Great week one, just.a question, what is the depth chart for Louisville? I know they signed Xerxes, and I saw that Rusty Lamb got hurt, so I was just curious.

 

1973 Week 2


Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DL Greg Cox | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Killion Lane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: LB William Washington II | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: LB Mick Pilgrim | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Remi Blanchet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Trent Kunard | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Nate Milton | Reserve List -> Active Roster

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 @ Providence Gold Stars - 34 - New Providence Stadium - June 29, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 58,946
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
0-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
0-21: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
7-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
7-24: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
10-34: PRO - DTD FUMR LB Kurt Warlock - FFUM LB Nathaniel Lovelady

The Gold Stars’ defence came out firing on all cylinders, creating multiple turnovers to help the offence take a staggering 0-14 lead. WR Justin Palmer would add to it to start the 2nd before Buffalo finally got on the scoreboard with a WR Jimmy Jack score. Providence coasted the rest only scoring 6 more points on offence. However, the defence wasn’t done when they would take a fumble back for a touchdown to extend their lead to 10-34. 
The game was another disappointing result for Buffalo who dropped a second straight 2+ possession game and fall to 0-2 for just the 2nd time since 1963.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 6 @ Vancouver Wolves - 37 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - June 29, 1973 – 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,905
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwodd -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
0-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
0-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
3rd Q
0-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-27: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-34: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
4th Q
6-34: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-37: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks

Vancouver was all business when welcoming the Wheat Kings to town. 
The Wolves ran out to a 0-24 first-half lead on the back of 3 passing touchdowns from QB Kevin Westwood. Then, in the second half, RB Chavez Arrington would flash his talent, taking a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Regina’s QB Stanley Evans made his first start back in Vancouver after having spent a couple of seasons as the team’s backup. Evans struggled in the loss, though still wasn’t as bad as last week only throwing 1 interception. QB Whit Johnson would get a chance to get some snaps in the 4th, as did QB Jerome Sheppard for the Wolves. 

Indiana Victors - 9 @ Boston Independents - 31 - Richardson Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,102
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
0-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
3-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
6-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
6-31: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
9-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter

After the 3-point loss to Providence to kick off the season, Boston bounced back with a dominant win over the Victors. Braddock had a couple of early touchdowns while RB Reggie Whitehead would find the endzone twice in the 2nd half. The defence was also solid as they brought back a couple of picks in the game.
QB Al Washington’s 2nd start was not much better than his first, struggling to get the offence moving against a solid Boston defence. However, they still got into scoring range more consistently than last week showing some promise.

Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Long Island Raiders - 24 - Long Island Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,366
1st Q
0-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
14-17: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
14-24: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
17-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
23-24: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
29-24: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
31-24: MTL - 2PT QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva

With both teams coming off statement wins to start the season, the Rouge and Raiders would meet for an important early season divisional bout. 
The Raiders would have the upper hand early in the game on the back of 2 touchdowns from QB Ivan Sanchez to take a 7-17 lead at halftime. In the second half, Montreal was able to slowly climb back into the game as QB Tom Applewhite would lead the comeback charge. RB Mark St-Pierre would score a critical touchdown in the 4th in relief for RB Bo Frazier, but a missed extra point would keep Long Island in front. A big stop from the Rouge defence would lead to a second chance where rookie WR Evan Moore would be the hero to give Montreal the win.

Winnipeg Falcons - 7 @ Minnesota Serpents - 35 - Midgard Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,006
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
0-14: MIN - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
0-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
3rd Q
0-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-34: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
0-35: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
7-35: WPG - RTD RB Joshua Tomlinson

Winnipeg headed 7 hours south to Minneapolis to face the Serpents, and they were not welcomed kindly as the 3-time West Division champs pummelled Winnipeg. RBs Tyler Kuhn and George Seahorse would combine for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opening quarter. Minnesota would carry a 0-34 lead into the 4th before the backups came out. Former Falcon, QB Ulysses Lawyer would play the final quarter, while QB Mitchell Nash would get his first taste of NAAF action, leading a touchdown drive scored by rookie RB Joshua Tomlinson for his first.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 22 - Thunder Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,930
1st Q
6-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
6-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
2nd Q
12-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
12-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
12-15: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-15: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
4th Q
13-22: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
16-22: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo

