UFL CHAMPIONSHIP: Locos face familiar hurdle
Bollinger, unbeaten Tuskers responsible for both of Las Vegas' losses
By STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
In between coach Jim Fassel's intermittent profanity-laced tirades, there was whooping and hollering coming from the players on the field Wednesday morning at Sam Boyd Stadium.
The Locomotives sounded like a football team ready to end its season on a high note. To do so, they must figure out a way to slow quarterback Brooks Bollinger and the Florida Tuskers' offense, something Las Vegas (4-2) has been unable to do in two previous tries.
The United Football League concludes its premiere season with its inaugural championship game at noon today at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Tuskers, who went 6-0 during the regular season, are hoping to cap an undefeated campaign.
UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue said 7,000 tickets had been purchased for today's finale, and a total of 30,000 tickets have been distributed. Huyghue is hoping for a crowd of 20,000.
Those who show up will see the league's two most visible names going head to head in perhaps their last UFL game. Las Vegas quarterback J.P. Losman and Florida quarterback Brooks Bollinger both expect to be back in the NFL next year, with the possibility one or both could finish out this year with an NFL team.
"I've enjoyed the experience," said Losman, who has thrown for 1,193 yards, nine touchdowns with two interceptions in five games. "My whole thing was about getting better and showing (the NFL) I could still play at a high level."
Bollinger, the UFL's top passer with 1,519 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions, said the UFL exceeded his expectations.
"It's been a lot of fun for me," he said. "They did a great job of building this team, and I've enjoyed being part of it."
The Tuskers have had all the fun when they've faced the Locos. Florida won both meetings, 29-15 on Oct. 14 and 27-24 on Oct. 30, yet Fassel thinks his team is in a good position to win today.
"It's been a good week here," Fassel said of the Locos training in Las Vegas after spending all season working out in Casa Grande, Ariz. "I like the way we've approached our work. It's been very businesslike."
Losman's challenge is not to make critical errors with the ball.
"We have to keep the game simple and keep the mistakes to a minimum," he said. "We played them much tougher the second time. We were right there in the fourth quarter, but a couple of key mistakes cost us."
Bollinger said today's game is all about finishing what he started before he moves on.
"If we don't win this game after going undefeated so far, it will be very disappointing," he said.
Las Vegas Locomotives
Bollinger, unbeaten Tuskers responsible for both of Las Vegas' losses
By STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
In between coach Jim Fassel's intermittent profanity-laced tirades, there was whooping and hollering coming from the players on the field Wednesday morning at Sam Boyd Stadium.
The Locomotives sounded like a football team ready to end its season on a high note. To do so, they must figure out a way to slow quarterback Brooks Bollinger and the Florida Tuskers' offense, something Las Vegas (4-2) has been unable to do in two previous tries.
The United Football League concludes its premiere season with its inaugural championship game at noon today at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Tuskers, who went 6-0 during the regular season, are hoping to cap an undefeated campaign.
UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue said 7,000 tickets had been purchased for today's finale, and a total of 30,000 tickets have been distributed. Huyghue is hoping for a crowd of 20,000.
Those who show up will see the league's two most visible names going head to head in perhaps their last UFL game. Las Vegas quarterback J.P. Losman and Florida quarterback Brooks Bollinger both expect to be back in the NFL next year, with the possibility one or both could finish out this year with an NFL team.
"I've enjoyed the experience," said Losman, who has thrown for 1,193 yards, nine touchdowns with two interceptions in five games. "My whole thing was about getting better and showing (the NFL) I could still play at a high level."
Bollinger, the UFL's top passer with 1,519 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions, said the UFL exceeded his expectations.
"It's been a lot of fun for me," he said. "They did a great job of building this team, and I've enjoyed being part of it."
The Tuskers have had all the fun when they've faced the Locos. Florida won both meetings, 29-15 on Oct. 14 and 27-24 on Oct. 30, yet Fassel thinks his team is in a good position to win today.
"It's been a good week here," Fassel said of the Locos training in Las Vegas after spending all season working out in Casa Grande, Ariz. "I like the way we've approached our work. It's been very businesslike."
Losman's challenge is not to make critical errors with the ball.
"We have to keep the game simple and keep the mistakes to a minimum," he said. "We played them much tougher the second time. We were right there in the fourth quarter, but a couple of key mistakes cost us."
Bollinger said today's game is all about finishing what he started before he moves on.
"If we don't win this game after going undefeated so far, it will be very disappointing," he said.
Las Vegas Locomotives
