Giving For Christmas

Here we go again, the Xpress will be giving back to the community. That's right the Xpress family have come together again this time we will be donating toys for Buckner's Children Home. The players were asked to bring an un-wrapped gift for a boy or girl to practice on 12/20/2009 and the toys will be delivered on the 12/23/09. Just like on Thanksgiving we stepped up to plate and will give back to the community in hopes of making dreams come true for those who are less fortunate then us. So if you want to be apart of this event please contact me at 214 347 2430. The Xpress Family would like to Wish everyone Happy Holidays.

Living In The Past

When a person consistently talks about the past, why does he or she do this? is it because he or she misses the past?, is it because his or her past was not much to remember? are is it because if someone does not know your past that gives you the opportunity to lie or exaggerate about your accomplishments?. I think it's the latter. You can lie and exaggerate about how good you were in sports, life or even how successful you were at business. I am not saying their is something wrong with reminiscing, I am just saying what is wrong with individuals that live in the past? When I walk away from this level of football I will have no regrets, I have accomplished everything you can at this level. 1. I played for 6 years 2. I made an all star team 3. I started 3 franchises 4. Coached 2 different franchises to the play-offs. 5. Coached on an all star team staff. and 6. Started a semi-pro League. The only thing is missing is a championship. My goal is to win that this year. If I retire without winning one then it is what it is, but I will know that I was able to do it all except for winning the championship, but what I won't do is live in the past and tell stories of what I did or what I could have done. In the end I will live in the present and prepare myself for the future, and watch my kids grow, and be active in of all their lives and be the great father that I am. Can you do the same ?

BackGround

I have been around this level of football for 19 years either as a player, owner or organizer. I am 42 years old and the father of 4, 3 boys and 1 girl the boys are ages 7,9,and 18, and my daughter is age 3. I have 2 degrees, an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's from the University of North Texas. I am in an alternative education class working on getting my certification to teach high school. In the summer I will be enrolling in school to get my Masters Degree in psychology. Why do I coach the level of football? it's not for the money that's for sure, it's not to brag that I have a team. It's because I enjoy helping people and helping keep athletes off the streets. Many things are always being said about me behind my back but never in my face. but the truth of the matter is it doesn't bother me when individuals talk about me because those that truly know me know who I am, and what I am about. I have helped athletes get college scholarships, I have help players get out of incarceration, I have helped prevent players from being incarcerated, I have helped players find jobs, deal with divorces, marriages, counseling, child custody issues and even helped them kick drug habits. These players that are with me now, ones that have left and moved on, know I have helped them one way or another. Those players know that I am the only coach or owner that puts their lively hood before football. So for all those people who talk about me behind my back before you can talk about me, try to accomplish the goals that I have accomplished. Because in the end I know how I will be judged do you?

FORMAL APOLOGY

I published an article about a player that I said was formally on the Xpress football team, and that this particular player had signed to play with the Texas Seminoles, well the information that I had received about Mr. Sarpy we all know him as Q.was wrong, my article stated that he had signed with the Texas Seminoles, I stated in a recent article that any information that I publish, if it is wrong information to give me a call, and if the info you have is correct then I would change the article and that I would issue a formal apology for the false information I had written to the DFW Xpress readers and about the individual in question. Mr. Sarpy called me on 12/10/09 and we had a long conversation about info that I had written. Mr. Sarpy informed me that he had not signed with the Seminoles an that the info I had received was wrong, he however let me know that he did practice with the Seminoles for 1 practice, his reasoning, was because several of his High School class mates were with that club. We talked about his up hill battle getting on the field for the 2010 season, and I explained to him what was meant by that comment was his lack of practice participation, that lead the coaching staff and I to believe it would be an up hill battle for him because the other LB's would be far ahead of him in the defensive scheme. In the end Mr. Sarpy and I came to an agreement and he will be returning to practice on Monday 12/12/09. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO Mr. Sarpy for the wrong information that I had written about him leaving the team, when in reality he had to take care of some personal issues. Thank You Q. for being a man and calling me about this issue.

XPRESS SIGN MANY FREE AGENTS

In the past week the Xpress have been very active in the free agent market. The team needed help on both sides of the ball and they got what they needed. The team made major additions by adding key players, that should make the 2010 team stronger then the team in 2009. The team signed 2 run stoppers 6'4 300 lb Defensive Tackle Billy Rutherford, and 5'11 285 lb Defensive Tackle from Henderson State University Michael Hill. On the offensive side of the ball the Xpress signed Free Agent Wide Out Michael Cotton a Dallas Lincoln High School product 5'11 175 lb speedster to compliment All Star WR's Chris Choice and Rashaad Manning, add in Melvin Harris and Andrew Ruben who has changed position from CB to WR in the off season and you can see why their is no need for a 2 position starter. The Xpress also went out and added depth at Tight End by signing 6'2 245 lb Mack Harris who played college ball at Stillman College. The Xpress also found a diamond in the rough and added 6'5 340 lb OL/DL James Taylor to help on the offensive and defensive line. the 2009 team had running back issues when starting running back Rocky Frank went down with a knee issue. The team had to use a running back by committee system. Right before the play-offs started the team signed Guy Smith. With Smith returning and the team not knowing the status of Frank who is out trying to finish up school,or either retiring, the team signed a Dallas Kimball product Jesse Wyatt a 6'3 240 lb Brandon Jacobs type back.

TRUTH HURTS

When I write on the DFW XPRESS blog I am writing for the DFW Xpress fans and those who want to keep up with what is going on in the Xpress organization. What I write is always the truth I never lie about what I put in my work. I sometimes may have inaccurate information, but once I research it, or someone brings it to my attention that what I have written may be wrong then I correct it. But if it is the truth then I leave it up! But I never lie! or tell a non truth about anything I write or that I put on the DFW Xpress Blog Page. If any reader who reads the information about the Xpress from past, present or even in the future will see that I write about the Good the Bad and the Ugly.When our organization signs a good athlete then I write about it, If we lose a game, rather if it's a 1 pt lost or a blow out I write about it! If a player has a good or great game I write about it! if a player has a bad game I write about it, and if a player gets cut or quits I write about it. This Blog is no different then the news paper that most people read every morning. In today's professional sports society when a athlete has a good or bad game it is reported. So if you do not like what is being written that is the truth, do like the professional athletes do, what's that you may ask? DO NOT READ THE ARTICLE. As for those who get upset by what I write I apologize for writing the truth, but sometimes the Truth Hurts! But remember what 1 of the first 5 amendment's states, FREEDOM OF SPEECH! If you want to contact me regarding my articles you can call my cell. The # is 214 347 2430.

Parting Ways

The Xpress part ways with 2 starters. The DFW Xpress and Carnell Livingston part ways. Less then 2 weeks after re-signing Livingston who was a starting corner back for the Xpress in 2009, livingston quits the team. It is a move that was really best for both parties involved. Livingston was being moved to safety for the 2010 season a move that the coaching staff felt that would help the team and pro long Mr. Livingston's career. With the players that the Xpress have signed in the off season The coaching staff thought it would be better for him to play safety because it would have been his best shot at getting playing time. Rumor has it that he left because he wanted to be a duel threat at WR and CB for the team.The problem was he was not going to make it as one of the top 4 wide outs. With the team returning 2 all star WR's Chris Choice, and Rashaad Manning and a all star T.E David Steele. and the team returning slot receiver Melvin Harris and signing key free agents, their was not a place for him on the offensive side of the ball. Mr. Livingston did what most players do in sports when their career is winding down, and that's to sign with a less competitive team that would need his veteran services. He signed with the Texas Seminoles a team that finished 3-7 in the 2009, the Seminoles were his former team in 2007. Quentin Sarpy is another player that has left the Xpress. 2009 Rookie All star Quentin Sarpy has signed with the Texas Seminoles. Sarpy who was 4Th on the team in tackles in 2009 decided to sign with the Texas Seminoles after he was notified that the team had signed stongside free agent linebacker Jody Linville, of the Dallas Bengals, Sarpy knew it would be an up hill battle to start for the 2010 season. In knowing this Sarpy decided to sign with the Seminoles.The Xpress family would like to wish both players good luck for the 2010 season.