The two teams defeated by Montreal and Long Island both hoped to get their season back on track for Saturday Night Football. The Blacksmiths and Thunder had a back-and-forth, but surprisingly lower-scoring battle. Pittsburgh was able to take the lead into halftime, but the Louisville Captain, Casey Coleman, would come in clutch, getting back the lead with a touchdown to start the 3rd. Pittsburgh would try to stick with them, but after a 3rd missed kick from young K Dante DiBernardo, the coals were extinguished for Pittsburgh as the Thunder would add a touchdown to hold on for a win.

CANADA DAY
London Tigers - 26 @ Toronto Steelheads - 15 - Anderson Stadium - July 1, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,873
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
6-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
6-8: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
13-8: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
3rd Q
13-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
13-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
20-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
23-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
26-15: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth 

The Tigers kicked off the Canada Day action by getting a bounce-back win in Toronto. K Nimrod Handsworth got to use his leg a lot more than last week, going 4/4 on attempts in the team’s win. QB Henry Johnsson and RB Jeremy Royal were steady in the backfield against a solid Toronto defence. QB Ryan Alexander and the Steelheads were less successful, only finding the endzone once in the opening quarter, before relying on K Frank Hughes for the remainder.

CANADA DAY
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Edmonton Rangers - 14 - Forest Heights Park - July 1, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,441
1st Q
7-0: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
2nd Q
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
3rd Q
21-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-14: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
28-14: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q

Halifax would head out West for their Canada Day matchup, and make a bit of a statement against the Rangers. RB Axel Vandal continued to show off his talents, scoring 2 more touchdowns and hitting 121 rushing yards. QB Todd Sparrow also had a solid game, throwing 2 touchdowns. Edmonton’s offence still reached the endzone twice in the game, but the team played pretty sloppily in the loss.

CANADA DAY
Calgary Predators - 10 @ Ottawa Royals - 38 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - July 1, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,894
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
2nd Q
0-21: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
3rd Q
7-21: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
7-28: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
7-31: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
10-31: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-38: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez

The Royals put an exclamation point at the end of Canada Day, as they ran the Predators out of town in a 10-38 win. QB Drake Young and the offence continued to click as they found their rhythm early in the season. The defence also played a large role in containing the Wild West offence, only allowing 10 points, while DB Sergio Alvarez took back some points for the defence as well. 

Injury Report
BUF: WR Tracy Driscoll - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
EDM: DB Corey Ross - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
HFX: DL Adam Thweatt - Groin Strain - 1 Week
HFX: OL Glenn Capson - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson - Pectoral Strain - 3 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Contusion - 1 Week
LDN: DL Matt Brown - Broken Bone - 6 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - Torn Muscle - 5 Weeks
LOU: QB Xerxes Wynn - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Matteo Neumayer - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MTL: RB Bo Frazier - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
PIT: LB Quinn Masters - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Ted Cole - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson - Cramping - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Millard Streety - High Ankle Sprain - 8 Weeks
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day

Players of the Week


OFF: RB Axel Vandal HFX - 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 121 Rushing Yards
Vandal had a strong performance showing off his ability in a big win for the Mariners


DEF: LB Kurt Warlock PRO - 12 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Warlock was all over the field in shutting down the Blue Wings in the team’s 2nd win of the season.

Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 2-0
Minnesota - 2-0
Edmonton - 1-1
Winnipeg - 1-1
Calgary - 0-2
Regina - 0-2

CENTRAL
London - 1-1
Louisville - 1-1
Toronto - 1-1
Buffalo - 0-2
Pittsburgh - 0-2
Indiana - 0-2

EAST
Ottawa - 2-0
Providence - 2-0
Montreal - 2-0
Boston - 1-1
Long Island - 1-1
Halifax - 1-1

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

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

Last edited by Wallflower (1/10/2025 12:16 am)

BREAKING NEWS
MONTREAL AND BISHOP AGREE TO PART WAYS
Right before the season began, the Rouge suspended Gene Bishop indefinitely because the quarterback did not show up to training camp. Bishop finally arrived at the team’s building, but only to negotiate a contract termination. Montreal had been unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, so they agreed to mutually part ways, terminating the final year of the contract.

