1971 Week 14

Roster Moves
LI: OL Bret Atkins | Waivers -> Reserve List
MIN: LB Ben Morstand | Waivers -> Reserve List
MTL: DB Finnegan Pike | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: LB Willie Stetson | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Active Roster -> Waivers
PRO: WR Bennie Braverman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: WR Mariano Marino (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: DB Christian Allen | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: DB Colin Lee | Active Roster -> Waivers 

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Boston Independents - 14 @ Montreal Rouge - 17 - OT - Mount Royal Stadium - Friday, September 24, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,336
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
2nd Q
7-7: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
3rd Q
4th Q
7-14: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> TE John Schall
14-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
OT
14-17: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes

Friday night would feature the first half of a home-and-home between the Independents and Rouge to close out the season. The two historic rivals would get locked into a tense battle where both teams did not want to give up an inch. RB Reggie Whitehead was the first to break the silence, getting Boston into the endzone near the end of the first. A couple of drives later, the Rouge would finally get on the board with a touchdown pass to WR Taylor Karis. Both defences would step up in the 3rd as neither team was able to score. Boston came close, but a mishandled pass by WR Zachariah Pembroke would lead to a S Mathieu Cazenave interception in the redzone. Montreal would be the one to break through next with TE John Schall escaping into the endzone off of a play-action play. The pressure was all on Boston now who were at risk of missing the playoffs still if they can’t pick up a win over the next couple of games. Braddock would remain calm and led the Independents down to the endzone where he would hit WR Tyreek Flores to tie the game and force Boston’s 4th overtime of the season. The experienced team would struggle to get the offence going as Montreal held them off. Neither team got too much, but the Rouge would get a break with WR Antonio Villaneuva escaping into field goal range. K Frank Hughes would kick the go-ahead kick with 2 minutes to go. Boston would need to score in the next two minutes to stay in the game. Braddock would lead the offence down the field and into Rouge territory. However, he would be unable to complete the drive, as DB Lamar Brown would make a great play on the ball to create a rare Braddock interception to clinch the win for the Rouge. 

Buffalo Blue Wings - 15 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 29 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Saturday, September 25, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,217
1st Q
0-1: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
0-8: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
7-8: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
8-8: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
8-11: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
8-14: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
8-21: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
8-22: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
15-22: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Perry Francoise
15-29: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger

Pittsburgh welcomed the Buffalo Blue Wings in a game that could clinch the team their first division title. Buffalo on the other hand were starting to become desperate as their playoff hopes were starting to slim. Pittsburgh would jump out to an early 0-8 lead with a touchdown from RB Max Tracy. QB Charles Lemieux and WR Tracy Driscoll would answer back for the Blue Wings, eventually tying the game. However, Pittsburgh would get another two field goals to hold a 6-point lead going into halftime. The 2nd half would see Pittsburgh’s offence continue to click while the Blue Wings were sputtering. Max Tracy would add a second touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 13-point lead. After another single from the Blacksmiths. The Blue Wings would wake up to attempt a comeback. WR Perry Francoise would get into the endzone to cut the lead down to 7. Buffalo got the momentum back, however, it didn’t last long as Pittsburgh would put them to bed with a masterful QB Louis Vaughn-led drive that ended with a WR Justin Anger touchdown. The Blacksmiths would clinch the Central Division with their 10th consecutive win. Buffalo, on the other hand, slips to 6-7 and is hoping for their competitors to lose this week in hopes of keeping their playoff hopes alive.
*The Pittsburgh Blacksmiths have clinched the Central Division (Win) 

Halifax Mariners - 29 @ Ottawa Royals - 31 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, September 25, 1971 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,787
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
7-7: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence
3rd Q
14-14: OTT - RTD RB Robert Morin
14-21: OTT - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> WR Marshall Leonard
4th Q
21-21: HFX - RTD RB Wesley Wu
21-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
28-24: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
28-31: OTT - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> TE Luiss de Brands
29-31: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver

