1971 Week 4

Roster Moves
CGY: DL Chris Barrett | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: DL Robert Westminster (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: DL Wolfgang Dill | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: DL Jamar Kingston | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: QB Lyle Painter | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: QB Colt Dorsey (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: DB Tim Fox | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: DB Peter Benjamin | Reserve List -> Active Roster

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 24 @ Halifax Mariners - 7 - Atlantic Stadium - Friday, July 16, 1971 - 6:00 PM ET/7:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,704
1st Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
0-14: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
0-17: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
7-17: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
7-24: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> TE Sylvian Leblanc
4th Q

QB Gene Bishop returned to the lineup for Montreal’s 4th game of the season, marking the 4th consecutive game with a different starting QB than the previous week for the team. Led by RB Bo Frazier, who was named the starting back for the first time this season, the offence had a solid first half putting up 17 points. The defence had their way with the Mariners as well, pitching a shutout in the first half. 
1971 1st overall pick, QB Todd Sparrow, made his first career start with the injury to QB Lyle Painter. Sparrow faced the tough Rouge defence and did not come out looking great in the first half, having a couple of interceptions to DB Jean Paul du Pont. The team was able to pull it together a bit in the 2nd half, with Sparrow throwing his first career touchdown to WR Shane Steadman, but after Montreal rolled into the endzone for their 3rd major of the game, they were too far behind to get back into the game.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 20 @ Edmonton Rangers - 23 - Forest Heights Park - Friday, July 16 - 1971 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 28,112
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
3-10: EDM - PTD QB Blair Collins -> WR Spencer Hicks
10-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
3rd Q
13-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
13-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
13-20: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
4th Q
20-20: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
20-23: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry

Edmonton and Vancouver met for a rematch of their week 1 matchup, reigniting the WFU rivalry that the two teams had due to being the two biggest championship contenders over the last decade. Edmonton played with grit and was able to hang with the stronger Wolves team, even taking a lead in the 2nd, but a late touchdown from the Wolves would tie it up heading into halftime. In the 3rd, the Wolves got a field goal early, but Edmonton’s punishing run game would allow them to score the next 10 points, regaining their 7-point lead. Vancouver would make some big plays in the 4th to tie the game up once again. However, the game would be decided on a punt shortly after when Vancouver RB Nikki Yang would fumble the ball on the return setting up Edmonton for the game-winning field goal.

Louisville Thunder - 24 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 13 - Milton Charles Stadium - Saturday, July 17, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,792
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
0-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-6: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
4-6: LOU - Single K Elvis Franklin
3rd Q
4-13: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> RB Yancy Harrison
11-13: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Lloyd Lane
14-13: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
4th Q
21-13: LOU - RTD QB Xerxes Wynn
24-13: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin

The first half of the game between the Thunder and Blue Wings would be pretty sloppy with several turnovers and a lot of small scores. QB Charles Lemieux would finally make some noise with a touchdown drive to open the 2nd half. Louisville quickly answered back with WR Lloyd Lane’s first touchdown of the season, before a field goal would give them their first lead of the contest. From that point, the Thunder would take over. The defence would hold off the Blue Wings while the offence would get the ball moving on the ground following the injury to Buffalo’s DL Cal Ericsson. Louisville QB Xerxes Wynn would get into the endzone on a sneak at the 1-yard line to give Louisville an 8-point lead. Louisville would take home the win to improve to 3-1 on the year, while Buffalo slips to an ugly 1-3. 

London Tigers - 14 @ Toronto Steelheads - 25 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, July 17, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 50,788
1st Q
0-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
7-7: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> RB Austin Andrews
2nd Q
7-8: TOR - Single K Vic Greatwood
7-15: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Sterling Underhill
3rd Q
7-22: TOR - RTD QB David Simmons
4th Q
14-22: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Cole Fletcher
14-25: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood

The Tigers headed into Toronto for a provincial battle with the Steelheads. Both teams would trade touchdowns in the opening quarter, leaving the game tied at 7 heading into the 2nd. Toronto’s defence would step up in the 2nd, stopping the Tigers’ attack and not allowing any points, while their offence, despite losing RB Shannon West to an injury, would get back into the endzone to go up 15-7. In the 3rd, QB David Simmons would flash his running ability, escaping a collapsing pocket and finding nothing but the field between himself and the endzone. The Tigers would finally get an answer in when QB Tyrion Gainsborough hit WR Cole Fletcher up the sideline, but Toronto would hold on to their 2nd win of the season.

