analyst), Jackie Montgomery (sideline reporter)
Week 3 Results
Las Vegas 20, at Sacramento 9
At Omaha 38, Virginia 10
Recap
LOCOS ON TRACK: The Locomotives continued to rely on scoring plays that covered long distances in winning their third consecutive game and first on the road. Chase Clement threw two touchdown passes in the first half, the second covering 81 yards to Titus Ryan, and the Locos' lockdown defense held Sacramento to three field goals. The Mountain Lions' Fabrizio Scaccia converted one of those attempts from 58 yards. The Locos lead the league in total defense and scoring defense, having allowed only one touchdown this season.
FIRST AT HOME: The Nighthawks won for the first time ever at TD Ameritrade Park, grinding down the visiting Destroyers. The Nighthawks scored on offense, defense, and special teams. Jason Boltus ran for two touchdowns and threw for one, Aaron Weathers returned a blocked field goal try for a touchdown, and Antonio Fenelus carted an interception into the end zone as well. The Nighthawks lead the UFL in total offense and passing offense.
Access UFL statistics here: http://www.sacmountainlions.com/team/league-stats/
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United Football League Stories from October 16, 2012
- United Football League Season Reaches Halfway Mark - UFL 1
- Omaha Nighthawks Game Notes - Omaha Nighthawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
