Tag Archives: Memphis Showboats

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

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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Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Bandits vs. Showboats: Round 2 Playoff Showdown in Tampa Bay

On Sunday, June 30, 1985, at 12:30 PM local time, the Tampa Bay Bandits will host the Memphis Showboats in a high-stakes Round 2 playoff clash at Tampa Stadium. With the Bandits enjoying home-field advantage and the Showboats riding the momentum of a decisive victory over the Washington Federals, fans can expect an intense battle between two dynamic teams.

Bandits Overview

The Bandits come into this game as one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league. Quarterback John Reaves has been a gunslinger all season, amassing 4,193 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. While his 56% completion rate and 40 interceptions have raised questions about consistency, Reaves remains capable of taking over games with his big-play ability.

Tampa Bay’s offense is bolstered by a strong supporting cast. Gary Anderson is a dual-threat star, leading the team with 1,207 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 678 receiving yards and 4 more scores. Larry Brodsky and Marvin Harvey provide deep threats, combining for over 1,700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Bandits rely on linebacker Danny Wilson’s tackling prowess (160 total tackles) and a pass rush led by Todd Nordgren (10 sacks). Their secondary has been opportunistic, with Marcus Quinn and Alvin Bailey combining for 12 interceptions.

Showboats Overview

The Memphis Showboats are the league’s dark horse, blending a gritty rushing attack with explosive plays in the passing game. Walter Lewis has been a revelation under center, posting a 99.8 passer rating and leading the team with 16 passing touchdowns. He’s also a threat on the ground, rushing for 591 yards and 4 scores.

The Showboats’ ground game is anchored by Tim Spencer, who churned out 789 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, while Anthony Parker added 285 yards and 8 scores in short-yardage situations. In the air, Greg Moser has been nearly unstoppable, racking up 1,145 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, complemented by Derek Crawford’s 1,057 yards and 9 scores.

Memphis’s special teams could be an X-factor. Derek Crawford returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown during the regular season and averages an impressive 23 yards per return.

Defensively, the Showboats are opportunistic, with a deep rotation in the trenches and a knack for forcing turnovers. Linebacker Leonard Williams and safety Gary Shirk lead a disciplined unit capable of bending without breaking.

Keys to Victory

For Tampa Bay

  • Protect the Ball: Reaves must limit turnovers against a Showboats defense that thrives on takeaways.
  • Establish Anderson Early: Getting Gary Anderson involved both on the ground and through the air will keep the Memphis defense off balance.
  • Pressure Lewis: The Bandits’ front seven needs to disrupt Walter Lewis’s rhythm and prevent him from creating plays with his legs.

For Memphis

  • Control the Clock: A heavy dose of Spencer and Parker could help Memphis keep the Bandits’ offense off the field.
  • Big Plays: The Showboats must capitalize on their big-play potential, especially with Moser and Crawford stretching the defense.
  • Special Teams Impact: Explosive returns or key field position swings could tilt the game in Memphis’s favor.

Prediction

This matchup has all the ingredients for a classic playoff duel. The Bandits’ explosive offense and home crowd provide a significant edge, but Memphis has the tools to pull off an upset with disciplined defense and clutch playmaking.

Final Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Bandits 31, Memphis Showboats 27.

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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Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Showboats Host Federals in Round 1 of 1985 USFL Playoffs

The USFL playoffs kick off this Saturday, June 22, 1985, with a high-stakes clash between the Memphis Showboats and the Washington Federals at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. Scheduled for a 12:30 PM start, this matchup pits two distinct styles of play against each other, promising a compelling showdown.

Memphis Showboats: Explosive and Resilient

The Showboats enter the playoffs boasting one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Quarterback Walter Lewis has been a revelation, throwing for 1,593 yards and 16 touchdowns with a stellar 99.8 passer rating. His dual-threat capability is further underscored by 591 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground, making him a dynamic challenge for any defense.

Memphis thrives on big plays, with standout receivers Derek Crawford (70 receptions, 1,057 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Greg Moser (57 receptions, 1,145 yards, 6 touchdowns) providing explosive options downfield. Their running game is anchored by Tim Spencer, who has churned out 789 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.

