Huh, with the injuries to Minnesota's WR corps hopefully Xavier F. Langford can get in on the action. 

1971 Week 11

Roster Moves
BUF: S Eric Willis | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: S Gabriel Allerton (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Alex Chartrand | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Clyde O’Neil | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: DL Chris Barrett | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: DL Wolfgang Dill | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: DL Jamar Kingston | Active Roster -> Waivers
CGY: DL Robert Westminster | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: LB Frank St. John | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: LB Rhett Bradberry | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: LB Nate Milton (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: LB Brandon Hallman | Waivers (REG) -> Active Roster
REG: DB Tim Fox | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: DB Peter Benjamin | Active Roster -> Waivers
REG: OL Adeola De With | Waivers -> Reserve List
WPG: DL Jesse Rivard | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Vince Stevens | Reserve List -> Active Roster

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
London Tigers - 23 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 30 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Friday, September 3, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,097
1st Q
0-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Orlando Barrack
7-7: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> TE Tranquille Rousseau
7-14: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Orlando Barrack
2nd Q
10-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
10-17: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
10-20: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
13-20: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
13-27: PIT - RTD RB Ronald O’Sullivan
4th Q
16-27: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
16-30: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
23-30: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> RB Jeremy Royal

The Blacksmiths continued their hot streak with a great opening quarter from WR Orlando Barrack who would strike twice to give Pittsburgh a 7-14 lead. The Tigers tried to maintain pace with the Blacksmiths and did well through the first half, only being down by a touchdown at halftime. However, Pittsburgh would start to pull away in the 3rd despite losing RB Max Tracy to a minor injury. RB Ronald O’Sullivan filled in for Tracy and scored a touchdown to give them a 13-27 lead. Pittsburgh maintained their lead deep into the 4th, but the Tigers would get a late drive that would give the Blacksmiths a bit of a scare as RB Jeremy Royal’s touchdown made it a 1-score game. In the end, the Blacksmiths would hold on and run out the clock to capture their 7th win in a row. 

Long Island Raiders - 26 @ Montreal Rouge - 27 - Mount Royal Stadium - Saturday, September 4, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Light Rain - Attendance: 46,228
1st Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
7-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
10-7: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
2nd Q
10-14: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
13-14: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
16-14: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
23-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
23-17: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
26-17: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
26-24: MTL - DTD INT DB Lamar Brown
26-27: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes

The Montreal Rouge welcomed the Long Island Raiders who were looking for revenge for a loss Montreal gave them earlier in the season. The Raiders would end up with the upper hand after the first quarter, answering Montreal’s early touchdown with 10 points of their own. However, QB Gene Bishop would find WR Taylor Karis who was able to break off former teammate S Garet deVale’s tackle attempt and get into the endzone to make it 10-14. The Raiders would get the next two field goals to regain the lead and then would add a touchdown to make it 23-14. After trading field goals, Montreal was feeling the pressure down by 9. The pressure would get to QB Gene Bishop, who threw an interception in the 4th giving the Raiders a chance to ice the game with a score, however, QB Ivan Sanchez would have his pass batted by DL Alan Franjkovic leading to a DB Lamar Brown pick and return to the house to make it 26-24. After a great stop from the Rouge defence, the offence would get down the field and set up K Frank Hughes for the game-winning kick to earn Montreal their 9th win of the season. 

Halifax Mariners - 21 @ Boston Independents - 31 - OT - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, September 4, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 44,978
1st Q
1-0: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
1-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4-7: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
11-7: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
14-7: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
14-14: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
21-14: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
21-21: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
OT
21-24: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
21-31: BOS - KRTD RB Adam Zingaro

A little bit of rain in the first half of Boston and Halifax’s battle would lead to a sloppy first half that would see Halifax somehow take a 14-7. Boston’s offence was having a hard time getting going, but they would pick it up in the 3rd to tie the game off of a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown. As the weather cleared up in the 4th, Halifax would regain the lead on RB George Seahorse’s 2nd of the game. The pressure on Boston couldn’t be higher to score, but QB Nathaniel Braddock would remain poised and delivered an excellent game-tying drive to send it to overtime. This is Boston’s 3rd OT game of the season and Halifax’s 2nd. In the extra frame, Boston would get a field goal early. On the ensuing drive, the Mariners would be forced to a quick 2 and out. With plenty of time left, they played it safe and punted, however, RB Adam Zingaro would take the punt back to the house against his former team. Halifax was unable to recover as Boston held on for their 6th win of the season.

Winnipeg Falcons - 22 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 18 - Milton Charles Stadium - Saturday, September 4, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,728
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
2nd Q
6-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
6-10: BUF - RTD RB Robert Erwin
3rd Q
13-10: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
13-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
16-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
19-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
19-18: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
22-18: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth

The Blue Wings hosted the other half of the Winnipeg-Regina rivalry one week after they suffered a shocking loss to Regina. Buffalo hoped to clean things up against the Falcons. The first half would be relatively low scoring, but a Buffalo forced fumble would set up RB Robert Erwin for a touchdown to give Buffalo a 6-10 lead at halftime. In the 2nd half, the Falcons’ offence started to click. RB Joe Rivers would be a workhorse, rushing for 142 yards on the day, including 109 of those yards in the 2nd half. Rivers would score a touchdown early in the 3rd to give Winnipeg back the lead. Buffalo would answer back with a touchdown to WR Jimmy Jack before Winnipeg would sneak in a field goal before the start of the 4th. In the final frame, the Falcons would regain the lead on another Hollingsworth field goal. Buffalo would then drive down the field to set up K Ryan Perch for a go-ahead field goal, but the kicker would miss the attempt, getting only a single, a situation that Winnipeg was on the other side of a week ago after their own kicker missed a potential game-winning kick. RB Joe Rivers would run the clock and get Winnipeg in range for one last field goal as QB Jerome Sheppard captured his first career win as a starter in the NAAF. 

