By Shawn Lucas, Sports Correspondent

In a thrilling climax to the 1984 USFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Maulers showcased their mettle, securing a hard-fought 22-17 victory over the Jacksonville Bulls.

First Quarter Setback, Second Quarter Surge

The game kicked off with the Jacksonville Bulls making a bold statement in the first quarter. A 50-yard touchdown pass from Bulls’ quarterback Bennet to Kemp, combined with a successful 42-yard field goal by Franco, initially put the Maulers on the back foot. However, the Maulers rallied in the second quarter, with Kicker Lee nailing an impressive 51-yard field goal and Miller’s touchdown run leveling the playing field at 10-10 heading into halftime.

Carano’s Precision Guides Maulers

Quarterback Carano emerged as a pivotal figure for the Maulers, orchestrating the team’s offensive maneuvers with precision. His 15-yard touchdown pass to Raugh and a 39-yard strike to Flowers in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-changers, propelling the Maulers to a 22-10 lead.

Defensive Dominance

While the scoreboard reflected the Maulers’ offensive prowess, their defense played an equally crucial role. Friday and McKibben led a stellar defensive effort, with key tackles and interceptions that thwarted the Bulls’ attempts to stage a comeback.