Well dang… maybe I need to make comments like that more often, maybe we will end up 5-5 😅

TheEnigmaticOne wrote:

Heah just a question I had, ITTL is there currently any football in New Haven, professional or collegiate? In real life they have the large Yale Bowl and at least Yale football.

New Haven has a semi-pro team in the New England Semi-Pro Football Championship, the New Haven Scouts. The team dates back to playing in the New England Football Championship against Boston and Providence. In fact, New Haven is one of a few teams that won a McCallister Cup that are no longer professional teams, beating the Worcester Athletic Club in 1923, 12-10, to capture the championship. That is all New Haven has at the moment.

1971 Week 7

Roster Moves
BUF: DB Ezra Power | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: DB Phillip Joachim (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
BUF: DL Ned Hedman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: DL Jimmy Bradford (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: QB Lyle Painter | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: QB Colt Dorsey | Active Roster -> Reserve List
IND: DB Cameron Taylor | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: DB Leonard Cannon (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Magnus Torrensen | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Jacque Monet | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: RB Shannon West | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
TOR: RB Tank Ferguson | Active Roster -> Reserve List
TOR: OL Mason Fitzpatrick | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Ralph Bush | Active Roster -> Reserve List
WPG: DL Wallace Cutt | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: DL Justin Bardouche | Active Roster -> Reserve List

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 21 @ Providence Gold Stars - 17 - New Providence Stadium - Thursday, August 5, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 60,459
1st Q
0-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
7-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
3rd Q
7-10: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
14-10: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
14-17: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
21-17: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Lloyd Lane

The Thunder and Gold Stars met for one of the best Thursday Night Football matchups in the league’s history as two of the hottest teams in the league competed for the league’s #1 seed. Defence dominated for both teams in the first half. The Gold Stars were only able to get a field goal while the Thunder did get a touchdown from WR Ben Graham who has his 4th TD over his last 2 games. In the 2nd half, the Gold Stars would break through to the endzone to regain the league, but Louisville had an answer with a touchdown of their own. The 4th quarter rolled around and Providence once again took back the lead. RB Tresean Jones would power his way through the Thunder front to make it 14-17. Louisville bounced back with a big drive of their own. QB Buck Murphy would eventually hit WR Lloyd Lane up the sideline to give the Thunder the late lead. Providence would need to score to keep the game alive, but on 3rd and 8, LB Ricky Wildgoose would come through on a late blitz and take down QB Red King for a sack to seal the win. 

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 30 @ Indiana Victors - 25 - Victory Stadium - Friday, August 6, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,289
1st Q
0-7: IND - RTD RB Jimmy Golden
7-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
7-8: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
10-8: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
10-15: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
17-15: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Orlando Barrack
3rd Q
24-15: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
24-18: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
27-18: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
27-25: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Ed Edwards
30-25: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart

Two teams heading in different directions met for Friday Night Football as the Blacksmiths looked to win their 4th straight while the Victors hoped to avoid a 3rd straight loss. Indiana opened the scoring, but Pittsburgh quickly answered back. The teams would once again trade blows in the 2nd, but a K Nigel Stewart field goal gave the Blacksmiths a 2-point lead. The Blacksmiths would extend their lead in the 3rd with a touchdown to last year’s 1st-round pick, WR Edward Washington. Indiana started to slip behind only getting a field goal in the 3rd, but they did get into the endzone late to cut the lead down to just 2. However, Pittsburgh’s run game would take them home with RB Max Tracy driving them into field goal range to give the Blacksmiths their 4th straight win.

Ottawa Royals - 30 @ Halifax Mariners - 7 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, August 7, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 24,275
1st Q
7-0: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
2nd Q
10-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
13-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
20-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
27-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
4th Q
27-7: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> WR Jav Kerrigan
30-7: OTT - FG K Ira Foster

The Royals rolled into Halifax looking to continue the strong start to the season. The first half would be a little slow for the Royals' offence, but they still were able to put 13 points on the board. Luckily, their defence had their way with the Mariners’ offence, as they were all over QB Todd Sparrow. Sparrow had a rough first half with a pair of interceptions and was sacked several times, showing that he is still very much a rookie. In the 3rd, Sparrow continued to spiral, throwing 2 more interceptions. Ottawa’s offence also turned it on in the 3rd with a pair of touchdown drives to make it a whopping 27-0. The 4th quarter would see QB Lyle Painter take over for the struggling Sparrow. Painter was finally back in the lineup after his injury allowing Sparrow to become the starter. The veteran QB was solid in the return, throwing a touchdown in his few drives. Ottawa would cruise on to win their 5th game of the year.