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 28 @ Providence Gold Stars - 20 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, September 4, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 61,113
1st Q
0-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
0-6: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
7-6: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
3rd Q
14-6: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
14-12: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
21-12: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
4th Q
28-12: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
28-18: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
28-20: PRO - 2PT RB Tresean Jones

The Wolves made the long trip over to Providence in what was becoming a must-win situation to keep themselves in the playoff race. The Gold Stars on the other hand were looking to get the offence going after struggling over their last 3 games. Providence would manage to get a 0-6 lead with the help of their defence, but Vancouver would answer back with 7 points to take the lead into the half. Out of the break, QB Kevin Westwood would look more like his old self, as he threw for a pair of touchdowns in the 3rd to get Vancouver a 2-score lead. Providence had almost tied the game, but RB Ronnie Byers was stopped on the 2-point try following WR Justin Palmer’s touchdown. Vancouver would continue to extend their lead with RB Jeremiah Morrow getting into the endzone early in the 4th. QB Red King would drag the offence down the field to get a touchdown late in the 4th, as well as a 2-point conversion, but the score came too late as Vancouver would hold off the Gold Stars to capture a big win and hand Providence their 3rd loss in their last 4 games. 

Ottawa Royals - 17 @ Minnesota Serpents - 23 - Midgard Stadium - Sunday, September 5, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 49,518
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
0-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
7-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
3rd Q
14-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
14-17: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
14-20: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
17-20: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
17-23: MIN - FG K Ray Bough

Minnesota has been quietly building their lead in the West Division and they wanted to maintain the 2-game gap they created after Vancouver won the previous night. They would get off to a solid start with RB Tyler Kuhn getting into the endzone for his league-leading 15th touchdown, then a field goal would come in the 2nd to make it 0-10. The Royals, who were coming off of the bye following a tough loss to Buffalo, would finally answer back with a touchdown in the 2nd. The Royals would come out of halftime and take the lead with QB Drake Young finding WR Marshall Leonard for a 2nd time. However, RB Tyler Kuhn would score his 16th touchdown to regain the lead for Minnesota. The Serpents would not look back as QB Martin Keller would play a sound final quarter to help Minnesota hold on to the lead and capture their 7th win of the season. Keller finally got revenge on the team that drafted him and then replaced him the next season. 

Toronto Steelheads - 11 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 22 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, September 5, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 13,014
1st Q
0-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
7-3: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Felix Fontaine
2nd Q
7-6: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
8-6: TOR - Single K Vic Greatwood
8-9: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3rd Q
8-16: REG - PTD QB Matt Fletcher -> WR Lannor Doris
11-16: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
4th Q
11-19: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
11-22: REG - FG K Mark Mundle

QB David Simmons returned to the starting role after being benched last week against the Minnesota Serpents. Simmons started the game well with a touchdown to WR Felix Fontaine in the 1st and limited the turnovers. On the other side, QB Stanley Evans would get knocked out of the game after leading an early field goal drive. Former Steelhead, QB Matt Fletcher, would take the field in Evans’ place. A slow 2nd would end with the Wheat Kings up by a single point. In the 2nd half, Fletcher got comfortable in the Wheat Kings’ offence and was dishing out passes en route to a touchdown drive to give Regina an 8-point lead. Toronto would get a field goal back, but QB David Simmons was already returning to his struggling ways, throwing a couple of picks. Fletcher continued to play poised en route to securing Regina’s 2nd straight win.

LABOUR DAY
Calgary Predators - 20 @ Edmonton Rangers - 24 - Forest Heights Park - Monday, September 6, 1971 - 2:00 PM ET/12:00 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,398
1st Q
3-0: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3-7: EDM - PTD QB Blair Collins -> WR Stanley McClendon
2nd Q
10-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
3rd Q
10-14: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
17-14: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
4th Q
17-17: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
20-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
20-24: EDM - PTD QB Blair Collins -> WR Spencer Hicks

The Battle of Alberta kicked off the Labour Day action. Calgary got an early lead in the 1st, but Edmonton snatched it away with a touchdown in response. Calgary would regain the lead on a RB John Drexel touchdown which they would hold into the 2nd half. Edmonton’s run game would look solid to start the 2nd half, getting the team into the endzone to make it 10-14. Calgary would respond again with another touchdown, this time it was WR Ted Jackson who got his first touchdown through the air this season. After the teams traded field goals to start the 4th, Edmonton would have the opportunity to go ahead with a vintage game-winning drive from QB Blair Collins. Collins would use his arm to pick apart the Calgary defence, ending the long drive with a touchdown to WR Spencer Hicks to end their 5-game slump. 

LABOUR DAY
Louisville Thunders - 36 @ Indiana Victors - 17 - Victory Stadium - Monday, September 6, 1971 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,095
1st Q
7-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
14-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
14-10: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Lew Wallendowski
21-10: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
3rd Q
28-10: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Lloyd Lane
28-17: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
4th Q
29-17: LOU - Single K Elvis Franklin
36-17: LOU - DTD INT DB Alonzo Gray

Indiana looked to avenge the 51-10 beating they took in Week 6 against the Thunder, but they were not in luck. Louisville’s offence continued to be Indiana’s worst nightmare as they jumped out to a 14-3 lead on the back of two WR Casey Coleman touchdowns. Indiana did show some life with the first touchdown of WR Lew Wallendowski’s career, but Louisville quickly responded with another touchdown. The offence continued in the 2nd half with QB Buck Murphy airing it out to WR Lloyd Lane. Indiana would get a touchdown back with RB Ed Finley, keeping them breathing, barely. The Thunder did start to roll out some backups as the 4th quarter began, and they continued the beating when DB Alonzo Gray took an errant QB Tom Applewhite throw to the house to extend the Thunder lead to 36-17. 