Defensively, Memphis is formidable. Rufus Brown leads the team with 12 sacks and 50 tackles, while the secondary, led by Marcus Bessilieu (7 interceptions, 1 touchdown), has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Showboats’ ability to create turnovers and apply pressure will be critical against a turnover-prone Washington offense.

Washington Federals: Grit and Grind

The Federals clinched their playoff spot behind a strong finish, leaning heavily on running back Craig Bledsoe, who surpassed 1,000 yards rushing (1,080) and added 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Mike Hohensee has shown flashes of brilliance, with 2,766 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, though his 20 interceptions remain a concern.

Wide receiver Joey Walters has been the heart of Washington’s passing attack, hauling in 98 catches for 1,410 yards and 13 touchdowns. Walters’ knack for finding seams in coverage will be crucial if the Federals hope to keep pace with Memphis’ high-powered offense.

Defensively, the Federals rely on a pass rush spearheaded by Steve Hines (8 sacks) and a solid linebacker corps led by George Johnson. However, Washington’s secondary has struggled against deep-ball threats, which could spell trouble against Lewis and his big-play arsenal.

Keys to Victory

For Memphis:

  • Control the tempo: Establish Spencer on the ground and exploit Washington’s secondary with play-action.
  • Turn defense into offense: Capitalize on Hohensee’s penchant for turnovers to set up short fields.

For Washington:

  • Limit mistakes: Protect the ball at all costs to avoid giving Memphis easy scoring opportunities.
  • Ground and pound: Use Bledsoe to keep the ball out of Lewis’ hands and wear down Memphis’ front seven.

What to Watch

  • Special Teams Impact: Memphis’ Derek Crawford has been electric in the return game, averaging 23 yards per punt return with a touchdown. Can Washington’s coverage unit neutralize him?
  • Third-Down Efficiency: Both teams will need to sustain drives to stay in rhythm. Look for this battle to hinge on clutch third-down plays.

The Memphis faithful will pack the Liberty Bowl to cheer on their Showboats, but Washington has shown resilience on the road this season. With contrasting styles and playoff intensity, this game promises to deliver a memorable start to the postseason.

Prediction: The Showboats’ explosive playmakers and opportunistic defense give them the edge at home. Memphis 31, Washington 20.

Who will advance to the next round? Tune in Saturday for all the action!

League News/Press

USFL 1985 Season Opener: Saturday Recap

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The USFL’s 1985 season opener on Saturday featured three electrifying games that set the tone for an exciting year of football.

The Memphis Showboats showcased their dominance with a convincing 37-21 victory over the Denver Gold. Walter Lewis was the standout performer, completing 22 of 17 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 35 rushing yards. Despite a valiant effort from Denver’s quarterback Bob Gagliano, who threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns, the Gold were plagued by turnovers and injuries, unable to match Memphis’ balanced offense and resilient defense.

In a high-scoring affair, the San Antonio Gunslingers outlasted the New Orleans Breakers 38-28. Jerry Parrish was the hero for San Antonio, recording 9 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. The game was a back-and-forth battle, but San Antonio’s explosive plays and relentless offense ultimately secured the win. New Orleans put up a strong fight, but their defense couldn’t contain Parrish and the Gunslingers’ potent attack.

The Tampa Bay Bandits kicked off their season with a 34-16 triumph over the Washington Federals. Eric Truvillion was unstoppable, hauling in 7 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, leading Tampa Bay’s aerial assault. Washington struggled to keep up with the Bandits’ high-powered offense, as Tampa Bay’s defense also stepped up, limiting the Federals’ scoring opportunities and forcing key turnovers to seal the victory.

These thrilling matchups highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the USFL, promising an action-packed season ahead.

Expansion

Introducing Memphis Showboats

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by: Elsa Cameron, The Commercial Appeal

The USFL announced an ambitious expansion for their second year, adding 6 teams to the league. The league chose to give one lucky reporter from each expansion city a chance to write about their new team each week to end the season. You already know about the Bulls, Gamblers, and Gunslingers.

I have the opportunity and privledge to introduce your Memphis Showboats. Like Jacksonville, the first city to announce their team, Tennessee comes to the league with a fervent college football history and fandom. We love our Vols in this state.

So, Tennessee, show up for the Showboats with that same excitement and energy. The USFL proved so far this year that they bring professional football with a more fun attitude than the NFL. We need to match that energy and fun.