1978 Training Camp Report

Wesley Griffin, LT, Washington

Training camp always produces both the thrill of victory and agony of defeat for USFL/WFL coaches. Nobody was more thrilled Thursday than new Washington Federals coach chermy10.

The Federals rolled the dice on LT Wesley Griffin with the third overall pick. Griffin came with big potential, but also big risk: 98 volatility. A lot of teams have lost their shirts choices like this, but Washington came out wearing a tuxedo. Griffin's potential jumped 3 points, to 93 (my weights), and his current rating jumped 20 points to 64.

It is possible Griffin could start every game of what is likely to be a long and successful pro career. The 314-pound UNLV graduate is already at 97 strength and 100 pass blocking. His 88 run blocking could rise as high as 100. Nobody is wearing a bigger smile these days than Federals QB Joe Richardson, who has been sacked 252 times in four seasons under center.

Expressing the agony of defeat in French ("J'ai fait une très mauvaise erreur", or something like that) was Denver Gold coach Alexan Dragon. He gambled and lost on 96 vol QB John McCaskill with the 10th pick. McCaskill fell 13 points to 41/64. His pass accuracy currently sits at 22 with a ceiling of 43.

Even playing it safe doesn't always work. The Michigan Panthers saw both first-round picks drop despite taking players with 36 and 40 volatility.

The No. 1 overall pick, Philadelphia Bell SS Herbert Lynn, lost 4 points, but is still has 85 potential.

The Chicago Blitz have already put WLB Michael King, their second-round pick, on waivers after he lost 11 points Thursday. The Boston Breakers' second-round choice, fullback Mark Jackson, rose 8 points to 83 overall.

Some big drops Thursday (all weights mine)

1-2, Miguel Gross, LDE, New Orleans, -7 / 86 (66 vol)
1-4, Jerry Ruiz, QB, Michigan, -7 / 79 (36 vol)
1-13, Juan Jacobson, CB, Michigan, -6 / 69 (40 vol)
1-14, Lamar Reynolds, LDE, Houston, -8 / 70 (72 vol)
1-24, Jeffrey Thompson, LT, Birmingham, -12 / 75 (84 vol)
2-1, Gregory Frick, WR, New Orleans, -10 / 64 (80 vol)
2-3, Anthony Baker, WLB, SoCal, -10 / 61 (78 vol)
2-10, Michael Keys, DT, Charlotte, -7 / 67 (76 vol)
2-16, Michael King, WLB, Chicago, -11 / 52 (92 vol)
2-27, Jorge Reeves, RG, Orlando, -8 / 67 (78 vol)

Some big gainers Thursday (again, all weights mine):

1-3, Wesley Griffin, LT, Washington, +3 / 93 (98 vol)
1-19, Timothy Ballinger, DT, Oklahoma, +3 / 75 (38 vol)
1-20, Eric Bigham, WLB, NY Stars, +3 / 78 (48 vol)
1-21, Wade Wentz, WR, Birmingham, +4 / 87 (78 vol)
1-30, Thomas Martin, DT, Los Angeles, +5 / 76 (90 vol)
2-5, Morris Burbach, RDE, Florida, +6 / 78 (86 vol)
2-6, Patrick Eveland, LG, Houston, +5 / 79 (54 vol)
2-12, Mark Jackson, FB, Boston, +8 / 83 (54 vol)
2-13, Elwood Savage, QB, Orlando, +5 / 78 (64 vol)
2-14, Clayton Nolan, TE, Honolulu, +5 / 75 (58 vol)
2-15, Corey True, RB, Denver, +4 / 81 (88 vol)
2-24, Javier Rudolph, WR, Pittsburgh, +5 / 77 (48 vol)
2-31, David Wilcox, RDE, Tampa Bay, +7 / 74 (86 vol)
2-32, Robert Hanna, RB, Orlando, +5 / 75 (92 vol)

New Power Rankings System (?)

As much as I love some of MFN's window dressing, the Power Rankings are not among my favorites. I have always thought the rankings didn't match up well with how the teams were faring, and the fluctuations from week-to-week were maddening.

So, at least for our league, I decided to do something about it. That is how MOHR (Modified Ohio Harbin Ratings) was born.

MOHR is based on the Harbin ratings system used by the Ohio High School Athletic Association to determine playoff qualifiers in that state. I just adapted the formulas for our league's use. The real Harbin system was developed in the 1960s by Jack Harbin, a cash register repairman and volunteer coach in the Cleveland suburb of Willowick. The OHSAA formally adopted it in 1972.

The short story is this: you get first-level points for games you win. You get second-level points for games your defeated opponents wins.

There are no points for losses. There are no margin-of-victory points.

The OHSAA's explanation of the system is a bit more complex, because they need to deal with bye weeks, canceled games, out-of-state opponents, etc. For the MFN purposes, everybody is a Division II school (6 first-level points) and everybody's multiplier is 100 because every team is playing the same amount of games.

Joe Eitel's site tracks the Harbin ratings during the season, if you want to see how this thing works in real life.

Because of small sample size, the early ratings and their variables can be a bit wonky. The OHSAA doesn't release them until after the fourth game (40 percent of the season). In our 16-game schedule, that would be after Week 6.

First, here is a screen shot of the MOHR from the 1977 USFL/WFL regular season (click to enlarge all screen shots).

Here is a screen shot of the MOHR top-to-bottom, with the teams' W-L records:

Finally, here is a screen shot of side-by-side comparison with the MFN power rankings at the conclusion of the 1977 season vs. the MOHR counterpart:

I think all of the above offer some evidence as to MOHR's comparative accuracy. But, you tell me.

Lynn is No. 1 Pick in Draft

Herbert Lynn, SS, Philadelphia Bell

The Philadelphia Bell chose Notre Dame SS Herbert Lynn with the first overall pick in the 1978 USFL/WFL draft.