Injury Report
BOS: TE Spencer Griepentrog - 3 Weeks
BUF: WR Tracy Driscoll - Day-to-Day
CGY: DL Damien Battles - Day-to-Day
CGY: DB Scott Summerhayes - Day-to-Day
CGY: TE Greg Perry - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Matthew Miller - Day-to-Day
HFX: DL Bernard King - 12 Weeks (Season)
HFX: DB Wesley Nires - Day-to-Day
IND: WR Ed Edwards - 1 Week
LDN: LB Byron Seabrooke - 1 Week
LDN: DL Matt Brown - 1 Week
LOU: LB Ed Krzano - 2 Weeks
MTL: OL Barry Florence - Season
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman - Day-to-Day
OTT: DB Jerome Caldwell - Day-to-Day
PIT: WR Taylor Austin - 1 Week
PIT: RB Max Tracy - Day-to-Day
PRO: DL Bartolo Cruz - Day-to-Day
REG: QB Stanley Evans - Day-to-Day
REG: WR Jesse Lambert - 1 Week
REG: LB Austin Ford - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Derick Parks - 3 Weeks
REG: OL John Parkes - Day-to-Day
TOR: S Pete Gunner - 1 Week
VAN: OL James Denison - 8 Weeks
WPG: WR Juwan Sylvester - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week

OFF: QB Kevin Westwood VAN - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 345 Passing Yards

DEF: DB Aquilio Ruiz LOU - 2 Interceptions, 5 Tackles, 1 Pass Defended

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

CENTRAL
Louisville - 8-2
Pittsburgh - 8-2
Indiana - 5-5
Buffalo - 4-6
London - 3-7
Toronto - 2-8

EAST
Montreal - 9-1
Providence - 7-3
Ottawa - 6-4
Boston - 6-4
Long Island - 5-5
Halifax - 2-8

Playoff Picture
1 - E: Montreal - 9-1
2 - C: Louisville - 8-2
3 - W: Minnesota - 7-3
4 - Pittsburgh - 8-2
5 -  Providence - 7-3
6 - Ottawa - 6-4
7 - Boston - 6-4
8 - Vancouver - 5-5
==============
9 - Indiana - 5-5
10 - Long Island - 5-5
11 - Winnipeg - 4-6
12 - Buffalo - 4-6
13 - Calgary - 3-7
14 - Edmonton - 3-7
15 - London - 3-7
16 - Regina - 3-7
17 - Toronto - 2-8
18 - Halifax - 2-8

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

Week 12 Games
MIN (7-3) @ VAN (5-5) - SEP 10 - 8:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
*MIN clinches West Division with Win + WPG Loss
LOU (8-2) @ HFX (2-8) - SEP 11 - 12:00 PM ET
*LOU clinches playoff spot with Win + VAN Loss or both VAN + IND Loss
BUF (4-6) @ TOR (2-8) - SEP 11 - 12:00 PM ET
PIT (8-2) @ LDN (3-7) - SEP 11 - 3:30 PM ET
*PIT clinches playoff spot with Win + VAN Loss
REG (3-7) @ CGY (3-7) - SEP 11 - 3:30 PM ET
BOS (6-4) @ OTT (6-4) - SEP 11 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
IND (5-5) @ LI (5-5) - SEP 12 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (7-3) @ MTL (9-1) - SEP 12 - 1:00 PM ET
*MTL clinches playoff spot with Win or VAN Loss
*MTL clinches East Division with Win + BOS-OTT Tie
EDM (3-7) @ WPG (4-6) - SEP 12 - 4:30 PM ET

Last edited by Wallflower (11/29/2023 6:02 pm)

1971 Week 12

Roster Moves
BOS: OL Fernand Nielson | Active Roster -> Reserve List
BOS: WR Devin Smith | Active Roster -> Waivers
CGY: DL Robert Westminster | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Phil Gross (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: DL Bernard King | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: WR Remi Blanchet | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Eddy Kennedy | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Alphonso Abbott | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: DL Carl Hogg | Injured Reserve -> Reserve List
MTL: OL Barry Florence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: LB Maxime St. Beaudoin | Active Roster -> Reserve List
MTL: DL Stan Walz | Active Roster -> Reserve List
REG: OL Al Mathis | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DL Miles Mandrycky | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Daniel Stern | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Ralph Bush | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: TE Rénald Longuepee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL James Denison | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 34 @ Vancouver Wolves - 24 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, September 10, 1971 - 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 35,097
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
10-3: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
2nd Q
11-3: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
11-9: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
11-11: VAN - 2PT RB Jeremiah Morrow
18-11: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
3rd Q
18-14: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
21-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
24-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
24-21: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
27-21: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
27-24: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
34-24: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn

The final push to the playoffs kicked off with a potential division-deciding game between the Serpents and the Wolves. Minnesota has a chance to clinch the division with a win and a Winnipeg loss later in the week, while Vancouver is hoping to stay in the playoff hunt after a big win over Providence last week. The Serpents would get an upper hand in the first quarter with RB Hugo Hughes getting outside the box and into the endzone. Vancouver’s offence returned to a inconsistent form early on with only a field goal in the first and then a pick early in the 2nd. They would eventually get on the board when QB Kevin Westwood would get the offence down to the 10 before hitting WR Keshawn Johnston for the score. Vancouver would tie the game with a 2-point conversion before Minnesota suddenly regained the lead when QB Martin Keller sold a great play action to spring WR Sebastian Dassler loose for a touchdown. The 3rd quarter would see the game slow with only field goals being put up by both teams. Eventually, Minnesota would lose QB Martin Keller on a late hit, sending QB Leonidas Dumont into action. Minnesota’s offence would run completely through RB Tyler Kuhn which Vancouver was able to stop in order to get a chance to cut into the lead. QB Kevin Westwood would eventually put all his faith into WR Keshawn Johnston when he threw the ball into double coverage. His faith was well warranted as Johnston caught the ball before shaking off both tacklers to get into the endzone. Vancouver had life. They would score a field goal on their next drive to cut the lead down to 3. However, their defence finally succumbed to RB Tyler Kuhn’s will and would not be able to stop the star back as he killed the clock before getting into the endzone on a 38-yard run.
*The Montreal Rouge have clinched a playoff spot (VAN Loss)

Louisville Thunder - 30 @ Halifax Mariners - 33 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, September 11, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy/Fog - Attendance: 24,077
1st Q
7-0: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
14-0: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> WR Shane Steadman
2nd Q
14-14: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
21-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Doug Piva
21-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
21-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
22-20: LOU - Single K Elvis Franklin
22-27: HFX - DTD FUMR DL Nolan Grassi - FFUM DL Pat Butler
4th Q
22-30: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
28-30: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
30-30: LOU - 2PT RB Robert Jack
30-33: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver

The Thunder headed up to Halifax to try and stay ahead of the Blacksmiths at the top of the Central. They got an early lead with their defence creating a lot of issues for Halifax while the offence would capitalize on a turnover to take a 14-0 lead. The Mariners would get one back with a touchdown to WR Shane Steadman and then RB George Seahorse would tie the game early in the 2nd. Louisville didn’t let the sudden comeback faze them as they would drive back down the other way to regain the lead on a WR Doug Piva touchdown. Halifax would sneak in a field goal before the break and then got one coming out of the break to cut the lead down to just 1. Louisville would get a single off of their next drive. After they stopped the Mariners they got the ball on their own 17. However, QB Buck Murphy would lose the ball via a fumble when attempting to scramble away from DL Pat Butler. DL Nolan Grassi would use his speed to grab the ball and take it to the house to give Halifax the lead going into the 4th. After the Mariners extended the lead to 8, the Thunder offence would finally wake up after only one point in the 2nd half thus far. WR Casey Coleman would eventually get into the endzone to help tie the game after a RB Robert Jack 2-point conversion. With the game tied, Halifax would go to work looking for a tie-breaking score. QB Lyle Painter, who could be in one of the last starts of his career with the Mariners, would lead a vintage drive to set up K Albert Wickerweaver for the game-winning kick that finished off the biggest upset of the season, so far. 

Buffalo Blue Wings - 29 @ Toronto Steelheads - 24 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, September 11, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 50,921
1st Q
7-0: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
7-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
2nd Q
14-7: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
17-7: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
17-10: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
18-10: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
21-10: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
21-17: TOR - RTD RB Théodore Lemieux
22-17: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
29-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
29-24: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Sterling Underhill

Despite making the trade for QB Matt Fletcher, the Steelheads would still roll with QB David Simmons one more time with Fletcher still learning the playbook. Simmons certainly knew that this game could be his last chance to make an impression. After Buffalo jumped out to an early 7-0 lead on a WR Tracy Driscoll touchdown, Simmons would go to work, leading a solid drive to tie the game on a RB Shannon West touchdown. Buffalo would keep up their early success, gaining a 17-7 lead as they looked to rebound from back-to-back home losses to Regina and Winnipeg. Toronto would get a field goal back but were still down 7 going into halftime. In the 3rd, Buffalo would add 4 more points as the Steelheads’ defence would slow them down, but Simmons and the offence remained pretty stagnant. Eventually, Toronto would make a couple of plays with RB Théodore Lemieux cutting the lead down to 4. Buffalo would eventually get back into the endzone to get a 12-point lead. Simmons would manage to get the Steelheads into the endzone one more time, throwing a touchdown to WR Sterling Underhill. Overall, Simmons had one of his best games of the season, throwing only 1 interception on a tipped pass, but it is inevitable that QB Matt Fletcher would at least get a chance down the stretch. 

Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 35 @ London Tigers - 16 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, September 11, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 25,763
1st Q
7-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
7-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
14-3: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
14-6: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
21-6: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
21-13: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
28-13: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
4th Q
28-16: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
35-16: PIT - RTD RB Gary Andrews

The Blacksmiths and Tigers would start their home-and-home in London. Pittsburgh looked to capitalize on the Thunder loss earlier in the day to take over the top of the Central. RB Max Tracy would score an early touchdown to make it 7-0. They would then extend the lead with a WR Edward Washington touchdown while the Tigers managed a couple of field goals. However, after the first the game fell off the rails for the Tigers who would see 5 key starters lead the game early with injury, including 3 that were season-ending. Pittsburgh would add to their lead with Tracy’s 2nd touchdown of the game, but then, they would also have some injury troubles with both WR Orlando Barrack and WR Edward Washington leaving the game with significant injuries. London would show some life in the 3rd, with RB Jeremy Royal scoring, but another Pittsburgh touchdown would bring the lead back up to 15. The 4th would see Pittsburgh outscore London 7-3 with backups starting to take over the rest of the contest. In fact, 2nd overall pick, QB Henry Johnsson would finally get his first true snaps after Pittsburgh’s late touchdown. Johnsson didn’t do anything special with his limited action on one drive. 
*The Pittsburgh Blacksmiths have clinched a playoff spot (Win + VAN Loss)

Regina Wheat Kings - 22 @ Calgary Predators - 15 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Saturday, September 11, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 27,410
1st Q
1-0: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
4-0: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
4-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
2nd Q
11-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
3rd Q
14-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
14-14: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
4th Q
14-15: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
20-15: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
22-15: REG - 2PT RB Joseph Cook

Regina rolled into Calgary looking for a 3rd win in a row while Calgary hoped to avoid dropping their 4th straight. Regina would get the early 4-0 lead, but a big touchdown from WR Ted Jackson would give Calgary the lead heading into the 2nd. Regina’s defence would shut Calgary down in the 2nd, and after a blocked punt, they were able to regain the lead to make it 11-7. Regina added to their lead early in the 3rd with another Mark Mundle field goal, but the Predators would bounce back with RB John Drexel scoring on a misdirection play to tie it at 14. After Calgary got a single early in the 4th, Regina would find themselves driving down the field. QB Stanley Evans continued to show his improvement from this season and would lead the Wheat Kings down the field. It would be one of the best drives the Wheat Kings have had since joining the NAAF as Evans would eventually hit WR Nick Spalding for the touchdown that would be the deciding score to give Regina a 3rd straight win.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Boston Independents - 19 @ Ottawa Royals - 31 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, September 11, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,047
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
6-7: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
6-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
6-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
3rd Q
13-21: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> TE Ryan Hatcher
13-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
19-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Zachariah Pembroke
19-31: OTT - DTD IND DB Sergio Alvarez

The league struck gold again with another super important matchup on primetime as the Boston Independents, riding a 4-game win streak, arrived in Ottawa to take on the also 6-4 Royals who were looking to avoid dropping a 3rd straight and fall behind in the East Division race. Boston would get the first points on an excellent Braddock-led drive to open the game. Ottawa would respond on the ensuing drive with a touchdown from RB Corbyn Knight to gain the lead. The offence slowed, but Boston managed to cut the lead down to 1 heading into the 2nd. The 2nd quarter would see the Royals’ defence start to take over. The D-line would get to Braddock twice, while a S Marc Bellecourt interception would help Ottawa add their second touchdown of the quarter to take a big 6-21 lead into halftime. In the 3rd, Boston would finally bounce back with Braddock making some key throws, before hitting the newest member of the offence, TE Ryan Hatcher, for the touchdown to cut the lead down to 8. Ottawa would be marching down the field in the third, but tragedy struck when QB Drake Young was lit up by DL Bjorn Sigmarsson. Sigmarsson connected with Young’s throwing arm, taking the young QB out of the game. QB Ulysses Lawyer would finish the drive, getting 3 points for the team. In the final quarter, the Independents would be desperate to make a comeback. Braddock would eventually get the ball into the Royals endzone with a pass to WR Zachariah Pembroke. They would miss the 2-point try, meaning they would need a touchdown in the final minutes of the game. Boston did get the ball back after a quick 2 and out from the Royals. Braddock was leading the team down the field, when the pressure in his face from DL Bernhard Hartmann, would hide DB Sergio Alvarez from Braddock who thought he had WR Tyreek Flores in the flat. Alvarez read the play and stole the ball and took it back to the house to secure the win for the Royals. 