The Royals looked to finally lock up a playoff spot with a little help from a Boston and Buffalo loss, as they continued to trek on without their star QB Drake Young. QB Ulysses Lawyer got the ball moving early with, allowing the team to get into the endzone with RB Corbyn Knight. However, Halifax, who have been on a roll as of late, punched back with a touchdown from their own running back. They would eventually take the lead following a Royals turnover with QB Todd Sparrow connecting with WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence for 6. Ottawa was able to bounce back in the 3rd, with RB Robert Moring scoring a touchdown before Lawyer connected with Marshall Leonard to give the Royals the lead back. Despite the Royals' best efforts, the Mariners would not stay quiet as they would get a touchdown from youngster RB Wesley Wu before Sparrow would hit WR Shane Steadman to take the lead. Ottawa answered back with a touchdown of their own from TE Luiss de Brands. de Brands’ touchdown would happen with enough time for the Mariners to march down the field in order to attempt to tie the game. Unfortunately for them, K Albert Wickerweaver’s kick would be wide and the Royals would hold on for a massive win, which would clinch them a playoff spot with Buffalo losing in Pittsburgh moments earlier. This marks Ottawa’s 4th consecutive playoff appearance. 
*The Ottawa Royals have clinched a playoff spot (Win + BOS Loss + BUF Loss)

Winnipeg Falcons - 10 @ Edmonton Rangers - 22 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, September 25, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 26,552
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
0-10: EDM - RTD RB Tyler Smith
3rd Q
0-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
7-13: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Ryan Conway
7-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
10-16: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
10-19: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
10-22: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry

With their season over, the Edmonton Rangers would give QB Ken Myers and several other younger players a chance to prove themselves against the Winnipeg Falcons. Myers played well in the first half, getting the Rangers out to a 0-10 lead. They would extend the lead in the 3rd before Winnipeg finally caught a break. A S Vernon Redgate interception would allow the Falcons to score their lone touchdown of the day. Edmonton remained composed despite the Falcons' score and would continue to rally behind a strong run game. They would add 3 more field goals, while Winnipeg only managed 1, en route to a 10-22 win. 

Minnesota Serpents - 46 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 23 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, September 25, 1971 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 13,444
1st Q
7-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
14-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
14-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
14-14: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
2nd Q
21-14: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
24-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
31-14: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
3rd Q
31-17: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
38-17: MIN - DTD INT DB Davey Woods
38-20: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
4th Q
39-20: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
39-23: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
46-23: MIN - QB Corey Heckanast -> WR Buzz Hronak

The Serpents continued their chase for the top 2 seeds in the league as they ventured up to Regina to play the Wheat Kings who have been punching above their weight recently. Regina’s momentum would not stop the Serpents from getting a 14-0 lead, but it did help them to tie the game back up with a pair of touchdowns following an interception. Minnesota would not allow the game to get away from them as they would just as quickly regain and extend their lead with a 17-point 2nd quarter. Regina would come out of the break with a field goal to attempt to pull back into the game, but that would be quickly turned away with a DB Davey Woods pick-6. From the interception on, the Serpents controlled the game, and Regina could not get much more than a couple of field goals. In the 4th, Minnesota would give a drive to QB Leonidas Dumont, but for the last couple of drives, QB Corey Heckanast would get his first real NAAF action after being drafted 55th overall by Toronto back in 1965. Heckanast would throw a touchdown in the dying minutes to make a solid first impression. 

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 7 @ Louisville Thunder - 27 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, September 25, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 43,780
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
0-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
2nd Q
0-17: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
3rd Q
0-24: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
4th Q
0-27: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
7-27: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West

The Saturday Night Football game would be an opportunity for the Louisville Thunder to get back on track after back-to-back losses against the Mariners and Tigers who have the same amount of wins combined as the Thunder have. Louisville would make it known that they are not letting the last two weeks be their downfall by scoring two 1st quarter touchdowns to take a 0-14 lead. QB Matt Fletcher made his 2nd straight start for the Steelheads, but was just as disappointing as he was last week, being unable to move the ball offensively. Louisville continued to add points to their lead, taking a 0-24 lead by the end of the 3rd. QB Xerxes Wynn would take over for the Thunder in the 4th, adding another field goal to the lead. Toronto also reverted back to QB David Simmons who would get the Steelheads on the board with a strong drive late in the 4th. 