Ottawa Royals - 48 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 24 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, July 17, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 13,650
1st Q
7-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
14-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
2nd Q
21-0: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
28-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Colby Bancana
3rd Q
35-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
35-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
35-10: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
38-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
38-17: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
45-17: OTT - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> WR Charles Toothacre
45-24: REG - DTD FUM LB Marv Powers
48-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster

The Royals headed out west to take on the Wheat Kings, and they got into an immediate flow right out of the gate. They would score 4 touchdowns in the opening half, while their defence would crush any offensive attack from the Wheat Kings. QB Drake Young was nearly perfect, throwing 4 touchdowns in the opening 3 quarters before he was replaced by QB Ulysses Lawyer in the 4th. WR Charles Toothacre would score his first touchdown of his career. Regina finally found some points in the 3rd, and then a touchdown with WR Nick Spalding getting free on a miscue from the Royals’ defence. They would add more points in the 4th against some of the Royals’ backups. 

Calgary Predators - 18 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 25 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Saturday, July 17, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,239
1st Q
0-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Orlando Barrack
3-7: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
2nd Q
10-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Patrick Early
10-10: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
10-17: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Orlando Barrack
17-17: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
4th Q
18-17: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
18-23: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
18-25: PIT - 2PT RB Max Tracy

QB Emmitt Jackson got the call to start for the Calgary Predators after the offence only put up 8 points in the last two weeks with QB Jesse Essex starting. Calgary fell behind quickly with WR Orlando Barrack breaking loose for a 72-yard touchdown on just the 2nd play of offence for the Blacksmiths. After the early score, QB Emmitt Jackson was able to get the ball moving with a field goal in the 1st. Then, he would throw Calgary’s first passing touchdown of the season to give them their first lead since week 1 against the Tigers. The Blacksmiths, who have been playing a bit sloppy in the first few weeks would have some of the same issues in this game, but they would keep pace with the Predators into the 4th quarter. Calgary would get another lead off of a single, but RB Max Tracy would do what he does best and carry the Blacksmiths down the field to regain their lead late into the game to give Pittsburgh their 2nd win.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 23 @ Indiana Victors - 29 - Victory Stadium - Saturday, July 17, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,521
1st Q
0-7: IND - DTD INT DB Neville Falkner
0-14: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
1-14: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
8-14: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
8-21: IND - RTD RB Jimmy Golden
3rd Q
8-23: IND - Safety DL Eugene Case
8-26: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
15-26: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
21-26: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
23-26: MIN - 2PT QB Martin Keller -> WR Evan Clanton
23-29: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter

Indiana continued their strong set of games while hosting the Serpents on Saturday Night. DB Neville Falkner would meet his pick-6 quota early in the game before WR Jake Abbredezzi found the endzone shortly after. Minnesota would bounce back with a touchdown in the 2nd, but RB Jimmy Golden would get into the endzone for the first time as a Victor to extend the lead for the home team. QB Martin Keller was struggling in the game, and when he was caught under the shadow of his own goalposts, Keller would get flustered and take a sack in the endzone, giving Indiana a safety. With Keller struggling, RB Tyler Kuhn would step up to the plate, putting on a rushing clinic and scoring back-to-back touchdowns to get the Serpents back into the game. They would make it a 3-point game, however, Indiana would manage to run down the clock with a length drive, highlighted by RB Jimmy Golden and RB Ed Finley, which was capped off by a lead-extending field goal. 