Indiana Victors - 13 @ Long Island Raiders - 29 - Long Island Stadium - Sunday, September 12, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,111
1st Q
3-0: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3-10: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
2nd Q
6-10: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-17: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
3rd Q
6-20: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
13-20: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
13-23: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
4th Q
13-26: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
13-29: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher

The Raiders and Victors battled it out to stay alive in the playoff hunt, both entering the game at 5-5. Indiana got the first score, but their offence would struggle after that. The Raiders on the other hand took over the game scoring the next 10 points, including a touchdown off of a DB Rutherford Winters interception. Then, after Indiana added a field goal, Sanchez would lead the Raiders into the redzone before hitting WR Larry Mossholder for a touchdown to extend the lead. The 2nd half would be all K Henderson Schumacher, who went 4 for 4 on field goals, bringing the Raiders’ total up to 29. Indiana showed some signs of life in the 3rd with a touchdown to WR Jake Abbredezzi, who has cooled off in recent weeks. However, the Victors would fall too far behind to drop their 5th game in their last 6 contests.
*The Louisville Thunder have clinched a playoff spot (IND Loss + VAN Loss)

Providence Gold Stars - 20 @ Montreal Rouge - 10 - Mount Royal Stadium - Sunday, September 12, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,398
1st Q
7-0: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
2nd Q
10-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-3: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
17-3: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4th Q
17-10: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
20-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill

Yet another vital game in the league would see the East-leading Rouge host the Gold Stars who were trying to climb back into the division race. Providence went into a hostile environment and played perfectly in the first half. The defence was all over QB Gene Bishop, racking up 4 sacks in the first half, plus a fumble and interception. The offence was not as dominant, but they did enough to get up 10-0 heading into the break. Montreal’s offence finally made up some ground with a field goal early in the 3rd. However, a great return from WR Mark Taylor on the ensuing kickoff would lead to another Providence touchdown to make it 17-3. Momentum would eventually start to shift in Montreal’s direction near the end of the 3rd with the defence making some crucial stops. They would eventually get a good hit on QB Red King which would force King out of the contest, leading to QB Landon Ross taking over. In the 4th, Ross would struggle to produce on offence, giving Montreal a window to attempt a comeback. QB Gene Bishop would lead a messy drive with just over 5 to play. He would get the ball into the endzone when he would eat a hit from LB Victor Falkensteig on a blitz while throwing the ball to WR Taylor Karis. Karis would have the ball knocked loose but was still able to corral it to secure the major. Montreal had life. But they would not get another strong chance as Providence’s defence held their footing and would cause another Montreal turnover leading to a field goal to secure the win.

Edmonton Rangers - 20 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 13 - Provencher Park - Sunday, September 12, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET/3:30 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 22,636
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
2nd Q
6-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
13-3: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
3rd Q
20-3: EDM - RTD RB Tyler Smith
4th Q
20-10: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
20-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth

Winnipeg entered their week 12 matchup with Edmonton as the last team in the running to catch Minnesota in the West. On top of that both teams were holding onto slim playoff hopes that would certainly be helped by a win. The two sides would trade field goals in the first, but then the problems started to arise for the Falcons. QB Jerome Sheppard would throw 2 interceptions in the 2nd and the front 7 would struggle to stop RB Gary Hubbard. As a result, Edmonton would take a 13-3 lead into halftime. In the 3rd, it was more of the same. Another Sheppard interception would lead to another touchdown from Edmonton to extend their lead to 17. At this point, Winnipeg would bench Sheppard and throw QB Emerson Thompson back into the fray. Thompson would play well in relief and would get Winnipeg into the endzone in the 4th. They would later add 3 points to suddenly make it a 1-score game. Unfortunately, RB Gary Hubbard would kill most of the clock in the late stages, leaving Winnipeg with no time left to complete the comeback.
*The Minnesota Serpents have clinched the West Division and a playoff spot (Win + WPG Loss)

Injury Report
CGY: QB Jesse Essex - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Darrell Lemay - Day-to-Day
HFX: WR Kyle Hatherley - Day-to-Day
HFX: DL Jimmy Snack - 1 Week
IND: OL Taylor Alexander - Day-to-Day
IND: RB Ed Finley - Day-to-Day
IND: LB Terrence Patton - 7 Weeks (Season)
LDN: S Frank Thorpe - 9 Weeks (Season)
LDN: OL Felton McDowell - 13 Weeks (Season)
LDN: OL Dwayne Jones - 6 Weeks (Season)
LDN: DL Mo Kahn - 1 Week
LDN: LB Reuben James - Day-to-Day
LI: QB Rider Wandrey - 1 Week
LOU: RB Neil Bradley - 1 Week
LOU: LB Daniel Timothy - 3 Weeks
MIN: QB Martin Keller - Day-to-Day
MIN: OL Elias McCarren - Day-to-Day
MIN: RB Hugo Hughes - 1 Week
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Day-to-Day
OTT: S Joseph Ackerman - 3 Weeks
OTT: QB Drake Young - 4 Weeks
OTT: WR Colby Bancana - 1 Week
PIT: WR Orlando Barrack - 5 Weeks
PIT: WR Edward Washington - 6 Weeks (Season)
PRO: QB Red King - 1 Week
PRO: S Tom Parrish - 1 Week
TOR: TE Lucas Warmer - 2 Weeks
TOR: TE Rénald Longuepee - 6 Weeks
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week