Calgary Predators - 26 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 25 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, August 7, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 15,041
1st Q
3-0: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
10-3: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
10-10: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jesse Lambert
13-10: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3rd Q
16-10: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
16-13: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
16-20: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
4th Q
23-20: CGY - RTD WR Ted Jackson
23-22: REG - Safety DL Butcher Callahan
23-25: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
26-25: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger

The Preds and Wheat Kings met for the first of two meetings this season. The Predators were looking for their 3rd straight win and were able to jump out to a 10-3 lead by the end of the opening quarter. However, Regina was not far behind, tying the game in the 2nd on a WR Jesse Lambert touchdown. Calgary would escape the half with the lead, following a late field goal. In the 3rd, both teams traded field goals before RB Deion Chapman would lead the Wheat Kings into the endzone to give them their first lead of the game. Calgary was able to answer back early in the 4th with a touchdown from WR Ted Jackson who scored for the 2nd time on the ground, still yet to get a touchdown through the air. Regina would eventually pin the Predators at their own 14-yard line. QB Emmitt Jackson would look to pitch the ball to RB John Drexel, but the pitch was wildly overshot. Drexel tried to gather it, but the ball hit his hand and flew behind him. The two teams scrambled for the ball, eventually making its way into the endzone where Calgary recovered it, sacrificing the safety. Regina would then get the ball and score a field goal to take a 2-point lead. As the quarter came to a close, QB Emmitt Jackson would step up to make up for the mistake and lead the Predators on a game-winning drive with K Billy Eichelberger hitting the walkoff kick.

Winnipeg Falcons - 14 @ Vancouver Wolves - 33 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, August 7, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 35,089
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
0-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
7-10: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
7-17: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
7-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
7-27: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
4th Q
7-30: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
7-33: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
14-33: WPG - PTD QB Jerome Sheppard -> WR Juwan Sylvester

The Wolves' first six games have been quite disappointing with the team falling to 2-4. However, they rebounded with a dominant performance against the Falcons. WR Akira Sakamoto opened the scoring in the 1st before a field goal made it 0-10. Winnipeg would have an answer in the 2nd with a touchdown from RB Joe Rivers, but Vancouver regained a 10-point lead heading into the half. Vancouver continued to roll in the 3rd with 10 more points to make it 7-27. Winnipeg QB Emerson Thompson, struggled throughout the game, throwing multiple picks and making a lot of bad throws. Eventually, Thompson would get hit pretty good in the pocket and the team elected to sit him the rest of the game, allowing QB Jerome Sheppard into the game. Sheppard showed off his arm talent with a bomb to WR Juwan Sylvester that turned into a touchdown, but other than that he was pretty okay. Vancouver, on the other hand, cruised to a win to get back to 3-4.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 23 @ Toronto Steelheads - 16 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, August 7, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 51,114
1st Q
7-0: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
7-3: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
10-3: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
10-6: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
13-6: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
20-6: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
20-13: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
20-16: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
23-16: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes

Saturday Night Football featured a match between Canada’s two biggest markets. The Rouge, who were coming off their first loss of the season, would open the scoring with a touchdown from WR Taylor Karis. Toronto answered with a field goal before the teams traded field goals in the 2nd to leave the score at 10-6. Montreal’s defence was doing a good job of holding off the struggling Steelheads’ offence. They would turn a fumble from QB David Simmons into a field goal early in the 3rd before Karis got into the endzone a 2nd time. Toronto finally would find the endzone in the 4th with RB Shannon West breaking through in his first game back from injury. Toronto would eventually cut the lead down to just 4, but they were unable to score again and Montreal would hold them off to pick up win number 6, while Toronto fell to 2-5.

Minnesota Serpents - 26 @ Long Island Raiders - 21 - Long Island Stadium - Sunday, August 8, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 40,244
1st Q
0-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
7-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
10-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
13-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
16-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
16-14: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
4th Q
16-21: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
19-21: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
26-21: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Evan Clanton

The Serpents and Raiders have kinda floated into the background of the NAAF at this point of the season. Neither team has looked as dominant as last season, but the Raiders have especially struggled dropping their last two. They hoped to right the ship with an early touchdown to RB Scott Norton. Minnesota would get the next touchdown with RB Tyler Kuhn’s league-leading 11th rushing touchdown of the season. Minnesota’s defence would hold off the Raiders for the rest of the half, while the offence added 6 more points. After allowing a 3rd straight field goal to start the 3rd, the Raiders would finally break their silence with a touchdown run from RB Scott Norton. The Raiders would then double dip, scoring the next touchdown to take the lead in the 4th. Minnesota got a field goal to cut the lead down to 2. The Serpents would have a long drive, which was stalled out by the Raiders, but a late pass interference flag would give Minnesota another chance to get into the endzone and they would succeed with WR Evan Clanton scoring the game-winning touchdown.