Giving Back

The Xpress spent Saturday morning giving back to the community, donating Thanksgiving Turkeys to families in need in the South Dallas area. Coach Vernon asked his players to help out those in need by donating turkey's, their time, and little effort on Saturday morning by choosing house's at random and donating turkey's to families. The people of the South Dallas community was very appreciative and excepted all 15 Turkeys that the Xpress had to offer. The Xpress would like to Thank Sam Crawford, Anthony Stevenson, James Roberts, Asst Head Coach Juan Valles and Ms. Rayford in their Participation in donating these Turkeys. The Xpress will be donating more Turkey's for Christmas, in it's continued efforts in giving back to the community and to continue to help those in need. To see pictures of the event please go to NMLFfootball.com.

ATX Tigers To Help Shelter

The ATX Tigers and the Arlington Bulldogs are set to do battle on the Gridiron, this will be the first game of many preseason games to come in the NMLF. The Atx Tigers Partnered up with the Austin Safe Place For Domestic Violence to help raise money, for the Shelter and raise awareness about Domestic Violence. When I talked to Coach Jordan of the ATX Tigers he was very passionate about this on going problem throughout the Austin area and the United States. So If your down in Austin or you live in Austin go check out the game, and give a donation to help the shelter. It will be at Stoney Point High School in Austin Kick Off is at 7:30pm. Good Luck to the Tigers and Bulldogs, and the NMLF would like to thank both teams in helping make this event happen.

A Man Of Your Word

In Life and in society a man truly has one thing that he should always live by and that's being a man of his word. In other words, when you tell some one you are going to do something you should do that, because at the end of the day a man is only as good as his word. To you guys that play football for the Xpress you have let the organization know that you will be at practice on time and ready to get to work, but you either do not attend or are you are late, bottom line is the team will only go as far as the team will allow it to go. Their are owners that word does not mean SHIT and if you are that owner then I am quite sure your players are the same way, because why would a player want to play for someone whose word has no value? I am not sure, but the Xpress organization stands by what we believe in. These other teams have unprofessional owners that do no not know what it takes to win, are when they do win it's against a lesser opponent, or they cheat by adding players to their rosters throughout the whole season. These same teams charge 250.00 or 300.00 to play football, promise you all these things and simply take your money, have a losing record each year and give the players Pop Warner looking uniforms. The Dfw Xpress will give you what they say they will, charge you less then half of the other team fees, and you will get a nice looking uniform and also you will finish with a winning record. The Xpress are 26-14 over the past 3 years. So you as a player before you sign on to play for another team ask your coach are owner does the team play in the NMLF and are you a man of your word if the answer is no to any one of these question then contact the NMLF and find a team near you.

Xpress Re-Sign Livingston

The Xpress re-sign 2 year starter Carnell Livingston to a new 2 year deal. The Xpress released Mr. Livingston earlier in the week, a moved that turned out to be a mistake on the Xpress part, When talking to coach Vernon it turns out that a communication problem occurred which prompt the Xpress to release Mr. Livingston, when the Xpress finally talked to Mr. Livingston he informed the team of a scheduling conflict for his reasoning not making practice, in the end the confusion was corrected and Mr. Livingston was back on the active roster. Coach Vernon is very happy Mr. Livingston did not sign with another club, I am glad he is back with us! and him being moved to safety gives us veteran leadership in the secondary. With the new veteran signings we have made this year in the secondary, him re-signing just gave us a major upgrade and added speed to an already fast group.

The Xpress To Help Families

The DFWXpress of the NMLF will be helping families during the Thanksgiving Holidays. Coach Vernon and his staff and the Xpress players will be donating turkey's to about 25 families in need. The Xpress will go door to door delivering families a turkey to help those that are less fortunate in hopes of making these families have a blessed thanksgiving. If you or someone you know is in need, contact Coach Truman at 214 347 2430 in hopes of getting that family on the list.

Xpress Release Livingston

The Xpress release Veteran Conerback Carnell Livingston 10/20/09. The DfwXpress spoke to Mr.Livingston in early October an informed him that if he did not report to camp with the rest of the veterans on October 21st that the organization would go in another direction. When Mr. Livingston was a no show the Xpress got the message he was trying to send. The Xpress management spoke with Mr. Livingston at the end of the 2009 season to inform him he would be moved to Free Safety for the 2010 season, the move was being made to pro long his career, Mr. Livingston was not fond of the idea. Mr. Livingston was a starter for the Xpress in the 2008 and 2009 season at cornerback and made several big plays including a 65 yard fumble return in the 2009 season against the Lone Star Pitbulls. In the off season the Xpress signed several free agents in the secondary just in case Mr. Livingston did not report. With several veteran and rookie signings in the secondary the battles in camp have been very intense. The Xpress would like to wish him the best the rest of the way.

What Is A Strong Franchise

A strong franchise is only as strong as its weakest player! The 2010 DFW Xpress this year does not have any weak players. Last years team had several questionable players, as far as talent goes. The 2009 team had roughly 10 players that were playing football because they wanted to look good in a uniform, well those players are gone, rather it be they quit are were released, bottom line they are gone! the 2010 team is made up with more speed, more aggressive players, and best of all players that want to be coached and want to listen and learn. A strong franchise has 100% participation from its players in Fund Raising and giving back to the Community, the 2010 team has that! A strong franchise gets at least 85% of its players to practice night in and night out! the 2010 team has this! The only thing left for the 2010 team to do is win the championship and we will do this! The 2010 team is better faster and stronger then the 2009 team, we have gotten deeper, faster and stronger at running back, defensive back, and Wide receiver. Throw in the fact that 80% of the starting offensive line is back and 95% of the defensive line is back! then you tell me why this team is not built for greatness? The Offense has resigned 2009 back up QB Kevin Nelson and he looks to be the starter for 2010 he knows the offense very well, he guided the 2003 Dallas Titans to the division play-offs. 2009 Xpress outstanding Offensive Player Chris Choice, returning X Factor award winner Rashard Manning, 2009 Xpress most improved player of the year Will Smith the you add rookie Running back David Duran, Johnathan Evans and team them up with explosive running back Rocky Frank and the Xpress just might have the best 3 back tandem in the NMLF. On the defensive side of the ball, You have team and league MVP Jeremy Rutherford, 2009 team Defensive Rookie of the year Chris Hicks, 2009 All star defensive tackles Derrick Blount, and Robert Teal, All star MLB Sam Crawford, mix in rookie sensation Wesner Derosier and Strong Safety and 2009 interception team leader Demarcus Nixon and you have a team that has a chance to eclipse 2009 8-2 season record.