Lynn has only 32 volatility, so he's not likely to bust. His 84 speed goes with potentials of 88 tackle ability, 100 punish receiver, 91 zone coverage, 95 M2M coverage, and 96 B&R coverage. Lynn will be the cornerstone around which new coach Webster922 will be able to build his team.

The New Orleans VooDoo took LDE Miguel Gross with the second pick. Gross has 84 speed and 100 potential sack rush, a true sack master in the making.

The Washington Federals went out on a limb with the third pick, taking LT Wesley Griffith. He is a potential 90 overall (my weights), but has 98 volatility. So, we'll see.

The Michigan Panthers had two picks in the top 13, and went with QB Jerry Ruiz and CB Juan Jacobson. The Houston Gamblers had two picks in the top 14, settling on RDE Irvin Balzer and SLB Lamar Reynolds. Birmingham used its two first-round picks on WR Wade Wentz and LT Jeffrey Thompson, replacing retired superstars Bruno Fredericks and Ben Arnold.

A Little Draft History

Just to satisfy my own curiosity, I checked the history of first-round draft picks in the USFL/WFL. I found that every single first-round pick since the allocation draft is still in the league--except one.

The Detroit Wheels took  LG Marshall Yingling with the 24th pick in the 1975 draft. Yes, Yingling had 98 volatility, but, hey, a guy with that potential can't fall that far, right? Well, he did. Yingling dropped more than 20 points during training camp. He was on the field for just 11 plays from scrimmage in 1975 and released by Detroit before the first game of the 1976 season.

Don't feel too sorry for Wheels coach eyeballll however, since his team has won the last two World Bowl championships and last season drafted the Rookie of the Year. If Yingling had panned out, there may have been more trophies in the case.

Booger's 1978 Mock Draft

Jerry Ruiz, QB, Pitt/New Orleans?

Our resident draftnik, Booger926, has provided his vision of how the 1978 draft will look. We appreciate Booger contributing content to the league blog and welcome any submissions others coaches wish to send along. If you disagree with his synopsis, remember that Booger is not in your war room, nor in your head. This is his best guess. All editorial comments are Booger's and do not reflect the official position of the USFL/WFL.

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1) Philadelphia Bell (1-15)

Overall Offensive Rank - 32nd (31st Pass / 28th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 30th (23rd against the Pass / 32nd against the Run)

Needs: YOUTH!!! OL, LB, CB, WR, TE

With a QB in the top 5 and the worst-ranked offense, this would be a no-brainer. But the Bell have the people in place in QB Roy Rhyne, and an above-average protection line that the offense can get by with right now. Their weakest link on the line is at LG, which can get better than what they currently have with a third-round pick. What they need to address is to get a WR so Rhyne has someone who can catch what he throws to them. But Philly has 22 players with 7 or more years of experience, and their defense was so badly in need of Geritol infusion IVs that I think MLB Miguel Gross – Other will be doing his own version of the Philly Special.

2) New Orleans VooDoo (1-15)

Overall Offensive Rank – 31st (32nd Pass / 9th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 16th ( 12th against the Pass / 22nd against the Run)

Needs: DL, OL, WR

Ok, No-Brainer Choice No. 2. QB Jerry Ruiz – Pittsburgh isn’t dropping any further. NOLA gets its franchise QB and gets back into the playoffs.

3) Washington Federals (2-14)

Overall Offensive Rank – 28th ( 28th Pass / 19th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 31st ( 27th against the Pass / 31st against the Run)

Needs: DL, OL, LB

With a total of 62 sacks allowed, 6th-highest in the league, I think the Federals will address this need instead beefing up the run stoppage and take LT Wesley Griffin – UNLV.

4) Michigan Panthers (6-9-1) VIA Southern California Sun

Overall Offensive Rank – 11th (#3 Pass / 32nd Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 28th ( 29th against the Pass / 23rd against the Run)

Needs: OL, DE, CB

This is the first pick of Michigan's two first-rounders in this year’s draft, the one they got through the trade of WR John Sanders to the Sun. The Panthers have shown drastic improvements during their time in the USFL, and slowly focus on one need at a time. This draft, I know they will be addressing their defense, but I cannot decide if they will pay attention to their pass D or run D. In this pass-happy league, it’s best to defend the pass, so Michigan takes SS Herbert Lynn – Notre Dame 

5) Houston Gamblers (4-11)

Overall Offensive Rank – 18th (8th Pass / 27th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 21st (22nd against the Pass / 21st against the Run)

Needs: FS, TE, DE

The Gamblers must finally address the 298-pound Elephant in the Room and ignore the "Want-To” to get the fastest defensive player in the draft so they can bring respect to their running game because the lack of a running game is one of the biggest reasons why Houston consistently underachieves. Screw it. It’s my team, so I am taking CB Albert Arsenault – Kentucky

6) Florida Blazers (4-12)

Overall Offensive Rank – 22nd (24th Pass / 15th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 23rd (20th against the Pass / 28th against the Run)

Needs: TE, OL, RDE, LB, Secondary

The more I look at Florida’s stats and roster, the more I scratch my head wondering what I would do if I were the owner. Their offense is mediocre, strong in one category while weak in another, and the defense is in same boat. So let’s focus on the weakest link on this team at the moment, which is stopping the run and go after RDE Irvin Balzer – Hawaii.

7) Jacksonville Bulls (5-11)

Overall Offensive Rank – 30th (30th Pass / 25th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 11th (11th against the Pass / 19th against the Run)

Needs: WR, CB, OL

The Bulls' defense seems to be going in the right direction, so the obvious choice is to look at the weakest link within the offense, which is WR. But this year’s rookie selection of playmakers is thin and shallow. So, even with that, Jacksonville is going to take the best WR available at the moment,  Joseph Garner – Other because the next time they get a chance to improve this position, they will be grasping at straws.

