CHICAGO, Illinois (Ticker) -- Rusty Tillman didn't want to
talk about his team's first win.
Relying on a suffocating defense, the New York-New Jersey
Hitmen picked up their first win of the season, a 13-0
blanking of the winless Chicago Enforcers.
In a contest played in a steady rain and with a temperature
of 40 degrees, the game's biggest highlight probably came
after the final gun had sounded.
Trying to get a word with Tillman, NBC broadcaster Jesse
Ventura was repeatedly shunned by the Hitmen coach. Ventura, a
former professional wrestler and current Minnesota governor,
hounded Tillman on the field with no success.
Tillman had to be pleased at his defense which limited
Chicago to 84 net yards and six first downs. Christian
Maumalanga had three of the Hitmen's eight sacks.
It also was a defensive play that set up the game's only
touchdown in the third quarter when Tawambi Settles
intercepted Tim Lester at the Chicago one-yard line.
Following the interception, Joe Aska scored on the next
play to give the Hitmen a 10-0 advantage with 2:19 to play in
the quarter. Aska carried 25 times for 59 yards.
Leo Araguz, who kicked a 19-yard field goal in the first
quarter, connected from 37 yards in the final period to give
New York-New Jersey (1-3) the final margin.
Hitmen quarterback Wally Richardson, making his first start
of the season, completed 9-of-13 passes for 84 yards.
Chicago quarterback Tim Lester suffered through a miserable
night, going 5-of-14 for 55 yards with an interception. He was
relieved by Paul Failla, who misfired on all four of his
attempts late in the fourth quarter.
The Enforcers (0-4) were without John Avery, the league's
leading rusher, who missed the game with a quadriceps injury.
He was replaced by LeShon Johnson, who had 47 yards on 16
carries.
Trailing 3-0 late in the first half, the Enforcers had
their best opportunity to score, moving to the New York-New
Jersey 1 following an interference penalty. But on the final
play of the half, Johnson was stopped for no gain.
The first XFL game at Soldier Field drew a crowd of
14,856.