1959-60 NAFA Season Summary
Regular Season Standings
East Division
x - Philadelphia Americans: 8-3-1
x - Cleveland Lumberjacks: 7-4-1
New York Blues: 6-5-1
Ottawa Capitals: 5-6-1
Toronto Nationals: 2-8-2
West Division
x - Detroit Sparks: 10-2-0
x - Minneapolis Black Bears: 9-3-0
Indianapolis Chiefs: 6-6-0
St. Louis Knights: 4-7-1
Chicago Cougars: 3-8-1
Headlines
- Ruben Ross dominates the NAFA, leading the Sparks to their first playoff appearance in franchise history (this includes their time in Montreal).
- Despite winning the West Division, Detroit finishes 0-2 against the Minneapolis Black Bears and their incredible rush defense.
- Milton Gilbert continues to play at a high level despite being 35 years old.
- After returning from injury, Stuart Hunter leads Cleveland back to the playoffs.
- Toronto continues their stay at the bottom of the east division.
End-of-Season Awards
Most Valuable Player: Ruben Ross | Detroit Sparks | HB
Rookie of the Year: Vernon Sampson | St. Louis Knights | WR
Coach of the Year: Calvin Richardson | Detroit Sparks
NAFA Postseason Results
East Division Final: Cleveland Lumberjacks 14, Philadelphia Americans 12
January 2, 1960 | National Field | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Despite entering Cleveland's red zone 7 times, the Americans were unable to score a touchdown throughout the entire game. Stuart Hunter led the way for the Lumberjacks, throwing 14/19 for 158 yards and a touchdown as well as rushing in for a touchdown. Cleveland never trailed.

West Division Final: Minneapolis Black Bears 38, Detroit Sparks 21
January 3, 1960 | GM Field | Dearborn, Michigan
Minneapolis was in control all game, leading 24-0 at halftime and stifling the potent Detroit rushing attack for the third time this season.
Continental Bowl XII: Cleveland Lumberjacks 27, Minneapolis Black Bears 13
January 10, 1960 | Yale Bowl | New Haven, Connecticut
Tied 10-10 at the half, this game seemed it would come down to the wire. That was before Cleveland's defense came up huge, scoring two defensive touchdowns in the third quarter (one pick six, one strip six). After regaining possession early in the fourth, the Lumberjacks were able to drain a majority of the remaining clock before scoring three more on a 37-yard field goal.
Congratulations to the Cleveland Lumberjacks and their fans on their 2nd Continental Bowl. They are now the third team to win multiple CB's.
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Thank you to everyone who has participated in the expansion council so far.
The votes currently sit at:
Boston: 8
Washington: 6
Dallas: 4
Pittsburgh: 3
Miami: 1
Vancouver: 0
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