Officially On Duty: Guardians Win Opener in Front of Excited Fanbase

By Allen Austin

The New York Guardians hosted their first ever contest in the XFL this past Sunday, successfully defending their turf at MetLife Stadium, 23-3, against the Tampa Vipers.

New York started the game strong with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Matt McGloin, who also had a passing touchdown on the day. The Scranton, Pennsylvania native finished the victory with 182 yards through the air.

The defense were the real MVPs for New York, only allowing three points, despite allowing 394 total yards. Two turnovers helped their efforts, in a contest in which the Vipers and quarterback Aaron Murray couldn't get off the blocks.

At one point, thanks to the new access to players during the game, Murray appeared to be shaken up after a hit, and when asked about it by a sideline reporter, Murray quipped how he hadn't been hit in a while, but it would all be good. Murray finished the game with 231 yards and 2 interceptions, while splitting time with quarterback Quinton Flowers.

Guardians coach Kevin Gilbride, former two time Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator with the New York Giants, returned to East Rutherford and collected the win.

The other story of the day was how would the league take? Would fans be interested? Well, at least for the opening week, it took, and the fans certainly were interested. With merchandise selling like hotcakes, and a passion for football in the tai-state area, seventeen thousand packed the lower bowl in the Meadowlands, hooting and hollering for the newest professional football team in the area. A seven foot Guardian statue that omitted smoke helped kick off the festivities, and away we went. If the opening week is any indication of things to come, it seems the sporting world is ready to welcome Vince McMahon's latest try with open arms.

The Guardians will pack their bags and hit the road for their first road game, visiting the Cardale Jones led D.C. Defenders, Saturday February 15 at 2 pm.