Seems like Halifax is selling the house. Might as well I guess since the season is lost 🤷🏻‍♂️

That's some losing streak. Happy Underhill got a TD.

1973 Week 14


Roster Moves
BOS: S Mason Paquette | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DB Yves Lafrance | Waivers (OTT) -> Active Roster
BOS: WR Edward Webb | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: WR Raul Creek | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: RB John Drexel | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: RB Daniel DeVille | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: WR Buzz Hronak | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: WR Jason Tredegar | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: DL Jared Kendall | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
EDM: DL Lee Frye | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: RB Icarus Zola | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: WR Boniface Joubert | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Lloyd Lane | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Jarred Reid | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LDN: TE Lucas Warmer | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: TE Dave Pira | Active Roster -> Waivers -> Reserve List
LI: DB Carl Odebell | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DB Art Winslow | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: LB Dylan Hill | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: LB Jay Hinton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Tom Applewhite | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Jacque Monet | Active Roster -> Waivers -> Reserve List
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Remi Blanchet | Active Roster -> Waivers -> Reserve List
OTT: S Marc Bellecourt | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: DB Tyler Hill | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
OTT: DB Jerome Caldwell | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
OTT: DB Yves Lafrance | Active Roster -> Waivers -> Claimed by Boston
PIT: WR Yahui Sun | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: WR Lukas Sanchez | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Active Roster -> Reserve List
REG: LB Brett Pride | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: LB Arsenio Baldi | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Claude Balderson | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Kurt Klitsome | Active Roster -> Waivers -> Reserve List

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 20 @ Toronto Steelheads - 25 - Anderson Stadium - Friday, September 21, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 50,299
1st Q
0-7: TOR - RTD RB JC Skyes
7-7: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
7-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
7-17: TOR - DTD FUMR DL Sam Reinkemeyer - FFUM DL Irwin Anthonyson
3rd Q
7-20: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
14-20: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
14-22: TOR - Safety LB Chase Chalker
4th Q
14-25: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
20-25: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman

The Steelheads did their job to try and keep their very slim playoff hopes alive with a statement win, ending the Thunder’s 5-game win streak.
The Toronto defence were the stars once again, as they managed to contain the offensively strong Thunder to just 7 points in the first half. They even got on the scoreboard with a touchdown off of a fumble caused by DL Irwin Anthonyson and getting a safety later in the 3rd from LB Chase Chalker. 
Louisville did make a march back in the 2nd half, scoring a pair of touchdowns, but Toronto’s offence was able to do enough to keep them out in front and hold on for the win.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Winnipeg Falcons - 20 @ Calgary Predators - 17 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Friday, September 21, 1973 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 30,327
1st Q
7-0: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Dennis Davtyan
2nd Q
3rd Q
7-3: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
14-3: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> TE Douglas Northway
4th Q
14-9: CGY - RTD RB Byron Rodham
17-9: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
17-15: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
17-17: CGY - 2PT RB Byron Rodham
20-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth

Calgary’s comeback attempt falls short against the Falcons, who likely dashed the Predators' playoff hopes.
For the 3rd week in a row, Winnipeg got off to a strong start. DB Kyle Ellerbee had an early pick that led to Davtyan’s first touchdown as a Falcon. They extended the lead to 14-3 in the 2nd half. Calgary’s offence sputtered without their top two RBs in John Drexel and Rocco Peaks, resulting in only 3 points until the 4th. However, QB Emmitt Jackson would use his feet in the 4th to lead a comeback and tie the game. Winnipeg would get the last laugh, as a big reception from WR Terry Upshaw would set up a K Jordan Hollingsworth field goal to win their second in a row. 