XPRESS Your Love 4 The Less Fortunate

On January 23rd 2010 the DFW Xpress will be having their first XPRESS Your Love 4 The Less Fortunate Benefit Football Game. The DFW Xpress will be partnering with the Buckner Children Home, and the NTFB ( North Texas Food Bank ) to raise money and to accept can goods for these 2 places that are in need for financial support and to help replenish the food shortage that the food bank will lose during the winter holidays while they are giving a helping hand to those that are less fortunate during Thanksgiving, and Christmas Holiday. The game will be on Jan. 23rd at 5:00 pm time and place to be announced at a later date all proceeds will benefit the Buckner's Children Home, and all donated food will be given to the NTFB, so if you want to lend a helping hand please contact the DFW Xpress league office and let's make this an historical event.

Lies And Deception 2

In 2008 an article was written called Lies And Deception, well here is part 2. In the 2008 article their were outsiders and doubters that were saying the Xpress organization would not be fielding a team for the 2009 season, well as you can see that was a lie! the Xpress fielded arguably the best spring team in the Metroplex. The outsiders were saying their organization was the best thing since sliced bread. 1 of those teams folded mid way through the season, team 2 won 3 games and team 3 won 5 games. The Xpress finished 8-2 lost both games by a combined total of 3Pt's, the Xpress offense averaged just under 29Pt's a game, and a defense that gave up just under 13 Pt's a game. The other organizations were saying that they had no internal problems, and that they had built the perfect organization, that's odd because of those 2 teams, both took money from their players week end and week out, lied about what the money would be used for, and in the end one folded and the other lost over 70% of it's players to a new franchise. The Xpress organization has always been truthful to it's players and has always been truthful to it's fans. So for all the outsiders that said the Xpress would not have a team in 2008 look again and tell us what you see? Looks to me like a Dynasty about to happen and for you owners that are trying to put together a franchise do not be like the others! always tell your players the truth and be honest with your fans. Do not be those franchises that like to take money from it's players and fans and not keep it's word. In other words NO LIES AND NO DECEPTION!

Xpress And Fields Part Ways

The DFW Xpress and All Star QB Tre Fields have parted ways. After 2 years as the starting QB for the Xpress, both Fields and the Xpress management agreed that it was time for Fields to move on. The Allstar QB guided the Xpress to 14-6 record over the last 2 seasons, and guided the team to the 2009 semi final game in which the team lost to the eventual 2009 NMLF Champion, San Antonio Warriors. At the end of the 2009 season coach Vernon and Mr. Fields had a long conversation about Fields returning to the Xpress for a 3rd year and competing for the starting QB spot on the 2010 roster, Mr. Fields felt that he should not have to compete for the starting spot, since he was coming off an All Star season. Coach Vernon explained to Mr. Fields that his declining numbers over the last 2 season were the reason for the organization making the decision that he would have to compete for the starting QB position for the 2010 season. Mr. Fields decided to play summer ball for the Dallas Diesel, and guided them to the WFL championship where the Diesel lost to the Oklahoma Thunder. Coach Vernon believes Fields has 2 good years left in his strong and accurate arm, but the organization wants to move on and go with a younger and more focused QB. The Xpress would like to wish Mr. Fields good luck on his football future.

Pope Calls It Quits After 1 Season

All star wide out John Pope call it quits, After an all star season, that saw Pope become the Xpress Offensive rookie of the year, and NMLF All Star, star wide receiver John Pope decides to hang up his cleats. Yes he is retiring, When John pope contacted the Xpress to let the organization know he was retiring, head coach Truman Vernon was disappointed with Pope's decision, After Pope let coach Vernon know the reason for his retirement Coach Vernon truly understood the reason. Pope let the organization know he was retiring because he wants to fulfill a life long dream to be a fire fighter and the time was nearing for that dream to become a reality. The Xpress family will truly miss John and wish him all the luck in his endeavor. What this does for the team is push Rashard Manning to a starter roll and the Xpress will lean more on 4Th receiver Melvin Harris to step up and produce more catches as a 3rd receiver instead of a 4Th receiver. Pope's retirement forces the Xpress to go after another veteran Receiver to shore up the receiving crew.

IT'S That Time Of Year

Yes it's that time of year, the Xpress Veterans prepare to return to camp and see what free agents and rookies were invited to camp, and who will be pushing them for their starting positions.This off season has brought much new talent to the organization, the off season rookie camp has been great in numbers and these new accusations have shown their willingness to work hard with no complaints. The position battles will heat up,at QB, RB, LB, and DB, but competition makes for a better team, and it helps you get the best talent on the field.Each Sunday the rookies and free agents practice's bring new faces and new talent.This years team should definitely be better then last years team, not because we lost players which was only a few, but because we return 19 out on 22 starters, and because of the free-agents we have signed and because the rookies from 2009 are veterans for 2010.This is the first time that I have ever coached a team that brought back 98% of it's roster and a team that won 80% of it's game the previous year.The 2010 Xpress team is pushing for greatness and has it eyes set on being the NMLF 2010 Champion!

Xpress Makes Major Off Season Signing

At the end of last season the Xpress made it known that the organization would go hard after free agents to make the team stronger and more competitive then last season, and that's just what the organization went out and accomplished, they signed free agent DE/OLB Jody Linville to a 2 year deal. This signing was a major deal for our franchise. With all star weak side linebacker Gabriel Langley retiring, the Xpress signed Linville who was with the now defunct Dallas Bengals. He was their leading tackler and lead the team with double digit sacks. Signing Linville gives us a bigger WLB and a player that can play as a blitzing Linebacker in our 3-4 scheme or can be moved down to DE as a pass rusher.He is a player that has a non stop motor just like NMLF MVP Jeremy Rutherford and runner-up in sacks on the team Damian Collins. This signing was a major upgrade to the defense.

Rookies Report To Camp

The Xpress had its first ever rookie camp and it was a successful one! The rookies reported August 16Th, 20 rookies showed up and were greeted by the coaching staff with a 15 min orientation and a 1 and half hour of conditioning, the camp was held at Pinkston High School from 4pm-6pm the Xpress have since moved the camp to their home field located at 8421 Bohannon St in Dallas 75217, in moving the camp to our practice field the team gets it's privacy and a chance to let our fans gets familiar with where we play our home games. The coaching staff is very impressed with several rookies and feel once these rookies are signed they will be pushing the starters from last years 8-2 team for a starting spot on the 2010 roster. The rookie camp brought out 2 offensive lineman 2 defensive lineman, 3 running backs, 2 quarterbacks, 4 defensive backs, 2 linebackers and a few special team players. With the veterans not due in camp until September 13Th this rookie camp gives the rookies a chance to show case their talent before the veterans show up.

XPRESS SET TO START PRACTICE FOR 2010 SEASON

As training camp gets closer, the Xpress are getting set to make a run at the 2010 Magnum Cup. With over 35 players returning to last years 8-2 season, anything but a championship win would be considered a failure. With 15 all stars returning 6 on an offense that finished 2nd in the league in over all scoring with over 300 pts and 2nd in the league in average pts per game at 28, the offense looks to continue to be force to reckon with. With all star wide receiver and team leader in receptions Chris Choice returning, all star wideout Rashard Manning who lead the team in Touchdowns with 11 and all star wideout John Pope who was the difference maker that took double teams off of Choice the receiving corp looks to set new team and league records in the 2010 season. Lets not forget all star T.E. David Steele who found his confidence in the middle of the season, that lead to him being known as one of the best Tight Ends in the league. Throw in most improved nominee Melvin Harris and the Xpress look to be the team to beat in 2010. The Xpress offensive line returns 4 out of 5 starters so that will make any Quarterback feel comfortable in this offense. The team will be bringing back 4 out of 5 RB'S and several newcomers all looking to be 1 of the 3 RB'S the team will keep. Now on the Defense side of the ball. The team returns 11 starters and 8 all stars, the defense gave up an average of 12.2 pts per game and that was on a defense that started 5 rookies including NMLF Defensive MVP Jeremy Rutherford the defense is poised to continue what it did last year in hopes of helping the Team win the Magnum Cup.

