Booger's 1980 Mock Draft

Wise choices in the draft can make or break a franchise. Houston Gamblers coach Booger926 has opined on what teams should, or may, do to help their franchise during the 1980 USFL/WFL draft. Our thanks to Booger for this bonus helping of food for thought.

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Charles Bowles, CB, Florida St.

1) Boston Breakers (1-15)
Offensive Rank 12th (4th Passing / 32nd Run)
Defensive Rank 32nd (32nd vs Pass / 26th vs. the Run)
Needs: DB, WR, LB, OL

To me, it seems obvious whom Boston is going to take with the first overall pick in this draft. What I do not know is if the Breakers are going into rebuild mode or are trying to fix things now. With 31 players who have more than 7 years’ experience, 16 of those in double digits, it’s pretty safe to say I would be starting a rebuild. Problem is, Boston doesn’t hold a lot of choices over the next three seasons to begin this long-term task. They have to pick correctly for the right here, right now so they can at least plug a small hole in the leaking boat. With that being said, I think the Breakers will pick safe with CB Charles Bowles out of Florida State unless Pdoug20 wheels and deals the No. 1 pick.

2) San Jose SaberCats (2-14)
Offensive Ranks 23rd (12th Pass / 25th Run)
Defensive Ranks 29th (18th vs Pass / 32nd vs. the Run)
Needs: OL, LB, RB, DL

Being fair-to-middling with an average talent roster, I believe San Jose will address its weakest link—in my opinion, the DL. Having the No. 2 pick, the SaberCats have a chance to go after a big-time playmaker to fit that role and take DE John Thompson from Sacramento State. Thompson has the size, strength, and speed to be a very, and I mean VERY, disruptive force in the opposing backfield. And, he doesn’t have very far to travel.

3) Jacksonville Bulls (2-14)
Offensive Ranks 26th OA (19th / 21st)
Defensive Ranks 30th OA (25th / 29th)
Needs: DB, WR, DL

Jacksonville doesn't have any cornerbacks that are taking the ball away, and will likely add more help at CB and safety. The inside linebacker spot also needs to be addressed. The Bulls should be looking for a long-term solution at left tackle. Jacksonville could benefit from adding a disruptive force in the middle of their defensive line. With all these defensive needs, the Bulls will choose CB Paul Maldonado from Tennessee State.

4) Charlotte Hornets (2-14)
Offensive Ranks 29th OA (21st / 22nd)
Defensive Ranks 22nd OA (21st / 25th)
Needs: LB, DB, Edge Rusher, C

Charlotte should stop focusing on offensive players and spend all their picks this season of the other side of the ball. In my opinion, I truly think this will help their team. They have some great talent on offense, but what good is all that talent while it is sitting on the bench? Meanwhile, other teams are attacking their weaknesses and scoring at will. I think they should take a look at LB William Fields, whose pass defense skills makes him a serious threat as a WLB or CB, which will make other teams think twice about throwing the ball all the time.

Kelly Acosta, CB, Texas

5)  Houston Gamblers (3-13)
Offensive Ranks 20th (10th / 28th)
Defensive Ranks 28th (31st / 13th)
Needs DB, WR, TE, LB, RG

Ah, my favorite time of my mock draft … when I get to look all hypocritical because I can look over another team and say what they need but can’t do the same for my team. And after last year’s horrible draft, sometimes I just want to walk away and forget everything. But that’s not my style. After giving away one of the best CBs in the league, Cory Vargas, to a playoff-bound team, and having found a good No. 1 CB in Phillip King, Houston will once again focus on the defensive side of the ball, mainly at DB. The Gamblers will take a gamble on another high-risk CB, Kelly Acosta out of University of Texas, with the first of two picks in the first round.

6) Georgia Force (4-12)
Offensive Ranks 30th OA (20th / 26th)
Defensive Ranks 19th OA (17th / 23rd)
Needs: QB, LB, CB

Oh look. A team that needs a QB has one drop into their laps. Now, will a new owner look at building the team for the futur or will he address the current needs? This is the only time in the league’s history a QB has been defaulted rated to be within the top 10 of the draft. With that being said, I think the Force will skip past getting a CB in the pass-happy USFL/WFL and will chase QB Andrew Reese of the Maryland Terrapins. If you can’t beat them, might as well join them.

7) Birmingham Stallions (4-12)
Offensive Ranks 32nd OA (32nd / 23rd)
Defensive Ranks 12th OA (15th / 9th)
Needs: QB, TE, Slot WR, DL, LB, Secondary

A season removed from the playoffs, Birmingham can start focusing on rebuilding their offensive tools. With two extremely dangerous weapons lined up on the outsides, and the best QB taken just before them, the Stallions should focus on an edge rusher. Instead, they will end taking the best WR in this year’s draft, Michael Steffies from North Carolina.

8) Southern California Sun (5-11)
Offensive Ranks 25th OA (23rd / 14th)
Defensive Ranks 20th OA (27th / 5th)
Needs: RB, DE, TE, OL

One of the best-balanced offensive teams in the league knows that putting pressure on opposing QBs is key to slowing them down. Also, QBs can’t throw the ball if they have no one to throw to. And that is why the Sun will take CB Jeffery Danko from Tennessee with the eighth overall pick.

9) Michigan Panthers (5-11)
Offensive Rank 13th OA (5th / 30th)
Defensive Rank 31st OA (26th / 30th)
Needs: RB, WR, C, CB, DE

All the O-weapons are in place and Michigan needs to start placing their D weapons in position. They can start with their LB corps, even though they could use a CB to replace declines from age. By taking MLB Paul Declue out of Memphis, the Panthers can kill two birds with one pick. He is short for his natural position but what he lacks in size he makes up in the skills to be a great CB (speed, strength, tackling ability, and coverage skills). Could also be moved to the WLB position on short passing situations, which is closer to his natural playing style.

William Heller, LB, Wyoming

10) Florida Blazers (6-10)
Offensive Ranks 15th OA (24th / 3rd)
Defensive Ranks 24th OA (19th / 28th)
Needs: WR, RT, LDE, LB,

A team that loves to run the ball has a hard time stopping it. This is because of their weak LB corps, in my opinion. With an average D against the pass, Florida should concentrate on getting one of the best run-stopping MLBs in this year’s draft, William Heller from Wyoming. He is a little risky with a 78 VOL, but his 70 speed, a potential pass rush of 96, and possible 100 run defense along with 81 strength makes him a promising project.

11) Chicago Blitz (7-9)
Offensive Ranks 28th OA (28th / 15th)
Defensive Ranks 15th OA (13th / 20th)
Needs: RB, OL, DE, WR

With two aging RBs and a RT who gave up nine sacks on the decline, Chicago will address this part of their offense. With that, they will choose RB Tom Grossman out of Texas A&M, then focus their attention on a RT in the later rounds or through trade/free agency

12) Baltimore Stars (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 31st (22nd / 29th)
Defensive Ranks 11th (12th / 16th)
Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB

This is the first of three picks Baltimore has in the first round of this year’s draft, and this is the pick that they received from the Philadelphia Bell. They have the chance to pick a lot of top quality guys, and with this pick the Stars will pick the “Dude” by going after WR Mark Moody from USC. He has the size, speed, and skills to be a top receiving threat for years to come. Baltimore will then address fixing its screen door of an O-line with its later choices.

13) Washington Federals (7-9)
Offensive Ranks 14th (9th / 24th)
Defensive Ranks 27th (4th / 27th)
Needs: OL, LB, DB

Although its offensive line gave up 73 sacks last season and four O-line starters gave up double digit sacks, Washington still had two WRs with 1,000+ yards and a RB who averaged 4-plus yards per carry. So my first instinct is to predict the Federals would choose an O-linemen. But studying their roster says that even though the O-lineman is a NEED, they can’t stop opposing teams, especially the other team’s air game. Washington fixes this by selecting CB Clifford Blackburn out of Nebraska to pair with their No. 1 CB on the other side.

14) Arizona Wranglers (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 7th OA (15th / 6th)
Defensive Ranks 26th (29th / 18th)
Needs: RB, DT, LB, CB

Looking at their bottom-dwelling pass defense, my first thought is for Arizona to strengthen its DB corps. But the Wranglers have a CB who had 10 picks, and nine other players with at least one pick, so that isn’t a trouble spot considering the pass-happy division they are in. Once again, in my opinion, by not getting opposing QBs to speed up their decision-making with hurries or sack threats, that division’s QBs are picking them apart. So the Wranglers will choose DE Larry Gantt from Kansas and might move him to DT to hurry everyone up.

