The Houston Gamblers extended their perfect record to 5-0 with a commanding 58-24 victory over the Boston Breakers at Nickerson Field in Week 5 of the USFL season. Despite a rainy afternoon, the Gamblers’ offense, led by MVP quarterback Jim Kelly, overcame a sluggish start to dominate the game, particularly in the second quarter, where they exploded for 44 points. Kelly’s pinpoint accuracy and deep ball prowess were on full display as he threw for 497 yards and eight touchdowns, six of which were caught by wide receiver Ricky Sanders.
Boston initially took the lead in the first quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run by Louis Jackson, but their momentum quickly evaporated as Houston responded with a relentless offensive onslaught. Kelly and Sanders connected for four touchdowns in the second quarter alone, with additional scoring strikes to Richard Johnson, including a 91-yard bomb that highlighted Houston’s explosive potential. The Breakers’ defense, despite their best efforts, had no answer for Kelly’s arm or the Gamblers’ wide receiver duo, leading to a lopsided halftime score of 44-7.
The second half saw the Gamblers maintain control, though Boston managed to add a few scores, including a 59-yard touchdown pass from Matt Robinson to Frank Lockett. However, the Breakers’ efforts were too little, too late, as Houston’s defense, led by strong performances from Kiki DeAyala and Mike Hawkins, ensured the outcome was never in doubt. The Gamblers’ dominant performance solidified their position as the team to beat in the league, while the Breakers fell to 1-4, searching for answers on both sides of the ball.
