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| Max Howard, RB, Chicago Blitz |
The Chicago Blitz have returned to the top of the Midwest Division.
The Blitz were division champs during the first two USFL/WFL seasons (1974/75) and played in World Bowl I. Chicago then watched the playoffs on TV for the next five seasons. Now it appears they are ready to rejoin the league's elite.
Chicago limited Cleveland to 197 net yards and recovered three fumbles during a 20-6 victory over the Thunderbolts. Detroit's loss to Baltimore left the Blitz all alone atop the division at 6-2, followed by the Wheels (5-3) and 'Bolts (4-4). Both of Chicago's losses have been to Detroit.
Two plays after recovering a fumble at the Cleveland 16, Chicago QB Daniel McKee completed a 13-yard TD pass to RB Max Howard to widen a 10-3 lead to 17-3. Howard finished the game with 75 yards rushing and 70 receiving. SS David Feng made seven tackles and forced a fumble.
In other Week 8 games:
- The Baltimore Stars remained unbeaten (8-0) by edging the Detroit Wheels, 33-30. Baltimore's Hector Morris returned kickoffs 107 and 100 yards for TDs. The only player in league history to return three kickoffs for TDs in the same game is Gregory Shea of Memphis, who did so against Detroit in 1977. Both teams committed five turnovers, including Detroit's fumble at the Baltimore 31 that was recovered by Strs DT Henry Kellogg with 1:04 remaining to seal the outcome.
- The Oklahoma Outlaws are the league's other unbeaten team after nipping the Denver Gold, 15-14. Oklahoma QB Dale Brown was 25-for-27 passing, including a 34-yard TD to TE Chuck Mayfield. Denver scored with 1:28 remaining to pull within a point, but the Outlaws ran out all but the last 20 seconds.
- A safety with 3:14 to play gave the Charlotte Hornets an 18-16 win over Pittsburgh, their second victory over the Maulers this season after losing 14 in a row during the league's first seven seasons. Charlotte is riding the first four-game win streak in franchise history and, at 6-2, has already tied the franchise record for victories in a season.
- The Portland Storm are known more for their offensive thunder, but it was the defense that shone during a 27-2 defeat of defending World Bowl champion Memphis. The Showboats managed 138 total yards as MLB William Bennett made eight tackles and picked off a pass.
- Jacksonville Bulls K Tony Manero booted a 54-yard field goal on the final play of regulation time, then converted another following an Arizona fumble with less than 2 minutes to play in OT as the Bulls pulled out a 13-10 win.
- Boston CB Charles Bowles made 15 tackles and intercepted a pass, but the Breakers fell to the Georgia Force, 9-6, in OT.
- Tampa Bay Bandits QB Henry Prieto was 29-for-35 passing for 511 yards and six TDs and veteran RB Herschel Walker ran for 107 yards in a 56-20 win over the Florida Blazers.
- In Week 7 action, Arizona WR Quincy White rushed for 118 yards and caught two passes for 86 more during a 40-7 win over the Orlando Renegades.
