The 1st NFA Champion Bowl was played in Boston, MA on December 21th, 1946. A battle between the 2 best NFA teams; the Washington Pirates and the Boston Gaels. Boston struck first, RB John Wiseman breaking out for an 18 yard touchdown run on 3rd down. It didn’t take long for the Pirates to strike back. Not 3 minutes later was Washington already at the Boston 15. This thanks to WR Larry Randolph breaking 2 tackles, turning a 2 yard pass into a 46 yard gain. On 2nd down on the Gaels goal line, Pirates QB Terrence Gaines, dives into the endzone tying it up at 7. The first quarter would end tied at 7.
After a long drive ended in a missed field goal for the Gaels. They would immediately get it back thanks to a fumble by the Pirates which quickly led to an avenging field goal make, giving Boston a 10-7 lead. On the following kick return Washington would fumble again, and although it was recovered by a Pirates player, it would lead to bad field position, which lead to a safety. Boston would keep the 12-7 lead going into half time.
Washington started the 3rd quarter with a long drive that ended in them taking a 14-12 lead, They would then intercept a Boston pass on 3rd down setting them up in prime field position to score again. Unfortunately they had to settle for 3. Boosting the lead to 5. Both teams would suffer 3 and outs before the 3rd quarter came to rest.
Entering the 4th with the ball, Boston had to score. They marched down the field until they got to the Pirates 20, where a big sack, almost jarring the ball loose, set them back to the 28. 2nd and 18 quickly turned into 4th and 9 and they had to settle for the field goal, in hopes they’d get the ball back. Washington wouldn’t give them that opportunity though. They took the rest of the quarter to go down the field. They let the clock run out sealing their victory.
The Washington Pirates win over the Boston Gaels, 17-15.
C&C appreciated! And congrats to the Pirates!