Edmonton Rangers - 23 @ Boston Independents - 37 - OT - Richardson Stadium - Sunday, August 8, 1971 - 2:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,885
1st Q
7-0: EDM - PTD QB Blair Collins -> WR Stanley McClendon
7-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
14-3: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
14-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
17-6: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3rd Q
17-13: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
17-20: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
4th Q
20-20: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
23-20: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
23-23: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
OT
23-30: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
23-37: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger

Boston’s season might have been in the balance as they welcomed the Edmonton Rangers to town. The fans at Richardson Stadium showed their displeasure for their 2-4 squad after Edmonton jumped out to a 14-3 lead. It was only made worse when Boston decided to settle for a field goal later in the quarter. The jeers from the fans may have been what Boston needed to get their heads straight as they came out of halftime firing on all cylinders. RB Reggie Whitehead would power his way into the endzone to pull Boston back into the game before QB Nathaniel Braddock would find WR Edward Webb to take the lead for the first time in the game. Edmonton would respond with back-to-back field goals in the 4th to regain the lead, but Boston was able to tie the game on their final drive to force overtime. In the extra frame, the Independents decided that they had enough fooling around and put up 14 points in the extra frame, while completely shutting out the Rangers to capture their 3rd win of the season. 

London Tigers - 28 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 35 - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, August 8, 1871 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 53,944
1st Q
7-0: LDN - RTD RB Austin Andrews
7-7: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
14-7: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Cole Fletcher
2nd Q
14-14: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
21-14: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Alex Browne Sr. 
3rd Q
21-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
24-21: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
25-21: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
25-28: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
28-28: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
28-35: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack

The rematch between the Tigers and Blue Wings would start with each team matching blow for blow. QB Tyrion Gainsborough got the Tigers' offence rolling, getting the first score. Buffalo tied it up shortly after only for Gainsborough to connect with WR Cole Fletcher to take the lead once again. Buffalo answered back with WR Tracy Driscoll using his speed to get open, but London got the last punch in before the half with a WR Alex Browne Sr. touchdown. Buffalo came out of halftime with an explosive touchdown from WR Tracy Driscoll. The Tigers finally ended the touchdown streak getting a field goal later. The Tigers would become the first team to score back-to-back times, but it was only a single on a drive that saw Gainsborough leave the game for the second week in a row. QB Gilles Doucet replaced him once again. Buffalo would take their first lead of the game with WR Tracy Driscoll’s 3rd touchdown of the game. London would manage to tie the game despite their offence not being as effective with Gainsborough out of the game. However, Buffalo would get the final score with WR Jimmy Jack scoring following a big play from Driscoll to get them into range. 

Injury Report
CGY: DL Chuck Thomas - 1 Week
EDM: RB Gary Hubbard - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - Day-to-Day
EDM: DL Steven Montgomery - 1 Week
EDM: WR Spencer Hicks - Day-to-Day
HFX: DB Joe Robinson - 1 Week
IND: WR Jake Abbredezzi - 1 Week
LDN: QB Tyrion Gainsborough - Day-to-Day
LDN: LB Reuben James - Day-to-Day
LI: OL John Dough - Day-to-Day
LOU: LB Le’Darius Wynn - 9 Weeks
LOU: DL Carl Hogg - 4 Weeks
MIN: LB Garrett Roberts - Day-to-Day
MIN: DB Arnie Marston - 3 Weeks
MTL: DL Alan Franjkovic - 1 Week
MTL: DL Ross Jackson - Day-to-Day
OTT: S Joseph Ackerman - 2 Weeks
PIT: OL Jean Baptiste Francois - Day-to-Day
PRO: LB Kurt Warlock - Day-to-Day
REG: LB Kevin Burley - Day-to-Day
REG: WR Jesse Lambert - Day-to-Day
TOR: WR Izzy Woods - Day-to-Day
VAN: WR Kendrick Newton - 2 Weeks
VAN: DL Jared Kendall - 5 Weeks
WPG: DL Douglas Jackson - 1 Week
WPG: TE Kenneth Wilson - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Terry Upshaw - Day-to-Day
WPG: QB Emerson Thompson - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week