OFF: QB Louis Vaughn PIT - 2 Passing Touchdowns, 291 Passing Yards


DEF: DL Bartolo Cruz PRO - 3 Sacks, 8 Tackles

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 8-3 - Y
Vancouver - 5-6
Edmonton - 4-7
Winnipeg - 4-7
Regina - 4-7
Calgary - 3-8

CENTRAL
Pittsburgh - 9-2 - X
Louisville - 8-3 - X
Indiana - 5-6
Buffalo - 5-6
London - 3-8
Toronto - 2-9

EAST
Montreal - 9-2 - X
Providence - 8-3
Ottawa - 7-4
Long Island - 6-5
Boston - 6-5
Halifax - 3-8

Playoff Picture
1 - C: Pittsburgh - 9-2 - X
2 - E: Montreal - 9-2 - X
3 - W: Minnesota - 8-3 - Y
4 - Louisville - 8-3 -X
5 - Providence - 8-3
6 - Ottawa - 7-4
7 - Long Island - 6-5
8 - Boston - 6-5
==================
9 - Vancouver - 5-6
10 - Indiana - 5-6
11 - Buffalo - 5-6
12 - Edmonton - 4-7
13 - Winnipeg - 4-7
14 - Regina - 4-7
15 - London - 3-8
16 - Calgary - 3-8
17 - Halifax - 3-8
18 - Toronto - 2-9 - e

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

Week 13 Games
REG (4-7) @ IND (5-6) - SEP 16 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
TOR (2-9) @ BUF (5-6) - SEP 17 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PIT (9-2) @ VAN (5-6) - SEP 17 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LI (6-5) @ BOS (6-5) - SEP 18 - 12:00 PM ET
OTT (7-4) @ PRO (8-3) - SEP 18 - 12:00 PM ET
*PRO clinches playoff spot with Win or BUF + IND + VAN Loss
*OTT clinches playoff spot with Win + BUF + IND + VAN Loss
EDM (4-7) @ MIN (8-3) - SEP 18 - 3:30 PM ET
MTL (9-2) @ WPG (4-7) - SEP 18 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LDN (3-8) @ LOU (8-3) - SEP 19 - 1:00 PM ET
CGY (3-8) @ HFX (3-8) - SEP 19 - 2:00 PM ET

1971 Week 13

Roster Moves
BUF: DL Ned Hedman | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: DL Jimmy Bradford | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LDN: S Frank Thorpe | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Felton McDowell | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Dwayne Jones | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: S Gold Fabron | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Bert Sherman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Chris Masham (Rookie) | Reserve List - > Active Roster
LI: OL Gary Bies | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LI: OL Bret Atkins | Active Roster -> Waivers
LOU: S Jay Shepherd | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: S Brett Tavers | Active Roster -> Reserve List
MIN: LB Enzo Morello | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MIN: LB Ben Morstand | Active Roster -> Waivers
OTT: QB Drake Young | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: QB Mac Ennis (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: WR Edward Washington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: WR Devin Smith | Waivers (BOS) -> Active Roster
TOR: TE Rénald Longuepee | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: TE Sidney Stokes | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Jared Kendall | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Tommy Sawyer | Active Roster -> Reserve List
WPG: OL Ben Westerman | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Emanuel Tobias | Active Roster -> Reserve List

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 25 @ Indiana Victors - 32 - OT - Victory Stadium - Thursday, September 16, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 41,246
1st Q
7-0: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
7-7: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Eric Peterson
2nd Q
10-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
10-14: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Leonard Green
3rd Q
10-21: IND  - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
16-21: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jimmy Franks
18-21: REG - 2PT QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
4th Q
18-22: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
25-22: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
25-25: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
OT
25-32: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley

Kicking off Week 13, the Regina Wheat Kings would head to Indiana looking to capture a 4th straight win, while the Victors were coming off of a short week looking to bounce back to .500. Regina would strike first on a RB Deion Chapman touchdown. Indiana would answer back with a touchdown from TE Eric Peterson. The 2nd would see the Victors get ahead as they would get a 2nd touchdown while Regina managed only a field goal. In the 3rd, Indiana would pick up a 2-score lead off of a WR Jake Abbredezzi touchdown. However, Regina was not deterred as QB Stanley Evans would lead a touchdown drive in response, hitting WR Jimmy Franks for his first touchdown as a Wheat King. Regina would eventually take the lead in the 4th with another RB Deion Chapman touchdown, giving Regina a chance to win, but the Victors would get one last field goal to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the extra frame, the Victors would be the one to get a long drive going. They would hand the ball to RB Ed Finley who had gotten the majority of snaps in the game for the first time this season over the struggling RB Jimmy Golden. Finley would get into the endzone to give Indiana the lead. The touchdown would stand as the deciding score. 

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 7 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 32 - Milton Charles Stadium - Friday, September 17, 1971 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 53,806
1st Q
0-7: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
0-14: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
2nd Q
0-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
3rd Q
0-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
0-25: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
4th Q
7-25: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
7-32: BUF - RTD RB Robert Erwin

QB Matt Fletcher got his first start since returning to the Steelheads, marking his 2nd start of his career. The game did not go his way early with an interception that helped Buffalo to jump out to a 0-14 lead. QB Charles Lemieux was playing like his old self, throwing with purpose and intelligence to get the Blue Wings down into the endzone 3 times in the opening half. They would continue to add to their lead in the 3rd, while Toronto’s offence could not get anything going, having nine 2 and outs on the day. Toronto would finally break their silence with a RB Shannon West touchdown off of a fumble created by LB Judge Barrett. However, with QB Jace Beleren now in the game for Buffalo, the Blue Wings would add to their lead to finish off their home-and-home with Toronto with a commanding 7-32 win.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 27 @ Vancouver Wolves - 24 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, September 17, 1971 - 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 35,045
1st Q
0-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
2nd Q
0-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
7-10: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
10-10: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
10-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
17-17: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
4th Q
24-17: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
24-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
27-24: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart

The Wolves would host the Blacksmiths in what would be a super important game for the team clinging to their slimming playoff hopes. They would get the lead early with a touchdown from RB Jeremiah Morrow, and then extend it early in the 2nd with a field goal. The defence was holding their own, but eventually Pittsburgh would wake up with Vaughn finding WR Taylor Austin for a touchdown before leading a game-tying field goal drive in the final minute of the half. Vancouver attempted to regain control of the game with a touchdown to TE Johnny Temple. However, Pittsburgh answered right back with a touchdown from RB Max Tracy. In the 4th quarter, Pittsburgh would get their first lead of the game from a TE Jesse Butler touchdown. The fans in Vancouver were tense as the Wolves desperately needed to get back into the game. They would erupt when WR Akira Sakamoto got a step on his man and scored a touchdown to tie the game once again. While the fans did their best to help the defence on the ensuing drive, they would leave the stadium defeated as K Nigel Stewart would nail a game-clinching kick to give Pittsburgh their 10th win of the season.