Indiana Victors - 28 @ London Tigers - 21 - OT - Western Fair Stadium - Sunday, September 26, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 25,038
1st Q
0-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
1-7: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-7: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
2nd Q
8-14: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Leon Hudson
3rd Q
15-14: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
15-15: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
15-18: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
18-18: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
OT
21-18: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
21-21: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
28-21: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Leonard Green

Victors entered their Week 14 game with the Tigers with an opportunity to improve their playoff chances, especially with the Blue Wings losing earlier in the week. The Victors would fall behind early with the Tigers scoring a touchdown to open the scoring. Indiana would rebound with 8 points of their own on a RB Ed Finley touchdown that followed a single. London was determined to play spoiler today, scoring again in the 2nd to take a 6-point lead into halftime. The 3rd quarter would see the Victors answer back early with a WR Jake Abbredezzi touchdown, but they would sacrifice a single to tie the game heading into the 4th. The final quarter would be a back-and-forth battle, where each team would score a field goal leaving the game tied, sending Indiana to their second straight overtime game. In the extra frame, both teams would trade field goals again to leave the game tied at 21, but after London’s score, the Victors would get to the endzone to take a 7-point lead with under a minute remaining. London would be unable to score and Indiana escaped overtime with a win for the second straight week.

Long Island Raiders - 13 @ Providence Gold Stars - 22 - New Providence Stadium - Sunday, September 26, 1971 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 61,308
1st Q
3-0: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3-1: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
3-8: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
6-8: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
6-15: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4th Q
13-15: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
13-22: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones

The defending champions headed up to Providence to keep their season alive against the 9-3 Gold Stars. The Raiders would get the first points of the game with K Henderson Schumacher nailing a 39-yard field goal. Providence would get the next 8 points with a touchdown from RB Tresean Jones. In the 2nd, the Gold Stars would suffer a major injury to RB Ronnie Byers who majorly injured his leg that will end his season. The Raiders were not fairing any better as they would end up losing 5 players to injury throughout the game. The Raiders would still manage a field goal in the 2nd to make it a 2-point game. In the 3rd, the Gold Stars’ offence would kick up into gear with RB Tresean Jones stepping up and taking over the full snap load for the Gold Stars. Jones would eventually rumble his way into the endzone for his 2nd touchdown of the game to give Providence a 9-point lead. Long Island was now down by 2 scores and needed to get back into the game to keep their season alive. QB Ivan Sanchez would move the ball down the field to get the Raiders down to the 3 before RB Scott Norton would score to make it 13-15. The Raiders would get another chance to attempt to score, but they would not get very far before S Tom Parrish would pick off QB Ivan Sanchez to set up RB Tresean Jones to run through the Raiders defence and score his 3rd touchdown of the game. The Raiders would be unable to score again and their season would come to a disappointing end, as they would be eliminated within the next hour when Indiana finalized their overtime win over the Tigers. This does mean we will have a new champion for the 4th year in a row. Providence, with the win, stays alive in the battle for the East Division title heading into the final week. 

Calgary Predators - 26 @ Vancouver Wolves - 31 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Sunday, September 26, 1971 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 35,149
1st Q
7-0: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
10-0: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
17-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Patrick Early
17-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
3rd Q
20-14: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
20-21: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
23-21: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
26-21: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
26-24: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
26-31: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Kendrick Newton

Vancouver’s season was on the line as the Wolves welcomed the Calgary Predators to town. The Wolves must win both of their final games to make the playoffs with a little help from some other teams losing. The game didn’t start well for the Wolves, as they would turn the ball over on their opening possession, allowing Calgary to jump out to a 10-0 lead. Vancouver was able to answer back before the end of the first, but they were already a step behind where they needed to be. Both teams would trade touchdowns in the 2nd quarter, with TE Johnny Temple catching his second of the game. Early in the 3rd, Calgary would add another field goal before Vancouver would take their first lead of the game on a RB Nikki Yang touchdown. However, the lead would not last as Calgary added back-to-back field goals to regain a 5-point lead. As time was running thin on the Wolves, they would get a field goal to cut the lead down to 2. The defence would do their part and stop the Predators from scoring again, giving the offence a chance to regain the lead. QB Kevin Westwood would put his best self out there and lead a perfect drive down to the 12 before hitting WR Kendrick Newton for the game-winning touchdown, keeping their season alive. 
*The Vancouver Wolves have secured the Mackenzie Cup for being the highest-finishing former WFU team