OFF: WR Tracy Driscoll BUF - 3 Receiving Touchdowns, 215 Receiving Yards

DEF: LB Ricky Wildgoose LOU - 1 Sack, 13 Tackles

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

CENTRAL
Louisville - 6-1
Pittsburgh - 5-2
Indiana - 4-3
Buffalo - 3-4
Toronto - 2-5
London - 2-5

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

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

Week 8 Games
BOS (3-4) @ CGY (3-4) - AUG 13 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LI (3-4) @ REG (1-6) - AUG 14 - 2:00 PM ET
HFX (1-6) @ VAN (3-4) - AUG 14 - 5:00 PM ET
MTL (6-1) @ MIN (5-2) - AUG 14 - 8:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football - Start time change (7:00 PM ET -> 8:00 PM ET)
WPG (3-4) @ OTT (5-2) - AUG 15 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (6-1) @ EDM (2-5) - AUG 15 - 4:30 PM ET
BYE: BUF (3-4), IND (4-3), LDN (2-5), LOU (6-1), PIT (5-2), TOR (2-5)

1971 Week 8

TRADE ALERT
With injuries to LB Le’Darius Wynn and DL Carl Hogg, the Louisville Thunder looked to bring in some help via trade. The Halifax Mariners on the other hand, were ready to sell with their 1-6 start. In the end, the Thunder would acquire LB Dylan Hill and DL Ernest Hemminger in exchange for a 2nd round pick in the 1972 draft. Hill had signed a 2-year deal with the Mariners, but with the direction the team was going, the Mariners felt that they would prefer to get younger with Hill now 28-years-old. Hill should be able to create greater depth in the Thunder line-up not only this year, but next year as well. Hemminger hasn’t made a huge impact on the Mariners this season, but he can at least provide some depth on an injured Thunder D-line. With the pair of players moving out the Mariners have called up DL Sam Holmes to replace Hemminger, and then 1971 5th Round selection, LB Alastair Glass, will get the call-up after impressing at the semi-pro level.  

Roster Moves
HFX: LB Alastair Glass (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: DL Sam Holmes | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: RB Jeremy Royal | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: RB Lonnie Ferguson | Active Roster -> Waivers
LOU: S Jay Shephard | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: S Brett Tavers (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: LB Le’Darius Wynn | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: DL Carl Hogg | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: DL Ilya Mikaelov | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: DL Porter Hines | Active Roster -> Waivers
VAN: DL Jordan Kendall | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: DL Tommy Sawyer (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Boston Independents - 37 @ Calgary Predators - 8 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Friday, August 13, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 27,645
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
14-0: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
14-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
21-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
24-7: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
31-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
31-8: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
34-8: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
37-8: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock

The Independents rolled into Calgary looking to keep up in the East Division. They would come out swinging with a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter. Calgary was able to answer back with a touchdown from RB John Drexel following a great escape from QB Emmitt Jackson to get them into scoring range. Boston, however, was not letting the game slip away and added 10 more points to their lead. In the 3rd, Boston continued to pile on with their defence causing many issues for QB Emmitt Jackson and the Predators’ offence, and the offence adding another touchdown. Calgary eventually switched things up with QB Jesse Essex getting some snaps into the 4th, but then handed the reins over to QB Travis Jackson with Essex getting banged up. Boston’s defence wouldn’t skip a beat and kept Calgary down to just 8 points on the day while Boston captured their 2nd straight win.

Long Island Raiders - 33 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 26 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, August 14, 1971 - 2:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 12,573
1st Q
0-1: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
3-1: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
6-1: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
2nd Q
6-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
6-9: REG - 2PT RB Deion Chapman
13-9: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
13-16: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
16-16: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
16-19: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
23-19: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
23-26: REG - RTD RB Joseph Cook
4th Q
26-26: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
33-26: LI - PTD QB Ray Trace -> WR Frank Drysdale