8) Memphis Showboats (5-11)

Overall Offensive Rank – 16th ( 25th Pass / 4th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 24th ( 30th against the Pass / 13th against the Run)

Needs: QB, LB, Any form of Secondary

The Memphis offense is there with its smash-mouth style of play that helps keeps their pass-happy divisional opponents' QBs off the field. But, once again, when they do get on the field, those QBs are able to deliver lightning-quick big gain passes to their receivers simply because of the weakness of the Showboats' secondary. Now is the time to start addressing this and by picking SS Shelby Kemp – Bowling Green and converting him to CB because of being undersized for his natural position is the first step.

9) San Antonio Gunslingers (5-11)

Overall Offensive Rank – 23rd ( 19th Pass / 21st Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 12th ( 6th against the Pass / 26th against the Run)

Needs: DL, LB, End Rusher

As the Gunslingers find it is getting harder and harder to keep the I-10 Traffic Zone Trophy away from their intrastate rivals, the Houston Gamblers, they have neglected to recognize the rise of another division rival, the Oklahoma Outlaws. Are the Gunslingers satisfied at the moment with their defense, 6th against the pass and 26th against the run, or do they address their weakness from the previous season and go with an offensive player. Owner ToroTex is a very smart and competitive player and I think he goes the other way and picks RB Robert Bonfiglio – Washington to help San Antonio get back to being the dominant team in the division. 

10) Denver Gold (6-10)

Overall Offensive Rank – 24th ( 13th Pass / 30th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 26th ( 24th against the Pass / 25th against the Run)

Needs: TE, C, End Rusher, WLB, Secondary

This is the first pick of two that the Denver Gold have in the first round of this year’s draft. While the LT is the QB’s best friend, a good TE who is willing to catch those quick passes across the middle during a hot-read ranks right up there. Unfortunately, Denver doesn’t have this ... yet. Do they address this now or wait until later? While they do have three WR with 1,000-plus yards receiving, I believe they need to become multidimensional in their offense and look toward getting an OL who will help their RBs make defenses think twice about their choices. With that, Denver, with its first pick, chooses LT Jeffery Thompson – Illinois and moves him to LG.

11) Boston Breakers (6-10)

Overall Offensive Rank – 21st ( 16th Pass / 26th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 32nd ( 32nd against the Pass / 18th against the Run)

Needs: RB, TE, WR, OL, End Rusher, MLB, Secondary

There are so many holes in this bucket that it is seen instead as a noodle strainer. Any choice made will be a small step toward improvement. With that, Boston takes the best defensive player available that fits its needs, CB Juan Jacobson – Oregon State 

12) Charlotte Hornets (6-10)

Overall Offensive Rank – 29th ( 29th Pass / 18th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 13th ( 9th against the Pass / 24th against the Run)

Needs: OL, DL, Outside LB, Safety, A NEW FREAKIN’ LOGO

The Hornets have so many offensive players just sitting on the bench that it is taking away opportunities from those who could really make an impact on the team. Really, … five QBs, seven FBs, and seven WRs? C’mon, that’s 36 percent of your team….and 57 perecent of those are bench warmers. In my opinion, it’s time to cut the losses and focus on making a well-rounded team. That being said, I believe owner UKRAIN will make a wise choice and take MLB Lamar Reynolds – Minnesota and convert him to an outside LB focusing on the run. After that, the Hornets should consult the nearest 5-year-old and ask him to design their new logo, which will be an improvement.

13) Michigan Panthers (6-9-1)

Overall Offensive Rank – 11th (#3 Pass / 32nd Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 28th ( 29th against the Pass / 23rd against the Run)

Needs: OL, DE, CB

This is the second pick that the Panthers have in the first round. Michigan will continue to focus on improving its defense, this time by focusing on their D-line by taking undersized DT Timothy Ballinger – Ohio State and moving him to RDE to utilize his strength and speed.

14) Chicago Blitz (8-8)

Overall Offensive Rank – 8th ( 9th Pass / 16th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 22nd ( 26th against the Pass / 17th against the Run)

Needs: MLB, C, DT

Ok, this one is hard. How do you address a possible world champion, a team that has averaged 12 wins a season, when you have yet to get a total of 20 wins overall? It could be easily just to write me off as a nobody who doesn’t know what he’s talking about, but the truth is Chicago’s defense has been on the decline for some time. And if they want to once again reach the promised land, they must address this. But where do they start? The D-line, the edge, the second tier, or the secondary? All have solid building blocks that can be utilized as a foundation for the future. With that, I think they will address the Gorilla in the Room and go after a LB by choosing WLB August Saari – Wisconsin. 

15) San Jose Sabercats (8-8)

Overall Offensive Rank – 14th (10th Pass / 20th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 27th ( 19th against the Pass / 30th against the Run)

Needs: Edge Rusher, LB, CB

The list pf defensive players being picked in the first round will continue as San Jose focuses on improving its run defense by picking homegrown DT Michael Keys – San Jose State . With his ability, he can shore up the middle of the D-line or move outside to cause headaches to opposing OL and QBs.

16) Denver Gold (6-10) via Honolulu Hawaiians

Overall Offensive Rank – 24th ( 13th Pass / 30th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 26th ( 24th against the Pass / 25th against the Run)

Needs: TE, C, End Rusher, WLB, Secondary

This is the second pick that Denver has in the first round of this season’s draft, and which came around when Denver sent two second-round picks from the 1977 draft for a chance in the first. With their first pick, I projected the Gold picking a lineman to assist in opening holes for their RBs or to hold off rushing D-linemen . I also addressed the possibility of them getting a receiving TE. Well, now’s the time to tell TE Curtis Hartig – Wyoming to get ready for some Rocky Mountain High passing yardage.

17) Baltimore Stars (8-8)

Overall Offensive Rank – 27th (21st Pass / 24th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 9th (10th against the Pass / 16th against the Run)

Needs: FB, WR, OL, CB

Baltimore’s run-of-the-mill offense needs improvement, but where? Their most glaring need is at WR2, but this year’s crop of worthy picks is few and between. And while WR Wade Wentz – Oregon State off-field antics have caused him to drop like a lead balloon in this year’s draft, the Stars are willing to take a chance on the originally highest rated WR before the draft started.