Ottawa Royals - 24 @ Long Island Raiders - 23 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, September 22, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,395
1st Q
7-0: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
7-7: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
2nd Q
7-10: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
7-13: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
14-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Simon Riley
14-16: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
4th Q
14-23: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
21-23: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Chad Anderson
24-23: OTT - FG K Ira Foster

For the 2nd straight week, the Royals would snag a last-second, 1-point win over a divisional opponent to keep themselves well in the hunt for a playoff spot, while the Raiders lose their 2nd straight.
The Royals started the game strong with a Corbyn Knight touchdown in the first, but by the early stages of the 3rd, the Raiders were up 7-13. A Simon Riley touchdown would give the Royals back the lead, but then the Raiders punched back twice with a field goal and then RB Rudy Saunders’ 2nd touchdown to gain a 9-point advantage. QB Drake Young would lead the comeback charge in the 4th, throwing a touchdown to WR Chad Anderson to pull within 2. Then, after the defence forced a 2 and out, Young would drive down to field goal range where K Ira Foster would take the lead and seal the win.

Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 @ London Tigers - 19 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, September 22, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET- Weather: Mostly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 28,190
1st Q
7-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
2nd Q
7-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
14-3: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
3rd Q
14-6: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
14-12: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
14-19: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
20-19: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Owen Paisley
22-19: PIT - 2PT QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler

A clutch 3 touchdown performance from QB Louis Vaughn would lift the Blacksmiths over the red-hot Tigers to keep themselves alive in the playoff hunt.
A strong first half had Pittsburgh out in front 14-3 at halftime. The Tigers’ offence that has been lighting it up over the past several weeks was now dry with only a field goal to show for their efforts. However, they would find a spark in the 2nd half, scoring 16 points to take a 14-19 lead in the 4th quarter. Both RB Jeremy Royal and WR Lloyd Lane scored in their return to the lineup. Pittsburgh was now behind, and Vaughn would come up clutch, leading a great drive to set up a WR Owen Paisley touchdown to regain the lead. After the 2-point conversion was a success, the Blacksmiths’ defence would hold off the Tigers to secure a much-needed win.

Minnesota Serpents - 32 @ Edmonton Rangers - 17 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, September 22, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 27,825
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
3-3: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
6-3: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
2nd Q
13-3: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
16-3: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
23-3: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
3rd Q
23-10: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
26-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
26-16: EDM - PTD QB Oscar Frost -> WR Stanley McClendon
29-16: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
29-17: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
32-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough

Minnesota takes care of business in Edmonton to put themselves back into strong playoff position. 
After a slow 1st quarter, Minnesota would pull away in the 2nd with QB Martin Keller throwing a pair of touchdowns to give them a 20-point lead going into the break. The Rangers did elect to start their 1973 5th overall pick, QB Oscar Frost for the first time. Frost struggled in the first half, but did end up throwing his first career touchdown in the 4th, as the Rangers slowly climbed back into the game. Ultimately, despite the comeback push from Edmonton, 6 field goals from K Ray Bough would be more than enough to leave the Serpents with a comfortable win.

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Boston Independents - 24 @ Montreal Rouge - 21 - OT - Mount Royal Stadium - Saturday, September 22, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,475
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
4-0: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
4-7: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villaneuva
11-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
3rd Q
11-14: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villaneuva
4th Q
18-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Alex Acquafredda
18-21: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
21-21: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
OT
24-21: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock

A crucial game for Boston ends with an overtime win that keeps their season alive. 
The first half would be a bit slow until QB Tom Applewhite would connect with WR Antonio Villanueva for a touchdown in both players’ return to the lineup. Boston would answer back with a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown before the break, but Montreal punched back with a 2nd Villanueva touchdown in the 3rd. The teams continued trading touchdowns into the 4th quarter, where Montreal held a 3-point lead as time was winding down. QB Nathaniel Braddock would play hero-ball and get the Independents down for a field goal that would tie the game and send it to OT. The offence settled down in the extra frame with both defences holding strong. Ultimately, it was Braddock who was able to break through and get Boston in field goal range for what would hold as the game-winning score.

