Showboats in the News

Southern Weekends with Daisy

Daisy Mae Carter

1985 Memphis Showboats Season Preview

Howdy y’all! Daisy Mae here, ready to dish out the latest scoop on our very own Memphis Showboats as we set sail into the 1985 season of the USFL. Now, last year, our Showboats might have hit a few rough waters, ending the season with a 7-11 record, but honey, every great ship needs a little time to find its sea legs. This year, I’ve got a good feeling we’re about to chart a course for success.

Quarterbacks:

Leading our offense, we’ve got Walter Kelly, who’s proven he can sling that pigskin like nobody’s business. With a stellar passer rating of 125.0 last season, he’s sure to keep those chains moving. Let’s not forget about Lewis and Johnson, who bring their own flair to the field. We’ve got a trio of talented quarterbacks ready to take the helm.

Running Backs:

In the backfield, John Reid is our workhorse, rushing for 908 yards and snagging 302 receiving yards last season. He’s a double threat, folks! Don’t sleep on Quarles and Ford either; they’ve shown they can pound that rock and catch those passes. We’ve got depth and dynamism in our running game, y’all.

Wide Receivers:

Our receiving corps is led by Crawford and Carney, who hauled in 703 and 701 yards respectively last year. These boys are fast, fierce, and ready to light up the scoreboard. With Sandilands and Dameron rounding out the lineup, our air attack is poised to make waves.

Tight Ends:

When it comes to tight ends, Ken Shirk is our man. He’s got hands like glue, and he’s not afraid to mix it up in the trenches. Heflin is right there with him, ready to rumble.

Offensive Line:

Up front, we’ve got a solid wall of protection led by Rubens, Kuehn, and Stevenson. These big fellas are the unsung heroes, keeping our quarterbacks upright and opening lanes for our running backs. Y’all better believe they’ll be a force to reckon with.

Defense:

On the defensive side, we’re anchored by Reggie White and Dwight Clark, who know how to bring the heat. With a sack count of 12 and 7 respectively, opposing quarterbacks better watch out! Our linebackers, led by Howard and Jeffers, are tackling machines, and our secondary, featuring Major and Love, are ball hawks ready to snatch up any errant throws.

Special Teams:

Let’s not forget about special teams. Partridge’s punting and Duncan’s kicking are as reliable as sweet tea on a hot summer day. And with Crawford returning kicks, we’re always a threat to take one to the house.

Optimism for the Season:

Now, I know last season had its ups and downs, but every bump in the road was a lesson learned. Coach Pepper Rodgers has been working these boys hard in the offseason, and you can feel the buzz in the air. The Showboats are more than ready to set sail on this new season with fire in their bellies and a chip on their shoulders.

The key to our success will be turning those close games into wins, and with the talent we’ve got, I reckon we’re up for the challenge. So grab your jerseys, get your game faces on, and let’s make some noise for our Memphis Showboats. This year, we’re not just aiming to stay afloat—we’re aiming to rule the waves!

Here’s to a thrilling 1985 season, filled with high hopes, big plays, and plenty of that Southern grit and grace we all love. Go Showboats! Let’s show ‘em what Memphis is made of!

Previous Articles

1984

Southern Sundays with Daisy: A Gridiron Tale of Grit and Glory

Showboats Soar in Oakland: Kelly’s Command Leads Memphis to Victory

Setting Sail: The Birth of the Memphis Showboats – A 1984 Expansion Tale