Boston Independents - 13 @ Providence Gold Stars - 21 - New Providence Stadium - Sunday, July 18, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 64,039
1st Q
0-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
2nd Q
0-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Bennie Braverman
3-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
10-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
13-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
13-21: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones

The Gold Stars put their unbeaten record to the test against their archrivals to start Sunday’s action. QB Red King got the home fans roaring with a 0-14 lead in the opening half. Boston finally got some points late in the quarter, but they were struggling against the Gold Stars’ dominant defence. Braddock would catch a bit of fire out of the halftime break, throwing a touchdown to WR Al Allmendinger and then getting a field goal to make it a one-point game. Following the surge by the Independents, the Gold Stars’ defence would put their foot down and stop Boston from scoring again. The Gold Stars’ offence also did their part with a long and time-consuming drive to close out the game with the Gold Stars on top 13-21.

Long Island Raiders - 27 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 15 - Provencher Park - Sunday, July 18, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET/3:30 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 22,934
1st Q
0-7: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
7-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
2nd Q
14-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
17-7: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
17-14: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
20-14: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
4th Q
20-15: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
27-15: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton

Long Island headed out to Winnipeg looking to end the Falcons’ 2-game win streak. Winnipeg would get the first blow-in with RB Joe Rivers getting into the endzone, but Long Island countered with the following 17 points over the rest of the 1st half. Winnipeg would not be helped with a couple of defensive injuries to DB Kyle Ellerbee and DL Wallace Cutt, that allowed the Raiders’ offence to have their way. Winnipeg showed a little bit of fight to start the 2nd half with QB Emerson Thompson finding WR Terry Upshaw, but the Raiders would continue to roll on and add 10 more points to their total to secure their 3rd win of the season.

Injury Report
BOS: DB Max Adams - 1 Week
BUF: DL Cal Ericsson - Season
CGY: WR Shay Hopkins - 1 Week
CGY: DL Roger Barrett - Day-to-Day
EDM: S Lance Tollbert - Day-to-Day
EDM: RB Tyler Smith - Day-to-Day
EDM: S Josh Spight - Day-to-Day
EDM: WR Johnathan Duncan - Day-to-Day
HFX: DL Pat Butler - 2 Weeks
HFX: DB Jack Treadaway - Day-to-Day
IND: WR Ed Edwards - Day-to-Day
IND: TE Eric Peterson - 4 Weeks
LDN: DL Teddy Piper - Day-to-Day
LDN: DL Matt Brown - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Gary Bies - 8 Weeks
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - Day-to-Day
LI: QB Rider Wandrey - Day-to-Day
LOU: OL Gordie Hammarstein - 1 Week
LOU: S Tom McDougall - Day-to-Day
MTL: LB Willie Stetson - 9 Weeks
PRO: DL Ilya Mikaelov - 3 Weeks
PRO: DB Corey Ross - Day-to-Day
REG: OL Charles Hyland - 5 Weeks
REG: OL Ian Robertson - 1 Week
REG: S Sheldon Jackson - 2 Weeks
REG: OL Al Mathis - Day-to-Day
TOR: RB Shannon West - 2 Weeks
VAN: OL David Brewington - 1 week
WPG: WR Elijah Skinner - 11 Weeks
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee - 10 Weeks
WPG: DL Wallace Cutt - 2 Weeks

Players of the Week

OFF: QB Drake Young OTT - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 301 Passing Yards

DEF: DB Jean Paul du Pont MTL - 2 Interceptions, 4 Tackles, 1 Knockdown

Standings
WEST
Winnipeg - 2-2
Minnesota - 2-2
Vancouver - 2-2
Edmonton - 2-2
Calgary - 0-4
Regina - 0-4

CENTRAL
Indiana - 3-1
Louisville - 3-1
Pittsburgh - 2-2
Toronto - 2-2
London - 2-2
Buffalo - 1-3

EAST
Providence - 4-0
Montreal - 4-0
Long Island - 3-1
Ottawa - 3-1
Boston - 1-3
Halifax - 0-4