Xpress has Train Wreck

What was suppose to be the game of the year the New England Patriots vs The Indianapolis Colts, turned out to be an Xpress train wreck! The Xpress came into the game as the 2ND highest scoring offense in the league, but could only muster 17 pt's against the San Antonio Warriors. The Xpress came in averaging 29 pts during the regular season and 38 pt's over the last 5 games were dismantled by the Warriors 44-17. The game started off fast with the Warriors going 6 plays 65 yards and a score to go up 7-0, it didn't take the Xpress long to score after that, the first play from scrimmage QB Fields hooked up with Rashard Manning on a 78 yard score to tie the score 7-7 with 11 mins left to in the first quarter. The Warriors then went back to work with a strong running game going 9 plays 68 yards to go up 13-7. The Xpress next series the offense moved the ball down to the Warriors 10 yard line and give the Xpress a 1st and goal, only to have QB Fields and the offense be called for 2 delay of game penalty's and the offense being hit with a false start penalty. And just like that the Xpress were looking at 1st and goal from the Warriors 25 yard line. The next 2 plays resulted in incompletions then on 3rd and goal Fields found all star T.E. David Steele on a 15 yard completion back to the 10 yard line, but on 4th and goal instead of going for the touchdown the Xpress opted to kicked a 27 yard F.G, and what should have been an Xpress 14-13 lead turned out to the Xpress being down 13-10, and the turning point of the game. From that point on it was all down hill! the Xpress secondary was exploited, all star Warrior QB Steven James threw 3 T.D's, and the Warriors kept the Xpress defense off balance the rest of the night mixing up the run with the pass and the Xpress defense which came in giving up 12pts a game could never find their rhythm and could not stop the scoring onslaught of the Warriors. The Xpress offense had a lot to do with the Xpress defense not finding it's comfort zone, QB Tre Fields put together another horrid game throwing 4 int and 2 fumbles, giving him 31 int's an N.M.L.F season record and 23 t.d's. Fields was under heavy pressure most of the ball game, and when he did manage to find time he constantly made bad reads resulting in several turnovers for the offense. The Xpress moved inside the Warriors 30 yard line on 6 occasions only to come away with 17pts. In the end the Warriors came away the victor and the Xpress leaving with what could have been. the Xpress finished with an overall record of 9-3 and 1 game away from the Magnum Cup after finishing the last 2 seasons at 6-4. In the off season the Xpress will strongly pursue free agents to upgrade at several key positions on offense and defense, with hopes that those new signings will bring the Magnum Cup to the Xpress in 2010.

Game Of The Year

The Game of the year is here the DFW XPRESS VS the SAN ANTONIO WARRIORS. The number 1 Offense vs the number 2 Offense. Warriors with their number 1 ranked Defense, the Xpress with the number 4 ranked Defense. The Warriors come in averaging 29 points a game and the Xpress averaging 28 points a game. The Warriors number 1 passing Offense the Xpress number 2 passing Offense. The last time these teams met the Warriors jumped out to a 16-0 halftime lead, only to see the Xpress take a 22-16 lead midway through the 4Th quarter. The Warriors prevailed 24-22 with a late T.D. and a 2 point win. This game was suppose to pit these 2 against each other in the Magnum Cup Championship but because how the seedings fell they face each other a week earlier. The game has been slated the New England Patriots vs the Indianapolis Colts. Which team will prevail? stay tuned this weekend its for all the marbles, 2 high octane offense squaring off against 2 stingy defenses the better team this night will win.

Xpress Run Over Tigers

The Xpress played the ATX Tigers in the 2nd round of the playoffs with the same result that saw these 2 teams match up at the end of the regular season the Xpress making the game a one sided affair. The Xpress got on the board first when RB Guy Smith scored from 15 yards out, the extra point was good and the Xpress had a 7-0 lead. The Tigers tried to fight back but could not get a run game established, the Xpress defense held and the Xpress offense went back to work this QB Tre Fields then hooked with WR Rashard Manning on a 45 yard T.D. pass that made the score 14-0. The Xpress offense was very explosive after the Xpress defense held the Tigers offense in check once again, Fields hooked up with Manning on another T.D. pass this time from 15 yards out, that push the score to 20-0, and basically sealed the faith for the Tigers. The Xpress defense forced another punt and Fields went back to the air this time hooking up with WR Chris Choice on a 50 yard T.D. to push the lead to 28-0 before the Tigers even got on the board. The Tigers forced the Xpress to punt for the first time. The Tigers offense hit the field and threw a 45 yard T.D. pass to cut the lead to 28-6. The Xpress turned over the ball after QB Fields ball was tipped and intercepted by a Tigers player. 4 plays later the Tigers threw another T.D. a 38 yard strike that pulled the Tigers close at 28-14 with just under 8 minutes to go in the game. On the following kick- off the Xpress returned the kick-off to their own 25 yard line and Fields this time found RB Guy Smith in the flats for yet another T.D. pass and Smith 2ND T.D. of the game making the score 34-14. After the Xpress forced a Tigers turnover with just under 1 minutes left to go in the game Fields found Chris Choice in the back of the end zone for the final score 39-14. Now the Xpress face a tougher task taking on the San Antonio Warriors, who beat the Xpress earlier this year 24-22. Winner goes to the Championship Loser Goes Home.

Xpress Roll Over Tigers

The Atx Tigers came to Dallas with upset on their mind, what they received was the most lopsided lost of their season, the Tigers came in with the best 1-2 punch running game in the League, The Xpress defense is ranked number 1 against the run, and the Tigers found out why. The Xpress arguably has the best run defense in the NMLF shut down the Tigers powerful run game with help from the weather, and strong linebacker play from all star nominee Sam Crawford and Quenton Sarpy and excellent defensive line support. The Xpress got on the board first when QB Tre Fields scored from 1 yard out. The Tigers offense could not move the ball on their next possession. The Xpress got the ball back and Fields hooked up with All Star wide receiver Chris Choice on a 27 yard T.D. reception to put the Xpress up 12-0. On The Xpress next offensive possession Fields hooked up with Rashard Manning on a 57 yard T.D. Pass, the 2 pt conversion pass to John Pope was good and the Xpress had a 20-0 lead by the middle of the 2ND quarter. The Tigers tried to move the ball on their next offensive possession but couldn't get it going. Fields again went to the air this time a 13 yard strike to wideout Melvin Harris who had a career high 4 catches and 1 score to push the lead 26-0. The next Xpress offensive possession Fields hooked up once again with wide out Rashard Manning on a 46 yard T.D. pass to go into halftime leading 32-0. The start of the second half brought new life to the Tigers, they were able to move the ball on the Xpress defense to get to the Xpress 38 yard line, where the Tigers running back got loose on a 38 yard T.D. run that put the Tigers 6 pt's closer and the score was now 32-6. The next Tigers series which saw them deep inside their own 10 yard line they decided to throw the football and the pass was intercepted by All Star nominee defensive end Jeremy Rutherford who ran untouched for a T.D. that push the score to 38-6. After the Xpress defense made another stop Fields then found T.E. David Steele on a 33 yard T.D. to push the lead to 44-6 with 10 mins left to go in the game. That's when mother nature took over and the rain and lightning started getting very intense the game had to be called with the Xpress leading 44-6 over the Tigers. The Xpress finished the regular season 8-2 and a 4th seed in the playoffs, and the Tigers finished 5-4-1 and a 5th seed. Both teams will match up again in the second round of the playoffs on 5/16/09 at the Josey Ranch sports Complex in Carrollton.