Injury Report
BOS: OL Reynold Gilbertson - Day-to-Day
BUF: DL Tournel Guay - Day-to-Day
EDM: WR Spencer Hicks - Day-to-Day
HFX: DB Joe Robinson - 1 Week
HFX: LB Alastair Glass - Day-to-Day
IND: TE Eric Peterson - Day-to-Day
LDN: OL Shane Willis - Day-to-Day
LI: WR Larry Mossholder - 1 Week
LI: OL Taylor Forbes - 2 Weeks
LI: DL Leonard Albert - 3 Weeks
LI: OL Gary Bies - 1 Week
LI: WR Troy York - Day-to-Day
LOU: TE Rex Williamson - 1 Week
LOU: DL Lucas Kipling - 1 Week
LOU: DB Oswald Murray - Day-to-Day
MTL: DL Mateo Cousineau - 3 Weeks
OTT: RB Corbyn Knight - Day-to-Day
OTT: DL Bernhard Hartmann - 1 Week
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt - 1 Week
OTT: DB Jerome Caldwell - Day-to-Day
PRO: RB Ronnie Byers - 10 Weeks (Season)
VAN: WR Akira Sakamoto - 1 Week
VAN: OL Kenny Rudolph - Day-to-Day
VAN: DB Christian Allen - 4 Weeks (Season)

Players of the Week

OFF: RB Tresean Jones PRO - 3 Rushing Touchdowns, 110 Rushing Yards

DEF: DB Lamar Brown MTL - 1 Interception, 8 Tackles, 2 Passes Defended

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 10-3 - Y
Vancouver - 6-7 - Mackenzie Cup Winners
Edmonton - 5-8
Winnipeg - 4-9
Regina - 4-9
Calgary - 3-10

CENTRAL
Pittsburgh - 11-2 - Y
Louisville - 9-4 - X
Indiana - 7-6
Buffalo - 6-7
London - 4-9
Toronto - 2-11

EAST
Montreal - 11-2 - X
Providence - 10-3 - X
Ottawa - 8-5 - X
Boston - 7-6
Long Island - 6-7
Halifax - 4-9

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

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

Week 15 Games
*SCHEDULE CHANGE: Buffalo @ Indiana is now the season finale at 7:00 PM ET; Ottawa @ Long Island has been moved back to 3:00 PM ET
MTL (11-2) @ BOS (7-6) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
*MTL clinches East Division with Win or PRO Loss
*BOS clinches playoff spot with Win or BUF + VAN Loss
PRO (10-3) @ HFX (4-9) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
*PRO clinches East Division with Win + MTL Loss
OTT (8-5) @ LI (6-7) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
LOU (9-4) @ LDN (4-9) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
PIT (11-2) @ TOR (2-11) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
MIN (10-3) @ CGY (3-10) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
REG (4-9) @ EDM (5-8) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
VAN (6-7) @ WPG (4-9) - OCT 2 - 3:00 PM ET
*VAN clinches playoff spot with Win + BOS or IND Loss
BUF (6-7) @ IND (7-6) - OCT 2 - 7:00 PM ET - Season Finale
*BUF clinches playoff spot with Win (by > 14) + VAN or BOS Loss or Win (by < 14) + VAN + BOS Loss
*IND clinches playoff spot with Win or Loss (by < 14) + VAN Loss or Loss (by > 14) + VAN + BOS Loss

1971 Week 15

Roster Moves
BOS: TE Ryan Hatcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: WR Craig Nunnery (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: LB Terrence Patton | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: DB Cameron Taylor | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MTL: DL Mateo Cousineau | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: DL Stan Walz | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: RB Ronnie Byers | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: RB Joe Rider | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: DB Christian Allen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: DB Colin Lee | Waivers (VAN) -> Active Roster

Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Boston Independents - 24 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,241
1st Q
3-0: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
10-0: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
10-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Zachariah Pembroke
2nd Q
10-14: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
13-14: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
13-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
20-17: MTL - RTD RB Raymond Green
4th Q
23-17: MTL - FG K Frank Hughes
23-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
29-24: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
31-24: MTL - 2PT QB Gene Bishop -> TE Sylvain Leblanc

