Familiar UFL foes to clash once more

Every good rivalry has a measure of hate to it. Think Yankees-Red Sox, Packers-Bears or Celtics-Lakers.

Then there's Locomotives-Destroyers.

OK, that rivalry doesn't quite rise to the same level. But in the three-year history of the United Football League, the Locos and the Virginia Destroyers -- formerly the Florida Tuskers -- are the only teams to reach the title game. The latest chapter will be written Friday at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex and, with the UFL on shaky financial ground and facing an uncertain future, this could be the final chapter.

The Locos won the title the first two years. But the Destroyers got a measure of revenge last month when they beat Las Vegas 34-17 for the Locos' lone loss in four games. From the Locos' perspective, all that Sept. 24 loss did was add to their motivation for a three-peat.

"We don't like them, and they don't like us," Locos tight end Adam Bergen said. "They think we stole the two titles. But the fact is we have rings and they don't."

Running back DeDe Dorsey said it's healthy to have a rival.

"We like to get the best of each other," Dorsey said. "Neither side wants to lose. That's why it's so intense. Mostly, it's a lot of trash talking. But it never crosses the line to where it's dirty. There's too much respect between the two teams for that to happen."

Locos linebacker Teddy Lehman said: "Anytime you play someone over and over, you get tired of them. I may not like them, but I've always respected them. They always play us tough."

The organizations have approached success from different routes.

The Locos have been a model of stability with Jim Fassel in charge of the franchise from Day One. The Destroyers have had three coaches in three years. Jim Haslett was in charge in Florida during 2009, when Las Vegas won the inaugural UFL title in overtime at Sam Boyd Stadium, 20-17. In 2010, Jay Gruden was calling the shots in Florida when the Locos repeated as champs 23-20 in Omaha, Neb.

This year, Marty Schottenheimer has overseen the move from Orlando to Virginia Beach, and the Destroyers were also 3-1 in the abbreviated UFL season.

"They run the ball well," Lehman said of the Destroyers, who average 144.5 yards on the ground and are led by Dominic Rhodes with 410 yards and six touchdowns. "They're very sound in everything they do."

Still, there's enough bad blood to make Friday's game more interesting than normal. Wide receiver Samie Parker said there might be a little jealousy on the Destroyers' part.

"They may not like us because we're the team the whole UFL loves," Parker said. "It's 'Vegas this' and 'Vegas that,' and they probably get tired of hearing that."

■ NOTES -- Locos season ticket-holders seeking a refund for the two canceled home games can call 877-LOCO to get information and begin the reimbursement process. ... Friday's title game will be broadcast live on KBAD-AM (920) beginning at 4:45 p.m. As of Tuesday, the game was not scheduled to be televised in Las Vegas. ... Dorsey and fullback Bobby Rome were held out of practice with leg injuries. However, both are expected to play Friday. ... The team holds its final practice today at the Sam Boyd practice fields and leaves for Virginia Thursday morning.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.