18) Orlando Renegades (9-7)

Overall Offensive Rank – 17th (11th Pass / 22nd Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 7th (8th against the Pass / 12th against the Run)

Needs: TE, RG, DL, SLB, 

All need to pay attention to what The Mad Scientist of SIM Football will do with his team. While the Renegades averaged 3.7 yards per carry, I think he was not satisfied with those results. The weakest link on his O-line is at RG, and, in my opinion, finding a G who can get to the second layer and open holes for his RB should be the top component on Setherick’s list. With that, RG John Whitney – Washington becomes the newest part of Frankenstein’s Monster.

19) Oklahoma Outlaws (13-6/12-7) via Portland Storm

Overall Offensive Rank – 5th (5th Pass / 17th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 25th (31st against the Pass / 6th against the Run)

Needs: CB, SS, FS, SLB, Special Teams

This is the first pick of two that Oklahoma has in this year’s draft and is the result of the Outlaws shipping DT Theodore Zheng and SS Samuel Dorsey off to Portland. How do you continue to advance in the playoffs, yet along even make them, when you have the second-worst pass defense in this period of arcade-style/pass-happy offense? I am not sure, but it is obvious which way Oklahoma is going to go with their choice and that will be the best of the remaining members of the secondary positions and pick CB Rick Pugliese – North Carolina State and move him to FS.

20) New York Stars (13-4/12-5) via Georgia Force

Overall Offensive Rank – 6th (6th Pass / 14th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 3rd (3rd against the Pass / 2nd against the Run)

Needs: OL, MLB, CB

This is the first pick of two that the NY Stars have in the first round of this year’s draft, the result of New York shipping MLB Neil Choate off to Georgia. I made have made a mistake in letting RG Manuel Weinstein – San Diego State drop this low in the draft, but I believe that defensive players dominate this draft. And having the third-best D in the league means The Commish will forget about the weakness he has at the LB position and will first address his offensive line.

21) Birmingham Stallions (10-6-1)

Overall Offensive Rank – 2nd (#1 Pass / 31st Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 18th (14th against the Pass / 20th against the Run)

Needs: TE, C, LDE, WLB, Sec

The Stallions have once again been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, and once again it was because of their inability to stop the run and the pass. In their playoff game against the Shreveport Steamer, Birmingham allowed 4.68 yards per carry and 13.0 yards per catch. Also, being one-dimensional with a 79-percent passing style so opposing secondaries can drop back and expect a pass every play does not help, hence the 3 INTs from that last game. With All-Pro tackle Ben Arnold retiring, I think it is about time to starting thinking about rebuilding the offensive line by starting at the center position. With that, C Louis Gray – Notre Dame heads to Alabama.

22) Oakland Invaders (11-6)

Overall Offensive Rank – 9th (20th Pass / 3rd Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 20th (25th against the Pass / 5th against the Run)

Needs: DT, SLB, MLB, SS

The 1976 World Bowl champion begins its climb back to the league’s elite by addressing its defense. And they begin addressing their D by focusing on the second tier and take WLB Christopher Turner – Other and moving him to the strong side.

23) Cleveland Thunderbolts (11-6)

Overall Offensive Rank – 12th (23rd Pass / 2nd Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 4th (7th against the Pass / 3rd against the Run)

Needs: RB, TE, LDE

With the best O-line in the league, a proven passer in QB Chester Dougherty, and the second-best running game in the league even though their RBs are average, it’s obvious where Cleveland set its sights. That  target is a WR Alejandro Maddy – Bringham Young , a player who will help their passing attack.

24) Houston Gamblers (4-12) via Pittsburgh

This is Houston’s second pick in the first round, the result of the Gamblers sending WR Robert Richards to the Maulers for two future first-round picks. And, true to Houston form, who takes a defensive player with their first pick and an offensive player with their second? The Gamblers will focus on the best O-lineman available, C Patrick Eveland – Tulsa and move him to their weak RG position.

25) New Jersey Generals (11-7)

Overall Offensive Rank 13th (15th Pass / 13th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank 2nd (4th against the Pass / 1st against the Run)

Needs: TE, SS, RB

This is the most underachieving team I have ever seen. From top to bottom, from one side of the ball to the other, the Generals are stacked like a plate of pancakes on free breakfast night and waiting for the buttered maple syrup to be poured. With that, I am going to address their weakness, the passing game. I think New Jersey will start looking at replacements for their veterans and will start looking at QB Elwood Savage – Penn State.

26) Shreveport Steamer (12-6)

Overall Offensive Rank – 20th (27th Pass / 11th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 5th (5th against the Pass / 14th against the Run)

Needs: CB, SS

CB Philip Schurtz — Nebraska is the choice for Shreveport.

27) Oklahoma Outlaws (12-6)

Overall Offensive Rank – 5th (5th Pass / 17th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 25th (31st against the Pass / 10th against the Run)

Needs: FB, OL, DL, CB

RT Frank Hostetter

28) Arizona Wranglers (13-5)

Overall Offensive Rank – 4th (14th Pass / 1st Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 19th (15th against the Pass / 15th against the Pass)

Needs: QB, C,

FB Charles Pierce

29) New York Stars (12-6)

Overall Offensive Rank – 6th (6th Pass / 14th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 3rd (3rd against the Pass / 2nd against the Run)

Needs: OL, MLB, CB

MLB Anthony Baker

30) Los Angeles Express (13-6)

Overall Offensive Rank – 7th (12th Pass / 6th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 14th (17th against the Pass / 9th against the Run)

Needs: QB, OL, LB

RDE Otis Bourbeau

31) Tampa Bay Bandits (16-2)

Overall Offensive Rank – 1st (2nd Pass / 5th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 15th (18th against the Pass / 11th against the Pass)

Needs: DT, RDE, MLB, FS

RDE Donald Jackson

32) Detroit Wheels (18-0)

Overall Offensive Rank – 3rd (4th Pass / 8th Run)

Overall Defensive Rank – 10th (16th against the Pass / 7th against the Run)

Need: TE, #3WR, C, FS

WR Roderick Busch

Crook Hangs Up Cleats

Agustin Crook

Talk about going out on top.