Halifax Mariners - 29 @ Providence Gold Stars - 23 - New Providence Stadium - Sunday, September 23, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 57,522
1st Q
0-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
10-3: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
2nd Q
10-10: PRO - RTD RB Bob Sanders
3rd Q
11-10: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
11-17: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
14-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
21-17: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
21-20: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
27-20: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
29-20: HFX - 2PT QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
29-23: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill

The Mariners pulled off a big upset to capture their first divisional win since Week 6 of the 1971 season, while Providence failed to book their ticket to the playoffs heading into the final week.
The first half left both teams knotted up at 10 heading into the break, after Providence tied the game late in the 2nd via RB Bob Sanders. In the 2nd half, another Gold Star touchdown would give the team a 14-17 lead heading into the final frame. In the final quarter, the Mariners’ offence put their best foot forward and scored twice. WR Shane Steadman made a big grab while RB Axel Vandal took in his second of the game. A 2-point conversion would leave Providence down by two scores, and they would run out of time to catch up.

Indiana Victors - 29 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 47 - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, September 23, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 52,511
1st Q
7-0: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
7-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
7-14: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
2nd Q
14-14: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
14-17: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
14-24: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Ray Brydges
3rd Q
14-31: BUF - RTD QB Joel Joeson
14-34: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
21-34: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Felix Fontaine
21-41: BUF - PTD QB Joe Weber -> WR Ray Brydges
21-44: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
27-44: IND - RTD RB Mark Waters
29-44: IND - 2PT QB Al Washington -> RB Daniel Collins
29-47: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch

There was an offensive explosion in Buffalo as the Victors and Blue Wings combined for 76 points.
After an early touchdown, the Victors were thrown for a loop with QB Nathan Houle potentially reinjuring his knee from last season, taking him out of the game and sending QB Al Washington to finish. Washington had his strongest performance this season, throwing a pair of touchdowns. However, despite a solid offensive output with Washington, Buffalo was on another level, taking a  14-24 lead into the break. However, they would also face some QB injuries as QB Charles Lemieux and then backup QB Joel Joeson both got banged up, leading to QB Joe Weber making his on-field debut. Weber would throw a touchdown in the 4th and then manage the final quarter from there. The game as a whole was chaotic with various turnovers, long kick returns, and a boatload of scoring. An entertaining watch for a game between teams set to miss the postseason.

Vancouver Wolves - 27 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 11 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, September 23, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 16,312
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
10-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
10-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
17-3: VAN - RTD RB Richard Morin
3rd Q
17-10: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jimmy Franks
24-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
24-11: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
4th Q
27-11: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks

To close out Week 14, the Wolves would handle business in Regina, securing their first 10-win season since joining the NAAF. Right from the start, the Wolves were in control, taking a 10-0 lead after the 1st and then 17-3 after the 2nd. Regina showed some life in the 3rd with a WR Jimmy Franks touchdown from QB Stanley Evans, but Vancouver quickly answered back with another touchdown of their own. Backups would close out the 4th quarter for Vancouver.

Injury Report
BOS: OL Ken Lafontaine - Cramping - Day-to-Day
BOS: DL Moses Abraham - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
BUF: QB Charles Lemieux - Fractured Rib - 5 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Peter Manning - Hand Injury - 1 Week
BUF: QB Joel Joeson - High Ankle Sprain - 12 Weeks
BUF: DB Lawrence Martell - Contusion - 2 Weeks
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
EDM: OL Darrell Lemay - Contusion - 2 Weeks
EDM: LB Spencer Morrison - Broken Bone - 8 Weeks
EDM: DL Steven Montgomery - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
IND: QB Nathan Houle - Partial Ligament Tear - 16 Weeks
IND: LB Garrett DeGraaf - Hip Injury - 5 Weeks
LDN: DL Mo Kahn - Moderate Concussion - 5 Weeks
LI: RB Scott Norton - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Gary Bies - Groin Strain - 3 Weeks
LOU: LB Aloysius King IV - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
LOU: OL Jerry Hankins - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
LOU: DL Gavin Shaw - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
MIN: DB Davey Woods - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
MIN: DL Roland Sands - Dislocated - 11 Weeks
OTT: LB Sam Wheeler - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
PIT: OL Viktor Stahl - Torn Muscle - 6 Weeks
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PRO: RB Bob Sanders - High Ankle Sprain - 9 Weeks
PRO: OL Ted Cole - Strained Hamstring - 4 Weeks
REG: DL Winfield Winchester - Illness - Day-to-Day
TOR: RB Nelson Barker - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis - Pectoral Strain - 6 Weeks