Out Numbered But Not Out Scored

The DFW Xpress traveled to San Antonio this past weekend to face a Mavericks team that was looking to avenge an early season lost to the Xpress by a score of 19-6. What the Mavericks received was another lost, this time to an Xpress team that only brought 19 players to go to war with. The team brought key players and 14 out of their 22 starters just so happened to make the trip. The team brought key starters like team leader in receptions Chris Choice who had 7 catches for over 100 yards and a T.D. 3 out of 4 offensive lineman, and 2 out of 4 starters in the secondary. The Mavericks started off the scoring first with their second possession to take the lead 6-0, that would be all the scoring the Xpress would give up, the defense which only gives up an average of 11 pt's a game, went to work forcing 5 turnovers and making several plays in the Mavericks backfield. The Xpress got on the score board when wide receiver Larry Cooper took a hand off and went 22 yards untouched for a touchdown, James Roberts then added a 2 pt conversion and the Xpress took the lead 8-6 and never looked back. QB Tre Fields had another bad game this time throwing 6 interceptions, he did manage to score 2 rushing T.D's and throwing for another score, James Roberts rushed for over 70 yards in his first game as the featured back. Defensive player of the year nominee Jeremy Rutherford broke the Xpress total team record with 3 sacks, which brings his sack total to 15 with 1 game left, the record was 12 set by Montrel Grace in 2008 season. In the end the Xpress manhandled the Mavericks to a final score of 30-6. The Xpress will play the ATX Tigers this weekend in a critical game for playoff positioning for both teams. The Tigers come in with a very aggressive run game and the Xpress have not yielded a 100 yard rusher this season and are ranked # 1 against the run. Stay tuned to see what happens.

Xpress Derailed by Drillers

What was hyped as the game of the year, turned out to be just that. The Drillers came in 6-1 and the Xpress 6-1. The Drillers came in as the highest scoring offense in the league, The Xpress had the second highest scoring offense in the league. The Drillers were ranked #3 in rushing offense, the Xpress was ranked #1 against the run. The Xpress ranked #3 in passing offense, and the Drillers were ranked #1 against the pass. The Xpress started off fast QB Tre Fields hit T.E. David Steele with a 28 yard pass completion, then he hit WR Chris Choice on an 18 yard strike, then WR John Pope on a 15 yard completion, to get the Xpress down to the 1 yard line, then Fields scored on a QB sneak, to start the scoring off and giving the Xpress a 6-0 lead. After both teams played excellent defense and both offenses continued to have problems scoring, Fields found WR Rashard Manning down the right sideline for a 55 yard T.D. pass to put the Xpress up 12-0. Coach Vernon then called for a squib kick but the teams kicker made a mistake and the Drillers were able to kick a 45 yard F.G. before the half and make the score 12-3. But as in all football games you have to play 2 halves! The Drillers came out on fire and scored early in the second half, and narrowing the Xpress lead to 12-10 with just under 11 mins after several miscues by both offenses, the Drillers were able to get the ball back with just under 4 mins to go, and went the length of the field, with the help of the Xpress defense missing several tackles on key 3rd down plays, The Drillers drove all the way down to the Xpress 4 yard line and with 1 second left on the clock kicked a 21 yard F.G. as time expired.

Xpress Roll over Venom

The Xpress roll over the Plano Venom this past Easter weekend. What many thought would be a very good game started off as just that,until after halftime then the route was on! The Xpress got on the board first with QB Tre Fields hooking up with Wide out John Pope on a 12 yd T.D. pass, the extra point was no good, and the Xpress lead 6-0. On the Venoms next drive the Venom went down field and scored on a T.D. a 30 yard pass to Mike Tuner, the Venom went for a 2 point conversion and the play was successful, and the Venom took an early lead 8-6. Both teams went back and fourth with neither scoring any other points until with less then 3 mins left to go in the half and Fields hooking up with veteran wide out Chris Choice on a 22 yard T.D. pass the extra point was no good and the Xpress went in to halftime leading 12-8. The second half was all Xpress. The team scored the next 23 unanswered points and the route was on. Fields went back to work this time hitting his T.E. David Steele on an 8 yard T.D. pass. The Xpress defense held the Venom in check forcing several Venom turnovers 4 interceptions and 3 fumbles, including 7 sacks. The defense was missing starting MLB Sam Crawford who was sick with the flu, and starting DE Jeremy Rutherford who is nursing a bruise calf. That didn't stop the Xpress defense, who continue to lead the league in forced turnovers. New stars emerged in the game rookie Chris Hicks had 2 int, 5 tackles, 1 pass defensed. CB Kedrick Ford had 2 int, and Damion Collins with his first defensive T.D. of the season. Fields threw his 4th T.D. this time he hooked up with wide out Rashard Manning on a 75 yard T.D. to blow the game wide open. Sherrod Borens got in the scoring race also this time with a 50 yard T.D. run late in the game to put the game totally out of reach. The Venom scored with less then 7 mins to go in the game to make the final score Xpress 42 the Venom 14. The Xpress next home game will be 4/18/09 against the 6-1 West Texas Drillers.

Clark and Xpress part ways

The Xpress and Clark part ways after 1 game. Bryson Clark was signed by the Xpress last week in a move that both sides thought it would be good move for the organization. What turned out to be a great re-signing for the franchise lasted 1 game and the marriage is over. We the Xpress thought in bringing in Clark it would bolster our wide receiver group, it did but when we signed Clark we let it be known to him that he would not be coming in as a focal part of the offense but as a extra part in our strong offense. Clark managed to play one game and in that game he had 1 catch for 20 yards and did not get a chance to contribute much more. So after 1 game Clark notified one of the team captains and decided he wanted to opt out of his contract. After several attempts by the front office to talk to Clark and with him not returning calls the Xpress decided to let him leave. The Xpress organization and players wish him well with whom ever he decides to sign with are re-sign with.

Xpress sign practice squad player

April 7Th 2009, The Xpress make move by releasing 3rd team runningback Leland Fowler and activating DB Nick Nobles in a move that will help make the kick coverage better. Coach Vernon was asked why he released Fowler? coach Vernon replied, Fowler just didn't work with the teams system and he just wasn't the type of back the team could use at this time right now, but if he clears waivers we would gladly bring him back to camp when camp starts. With us activating Nick it brings the team another hard hitter to a defense that is already ranked in the top 3 of the league, Nick is fast and will help upgrade the kick coverage team. Stay tuned for more to come as the Xpress move closer to their quest in the chase for the Magnum Cup.