Birmingham Stallions quarterback Agustin Crook, the league's offensive MVP last season, announced his retirement Friday. Crook passed for a league-record 6,548 yards in 1977 while leading the Stallions into the playoffs. In one year with Denver and three with Birmingham, Crook averaged 5,405 passing yards, 40 TDs, and 102.59 QBR. He was also sacked 187 times in four years, which probably didn't contribute to his longevity. Crook, who turned 35 during the offseason, was the league's offensive co-MVP while with the Gold in 1974.

Crook's retirement was not the only blow suffered Friday by the Stallions.

Ben Arnold

Three-time All-Pro offensive lineman Ben Arnold also retired. Arnold allowed eight sacks in 5,808 career snaps. In his three All-Pro seasons ('74, '75, '77), he allowed four sacks in 4,388 snaps. The Stallions chose Arnold with the 19th overall pick in the 1974 allocation draft.

Another retiring Stallion was WR Bruno Fredericks, the only player in USFL/WFL history to have returned a punt for a touchdown (for the New York Stars vs. Baltimore in 1974). In four seasons, Frederick caught 59.1 percent of passes thrown his way and averaged 68 receptions, 933 yards, and 5 TDs per season. Fredericks was the 10th player taken in the allocation draft.

MLB Carlos Johnson, a part-time starter with Tampa Bay and Birmingham during his career, also hung it up. He was taken by the Bandits with the last pick of the second round in the allocation draft, then traded to Birmingham in 1975.

The retirements left Birmingham with $36.8 million in dead cap this season and $32.5 million next season. Arnold had signed a six-year, $45.5-million contract extension, Crook for five years, $62.8 million, Frederick for five years, $31.1 million, and Johnson for five years, $34.5 million, all at the end of the 1976 season. So, together, they will be getting 13 seasons of salary to NOT play for the Stallions.

Other notable offseason moves:

• Seven Boston Breakers retired, including 1974 All-Pro kicker Timothy Riley. In his career, Riley made good on 67 percent of his attempts from 50 yards and beyond. Boston enters the season with only 26 players under contract.
• Former Breakers center Wendell Borges is testing the free agent waters for his 18th and final season.
• Michigan Panthers WR Nathan Farmer retired. In two seasons with the Panthers, he caught 144 passes for 2,232 yards and 12 TDs.
• Cleveland Thunderbolts QB Brandon Robertson retired. In four seasons with Michigan and Cleveland, he threw 91 TDs and 42 INTs.
• Georgia Force MLB Jesse Amos retired. He was an All-Pro pick in 1974 when he had 118 tackles and 16 sacks, but never approached those numbers during his final three seasons.
• The Oakland Invaders have parted ways with CB Edward Alston, an All-Pro in 1974 and '75. Alston, who is likely to retire after this season, allowed 38.2 and 33.5 of catches thrown his way to be caught during his two All-Pro seasons.
• The Southern California Sun decided to let RB Leonard Arredondo walk via free agency. He had 895 yards rushing and 332 yards receiving last season.
• The New Orleans VooDoo waved goodbye to WR Jimmy Rupe, who had a memorable 1976 season for them (69 catches, 1,085 yards, 63.3 percent caught).
• Also among the free agents is former New Jersey Generals punter Donald Trump.

Detroit Concludes Perfect Season, Wins World Bowl

Mario Valencia (12), QB, Detroit Wheels

The Detroit Wheels finished off the first perfect season in USFL/WFL history in perfect fashion, scoring two TDs in the final 80 seconds to stun Tampa Bay, 29-22, and win World Bowl IV.

The Wheels were 16-0 during the regular season, then ran through three postseason games to extend their current overall win streak to 26 games.

Tampa Bay led, 22-14, with 1:20 to play when Detroit began its comeback.

QB Mario Valencia found WR John Risinger behind the Bandits secondary for an 83-yard score, then hit WR David Ortiz with a 2-point conversion pass that made it 22-22. After Tampa Bay went three-and-out on its next possession, Detroit got the ball back with 56 seconds to go.

Valencia completed passes for 2 and 20 yards, then hit Risinger with a short pass over the middle. Risinger veered between defenders, then raced down the middle of the field for the game-winning 50-yard TD with 26 seconds remaining. Tampa Bay ran five plays on its final possession, but only got as far as its 40.

The key play of the game may actually have come much earlier. Valencia fumbled after being sacked by rookie star LDE William Lewis and Tampa Bay recovered on the Wheels' 13. But, on third-and-one, Detroit DT Daniel Hawes stuffed Bandits RB Ralph Allen for a 2-yard loss, and Tampa Bay had to settle for a field goal that extended a 19-14 lead to 22-14 with 1:54 to go.

Valencia threw for 335 yards and four TDs. Tampa Bay QBs Luis Gero and Tyrone Harvell completed passes to 10 different receivers. Detroit MLB Bobby Wells had 10 tackles and three sacks.

The Wheels are the first World Bowl winners to repeat. The Florida Blazers and Oakland Invaders were the World Bowl I and II winners.

1977 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team

Agustin Crook, Birmingham

One old war horse and a couple young studs highlight the 1977 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team, as selected by the league's coaches.

Birmingham Stallions QB Agustin Crook, 34 and in his 13th pro season, was named offensive MVP after throwing for a league-record 6,548 yards. Crook was offensive co-MVP in 1974, but Chicago's Daniel McKee was the All-Pro QB that season.

New Jersey LDE James Lockette was defensive MVP. Lockette led the league in hurries (88), was tied for second in the league with 18 sacks and made 53 tackles while leading the Generals to an eight-game win streak and a playoff berth.

