Category Archives: Box Scores and Recaps

Box Scores and Recaps

1985 London Game: Oakland Invaders vs. Michigan Panthers

Team Stats

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“Gridiron Symphony: Sunday’s Battle of Titans – July 28, 1986”

Greetings, gridiron enthusiasts! Nigel Somerset-Smith here, your guide through the captivating tapestry of American football. Today, we delve into the pages of history, specifically July 28, 1986, a day etched in the annals of gridiron glory.

In a clash that resonated with the echoes of determination and tactical prowess, the Oakland Invaders and the Michigan Panthers locked horns in a battle that transcended mere statistics. The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays upon the field, setting the stage for a symphony of football prowess.

The scoreboard, a canvas for the unfolding drama, painted a tale of strategic brilliance and unwavering spirit. The Oakland Invaders, with quarterback Craig Sundberg at the helm, orchestrated a masterful opening act. Jess Atkinson’s accurate boot sent a 42-yard field goal sailing through the uprights, marking the commencement of a gridiron spectacle.

As the game unfolded, John Williams emerged as the maestro of the ground assault, carving through the Michigan defense with a 12-yard touchdown run. The Invaders were on a relentless march, their offensive prowess leaving fans in awe.

Tom Newton, adding his own chapter to the narrative, powered through for a 4-yard touchdown run, further solidifying Oakland’s dominance. Jess Atkinson’s reliable leg added to the spectacle with a 32-yard field goal, contributing to the Invaders’ commanding lead.

The Michigan Panthers, facing an uphill battle, found solace in Bobby Hebert’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Derek Holloway. The Panthers, despite the odds, showcased their resilience, refusing to let the Invaders dictate the entire script.

The tale of this gridiron symphony extended beyond touchdowns and field goals; it was a story of defensive tenacity and strategic battles. Oakland’s defense, led by Angelo Snipes and Tim Lucas, executed with precision, stifling Michigan’s attempts to turn the tide.

In the end, the final notes of this Sunday spectacle echoed with a resounding victory for the Oakland Invaders. The scoreboard read 20-8, a testament to their prowess on both ends of the field. Sundberg’s precision passing, Williams and Newton’s ground heroics, and a stalwart defense paved the way for triumph.

As the sun set on July 28, 1986, the echoes of this gridiron symphony lingered in the hearts of fans. Another chapter written, another tale told, and the magic of American football immortalized on the canvas of time.

Until our next journey into the realms of sporting splendor, this is Nigel Somerset-Smith, bidding you adieu with the resonant echoes of Sunday’s Battle of Titans still ringing in our ears.

Box Scores and Recaps

1985 London Game: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Memphis Showboats

Defense

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“Saturday’s Gridiron Drama: A Tale of Triumphs and Turmoil – July 27, 1986”

Hello, dear readers! Nigel Somerset-Smith at your service, ready to whisk you away to a time when the gridiron was ablaze with the fervor of Saturday showdowns. Our destination: July 27, 1986, a date etched in the memory of every American football enthusiast.

Picture this: The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the field as Pittsburgh Maulers and Memphis Showboats took center stage. It was more than just a game; it was a riveting saga of triumphs and turmoil waiting to unfold.

The opening moments were electrifying, with Pittsburgh’s Steve Jordan booting a field goal that echoed through the stadium, setting the tone for a day of gridiron glory. The Maulers weren’t content with just a taste of victory—they hungered for more.

Brian Sipe, the maestro of Pittsburgh’s offense, orchestrated a symphony of plays that left the Memphis defense scrambling. A touchdown pass to Greg Anderson fueled the crowd’s frenzy, and suddenly, the Maulers were the puppeteers of this gridiron ballet.

Memphis, however, had no intentions of letting Pittsburgh steal the spotlight. Walter Lewis, a maestro in his own right, orchestrated a 50-yard touchdown pass to Greg Moser, igniting the Showboats’ comeback. The game was alive, pulsating with the raw energy that only American football can deliver.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the intensity on the field soared. Lewis, with a quarterback’s finesse, weaved through the defense for an 11-yard touchdown run, leaving the Maulers in his wake. Memphis fans erupted in joy; the Showboats were sailing towards victory.

But the game was far from over. Anthony Parker, in a daring 14-yard run, added another chapter to Memphis’s tale of triumph. Walter Lewis, the virtuoso of the day, sealed the deal with a breathtaking 39-yard run into the endzone, putting the Showboats firmly in command.

Pittsburgh, however, refused to concede defeat. Brian Sipe, with unwavering determination, connected with Kirk Pendleton for a 7-yard touchdown pass. The Maulers fought back with grit and resilience, refusing to let the final chapters of this gridiron saga be written without a fight.