With Vancouver playing the Winnipeg Falcons and many of their backups, the Independents were in a must-win mode against the Rouge in order to make the playoffs. They would not get off to a great start as the Rouge would pick up a 10-0 lead early in the contest. QB Nathaniel Braddock was able to rally the Independents to score the next 14 points. Montreal would add a late field goal as Boston took a 1-point lead into halftime. In the 3rd, the Independents would add to their lead early, but Montreal’s offence would get down to the 5 on their next drive scoring with RB Raymond Green. The pressure was mounting for Boston as Montreal would add another field goal to take a 6-point lead in the 4th. It was up to Braddock to once again put the team on his back and move the ball down the field to get into scoring range. Braddock would eventually hit WR Al Allmendinger to regain their 1-point lead. Time was getting low, but Montreal would manage to get down the field again with a big play from WR Antonio Villanueva, escaping a tackle and getting down to the 9. From there Montreal would pound the rock and RB Bo Frazier would score to put the Rouge up by a touchdown following a successful 2-point conversion. Boston would get down to the final play with the ball at the Montreal 48. Braddock would take a shot to try and get to the endzone. WR Edward Webb was able to come down with the ball at the 11 but was immediately tackled to end the game with Montreal winning their 12th game of the season, securing their first East Division title since 1964. Boston would leave the field in defeat as they would not be heading to the postseason due to a Vancouver win in Winnipeg.
*The Montreal Rouge have clinched the East Division (Win)

Providence Gold Stars - 27 @ Halifax Mariners - 3 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 22,688
1st Q
7-0: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
10-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
17-0: PRO - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Owen Paisley
3rd Q
17-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
20-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
27-3: PRO - RTD RB Bob Sanders

The Gold Stars would enter the game with a chance to still win the East Division and at the very least secure a home playoff game in the Quarter-Finals. The game would also serve as the first QB meeting between Red King (Central Ohio) and Todd Sparrow (Rockefeller), who were rivals while competing in the Conference of the Midwest in College In the opening quarter, the Gold Stars’ offence would be clicking. QB Red King would get them down to the 4-yard line with a great toss to WR Justin Palmer. Then, RB Tresean Jones, hot off of his player-of-the-week performance last season, would get in to give Providence the early lead. QB Todd Sparrow would struggle in comparison with Providence’s defence all over the Mariners. The King-Sparrow battle would come to an early end in the 1st as OL TJ Overton would be driven back and landed on King’s ankle. King would leave the game with a sprained ankle, leading to QB Landon Ross entering the game. Ross would manage the game the rest of the way, putting up another 20 points as the Gold Stars cruised to an easy win to close out the season. However, they could be without QB Red King for their playoff game against the Thunder next week, which was confirmed by Montreal’s and their own wins. 

Ottawa Royals - 33 @ Long Island Raiders - 28 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 37,682
1st Q
7-0: OTT - RTD RB Richard Morin
10-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
13-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
13-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
14-7: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
3rd Q
17-7: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
17-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
17-21: LI - RTD RB Byron Rodham
4th Q
17-28: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
20-28: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
26-28: OTT - DTD INT DB Tanner Fox
33-28: OTT - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> WR Matthew de la Cruz

One of the few meaningless games entering the last week would see the playoff-bound Royals sit many starters, while the Raiders looked to see if their starters could pull it together after a disappointing season. QB Ulysses Lawyer still started the game for the Royals to give him an opportunity to continue to get comfortable in the offence. Lawyer got the Royals off to a great start, getting out to a 13-0 lead. The Raiders finally answered back with RB Scott Norton, but the Royals remained up by 7 heading into the break. After an early field goal from the Royals, the Raiders’ offence would wake up. QB Ivan Sanchez was fired up and would throw 2 touchdowns on 3 straight touchdown drives to give the Raiders a 17-28 lead. The Royals were slowing down with only a field goal in response, but they were not out of the game, especially when Ivan Sanchez tried to swing the ball out to RB Scott Norton for a screen. DB Tanner Fox read the play and would snatch the ball for a pick-6. Ottawa would fail to get the 2-point conversion, leaving them down by 2. After another stop from the defence, the Royals would get another chance to score and QB Ulysses Lawyer would lead the Royals to the endzone on a game-winning drive to close out their season with a 9-5 record. 

