Tag Archives: 1985 Playoffs

Box Scores and Recaps

Pittsburgh Maulers 17, Birmingham Stallions 24

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Stallions Outpace Maulers in Thrilling Playoff Opener

The Birmingham Stallions rode the stellar performance of running back Joe Cribbs to a dramatic 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers in the opening round of the playoffs at Legion Field. Cribbs, named MVP of the game, accounted for two rushing touchdowns, including a pair of five-yard scores in the first half that set the tone for Birmingham’s offense. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt sealed the win with a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Ken Toler, capping a 69-yard drive that reclaimed the lead with just over a minute remaining.

Pittsburgh, trailing 17-3 at halftime, came alive in the second half with a more balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Brian Sipe connected with Flowers for a 15-yard touchdown in the third quarter and orchestrated a grueling 15-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard scoring plunge by Miller to tie the game at 17 late in the fourth. However, the Maulers were unable to capitalize on their momentum as Stoudt and the Stallions engineered a methodical response, exploiting Pittsburgh’s defense with key completions to Jim Smith and Joey Jones before Toler’s decisive catch in the end zone.

The Maulers’ defense fought valiantly, with Mike McKibben and Freeman combining for 16 tackles and two sacks, but they couldn’t contain Cribbs in critical moments. Meanwhile, the Stallions’ defense held strong when it mattered most, with Herbie Spencer leading the way with 11 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter interception by Tommy Haynes. Birmingham advances to the next round, while Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes end in heartbreak despite a commendable second-half rally.

Team Stats

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Box Scores and Recaps

Denver Gold 49, Oakland Invaders 17

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Denver Gold Crush Oakland Invaders in Playoff Opener, 49-17

The Denver Gold rode a near-perfect performance from quarterback Bob Gagliano to an emphatic 49-17 victory over the Oakland Invaders in the opening round of the playoffs at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Gagliano dazzled with pinpoint accuracy, completing 26 of 27 passes for 429 yards and six touchdowns, earning him MVP honors. Vince White was his primary weapon, hauling in 14 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Denver’s offensive onslaught began early and never relented, as they built a commanding 35-3 halftime lead.

Oakland’s offense struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, with turnovers and stalled drives sealing their fate. Quarterback Craig Sundberg threw three interceptions and finished with a pedestrian 235 yards passing. The Invaders briefly rallied in the third quarter behind running back Eric Jordan, who scored twice on short runs to cut the deficit to 35-17. However, Denver immediately responded with Gagliano’s fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Leonard Harris, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback.

Defensively, the Gold stymied the Invaders with timely turnovers and pressure. Stan Blinka led the charge with eight tackles and two interceptions, while Mark Daum added eight tackles and an interception of his own. Oakland’s defense had no answers for Gagliano’s brilliance or Denver’s balanced attack, as the Gold outgained the Invaders 480-317 in total yards. The victory propels Denver into the next round, where they look to maintain their momentum in pursuit of a championship.

Team Statws

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Box Scores and Recaps

Washington Federals 21, Memphis Showboats 45

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Showboats Sail Past Federals in Dominant Playoff Victory

The Memphis Showboats showcased their offensive firepower in a 45-21 triumph over the Washington Federals at Liberty Stadium in the first round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. Quarterback Walter Lewis delivered a masterclass, throwing for 315 yards and five touchdowns while earning MVP honors. Memphis seized control early, with Lewis connecting twice with Derek Crawford for first-quarter touchdowns, including a 46-yard bomb on their opening drive. The Federals struggled to find a rhythm, punting three times in the first half while Memphis built a 21-7 halftime lead.

Washington showed signs of life in the third quarter when Darryl Robinson electrified the crowd with a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, briefly cutting the deficit to 35-14. However, Memphis answered with a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive effort, highlighted by Rod Brown’s 54-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Buster Rhymes also shined, hauling in two touchdowns among his four catches for 89 yards, while Derek Crawford tallied 93 yards and two scores.

The Federals fought valiantly, with quarterback Ron Honensee throwing for 275 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown strike to Steve Sewell in the game’s final moments. However, missed opportunities, including two failed field goal attempts and a costly interception, sealed their fate. Memphis’ defense, led by Mike Brewin’s 11 tackles and Don Bessillieu’s critical pick, held firm against a persistent Washington offense. The Showboats now advance to the conference championship, where they will look to carry their momentum deeper into the postseason.

Team Stats

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