In the dying minutes, both teams pushed their limits, exchanging blows in a last-ditch effort for victory. The scoreboard told a story of touchdowns, interceptions, and the unrelenting spirit of American football.

And so, the curtain fell on this Saturday’s gridiron drama. As the players left the field, breathless and battle-worn, they left behind a tale etched in the hearts of fans. July 27, 1986—a day when the gridiron came alive with the echoes of cheers, the clash of titans, and the timeless magic of American football.

Until our next journey into the realms of sporting splendor, this is Nigel Somerset-Smith, bidding you adieu with the echoes of Saturday’s gridiron drama lingering in the air.

Box Scores and Recaps, Stats

USFL Championship Game (1985)

Giants Stadium, Rutherford New Jersey

Title: Chicago Blitz Dominate Tampa Bay Bandits to Claim 1985 USFL Championship
By Ryan “Data Dynamo” Anderson

The Chicago Blitz capped off a dominant season with a commanding 42-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Bandits in the 1985 USFL Championship at Giants Stadium. Behind a historic performance from MVP running back Tim Spencer and a suffocating defense that forced five turnovers, the Blitz secured their second league title in three years. Spencer rushed for 182 yards and three touchdowns, including a 70-yard burst that showcased his breakaway speed, while the defense turned Tampa Bay’s mistakes into points, including a 50-yard fumble recovery touchdown by linebacker Mike White.

The game started as a defensive battle, with Chicago’s Frank Coral connecting on two early field goals (49 and 41 yards) to give the Blitz a 6-0 lead. Tampa Bay responded in the second quarter when quarterback John Reaves found Willie Gillespie for a 28-yard touchdown, but Chicago quickly answered with a 74-yard bomb from Greg Landry to Cedric Anderson. The Bandits briefly regained the lead after Brian Hall returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown, but Spencer’s 11-yard rushing score late in the third quarter put Chicago ahead for good.

The fourth quarter was all Blitz, as Spencer added two more touchdowns (10 and 11 yards) and White’s fumble return sealed the game. Tampa Bay’s Reaves threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns, but three interceptions and five fumbles proved too much to overcome. Chicago’s defense, which recorded three sacks and held Tampa Bay to just 72 rushing yards, was relentless, while Landry managed the game efficiently, throwing for 276 yards and a touchdown. The Blitz’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense were the difference, cementing their place as one of the USFL’s all-time great teams.

Team Stats

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Box Scores and Recaps

Birmingham Stallions 27, Tampa Bay Bandits 30

USFL Playoffs Eastern Championship (1985)

Tampa Bay Bandits Stage Epic Comeback to Clinch Eastern Championship in Overtime Thriller
By Ryan “Data Dynamo” Anderson

In a game that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in USFL playoff history, the Tampa Bay Bandits rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat the Birmingham Stallions 30-27 in overtime, securing their first-ever trip to the USFL Championship. The Bandits, led by MVP wide receiver Eric Truvillion and a resilient defense, overcame five turnovers and a sluggish start to stun the Stallions in front of a rain-soaked Tampa Stadium crowd.

Birmingham dominated the first three quarters, building a 27-6 lead behind a balanced attack. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt connected with Joey Jones for two touchdown passes (18 and 25 yards), while running back Joe Cribbs added a 3-yard rushing score. The Stallions’ defense was equally impressive, forcing four turnovers and sacking Tampa Bay quarterback John Reaves five times. However, the tide turned late in the third quarter when Bandits linebacker Warren Hanna returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown, igniting the comeback.

Tampa Bay’s offense came alive in the fourth quarter, with Reaves finding Truvillion for a 24-yard touchdown and Spencer Jackson for a 48-yard strike to tie the game with just 1:32 remaining. The Bandits’ defense, which had struggled early, forced three critical turnovers in the second half, including two interceptions by Marcus Quinn. In overtime, Tampa Bay’s Zenon Andrusyshyn sealed the victory with a 24-yard field goal, capping an 8-play, 58-yard drive. Reaves finished with 389 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Truvillion hauled in six catches for 133 yards and two scores. Birmingham’s Stoudt threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns but was plagued by three interceptions, including the game-changing pick-six.

Special Teams

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Box Scores and Recaps, Uncategorized

Denver Gold 32, Chicago Blitz 52

USFL Playoffs Western Championship (1985)

Chicago Blitz Overwhelm Denver Gold in High-Scoring Western Championship Thriller
By Ryan “Data Dynamo” Anderson

The Chicago Blitz proved why they are the perennial powerhouse of the USFL, defeating the Denver Gold 52-35 in a wild Western Championship game at Soldier Field. Despite a strong start by Denver, Chicago’s offense, led by MVP quarterback Tim Spencer, exploded for 52 points, including a 28-point third quarter that turned the tide. The Blitz’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate time of possession (37:08 to 22:52) ultimately sealed their victory and punched their ticket to the USFL Championship.