Players of the Week


OFF: QB Louis Vaughn PIT - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 240 Passing Yards


DEF: DB Austin Sherebernikoff MIN - 2 Interceptions, 3 Tackles

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

CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-3 - Y
London - 8-5 - X
Pittsburgh - 7-6
Toronto - 6-7
Buffalo - 4-9
Indiana - 3-10

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

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

*At week's end, based on all possible results of week 15, LDN and MIN are both clinched and have no scenarios where they miss the playoffs
*This marks London’s return to the playoffs for the first time since 1967

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

Week 15 Games
MTL (8-5) @ PRO (8-5) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
*FOR THE DIVISION
*MTL clinches East Division with Win
*MTL clinches Playoff Spot with PIT Loss or BOS + LI Loss
*PRO clinches East Division with Win
*PRO clinches Playoff Spot with PIT Loss or BOS + LI Loss
LI (8-5) @ HFX (4-9) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
*LI clinches Playoff Spot with Win or PIT Loss or OTT Loss
IND (3-10) @ PIT (7-6) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
*PIT clinches Playoff Spot with Win
BUF (4-9) @ LOU (10-3) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
*LOU clinches #1 Seed with Win or VAN Loss
TOR (6-7) @ LDN (8-5) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
MIN (8-5) @ WPG (4-9) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
CGY (6-7) @ REG (4-9) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
EDM (4-9) @ VAN (10-3) - SEP 29 - 3:00 PM ET
*VAN clinches #1 Seed with Win + LOU Loss
OTT (8-5) @ BOS (7-6) - SEP 29 - 7:30 PM ET - Season Finale
*WIN AND YOU ARE IN GAME
*OTT clinches Playoff Spot with Win
*BOS clinches Playoff Spot with Win

Great to see Al Washington back in the game. Too bad he lost.

1973 Week 15


Roster Moves
BUF: QB Charles Lemieux | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: QB Nathan Stauheim | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: DL Steven Montgomery | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: DL Lee Frye | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: S Derrick Focht | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: DB Samuel McCann | Active Roster -> Waivers
IND: DB Byron Knight | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
IND: DB Alexandre Gagnon | Active Roster -> Reserve List
IND: LB Garrett DeGraaf | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: LB Sheamus Desmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: QB Nathan Houle | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: QB Dominic Hoffmeister | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DL Mo Kahn | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DL Russell Lynch | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: OL Gary Bies | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: OL Peter Smith | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DL Roland Sands | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: DL JR Stevens | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: WR Taylor Middleton | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PIT: WR Lukas Sanchez | Active Roster -> Reserve List
PRO: TE Karios Knight | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: WR Leon Hudson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: RB Bob Sanders | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: RB DJ Williams | Free Agent -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Don Shred | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Gavin Brightman | Active Roster -> Reserve List
TOR: RB Shannon West | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: RB Carson Meyers | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: DL Justin Bardouche | Reserve List -> Active Roster

Montreal Rouge - 28 @ Providence Gold Stars - 14 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 65,294
1st Q
1-0: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
4-0: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
4-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Colby Bancana
11-7: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
3rd Q
14-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
21-14: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
28-14: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Nathan Hackman

Montreal pulls off a decisive win to capture their second East Division title in 3 seasons. 
A slow first half would see the Rouge take a narrow 4-point lead into halftime. Providence would get the game into a tie in the 3rd, making it anyone’s game. However, Montreal would pull away with a touchdown to answer back. The defence for the Rouge would play amazingly through the rest of the game, keeping the Gold Stars off the board. The Gold Stars’ offence was really struggling to move the ball throughout the game as well due to being down to their 3rd string RB Jonathan Rougeau, which killed the usually solid run game. A 3rd touchdown in the 4th would put Montreal up by 14, which would be more than enough to hold onto the win, securing the East Division crown and leaving the Gold Stars’ season in the hands of other teams. 
*MTL clinches East Division

