Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Locomotives stumble into UFL Championship Game against Florida

UFL Championship Game kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday in Omaha

Locos vs. Mountain Lions

Sam Morris

Las Vegas Locomotives head coach Jim Fassel talks to his players after they gave up a touchdown to the Sacramento Mountain Lions during the first half of their game Saturday November 6, 2010 at Sam Boyd Stadium. Sacramento handed the Locos their second loss of the season with a 27-24 win.

The New Orleans Saints dropped three straight games at the end of last year's NFL regular season before catching fire in the postseason and winning the Super Bowl.

The Las Vegas Locomotives hope that same phenomenon occurs this year in the UFL.

Although the Locomotives lost two games in a row to close out the regular season, they will face off against the Florida Tuskers at 9 a.m. Saturday in Omaha in the 2010 UFL Championship Game. Versus will televise the game.

"We've lost momentum," Las Vegas coach Jim Fassel said at the Championship Game's media day in Omaha. "They have played outstanding. These games are week-to-week."

Las Vegas hasn't looked like the same team since it lost quarterback Tim Rattay for the season in a 26-3 win over the Sacramento Mountain Lions.

After starting the year 3-1, Las Vegas finished 2-2 without Rattay. Drew Willy took over as the signal caller initially, but Chase Clement has beaten him out for the starting job.

"Starting off as the No. 3 quarterback, I was thinking I would learn a lot from Tim Rattay," Clement said at media day. "Now to be playing, it's certainly exciting. You practice all year and you want to get out there with your guys."

The Tuskers enter the championship game in the opposite situation. After starting the year 2-3, Florida had to win its last three games of the regular season to set up a rematch of last year's Championship Game with the Locomotives.

Las Vegas won last year's title with a 20-17 overtime victory at Sam Boyd Stadium. It was one of three meetings between the teams decided by three points.

The Tuskers and Locomotives have met five times in the past year, with Florida winning three of the games.

"Any time you play the Las Vegas Locos, you know it's going to be a hard-hitting game," Florida coach Jay Gruden said. "Their defense is as good a defense as you'll see."

The Locomotives received honors for their league-leading defense Tuesday. The UFL named cornerback Isaiah Trufant the Defensive MVP of the league.

Sacramento Mountain Lions running back Cory Ross garnered the Offensive MVP trophy, while Fassel took home Coach of the Year honors.

Fassel hopes it isn't the only piece of hardware he leaves Omaha with.

"These teams know each other and they go to battle," Fassel said. "It's exciting football and I'm very honored to bring our team back."

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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