The Denver Gold survived a fierce challenge from the San Antonio Gunslingers to secure a 38-33 victory in a thrilling Week 7 matchup at Mile High Stadium. Denver’s defense and a pair of late touchdowns by Bill Johnson proved crucial in holding off San Antonio’s surging offense. The Gunslingers kept the game close throughout, with standout plays including Thad McFadden’s electrifying 68-yard punt return for a touchdown, but ultimately fell short in the final minutes.
Denver set the tone early with a methodical 10-play, 81-yard drive capped by a 14-yard touchdown run from Bill Johnson, and added a field goal for a 10-0 lead. San Antonio responded with McFadden’s punt return and a 32-yard touchdown run by Michael McDade to briefly take a 17-10 lead, but Denver’s Calvin Turner scooped up a fumble and scored to tie it at 17. The back-and-forth battle continued, with San Antonio reclaiming the lead on a Nick Mike-Mayer 50-yard field goal just before halftime.
In the second half, Denver’s offense came alive behind Bob Gagliano, who threw for 387 yards and two touchdowns, both to Leonard Harris, including a 54-yard bomb in the fourth quarter. Despite a late rally by San Antonio, with Rick Neuheisel hitting Jerry Gordon for a 19-yard touchdown, Denver’s ball control and Johnson’s second touchdown iced the game. Harris, who caught 14 passes for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns, was named the game’s MVP, propelling Denver to 3-3-1 on the season while dropping San Antonio to 3-5.