Long Island Raiders -29 @ Boston Independents - 36 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, September 17, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,157
1st Q
3-0: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
10-3: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
10-10: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
2nd Q
17-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
24-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
24-11: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
24-18: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
26-18: LI - Safety S Garet deVale
26-21: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
29-21: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
29-27: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
29-29: BOS - 2PT RB Reggie Whitehead
29-36: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores

The rematch of the season opener would be much more intense than the first game as both teams entered the game 6-5. With both teams sitting 4th and 5th in the East Division, they were at a disadvantage to the other divisions as division placement was the most important tie-breaker inter-divisionally. A loss for either team could mean that their season could be done as coming back will be difficult. The first quarter would see both teams grabbing 10 points to leave the game tied. However, a mistake from WR Edward Webb would lead to a pick that would give Long Island the chance to get a lead. They would score twice in the 2nd to make it 24-11 heading into halftime after Boston missed a field goal to close out the half. Boston was down again, likely to add to a miserable 1-4 record in divisional games, but just like they have fought back from a 2-4 start, they would not give up and got a big touchdown early in the 3rd. While a safety from S Garet deVale, using his speed to get to QB Nathaniel Braddock in the endzone, would set them back a little, Boston would get back to a 2-point game in the 4th with a touchdown to WR Al Allmendinger. After Whitehead got the 2-point conversion, the game was suddenly tied. Long Island would be stuffed by the Independents’ defence and had to hope to hold of Boston in order to get another chance to take the lead, but QB Nathaniel Braddock would not allow that to happen. Braddock lead a stellar drive to eventually take the lead with a WR Tyreek Flores touchdown. The Raiders could not answer as Boston came away with a massive victory. 

Ottawa Royals - 20 @ Providence Gold Stars - 31 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, September 18, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Fog - Attendance: 60,757
1st Q
0-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
3-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-10: PRO - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Justin Palmer
10-10: OTT - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> WR Marshall Leonard
3rd Q
10-17: PRO - KRTD WR Mark Taylor
10-24: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
17-24: OTT - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
4th Q
20-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-31: PRO - DTD FUMR DL Brock Dyson - FFUM DL Newton Dalton

Another all-important rematch in the East Division would occur between the Royals and Gold Stars. Both teams would be starting their backup QBs. Ottawa with Ulysses Lawyer and Providence with Landon Ross. Both QBs are former teammates on Providence and both are facing their former team. The first half would be pretty even with both teams grabbing a field goal early, before each finding the endzone through the air to leave the game tied at 10 heading into the 3rd. The 2nd half would start with a bang as WR Mark Taylor would return the kickoff to the house to give the Gold Stars a 10-17 lead. They would soon extend if following a Royals’ turnover to make it 10-24. Ottawa was able to bounce back with a touchdown from WR Matthew de la Cruz to leave the difference at 7 heading into the final quarter. Ottawa would get 3 more points in the 4th to cut the lead down to just 4. They would get several opportunities to try and take the lead, but Providence’s defence was playing well and would stop Ottawa again and again. Eventually, they would get a big break with a fumble caused by DL Newton Dalton, leading to another touchdown to put the game out of reach and secure their 2nd straight division win. 
*The Providence Gold Stars have clinched a playoff spot (Win)

Edmonton Rangers - 28 @ Minnesota Serpents - 31 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, September 18, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 49,811
1st Q
0-3: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
1-3: EDM - Single K Thomas Standberry
1-10: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
4-10: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
11-10: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
18-10: EDM - DTD FUMR DL Scott Montgomery - FFUM DL Quinton Hextal
3rd Q
18-16: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
18-18: MIN - 2PT QB Martin Keller -> WR Evan Clanton
18-25: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> TE Bobby Clark
21-25: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
21-28: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
28-28: EDM - RTD RB Tyler Smith
28-31: MIN - FG K Ray Bough

Minnesota locked up the West Division last week and entered their Week 13 game just looking to keep the train rolling and potentially catch the Blacksmiths or Rouge for a top 2 season. While they did jump out to a 1-10 lead in the first, they may have gotten a bit too casual in the 2nd as Edmonton would storm back with 10 points offensively before a fumble created by DL Quinton Hextal would result in a touchdown to give them an 8-point lead, heading into the 2nd half. Minnesota would tie the game back up in the 3rd with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion, then eventually take the lead on a touchdown to TE Bobby Clark shortly after. Each team would get a field goal before the Rangers found their way down to the goalline again. RB Tyler Smith would barrel into the endzone to tie the game at 28. The Serpents would get one last chance to score and they would follow through on getting a game-winning field goal to capture their 9th win of the season.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 27 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 22 - Provencher Park - Saturday, September 18, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,670
1st Q
7-0: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
7-7: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
2nd Q
10-7: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
13-7: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
20-7: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
20-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
20-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
20-16: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
27-16: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
27-22: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Juwan Sylvester

Winnipeg would roll with QB Emerson Thompson this week after he replaced QB Jerome Sheppard in the 2nd half of last week’s game against the Rangers. The 9-2 Rouge would get out to an early lead, but RB Joe Rivers would respond with a touchdown of his own to tie the game heading into the 2nd. Montreal would hold off Thompson and the Falcons’ offence in the 2nd quarter, while they added 6 points to take a lead into the half. A Taylor Karis touchdown would open the 2nd half, to extend Montreal’s lead to 13. Winnipeg would finally start to move the ball after the early score, picking up the next 9 points of the game to pull back to within 4. However, the Rouge offence would get another touchdown to answer back to quickly extend the gap back up to 11. Winnipeg was in desperation mode needing a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt with Buffalo picking up a win earlier in the week. They would stick with Thompson at QB, and they would be rewarded with a touchdown from WR Juwan Sylvester to cut the lead down to 5. They would miss the 2-point attempt, leaving the team needing a touchdown. One onside kick attempt later, Montreal would get the ball and kill the clock to capture their 10th win of the season. 