Randall Swink, C, Penn State

15) Baltimore Stars (8-8) 
Offensive Ranks 31st ( 22nd / 29th)
Defensive Ranks 11th ( 12th / 16th)
Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB

This is Baltimore’s second pick in the first round, the Stars’ original pick. They also get the 15th spot due to their loss to the Oakland Invaders. Earlier I talked about Baltimore fixing a screen door of an O-line and this might be the spot they do that. This year’s draft is LOADED with great O-line prospects, but one that stands out is C Randall Swink out of Penn State. He is an above-average risk with a 60 vol, but with his size, strength, and speed, along with his already above average run/pass blocking skills with the potential to grow, he is definitely a foundation for anyone’s future.

16) Oakland Invaders (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 6th OA (8th / 17th)
Defensive Ranks 21st OA (30th / 2nd)
Needs: LB, DB, TE

This team is the model of excellence. After missing the playoffs for the second time in their existence, what is the secret formula for their return to success? How about a great DB to improve their pass defense? And that DB is Calvin Binion, the second best CB from Tennessee but the second Volunteer chosen in the top 20.

17) Honolulu Hawaiians (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 18th (14th/ 20th)
Defensive Ranks 14th OA (2nd / 31st)
Needs: RB, RT, LB,

Teams can’t throw against Honolulu, but they sure can run against them. With teams averaging 153 yards against the Hawaiians, it’s obvious Honolulu needs a run stopper in the second layer of their defense. Coach trslick will attempt to repair his team’s weakness by taking WLB Luis Torres out of Iowa.

18) San Antonio Gunslingers (9-7)
Offensive Ranks 11th OA (7th / 27th)
Defensive Ranks 23rd OA (23rd / 22nd)
Needs: LB, DB, DE

The three time divisional champion has ridden their strength as long as they could, but now their weaknesses are starting to show. To address the weakness in their linebacking corps, the Gunslingers will take Jamie Bueno from Oklahoma.

19) Baltimore Stars (8-8)
Offensive Ranks 31st (22nd / 29th)
Defensive Ranks 11th (12th / 16th)
Needs: WR, OL, DE, LB

This is Baltimore’s third pick in the first round of this year’s draft, which they received thru a trade with Denver. And with this pick, I predict Baltimore will go after an end rusher or a LB. Why not go for both in their 3-4 defensive style with a WLB/LDE hybrid prospect in Nickolas Taylor out of Arkansas State? He has the size and strength to be a great Jack prospect and could grow into a real terror as a pass rusher/run defender. He is not going to be a “right now” guy, but can mature into someone a future opposing coach will plan plays away from.

Max Howard, RB, Utah (2)

20) Orlando Renegades (10-6)
Offensive Ranks 22nd OA (27th / 8th)
Defensive Ranks 6th OA (5th / 14th)
Needs: DE, LB, WR, DB

This year’s best team to not make the playoffs is scratching their head and asking how they missed it. They have all the tools in the right places. Could it be that their slot WR is faster than their No. 2? This gives opposing teams a chance to focus on the No. 1 WR and to slow him down by double-teaming him. In my opinion, the Renegades need to go after another speedy wideout to stretch the field and give their starting QB another target. By that, I foresee Orlando going after RB Max Howard from Utah and switching his position.

21) Houston Gamblers (3-13)
Offensive Ranks 20th (10th / 28th)
Defensive Ranks 28th (31st / 13th)
Needs DB, WR, TE, LB, RG

This is Houston’s second pick in the first round of this year’s draft, thanks to a trade with Portland, and current management has already stated they are willing to trade down to get more picks. But, just in case the Gamblers are unable to work out a deal, they plan to look at a WR to assist with their aging corps. People they have targeted could (and should) already be gone by now so they might be looking at a mixture of WR/TE hybrid. Once again, they will take a chance on a high-risk potential candidate, TE John Croskey out of UCLA.

22) Shreveport Steamer (9-7)
Offensive Ranks 19th OA (31st / 2nd )
Defensive Ranks 7th OA (4th / 17th)
Needs: TE, DE, DB

Always a threat to ground and pound, Shreveport just needs a QB’s second-best friend to toss the ball to on quick slants and to split the seams to help keep opposing defenses honest by not loading up the box. Low-to-no risk is also a plus and TE Fredrick Skeen from Penn State fits everything a team could look for at that position.

23) Washington Federals (7-9)
Offensive Ranks 14th (9th / 24th)
Defensive Ranks 27th (24th / 27th)
Needs: OL, LB, DB

This is Washington’s second pick in this year’s first round, which they acquired thru a trade with New Orleans. Earlier I mentioned how the Federals needed an O-lineman and this is the spot where Washington takes advantage of this year’s abundant premier trench warriors. If the Federals are in it for the long haul, they might take a look at C Gaston Gross, who has potential of 100 pass blocking / 100 run blocking but with a downside of 94 VOL. Even if he busts in training camp, he will be still be better than average.

24) Los Angeles Express (11-5)
Offensive Ranks 16th OA (17th / 15th)
Defensive Ranks 8th OA (6th / 10th)
Needs: WR, CB, RT,

Last year’s champions found out that the hardest part of being a champion is defending it. Although they had no problem with defending their division title, once the Express began meeting the best in the league, the cream came to the top. With 15 players on the decline, is it too early to declare a “rebuild?” If not, then Los Angeles could focus on their declining WR corps and reach for WR Richard Holmes from Colorado.

MLB Francisco Kelly, Alabama

25) Detroit Wheels (12-4)
Offensive Ranks 10th OA (16th / 10th)
Defensive Ranks 9th OA (9th / 19th)
Needs: TE, WR, DE, LB

The only two-peat champion in the league has nine players on the roster on the decline and its starting to show as Detroit chases two-time division champion Cleveland. The Wheels’ nine-year veteran WLB is pondering retirement as well as the meat and potatoes of Detroit’s ground game. But with a defense that has an unbelievable plus-33 turnover margin, it is hard for me to suggest the Wheels should look at getting another defensive player. I think adding MLB Francisco Kelly out of Alabama could be a great accumulation for their team.

26) New York Stars (12-4)
Offensive Ranks 17th (13th / 18th)
Defensive Ranks 3rd (7th / 7th)
Needs: TE, OL, LB, SS

The Stars’ greatest challenge seems to be keeping their players healthy. With their second-string RG, who allowed ninesacks last season in the 12 games he played, heading up their O-line, New York might want to beef up. Of their 59 total sacks allowed 23 came from three players on the right of center, It would be best, in my opinion, for the Stars to take RT Joseph Thill. With a 99 pass block potential and a natural RT, he may add some glue to that side.

27) Tampa Bay Bandits (13-3) 
Offensive Ranks 1st OA (1st / 9th)
Defensive Ranks 10th OA (8th / 21st )
Needs: OL, LB, S

I cannot believe MLB Edward Standley from Iowa dropped this far because there are plenty of teams picking before Tampa Bay who could use a LB. But somehow the Bandits owner always gets lucky and isn’t going to share the wealth.

28) Oklahoma Outlaws (14-2)
Offensive Ranks 3rd OA (6th / 13th)
Defensive Ranks 13th OA (20th / 3rd)
Needs: TE, CB, LB

A team is only as strong as its weakest link and Oklahoma’s frailest position is at CB. Of course, it doesn’t help that they play in the Southwest Division, where they play Houston (10th ranked passing offense), San Antonio (seventh), and Memphis (third) twice a season. They can use the experience of a good secondary player to go along with their seven-year veteran, who is starting to decline at his position. With that, the new owner of Oklahoma welcomes SS David Kirby out of Clemson to Southwest Airlines, based in OKC.

29) Tampa Bay Bandits (13-3) 
Offensive Ranks 1st OA (1st / 9th)
Defensive Ranks 10th OA (8th / 21st )
Needs: OL, LB, S

Remember how I said just two picks ago that somehow, some way, Tampa Bay is lucky? Well, I rest my case with this being the pick they received in a trade with the Pittsburgh Maulers, who beat them 13-10 in the second round of the playoffs. With this pick I predict the Bandits steal another player that was supposed to go higher but dropped again into their laps. Do I sound jealous? Well I am. The Bandits will pick RG Victor Gallagher and switch him to LT to learn the position from their 11-year veteran to be the heir apparent.

