Oakland Invaders News and Press

Invaders in the News

Foster’s Bay Area Missives

Alex Foster

Latest Article

Good afternoon, Oakland faithful! Alex Foster here, ready to dive into what promises to be an exciting 1985 season for our beloved Invaders. Coming off a thrilling yet heart-wrenching 12-6 season that saw us fall just short in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Express, the Invaders are gearing up to make an even deeper run this year. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising new talent, the spirit and resilience of Oakland are embodied in every player who steps onto the field.

Quarterbacks

The quarterback room remains stable with Fred Bessena at the helm. Bessena’s leadership and impressive 3,427 passing yards last season set the tone for the offense. Grant and Ramsey are ready to step in whenever needed, providing reliable depth and a solid backup plan.

Running Backs

Our running game is bolstered by the dynamic duo of John Newton and Eric Jordan. Newton’s 765 rushing yards and Jordan’s 941 rushing yards, coupled with his explosive kick return ability, make them a formidable pair. With Albert Whittington, Ray Jackson, and the promising Greg Brown adding depth, the ground attack looks promising.

Wide Receivers

Herschel Banks leads the receiving corps after a stellar season with 1,220 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. Danny Lewis and Steve Smith provide reliable targets, while James Thompson and Henry Smith add depth and versatility. Look for Banks to continue being a key playmaker, with Lewis and Smith ready to step up when called upon.

Tight Ends

Brian Williams, with 811 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, anchors the tight end position. Richard Gilbert adds another reliable option, ensuring that our tight ends remain a crucial part of the offensive strategy.

Offensive Line

The offensive line, featuring stalwarts like Jim Turnure, Tom Raymond, and Roosevelt Wiska, is ready to protect Bessena and pave the way for our running backs. This group’s durability and cohesion are key to maintaining a strong offensive front.

Defensive Line

Keith Browning and Dave Bennett lead a defensive line poised to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stuff the run. The depth provided by David Worthy, Charlie Sullivan, and others ensures that our defense remains stout and aggressive.

Linebackers

Carl Plummer and Gary Lucas spearhead a linebacker corps known for its hard-hitting and playmaking abilities. With Mike Shaw and David Manumaleag providing support, this group will be crucial in stopping the run and covering the middle of the field.

Secondary

Our secondary, led by the tenacious John Quinn and the ever-reliable Larry Daniel, is ready to shut down opposing passing games. Don Martin and Harold Williams add depth at cornerback, while Dennis Duncan and Jerry Sullivan provide solid safety play.

Special Teams

Stan Talley continues to be a consistent force as our punter, while Mike Shea looks to improve on his field goal percentage. Eric Jordan and Danny Lewis provide excitement in the return game, ready to give us great field position and possibly take it to the house.

Final Thoughts

The 1984 season was a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Invaders. With key players returning and new talents ready to make their mark, the 1985 season holds great promise. Under the guidance of Coach Chuck Hutchison, the Invaders are set to embody the heart and determination of Oakland, proving once again why this team is the pride of our city.

Get ready, Oakland. The Invaders are here to conquer, and with the unwavering support of our loyal fans, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Let’s make 1985 a season to remember!

Stay strong and Invade On!

Alex Foster

Articles Archive

Invaders Stumble in Season Finale: Denver Dominates 54-10

Ramsey’s Heroics Propel Invaders to Thrilling Victory Over Arch-Rivals

Memphis Mauls Oakland: Invaders Stumble in Tough Loss

1983 Playoff Thriller: Oakland Triumphs Over Boston in Nail-Biter

Chicago’s Defense Dominates in 1983 USFL Championship