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| James Lockette, DT, New Jersey |
New Jersey LDE James Lockette had 4 sacks, 11 hurries, and 4 tackles as the Generals extended their win steak to seven games by outlasting the Honolulu Hawaiians, 18-14. New Jersey is now 9-5, tied with the Birmingham Stallions (9-5) for the two National Conference wild card playoff spots.
The Generals and Stallions are one game ahead of the Baltimore Stars (8-6) and Georgia Force (8-6), which sets up a very, very interesting final two weeks.
New Jersey finishes with games against Baltimore and Orlando (7-7). Birmingham finishes with games against Georgia and the Oklahoma Outlaws (10-4). Baltimore finishes with games against New Jersey and the Pittsburgh Maulers (9-4-1). Georgia finishes with games against Birmingham and the New Orleans VooDoo (1-13).
So, anything could happen. And, throwing an even bigger monkey wrench into things is the fact three of the four divisions have not been clinched. The division-leading Maulers, Stars, and Shreveport Steamer could all fall by the wayside over the final two weeks.
Baltimore could have done itself a big favor in Week 14, but the Stars fell to Pittsburgh, 23-7. So, for now, it looks like the Maulers are on their way to a fourth consecutive Atlantic Division title. Pittsburgh outscored Baltimore, 16-0, in a fourth quarter that included a sack for a safety by Nathaniel Miles with less than 2 minutes to play.
Honolulu LDE Lloyd Pursell recorded seven sacks against New Jersey, one shy of the league record, in addition to 11 hurries and nine tackles.
In other Week 14 games:
- Memphis Showboats RB Gregory Shea continues to add to his record-breaking season. Shea had his second 109-yard kickoff return of the season, and sixth return for a TD, as Memphis nipped the Houston Gamblers, 24-23. Shea now holds the USFL/WFL record for kickoff return TDs in a game (3), season (6) and career (11). Gamblers FB August Madrid caught six passes for 151 yards and three TDs.
- The Arizona Wranglers clinched their first-ever playoff berth with a 34-10 win over the Jacksonville Bulls. Backup QB Ralph Trowbridge, pressed into action due to a season-ending injury to starter Jerry Montalvo, had one of the best days of his forgettable career. Trowbridge was 21-for-31 passing for 306 yards with three TDs and one interception.
- The Oklahoma Outlaws are also in the playoffs for the first time. Oklahoma routed the San Antonio Gunslingers, 33-14, as five different Outlaws intercepted passes and LDE Joe Braatz had two sacks.
- Detroit QB Mario Valencia threw four TD passes as the Wheels improved to 14-0 with a 39-10 romp past the Washington Federals. Washington was actually ahead for 9 minutes of the first quarter, thanks to Roger Saddler's 97-yard return of the opening kickoff. Valencia has 42 TD passes this season, one fewer than Gene Nowlin of the Los Angeles Express.
- Shreveport (10-4) won its sixth in a row after a 4-4 start by shutting down the Georgia Force, 30-7. Shreveport scored 27 points in the first half, including a 101-yard kickoff return by Gerry Tucker.
- The San Jose SaberCats outscored the Portland Storm, 37-31, meaning Portland (8-6) will sit out the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