Danny Keating, TE, Nebraska

30) Cleveland Thunderbolts (14-2)
Offensive Ranks 8th (29th / 1st)
Defensive Ranks 4th (11th / 3rd)
Needs: TE, WR, DE

My dad used to tell me “If you can’t stand a nosebleed, then don’t pick a fight.” Well, the newest bully on the block not only likes a bleeding nose, the Thunderbolts ask for more after asking their opponents if that is the best that they’ve got. Do not let their questionable 29th-ranked passing offense lure you into a false sense of “this is what they need to fix.” Who needs to throw the ball when their three-headed monster of a ground game is averaging 5.2 yards and a cloud of dust every time they touch the ball? And when they DO throw the ball, their top three WRs average 21, 20, and 16 yards per catch respectively. This is close to being the No. 1 receiving corps in the league. But, in my opinion, they need another offensive weapon to get them to the dance. And that firearm should be a receiving TE with great RBK skills who is not afraid to catch the ball while splitting the seams. Oh, and look, corn husking TE Danny Keating out of Nebraska, who fits that description, is still available.

31) New Jersey Generals (13-3)
Offensive Ranks 21st (25th / 7th)
Defensive Ranks 5th (10th / 9th)
Needs: WR, DT

How does a team get to the World Bowl with the No. 21 overall offense and No. 25 passing offense, you might ask. One way is by having a young stud RB like Rudi Johnson. The other is by having a defense so good that your team doesn't require a lot of points to win games. The only flaw in the Generals' defense is at DT, but the best DT prospect, Eric Harris of Iowa, also has 70 VOL. New Jersey will roll the dice with Harris anyway.

32) Memphis Showboats (10-6)
Offensive Ranks 2nd (3rd / 16th)
Defensive Ranks 25th (28th / 12th)
Needs: OL, DL, LB, DB
How does a team get to the World Bowl with the No. 28 pass defense, you might ask. First, that number is skewed a bit from Memphis playing in the pass-happy Southwest Division. Having said that, taking a DB, like visiting Paris, is always a good idea. So the Showboats will play it safe with Washington State CB Jim Jansen.

World Bowl VI Recap: Showboats Sail Past Generals

Antonio Wilson nearly watched World Bowl VI from the bench. Instead, he became its Most Valuable Player.

Antonio Wilson, QB, Memphis

Willson passed for 459 yards and four touchdowns Tuesday, including the winning score with 2:01 to play, as the Memphis Showboats outlasted the New Jersey Generals, 34-31, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to claim their first USFL/WFL championship.

Memphis coach PrivateSnowflake had to mull his QB decision carefully. Wilson and James Perry had split time during the regular season and Wilson had thrown four interceptions in the American Conference championship game against the Cleveland Thunderbolts. When told he would start, Wilson certainly rewarded his coach's confidence in him.

New Jersey had taken a 31-27 lead with 8:18 to play when QB Stephan LeBelle and WR Clarence Collins connected for a TD for the third time in the game. Memphis got the ball back with 3:48 to play and Wilson directed a 76-yard, 6-play scoring drive in which he completed passes of 25 yards to Patrick Burke and 30 yards to Sterling Willis.

The game-winner came on a magnificent catch and throw. Wilson somehow found WR Jerome Wheeler in the back of the end zone and Wheeler, wearing two defenders on his back, managed to reach up, pull down the pass, and get two feet down before crossing the end line to complete the 21-yard TD.

The Generals had two more possessions, but could not advance past their 38.

The final TD had been preceded by a wild back-and-forth game that saw one tie and six lead changes.

Wilson ended the day with a 116.58 QBR. He was taken in the ninth round of the 1974 allocation draft by San Jose and started two seasons for the SaberCats. He spent two seasons on the bench there before being signed by Memphis as a free agent. The 14th-year pro will likely retire before next season.

LaBelle threw for 379 yards and three TDs, all to Collins. Wheeler, Willis, and Gerard Hall combined for 370 receiving yards for the Showboats. CB Albert Arsenault led Memphis with 10 tackles. New Jersey RDE Roy Sullivan recorded two sacks.

This was the third career league championship for PrivateSnowflake. He also won titles with the Cincinnati Bearcats in NCAA 2.0 and Oakland in the XFL.

1979 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team

A pair of young studs on the defensive line highlight this season's USFL/WFL All-Pro Team.

Robert Keese, RDE, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Maulers RDE Robert Keese and Washington Federals RDE John Broussard were both named All-Pro in their first pro seasons. Keese led the league with 28 sacks, was third with 79 hurries, made 45 tackles. Broussard led the league with 108 hurries and also had 44 tackles and 15 sacks.

Keese was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the league's coaches. Broussard was the only other player who received votes.

Cleveland LDE Jim Zarate was a repeat selection for Defensive Most Valuable Player. Zarate has compiled 140 tackles, 73 sacks, and 289 hurries in three pro seasons.

The offensive MVP was Tampa Bay quarterback Luis Gero, whose 118.24 QBR led the league. He threw 43 TD passes while only being picked off 12 times.

John Broussard, RDE,
Washington (50)

Florida Blazers WR Arthur Strickland was picked as Offensive Rookie of the Year. Strickland caught 89 passes for 1,634 yards and 10 TDs, hauling in 58.2 percent of passes thrown his way.

Oklahoma coach Big Poppa was voted Coach of the Year by his peers. He led the Outlaws to a 14-2 record, No. 1 seed and No. 1 MOHR rating. Big Poppa resigned immediately after his team was upset  by Memphis in their playoff opener.

Houston kicker Daniel McCormack quietly forged an unbelievable season. The Gamblers' fourth-round pick in 1976 has 100 strength and 100 accuracy. Those numbers were reflected in his going 43-for-44 on field goal attempts, including 16-for-17 from beyond 50 yards.

Three players were named All-Pro for the third time in their careers: Zarate, Detroit DB David Peralta, and Tampa Bay OL James Smith.

You will notice five defensive backs on the first team. Larry Ackman of the New Orleans VooDoo and Albert Welsh of the Arizona Wranglers tied for the fourth and final DB spot. Since their statistics were nearly identical, and since the No. 6 DB was several votes behind, I decided to let the tie stand.

The complete list of All-Pro teams and awards can be found here.

1979 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team

(Previous selections in parentheses)
Offense: Luis Gero, QB, Tampa Bay ('78); Joseph Ring, RB, Shreveport; Jaime Giles, RB, Florida; John Sanders, WR, Portland ('78); Dusty Heckman, WR, Oklahoma ('76); Michael Sutton, TE, Oakland; Ken Hancock, OL, Baltimore; Jimmy Rice, OL, Georgia; James Smith, OL, Tampa Bay ('77, '78); Billy McKissick, OL, Detroit; Brandon Roberge, OL, Tampa Bay ('78).

Special Teams: Daniel McCormack, K, Houston; Dan Carr, P, Cleveland ('76); Allan Howard, KR, New York ('76).

Defense: Robert Keese, DL, Pittsburgh; Jim Zarate, DL, Cleveland ('77, '78); John Broussard, DL, Washington; John Hunter, DL, Pittsburgh; Donn Webb, LB, Memphis; David Watkins, LB, Florida; Douglas Oneill, LB, Honolulu; Christopher Turner, LB, Detroit; Leon Crisman, DB, San Antonio ('74); David Peralta, DB, Detroit ('76, '77); Robert Gutierrez, DB, Houston; Larry Ackman, DB, New Orleans; Albert Welsh, DB, Arizona ('77).

Offensive MVP: Luis Gero, QB, Tampa Bay
Defensive MVP: Jim Zarate, DL, Cleveland
Coach of the Year: Big Poppa, Oklahoma
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Arthur Strickland, WR, Florida
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Keese, DL, Pittsburgh