The Raiders and Wheat Kings would have a dramatic and gritty battle to kick off Saturday’s action. A messy opening quarter would lead to the Raiders having a 6-1 lead. In the 2nd, Regina would get out in front with a touchdown and 2-point conversion from RB Deion Chapman. The Raiders bounced back with a touchdown from WR Otto Washington, but WR Nick Spalding would take back the lead a couple of minutes later. The Raiders would get the game tied before the break. Regina would get a field goal to start the 3rd, but the Raiders would answer back with a touchdown. Following a punt from the Wheat Kings, the first play of the Raiders’ drive would end with DL Butcher Callahan crushing QB Ivan Sanchez. The ball would fly loose and the Wheat Kings would have a short field to go up 23-26 heading into the 4th. The hit on Sanchez would knock the QB out of the game. QB Rider Wandrey would get into the game, but he would also get banged up forcing 3rd string QB Ray Trace into action. The Raiders were able to tie the game with a defensive turnover earlier in the quarter, but now Trace needed to move the ball to try and win the game. Trace would do just that tossing up a bomb to WR Frank Drysdale who got in behind the Regina secondary and would go on to score the game-winning touchdown.

Halifax Mariners - 24 @ Vancouver Wolves - 29 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, August 14, 1971 - 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,877
1st Q
0-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
2nd Q
6-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
6-13: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
6-16: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
13-16: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
13-19: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
16-19: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
16-22: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
23-22: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> WR Shane Steadman
24-22: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
24-29: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston

The Mariners elected to start QB Lyle Painter for their long trip out to Vancouver over QB Todd Sparrow. Painter would have a slow start, only getting 6 points in the first half. The Wolves would have a solid start with 10 points in the opening quarter, but they continued their struggle this season to finish drives with touchdowns as they lead the league in field goal attempts by over 10 attempts. The lack of finish would bite them in the 2nd half when Halifax started to climb back into the game. Midway through the 4th, the Mariners would have the lead following a WR Shane Steadman touchdown. Luckily for the Wolves, QB Kevin Westwood woke up the offence and would lead a game-winning touchdown drive to get Vancouver back up to .500. In fact, Vancouver is 4-0 at home and 0-4 on the road this season.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Minnesota Serpents - 27 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, August 14, 1971 - 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 49,783
1st Q
7-0: MTL - RTD RB Raymond Green
14-0: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
2nd Q
14-3: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
21-3: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
3rd Q
21-10: MIN - PTD QB Leonidas Dumont -> RB Hugo Hughes
24-10: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
24-17: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
24-24: MIN - DTD INT DB Davey Woods
24-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
31-27: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva

Saturday Night Football would feature a battle between a couple of strong teams this season. However, it would be a one-sided first half with Montreal pouncing out to a 14-0 lead in the 1st. Minnesota’s offence struggled to get anything going. To make matters worse, QB Martin Keller would go down with an injury leading QB Leonidas Dumont to close out the game. Dumont was able to get a field goal, but Montreal would extend their lead to 18 before the break. The Serpents would turn things around in the 2nd half with Dumont finally settling into the offence and the run game starting to click. They would grab 2 touchdowns in the 3rd to cut the lead down to just 7. Then, in the 4th, the defence would step up with DB Davey Woods taking a pick back to the endzone. A field goal soon after would give Minnesota a late lead, but Montreal would not go away quietly as WR Antonio Villanueva would weave his way through the Minnesota secondary en route to a show-stopping touchdown that would win the game for the Rouge. 

Winnipeg Falcons - 13 @ Ottawa Royals - 28 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, August 15, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy  - Attendance: 44,200
1st Q
3-0: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
2nd Q
3-14: OTT - DTD FUMR DL Obert Roux - FFUM DL Bernhard Hartmann
3-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
3-18: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
10-18: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
10-21: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
13-21: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
13-28: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight

Winnipeg rolled into Ottawa for the 2nd time since joining the NAAF. While the Falcons got out to an early 3-0 lead, the Royals were able to respond with the next 7 points. One touchdown came from the defence with DL Bernhard Hartmann knocking the ball loose from QB Emerson Thompson before it was taken to the house by DL Obert Roux. Winnipeg finally had some life in the 3rd when WR Terry Upshaw managed to make a great catch against DB Sergio Alvarez. However, after that point, the Royals would only bend a little as they would eventually add 10 more points en route to a 3rd straight win.

