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| Luis Gero, QB, Tampa Bay |
The Tampa Bay Bandits and Pittsburgh Maulers put on the biggest offensive show in USFL/WFL playoff history, combining for 118 points and 1,385 net yards before Tampa Bay finally prevailed, 66-52.
The Bandits rolled up 158 yards rushing and 711 passing. Luis Gero was 24-for-39 passing for 605 yards and six touchdowns, five covering 50 or more yards and four going to WR Edward Conner.
Pittsburgh, which never led, scored 31 points in the third quarter and was within 59-52 until just after the 2-minute warning. Ralph Allen's 20-yard TD run clinched the victory for the Bandits.
The previous record for combined playoff points was 88, set by the Bandits (61) and New York Stars (27) last season.
In other divisional round games:
- Los Angeles 34, Memphis 32: Express RDE Keith Diaz stuffed Showboats RB Gregory Shea on a 2-point conversion run attempt with 1:15 to play, preserving the win for LAX. The Showboats led, 26-17, in the final minute of the third quarter. Los Angeles QB Gene Nowlin was 20-for-29 passing and four TDs.
- Oakland 31, Cleveland 26: The Thunderbolts scored twice late in the game to cut into what had been a 31-13 Invaders lead. Oakland WLB David Monroe had nine tackles and three sacks. Cleveland WR Christopher Henderson caught TD passes of 58, 2, and 72 yards.
- Orlando 27, New Jersey 23: David Judkins' 31-yard TD pass to Steven Hale with 1:43 remaining avenged the Renegades' loss to the Generals two weeks ago. New Jersey moved to the Orlando 37 in the final minute before turning the ball over on downs.
Conference Championships
Oakland at Los Angeles: Oakland leads the series, 2-0 and won World Bowl II. The Express are seeking their first World Bowl appearance. The Invaders will be without center Frank Eddins (concussion) and the Express enter the game with all three of their defensive tackles injured.Orlando at Tampa Bay: The Bandits lead the series, 8-2. Tampa Bay won, 37-28, in Week 3 and Orlando won, 30-25, in Week 15 (under new head coach DemonMaster). Tampa Bay fell to Detroit in World Bowl IV, while the Renegades are seeking their first-ever World Bowl appearance. Orlando star WR Robert Zapata (leg, 38 percent) is questionable. Tampa Bay DT Julian Kimmel (neck) is doubtful.