Others Receiving Votes

(In order of votes received)
QB: William Hill, Portland; Jerry Ruiz, Michigan
RB: Patrick Hiebert, Oklahoma; Duane Cunningham, Denver; John Horn, Southern California
WR: Michael Hunter, Honolulu; Marshall Gibson, San Antonio; Allan Howard, New York; William Delatorre, Boston; Robert Zapata, Orlando; John Risinger, Detroit; Thomas Dayton, Southern California
TE: Darrell Trotter, Michigan; Ernest McNeil, Memphis
OL: Rick Brun, Oakland; Thomas Wason, Detroit; Earl Murtagh, New York; Jeffrey Sharp, Honolulu; Michael Warren, San Jose; James Hernandez, Houston
KR: Patrick Hiebert, Oklahoma; James Connelly, Houston
DL: Daryl Barney, Jacksonville; Jeffrey Alfaro, New Orleans; William Lewis, Tampa Bay; George Turner, Denver; Alton Pastor, Michigan; Chad Brown, Detroit; Juan Bennett, New Orleans
LB: Victor Lincoln, Oklahoma; Corey Dodson, Birmingham; Roy Edelman, Boston; Fernando Stone, Charlotte; Eduardo Sorenson, Charlotte; James Kelley, Southern California
DB: Eugene Holland, Honolulu; Joseph Abernathy, Charlotte; Walter Silva, Los Angeles; Joseph Daughtry, Honolulu; Allen Herrera, Oklahoma; Philip Shurtz, Oakland; Jerome Stevens, Boston; Herbert Lynn, Philadelphia; Ronald Rutledge, Portland
Offensive MVP: John Sanders, WR, Portland; Jerry Ruiz, QB, Michigan; Marshall Gibson, WR, San Antonio; William Delatorre, WR, Boston; Allan Howard, WR, New York; Dusty Heckman, WR, Oklahoma
Defensive MVP: Douglas Oneill, LB, Honolulu; John Broussard, DL, Washington; Robert Keese, DL, Pittsburgh; David Watkins, LB, Florida; Leon Crisman, DB, San Antonio; John Hunter, DL, Pittsburgh; Chad Brown, DL, Detroit; Donn Webb, LB, Memphis; Joseph Abernathy, DB, Charlotte
Coach of the Year: raidergreg69, New Jersey; jabillups85, Cleveland; greyghost1225, New Orleans; mwd65, Los Angeles; Otterpop, Pittsburgh; AlexanDragon, Denver
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Cory Martin, RB, Washington; Rudi Johnson, RB, New Jersey; Oscar Willis, QB, Southern California; Jonathan Bain, OL, Arizona
Defensive Rookie of the Year: John Broussard, DL, Washington

World Bowl VI Preview

Two teams that caught fire at the end of the season have carried that momentum all the way to World Bowl VI.

Nathan Branch, Memphis

The New Jersey Generals and Memphis Showboats will meet Tuesday to decide the 1979 USFL/WFL champion. This is the first World Bowl appearance for both.

New Jersey won 10 in a row to close out the regular season, then topped the New York Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers in the playoffs. Memphis closed out the regular season with wins over playoff teams Los Angeles and Portland, then topped the defending champion Express in the wild-card round, knocked off No. 1 seed Oklahoma in the second round, and beat Cleveland in the conference title game.

Memphis will be without two injured starters on the defensive line, LDE Nathan Branch and DT John Biggs. New Jersey CB Gregory Johnson has a concussion, but is probable. LDE James Lockette (leg) is at 53 percent.

We will be interested to see which QB the Showboats choose to start. James Perry and Antonio Wilson split the 16 starts during the regular season. Wilson started the conference championship game against Cleveland, but threw four interceptions.

New Jersey leads the series, 2-0. The Generals won, 25-18, in Week 13 this season and 16-13 during the 1975 season.

In the most recent meeting, the Generals scored 10 points in the final 6:12 to win. Stephan Labelle threw a 63-yard TD pass to Clarence Collins to give New Jersey a 22-18 lead and Dustin Henry's field goal with 23 seconds remaining clinched it. The Generals defense intercepted James Perry three times and the Showboats also lost a fumble.

New Jersey 37, Pittsburgh 13

New Jersey won its 12th in a row  with dominant defense and a record-setting day from rookie running back Rudi Johnson.

The Maulers had 11 offensive drives in the first three quarters and came away with one field goal and a 31-3 deficit. Pittsburgh QB Scott Deal ended the day with a 59.51 QBR and was sacked six times. Pittsburgh's two former All-Pro running backs managed a combined 25 yards on the ground.

Johnson shredded the Pittsburgh defense for a playoff-record 195 yards on 22 carries (8.6 YPC) and scored the game's first two TDs. RDE Roy Sullivan and LDE Tom Woodland combined for five sacks.New Jersey led, 24-3, at halftime.

Memphis 26, Cleveland 19

The American Conference championship game saw the Showboats win on Billy Williams' 2-yard TD run with 2:15 to play. But there was a lot more action before and after that score.

Memphis knotted the score, 19-19, on Gregory Shea's 2-yard TD run with 9:59 to go. But James Ewing missed the extra point kick, leaving the game tied. Cleveland's Gary Spence missed a 52-yard field goal attempt with 7:04 remaining,

An exchange of punts preceded the game-winning drive. Memphis moved 66 yards in seven plays. Of those 66 yards, 38 came on three plays in which Cleveland was penalized for defensive overuse. Then, with 1:32 to play, the Thunderbolts decided to punt the ball away.

Cleveland somehow got the ball back and got to run one play from the Memphis 35, but a Nathan Branch sack of backup QB Lon Musso ended the game.

The Showboats won despite QB Antonio Wilson throwing four interceptions. Cleveland defensive star Jim Zarate did not record a tackle or a sack, but did intercept a pass. Adam Velasco rushed for 108 yards and a TD for the 'Bolts.

1979 Divisional Roundup, Conference Title Preview

The USFL/WFL championship ring vendor will need to get to work on a new design.

Cleveland QB Lon Musso confers with coach jabillups85

None of the four remaining playoff teams have ever won a World Bowl. That means yet another helmet in the Hall of Champions, the fifth franchise to claim a title in six seasons.

The Cleveland Thunderbolts will host the Memphis Showboats in the American Conference championship Saturday, while the New Jersey Generals host the Pittsburgh Maulers in the National Conference title game.

The most exciting divisional round game came in Cleveland, where backup QB Lon Musso fired a 36-yard TD pass to Brent Reichman with 1 minute remaining, giving the Thunderbolts a 27-20 win over the Detroit Wheels. Injury-riddled Detroit was penalized for defensive overuse on the decisive score.

Musso had come in to relieve starting QB Chester Dougherty, who was having a miserable game (57.00 QBR). His Detroit counterpart, Mario Valencia, was nearly as bad (51.12, four interceptions).

Two plays after Musso's game-winner, Valencia was intercepted by Cleveland's Monte Cherry and the game was over.

Detroit had won World Bowl III and World Bowl IV before turning the crown over to the Los Angeles Express last season.

In other divisional round games:

Memphis Showboats 41, Oklahoma Outlaws 20: The Memphis defense shut down Oklahoma QB Dale Brown and the Showboats scored the last 21 points to end an eight-game losing streak to the Outlaws. Brown was sacked seven times and intercepted twice and head coach Big Poppa resigned following the loss by the No. 1 seed. Memphis was clinging to a 27-20 lead with 2:27 to play when Marcus Jordan ran 3 yards for the clincher. Donn Webb intercepted Brown on the next play, setting up another 3-yard TD run by Jordan. SS Marshall Forbes recorded 10 tackles for the Showboats.

New Jersey Generals 17, New York Stars 3: The Generals won their 11th in a row and avenged two regular-season losses to their crosstown rivals. The New Jersey defense recorded nine sacks, shut out New York on third-down situations (0-for-16) and allowed only 218 total yards. MLB Bobby Leopold had nine tackles and three sacks for the Generals.

Pittsburgh Maulers 13, Tampa Bay Bandits 10: In last year's playoffs, Tampa Bay won, 66-52. In this year's playoffs, the Bandits finished with just 191 yards total offense. The Maulers held on to the ball for 38:09 and only two of Tampa Bay's 12 drives netted more than 25 yards. Pittsburgh ran out the final 2:05, thanks to an offsides penalty against the Bandits on fourth-and-4. The Maulers scored their only TD on Scott Deal's 5-yard pass to Vito Moffat in the first quarter.

Conference Championship Preview

Memphis Showboats at Cleveland Thunderbolts: Cleveland is 3-1 all-time against Memphis, including a 31-10 victory in Week 10 this season. Cleveland's Chester Dougherty fired four TD passes in that game, while Memphis QB James Perry was sacked six times and intercepted twice. The only player out with an injury is 'Bolts backup RB Alan Benefield.

Pittsburgh Maulers at New Jersey Generals: Pittsburgh leads the series, 3-1, but New Jersey claimed a 13-10 victory in Week 5 this season. Maulers QB Michael White was sacked four times and picked off three times in that game, his last week as a starter before Scott Deal took over. Rookie RB Rudi Johnson rushed for 109 yards and a TD for the Generals. Maulers WR Javier Rudolph, C Andre Adkins and LDE Nathaniel Miles are all unlikely to play. LDE James Lockette and WLB Jim LeClair are questionable for New Jersey.

1979 Wild Card Roundup Divisional Preview

The USFL/WFL will have a new champion this season.