Long Island Raiders - 31 @ Halifax Mariners - 20 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET/4:00 PM AT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 24,018
1st Q
0-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3-3: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
3-6: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
10-6: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
17-6: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
3rd Q
17-12: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
17-13: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
17-20: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
4th Q
24-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
31-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson

The Raiders would book their ticket to the postseason, taking down their rival Mariners.
The Raiders were in control of the game in the first half, taking a 17-6 lead. The offence was clicking and the defence was holding their own. However, in the 3rd, the young duo of QB Todd Sparrow and RB Axel Vandal give Halifax the 3-point lead heading into the final frame. QB Ivan Sanchez would pull it together and lead the charge, throwing 2 touchdowns in the 4th to put the Raiders up by 11. 
*RECORD: TE Eric Peterson’s 2 touchdowns would put him at 9 on the season, setting the record previously set by TE Luiss de Brands and TE Johnny Temple (7), for most touchdowns from a TE. Peterson also becomes the first TE to solely lead his team in receiving touchdowns.
*LI clinches playoff spot

Indiana Victors - 18 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 35 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,386
1st Q
0-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
0-14: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Owen Paisley
2nd Q
0-21: PIT - RTD RB Raymond Green
7-21: IND - RTD RB Mark Waters
3rd Q
7-28: PIT - RTD RB Alain Ducharme
13-28: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
15-28: IND - 2PT RB Daniel Collins
18-28: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
18-35: PIT - QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin

Pittsburgh extends their playoff streak with a commanding win over the Victors.
QB Louis Vaughn was not going to let the team slip out of the playoffs, especially when they were up against the team at the bottom of the standings. Vaughn would dominate the first half with 2 passing touchdowns, leading the team to a 7-21 lead. To start the 2nd half, there was a crazy collision between RB Raymond Green and DB Byron Knight. The two collided helmet to helmet, which might have knocked both players unconscious for a moment. Both left the game suffering concussions. The collision brought up some conversations about trying to clean up the helmet-led tackling some players tend to employ. After the incident, Pittsburgh would score again before Indiana finally had some answers. QB Al Washington, who got the start due to a Nathan Houle injury, threw a bomb to Abbredezzi that would pull Indiana back into the game. However, a 3rd Vaughn touchdown pass would put the game out of reach. 
*PIT clinches Playoff Spot
*IND clinches 1st Overall Pick

Buffalo Blue Wings - 36 @ Louisville Thunder - 22 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,940
1st Q
0-1: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
7-1: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
10-1: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
17-1: BUF - PTD QB Joe Weber -> WR Tracy Driscoll
20-1: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
20-4: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
20-7: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-7: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
30-7: BUF - RTD RB Robert Erwin
30-14: LOU - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Ray Howard
4th Q
33-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
33-15: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
36-15: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
36-22: LOU - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Stu Weidemann

Buffalo closes out a rough season with a big win over Central Division champs.
QB Joe Weber, a 1971 4th Round Pick out of Nova Scotia, got his first career start and impressed in a strong win of the Thunder. Weber threw a touchdown and managed the ball well with confidence is a low-pressure situation. K Ryan Perch also made a mark, going 6/6 on field goals in the game. QB Xerxes Wynn did make his first start for Louisville with the Thunder guaranteed home field advantage through the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. After a slow first half, Wynn threw a couple of touchdowns in the 2nd half to also have a solid outing.