With the contract being terminated, the Rouge will not have Bishop’s salary count towards the salary cap. Allowing Montreal to add to the roster if needed. For Bishop, he is free to sign with any team, making him a full free agent. However, he will be placed on Waivers prior to the contract termination and other teams will have a chance to pick him up. That being said, it is unlikely any teams will want to take on the contract.

As the season goes on, many expect Bishop to be one of the first quarterbacks to be called if a team loses a quarterback due to injury during the season. For now, the veteran will wait for an opportunity.

1973 Week 4


Roster Moves
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: WR Raul Creek | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: S Sampson Wendel | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: DB Samuel McCann | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Gene Bishop | Suspended -> Waivers (Contract Termination)
OTT: DL Skip Chambray | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: DL Chuck Thomas | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: LB Archie Matthews | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: LB Ben Morstand | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL David Brewington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Clyde O'Neil | Reserve List -> Active Roster

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 25 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 9 - Provencher Park - July 13, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 23,393
1st Q
7-0: REG - DTD FUMR LB Dallas Rush - FFUM DL Butcher Callahan
7-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
14-3: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
2nd Q
3rd Q
21-3: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
21-6: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
22-6: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
25-6: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
25-9: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth

A Friday Night showdown was an opportunity for the two prairie rivals to get their seasons back on track. Regina got the upper hand early with a fumble returned for a touchdown by former Falcons’ LB Dallas Rush. WR Colt Robbins would score shortly after to make it 14-3, which would hold until the break. 
Regina would add to their lead to start the 3rd and Winnipeg just could not get much going offensively and QB Emerson Thompson had 3 interceptions in the game. QB Mitchell Nash made his 3rd consecutive appearance in the 4th, which leads a few to wonder if he will take over the starting duties soon. 
Regina holds on for their first win of the season.

London Tigers - 19 @ Halifax Mariners - 20 - Atlantic Stadium - July 14, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,708
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Jav Kerrigan
2nd Q
3-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
10-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
13-10: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
13-17: HFX - RTD RB Rene Lyons
4th Q
16-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
19-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
19-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver

The Mariners have been competitive so far this season, and they showed it again taking on the Tigers. QB Todd Sparrow had the offence moving in the first half to take a 3-10 lead. The Tigers took back some momentum in the 3rd with a RB Jeremy Royal touchdown, but it was quickly lost when QB Henry Johnsson left the game with a torn muscle. QB Tyrion Gainsborough replaced him and led the Tigers back into the lead in the 4th after Halifax had scored another touchdown. Ultimately, it was Sparrow’s turn to play hero and would lead the Mariners down the field to kick a field goal and secure their second win of the season.

Boston Independents - 27 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - Long Island Stadium - July 14, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,334
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-3: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3-6: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
3-9: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-9: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
13-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-23: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
20-23: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
27-23: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
27-30: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding

The rematch of the 4th of July game would see another close battle between the Independents and Raiders. The Raiders had a 3-9 lead in the 2nd, but Boston regained it on a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown. The Raiders would answer back with a touchdown to TE Eric Peterson, his 3rd score in the last two weeks. The Raiders extended their lead in the 2nd half with a Frank Drysdale touchdown, but then Boston bounced back with back-to-back scores to take a 27-23 lead in the 4th. QB Ivan Sanchez, under the rejuvenated guidance of HC Levi Bray, would not be denied however, as they would go down for a clutch touchdown drive to secure their second straight win over Boston.