Gerard Hall Memphis Showboats

Gerard Hall's 107-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter broke a 28-28 tie, and the Memphis Showboats went on to knock off the Los Angeles Express, 38-28, in the wild-card round.

Los Angeles, the defending World Bowl champions, had recovered from a 21-6 deficit to tie the score. But QB Gene Nowlin was picked off three times by Albert Arsenault of the Showboats in the game's final 8 minutes.

Hall came up big on his first return of the day after Gregory Shea had been sidelined with a neck injury with 4 minutes to play.

Memphis advanced to play the Oklahoma Outlaws. The four second-round games include three matchups of teams from the same division.

In other wild-card games:

Detroit Wheels 36, Portland Storm 27: Detroit DT Timothy Adams recorded eight sacks as the Wheels made life rough for record-setting Portland QB William Hill. He was sacked 11 times, intercepted three times, and lost a fumble. Hill did pass for 557 yards and four TDs. Enrique Pacheco rushed for 119 yards and a pair of TDs for Detroit.

Pittsburgh Maulers 27, Shreveport Steamer 14: Shreveport led early, but the Maulers scored the game's final 20 points. The big moment came with 8:30 to play when SLB George Grant returned an interception 12 yards for a TD that extended a 17-14 Pittsburgh lead to 24-14. The Steamer turned the ball over three times, the Maulers none.

New York Stars 21, New Orleans VooDoo 7: The only New Orleans score came on a kickoff return as New York's defense shut down the VooDoo. New Orleans, playing without injured RB Kenneth Boyd, managed just 224 yards total offense. QB Eric Roberge and WR Allan Howard connected three times for New York TDs.

Divisional Round Preview

Memphis Showboats at Oklahoma Outlaws: Oklahoma leads the series, 9-3, including a pair of victories in 1979. The Outlaws won, 37-22, in Week 7 and 48-24 in Week 14. Memphis QB James Perry threw five interceptions and was sacked seven times during that second meeting. Oklahoma has won eight in a row against Memphis since the end of the 1975 season. The Showboats will likely be without RB/KR Gregory Shea (neck), but are otherwise healthy. Oklahoma will be minus LT Richard Castro.

Detroit Wheels at Cleveland Thunderbolts: The teams split during the 1979 regular season. Cleveland won, 29-17, in Week 2 and the Wheels won, 20-14, in Week 16. Detroit leads the all-time series, 8-4. The Wheels could be without as many as six injured players, including All-Pro nominees Billy McKissick and Thomas Watson on the offensive line and WLB Christopher Turner, who had four sacks in the second meeting with Cleveland. Thunderbolts DT Donald Jackson is questionable.

Pittsburgh Maulers at Tampa Bay Bandits: Tampa Bay leads the series, 3-1, including a 30-19 victory in Week 15 this season. The Bandits led, 21-19, going into the fourth quarter before Thomas Hummel iced it with three field goals. Pittsburgh will be without starting WR Javier Rudolph, while the Bandits should have a full crew. These teams also met in last season's playoffs, Tampa Bay emerging victorious from a 66-52 shootout.

New York Stars at New Jersey Generals: This is the first postseason meeting of the neighborhood rivals. New Jersey leads the regular-season series, 8-4, but the Stars swept two meetings early this season (before the Generals embarked on their 10-game win streak). 23-6 and 23-16. New Jersey All-Pro DL James Lockette is questionable, as are New York starting OL Earl Murtagh and Curtis Hartig.

1979 Wild Card Preview: Generally Pretty Great

Who is the hottest team in the USFL/WFL going into the playoffs? That's an easy one.

Stephan Labelle, NJ Generals

The New Jersey Generals (13-3) finished off a 10-game win streak to cap the regular season when they throttled the Boston Breakers, 71-13. Stephan Labelle fired nine TD passes in that game, one shy of the league's single-game record.

New Jersey, which was 3-3 after six games, earned its second consecutive East Division title, the No. 1 seed in the National Conference, and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Maulers and Tampa Bay Bandits were also 13-3. Pittsburgh was relegated to the wild-card round due to having lost to both the Bandits and Generals. New Jersey earned the top seed due to its regular-season win over Tampa Bay.

The final American Conference standings came down to three teams fighting for two spots. The Memphis Showboats earned one of those spots by defeating the Portland Storm, 31-21, in their finale. Portland would have been watching the playoffs from the couch, but instead won the West Division title when the Denver Gold were upset by the Chicago Blitz, 24-10. Denver thus became the odd man out.

The Oklahoma Outlaws (14-2) earned the No. 1 American Conference seed (and No. 1 overall MOHR rating) when they concluded the regular season by edging the Philadelphia Bell, 22-20, and the Cleveland Thunderbolts (14-2) lost to the Detroit Wheels, 20-14. Oklahoma and Cleveland received first-round byes.

The Orlando Renegades won five in a row to finish 10-6, but lost the wild-card spot to Shreveport after falling to the Steamer during the regular season. The New Orleans VooDoo claimed the South Division crown by virtue of two wins over Shreveport during the season.

Wild-Card Preview

Memphis Showboats at Los Angeles Express: The defending World Bowl champions Express (11-5) struggled early, but recovered to claim their fourth consecutive Pacific Division title. Memphis suffered through a rough patch late, losing four of five, but pulled it together with victories over LAX and Portland to get into the playoffs. Showboats QB James Perry was the star of his team's 31-13 Week 15 win over the Express, throwing four TD passes. Carlos Turner intercepted two passes, forced a fumble, and led Memphis with seven tackles. Los Angeles RB Seth Wynn (neck) is questionable. LAX leads the regular-season series, 2-1, and topped the Showboats, 34-32, in last season's playoffs.

Detroit Wheels at Portland Storm: Portland (9-7) claimed its third division title in six seasons when the Denver Gold lost their final game. Their reward? They get to face a Detroit team that beat them, 38-3, in Week 7. Record-setting Storm QB William Hill was picked off five times in that game, twice by David Peralta. The Wheels (12-4) have lost two of their three WLB due to injury, but QB Mario Valencia is probable. Six Portland players are "out," "questionable," or "doubtful." Detroit leads the regular-season series, 3-2, but lost to Portland in the 1974 playoffs.

Shreveport Steamer at Pittsburgh Maulers: The Maulers yawned their way to a sixth consecutive Atlantic Division crown, but their 13-3 record included a 27-23 nail-biter over the Steamer (9-7) in Week 13. Pittsburgh never led until Scott Deal's 52-yard TD pass to Vito Moffat with 6:05 to play. The Maulers lead the regular-season series, 3-0, and beat Shreveport, 38-13, in last year's playoffs.

New York Stars at New Orleans VooDoo: The VooDoo (10-6) will be the home team by virtue of having won the South Division. The Stars (12-4) finished up with three losses in their last five games. New Orleans leads the regular-season series, 3-1, including a 27-24 win in 1978 when John Langdon kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired.

Record Book

• All three candidates for the league's all-time receptions record fell just short of the 135 by Orlando's Robert Zapata last season. Boston's William Delatorre finished with 134, Honolulu's Michael Hunter with 133 and San Antonio's Marshall Gibson with 132.
• Washington Federals rookie RDE John Broussard recorded 108 hurries, second all-time to Cleveland's Jim Zarate (145, 1978).
• Cleveland Thunderbolts punter Dan Carr set a league record by averaging 48.7 yards per punt. Washington's Garland Hubler actually averaged 50.3 per boot, but did not have the required 40 attempts to claim the record.
• Portland Storm QB William Hill finished with a league-record 6,899 passing yards. He also set a league record for attempts (862).
• Boston Breakers QB Michael Temples tied the league record by throwing 39 interceptions. San Antonio's Tony Smith was also picked off 39 times in 1977.
• The Philadelphia Bell (7-9) set a franchise record for victories in a season, as did the Oklahoma Outlaws (14-2) and Cleveland Thunderbolts (14-2). The Washington Federals (7-9) tied their club record, as did the Southern California Sun (5-11) and New York Stars (12-4). The Baltimore Stars (8-8) were one win away.

1979 Week 15 Roundup: SeeingThe Finish Line

The playoff races in both conferences have come down to three teams fighting for two spots.

Dustin Nichols, QB, Denver Gold

In the American Conference, Portland and Denver remain tied for the West Division lead at 9-6. The teams split during the regular season, but the Storm holds a better division record (4-2) than the Gold (3-3).

William Hill passed for 530 yards and two TDs as Portland rallied from a 19-16 halftime deficit to edge the Houston Gamblers, 33-25. Hill has thrown for 6,566 yards this season, breaking the former record of 6,548 set by Birmingham's Agustin Crook in 1977 (when Crook was on the verge of retirement).