James Lockette, New Jersey

Two rookies made the All-Pro team and were named Rookies of the Year on their respective sides of the ball--Detroit TE Zachary Powell and Cleveland DL Jim Zarate, who led the league with 21 sacks.

Four players were voted All-Pro for the third time--Birmingham OL Ben Arnold and Earl Murtagh, Portland DL Norman Paulk, and Washington LB Travis Curcio.

The undefeated Detroit Wheels were well-represented with eyeballll being voted Coach of the Year and five players being named All-Pro.

This year's ballots were filled out by 30 of the 32 coaches, the highest total ever. Surprisingly, the only close race was for defensive MVP, where Lockette edged Zarate by one vote.

1977 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team

(Previous selections in parentheses)
Offense: Agustin Crook, QB, Birmingham; Jason Brooks, RB, Oakland; Ralph Allen, RB, Tampa Bay; Lee Rice, WR, Birmingham; Robert Herrera, WR, Los Angeles; Zachary Powell, TE, Detroit; Ben Arnold, OL, Birmingham ('74, '76); Ronald Davis, OL, Detroit; Thomas Watson, OL, Detroit; James Smith, OL, San Jose ('75); Earl Murtagh, OL, Birmingham ('74, '76)

Special Teams: Anthony Schaefer, K, Arizona ('75); Harry Marshall, P, Detroit; Gregory Shea, Memphis, KR.

Defense: James Lockette, DL, New Jersey; Jim Zarate, DL, Cleveland; Norman Paulk, DL, Portland ('75, '76); Joe Bratz, DL, Oklahoma; Arthur Bowie, LB, Michigan; James Kelley, LB, Southern California ('76); Travis Curcio, LB, Washington ('74, '76); Jamie Seymour, LB, Florida; David Peralta, DB, Detroit ('76); Richard Glasgow, DB, Georgia; Albert Welsh, DB, Arizona; Barry Litchford, DB, Florida.

Offensive MVP: Agustin Crook, QB, Birmingham
Defensive MVP: James Lockette, DL, New Jersey
Coach of the Year: eyeballll, Detroit
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Zachary Powell, TE, Detroit
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jim Zarate, DL, Cleveland

You can view all past All-Pro teams on this page.

Others receiving votes (in order of votes received):
QB: Gene Nowlin, Los Angeles; Mario Valencia, Detroit; Daniel McKee, Chicago.
RB: Seth Wynn, Los Angeles; Curtis Scott, Arizona; Gregory Shea, Memphis; Patrick Hiebert, Oklahoma.
WR: Edward Conner, Tampa Bay; Dusty Heckman, Oklahoma; Cory Robinzine, Arizona; Allen Howard, New York; Julio Prince, Michigan.
TE: George Allen, Chicago; David Albrecht, Birmingham; Anthony Pacheco, Orlando; Larry Perez, Houston.
OL: Brandon Roberge, Tampa Bay; Michael Warren, San Jose; Charles Bukowski, Arizona; Michael Yang, Shreveport; Ryan Black, Oklahoma.
KR: Christopher Curtis, Oakland.
DL: Andre Lumley, Portland; Les Lynch, Baltimore; James Tolentino, Houston; Javier Woods, Southern California; Wilbert Sierra, Philadelphia; Matthew Hard, Houston.
LB: John Cintron, Shreveport; Edward Ryan, Oakland; David McMillan, Shreveport; Fernando Stone, Charlotte; Anthony Munoz, New Orleans; Alton Pastor, Michigan.
DB: James Jones, Arizona; Victor Benedict, Oakland; Jessie Castillo, Houston; Joseph Abernathy, Charlotte; Nathan Smith, Boston; John Joyce, New Jersey; Robert Johannes, Baltimore; Rick Edwards, New Orleans; David Oxford, Michigan.

World Bowl IV: Wheels vs. Bandits

Bradley Davis, RT, Tampa Bay

The Detroit Wheels and Tampa Bay Bandits appeared to be on a collision course all season long as they pummeled opponents on their way to the best records in their respective conferences. And, as expected, both earned one-sided victories in conference championship games to advance to World Bowl IV.

The Wheels, 16-0 in the regular season, are now 18-0 after a 47-17 destruction of the Los Angeles Express in the American Conference title game. Detroit led, 30-7, at halftime. QB Mario Valencia threw for 464 yards and four TDs to four different receivers.

The score was last close at 16-7 with 2:14 remaining in the first half. Valencia then completed consecutive passes of 22, 34, and 19 yards, the last to TE Paul Lee, who dove inside the pylon for the TD. After an LAX punt, Valencia then completed four passes on a drive that ended with a 7-yard scoring throw to WR Timothy Hanna in the back of the end zone with 1:20 left that widened the gap to 30-7.

The Bandits made quick work of the New York Stars, scoring a touchdown or field goal on eight of their first nine possessions. Before the second Tampa Bay punt of the game, the Bandits led, 48-13.

Tampa Bay QBs Luis Gero and Tyrone Harvell combined for 713 gross passing yards, completing 43 of 66 attempts with six TDs, one sack, and zero interceptions. WR Edward Conner caught 14 passes for 321 yards and a pair of scores. Rookie LDE William Lewis recorded two sacks.

World Bowl IV Preview

Detroit is undefeated (18-0 total), Tampa Bay nearly undefeated (17-1 total). So, it seems we should expect a titanic struggle. However, we're pretty sure that's what the Chicago Blitz, Pittsburgh Maulers, and New Orleans VooDoo expected before losing World Bowl games by an average score of  45-8. The MFN oddsmakers have Detroit as a 3-point favorite.

The Wheels won World Bowl III and are on a 25-game overall win streak since losing to the Cleveland Thunderbolts in Week 12 of the 1976 season. Tampa Bay is 33-3 in its last 36 games.

The only previous meeting of these teams ended in a 19-10 Bandits victory in Week 3 of the 1975 regular season. Four Thomas Hummel field goals that day were accompanied by a Paul Robinson TD pass to Danny Smith. Robinson was not re-signed after that season and Smith has retired.