Toronto Steelheads - 13 @ London Tigers - 35 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,373
1st Q
0-7: LDN - RTD RB Maxwell Greenfield
3-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
3-14: LDN - DTD INT DB Victor Vratislav
3rd Q
3-21: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> TE Lucas Warmer
3-22: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
10-22: TOR - RTD RB JC Skyes
13-22: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
13-29: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
13-32: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
13-35: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth

Tigers close out the season with a strong win over their Southern Ontario rivals.
The Tigers decided to rest a few players like WR Lloyd Lane and RB Jeremy Royal, but still kept QB Henry Johnsson in the game. Johnsson ultimately had a solid game, throwing 2 touchdowns against a great Steelheads’ defence that didn’t quite look like themselves. After extending the lead to 13-29, QB Tyrion Gainsborough would step in. In fact, the Tigers appeared to want to get K Nimrod Handsworth on the board who has a shot at the kicking crown again this season. On the other side, Toronto’s offence struggled to generate much throughout the game, leaving them well behind the Tigers. 

Minnesota Serpents - 17 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 9 - Provencher Park - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 22,778
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
14-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> TE Xavier Francis Langford
14-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
14-6: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
17-6: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
17-9: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth

Minnesota wins rematch with Falcons to finish the year on a 4-game win streak.
After taking a commanding 14-0 lead in the first half, Minnesota went on cruise control, only adding 3 more points. However, to Winnipeg’s credit, their defence was playing well after the early scores. Unfortunately, the offence struggled to finish, leading to 3 field goals instead of touchdowns. Minnesota may regret not scoring more as they may have allowed the Tigers to pass them in the standings for the final home playoff game.

Calgary Predators - 26 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 30 - OT - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 15,650
1st Q
0-7: REG - PTD QB Whit Johnson -> WR Jack Knight
3-7: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
3-17: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
6-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3rd Q
6-20: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-20: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR James Johnson
4th Q
20-20: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
20-23: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
23-23: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
OT
26-23: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
26-30: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman

The only game with zero playoff implications would turn out to be one of the best games of the early window. 
QB Whit Johnson drew in to start for the Wheat Kings, while the Predators still played most of their starters. Johnson would lead Regina out to a 6-17 lead in the first half, finally throwing his first career touchdown to WR Jack Knight. After an early Regina field goal, Calgary’s offence would finally wake up. Jackson would throw a pair of touchdowns in the 2nd half to tie the game back up at 20. The teams would trade field goals, leaving the game tied at 23. Calgary would get the first points to take a 3-point lead. However, RB Deion Chapman would make a play, cutting right through the Predators’ defence for a 54-yard touchdown run that would stand as the game-winning score.

Edmonton Rangers - 22 @ Vancouver Wolves - 28 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 35,108
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
3-7: VAN - RTD RB Joseph Cook
3-14: VAN - RTD RB Joseph Cook
2nd Q
10-14: EDM - PTD QB Oscar Frost -> WR Stanley McClendon
10-21: VAN - PTD QB Jerome Sheppard -> WR Tristian Lewis
3rd Q
13-21: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
19-21: EDM - RTD RB Vincent Marsden II
4th Q
19-28: VAN - PTD QB Jerome Sheppard -> WR Kendrick Newton
22-28: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart

Sheppard leads Vancouver to win over the Rangers to close out the season with the team’s first 11-win season in the NAAF. 
Vancouver elected to rest many starters in their final game, with QB Jerome Sheppard starting next to RB Joseph Cook. The two had a great first half with Cook scoring twice and Sheppard throwing a touchdown. Edmonton would show some life in the 3rd with Vincent Marsden II scoring, but a missed 2-point conversion would leave them down by 2. Vancouver would not let them come back with Sheppard throwing a 2nd touchdown to put the game out of reach.

PLAYOFF SITUATION UPDATE:
Following the 3:00 PM ET set of games here is what has been clinched
- Vancouver clinches the #1 seed in the league after beating Edmonton and Louisville losing to Buffalo
- Montreal clinched the East Division with the win over Providence
- Long Island clinched a playoff spot with the win over Halifax
- Pittsburgh clinched a playoff spot with the win over Indiana
- Providence is officially eliminated from the Playoffs after both Pittsburgh and Long Island won
- London, Long Island, and Minnesota were all tied at 9-5 while being in second place in each division. The 4th seed would have to be decided by a tiebreaker. The Raiders would get the 6th seed, having a 5-3 divisional record vs London and Minnesota’s 6-2 records. Then, since the two teams did not play, the break would be decided by point differential. The Tigers would secure the 4th seed, having a differential of +89 vs Minnesota’s +77.
- The only spot left will belong to either Boston or Ottawa, whoever wins…