Louisville Thunder - 27 @ London Tigers - 30 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 25,223
1st Q
0-7: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Alex Browne Sr. 
0-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
2nd Q
7-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-20: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
10-20: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
10-27: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> TE Pete Mayfield
13-27: LOU - FG K Elvis Franklin
4th Q
20-27: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
27-27: LOU - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Carter Henderson
27-30: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth

Going into the game, the Thunder still had an opportunity to capture a home playoff game if they won and the Gold Stars lost. Unfortunately for them, they would fall right on their face to start the game with QB Buck Murphy throwing 2 interceptions in the opening quarter, allowing the Tigers to get out to a 0-14 lead. Murphy would recover to toss a touchdown to WR Casey Coleman which would mark his 30th of the season, becoming the first player to ever catch QB Jean Matieau who reached 30 passing touchdowns in 1952 when there were only 10 games on the schedule. The Tigers would add 2 more field goals to their total before halftime to take a 7-20 lead. In the 3rd, the Tigers added another touchdown. Louisville managed to add 2 field goals, but the offence was not clicking as they hoped. Finding out that Providence was up big in Halifax, the Thunder would hand the reins over to QB Xerxes Wynn in the 4th. A move that would seem like a signal of defeat would turn out to be the jolt the Thunder offence needed as Wynn would lead a pair of touchdown drives to suddenly leave the game tied in the final minutes. Wynn’s magic would eventually run out as the Tigers would hold them off before adding a game-winning field goal to capture their 2nd win over the Thunder in the last 3 weeks.  

Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 38 @ Toronto Steelheads - 26 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 46,336
1st Q
7-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Julian Santiago
14-0: PIT - RTD RB Gary Andrews
2nd Q
14-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
21-7: PIT - RTD RB Ronald O’Sullivan
3rd Q
28-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
28-10: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
28-13: TOR - FG K Vic Greatwood
4th Q
31-13: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
31-20: TOR - DTD FUM FR LB Grover Smith - FF LB Judge Barrett
38-20: PIT - PTD QB Leif Christiansen -> WR Luc St. Cyr
38-26: TOR - PTD QB Madison Beck -> WR Sterling Underhill

Pittsburgh entered their final game against the Steelheads still hoping to lock up the #1 seed heading into the playoffs. In terms of the starting lineup, QB Louis Vaughn would still start with RB Max Tracy and some other starters sitting out. Vaughn would look sharp despite playing with many backups and would get out to a 14-0 lead. On the Steelheads’ side, there were lots of questions about who would start the game, whether it would be QB Matt Fletcher getting one more chance after a miserable game and a half, or if QB David Simmons had earned one last shot. In the end, the Steelheads would decide to roll with the 3rd option and let 3rd year QB Madison Beck get his 2nd career start. This does make Toronto the first team in NAAF history to have 4 different QBs start a game in a season. Beck had moments of solid play but overall was pretty inconsistent. They did get a touchdown in the 2nd, but the Blacksmiths added one themselves shortly after. Vaughn would start the first drive of the 2nd half for Pittsburgh, scoring one more touchdown before he was finally pulled for QB Leif Christiansen, a former Steelheads’ draft pick. Christiansen was solid, throwing a touchdown to keep Pittsburgh out in front. Toronto would start to gain some ground on the Pittsburgh backups with a big fumble from LB Judge Barrett, which led to a touchdown from LB Grover Smith and then a touchdown to WR Sterling Underhill would close out the game and the season.

Minnesota Serpents - 24 @ Calgary Predators - 26 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 25,338
1st Q
7-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Evan Clanton
2nd Q
7-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Patrick Early
10-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
17-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
17-10: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
17-13: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
17-20: CGY - DTD INT DB Scott Summerhayes
24-20: MIN - RTD RB Carl Blackwell-Lake
24-23: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
24-26: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger

The Serpents would look to potentially jump into one of the top 2 seeds in the league. A great start would lead to a 7-0 lead, however, plans would quickly shift when WR Sebastian Dassler and later RB Hugo Hughes would get injured. They would still manage a 17-7 lead in the first half, but they would hand the reins over to the backups to start the 2nd half, with Leonidas Dumont taking over at QB. Calgary would start to pick up some ground in the 2nd half, after getting just one touchdown in the 1st. A pair of field goals would leave them within striking distance. When QB Corey Heckanast would take over in the 4th for the Serpents, the Predators pounced with DB Scott Summerhayes scoring a touchdown on an electrifying pick. Heckanast was able to recover with a touchdown drive shortly after the pick. However, Calgary would not go away as they would score a field goal to make it a 1-point with plenty of time left. QB Emmitt Jackson would make up a lot of ground on his feet as he would lead the Predators to a game-winning drive to earn just their 4th win of the year to close out the season. A disappointing loss for Minnesota, but with Montreal and Pittsburgh winning, the Serpents were going to finish 3rd either way. 