Power Rankings
1 - Ottawa -
2 - Louisville - 
3 - Providence - 
4 - Long Island +1
5 - Montreal +1
6 - Vancouver -2
7 - Indiana +4
8 - Pittsburgh +1
9 - Boston -2
10 - Buffalo -2
11 - Minnesota -1
12 - Edmonton +2
13 - Winnipeg -1
14 - Toronto +2
15 - London -2
16 - Halifax -1
17 - Calgary +1
18 - Regina -1

Week 5 Games
WPG (2-2) @ CGY (0-4) - JUL 23 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LDN (2-2) @ BOS (1-3) - JUL 24 - 12:00 PM ET
MTL (4-0) @ LI (3-1) - JUL 24 - 12:00 PM ET
LOU (3-1) @ EDM (2-2) - JUL 24 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (2-2) @ REG (0-4) - JUL 24 - 3:30 PM ET
PRO (4-0) @ OTT (3-1) - JUL 24 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PIT (2-2) @ HFX (0-4) - JUL 25 - 1:00 PM ET
TOR (2-2) @ IND (3-1) - JUL 25 - 1:00 PM ET
BUF (1-3) @ MIN (2-2) - JUL 25 - 4:30 PM ET

Man, I know dynasties end eventually, but I didn't expect it to be so abrupt for the Blue Wings. I'm glad the Rouge picked up another win to stay undefeated, though.

Shame Underhill got hurt. Hopefully he can get back to being healthy and helping the Steelheads win games.

1971 Week 6

TRADE ALERT
Due to several injuries, the Minnesota Serpents and Long Island Raiders have made a swap of players in depth positions. Minnesota is receiving 26-year-old LB, Ben Morstand, and a 5th round pick in exchange for veteran DB Ty Boone. The move is to help both teams with depth in positions of need. Morstand will be on an active roster for the first time in his career, while Ty Boone will slot into the Raiders secondary as an experienced player.

Roster Moves
BUF: DL Cal Ericsson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: DL Charles Salzwedel (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: DL Pionk Bjorkkstrand | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DL Weston East (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: DB Ole Snurlson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: WR Justin Dubuque | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: WR Raul Creek (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: LB Earl Featherstonhaugh | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: LB Ben Morstand (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DB Arnie Marston | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: DB Christian Allen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: DB Colin Lee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Ben Westerman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: OL Emmanuel Tobias (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 27 @ Long Island Raiders - 21 - Long Island Stadium - Friday, July 30, 1971 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Damp - Attendance: 40,213
1st Q
3-0: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4-0: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
4-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
7-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
14-3: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
14-6: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
17-6: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
24-6: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
24-13: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
4th Q
24-19: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
24-21: LI - 2PT RB Scott Norton
27-21: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver

Kicking off rivalry weekend was a rematch between the Mariners and the Raiders. The first game had gone to overtime with the Raiders winning by a field goal. Halifax would get the upper hand early in this one with a 4-point lead to start. Eventually, they would get an 11-point lead when RB George Seahorse broke through into the endzone in the 2nd. The Raiders’ offence struggled in the first half, especially QB Ivan Sanchez, who threw 3 picks. In the 2nd half, the Mariners maintained their strong play, adding 10 more points to their total to start the 3rd. Finally, the Raiders’ offence would wake up with Sanchez playing with poise despite the earlier mistakes. Sanchez would find WR Frank Drysdale for back-to-back touchdowns to cut the lead down to just 3. Halifax managed the comeback well with RB George Seahorse taking over the run game and helping the Mariners kill the clock and add 3 more points, securing their first win of the season and the first win of QB Todd Sparrow’s career.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 20 @ Calgary Predators - 28 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Friday, July 30, 1971 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 32,348
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
10-7: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
10-14: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
3rd Q
17-14: EDM - PTD QB Blair Collins -> WR Johnathan Duncan
17-21: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
4th Q
20-21: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
20-28: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks

The battle of Alberta would start a little slow with the Rangers having a 6-minute drive that would lead to a field goal to start the game. Calgary didn’t take as long with their response with RB John Drexel breaking loose for a long touchdown to take the lead. In the 2nd, Edmonton found the endzone with RB Gary Hubbard after another lengthy drive, and again, the Predators answered back with a much quicker touchdown, with QB Emmitt Jackson taking in his 2nd of the season. The back-and-forth affair would carry into the 3rd with Edmonton regaining the lead on a WR Johnathan Duncan touchdown, but then again Calgary answered back with a touchdown to former Ranger, WR Shay Hopkins. In the 4th, Edmonton’s offence would get stifled, and they would barely get a field goal with 5 minutes to go to cut the lead down to 1. Calgary finally would slow down the game with their rushing attack. Once they were deep in Edmonton territory, QB Emmitt Jackson would hand the ball to RB John Drexel who cut sharply to the sideline. The Rangers would break down on Drexel, but they missed RB Rocco Peaks who came flying from behind the play. Drexel flipped the ball to Peaks. Peaks would weave his way down to the endzone for his first touchdown, securing Calgary’s 2nd win of the season.

Toronto Steelheads - 16 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Saturday, July 31, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Overcast/Smoke - Attendance: 48,239
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
3-14: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
3rd Q
10-14: TOR - RTD RB Théodore Lemieux
10-15: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
10-22: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
16-22: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> TE Ryan Hatcher

A smoky day in Pittsburgh would be the stage for the Blacksmiths-Steelheads rivalry game. Toronto would strike first, but soon enough former Steelheads’ RB, Max Tracy, would power his way into the endzone to give Pittsburgh an early lead. The Blacksmiths would add to their lead with WR Justin Anger getting loose for a touchdown on a well-drawn-up play. Toronto’s offence continued to struggle behind QB David Simmons after a terrible game last week, with Simmons committing several turnovers. He would clean it up to start the 2nd half, as the Steelheads would break into the endzone with RB Théodore Lemieux. The Steelheads would hold Pittsburgh to only a single point in the 3rd, but Tracy would eventually get another blow in to extend Pittsburgh’s lead to 12. Toronto would get a late touchdown to TE Ryan Hatcher, but that would be their final chance of the game.

Indiana Victors - 10 @ Louisville Thunder - 51 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 31, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,140
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
0-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Doug Piva
2nd Q
0-17: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
3-17: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3-24: LOU - KRTD WR Ben Graham
3rd Q
3-27: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
3-34: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
10-34: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Ed Edwards
4th Q
10-41: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
10-44: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
10-51: LOU - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Ben Graham

The Victors and Thunder met for a game that had a lot of hype surrounding it with two 4-1 rivals playing each other. However, the game would not live up to the hype of a competitive battle as the Thunder rolled out to a quick 0-14 lead. The Victors’ offence continued their struggles from their ugly game last week against the Steelheads. The Victors would finally get on the scoreboard in the 2nd, however, WR Ben Graham would take the ensuing kickoff back to the endzone to extend the Thunder lead. Louisville continued their dominance throughout the 3rd with 10 more points. Indiana would get into the endzone late in the 3rd, but they were way too far back to make a comeback with how they were playing. In the 4th, the Victors would let QB Edwin Hunt take a crack at the offence. Hunt struggled, losing a fumble and only completing 1 of 3 pass attempts. Veteran QB Lee Rogers would end up finishing the last couple of drives. Louisville also pulled their starter, letting QB Xerxes Wynn get the first real shot of his career. Wynn impressed, putting up 17 more points, including throwing his first career TD pass to Ben Graham.

Vancouver Wolves - 20 @ Minnesota Serpents - 30 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, July 31, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 49,594
1st Q
0-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
3-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
10-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
13-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
13-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
13-17: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
20-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
20-24: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
20-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
20-30: MIN - FG K Ray Bough

