If only the Memphis Maniax had hands that could hold onto footballs. The team might be dangerous.
For the second week in a row, the Maniax (1-2, 0-2) squandered a fine defensive effort, did not score a touchdown, and committed two crucial turnovers during key drives. The end result was another loss this time to the San Francisco Demons (2-1, 1-1) 13-6. An announced crowd of 17,063 withstood freezing temperatures to cheer on the XFL franchise as reserve quarterback Jim Druckenmiller led them deep into DemonsÕ territory in the final minute of the game. But instead of tying the game, the Maniax suffered another turnover.
Despite holding the San Francisco to only 33 yards rushing, the Maniax gave up 184 yards and two touchdowns to the league’s best QB, Mike Pawlawski, who connected on 19 of 37 attempts.
The Maniax offense, featuring league-leading running back Rasaan Salaam, could only muster 29 yards on the ground. The Maniax used two quarterbacks in the game. Marcus Crandell was 11 of 23 for 141 yards. Druckenmiller completed 6 of 10 for 85 yards.
Crandell threw an interception to Demon defensive tackle Emile Palmer in the third quarter at the Maniax 25 yard line, setting up San Francisco’s first scoring drive, when Pawlawski connected with Demon halfback Terry Battle from 7 yards out.
Crandell then left the game and was replaced by Druckenmiller who threw for two interceptions, one to Demon’s defensive back Kevin Kaesviharn at the Demon’s 7 yard line and another to defensive back Wendell Davis at the end.
The loss puts the Maniax at the bottom of the Western division, with 7 games remaining on the schedule. San Francisco is now tied at first with Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The Maniax travel next week to Los Angeles to play the Extreme on Sunday, February 25th.