Xpress move to 5-1

The game that was hyped at the beginning of the season as the game of the year, turned out to be a one team show. The Xpress dismantled the Seminoles 34-14 and the Xpress showed why they are one of the premier teams in the Metroplex. The first play from scrimmage QB Tre Fields hooked up with wideout Rashard Manning on a 50 yard completion, 2 plays later RB Rocky Frank scored on a 17 yard run to put the Xpress up 7-0. The Seminoles offense took over at their own 40 yard line got to the Xpress 40 yard line where the Xpress defense tighten up forced the Seminoles into a punt situation, then the Xpress offense went to work again, this time moving the ball on the ground and in the air. The offensive line did some excellent blocking and once again Frank scored, this time from 22 yards out and putting the Xpress up 14-0 before leaving with a knee injury. The defense turned out another excellent game with 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. The Xpress defense got in on the scoring as well Rookie Sherrad Borens scored on a 90 yard punt return an Xpress and NMLF Record. Gabriel Langley forced a fumbled scooped it up and as he was being tackled he lateraled the ball to Livingston who raced up the sideline for additional 50 yard and the T.D. which pushed the score to 28-0. And the game was pretty much over at the point. The Seminoles scored a defensive T.D. right before the half on a Tre Fields fumble in the endzone making the score 28-6 and giving the Seminoles a little bit of confidence. In the second half the Xpress offense couldn't get much going the Seminoles defense came up with another Defensive T.D. this time after a Richard Mack fumble that cut the lead to 28-14. After the Seminoles kicked off and the Xpress offense got the ball back, the offense put the ball in R.B. James Roberts hands giving him the ball on the ground the next 4 out of 5 plays and and him totalling 33 yards rushing on those carries set up the last T.D. of the game this time Fields play action to Roberts set up a 45 yard strike to Manning for a T.D. that sealed the game and finished out the scoring 34-14.

Grass not Greener on the other Side

Many players sometimes choose to leave teams that I coach, stating reasons that I take this level of football to serious, And they are right I do! because to me this is a business, and in order for a business to be successful you must take the business serious. Players leave to go play elsewhere and realize that yes I am meaner, they feel that maybe I am on a power trip are that just I am a a-- hole, but the first to statements are not true but the third reason is true I am sometimes an a-- hole but thing about it is that I always want my teams to be competitive and I am not just in this so I can brag and say I have a minor league football team. Yes I originally said I would not allow players that have left me to go and play for other teams to come back, and yes I let my Ego sometimes get the best of me, but as I stated before that this is a business and I want to run my teams as close as possible to a NFL Franchise as possible and in the NFL players leave and go play elsewhere and then come back after a year, and the team and the staff welcomes them back with open arms. That is the same thing I have done. Players make mistakes in leaving organizations just like organizations make mistakes when they let players leave, I have always said that if I sign a new player are re-sign a old player is never personal towards a player that is on my team, its just a business decision to make my team better, stronger are faster, so if their are any players that may be upset because I myself and my staff have just upgraded the team to make us better, THEN GET OVER IT! because its not about you its about the team. And for those of you that have left and made the wise decision to come back and finding out that the grass is not greener on the other side WELCOME HOME and hopefully you now know why I act like an a-- hole, its just to make you and our organization stronger, Just keep in mind that we will be one of the top 3 best spring Franchise in 2009 in the state. But the goal is to be THE Best Period.

The Xpress make another re-signing

The Xpress make another re-signing. The Xpress re-sign wide receiver Bryson Clark to a 2 year deal, after Clark asked the Dallas Bengals for his un-conditional release. Clark who was the 2007 Xpress MVP with over 1000 yards receiving, and lead the team in yards per catch in the 2008 season decided to test the free agent pool and sign with the Bengals. After going to camp with the team and playing in a unfamiliar system and seeing his numbers drop drastically Clark asked for his release, and his release was granted. At that point Clark contacted The Xpress organization and wanted to re-sign with his former team. When Clark talked to the Xpress organization and with coach Vernon, coach Vernon let him know that the organization was very interested in re-signing him but he would be slated as a 4Th wide-out. When the press contacted coach Vernon about the organization re-signing Clark, coach Vernon's response was "it is a great signing and Clark just helped the team to get deep vertical from both sides of the hash.

Xpress 4-1

The DFW Xpress moved to 4-1 after defeating the Texas Mavericks this past weekend. The Xpress started off slow which was expected after coach Vernon gave the team off during the teams bye-week, and only 1 day of practice because of bad weather. The Xpress started off slow going 3 and out on their first 3 possessions before QB Tre Fields hooked up with Rashard Manning on a 62 yard T.D. pass, after the extra point was no good, the Xpress Kick- off to the Mavericks the Xpress Defense went to work! Players like Dameon Collins, Jeremy Rutherford, Derrick Blount and Sam Crawford with several sacks and holding one of the premier running backs in the NMLF to less then 30yards rushing, the Xpress Defense gave the ball back to the Xpress offense where Fields hooked up again with Manning this time for a 50 yard T.D. pass and the Xpress went in to the half leading 13-0. In the 3rd quarter both teams didn't do much but the Xpress defense continued to put pressure on the Mavericks Q.B. to the tune of 7 sacks, and the defense forced 3 int and 3 fumbles. When the 4Th quarter was played the Xpress got on the board again this time newly signed running back Richard Mack scored on bruising 9 yard run to sealed the victory. Late in the game mavericks scored a meaningless T.D. to take their zero of the board. Newly signed DB Anthony Stevenson had a excellent game with 2int, 1 forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defense. WR Chris Choice led the Xpress with his best game so far this season with 5 catches, and rookie sesation Rocky Frank had over 80 yards rushing. The final score Xpress 19 the Mavericks 6.The Xpress look to push their record to 5-1 next week against the Texas Seminoles who lost to the West Texas Drillers 32-13.

Xpress Lose First Game

The Xpress lost their first game against a powerful San Antonio Warriors 24-22. The game was a hard fought game for both teams. The Xpress started off slow which is always a problem for them, but just like all trains, they start off slow pick up speed then start moving at a great speed which is what the Xpress did this past Saturday against the Warriors. The Warriors opened the game with 75 yard kick off return for a T.D. The Xpress could not move the ball on their opening possession then had a 4Th down mishap and the ball went out of the back of the end zone to give the Warriors 2 pts and before the Xpress could blink the team was down 16-0 at half time, and like I said the Train was moving at a slow speed. The team went in at halftime made some adjustments, In the middle of the 3rd quarter the train started to roll QB Tre Fields hit wide out John Pope with a 50 yd strike for a T.D. after the 2pt conversion was good that made the score 16-8. The Xpress defense started turning up the heat and stop the Warriors, the Xpress offense was back in business. Coach Vernon called a toss play to Frank who scored on a 30yard run and what was a 16-0 deficit was now a 16-14 two point lead for the Warriors at the end of the 3rd quarter. After the Xpress Defense stuffed the Warriors again, the Xpress offense was back in business, This time Frank broke a run off the right side for a 75 yard run and the Xpress took the first lead of the 22-16 with less then 6 mins to go in the game. But after that T.D. Warriors made some great plays down the stretch and scored a T.D. with under 2 mins to go and was able to convert their 2 pt conversion and win the game 24-22. The Xpress had many standout players RB Rocky Frank had 177 yards on 13 carries and 2 scores, MLB Sam Crawford 9 tackles 1 int. and a fumble recovery, WR John Pope 2ND straight game with a T.D. and the whole offensive line with their superb run blocking, and lets not forget Ernest Jones who does all the grunt work at FB to spring Frank.