The Serpents and Wolves have been talked about as the best two teams in the West Division, but coming into their first matchup of the season, neither team has looked all that dominant. Minnesota does have a game up on the Wolves and looked to create some space at the top of the division with an early touchdown from WR Sebastian Dassler. Vancouver did answer back with the next 13 points before Minnesota snuck in a field goal before the half. In the 2nd, RB Tyler Kuhn would take over the game. The running back would lead the Serpents on two touchdown drives in the 3rd that would have given the Serpents a sizable lead if not for a great throw from QB Kevin Westwood to WR Keshawn Johnston to leave it at a 4-point difference. Luckily for the Serpents, their defence would shut down the Wolves in the 4th, allowing the team to hold on for a big win.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Providence Gold Stars - 24 @ Boston Independents - 23 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, July 31, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,103
1st Q
0-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
3-7: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
3-10: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
10-10: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
10-13: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
10-20: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
17-20: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
4th Q
17-23: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
24-23: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer

The New England Classic would be full of drama under the cloudy skies of Boston. The Independents wanted to make their mark early, getting into the endzone against a tough Gold Stars defence to make it 0-7. The teams would trade field goals after the Boston touchdown before Providence was able to tie it up with a touchdown from former Independent, RB Tresean Jones. Boston would still keep the lead into the half, after a great last-second drive to get a field goal. In the 3rd, Boston would extend their lead with a touchdown from WR Al Allmendinger. They would aim to hold onto their lead, but the Gold Stars started to find a way to move the ball. QB Red King would make a great play, finding TE Kairos Knight open for a touchdown after managing to escape the arms of DL Wayne Baxton. Boston would not let the touchdown deter them as they would add a field goal in the 4th and held the Gold Stars up until the final minute and a half of the game. The Gold Stars had their backs against the wall, but King and the offence would march down the field quickly, entering the redzone with 34 seconds left. Boston would force a pair of incompletions, leading to 3rd and 10. King would scramble around looking for a play and saw TE Kairos Knight open over the middle at the 4-yard line. Knight was tackled and Providence had to hurry, but they had a play call ready. King took the snap and quickly rolled to the right. WR Justin Palmer would slip into the endzone and King would hit him for the game-tying touchdown. The stadium was shocked as K Gilbert O’Neill kicked the extra point for the win.

Ottawa Royals - 36 @ Montreal Rouge - 27 - Mount Royal Stadium - Sunday, August 1, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,337
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-3: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
6-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
6-6: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
13-6: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Colby Bancana
16-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
16-7: MTL - Single K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
23-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
23-14: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Chad Anderson
23-17: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
26-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
26-24: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
33-24: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
33-27: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
36-27: OTT - FG K Ira Foster

The Rouge defended their unbeaten record in a rematch with the Ottawa Royals. The game was close at the start with field goals being traded to lead to a 6-6 tie. Ottawa would be the first to reach the endzone with WR Colby Bancana scoring. Ottawa would extend their lead in the 3rd with a touchdown from TE Luiss de Brands. Montreal finally would have an answer for the Royals with a WR Chad Anderson Touchdown and a field goal shortly after. Montreal would come close to catching the Royals with a touchdown from RB Bo Frazier after a big play from WR Antonio Villanueva. However, the Royals had a counter, as RB Corbyn Knight would get into the endzone for 5th time this season to bring the lead back up to 9. Montreal would cut into the Royals’ lead again with a field goal, but Ottawa was determined to win and added a late field goal to secure the win and end Montreal’s unbeaten season.

Regina Wheat Kings - 18 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 37 - Provencher Park - Sunday, August 1, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 23,393
1st Q
0-7: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
7-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
7-14: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
2nd Q
7-21: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
10-21: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
10-24: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
10-27: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
17-27: REG - RTD RB Joseph Cook
4th Q
17-34: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Ryan Conway
18-34: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
18-37: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth

The Falcons and Wheat Kings met for a rematch of their close battle from week 3. On home field, Winnipeg wanted to get back on track after back-to-back losses, scoring an early touchdown. Regina answered back with a touchdown of their own, but Winnipeg would strike back with a pair of touchdowns to take a 14-point lead, which they would keep heading into the half. Regina would get a 2nd touchdown with their rushing attack working against the Falcons’ front 7, however, that would be as close as the Wheat Kings got with Winnipeg adding 10 more points in the 4th to hold onto the win.  

