1983 Tampa Bay Bandits Recap

The 1983 season was one of highs and lows for the Tampa Bay Bandits. Battling formidable opponents, the team faced adversity with determination, culminating in a 6-12 record. Let’s delve into the narrative of their journey.

Key Team Stats: A Battle on Every Front The Bandits fought hard, amassing 324 points to the opponents’ 363. In the quest for first downs, rushing yards, passing yards, and total yards, the Bandits displayed grit and determination.

• Points: 324 (Team) vs. 363 (Opponent)
• First Downs: 369 vs. 340
• Rushing Yards: 1926 vs. 2878
• Passing Yards: 4196 vs. 2563
• Total Yards: 5669 vs. 5136

Ground Game: A Trio of Runners In the backfield, Greg Boone, Gary Anderson, and Sam Platt formed a dynamic trio. Boone’s 714 rushing yards, Anderson’s 627 yards at an average of 5.6, and Platt’s 421 yards showcased a diverse and potent rushing attack.

Aerial Assault: Dynamic Receiving Corps The Bandits boasted a formidable receiving trio:

• Eric Truvillion: 72 receptions, 1095 yards, 15.2 average, 6 TD
• Sam Platt: 65 receptions, 528 yards, 8.1 average, 2 TD
• Danny Buggs: 59 receptions, 785 yards, 13.3 average, 7 TD

These receivers, with their unique strengths, provided multiple options for the Bandits’ quarterbacks.

Quarterback Trio: A Varied Approach The quarterback trio of Jimmy Jordan, Mike Kelley, and John Reaves brought diversity to the Bandits’ offensive strategy. Each quarterback contributed to the team’s efforts in their distinct style.

Special Teams Excellence: Zenon Andrusyshyn Zenon Andrusyshyn emerged as a key player in special teams. His kicking prowess included 32 successful extra points out of 39 attempts and 12 made field goals out of 21, with a longest kick of 50 yards. His punting skills, with a net average of 34.0 yards, added to the Bandits’ special teams success.

Defensive Standouts: Tackles and Interceptions The Bandits’ defense boasted standout performers:

• Paul Piurowski: 198 tackles, 12 sacks, 0 interceptions
• Mike Goedecker: 94 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 interception
• Jeff George: 67 tackles, 8 interceptions

These defensive stalwarts made significant contributions to the Bandits’ efforts, disrupting opponents’ plays and forcing turnovers.

Turnover Battle: Impactful Plays The Bandits’ defense actively disrupted opponents’ plays, showcasing their ability to force turnovers. With 21 interceptions and 60 sacks, the defense made impactful plays throughout the season.

Conclusion: A Season of Growth While the Bandits faced challenges, the 1983 season revealed their resilience, individual talents, and areas for improvement. The team’s commitment to growth and determination in the face of adversity sets the stage for future seasons, offering fans optimism for the team’s continued development. As the Bandits reflect on the 1983 journey, they lay the groundwork for future triumphs.

1983 Tampa Bay Bandits Roster

Quarterbacks:

1. Jimmy Jordan
2. John Reaves
3. Nathaniel Koonce
4. Mike Kelley

Running Backs:

1. Greg Boone
2. Sam Platt
3. Gary Anderson
4. Ricky Williams
5. Carl Franks
6. Greg Wilson
7. Richard Holmes
8. George Ragsdale

Wide Receivers:

1. Danny Buggs
2. Eric Truvillion
3. Willie Gillespie
4. Martin Cox
5. Tony Stephens
6. Jim Fitzpatrick

Tight Ends:

1. Lewis Gilbert
2. Robert Young
3. Wes Phillips

Linemen:

• Centers:
  1. Bob Van Duyne
  2. Russ Compton
• Guards:
  1. Fred Dean
  2. Bobby Hopkins
  3. Bob Norris
  4. Bill Winters
  5. Andre Gist
  6. Steve Gettel
  7. Ron Simmons
• Tackles:
  1. Doug Mackie
  2. Ron Mikolajczyk
  3. Joe Robinson
  4. Bob Oxendine
  5. John Canei

Defense:

• Defensive Tackles:
  1. Fred Nordgren
  2. Ron Simmons
  3. Ed Gantner
• Defensive Ends:
  1. Walter Carter
  2. Jim Ramey
  3. Curtis Bunche
  4. Ray Robinson
• Linebackers:
  1. Paul Piurowski
  2. Ron Reliford
  3. Mike Goedecker
  4. Alonzo Johnson
  5. Keith Clark
  6. Tony Hayes
  7. Russ Washington
  8. Val Brown
  9. Kelly Kirchbaum
  10. Merv Krakau
  11. Jimmy Tyson
• Cornerbacks:
  1. Jeff George
  2. Warren Hanna
  3. Leon Williams
• Safeties:
  1. Doug Beaudoin
  2. Glen Edwards
  3. Ken Taylor
  4. Tim King
  5. Tim Groves
• Defensive Backs:
  1. Alvin Bailey
  2. Roy Eppes

Special Teams:

• Kicker-Punter:
  • Zenon Andrusyshyn