UFL's Tuskers and Sentinels scrimmage for the first time

QB Darrell Hackney gets the pass away (Photo by Adam Soucie, Tusker House Media)

Tonight at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando, fans had a chance to get their first glimpse of the United Football League.  The teams still have a ways to go before the season begins in two weeks, but tonight was proof that the UFL is much more than critics expected.  The Tuskers and the Sentinels played hard-hitting, quality football, giving the small crowd plenty to cheer about.

The night started with the punt teams taking turns.  Todd Sauerbrun and the Tuskers punted first.  Sauerbrun still has the strong leg that made him a three-time Pro Bowl punter.  The Sentinels punter didn't have as much leg or accuracy.  Because this was a controlled scrimmage, not most of the punts were not returned.  If the punt was returned, the coverage team usually stopped after first contact.  The kickoff teams used the same set-up.

Tim McGarigle delivers a punishing hit (Photo by Adam Soucie, Tusker House Media)

After the special teams had their turn, the Sentinels first team offense took the field for the beginning of the true scrimmage.  Quinn Gray only needed five plays to put the ball in the endzone, taking advantage of mistakes by the Tuskers cornerbacks.  To be fair, the Tuskers run defense was solid the entire series, stopping preventing any big runs and forcing the Sentinels to throw the ball.

The Tuskers responded to the Sentinels score by marching down the field themselves.  Alternating between runs and passes, the Tuskers offense showed they will be a force to be reckoned with when the season begins.  QB Darrell Hackney finished the drive by finding Chas Gessner in the endzone.  Using both his speed and size, Gessner was able to outjump the Sentinels defensive backs for the score.

QB Brooks Bollinger drops back to pass (photo by Adam Soucie, Tusker House Media)

The second string offensives struggled for both teams.  Sentinels QB CJ Bacher threw an interception for a touchdown when Tuskers LB Terrence Melton tipped Bacher's check down pass to himself and ran it in for the score.  On another play, Bacher was sacked after he tripped over his own feet dropping back for a pass.  Tuskers QB Chris Greisen suffered the same fate as Bacher on his first drive when Sentinels LB Tim Goodwell grabbed Greisen's pass over the middle, broke a tackle and scampered for the score.  After the pick six, Greisen did settle down and completed some good passes, including one to Jayson "Wildcat" Foster for a strong gain.

After the second stringers had their chance, the teams began rotating in various players.  Third QBs Brian Johnson (NY) and Brooks Bollinger shined.  Bollinger's play all but locked up his place as the Tuskers' starting QB, despite having only one practice with the team.  His passes were crisp and accurate, allowing the Tuskers to move the ball down the field with ease.  The Sentinels' Brian Johnson also played well, giving Quinn Gray a reason to start looking over his shoulder.

Several big names missed tonight's scrimmage.  For the Tuskers, S Dexter Jackson was held out of the game because a shoulder stinger.  The Sentinels sat several players including DE Simeon Rice and WR Koren Robinson.  Two Tuskers picked up injuries.  OL Julius Wilson injured his foot/ankle.  Coach Haslett mentioned a possible break, but the team was awaiting results.  DE Willie Williams was not as lucky, suffering a grade 2 sprain of his MCL.  While he hasn't been ruled out for the season, the Coach Haslett admitted after the game that he wasn't happy about the initial report.

The Tuskers have the day off and will resume practice Saturday.  Final rosters will be set on October 1st, with the Tuskers first game, also against the New York Sentinels, taking place on October 10th at the Citrus Bowl.

For more info: 

Video Highlights - Tusker House Media

Tickets for Oct. 10th v. NY Sentinels - Ticketmaster