Seattle Sea Dragons Hold Off Orlando Guardians In Orlando XFL Heat
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Seattle Sea Dragons Hold Off Guardians In The Orlando Heat

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Folks, can you believe it? We are officially heading into XFL week six. The Orlando Guardians hosted the Seattle Sea Dragons in hopes of securing their first win of the season.

It’s been a rough go for Orlando, who dropped all five games so far. For the most part, they’ve looked like a mess from top to bottom. Terrell Buckley is hoping to right the ship, but time is running out.

Meanwhile, Seattle has played solid football for a good portion of the XFL season, winning three games in a row. Jim Haslett is looking to make it four in a row for his squad, to give themselves a chance at jumping to the second seed in the North.

Let’s take a look at what happened, as it was an entertaining matchup from start to finish in the XFL.

First Quarter

To open up the game, Seattle had the football. In the Orlando heat, they looked a bit sloppy. A three and out resulted in a punt, and the Guardians took over.

Quinten Dormady and the Guardians didn’t fare much better, having to punt as well. An excellent return from Kelvin McKnight set Seattle up with great field position for their second possession.

After the return, Seattle was able to get on the board. An impressive pass breakup prevented a touchdown, but Dominik Eberle knocked through a 36 yard field goal to make it a 3-0 ball game.

Orlando strung together a couple of first downs, but a missed opportunity on 3rd and short left them empty handed. However, the Guardians XFL defense continued to play quite well. Gerald Willis made an impressive play in the backfield, which led to another punt from Seattle.

Heading into the next period, it was a 3-0 lead for the Sea Dragons.

Second Quarter

Orlando strung together a solid drive, marching down the field swiftly. A 34 yard run from Devin Darrington set them up in scoring position. Jose Borregales connected on a 26 yard field goal, and the game was tied at 3.

Kelvin McKnight had another outstanding kick return for Seattle, and they were deep in Orlando territory once again. However, the Sea Dragons couldn’t fully capitalize. Missing Morgan Ellison was proving to be a tough loss, as they struggled to move the football, settling for a field goal.

Orlando finally put something together, as their offense looked much more fluid on their next drive. Dormady pushed the ball down the field, making plays to keep the drive alive. Devin Darrington ran it in from a few yards out, and a successful one point conversion put the Guardians on top 10-6.

Ben DiNucci used his legs for Seattle, generating offense that was desperately needed. A big run set them up in the red zone, and it seemed like they would score. However, DiNucci threw a dangerous pass, and it was intercepted by Najeem Hosein in the end zone.

The Guardians weren’t able to score, though, and punted. Seattle did just enough to get into field goal range, and Eberle banged through a 54 yard kick. Heading into halftime, it was a 10-9 ball game.

Third Quarter

To open up the second half, Orlando had the football. After a couple of first downs, CB Zafir Kelly made an impact, sacking Dormady and then forcing another TFL on the next play. The Guardians had to punt, despite getting into Seattle territory.

This time, Seattle looked a lot more fluid on offense. DiNucci made several excellent throws, including a dime to Blake Jackson in the end zone to put the Sea Dragons in front. A successful two point conversion to Jahcour Pearson gave Seattle a 17-10 lead.

Orlando had an answer, though. Dormady marched the team down the field, before Devin Darrington had an incredible 43 yard run, making defenders look silly as he took it to the house. The XP was no good, leaving Seattle on top 17-16.

Seattle’s offense was polar opposite of what it was in the first half. DiNucci was on time with his throws, and had the Sea Dragons deep in Orlando territory with fifteen minutes left to play.

Fourth Quarter

To start the fourth, Dominik Eberle knocked through a 27 yard field goal, and Seattle took a 20-16 lead. Orlando responded with a field goal of their own. A decent march put them in range, and Borregales banged a kick from 50 yards out, making it a 20-19 ball game.

Seattle stalled out offensively, punting the ball to Orlando. Unfortunately for the Guardians, they couldn’t capitalize. Elijah Ponder blocked a punt attempt from Mac Brown, and Seattle was set up inside Orlando’s five yard line.

The Sea Dragons took full advantage. On 3rd and goal, DiNucci found Juwan Green in the back of the end zone, and Seattle had a 26-19 lead over Orlando.

Crazy Final Moments

Seattle’s defense stepped up in a big way, as Antoine Brooks came away with a sack on third down. Speaking of stepping up, though, the Orlando Guardians managed to get a stop, giving themselves one more opportunity with the football.

Darrington broke loose on a screen, appearing to have a first down. However, Brooks jarred the ball loose, and Ponder recovered for the Sea Dragons.

If you thought it was over at this point, think again. Orlando got another defensive stop, giving their team another chance with under a minute to play.

Dormady fired two passes deep down the field to Charleston Rambo, which put the team inside Seattle’s 30. However, the Sea Dragons defense held strong, swarming Quinten Dormady on the final couple of plays.

The Seattle Sea Dragons hung on in impressive fashion, beating the Orlando Guardians 26-19.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it was a fun outing in the hot Orlando sun. The Seattle Sea Dragons came alive in the second half, as Ben DiNucci found his stride. The team rides and dies with Ben. If he’s performing well, they look like one of the XFL’s best teams. If he’s struggling, then, things aren’t too bright.

Unfortunately for the Orlando Guardians, it’s the same old story every week. Penalties, mistakes, and a lack of execution in the clutch leaves this team empty handed every time. Quinten Dormady did what he could, but ultimately had no protection, or help, in the final moments. At 0-6, this season is all but over for Orlando.

At the same time, the refereeing wasn’t perfect today. There were several missed calls, including a call that Dean Blandino openly admitted to getting wrong on air. While refs aren’t to blame for Orlando’s loss, they didn’t help.

Seattle has won four games in a row, and look poised to grab the second seed in the North if all goes according to plan.

Week six of the XFL continues tonight. The Vegas Vipers host the St. Louis Battlehawks at 7pm ET, on FX.

What are your thoughts on this game between the Orlando Guardians and Seattle Sea Dragons? Which XFL players impressed you the most? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!