Regina Wheat Kings - 9 @ Edmonton Rangers - 24 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,116
1st Q
3-0: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-10: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
2nd Q
6-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3rd Q
6-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
6-20: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Stanley McClendon
4th Q
9-21: EDM - Single K Thomas Standberry
9-21: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
9-24: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry

QB Ken Myers got his second straight start for the Rangers and would get the Rangers out to a 3-10 lead. Regina would stay with the Rangers with a field goal in the 2nd. However, Edmonton would start to pull away in the 3rd with a field goal followed by a touchdown from rookie WR Stanley McClendon. Edmonton would keep up the pressure with their defence holding off the Wheat Kings earning them a deserved 4th win in their last 5 to close out their season on a high note. The Wheat Kings impressed this season, despite sporting a fairly weak roster in comparison to the rest of the league. The loss sucks to close out the year, but on a positive note, they do move up to 3rd in the draft order at the end of the day.

Vancouver Wolves - 32 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 17 - Provencher Park - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,186
1st Q
0-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
7-3: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
2nd Q
14-3: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
21-3: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Kendrick Newton
24-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
25-3: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
25-10: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
4th Q
32-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
32-17: WPG - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Terry Upshaw

The Wolves had their last chance to make the playoffs in their visit to Winnipeg, needing a win plus either Boston or Indiana losing. It would be a slow start with Winnipeg scoring first, but Vancouver was quickly right back out in front. QB Kevin Westwood kicked the offence into gear in the 1st and they would roll on to put up 24 straight points to end the first half up by 21. Winnipeg’s offence continued to have its problems. Much like the Steelheads, they would turn to their 3rd QB option in Martin Michaud. Michaud had a knack for getting out of tight pockets and used it to the best of his ability, along with help from RB Joe Rivers, to help the team recover in the second half and bring their total up to 17 points. However, they would still end up down by a lot with Vancouver adding to their lead to secure a solid win and a ticket to the postseason with Boston losing in Montreal. 
*The Vancouver Wolves have clinched a playoff spot (Win + BOS Loss)

SEASON FINALE
Buffalo Blue Wings - 34 @ Indiana Victors - 20 - OT - Victory Stadium - Saturday, October 2, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 48,239
1st Q
0-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
0-10: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Ed Edwards
2nd Q
7-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
7-17: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
3rd Q
10-17: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-20: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
13-20: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
20-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
OT
27-20: BUF - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
34-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll 

With the results of the earlier games, the match between the Blue Wings and Victors would play like a playoff game. However, the Victors practically had a 14-point lead going into the game as the Blue Wings would need to win the game by at least 14 to make the playoffs (scoring 14 or more gives them the tiebreaker over Indiana [Indiana beat Buffalo 27-13 earlier in the year], whether it is because they have the head-to-head, or in the case they get exactly 14 to tie them, they would have a better divisional record). If any other outcome occurs (an Indiana win or Buffalo wins by less than 14), the Victors would head to the playoffs. 
When the game got underway, the Victors would jump out to a 0-10 lead. QB Tom Applewhite looked sharp and the defence continued to have success against the Blue Wings. Buffalo would break the silence in the 2nd with a WR Julius Drake touchdown, however, Indiana would respond with another touchdown of their own. Indiana held a strong 10-point lead at halftime, which was practically a 24-point lead with the tiebreaker in play. Buffalo would get 3 points back in the 3rd. Indiana would also get 3 points to maintain their 10-point lead, however, it would come after a big loss as QB Tom Applewhite would leave the game after taking a big hit from DL Tournel Guay. QB Lee Rogers would enter the game and would get the field goal in the 3rd. Rogers was playing well and managing the game, but eventually, tragedy would strike again as Rogers was knocked out of the game in the 4th. QB Edwin Hunt, who has been very disappointing as a QB since being drafted 13th overall in 1969. With Hunt in the game, the Victors’ offence went into ultra-conservative mode to manage the rest of the game. On the other hand, Buffalo took advantage of the opportunity to remain calm and slowly climb back into the game. QB Charles Lemieux would lead the charge to get the game tied late on a touchdown toss to WR Jimmy Jack. With the game knotted up at 20, the Victors would wake up a little, but Hunt failed to move the ball. Buffalo would get a chance to score again with a little over a minute to go. QB Charles Lemieux would toss a mid-range pass to WR Julius Drake. Drake would get into the open field and looked like he could score, but he eventually dropped to the ground at the Victors 30. Both teams had realized something, if Buffalo scored, they would likely win the game by less than 14 and Indiana would go to the playoffs. So Indiana was willing to let Buffalo score, but the Blue Wings knew better and would kneel the game out, giving them a chance to add 14 points in overtime. In the extra frame, the Blue Wings would come out firing, scoring another touchdown to make up 7 points, only needing another touchdown to “tie” the Victors. Indiana’s offence had to get out of their shell and make something happen. Unfortunately, it would be a disaster as QB Edwin Hunt would get stripped from behind by DL Ned Hedman. The fumble would turn into a Buffalo touchdown when WR Tracy Driscoll finally beat a tired DB Neville Falkner to the endzone. Buffalo had the game tied. Indiana only needed a single point to break the tie and get into the playoffs. However, they were running low on time. On 2nd and 8 the Victors attempted to pick up a first down with Hunt through the air, Hunt would get swarmed in the pocket. He managed to escape and threw the ball to WR Leonard Green over the middle. However, LB Gaston Christison would get a hand on it, popping the ball up and into the arms of S Wesley Jones. Jones’ pick would seal the game as Buffalo would pull off the miracle, getting revenge on the Victors in the process, to clinch the final playoff spot. 
*The Buffalo Blue Wings have clinched a playoff spot (Win [by 14] + BOS Loss)

