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| Rudi Johnson, RB, New Jersey |
Is there even such a thing as an "upset" any more?
Was it an upset that the Baltimore Stars knocked off the Washington Federals, who had just made a huge trade that appeared to guarantee a division title? Was it an upset that the Georgia Force scored 34 points in one quarter against the Oklahoma Outlaws—and lost?
Was it an upset that the Florida Blazers took the Tampa Bay Bandits to overtime before falling? Was it an upset that the Orlando Blazers, 5-11 last year, knocked off the once-powerful Pittsburgh Maulers? Was it an upset that the Charlotte Hornets won their season opener for only the second time in franchise history?
There were certainly some surprises as the league's eighth season kicked off Friday. And, now that the league has switched to version 0.4.4, even more craziness is likely on the way.
- New Jersey Generals RB Rudi Johnson ran for 157 yards and tied a league single-game record by rushing for four TDs in his team's 59-20 win over the New York Stars. Five other players have scored four rushing TDs in a game, the most recent being Pittsburgh's Robert Ensley in 1978.
- The Georgia Force and Oklahoma Outlaws made some people sorry they had turned out the TV to go outside and mow the lawn (or shovel the snow). The Outlaws led, 44-10, late in the third quarter but Georgia truly became a force in the fourth quarter, scoring 34 points. The final Georgia TD came with 17 seconds to play, but Oklahoma recovered the onside kick attempt and held on for a 51-44 victory. The teams combined for 1,406 net yards. Georgia QB Philip Anderson passed for 546 yards and five TDs. His Oklahoma counterpart, Dale Brown, threw for 558 yards and four TDs.
- The Florida Blazers led Tampa Bay, 15-12, until Bandits K Thomas Hummel tied the score on the final play of regulation time. Joe Martin's 47-yard pass completion to Michael Popa helped set up Hummel for the 42-yard game-winner with less than 2 minutes remaining in OT.
- Fred Murphy's 71-yard TD pass to Hector Morris midway through the fourth quarter lifted the Baltimore Stars to a 32-27 win over the Washington Federals. The Feds, who led, 24-10, in the third quarter, had four more possessions before the game ended but never moved closer than the Baltimore 45.
- New Orleans MLB Anthony Munoz intercepted three passes, including one at the 8-yard line with 1:09 to play, as the VooDoo held off the San Antonio Gunslingers, 34-28.
- The Denver Gold led Arizona, 38-17, in the third quarter but had to hold off the Wranglers, 38-33. Denver QB Dustin Nichols threw four TD passes. Arizona CB William Dortch had 12 tackles and WR Cory Robinzine caught 10 passes for 193 yards.
- San Jose SaberCats RDE Nickolas Taylor recorded 16 tackles during a 31-17 loss to the Southern California Sun.
Week 2 Preview
The first week of version 0.4.4 takes place Monday. The New Jersey Generals (1-0) and Philadelphia Bell (1-0) will try to get an early lead in the East Division race. The Detroit Wheels (1-0) and Portland Storm (1-0) reprise last season's 39-27 playoff victory for the Wheels.