Dustin Nichols passed for 457 yards and six TDs in a 70-17 victory over the Charlotte Hornets that set a franchise record for points in a game. Denver has won four in a row for the second time this season and is aiming for its first playoff action since 1974, the league's first season.

The third American Conference potential entrant is the Memphis Showboats (9-6), who host Portland to conclude the regular season with the winner of that game clinching a postseason berth. Denver finishes with a game against the Blitz in Chicago. The Showboats beat the Gold in Week 1.

The National Conference is experiencing a similar scenario.

The New Orleans VooDoo (9-6) and Shreveport Steamer (9-6) are tied for the South Division lead. New Orleans won both head-to-head meetings this season and hosts the Georgia Force (4-11) in Week 16. Shreveport will also be favored in its season finale at Birmingham (4-11).

So will the Orlando Renegades (9-6), who wrap up against the Jacksonville Bulls (2-13). Orlando lost to Shreveport before beginning its current four-game win streak.

In other Week 15 games:

• Philadelphia CB Jason Hubbard picked off three passes, including one with 1:34 remaining, as the Bell surprised the Shreveport Steamer, 27-26. Philadelphia (7-8) has set a franchise record for victories this season.
• Boston WR William Delatorre caught 11 passes for 267 yards and three TDs as the Breakers claimed their first victory of the season by beating the Jacksonville Bulls, 24-20. 
• The Detroit Wheels improved to 12-0 all-time against the crosstown rival Michigan Panthers with a 52-10 stomping at the Pontiac Silverdome. Henry Prieto passed for 513 yards and seven TDs for the Wheels. John Risinger caught eight passes for 281 yards and four TDs.
• The New Jersey Generals have won nine in a row after shutting down the Florida Blazers, 23-3. Chad Ochocinco and Johnny Fever combined for 14 pass receptions for New Jersey.
• The Baltimore Stars are 6-2 in their last eight games after knocking off New Orleans, 16-7. Baltimore SS Robert Johannes had seven tackles and an interception and LDE Dan Holbert recorded three sacks.
• The Oklahoma Outlaws knocked San Antonio out of the playoff chase by beating the Gunslingers, 30-16. San Antonio QB Tony Smith was 17-for-45 passing with four interceptions.
• The Tampa Bay Bandits scored the final 9 points of the game to pull away from the Pittsburgh Maulers, 30-19, in a potential playoff preview. CB Brian Newberry had eight tackles and an interception for the Bandits.

Record Book

• San Antonio's Marshall Gibson needs five receptions this week to tie the single-season record of 135, held by Orlando's Robert Zapata. Boston's William Delatorre can also tie the record with eight receptions this week and Honolulu's Michael Hunter is only nine away.
• Oklahoma's Patrick Hiebert needs two rushing TDs to tie the single-season record of 15, shared by Pittsburgh's John Murray and Chicago's Bruce Fine.
• San Antonio's Leon Crissman needs two interceptions to tie the record of 13 set last season by Pittsburgh's Bradley Martinez.

1979 Week 14 Roundup: New Orleans Regains MoJo

They are working that old black magic down in New Orleans again.

Kenneth Boyd, RB, New Orleans VooDoo

The VooDoo won for the fifth time in their last six games and took over the South Division lead by defeating the Shreveport Steamer, 34-13. New Orleans (9-5) and Shreveport (9-5) are technically tied, but the VooDoo have won both regular-season meetings.

Kenneth Boyd rushed for 110 yards, Ryan Tate threw four TD passes, James Sheckler caught eight passes for 159 yards, and Rick Edwards and Troy Tomas combined for 21 tackles for the VooDoo.

The VooDoo played their way into World Bowl III, fell to 1-15 the next season, then recovered to go 9-7 in 1978, barely missing the playoffs.

New Orleans finishes the regular season with games against Baltimore (7-7) and the Georgia Force (4-10). Shreveport finishes up with Philadelphia (6-8) and Birmingham (4-10).

In other Week 14 games:

• New Jersey is 12-0 all-time vs. Philadelphia after fending off the Bell, 31-26. The Generals extended their winning streak to eight games by running out the final 2:57 following a Philadelphia punt. Chad Ochocinco and Kenneth William each caught a pair of TD passes for New Jersey.
• Los Angeles is 12-0 all-time vs. Southern California after eclipsing the Sun, 37-16. The Express benched veteran QB Gene Nowlin and started former backup William Trombly, who passed for 427 yards and two TDs and ended the day with a 128.88 QB rating.
• The Oakland Invaders (6-8) are going to sit out the playoffs for the first time since 1974, the league's inaugural season. The Portland Storm ripped the Invaders, 40-19, as William Hill passed for 494 yards and five TDs. Oakland WLB David Monroe had 13 tackles, 3 hurries, a sack, and an interception.
• The Pittsburgh Maulers have only lost one game in their division since 1975, and maintained that streak with a 25-10 victory over the Baltimore Stars. If Pittsburgh defeats Charlotte in Week 16, the Maulers will be 12-0 all-time against both the Hornets and Washington Federals. Baltimore has beaten Pittsburgh three times — once each in 1974, '75, and '77.
• San Antonio CB Leon Crisman made nine tackles and picked off three passes as the Gunslingers stayed in the playoff chase with a 42-22 victory at Boston. If the playoffs began today, San Antonio (8-6) would claim the final wild-card spot. The Gunslingers, however, end the season with games against Oklahoma and the New York Stars.
• The Orlando Renegades are still clinging to playoff hopes after outlasting the Florida Blazers, 23-20, in overtime. Orlando drove from its 18 to the Florida 6 in OT, helped along by four defensive overuse penalties on Florida. Douglas Hernandez then kicked the winning field goal from 24 yards away. The Renegades (8-6) trail Shreveport (9-5) and New Orleans (9-5) by one game for the final National Conference wild-card spot.

Week 15 Preview

The Denver Gold (8-6), seeking their first playoff berth since 1974, can take another step toward that goal with a victory against the Charlotte Hornets (2-12). The Detroit Wheels (10-4) will try to improve to 12-0 all-time against the Michigan Panthers (5-9). The Arizona Wranglers (7-7) will try to  keep their slim playoff hopes alive against the Oakland Invaders (6-8). Division leaders clash when the Tampa Bay Bandits (11-3) travel to Pittsburgh to face the Maulers (12-2).

Record Book

• Philadelphia CB Jason Hubbard has already set a USFL/WFL record this season by recovering six fumbles, most in a single season by any defensive player in league history.
• William Hill of the Portland Storm is the only QB in league history to pass for more than 6,000 yards three times in a single season. Hill (6,036 this season) is within shouting distance of the USFL/WFL all-time record (6,548) held by Birmingham's Agustin Crook. Hill is also six interceptions away from the single-season record of 39, set by San Antonio's Tony Smith in 1977.
• Jerry Ruiz of the Michigan Panthers needs seven TD passes in his final two games to tie the league record of 55 in a season, set by Detroit's Mario Valencia in 1976.
• Oklahoma's Patrick Hiebert needs four rushing TDs to tie the single-season record of 15, shared by Pittsburgh's John Murray and Chicago's Bruce Fine.
• San Antonio's Marshall Gibson needs 10 receptions in his final two games to break the record of 135, held by Orlando's Robert Zapata. Gibson is also just 274 yards away from the yardage record (2,548) held by Oklahoma's Dusty Heckman.
• Cleveland's Dan Carr is averaging 49 yards per punt, which would be a league record. Baltimore's Wesley Bradley averaged 48.6 in 1977.
• Houston's Robert Gutierrez and San Antonio's Leon Crissman both need three interceptions to tie the record of 13 set last season by Pittsburgh's Bradley Martinez.

1979 Week 13 Roundup: No More Unbeatens

David Judkins, QB, Orlando Renegades

The Cleveland Thunderbolts' quest for 16-0 is over.

David Judkins fired a 3-yard TD pass to Elliot Lowe with 2:18 remaining, giving the Orlando Renegades a 16-13 victory over the previously undefeated Bolts. Cleveland (12-1) was trying to become only the second team in USFL/WFL history to complete an undefeated regular season. The 1977 Detroit Wheels were 16-0 and went on to beat the Tampa Bay Bandits in World Bowl IV.

Orlando (7-6) has recorded back-to-back victories over division leaders New York and Cleveland. CB Homer Watson had seven tackles and a sack. Thunderbolts LDE Jim Zarate had eight tackles and a sack, as did teammate MLB Corey Zelaya.