The Bandits led the league in yards from scrimmage per game this season (587.1) and Detroit was third (501.6). The Wheels ranked 10th in yards from scrimmage allowed (371.4), the Bandits 15th (388.1).

Tampa Bay will be without starting TE James Montgomery (knee). Detroit will be missing LT Timothy Milligan (ankle) and RT Levi Smith (knee). Center Billy McKissick (foot) is questionable.

Divisional Playoffs: LAX Does It With Defense

Seth Wynn, RB, LAX

The Los Angeles Express has been an offensive machine this season, but its defense provided the big plays during Saturday's 16-13 divisional playoffs victory over the Arizona Wranglers.

MLB James Johnson and CB Paul Moore both intercepted passes during the final 2 minutes as LAX advanced to the American Conference championship game against the Detroit Wheels. The pickoffs came with 1:43 and 20 seconds to play.

Arizona QB Jerry Montalvo, playing on an injured knee, was limited to 214 yards passing and a QBR of 46.08. Seth Wynn rushed for 113 yards for the Express and kicker Roger Ruzich provided the margin of victory with his 54-yard field goal with 9:06 remaining. Ruzich had an unusual game, as he also allowed Arizona to stay close by missing field goal attempts of 48 yards with 1:46 to play and 53 yards with 48 seconds to go.

Detroit Wheels 35, Oklahoma Outlaws 6

Detroit CB Bradley Mondragon intercepted three passes and QB Mario Valencia threw four TD passes as the undefeated Wheels moved into a spot opposite LAX in the conference championship game. The Wheels picked off Oklahoma QB Dale Brown five times in all. Wheels WR Timothy Hanna accumulated 246 receiving yards on just five catches (49.2 per catch).

New York Stars 26, Shreveport Steamer 10

New York CB Ben Fabiano had two of New York's four interceptions as the Stars rode their defense into the National Conference championship game. Shreveport QB Fred Murphy finished with a game QBR of 10.24 as he was also sacked four times and was 15-of-47 passing. The only Shreveport TD came on a 6-yard fumble return by LDE Anthony Kent. Kent also had 12 hurries.

Tampa Bay Bandits 47, New Jersey Generals 0

Tampa Bay limited New Jersey to 108 net yards total offense and Bandits QB Luis Gero was 22-for-28 passing for 352 yards and four TDs. WR Edward Conner caught 11 passes for 399 yards and three scores. Tampa Bay rookie LDE William Lewis had 3 sacks and 8 hurries.

Conference Championship Preview

The undefeated Detroit Wheels are 8-point favorites over the Los Angeles Express in Tuesday's American Conference championship game. The Wheels have won all four meetings between the teams, including 37-14 in Week 6 this season. In that game, Detroit scored a touchdown or field goal on six of its first seven possessions.

The Tampa Bay Bandits are 12-point favorites over the New York Stars in the National Conference championship game. Tampa Bay leads the series, 3-0, and spanked the Stars, 46-3, in last season's playoffs. When the teams met in Week 14 this season, Tampa fell behind, 34-6, at halftime, only to come all the way back in the second half for a 47-37 win.

Wild Card Round: By Hook, Not By Crook

The Arizona Wranglers stole an overtime win and the Shreveport Steamer shut down league MVP candidate Agustin Crook during the USFL/WFL's 1977 wild card playoff games Thursday.

Arizona Wranglers 17, Oakland Invaders 14, OT

Quincy White, RB, Arizona

On the second play of Oakland's first possession in overtime, Arizona was penalized for defensive overuse. BUT, on that same play, Oakland's Jason Brooks fumbled and Arizona SS Thomas Koenig recovered at the Invaders' 17-yard line. Arizona's Anthony Schaefer kicked a 36-yard field goal on the next play, and the Wranglers pulled out a 17-14 win.

Arizona QB Jerry Montalvo, playing on an injured knee, still managed to complete 22 of 35 passes for 298 yards and two TDs. The second, an 89-yard catch-and-run by RB Quincy White, tied the score at 14 with 3:57 to play. Wranglers CB Albert Welsh contributed 10 tackles and a sack. The teams had split their two meetings during the regular season.

Oklahoma Outlaws 20, Cleveland Thunderbolts 5

Defense ruled the day as Oklahoma won the first playoff game in its franchise history. The QBRs from this game: Dale Brown (OKL) 65.63; Chester Dougherty (CLE) 67.08; Brandon Robertson (CLE) 12.92.

The Outlaws scored two TDs via Brown's 4-yard pass to Jimmy Howe and Patrick Hiebert's 3-yard run. The Oklahoma defense forced a pair of fumbles and intercepted a pass. Cleveland's rookie sensation, DT Jim Zarate, had two sacks.

New Jersey Generals 20, Pittsburgh Maulers 10

New Jersey QBs Steven Labelle and Doug Fluty both threw a TD pass as the Generals won for the ninth time in their last 10 games.

Labelle's 2-yard TD pass to Leroy Selmon with 4:40 to play extended a 13-10 New Jersey lead to 20-10. Pittsburgh turned the ball over on downs with 2:25 to go and the Generals ran out the clock. New Jersey MLB Jim LeClair had eight tackles.

Shreveport Steamer 21, Birmingham Stallions 12

The Shreveport defense was all over Crook, who experienced one of the worst days of his storied career. He was 30-for-52 passing, was sacked three times and picked off three times (47.84 QBR).

Steamer SS Thomas Rainey had two of those interceptions and CB Russell Colbert was credited with 10 tackles. QB Robert Murphy fired three TD passes to three different receivers.

