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Pennsylvania Connections to XFL Opener in DC

Tagged under: Game Photos, News, Non-PIAA

| February 20, 2023


Pennsylvania Connections to XFL Opener in DC

Pennsylvania’s own Jim Haslett is back at it again. Haslett 67 from Pittsburgh, has been involved in football his entire life. He played for Avalon High School before becoming a three time All-American in college at my hometown school Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Haslett played from 1979 to 1987 for the Bills and the Jets. He started coaching immediately after playing in 1988 with the Bills as an assistant and hasn’t stopped since. He quickly became a desired defensive coordinator. He was the Saints head coach from 2000 to 2005. He is now the head coach and general manager of the Seattle Sea Dragons. Last night he bought his team to Washington DC for a XFL week one game.

Ben DiNucci who had a cup of coffee with the Dallas Cowboys is the starting quarterback for the Sea Dragons. Ben played his high school ball at WPIAL power Pine Richland. He played his college ball at Pitt and James Madison. He is still only 26 and looking for another shot at the NFL. These two are just a couple of the players and coaches in the new league.

DiNucci took the Dragons right down the field on their first possession. He made a beautiful running push pass to former NFL star receiver Josh Gordon and the Dragons led 6-0. The Sea Dragons out gained the Defenders almost two to one (331-177). However two second half interceptions turned the momentum and DC was able to hold on for the victory.

Key Pennsylvania Players

Ben DiNucci (S#6) 35 of 54 282 passing yards TD 2 Ints

Michael Menet (S#72) OL Exeter Township HS PSU

Shareef Miller (S#48) LB George Washington HS (Philadelphia) PSU

Nydair Rouse (D#38) DB Simon Gratz HS (Philadelphia) West Chester

Ryquell Armstead (D#23) RB Temple 8 rushes 30 yards Defenders leading rusher

Malik Fisher (D#92) DL Villanova

Seattle Sea Dragons 9-0-9-0=18

DC Defenders.           0-8-8-6=22

S-Ben DiNucci 6 pass to Josh Gordon 3pt ng 9:13 (6-0)

S-Dominik Eberle FG 36 1:36 (9-0)

D-Jordan Ta’amu 1 run 2pt Ta’amu pass to Lucky Jackson 8:58 (9-8)

S-Brenden Knox 13 run 3pt DiNucci run 9:42 (18-8)

D-Michael Joseph 20 interception return 2pt D’Eriq King 6:28 (18-16)

D-D. King 5 run 2pt ng 14:14 (18-22)

The Game was marred by the shameful acts of many fans in the one end zone that threw lemons, cans of beer and small alcohol bottles onto the field!

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