In other Week 13 games:

• The Denver Gold and Portland Storm pulled into a first-place tie atop the West Division with Week 13 victories. Portland outlasted the Washington Federals, 40-35, and Denver outscored the Oakland Invaders, 39-20.
• The Pittsburgh Maulers clinched their sixth consecutive Atlantic Division title by edging the Shreveport Steamer, 27-23. Scott Deal's 52-yard TD pass to Vito Moffat with 6:05 to play on a Shreveport defensive overuse penalty provided the go-ahead score for Pittsburgh.
• Patrick Hiebert rushed for 149 yards and two TDs as the Oklahoma Outlaws outlasted the Detroit Wheels, 41-24, to wrap up a playoff spot.
• The New Jersey Generals extended their win streak to seven games by defeating the Memphis Showboats, 25-18, as Stephen Labelle found Clarence Collins for a 63-yard go-ahead TD pass on a Memphis defensive overuse penalty with 6:12 to play. Memphis still holds a one-game lead for the final American Conference playoff spot.
• Tampa Bay QB Luis Gero passed for 534 yards and seven TDs in a 65-33 victory over the Florida Blazers, clinching the Southeast Division title for the Bandits.

Week 14 Preview

The Tampa Bay Bandits (10-3) meet the New York Stars (11-2) in a battle of division leaders. The Memphis Showboats (8-5) will try to keep their slim division title hopes alive with a victory at Oklahoma (11-2). The Oakland Invaders (6-7) are at the Portland Storm (7-6) in a critical West Division game. The New Orleans VooDoo (8-5) will try to force a tie atop the South Division by beating the Shreveport Steamer (9-4).

1979 Week 12 Roundup: Give 'Em Heckman

Dusty Heckman, Oklahoma Outlaws

Let us all pause for a moment and recognize the greatness that is Oklahoma Outlaws WR Dusty Heckman.

Heckman caught seven passes for 102 yards and a TD during his team's 42-28 victory over the Portland Storm in Week 12. Although his production has slowed down recently, Heckman is still on track to break the league's all-time single-season receiving yardage of 2,548 he set in 1976. He currently has 2,059 yards. In the NFL, the single-season record is 1,964, set by Detroit's Calvin Johnson in 2012.

Heckman is already the USFl/WFL all-time leader with 11,127 receiving yards and counting. John Sanders of the Portland Storm is No. 2, roughly 1,500 yards behind Heckman.

Heckman also leads all receivers with 80 career TD receptions. Santiago Smith of the Los Angeles Express has 79, but Smith is in his 10th season and contemplating retirement.

The Outlaws originally took Heckman with the 30th pick in the 19th round of the 1974 expansion draft—the 606th player taken overall. His overall rating was 55.76 (my weights) and his volatility 94, but, boy, did he boom. His overall passed 80 during the 1976 preseason and now sits at 87.45.

Heckman missed two games after sustaining a serious knee injury in 1974, but has not missed one since.

Some more notes from Dusty's trail:

• His 570 career receptions rank third all-time.
• He ranks both No. 1 and No. 2 in single-game receiving yardage (418 and 394).
• His 16 receptions in a single game rank second only to teammate James Rosenzweig, who caught 17 against Denver earlier this season.
• His six TDs in a single game rank second only to Thomas Canale of the New Orleans VooDoo (7).
• His 22 TDs in 1976 rank No. 6 all-time for a single season. He has 17 this season.
• His 111 receptions in 1977 rank 12th all-time for a single season. He has 98 this season.

In other Week 12 games:

• The Cleveland Thunderbolts are within four wins of achieving the second 16-0 season in USFL history. Chester Dougherty passed for 527 yards, including the 75-yard game-winner to Jimmy Brown, as Cleveland outlasted the Oakland Invaders, 37-31 in overtime. The 'Bolts had forced OT on Bert Eichelberger's 1-yard TD run with 20 seconds remaining in regulation time. Cleveland finishes its schedule against Orlando, Michigan, San Jose, and Detroit.
• Tampa Bay QB Luis Gero threw for 598 yards and six TDs in an 86-10 rout of the Boston Breakers. Bandits LDE William Lewis had 18 hurries
• Memphis QB James Perry passed for 649 yards and five TDs as the Showboats earned their 12th consecutive victory over the Houston Gamblers, 58-34.
• Michigan snapped its seven-game losing streak as Jerry Ruiz passed for four TDs and the Panthers ran out the final 2:31 of a 28-26 victory over the Chicago Blitz.
• Washington DT Richard Fleming sacked Charlotte QB Stanley Snyder in the end zone with 48 seconds remaining, giving the Federals a 39-37 win over the Hornets.

Week 13 Preview

The West Division's four-way tie for first place is likely to be broken Saturday when the Denver Gold (6-6) hosts the Oakland Invaders (6-6). National Conference division leaders square off when the Shreveport Steamer (9-3) travels to Pittsburgh to face the Maulers (10-2). The Detroit Wheels (9-3) are at the Oklahoma Outlaws (10-2) in what may be a playoff preview.

Record Book

San Antonio WR Marshall Gibson needs 28 receptions in his last four games to break the league's single-season record of 135, set by Orlando's Robert Zapata last season. Gibson's 129 receptions in 1976 rank third all-time for a single season.

1979 Week 11 Roundup: We're Talking Playoffs

Yes, Jim Mora, we're talking about playoffs.

Kenneth Williams, New Jersey

The 1979 USFL/WFL playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Some of the Week 10 results impacted the postseason chase, including the Detroit Wheels and New Jersey Generals putting their destiny into their own hands with big wins.

The Wheels shut down the Chicago Blitz, 20-6, to move into the top wild-card spot in the American Conference. Detroit's defense forced four Chicago turnovers. Wheels FS Robbie Hammock made eight tackles, intercepted a pass, and recovered a fumble.

The Generals took over the top wild-card spot in the National Conference with a 27-7 rout of the Oklahoma Outlaws. New Jersey won its fifth in a row. QB Stephen Labelle hit Kenneth Williams with a 30-yard TD pass to give the Generals a 24-7 halftime lead. Oklahoma star WR Dusty Heckman was limited to a season-low 25 yards receiving.

The American Conference playoff race is, a word, insane. Nine teams are within the 7-4 to 5-6 range. Only the Cleveland Thunderbolts (11-0), Oklahoma Outlaws (9-2) and Detroit (8-3) can feel relatively good about themselves at this stage.

Five teams in the National Conference seem to be preparing for the posteason. Five other teams, however, are within one game of the lone remaining wild-card spot. The Florida Blazers, New Orleans VooDoo, Baltimore Stars, Orlando Renegades, and Philadelphia Bell are all either 6-5 or 5-6.

In other Week 11 games:

• Portland Storm QB William Hill threw an 83-yard TD pass to John Sanders in the fourth quarter, but Arizona stopped the 2-point conversion attempt and the Wranglers escaped with a 31-29 win.
• The Oakland Invaders halted their four-game losing streak and pulled into a first-place tie in the West Division with Portland after escaping with a 27-25 victory over the Denver Gold. Lester Reed's 25-yard field goal with 2:47 to play put the Invaders on top and a Philip Shurtz interception with 54 seconds to play sealed the outcome.
• The San Antonio Gunslingers are back in the postseason chase, thanks to Tony Smith's 567 passing yards and Marshall Gibson's 299 receiving yards during a 43-37 overtime win over the Memphis Showboats. Memphis kicker James Ewing booted a 52-yard field goal as regulation time expired to force OT, but the Showboats fumbled on their second play from scrimmage and Travis Tucker ran 2 yards for  the game-ending TD six plays later.
• Washington Federals QB Joe Richardson passed for 654 yards and seven TDs during a 53-37 shootout victory for the Federals against the Boston Breakers. Washington RDE John Broussard was credited with 18 hurries.
• The Pittsburgh Maulers extended their win streak to six games with a 19-10 win over the New Orleans VooDoo. Scott Deal's 56-yard pass to Eric Metcalf accounted for the only Maulers TD. New Orleans SS Troy Tomas had 11 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception.
• The Los Angeles Express took over the Pacific Division lead by shutting out the Honolulu Hawaiians, 30-0. The LAX defense limited the Hawaiians to 151 net yards as Carlos Turner made six tackles, recovered a fumble, and had one of the team's five interceptions.

Week 12 Preview

The Baltimore Stars (6-5) will try to set a franchise record with their fifth consecutive victory when they travel to Arizona to face the Wranglers (5-6). The Cleveland Thunderbolts (11-0) will try to remain unbeaten with a victory at West Division co-leader Oakland (6-5). The other West co-leader, Portland (6-5), will host the Southwest Division-leading Oklahoma Outlaws (9-2).