Here We Go Again

The Xpress make 2 more major signings last week. The Xpress signed 2 time outstanding offensive player of the year Chris Choice, and OLB Ced White, but the signings did not stop there, February 23rd the Xpress make 2 more major resigning, this time they resign 6'4 280lb defensive tackle Kenneth Mcgill and monster defensive end Dameon Collins to two year deals.

When coach Vernon was asked why is he still signing defensive players? his response was " You can never have too many great defensive players, this keeps everyone well rested and you can keep the offense on their heels at all points of the game". When we played the Dallas Bengals a few weeks ago Collins was a constant disruption against our offense, so what do we do? we go after the player that was causing that disruption and after 48hrs of negotiations we land Collins. In signing Mcgill, we talked after the season opener against the Pitbulls we work out some details and inked him to his contract on the 23rd. What does this do for us in signing both players? think about the Baltimore Ravens and their defense and then picture them adding Julius Peppers and Albert Haynesworth this will tell you what the Xpress has just done.

Xpress make 2 Major Resigning

That's right you heard it hear first! The DFW XPRESS make to major re-signings, when the organization resigned 2007, 2008 outstanding offensive player Chris Choice, and 2008 starting weak side linebacker Ced White to 2 year deals. It was a long fought process in negotiating to re-sign Chris Choice. Choice had originally left the Xpress at the end of the 2008 season to sign with the expansion franchise the Dallas Bengals of the TUFL, after several pre-season games and a lot of missed promises that were made. Mr. Choice was called by his former coach and organization about re-signing with his former team after a week of talks both the Xpress and Mr. Choice came to an agreement, and he re-signed on Feb.16Th 2009, what does this do for the Xpress? this just bolstered their offense and gives them an excellent receiver, who last year lead the Xpress in catches with 40, second in yards with over 650, and tied for second in TD with 7. When coach Vernon was asked why did he re-sign Choice? His response was "we needed an experience play maker that can do the dirty work in the middle of the field but still has the speed to get vertical" and an experience player who could teach our young guys. The Xpress also resigned OLB Ced White who last year lead the team in special team tackles, and finished 4Th on defense with over 35 tackles as he fought through nagging minor injuries throughout the 2008 season. In signing Mr. White the Xpress just made the defense faster and more aggressive. and the Defense in my opinion was already going to be one of the best defenses in the league. White being signed also makes the kick coverage a lot stronger and he brings a good understanding to the Vernon style 4-3 defense.

LOVE AND HATE

What is so important and why is it that so many people in the semi-pro football world hates me? I can give you plenty of reasons, and in the end I think most people who read this article will agree with me, that respect goes along away. I have been around semi-pro for over 15 years, as a player, a coach and a owner. I played for 6 years, made 2 all star teams as a corner back, I have been an owner of 3 different teams and I have started all 3, The Mesquite Falcons which it took 3 years before we started really winning games, I then became the Dallas Titans that team went to 3 consecutive playoffs, and now the Dfw Xpress formally the Dallas Xpress, and over the last 2 years I guided this team with the help of my staff to two 6-4 seasons. There is not a team in Dallas that does not either have a coach are a player on that team that has either coached with me, played with me are played for me. I have coached are played in over 200 games. As a player I have played on a team that has been beaten by 60 pt's, I have coached a team that has been beaten by 60pts and I have coached a team that has beaten a team by 50pts, I have seen all that you can see at this level. But what I have never seen at this level is this much hate for me. What is so funny is that I have never once disrespected any athlete on any team that I have played against played for are even coached, but yet still I have old players, and old coaches that don't like me! Why? Could it be that I am 7 feet tall and 340 lbs? no that cant be it because I am 5'9 185 lbs, maybe its because I am wealthy? No that cant be it because I am just a school teacher, maybe because I drive fancy cars? No that cant be it because I drive a 2000 Tahoe, so what is it? Maybe its because I don't put up with B.S. I will not allow a player to disrespect me are my staff, I will not let the inmates run the jail, in other words if you are going to play for me are an organization that I am associated with then you are going to have to follow rules, if you cant do that then you don't have to play for me, go and play for those other organizations that allow you to do what you want to. But as a reader of this article can you do me a favor? if you hear are see someone talking about me behind my back and its always behind my back, can you walk up and ask them why they don't like me? and listen to their answer, I guarantee its never an answer that makes sense, because people that really know me know that I don't do anything wrong to anyone, I wasn't raised like that! nor do I lie to my players about anything, those same people that are talking about me ask them have I ever lied to them? are disrepected them? the answer you will receive will be NO then ask them once again then why do you not like Coach Truman?

XPRESS LOSE PRESEASON GAME

The Dfw Xpress lost their pre-season game to the Dallas Bengals 20-14. It was the Xpress first pre-season game of the 2009 season and the Bengals 4Th game. There were a lot of bright sspots for the Xpress who didn't have all of their weapons, on offense the Xpress were missing their starting right tackle because he had to attend a funeral, and their starting right guard who had a previous engagement. On defense they were missing their starting Free Safety and their starting Defensive Tackle, the offense line gave up 5 sacks all early in the game do to a lack of practice time together, lets make no excuse the guys that filled in did an admiral job! the offense had no turnovers and 9 penalty's 7 delay of game which was expected with this being the first game, 1 personal foul penalty, but no holding penalty's and 1 false start Now lets get to the stats of the game, young rookie RB sensation Rocky Frank finished with 7 carries for 48 yards, and 1 reception for 75 yards and 2 kick off returns for 65 yards before being retired before the end of the first half, Qb Tre Fields was 1-3 for 25 yards and a T.D. Backup Tight End Tremon Jackson 1 reception for 25 yards and a T.D. James Roberts had 3 carries for 12yards. On the Defense side of the ball the Xpress finished with 12 sacks and 1 interception Rookie standout Jeremy Rutherford had 4 sacks, and 3 QB pressures, Strong side Linebacker Quetin Sarpy had 3 sacks 3 QB pressures and 1 interception, Montrel Grace 2 sacks 2 QB pressures, and Derrick Blount 1 sack 2 QB pressures. Other defensive players that stood out, were Rookie Chris Hicks who was playing out of position playing free safety instead of his Corner back spot, landing vicious hits on Bengal Running backs, Demarcus Nixon showing excellent run support, and lets not forget Carnell Livingston playing his normal roll as a lock down corner giving up one catch while playing 3 Quarters of football. But in the end the Bengals escaped with a victory. When asked at the end of the game, How did coach Vernon feel about the outcome, his response was "I never like losing games regardless if its a pre season game are not but like I said in the beginning If this team stays healthy I feel this team will be fighting for the Magnum cup".