Injury Report
BOS: DB Janek Rodoslav - 3 Weeks (Season)
BOS: S Ernie Osborne - 14 Weeks (Season)
BOS: OL Reynold Gilbertson - 1 Week
BUF: LB Dallas Dillard - 2 Weeks
CGY: LB Tanner Upton - 2 Weeks
CGY: TE Steve Scotts - 1 Week
CGY: WR Patrick Early - 9 Weeks (Season)
EDM: DL Steven Montgomery - Day-to-Day
IND: TE Ross Hämäläinen - 6 Weeks
IND: OL Jean-Baptiste Desjardins - Day-to-Day
IND: QB Tom Applewhite - 1 Week
IND: QB Lee Rogers - Day-to-Day
LDN: LB Jethro Gibson - Day-to-Day
LI: S Garet deVale - 2 Weeks
LOU: WR Lloyd Lane - 2 Weeks
LOU: OL Bubba Hankins - 3 Weeks (Season)
MIN: RB Hugo Hughes - 3 Weeks (Season)
MIN: WR Sebastian Dassler - 3 Weeks (Season)
OTT: LB Lucas Gladwell - 1 Week
PRO: QB Red King - 5 Weeks
REG: RB Deion Chapman - Day-to-Day
REG: LB Marv Powers - 4 Weeks (Season)
TOR: S Charles Clerk - 2 Weeks
WPG: TE John Wells - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week

OFF: QB Charles Lemieux BUF - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 278 Passing Yards

DEF: DB Chandler Gage PIT - 2 Interceptions, 4 Tackles

Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 10-4 - Y
Vancouver - 7-7 - X
Edmonton - 6-8
Calgary - 4-10
Winnipeg - 4-10
Regina - 4-10

CENTRAL
Pittsburgh - 12-2 - Z
Louisville - 9-5 - X
Buffalo - 7-7 - X
Indiana - 7-7
London - 5-9
Toronto - 2-12

EAST
Montreal - 12-2 - Y
Providence - 11-3 - X
Ottawa - 9-5 - X
Boston - 7-7
Long Island - 6-8
Halifax - 4-10

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

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

1971 Quarter-Final Matchups
(8) BUF (7-7) @ (1) PIT (12-2)
(7) VAN (7-7) @ (2) MTL (12-2)
(6) OTT (9-5) @ (3) MIN (10-4)
(5) LOU (9-5) @ (4) PRO (11-3)

Loved the drama around the results for the final week. And seeing Boston miss the playoffs was the icing on the cake. Here's hoping the Gold Stars can finally win the big one.

 Cool to see Vanderbilt and Russland make the awards. Also, what does BPOY stand for? Backup Player of the Year?

TheEnigmaticOne wrote:

 Cool to see Vanderbilt and Russland make the awards. Also, what does BPOY stand for? Backup Player of the Year?

It is Breakout Player of the Year, as Darknes said.