Providence Gold Stars - 17 @ Edmonton Rangers - 16 - Forest Heights Park - Sunday, August 15, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Clear/Hot - Attendance: 28,161
1st Q
7-0: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
2nd Q
7-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
7-6: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3rd Q
7-13: EDM - PTD QB Blair Collins -> WR Spencer Hicks
14-13: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
4th Q
14-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Stanberry
17-16: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill

The final game of the week featured the Gold Stars, coming off of their first loss of the season, and the Rangers who were trying to get their first win since week 4. The hot day in Edmonton would lead to a bit of sloppy play between both teams. Each team committed at least 4 turnovers in the game. Providence did get an early score before the wheels came off. Edmonton seemed to thrive in the chaos and managed to still pick up 13 points to take the lead in the 3rd. RB Ronnie Byers would get the Gold Stars back out in front before the start of the 4th. Edmonton would get a field goal off of an interception which gave them the lead heading into the final minutes. The Gold Stars would gather themselves and put together a late drive that would end in the game-winning field goal to escape an ugly contest with their 7th win of the season.

Injury Report
CGY: QB Jesse Essex - Day-to-Day
CGY: WR Shay Hopkins - Day-to-Day
CGY: S Mac Lewis - Day-to-Day
CGY: WR Patrick Early - 2 Weeks
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - 1 Week
HFX: WR Remi Blanchet - 6 Weeks
LI: QB Ivan Sanchez - Day-to-Day
LI: WR Larry Mossholder - Day-to-Day
LI: QB Rider Wandrey - Day-to-Day
MIN: S Gérard LaCroix - 12 Weeks (Season)
MIN: QB Martin Keller - 1 Week
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Day-to-Day
MTL: DB Jean Paul du Pont - 1 Week
MTL: TE John Schall - Day-to-Day
OTT: OL Natsuki Ogawa - Day-to-Day
OTT: TE Wayne Bruce - Day-to-Day
PRO: OL Herman Mecklenburg - 2 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Day-to-Day
REG: LB Kevin Burley - 3 Weeks
VAN: RB Jeremiah Morrow - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Ken Lafontaine - Day-to-Day
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis - 9 Weeks

Players of the Week

OFF: WR Antonio Villanueva MTL - 2 Receiving Touchdowns, 152 Receiving Yards

DEF: DL Bernhard Hartmann OTT - 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Deflection, 1 Knockdown, 2 Sacks, 7 Tackles

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 5-3
Vancouver - 4-4
Calgary - 3-5
Winnipeg - 3-5
Edmonton - 2-6
Regina - 1-7

CENTRAL
Louisville - 6-1
Pittsburgh - 5-2
Indiana - 4-3
Buffalo 3-4
Toronto - 2-5
London - 2-5

EAST
Providence - 7-1
Montreal - 7-1
Ottawa - 6-2
Long Island - 4-4
Boston - 4-4
Halifax - 1-7

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

Week 9 Games
BUF (3-4) @ OTT (6-2) - AUG 19 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
TOR (2-5) @ LI (4-4) - AUG 20 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
IND (4-3) @ MTL (7-1) - AUG 21 - 3:00 PM ET
HFX (1-7) @ LDN (2-5) - AUG 21 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PRO (7-1) @ PIT (5-2) - AUG 22 - 1:00 PM ET
BOS (4-4) @ LOU (7-1) - AUG 22 - 4:30 PM ET
BYE: CGY (3-5), EDM (2-6), MIN (5-3), REG (1-7), VAN (4-4), WPG (3-5)

Last edited by Wallflower (11/11/2023 2:29 am)

1971 Week 9

Roster Moves
LDN: RB Lonnie Ferguson | Waivers -> Reserve List
LOU: DL Craig Cromwell | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: DL Ernest Hemminger | Active Roster -> Waivers
MIN: WR Montana Strole | Active Roster -> Reserve List
MIN: WR Ferdinand Matthews | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: DL Porter Hines | Waivers -> Reserve List

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 37 @ Ottawa Royals - 28 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Thursday, August 19, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 44,844
1st Q
7-0: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> TE Paul Arturberry
14-0: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> RB Yancy Harrison
14-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
2nd Q
17-7: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
17-14: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
3rd Q
24-14: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
27-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
27-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Colby Bancana
30-21: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
30-28: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
37-28: BUF - KRTD WR Boris Bohka