London Tigers - 34 @ Louisville Thunder - 27 - Thunder Stadium - Sunday, September 19, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,415
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
3-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
10-7: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Leon Hudson
10-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
17-14: LDN - KRTD RB Jonathan Rougeau
3rd Q
24-14: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Leon Hudson
24-17: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
27-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
27-24: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
34-24: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
34-27: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin

The Thunder returned home hoping to rebound from their narrow upset loss to the Halifax Mariners. They would start off on the right foot with a touchdown in the first quarter. After the Tigers answered back with a field goal and touchdown of their own, Louisville would regain the lead on a touchdown toss to WR Casey Coleman. However, the Thunder lead would not last as RB Jonathan Rougeau would take back the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to restore London’s 3-point lead. The Tigers continued to poor it on in the 3rd with an early touchdown to WR Leon Hudson for his second of the contest. Louisville’s offence was sputtering, only managing a field goal in the 3rd while London continued to roll. Louisville would eventually make it a one-score game again with a second Casey Coleman touchdown, but London would respond yet again with a touchdown from RB Jeremy Royal. Louisville was running out of time for a comeback, but they would still try and make the comeback stick with a field goal to cut the lead back down to 7. However, they were out of time to continue as London would hold off Louisville to complete the second straight upset against the Thunder. 

Calgary Predators - 7 @ Halifax Mariners - 19 - Atlantic Stadium - Sunday, September 19, 1971 - 2:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,501
1st Q
0-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
0-10: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
3rd Q
7-10: CGY - RTD RB JC Skyes
7-13: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
7-16: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
7-19: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver

The final game of the week would be a pretty casual game. QB Todd Sparrow would take over as the starter for the Mariners and is expected to start the remainder of the season. Sparrow played a solid game, leading the Mariners to 5 scoring drives throughout the game. RB George Seahorse would get the lone touchdown while K Albert Wickerweaver nailed 4 field goals. The really interesting part of the game was how well the Mariners’ defence contained the Calgary Predators’ offence. QB Emmitt Jackson was rushed many times in the game, causing more fumbles, as well as a pick. In the end, a lone RB JC Skyes touchdown was all the Predators managed as they dropped a 5th straight game while Halifax has now won back-to-back.

Injury Report
BOS: DB Mordecai King - 2 Weeks
BOS: TE Ryan Hatcher - 11 Weeks (Season)
CGY: OL Clyde O'Neil - 2 Weeks
HFX: OL Henri McMillan - 2 Weeks
IND: TE Ross Hämäläinen - Day-to-Day
LDN: QB Henry Johnsson - 2 Weeks
LDN: DL Keith Gavelstein - 1 Week
MIN: WR Ferdinand Matthews - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Garrett Roberts - Day-to-Day
MTL: DB Finnegan Pike - 5 Weeks
PIT: OL Lars Nordsson - Day-to-Day
PRO: WR Bennie Braverman - 5 Weeks
TOR: LB Lincoln Webster - 2 Weeks
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine - Day-to-Day
WPG: DL Douglas Jackson - 1 Week

Players of the Week

OFF: QB Nathaniel Braddock BOS - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 362 Passing Yards

DEF: DL Pat Butler HFX - 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 8 Tackles

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 9-3 - Y
Vancouver - 5-7
Edmonton - 4-8
Winnipeg - 4-8
Regina - 4-8
Calgary - 3-9

CENTRAL
Pittsburgh - 10-2 - X
Louisville - 8-4 - X
Indiana - 6-6
Buffalo - 6-6
London - 4-8
Toronto - 2-10

EAST
Montreal - 10-2 - X
Providence - 9-3 - X
Ottawa - 7-5
Boston - 7-5
Long Island - 6-6
Halifax - 4-8

Playoff Picture
1 - C: Pittsburgh - 10-2 - X
2 - E: Montreal - 10-2 - X
3 - W: Minnesota - 9-3 - Y
4 - Providence - 9-3 - X
5 - Louisville - 8-4 - X
6 - Ottawa - 7-5
7 - Boston - 7-5
8 - Indiana - 6-6
==============
9 - Buffalo - 6-6
10 - Long Island - 6-6
11 - Vancouver - 5-7
12 - Edmonton - 4-8 -e
13 - Winnipeg - 4-8 -e
14 - Regina - 4-8 -e
15 - London - 4-8 -e
16 - Halifax - 4-8 -e
17 - Calgary - 3-9 -e
18 - Toronto - 2-10 -e

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

Week 14 Games
BOS (7-5) @ MTL (10-2) - SEP 24 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
*MTL clinches East Division with Win + PRO Loss
*BOS clinches playoff spot win Win + any 2 of BUF, IND, LI Loss
BUF (6-6) @ PIT (10-2) - SEP 25 - 12:00 PM ET
*PIT clinches Central Division with Win or LOU Loss
*PIT clinches the #1 Seed with Win +  MTL, PRO, and MIN Loss
HFX (4-8) @ OTT (7-5) - SEP 25 - 12:00 PM ET
*OTT clinches playoff spot win Win + any 2 of BUF, IND, LI Loss or Win + BOS Loss + BUF or IND Loss
WPG (4-8) @ EDM (4-8) - SEP 25 - 3:30 PM ET
MIN (9-3) @ REG (4-8) - SEP 25 - 3:30 PM ET
TOR (2-10) @ LOU (8-4) - SEP 25 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
*LOU clinches playoff with Win or BUF or IND Loss
IND (6-6) @ LDN (4-8) - SEP 26 - 1:00 PM ET
LI (6-6) @ PRO (9-3) - SEP 26 - 1:00 PM ET
CGY (3-9) @ VAN (5-7) - SEP 26 - 4:30 PM ET

TheEnigmaticOne wrote:

Just a question, how has Max Russland's first season gone? I know Toronto has had a bad season, but I haven't heard much about him.

Any response would be helpful.

There's not much to say in his first season. He did start, and despite Toronto's struggles their defense has been a bright spot, but he didn't stand out or anything. He's not gonna be a rookie of the year candidate, but he's getting experience.