Record Book

Washington Federals QB Joe Richardson passed for 654 yards against Boston. That ranks third all-time for a single game behind Birmingham's Agustin Crook (709) and Orlando's David Judkins (682).

Coach's Profile

greyghost1225, New Orleans

Our profile coach this week, greyghost1225, led the New Orleans VooDoo to the World Bowl in his first full season as head coach. He also has New Orleans in postseason contention again this season. greyghost1225 coaches teams in 29 different leagues.

Playing MFN Since: December 2016
Hometown (town, state): New Lebanon, Ohio
Current residence (town, state): West Palm Beach, Florida
Day job: Student, College of Southern Nevada
Favorite teams (all sports): NFL-Raiders/Dolphins, NBA-Miami Heat, MLB-Los Angeles Dodgers, NHL-Las Vegas Golden Knights
A real-life sports experience: Team went to Ohio high school basketball xhampionships, finished second.
A fantasy sports experience: Started and was of commissioner of fantasy baseball, basketball, and football leagues (before it was on the Internet).
Coach's Corner: (tip for a new MFN coach): Before making any moves on a your new team, read the tips in the forum and talk to experienced owners. It is a very detailed game and a little thing might make a big difference.

1979 Week 10 Roundup: Portland Leads Tight West Race

The West Division seems to have a vice around it that keeps squeezing the four teams tighter and tighter.

William Hill, QB, Portland Storm

The Portland Storm came back from a 14-point deficit to outlast the Oakland Invaders, 37-31, in overtime. That win gave Portland (6-4) a one-game lead (for now) over Oakland (5-5) and (5-5) and two games over Arizona (4-6).

The Storm trailed Oakland by two touchdowns midway through the third quarter, but QB William Hill fired TD passes of 75 and 55 yards to John Sanders to tie the score. The Invaders drove to the Oakland 10 before missing a field goal, the last serious scoring chance for either side in regulation time.

Hill and Sanders connected twice on the first drive of OT before Hill found Michael Leonard for the 51-yard game-ending TD.

Sanders caught 12 passes for 325 yards(No. 12 all-time) and four TDs, DT Fred Johnson recorded three sacks for the Invaders, who have lost four in a row to fall out of the division lead.

In other Week 10 games:

• The Philadelphia Bell are on some kind of hot streak. One week after knocking off Tampa Bay, the Bell shut down the previously unbeaten New York Stars and won, 19-14. DT Laverne Ashlock had three sacks for Philadelphia (5-5), which limited New York to 202 total yards on the way to its fifth victory in seven games.
• The New Jersey Generals have won four in a row after fending off the Tampa Bay Bandits, 26-23. Jim LeClair's fumble recovery with 1:20 remaining sealed the victory.
• The Honolulu Hawaiians won their fifth consecutive game, topping the Detroit Wheels, 24-12, at Aloha Stadium. Michael Laboy passed for three TDs in the first half to give the hosts a 21-0 lead.
• Oklahoma missed a 27-yard field goal attempt with 1:13 to play, but bounced back on Shawn Whitmire's 66-yard TD pass to Aaron Levenson in OT to edge the Houston Gamblers, 23-17.
• Larry Ackman intercepted three passes and Jeffrey Alfaro had 18 hurries as the New Orleans VooDoo won its third in a row, 40-20, over the Boston Breakers.
• Michael London threw four TD passes as the Florida Blazers drew within one game of Tampa Bay in the Southeast Division with a 37-21 win over the Jacksonville Bulls.

Week 11 Preview

The Pacific Division lead is on the line when the Honolulu Hawaiians (6-4) host the Los Angeles Express (6-4). The Oakland Invaders (5-5) will try to snap their four-game losing streak at home against the Denver Gold (5-5). The New Jersey Generals (7-3) are at the Oklahoma Outlaws (9-1) in what promises to be an entertaining matchup.

Coach's Profile

kennymc, Georgia Force

Playing MFN Since: 2016
Hometown (town, state): Greenville, Nevada
Current residence (town, state): Bandon, Oregon
Day job: Student
Favorite teams (all sports): Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Golden State Warriors, Bandon Tigers, Pittsburgh Penguins
A real-life sports experience: Taking the handoff in a football game (as a DT).
A fantasy sports experience: Completely forgetting to log on and having Dak and Zeke on my bench.

1979 Week 9 Roundup: Victory Bell

They were ringing the victory bell Thursday at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

Steve McKenzie, Philadelphia

The Bell stunned the Tampa Bay Bandits, 27-24, in one of the more improbable upsets in the USFL/WFL this season. The only previous loss suffered by Tampa Bay (7-2) in 1979 was to the unbeaten Cleveland Thunderbolts.

Philadelphia (4-5) won via the ground game, which already makes this result unusual in the pass-happy MFN world. And here's something else—Steve McKenzie rushed for 198 yards. Steve who? He is the Bell's second-string running back behind Jose Medina, who was injured. McKenzie is a 61 by the commissioner's player weights, and a 55 by the default weights. Yet McKenzie averaged 7.6 yards per carry and Philadelphia rolled up 216 rushing yards against one of the league's toughest defenses.

Roy Rhyne passed for only 91 yards, but his 12-yard TD throw to Lucien Bowers with 9:44 remaining provided the go-ahead score. A Bandits fumble with 3:10 remaining led to the clinching field goal.

Michael Popa and Edward Conner combined for 225 yards receiving for the Bandits and Kevin Harvick returned two kickoffs for TDs. Philadelphia DBs Jason Hubbard and Dwayne Radcliffe combined for 16 tackles.

In other Week 9 games:

• New Memphis starting QB James Perry threw for 462 yards and five TDs during a 38-35 Showboats win over the Oakland Invaders. Memphis nearly gave away a 38-20 lead before recovering to finish off the victory.
• Honolulu MLB Douglas Oneal has five interceptions in the last two games after picking off three Birmingham passes in the Hawaiians' 49-10 defeat of the Stallions. Honolulu has won four in a row to pull into a first-place tie with the Los Angeles Express in the Pacific Division.
• Boston QB Eric Pierce passed for 602 yards and six TDs, but the Breakers still found a way to remain winless, falling 62-45 to the Florida Blazers.
• Pittsburgh Maulers QB Scott Deal has a 120.54 QBR in four games as a starter after passing for 442 yards and four TDs in a 48-17 defeat of Washington that snapped the Federals' franchise-record three-game win streak.
• The New Orleans VooDoo pulled within a game of Shreveport in the South Division by defeating the Steamer, 31-21. SS Troy Tomas recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass for New Orleans.
• Jessie Graves, who had missed a 24-yard field goal attempt earlier in overtime, kicked one from 33 yards away to give the Baltimore Stars a 30-27 win over the Georgia Force. Georgia QB Philip Anderson threw two TD passes in the final 10 minutes of regulation time as the Force rallied from a 27-12 deficit to a 27-27 tie.
• Allan Howard returned a kickoff for a TD for the fifth time in his career and all-world WR Dusty Heckman was held to a season-low 58 yards receiving as the New York Stars handed the previously unbeaten Oklahoma Outlaws their first loss, 27-13.

Week 10 Preview

The Portland Storm (5-4) and Oakland Invaders (5-4) will attempt to break their tie atop the West Division. The Honolulu Hawaiians (5-4) will put their four-game win streak on the line at home against the Detroit Wheels (7-2). The Memphis Showboats (7-2) will go on the road and attempt to knock off the undefeated Cleveland Thunderbolts (9-0).

Coach's Profile

Crazy Razor, Washington Federals (left)

Today we profile Washington Federals coach Crazy Razor, who was just crazy enough to take over a massive rebuild project. He has fared well, however, leading the Federals to a franchise-record three-game win streak already this season. He is currently active in 15 MFN leagues. We were shocked to find out he's not actually a barber.

Playing MFN Since: Oct. 10, 2016
Hometown (town, state): Elizabethtown, Ky.
Current residence (town, state): Elizabethtown, Ky.
Day job: Machine operator at printing company
Favorite teams (all sports): Kentucky Wildcats, Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Penguins
A real-life sports experience: High school football and basketball
A fantasy sports experience: Fantasy football
Coach's Corner: (tip for a new MFN coach): Don't expect immediate results. Take a few seasons to learn the game. Try different plays to see what works. Man-to-man is a better defense than zone. Passing is better than rushing. Blitzing is hard to stop. Don't get stuck running the same plays over and over again.