The New Orleans Brass made history in Week 7 of the 1985 USFL season, securing their first-ever victory in dramatic fashion, edging out the Oakland Invaders 21-20 on the road. New Orleans struck first with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rusty Hilger to Jamie Harris in the opening minutes of the game. Oakland would storm back with two second-quarter touchdown passes from Fred Besana, including a 22-yarder to Mike Shumann and a 14-yard strike to John Williams, giving the Invaders a 14-7 halftime lead.
Oakland extended their advantage with a field goal early in the third quarter, but the resilient Brass answered back. Henry Odom powered his way into the end zone with a 3-yard rushing touchdown to bring New Orleans within three points. In the fourth quarter, Hilger delivered again, this time connecting with Jerry Parrish on a 20-yard touchdown pass that ultimately put the Brass ahead 21-17. Oakland managed to close the gap with another field goal, but their final drive was stalled by a determined New Orleans defense.
The Brass defense held firm as the Invaders made one last push, forcing Oakland to settle for a field goal and preventing any late-game heroics. Hilger finished the game with 346 passing yards and two touchdowns, with Jamie Harris leading all receivers with 170 yards and a score. Despite being heavy underdogs, New Orleans overcame the odds and their own mistakes to notch their first-ever win, providing a much-needed morale boost to the expansion squad.