Buffalo Blue Wings - 24 @ London Tigers - 12 - Western Fair Stadium - Sunday, August 1, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,352
1st Q
7-0: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
7-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
7-6: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
14-6: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
3rd Q
17-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
17-9: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
17-12: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
24-12: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll

For the first time since 1954, the Tigers would host the first half of the home-and-home battle with the Blue Wings. Both teams hoped to get their seasons back on track after both having a rough go over the last few weeks. Buffalo would strike first with a touchdown from RB Yancy Harrison. The Tigers would get a couple of field goals to pull within a point of the lead. Just before the break, Buffalo would get a touchdown to extend their lead to 8. To start the 3rd, the Tigers would suffer a blow with QB Tyrion Gainsborough getting knocked out of the game, leading to QB Gilles Doucet taking over, although some fans thought they might get to see 2nd overall pick, QB Henry Johnsson instead. Doucet did alright in relief of Gainsborough, leading a couple of field goal drives. However, QB Charles Lemieux would land the finishing blow with a toss over the top with WR Tracy Driscoll.

Injury Report
BOS: LB Billy Frederick - Day-to-Day
BUF: DL Ned Hedman - 6 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - 14 Weeks (Season)
HFX: DL Adam Thweatt - Day-to-Day
IND: DB Cameron Taylor - 8 Weeks
LDN: QB Tyrion Gainsborough - Day-to-Day
LI: LB Bear Donnelly - 2 Weeks
LOU: S Jay Shepherd - 6 Weeks
LOU: DL Lucas Kipling - Day-to-Day
MTL: LB Conrad Kurst - 4 Weeks
MTL: WR Yahui Sun - 1 Week
PRO: DL Porter Hines - Day-to-Day
PRO: OL Louie DeBois - Day-to-Day
REG: WR Nick Spalding - Day-to-Day
REG: LB Marv Powers - Day-to-Day
REG: WR Jessie Lambert - Day-to-Day
TOR: WR Cameron Kane - 2 Weeks
TOR: TE Lucas Warmer - 1 Week
TOR: LB Grover Smith - Day-to-Day
TOR: K Vic Greatwood - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Wolfgang Vander Waal - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week

OFF: WR Ben Graham LOU - 2 Receiving Touchdowns, 1 Kick Return Touchdown, 143 Receiving Yards

DEF: LB Garrett Roberts MIN - 12 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 4-2
Winnipeg - 3-3
Calgary - 2-4
Vancouver - 2-4
Edmonton - 2-4
Regina - 1-5

CENTRAL
Louisville - 5-1
Indiana - 4-2
Pittsburgh - 4-2
Buffalo - 2-4
Toronto - 2-4
London - 2-4

EAST
Providence - 6-0
Montreal - 5-1
Ottawa - 4-2
Long Island - 3-3
Boston - 2-4
Halifax - 1-5

Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville -
3 - Ottawa +1
4 - Montreal -1
5 - Long Island -
6 - Boston +1
7 - Pittsburgh +1
8 - Minnesota +1
9 - Indiana -3
10 - Buffalo +1
11 - Vancouver -1
12 - Calgary +4
13 - Winnipeg +1
14 - Edmonton -2
15 - Toronto -2
16 - Halifax +2
17 - Regina -2
18 - London -1

Week 7 Games
LOU (5-1) @ PRO (6-0) - AUG 5 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
PIT (4-2) @ IND (4-2) - AUG 6 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
OTT (4-2) @ HFX (1-5) - AUG 7 - 12:00 PM ET
CGY (2-4) @ REG (1-5) - AUG 7 - 3:30 PM ET
WPG (3-3) @ VAN (2-4) - AUG 7 - 3:30 PM ET
MTL (5-1) @ TOR (2-4) - AUG 7 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MIN (4-2) @ LI (3-3) - AUG 8 - 1:00 PM ET
EDM (2-4) @ BOS (2-4) - AUG 8 - 2:00 PM ET
LDN (2-4) @ BUF (2-4) - AUG 8 - 4:30 PM ET
 

hey, todd sparrow got a dub! luckily the week ended on friday and so nothing else happened :​)

Last edited by ItDoesntMatter (10/09/2023 12:19 am)