Denver came out firing, with quarterback Bob Gagliano connecting on two early touchdown passes to Marc Lewis (45 yards) and Leonard Harris (21 yards) to take a 14-0 lead. However, Chicago’s defense adjusted, forcing six turnovers, including a pivotal 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Mike Minniefield in the third quarter. Gagliano finished with impressive numbers (28-of-48, 492 yards, 5 TDs), but his four interceptions and two sacks proved costly. The Blitz’s defense, which generated 20 blitzes and three forced fumbles, consistently disrupted Denver’s rhythm, holding the Gold to just 19 rushing yards on eight attempts.

Offensively, Chicago was nearly unstoppable. Quarterback Greg Landry orchestrated a masterful performance, completing 29-of-42 passes for 394 yards and five touchdowns, spreading the ball to nine different receivers. Tim Spencer, the game’s MVP, was a dual threat, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown while adding nine receptions for 114 yards and another score. The Blitz’s efficiency in the red zone (4-for-7) and on third downs (9-of-13) underscored their dominance. Denver made a late push with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 65-yard bomb from Gagliano to Harris, but it was too little, too late. Chicago’s balanced attack and relentless defense were simply too much for the Gold to overcome.

Team Stats

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Box Scores and Recaps

Denver Gold 35, Houston Gamblers 32

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Denver Gold Shock Houston Gamblers in Thrilling Playoff Battle

In a stunning Sunday night showdown at the Astrodome, the Denver Gold outlasted the Houston Gamblers 35-32 in the second round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with Denver quarterback Bob Gagliano stealing the spotlight as MVP after a stellar performance. Gagliano completed 35 of 44 passes for 460 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Gold’s championship hopes alive in one of the most dramatic playoff upsets in league history.

Houston began the game in command, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind two touchdown passes from Jim Kelly, who finished with 346 passing yards and four touchdowns. Denver, however, responded with resilience. Gagliano orchestrated two second-quarter scoring drives, including an 8-yard touchdown pass to Vince White and a 9-yard scoring run by Bill Johnson, narrowing the deficit to 17-14 by halftime. Denver’s defense tightened in the second half, forcing two critical turnovers that shifted the game’s momentum.

The Gold surged ahead in the third quarter with a methodical drive capped by White’s 1-yard touchdown run. Early in the fourth, Gagliano connected with Marc Lewis for a 19-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-17. Though Kelly rallied the Gamblers with two late touchdowns, including a 34-yard strike to Richard Johnson, Denver held on. Gagliano sealed the win with an 8-yard scoring pass to Kelley Johnson. Denver’s balanced attack and clutch defense secured their spot in the next round, leaving Houston stunned in their home dome.

Special Teams

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Box Scores and Recaps

Memphis Showboats 6, Tampa Bay Bandits 17

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Bandits Sail Past Showboats in Soggy Showdown

In a rain-drenched Tampa Stadium, the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a gritty 17-6 victory over the Memphis Showboats in the second round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. Quarterback John Reaves delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 292 yards and two touchdowns while navigating challenging conditions. Tampa Bay’s defense stifled the Showboats’ offense, holding them to just 167 total yards and nine first downs.

The Bandits took control early, with Reaves connecting on a 37-yard strike to Larry Brodsky to cap a nine-play, 90-yard drive late in the first quarter. Reaves continued to dissect the Memphis secondary in the second quarter, finding Eric Truvillion for a 35-yard touchdown that extended the lead to 14-0. Memphis responded just before halftime with a four-yard touchdown run by Harry Sydney, but a missed extra point left them trailing 14-6.

Tampa Bay’s defense took over in the second half, stifling Memphis’ attempts to gain traction. Zenon Andrusyshyn added a 40-yard field goal midway through the third quarter, providing the final points of the game. Memphis threatened with a long drive later in the quarter, but a missed field goal squandered their best chance to close the gap. Despite losing four fumbles, Tampa Bay’s dominance in time of possession and third-down efficiency (10-of-15 conversions) sealed the win. Reaves earned MVP honors for his poised performance under pressure, while Memphis left the field with questions about their offensive execution.