SEASON FINALE
Ottawa Royals - 28 @ Boston Independents - 20 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, September 29, 1973 - 7:30 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,257
1st Q
0-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
2nd Q
7-10: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
7-13: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
10-13: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
17-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
4th Q
17-20: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
18-20: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
21-20: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
28-20: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez

Royals come up clutch for 3rd straight win and secure the final playoff spot, sending Boston home for the season.
It was a tight start with Ottawa taking a lead in the first quarter, but 10 points from Boston in the 2nd would leave the home squad up by 6 at halftime. Ottawa answered back with 10 more points of their own in the 3rd, with Sterling Underhill scoring his 2nd of the game. Boston would regain the lead on a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown in the early stages of the 4th. Ottawa would get down to field goal range, but K Ira Foster would miss the 34-yard kick that would end up through the endzone for a single. After the Royals’ defence got a stop, Foster would get a chance at redemption, hitting a 36-yarder to take the lead. On Boston’s next possession, they would gain about 22 yards before QB Nathaniel Braddock’s pass would be tipped at the line by DL Bernhard Hartmann. The ball lost some of its momentum, and DB Sergio Alvarez was able to cut underneath it and take it back to the house for a pick-6. Ottawa would play conservatively and elect to kick the single instead of going for 2, leaving Boston with a chance to tie. However, the Royals’ defence would hold them off.
*Ottawa clinches a Playoff Spot

Injury Report
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Pectoral Strain - 5 Weeks
CGY: OL James Johnson - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - Hand Injury - 1 Week
HFX: S Derrick Focht - Torn Muscle (Reaggravated) - 6 Weeks
HFX: DL Jimmy Snack - Severe Ligament Tear - 9 Weeks
HFX: S Horace Treadaway - Shoulder Separation - 4 Weeks
HFX: DB Arthur Longsjo Jr. - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
HFX: S George Turner - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
IND: DB Byron Knight - Moderate Concussion - 5 Weeks
LDN: TE Pete Mayfield - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
LI: OL Alan Mitchell - Hip Injury - 3 Weeks
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - Fractured Hand - 6 Weeks
LI: DB Ross Conroy - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
LOU: LB Oliver Brant - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LOU: DB Darian Quesada - Severe Ligament Tear - 12 Weeks
MIN: OL Jordan Bryson - Mild Ligament Sprain - 4 Weeks
MTL: QB Landon Ross - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
OTT: S Joseph Ackerman - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
PIT: RB Raymond Green - Moderate Concussion - 3 Weeks
PRO: WR James Hess - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
REG: LB Dallas Rush - Severe Cut - Day-to-Day
REG: OL Charles Hyland - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
TOR: DL Sam Reinkemeyer - Wrist Sprain - 1 Week
TOR: LB Chase Chalker - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
VAN: OL Dominic Bissonnette - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
VAN: DL Qian Zhou – Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
WPG: TE Douglas Northway - Heel Injury - 2 Weeks
WPG: OL Josh Rowell - High Ankle Sprain - 11 Weeks

Players of the Week


OFF: TE Eric Peterson LI - 2 Receiving Touchdowns, 105 Receiving Yards


DEF: DL Bernhard Hartmann OTT - 2 Sacks, 1 Pass Deflection, 1 Knockdown, 5 Tackles

Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 11-3 - Z*
Minnesota - 9-5 - X
Calgary - 6-8
Regina - 5-9
Edmonton - 4-10
Winnipeg - 4-10
* = Mackenzie Cup Winner (Best finishing WFU team)

CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-4 - Y
London - 9-5 - X
Pittsburgh - 8-6 - X
Toronto - 6-8
Buffalo - 5-9
Indiana - 3-11

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

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

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