XPRESS Make Major Signing

Thats right you heard it first right here the Xpress re-sign 2008 TUFL ALLSTAR nominee Diondre Shamlin to a 1 year deal. It had been rumored that Shamlin had signed with the Dallas Bengals, but that was just a rumor, When coach Truman and Mr. Shamlin talked the negotiations lasted 3 days, but in the end Shamlin wanted to re-sign with the club that he had his best season with. Shamlin led the Xpress and the TUFL in forced fumbles with 9 from his defensive tackle spot, he is 6'3 310lbs and a monster in the middle of a defense that already is looking great. When coach Vernon was asked about the signing of Shamlin all coach Vernon could do was Smile, and say oh my god! With us adding Shamlin, our Defense will be the best in the league, just his presence will make life a whole lot easier for Robert Teal Jeremy Rutherford and Derrick Blount the team should respond with at least 40 sacks! that's 4 a game for this defense, and it should take a lot of pressure off our secondary.With our different blitz packages we should be able to create havoc on opposing offenses from all angles.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Time Management is something that I strive to perfect, and being a player of the XPRESS is something that as a player you will have to perfect, because when times are issued for the players to be at a certain place at a certain time, you will be responsible to be at that place at that time. EX. on February 21st the season opens up in Arlington, game time should be 7pm and you as a player will be responsible for being at the stadium at 4:30, reason being because we have to give you your uniforms, be taped and whatever else you are going to need to do, we have a certain time you need to be on the field at a certain time along with other things we need to do to get ready for the game. You maybe asking why is all this important? well this is why it is important, we were scheduled to play a pre-season game against the Knights on January 31st but what happen was the Knights told me that we would play at 3pm on the 31st I told their coach to confirm the time and place with me on Monday the 26Th, that coach called me and said we may play at Paul Quinn college he was suppose to confirm the place that night, he did not! During practice for us Wednesday the 28Th I called him again he did not answer so I told the players of the XPRESS we were not playing the game because i will not put a team on the field for a last minute game. Another coach with the Knights called me Thursday evening to confirm the game but wanted to change the time that's when I confirmed to him we were not playing the game at the last minute and I apologized for the inconvenience to him and his team he even asked if I could just get some of our players together to play the game. I have never and will not ever play a game on a last minute notice because it is unprofessional and I will not put my players safety in jeopardy just to play a game to benefit another team. So regardless of what you hear, this is why the XPRESS game against the Knights was cancelled. The NMLF the league we play in is Minor Professional not Semi-Pro and last minute games are the kind of business that semi pro teams conduct. TIME MANAGEMENT.

THE TIME IS FINALLY HERE!

The time has finally come. Football games are finally here. All of the Sunday practices, all of the conditioning all of the sweat and in some cases blood will now finally pay-off. The Xpress take on the Texas Knights on Saturday Jan. 31st. for our first test of this pre-season, the numbers have been moderate at best but we have been able to accomplish a lot, the QB'S RB'S and WR'S have finally stepped their game up and I am feeling very confident with this group. We have gotten younger and faster at the WR and RB position and it will help us more this year then it did last year, we have 2 great QB'S in Tre Fields and Kevin Nelson and both are going to make the offense better then it was a year ago. Young fast and shifty RB Rocky Frank, A much improved all around player in James Roberts and throw in rookie sensation WR Demarcus Taylor the Xpress offense should move the ball up and down the field against 2009 opponents. Now lets look at the Defense which will be better at every position that it was weak in last season. At Defensive End the Xpress got extremely faster off the ball with the addition of Strong side DE Jeremy Rutherford whom the Xpress feel will set a new team record in sacks, the bar has been set high with his skills the Xpress see at least 15 sacks, that would shatter the team record of 11 set in 2007. Defensive Tackle the upgrade is moving Derrick Blount to tackle from defensive end because last year Diondre Shamlin was not dedicated to make practice he only wanted to play on Saturday, and with the signing of free agent DT Jeff Baker and Rookie Jay Baker the front four will be looking and playing like Monsters of the Midway. Lets look at LB, the Xpress got faster stronger and taller with the addition of Sam Crawford, Quentin Sarpy and moving last years strong safety Gabriel Langley to outside LB and picking up Free Agent LB Kirk Gillespie, the team front seven is going to create Havoc on opposing teams QB'S and RB's. Now the secondary, at the CB position Carnell Livingston locks down one corner spot, and who takes care of the other corner spot is between Chris Hicks, and Keddrick Ford. Hicks has the advantage right now due to his excessive amount of time he has spent in training camp while Ford was having to deal with personal issues. The Safety spot looks like the Xpress upgraded in that position to, we went out and re-signed veteran free safety Phillip Givens,and at strong safety rookie Demarcus Nixon in with both of these additions the Xpress got smarter and faster then last year. Now with 2 pre-season games coming up and the season only a few weeks away it's just a matter of putting it together and doing it on the field.

THEIR HERE!

That's Right the DFW Xpress has Dancers! Our first try-out was a great success, many dancers tried out and in the end the first 12 were signed, the try-outs happened at Mountain View College on Jan. 17Th at 2pm and after the ladies were signed to the team, the ladies had a make-up artist come and make them up, and then the ladies had their photo shoot. Everything went well and the time went by fast, when we were finally done it was 7pm and the ladies were exhausted but they were excited. For all the ladies that are still interested in trying out for the team The Xpress are holding another tryout Sunday Jan. 25Th contact Coach Stevens and download the application from the website. And once again I want to personally thank all the ladies for coming out and joining the team and I look forward to all of you being the faces of the organization.

Offensive Coordinator Introduces The New Run Scheme.

Now that the timing of the passing game is beginning to click, Coach Sandifer has begun to introduce the Xpress ' new run game. After finishing near the bottom of the league in rushing last year, the coaching staff has made an improved run game one of their ,top priorities. And so far, the results look good. With a revamped blocking scheme, and new talent in the backfield, the running attack is poised to improved dramatically over last year's efforts. I caught up with Coach Sandifer and asked him about the changes in the Xpress' running Attack. Here's what he had to say:
" The first thing we had to change was the blocking scheme. Our biggest problem last year came when we faced shifting defensive fronts, our guys on the line didn't know who to block. This cost us time and effort on the sidelines, Drawing up blocking schemes for every scenario we faced on a weekly basis. It was inefficient at best. This year's blocking scheme is very easy to understand, and allows our lineman to focus on their point of attack, rather than which particular man to block versus various fronts." When asked to comment on this year's talent at running back position, Coach Sandifer seemed quite pleased with the changes stating: " We' ve gotten faster and shiftier at the running back position. Last year's backs were the bruising type backs, that gained most of their yardage between the hashes. This year's backs have incredible speed and athleticism. We wanted a run game that would highlight this, and I feel like the scheme showcases their natural talent very well." When asked about the roll of the running backs in the passing game, Coach Sandifer said he definitely plans to use them as much as possible. "We tried to utilize our backs in the passing game last year", Coach Sandifer said, "With mixed results" This years backs have great hands, and run precise, quick routes. They're going to be dangerous in space." The DFW Xpress plan to show off a glimpse of their new running Saturday Jan. 31st in their first pre-season game.

Accountability/Quit.
Lets define these two words. Accountability- The quality or state of being accountable, an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for ones action. Quit-Free of, released, to set free, to depart from or out of, and finally to give GIVE UP! The question may be asked why I defined these two words? Well lets see, the word accountability an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for ones action. You have so called true football players that want to throw stones while they are living in a glass house, these same athletes want to be the star of the team but dont want to hold themselves accountable for their own actions. In other words how do you complain about others not attending practice when you yourself dont attend, how do you complain about lack of reps when you yourself are not familiar with the offense. How does an individual complain about not wanting to be the best at his position so he uses the excuse that if I dont see others at the same position then why should I attend practice. Its called accountabilty to account for your own actions before you can account for someone else's. Quit- to give up. To depart from! Thats What we have had with so called players that wanted the team to be centered around them but Gave up! when things got tuff, are perceived to be rocky, but the good thing is this, I rather have a player Quit are Give Up now, then doing it during the season. For those who think that this team is not going to have a productive season stay tuned, Because I rather have 40 dedicated players that want to listen and learn then 40 players that are selfish. As players Quit others have been signed, case in point 2 players Quit Monday and 3 players were signed the same night. Whats funny is 2 of the three players were offensive Lineman.