Edmonton Rangers - 21 @ Minnesota Serpents - 18 - Midgard Stadium - July 14, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 49,942
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
10-0: EDM - DTD INT DB Eddie Brink
10-1: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
2nd Q
13-1: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
13-8: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
13-11: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
14-11: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
21-11: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
21-18: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler

Edmonton rolled into Minnesota and shocked the unbeaten Serpents to get their 2nd win of the season.
Minnesota did not do themselves any favours as QB Martin Keller threw a horrendous pick to DB Eddie Brink to allow Edmonton to jump out to a quick 10-0 lead. More turnovers and just ineffective play calling led to Minnesota’s offence sputtering all game. They still managed to stay with Edmonton but never gained the lead.
The Rangers still earned some credit with a feisty defence and solid offensive play to keep them out in front. The sturdy run game was instrumental in getting the ball moving, and the Rangers were able to rely on it due to holding the lead.

Buffalo Blue Wings - 19 @ Calgary Predators - 30 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - July 14, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 29,975
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
0-14: CGY - PTD QB Mitch Boland -> WR Jimmy Potter
2nd Q
0-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
7-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Owen Paisley
3rd Q
7-24: CGY - KRTD RB Buck Wilde
8-24: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
11-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
11-27: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
17-27: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
19-27: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
19-30: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger

The battle of two shockingly winless teams would see the Predators, who were without starting QB Emmitt Jackson, top the struggling Blue Wings.
QB Mitch Boland drew the start for Calgary and had a solid outing, leading Calgary to a solid 0-17 lead with the help of the defence. RB Buck Wilde would make a name for himself to open the 2nd half allowing Calgary to get further ahead.
Buffalo finally started to put it together in the 4th, with QB Charles Lemieux getting the team back in the endzone and make it a one-score game, but they just ran out of juice at the end and Calgary was able to hold on.
Buffalo’s shocking 0-4 start is now the worst start the team has had in the NAAF.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 13 @ Ottawa Royals - 24 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - July 14, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,964
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
3-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
3-11: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
3rd Q
6-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-14: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
4th Q
13-21: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
13-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster

To close out Saturday’s action, the Steelheads would head up to the Nation’s Capital to take on the Royals.
The defences kept the game close in the opening quarter, but then former Steelheads’ WR Sterling Underhill would get through for a touchdown in the 2nd, allowing Ottawa to take a 3-11 lead going into halftime.
Underhill would double-dip with his 2nd touchdown in the 3rd, giving Ottawa a commanding lead. Toronto was able to get a touchdown back with WR Alex Browne Sr.’s first as a Steelhead, but they were just too far behind as the Royals captured a big win.

Louisville Thunder - 24 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 18 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - July 15, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,325
1st Q
0-3: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
0-4: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
7-4: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
14-4: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-5: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
17-5: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
17-12: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
4th Q
24-12: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
24-18: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun

The Thunder would beat the Blacksmiths again in the rematch of the Week 2 bout. 
QB Buck Murphy was solid throughout, tossing 3 touchdowns, two of which were to WR Ben Graham who had replaced WR Casey Coleman at WR1 due to injury.
The Blacksmiths sputtered in the first half as QB Louis Vaughn was having trouble moving the offence and K Dante DiBernardo continued his kicking woes. They got a little bit going in the 2nd half, but they were playing from too far behind as the Thunder held on to take over 1st place in the Central while the Blacksmiths slipped to another 1-3 start.

Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Montreal Rouge - 23 - Mount Royal Stadium - July 15, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,428
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3-10: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
10-10: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
13-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
16-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
16-17: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
22-17: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
22-23: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva

For the second consecutive week the Gold Stars put their unbeaten season on the line against another unbeaten East Division rival, but this time they would not get lucky as the Rouge would get a big win over the defending champs.
The game was back-and-forth, with both defences and offences making big plays. Providence managed to get an upper hand in the third with a 16-10 lead, but a RB Bo Frazier touchdown would shift the game back into Montreal’s favour.
In the 4th, Providence would regain the lead on a RB Tresean Jones touchdown. They would go for two to make it a 7-point game but failed with DB Lamar Brown batting away the pass attempt. Montreal then answered back with a long drive, ending in a WR Antonio Villanueva touchdown as he wrestled off two tacklers to get into the endzone, securing a narrow 1-point win.
The loss ended quarterback Red King’s 20-game win streak as a starter and marked his first loss since September 4, 1971.