Buffalo and Ottawa would meet for the first time since the 1969 McCallister Cup for Thursday Night Football. The Blue Wings would look to take advantage of their bye week by taking on the Royals who had a short week after playing on Sunday. Buffalo got the upper hand early with two touchdowns to make it 14-0. Ottawa would sneak in a touchdown of their own before the end of the first to cut the lead in half. Buffalo would extend their lead back up to 10, but another Ottawa touchdown would bring the lead back down to 3. After the break, the Blue Wings would get a couple of hits in on the Royals to make their 3-point lead a 13-point lead. Ottawa found the endzone shortly after to cut it back down to just 6 points. In the 4th, Ottawa continued to climb back into the game, scoring a touchdown to make it 30-28. However, just when Ottawa was picking up some momentum, WR Boris Bohka would take the kickoff back the whole way to make it 37-28 for the Blue Wings. Ottawa’s defence was tired and just couldn’t rally as Buffalo’s solid offence gave them their 3rd straight win.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 11 @ Long Island Raiders - 20 - Long Island Stadium - Friday, August 20, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 39,708
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
0-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
2nd Q
0-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
7-13: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
7-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
4th Q
10-20: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
11-20: TOR - Single K Vic Greatwood

The pressure was starting to mount on QB David Simmons to start to show some improvement as he has continued to struggle to lead the offence anywhere. Simmons would not handle the pressure well, throwing 3 interceptions in the first quarter and a half. The turnovers led to a 0-13 lead for the Raiders. After the 3rd interception and only 12 yards of offence, Simmons would be benched for QB Michael Benedict. Benedict played conservatively, which is what the offence seemed to need. They would score a touchdown early in the 3rd. However, another interception would allow the Raiders to regain their 13-point lead. A quiet 4th would see the Steelheads get 4 points back, but for the 4th game in a row, the Steelheads’ offence failed to pick up more than 16 points in a game.

Indiana Victors - 18 @ Montreal Rouge - 25 - Mount Royal Stadium - Saturday, August 21, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 46,249
1st Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
7-7: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Ed Edwards
7-10: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
14-10: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Eric Peterson
15-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
15-16: MTL - RTD RB Raymond Green
15-18: MTL - 2PT RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
18-18: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
18-24: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Yahui Sun
18-25: MTL - Single K Frank Hughes

The Victors rolled into Montreal aiming to end their 2-game skid, while Montreal looked to be the first to 8 wins this season. An early score from RB Bo Frazier would give Montreal an early lead, but Indiana had an answer to tie it up shortly after. TE Eric Peterson, who was finally healthy, would get into the endzone to give Indiana a lead that they would hold into halftime. In the 3rd, the Rouge would get back in front, and with a 2-point conversion from their rookie RB Bo Frazier, they would hold a 3-point lead heading into the 4th. Indiana would tie the game once again in the early stages of the 4th, but Montreal would string together a touchdown drive to get back in front. However, a shanked extra point would leave the Rouge vulnerable to a touchdown. Luckily, the Rouge defence would hold off the Victors en route to their 8th win of the year. 

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 32 @ London Tigers - 29 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, August 21, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 26,904
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> TE Brandon McPhail
7-10: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Cole Fletcher
2nd Q
10-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-11: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
20-11: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> WR Jav Kerrigan
3rd Q
23-11: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
23-18: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
23-21: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
26-21: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
29-21: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
29-27: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Leon Hudson
29-29: LDN - 2PT QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
32-29: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver

Saturday Night would feature a battle between two teams that have struggled to get wins this season. QB Lyle Painter got the nod to start for the 2nd week in a row, and he started the game well with a 7-3 lead in the 1st. London was able to counter with a touchdown before the start of the 2nd. Despite the Tigers’ score, the Mariners would punch back with 13 points in the 2nd to take a 20-11 lead into halftime. The Mariners maintained control early in the 3rd, but the Tigers started to wake up again with RB Jeremy Royal, in his first game since coming back from injury, scoring a touchdown and K Nimrod Handsworth adding a field goal. Halifax would continue to add field goals in the 4th, regaining an 8-point lead. The Tigers would get a late drive that would end with a WR Leon Hudson touchdown to give them a shot to tie. WR Alex Browne Sr. would make DB Jack Treadaway look silly after hitting a cut that left him wide open for the 2-point conversion. However, despite the heart from the Tigers, the Mariners would have the last shot at a score. A long drive from Painter would set up K Albert Wickerweaver for his 6th field goal of the game, which he would nail to give the Mariners their 2nd win of the season. 

Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 26 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Sunday, August 22, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,251
1st Q
0-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
7-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
2nd Q
7-10: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
14-10: PRO - DTD FUM LB Kurt Warlock
3rd Q
14-13: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
14-16: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
14-19: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
20-19: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
22-19: PRO - 2PT QB Red King -> TE Dylan Chowder
22-26: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin

Sunday’s action would kick off with a couple of top-tier teams facing off with the 7-1 Gold Stars playing the 5-2 Blacksmiths. Pittsburgh would not be phased by the Gold Stars’ defence and would get an early touchdown. The Gold Stars would respond with a touchdown of their own before the end of the quarter. After Pittsburgh regained the lead, the Gold Stars' defence would come up with a massive play. RB Max Tracy would be trying to power his way through the Gold Stars’ defence when LB Kurt Warlock would simply pull the ball out of Tracy’s arms and take it back to the house for the lead. While the defence was able to score points, the Gold Stars’ offence was struggling to move the ball. Pittsburgh’s defence would shut them down throughout the 3rd and deep into the 4th. Pittsburgh would add 3 field goals during this time to take a 5-point lead. Providence’s offence would finally break through with a touchdown late in the 4th to give them a 3-point lead. Pittsburgh did only need a field goal to force over time, but QB Louis Vaughn decided to end the game before that, leading a stellar 1:14 second drive to win the game on a touchdown from WR Taylor Austin.

Boston Independents - 34 @ Louisville Thunder - 24 - Thunder Stadium - Sunday, August 22, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,874
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
14-0: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
14-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Lloyd Lane
17-7: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
17-10: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
3rd Q
24-10: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
24-17: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Doug Piva
27-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
27-24: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
34-24: BOS - RTD RB Carter Roy

To close out Week 9, the 4-4 Independents would be in Louisville to take on the 6-1 Thunder. Louisville’s offence, which has been firing on all cylinders through their first 7 games would be MIA in the first with Boston’s defence playing a perfect quarter. An interception from DB Mordecai King also would help Boston to gain a 14-0 lead. Louisville’s offence finally showed up in the 2nd with 10 points, but another Boston field goal kept the Independents up by 7. Each team traded field goals in the 3rd before Boston would make it a 10-point game heading into the final frame. Louisville would get a much-needed touchdown from RB Neil Bradley to keep themselves in the game as time was working against them. Boston would get the ball and look to run some clock. They relied on RB Reggie Whitehead to power his way to a couple of first downs, but then they switched it up with RB Carter Roy. Roy’s elusiveness was enough of a change-up that he slipped away from the Thunder defenders and took the ball to the house to put the Thunder to bed.

Injury Report
BOS: LB Billy Frederick - Day-to-Day
BOS: OL Harrold Kera - 10 Weeks (Season)
BOS: WR Al Allmendinger - Day-to-Day
BUF: TE Paul Arturberry - Day-to-Day
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - 13 Weeks (Season)
LDN: WR Cole Fletcher - 1 Week
LOU: DL Craig Cromwell - 2 Weeks
LOU: OL Kash Wilder - Day-to-Day
LOU: WR Casey Coleman - Day-to-Day
MTL: DL Mateo Cousineau - Day-to-Day
PIT: WR Edward Washington - 2 Weeks
PIT: DL Arthur Bradshaw - 12 Weeks (Season)
PIT: S Gordon Jeffries - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Jonah Lucas - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Griffin Morningstar - 12 Weeks (Season)
PRO: OL Louis DeBois - Day-to-Day
PRO: TE Kairos Knight - Day-to-Day
TOR: S J.P. Richter - Day-to-Day
TOR: LB Aristofane Zuccaro - 2 Weeks
TOR: OL Ben Salem - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week

OFF: K Albert Wickerweaver HFX - 6 Field Goals, 2 Extra Points

DEF: S Ernie Osborne BOS - 1 Interception, 9 Tackles, 1 Pass Deflected

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 5-3
Vancouver - 4-4
Calgary - 3-5
Winnipeg - 3-5
Edmonton - 2-6
Regina - 1-7

CENTRAL
Louisville - 6-2
Pittsburgh - 6-2
Indiana - 4-4
Buffalo - 4-4
Toronto - 2-6
London - 2-6

EAST
Montreal - 8-1
Providence - 7-2
Ottawa - 6-3
Long Island - 5-4
Boston - 5-4
Halifax - 2-7

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

Week 10 Games
IND (4-4) @ WPG (3-5) - AUG 26 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
REG (1-7) @ BUF (4-4) - AUG 27 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
CGY (3-5) @ LOU (6-2) - AUG 28 - 3:00 PM ET
MIN (5-3) @ TOR (2-6) - AUG 28 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
EDM (2-6) @ PIT (6-2) - AUG 29 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (4-4) @ LDN (2-6) - AUG 29 - 4:30 PM ET
BYE: BOS (5-4), HFX (2-7), LI (5-4), MTL (8-1), OTT (6-3), PRO (7-2)