1983 Philadelphia Stars Recap

The 1983 season for the Philadelphia Stars was a rollercoaster ride, marked by thrilling victories and challenging defeats. The team, led by head coach Jim Mora, finished the season with an 8-10 record, showcasing a mix of resilience and determination.

In the scoring department, the Stars displayed their offensive prowess by accumulating a total of 391 points throughout the season. The team’s dynamic performance in each quarter demonstrated their ability to strike at crucial moments. However, the defense faced its share of challenges, conceding a total of 303 points to opponents.

The offensive engine was quarterback Chuck Fusina, who completed 58.4% of his passes for an impressive 2793 yards. Fusina showcased his leadership by throwing 17 touchdown passes, although he faced 12 interceptions during the season. His efforts resulted in a notable passer rating of 78.9.

The ground game was spearheaded by running back Kelvin Bryant, who carried the ball 374 times for 1562 yards and found the end zone 13 times. Bryant’s explosive plays provided the team with a reliable rushing attack, complemented by the contributions of Allen Harvin, Booker Russell, and others.

In the receiving corps, Scott Fitzkee emerged as a key playmaker with 63 receptions for 806 yards and five touchdowns. Fitzkee’s ability to stretch the field and make crucial catches made him a favorite target for Fusina.

Special teams played a vital role in the Stars’ strategy, with Allen Harvin making significant contributions in kick returns. Harvin averaged 20.5 yards per return, providing valuable field position for the offense. Meanwhile, Scott Woerner excelled in punt returns, showcasing his agility and vision.

Defensively, the Stars were led by standout performances from players like Sam Mills, Glenn Howard, and Jon Sutton. Mills led the team with an impressive 164 tackles, while Sutton and Mike Lush stood out in the secondary with a combined 15 interceptions.

Kicker David Trout played a crucial role in special teams, converting 26 of 43 field goal attempts and amassing a total of 115 points. Punter Sean Landeta consistently delivered quality kicks, helping the Stars control field position throughout the season.

The season featured several noteworthy games, including a hard-fought 31-24 victory against New Jersey and a 30-15 triumph over Washington. However, the Stars also faced adversity, with a 17-17 tie against Chicago and a 7-7 stalemate against Oakland.

As the 1983 season concluded, the Stars could reflect on a campaign defined by resilience, individual excellence, and the determination to overcome challenges. Although they fell short of a championship, the season laid the foundation for future success and showcased the Stars’ ability to shine brightly in the face of adversity.

1983 Philadelphia Stars Roster

Offense:

Quarterbacks

1. Chuck Fusina
2. Jim Krohn
3. Steve Pisarkiewicz

Skill Players

• Running Backs
  1. Kelvin Bryant
  2. Allen Harvin
  3. Booker Russell
  4. David Riley
  5. Jeff Rodenberger
  6. Anthony Anderson
• Wide Receivers
  1. Scott Fitzkee
  2. Willie Collier
  3. Tom Donovan
  4. Rodney Parker
• Tight Ends
  1. Steve Folsom
  2. Ken Dunek
  3. Al Kimichik

Linemen

• Centers
  1. Bart Oates
  2. Joe Happe
• Guards
  1. Chuck Commiskey
  2. Rich Garza
  3. Scott Burris
  4. George Gilbert
• Tackles
  1. Irv Eatman
  2. Brad Oates

Defense:

Defensive Tackles

1. Dave Opfar
2. Buddy Moor
3. John Alford

Defensive Ends

1. Don Fielder
2. Frank Case
3. Willie Rosborough
4. Brad Anae

Linebackers

• Inside Linebackers
  1. Sam Mills
  2. Glenn Howard
• Outside Linebackers
  1. Jon Brooks
  2. John Bunting
  3. George Cooper
  4. Jeff Gabrielsen
  5. Vince DeMarinis

Cornerbacks

1. Jon Sutton
2. Antonio Gibson
3. Roger Jackson
4. Jerome King
5. Hugh Jernigan

Safeties

1. Scott Woerner
2. Mike Lush
3. Mark McCants
4. Kevin Donnalley

Special Teams:

Kicker

• David Trout

Punter

• Sean Landeta