Vancouver Wolves - 41 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - July 15, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 39,111
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
14-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
21-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
28-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
28-7: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
3rd Q
35-7: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
35-8: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
38-8: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
38-11: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
41-11: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks

QB Kevin Westwood lit up Victory Stadium in the first half, throwing for 4 touchdowns as the Wolves’ offence torched the rebuilding Victors.
Westwood managed 245 passing yards in the first half, eventually reaching 302 before sitting in the 4th. Rookie RB Chavez Arrington also made an impact with his 2nd kick return touchdown of the season on a Victors’ punt.
Indiana’s day was all over the place, they did manage a touchdown in the first half, but they would lose their QB, Al Washington, to a torn muscle in his throwing arm. QB Nathan Houle would debut as a Victor to replace him, showing no signs of pain from his knee injury for last season. Houle was okay in relief, but the game was far out of reach when he got into the action. 

Injury Report
BOS: TE Rénald Longuepee - Sports Hernia - 12 Weeks
BOS: LB Byron Turner - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
BUF: TE Sid Sydney - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Charles Schwartz - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
CGY: DB Scott Summerhayes - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
EDM: LB Rhett Bradberry - Knee Swelling - 5 Weeks
HFX: WR Jav Kerrigan - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
HFX: DL Bernard King - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: RB Axel Vandal - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Corey Briggs - Knee Swelling - 3 Weeks
IND: WR Otto Washington - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
IND: DL Eugene Case - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
IND: QB Al Washington - Torn Muscle - 8 Weeks
LDN: QB Henry Johnsson - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
LDN: WR Cole Fletcher - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
LDN: DB Bernard Wilkins - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
LI: LB Tyrone Dye - Contusion - 1 Week
LOU: DL Carl Hogg - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
LOU: WR Casey Coleman - Hand Injury - 1 Week
MIN: LB Earl Featherstonhaugh - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
MIN: OL Elias McCarren - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
OTT: OL Randall McCutchan - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Yuri Dragunov - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Emil Jennings - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Contusion - 1 Week
REG: OL Ian Robertson - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
REG: S Benny Preston - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
REG: RB Alex Herbco - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Don Shred - Dislocated Shoulder - 10 Weeks
VAN: OL Ken Kennedy - Minor Shoulder Injury - 3 Weeks
VAN: LB Shawn Anderson - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks

Players of the Week


OFF: QB Kevin Westwood VAN - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 302 Passing Yards
Westwood lit up the skies for Vancouver while only playing 3 quarters, to help them reach 4-0.


DEF: DL Butcher Callahan REG - 1 Forced Fumble, 3 Sacks, 6 Tackles
Callahan isn't skipping a beat since returning from a major injury last season, racking up 3 sacks in the team's win over Winnipeg.

Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 4-0
Minnesota - 3-1
Edmonton - 2-2
Regina - 1-3
Winnipeg - 1-3
Calgary - 1-3

CENTRAL
Louisville - 3-1
London - 2-2
Toronto - 2-2
Pittsburgh - 1-3
Buffalo - 0-4
Indiana - 0-4

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

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

Week 5 Games
OTT (3-1) @ BUF (0-4) - JUL 20 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LI (3-1) @ VAN (4-0) - JUL 20 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (2-2) @ BOS (1-3) - JUL 21 - 12:00 PM ET
LDN (2-2) @ LOU (3-1) - JUL 21 - 12:00 PM ET
WPG (1-3) @ EDM (2-2) - JUL 21 - 3:30 PM ET
MIN (3-1) @ PRO (3-1) - JUL 21 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (4-0) @ TOR (2-2) - JUL 22 - 1:00 PM ET
PIT (1-3) @ IND (0-4) - JUL 22 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (1-3) @ CGY (1-3) - JUL 22 - 4:30 PM ET