Divisional Round Preview

The Detroit Wheels will see if they can carry their undefeated regular season into postseason success when they host the Oklahoma Outlaws. Detroit leads the series, 3-0, including a 34-20 victory in Week 4 this season.
Arizona will see if hobbled QB Jerry Montalvo can carry them to another victory after outlasting Oakland in overtime in the franchise's first-ever playoff game. The opponent Saturday will be the Los Angeles Express, who hold a 2-0 series lead, including a 27-23 victory in Week 5. Montalvo's knee is at 44 percent.
The Tampa Bay Bandits, who host New Jersey, were 15-1 during the regular season. They were also 15-1 last season before being stunned by the New Orleans VooDoo in the divisional round. Tampa Bay won its only previous meeting with the Generals, 23-22, in the 1976 regular season finale.
The New York Stars will see if they can inflict any damage on a Shreveport Steamer defense that shut down Birmingham star Agustin Crook during the first round. Shreveport is 2-0 against the Stars, winning a 5-0 thriller in 1974 and 21-13 in 1975.

Week 16: Wheels Prove Perfect

The Detroit Wheels have officially made USFL/WFL history.

Detroit finished off the first perfect 16-0 season by outlasting the Chicago Blitz, 52-46, in the regular season finale for both. Mario Valencia threw five TD passes for Detroit, which finished 14-2 last season before going on to win World Bowl III.

The Wheels led, 49-28, with less than 6 minutes to play before Chicago rallied. Daniel McKee's 11-yard TD pass to WR Wendall Pinegar with 1:19 to go brought the Blitz within 52-46. Detroit recovered the onside kick, then ran three plays and punted to the Chicago 4. The Blitz threw three harmless passes over the final 26 seconds before the clock expired. McKee passed for 521 yards and five TDs.

Detroit had edged Chicago, 26-23 in overtime, in its season opener. Chicago, Portland, and Cleveland were the only teams to come within 10 points of the Wheels.

Valencia tied Gene Nowlin of the Los Angeles Express for the league lead in passing TDs this season (49) and his 5,984 passing yards were second to Birmingham's Agustin Crook (a league-record 6,548).

The 1976 Tampa Bay Bandits, 1975 Chicago Blitz and Georgia Force, and 1974 Florida Blazers were all 15-1 during the regular season.

In other Week 16 games:

• The Tampa Bay Bandits steamrolled Shreveport, 50-9, to set a record for most points scored in a season. Tampa Bay accumulated 712 points (44.5 per game), scoring 50 or more points six times and 70 against Portland. The Bandits' only loss was 54-51 in overtime to Arizona in Week 7. The previous record for most points scored in a season was 636 (39.75 per game), by the 1975 Oakland Invaders, who won World Bowl II.
• Birmingham Stallions QB Agustin Crook finished his record-breaking season with 552 yards and four TDs during a 45-24 rout of the Oklahoma Outlaws. Crook, 34 years old and in his 13th pro season, finished with 6,548 passing yards, breaking the mark of 6,311 set by Oklahoma's Dale Brown last season. Despite the loss, Oklahoma is in the playoffs for the first time.
• The Arizona Wranglers have their first division title and are headed to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. CB Albert Welsh intercepted two passes and WR Cory Robinzine caught a pair of TDs from QB Ralph Trowbridge as the Wranglers (12-4) bested the Oakland Invaders (11-5), 28-19.
• The New Jersey Generals' eight-game win streak was snapped by the Orlando Renegades, 32-15. John Borkowski had nine tackles for Orlando to give him 405 for his career, No. 4 all-time in league history. New Jersey is still headed to the playoffs despite a 2-5 record after seven games this season.
• The Michigan Panthers rolled the Denver Gold, 53-17, with a 28-0 fourth quarter. It was the second-most points in a game in franchise history for the Panthers, who beat the Houston Gamblers, 59-27, in 1974.
• The Honolulu Hawaiians reached .500 (8-8) by knocking off Pacific Division champion Los Angeles, 22-16. Honolulu FS John Basel intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

Cool Stat of the Day

The Charlotte Hornets finished the season with a 43-24 triumph over the Boston Breakers, a game in which they led, 33-7, at halftime. In four seasons under head coach UKRAIN, the Hornets have improved their record every time. Charlotte was 1-15 in 1974, followed by 2-14, 3-13, and, this season, 6-10. The 1977 Hornets had 33 players on their roster with five or fewer years of pro experience.

Wild Card Preview

• Arizona and Oakland meet again in the American Conference wild card game. Oakland leads the series, 5-3. The teams split the season series, Oakland winning, 41-34, in Week 1 and Arizona winning, 28-19, in Week 16. Oakland was 6-2 under former coach wolveraider, 5-3 under current coach wayne110. Arizona was 2-1 in its final three games, all with backup QB Ralph Trowbridge running the show. Starting QB Jerry Montalvo was lost with a knee injury in Week 13.
• The Oklahoma Outlaws make their postseason debut, hosting the Cleveland Thunderbolts. Oklahoma won, 10-7, in Week 7 and leads the series, 2-1. Oklahoma QB Dale Brown missed five games with a knee injury. He returned three games ago, but has not been especially effective (QBRs of 108.02, 71.01, 88.99). Cleveland QB Chester Dougherty (68.87) and Brown (47.27) were both awful when the teams met in Week 7.
• The New Jersey Generals, who had an eight-game win streak snapped in the regular season finale, travel to Pittsburgh to meet the Maulers. Pittsburgh nailed down its fourth consecutive Atlantic Division title by winning five in a row to close out the season. The Maulers lead the series, 3-0, including a 29-14 victory to open this season. Pittsburgh also beat New Jersey, 29-3, in the first round of the 1975 playoffs. The Maulers will be without injured RB John Murray (knee). But his backfield mate, three-time All-Pro Cliff Thomas, should be able to play after recovering from a foot injury.
• South Division rivals meet for the third time this season when the Birmingham Stallions host the Shreveport Steamer. The teams split the season series, Birmingham winning, 23-9, in Week 3 and Shreveport claiming a 30-24 decision in Week 9. The Steamer leads the all-time series, 5-3. Birmingham coach kababmaster is one of three first-year USFL/WFL coaches in the playoffs.