Team Stats

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Box Scores and Recaps

Birmingham Stallions 21, New Jersey Generals 10

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Stallions Ground Generals in Meadowlands, Advance to USFL Eastern Final

In a highly anticipated evening matchup at Giants Stadium, the Birmingham Stallions defeated the New Jersey Generals 21-10 to advance to the USFL championship game. Jim Smith was the MVP, turning in a spectacular performance with seven catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns. The Stallions’ defense complemented the offense’s efficiency, forcing four turnovers and limiting Doug Flutie to just 93 passing yards.

Birmingham struck first in the second quarter with Cliff Stoudt connecting on a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jim Smith. Stoudt followed up with a methodical drive just before halftime, capped by a Joel Coles 4-yard touchdown run, giving Birmingham a 14-0 lead at the break. The Generals responded early in the third quarter when Herschel Walker broke free for a 12-yard touchdown, and Roger Ruzek’s 38-yard field goal soon after narrowed the gap to 14-10. However, the Stallions delivered a decisive blow late in the third quarter, as Stoudt again found Smith in the end zone, this time from 8 yards out, to extend the lead to 21-10.

Despite Walker’s impressive effort, rushing for 139 yards on 22 carries, the Generals struggled to sustain drives, converting only 1 of 8 third downs. Birmingham’s defense, led by Bill Roe and Rodney Harding, ensured New Jersey never threatened in the fourth quarter. With this victory, the Stallions showcased their balanced attack and resiliency, positioning themselves as a formidable force heading into the championship game.

Special Teams

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Box Scores and Recaps, Uncategorized

Chicago Blitz 34, Arizona Wranglers 27

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Chicago Blitz Survive Arizona Wranglers’ Comeback Attempt, Advance to USFL Western Finals

Under the sweltering 99-degree heat of Sun Devil Stadium, the Chicago Blitz emerged victorious in a high-stakes playoff showdown, defeating the Arizona Wranglers 34-27. Chicago’s well-rounded performance was led by MVP Tim Spencer, who rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries, consistently keeping Arizona’s defense on its heels. The Blitz struck early with two first-quarter touchdowns, including an 8-yard run by Spencer and a 3-yard plunge by Mack Boatner, giving them a commanding 14-0 lead. Arizona responded with a 12-yard touchdown connection between Vince Evans and Allen Clark, but Chicago maintained control with a Cedric Anderson 41-yard touchdown reception and a field goal to hold a 24-13 halftime advantage.

The second half saw the Blitz continue their efficient offensive execution. Alan Risher connected with tight end Jeff Dennison on a 3-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, extending the lead to 31-13. Arizona, however, refused to back down, as Reggie Brown’s hard-fought six-yard touchdown run brought the Wranglers back within striking distance at 31-20. Chicago’s defense, led by linebackers Jim Fanhorst and Ed Smith, held strong, stalling several Arizona drives. Kicker Coral added a 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, providing enough cushion to withstand a dramatic 66-yard fumble return by Selwyn Drane that cut the deficit to seven.

While Vince Evans and Arizona’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, including Evans’ 194 passing yards and Brown’s two rushing touchdowns, the Wranglers couldn’t overcome Chicago’s dominance in key moments. Chicago outgained Arizona with 480 total yards to 256 and maintained a balanced attack through both the air and ground. With this victory, the Blitz advance to the league finals, one step closer to USFL glory.

Team Stats

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Box Scores and Recaps

Michigan Panthers 24, Chicago Blitz 35

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Blitz Outlast Panthers in Playoff Thriller, Advance to Semifinals

In a heated playoff clash at Soldier Field, the Chicago Blitz edged out their bitter rivals, the Michigan Panthers, 35-24, in a game filled with momentum swings and standout performances. Chicago quarterback Landry led the charge, throwing for 247 yards and five touchdowns, earning a 119.3 passer rating and the game’s MVP honors. Wide receiver Spencer was electric, hauling in two of Landry’s touchdowns, including a 62-yard strike that reignited the Blitz’s lead in the third quarter.

The game began with Chicago asserting dominance, building a 14-0 lead behind long, efficient drives. Michigan responded with quarterback Bobby Hebert, who orchestrated two touchdown drives to keep the Panthers within striking distance at halftime, trailing 21-14. Hebert’s connection with Derek Holloway for a 35-yard touchdown tied the game early in the third quarter, but Chicago answered swiftly with Spencer’s deep touchdown grab. The Blitz’s defense tightened in the fourth, highlighted by Bruce Laird’s late interception to seal the win.

While the Panthers fought valiantly, with Hebert passing for 341 yards and three touchdowns, their three turnovers and inability to stop Chicago’s balanced attack proved costly. The Blitz controlled the clock with 168 rushing yards, led by Spencer’s 130-yard performance on the ground. With the victory, Chicago advances to the semifinals, keeping their championship hopes alive while sending their rivals home in a thrilling playoff opener.

Special Teams

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