PEAK PERFORMANCES

WILDCATS

Despite their uneven play, the quarterbacks fed wide receiver Nelson Spruce for 11 catches (15 targets) and 103 yards, making him the XFL’s first catcher to reach that yardage milestone in a game. The Colorado alum should find himself in the middle of LA’s passing plans throughout the year.

Quarterback Charles Kanoff found the end zone twice, including once on the ground, while being pressed into starting for the injured Josh Johnson (thigh) out. Despite being replaced by Jalan McClendon twice, including once after he took a big hit, Kanoff kept the Wildcats within reach into the third quarter.

ROUGHNECKS

Walker stole the show. Displaying pure athleticism in feeling and escaping the pocket, the former Temple signal-caller piled on four touchdowns to force L.A. into desperation mode early in the second half.

Want to look elsewhere? Running back James Butler feasted with a pair of successful red-zone opportunities, scoring on a 16-yard catch and a four-yard run. In June Jones’ Run ‘n’ Shoot offense, the agile, multi-dimensional 24-year-old, who was in Oakland Raiders camp in the 2019 preseason, could carve out a steady role in this crowded backfield.

Two defensive standouts: Cornerback Deatrick Nichols flew across the field for an interception, two passes defensed and a sack, putting pressure on the trailing Wildcats and helping to seal the blowout win. Defensive end Kony Ealy hit LA quarterbacks five times and recorded 0.5 a sack.

WILDCATS IN DEFEAT