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| Roy Wiley, CB, Denver Gold (27) |
The 1976 USFL/WFL schedule will reach the halfway point (and the trade deadline) Thursday with three winless teams and three undefeated teams (there's competitive balance for you). While we might have anticipated four undefeated teams, the Denver Gold had other ideas.
Denver, in its first season under new head coach AlexanDragon, stunned previously undefeated Cleveland, coming from 11 points back to beat the Thunderbolts, 29-24, on the road. WR Duane Cunningham scored the go-ahead TD from a yard out early in the fourth quarter, five plays after CB Bradley Leon's interception at the Cleveland 39. The 'Bolts had a chance late, but turned the ball over on downs with 50 seconds to play.
Denver CB Roy Wiley intercepted a pair of passes and knocked down four. Cleveland QB Chester Dougherty, obtained in a trade with Houston, did not impress his new fans. Dougherty's QBR was 60.05 after throwing three INTs on 16-for-34 passing.
The Gold came into the game with a 1-5 record, while Cleveland was 6-0. The 'Bolts are now tied with the Detroit Wheels (6-1) atop the Midwest Division, with the Chicago Blitz (5-2) one game back.
In other Week 7 games:
- The New Orleans VooDoo stormed back from a 20-7 fourth-quarter deficit to edge the Portland Storm, 23-20, on John Langdon's 48-yard field goal as time expired. New Orleans QB Ty Fleming completed three passes as the VooDoo moved from their 33 to the Portland 30 after getting the ball back with 45 seconds to go.
- The San Antonio Gunslingers took back possession of the I-10 Construction Zone trophy when DT Fred Sanchez hauled down Houston RB Robert Richards for a 3-yard loss on a 2-point conversion attempt with 1:28 to play, clinching a 30-28 win over the Gamblers.
- Detroit RDE Juan Frigo sacked the QB four times and was credited with 12 hurries during a 20-3 win over the Los Angeles Express. LAX, which allowed nine sacks, continues to lead the Pacific Division.
- Pittsburgh CB Bradley Martinez intercepted a pair of passes in a 24-13 victory over the Baltimore Stars, in their second game under new head coach Dave1233456. The Maulers are cruising along with a three-game lead in the Atlantic Division.
- Florida QB Steve Voll was 19-for-24 passing, including four TDs, in a 30-27 win over the Boston Breakers. Voll's 78-yard heave to WR Felipe Kraus with 2:28 remaining gave the win to the Blazers.
- Oklahoma RB Patrick Hiebert had a nice all-around day, rushing for 90 yards and catching three passes for 94 more during a 37-17 win over the Memphis Showboats. Hiebert's 77-yard TD from QB Dale Brown late in the third quarter broke open what had been a tight game (20-17) as the Outlaws remain tied for first in the Southwest Division.
- The Charolette Hornets beat Washington, 26-16, their second victory over the Federals this season. Charlotte MLB Fernando Stone was credited with eight tackles and intercepted a pass.
