The midway point of the XFL season has arrived with the conclusion of Week 5. The playoff picture is starting to come together but there is still time for teams to get back into the race. At this point, D.C. is the only undefeated squad remaining in the league and may be the favorite to win it all. On the flip-side, Orlando suffered another disappointing defeat and remains winless.
Following four weeks of play, there are only two undefeated teams remaining across the XFL. There are also two teams left that have yet to win a game. One of those franchises is the Orlando Guardians and head coach Terrell Buckley. The former FSU star has seen his team be outscored 117-49 through four contests.
There are eight teams in the league that are split into two four-team divisions - the XFL North and XFL South. Each franchise will play the teams in their division twice while also playing the four teams in the opposite division once to make up a total of ten regular season games. The top two teams in each division will advance to the playoffs.
Multiple former Seminoles are playing in the league, including Orlando quarterback Deondre Francois, San Antonio running back Jacques Patrick, Orlando linebacker Terrance Smith, and D.C. linebacker Reggie Northrup.
Here's a complete look at the week and how former Florida State stars performed.
Seattle Sea Dragons (3-2) vs. Houston Roughnecks (4-1): Sea Dragons 21, Roughnecks 14
No former Seminoles were involved in the contest.
The Sea Dragons pushed their winning streak to three while handing Houston its first loss in XFL play. The Roughnecks were 5-0 in 2020 before the season was canceled due to COVID-19 and were off to a 4-0 start prior to crossing paths with Seattle. The Sea Dragons built a 15-0 lead that the Roughnecks couldn't overcome despite a strong effort in the fourth quarter.
Next Week: Seattle at Orlando/Houston at D.C.
St. Louis Battlehawks (3-2) vs. D.C. Defenders (5-0): Defenders 28, Battlehawks 20
D.C. Linebacker Reggie Northrup: Season-high nine total tackles (2 solo, 7 assisted)
St. Louis Wide Receiver George Campbell: One catch, five yards, one touchdown
The Defenders are the lone unbeaten team remaining in the league following Houston's loss. D.C. built a 20-6 advantage in the second half and the lead proved too much for St. Louis to mount another comeback. Former Seminole Reggie Northrup came away with a season-high nine total tackles while D.C. compiled 248 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Next Week: St. Louis at Vegas/D.C. vs. Houston
Vegas Vipers (1-4) vs. Orlando Guardians (0-5): Vipers 35, Guardians 32
Orlando Quarterback Deondre Francois: Did Not Play
Orlando Linebacker Terrance Smith: Seven total tackles (5 solo, 2 assisted), one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble
Orlando Linebacker DeCalon Brooks: Brooks is on the Injured/Reserved list
Former FSU cornerback Tony Carter and former assistant Mark Snyder are members of Seminole legend Terrell Buckley's coaching staff in Orlando.
The battle of the only two winless teams concluded in a familiar fashion for Orlando. The Guardians are 0-5 and have been far and away the worst franchise in the league during the first half of the season. If there is a bright spot to take away from the loss - backup quarterback Quinten Dormady completed 22/25 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers.
Next Week: Vegas vs. St Louis/Orlando vs. Seattle
San Antonio Brahmas (1-4) vs. Arlington Renegades (3-2): Renegades 12, Brahmas 10
San Antonio Running Back Jacques Patrick: Six carries for 26 yards, five catches for 24 yards,
San Antonio Offensive Lineman Derrick Kelly: Kelly remains on the Injured/Reserved list after he suffered a calf injury in week 3
In the first of two straight matchups, the Renegades did enough down the stretch to earn a close victory against the Brahmas. San Antonio led at the half but failed to score during the final two quarters, tossing a crucial interception on the final offensive possession.
Next Week: San Antonio at Arlington
More must-reads: