1981 Week 1 Roundup

Rudi Johnson, RB, New Jersey

Do we need to add a "Past performance is not an indicator of future success" disclaimer after the National Anthem at USFL/WFL games?

Is there even such a thing as an "upset" any more?

Was it an upset that the Baltimore Stars knocked off the Washington Federals, who had just made a huge trade that appeared to guarantee a division title? Was it an upset that the Georgia Force scored 34 points in one quarter against the Oklahoma Outlaws—and lost?

Was it an upset that the Florida Blazers took the Tampa Bay Bandits to overtime before falling? Was it an upset that the Orlando Blazers, 5-11 last year, knocked off the once-powerful Pittsburgh Maulers? Was it an upset that the Charlotte Hornets won their season opener for only the second time in franchise history?

There were certainly some surprises as the league's eighth season kicked off Friday. And, now that the league has switched to version 0.4.4, even more craziness is likely on the way.

• New Jersey Generals RB Rudi Johnson ran for 157 yards and tied a league single-game record by rushing for four TDs in his team's 59-20 win over the New York Stars. Five other players have scored four rushing TDs in a game, the most recent being Pittsburgh's Robert Ensley in 1978.
• The Georgia Force and Oklahoma Outlaws made some people sorry they had turned out the TV to go outside and mow the lawn (or shovel the snow). The Outlaws led, 44-10, late in the third quarter but Georgia truly became a force in the fourth quarter, scoring 34 points. The final Georgia TD came with 17 seconds to play, but Oklahoma recovered the onside kick attempt and held on for a 51-44 victory. The teams combined for 1,406 net yards. Georgia QB Philip Anderson passed for 546 yards and five TDs. His Oklahoma counterpart, Dale Brown, threw for 558 yards and four TDs.
• The Florida Blazers led Tampa Bay, 15-12, until Bandits K Thomas Hummel tied the score on the final play of regulation time. Joe Martin's 47-yard pass completion to Michael Popa helped set up Hummel for the 42-yard game-winner with less than 2 minutes remaining in OT.
• Fred Murphy's 71-yard TD pass to Hector Morris midway through the fourth quarter lifted the Baltimore Stars to a 32-27 win over the Washington Federals. The Feds, who led, 24-10, in the third quarter, had four more possessions before the game ended but never moved closer than the Baltimore 45.
• New Orleans MLB Anthony Munoz intercepted three passes, including one at the 8-yard line with 1:09 to play, as the VooDoo held off the San Antonio Gunslingers, 34-28.
• The Denver Gold led Arizona, 38-17, in the third quarter but had to hold off the Wranglers, 38-33. Denver QB Dustin Nichols threw four TD passes. Arizona CB William Dortch had 12 tackles and WR Cory Robinzine caught 10 passes for 193 yards.
• San Jose SaberCats RDE Nickolas Taylor recorded 16 tackles during a 31-17 loss to the Southern California Sun.

Week 2 Preview

The first week of version 0.4.4 takes place Monday. The New Jersey Generals (1-0) and Philadelphia Bell (1-0) will try to get an early lead in the East Division race. The Detroit Wheels (1-0) and Portland Storm (1-0) reprise last season's 39-27 playoff victory for the Wheels.

1981 USFL/WFL Season Preview

PrivateSnowflake, Memphis coach

Can anyone beat the Memphis Showboats?

Memphis has won the last two World Bowls and will attempt in 1981 to become the USFL/WFL's first three-peater. The Showboats will be without QB Antonio Wilson, who (finally) retired after leading his team to those championships. But, in the offseason, PrivateSnowflake refused to stand pat. He continued to wheel and deal while other coaches took a nap. He signed free agents and made trades for new pieces. Now we'll see if "You snooze, you lose" proves to be reality.

The window may close on Memphis someday. They have 20 players on the preseason roster with nine or more seasons of pro experience. But, until someone torpedoes them, the Showboats are king of the river.

Southwest Division: Oklahoma finished just two games behind Memphis and rookie coach RoyceR earned some Coach of the Year votes. The Outlaws aren't going away any time soon. Houston coach setherick earned some Coach of the Century honors by taking the helm of the league's Titanic and steering it into calmer waters. The Gamblers (8-8) hit .500 for the first time in franchise history and might end up in the playoffs for the first time ever in 1981. San Antonio (7-9) won four of its last five, but the Gunslingers have 21 players with nine or more years of pro experience and may enter the rebuilding stage soon.

Pacific Division: Honolulu (12-4) won its first division title since 1975. The Hawaiians have strung together four consecutive seasons at .500 or better, so they are definitely trending upward. Los Angeles (9-7) missed the playoffs for the first time since coach mwd65 took over in 1975, but the smart money says the Express won't watch the postseason on TV again. The Southern California Sun (3-13) and San Jose SaberCats (1-15) have a lot of ground to make up.

Midwest Division: The Detroit Wheels (12-4) reclaimed the division title that had gone to Cleveland the last two seasons. The Wheels have 20 players with nine or more seasons of pro experience, so they need to strike quickly. The Thunderbolts (10-6) are looking for their sixth consecutive playoff appearance, but would really like to cash in during the postseason this time around (2-5 in playoff games). The Michigan Panthers (8-8) won five in a row to close the 1980 season and have accumulated enough young talent to make a run at the division. The Chicago Blitz (7-9) were in playoff contention until losing their final three games, so it may be a four-way Midwest Division race in 1981.

West Division: This division is always a horse race until the end. But, in another photo finish, the Portland Storm (12-4) claimed their fourth division title on the last day of the season. As long as 12th-year QB William Hill is under center, the Storm is the team to beat. A Week 16 loss cost the Denver Gold (10-6) a playoff spot for the second consecutive season. Maybe this is the year they finally win Week 16 (at Tampa Bay). The Arizona Wranglers (9-7) are seeking a return on their significant financial investments over the last few seasons. The Oakland Invaders (8-8) will try to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence. They do have the league's returning offensive MVP in WR Christopher Curtis and prolific QB Les Lacy.

Southeast Division: Tampa Bay (11-5) was the only team in the division to finish with a winning record and the Bandits are the overwhelming favorites to claim a sixth consecutive Southeast title. A 68-12 combined regular season record hasn't yet translated into a World Bowl championship for coach Mcarovil, however. The Jacksonville Bulls (6-10), Florida Blazers (5-11) and Orlando Renegades (5-11) will all serve as unlucky sparring partners for this division's Ivan Drago, but their games against each other should prove entertaining.

South Division: The New Orleans VooDoo (11-5) played their way into the World Bowl for the second time and no one is betting against a third, as all the major pieces from that team return. The Shreveport Steamer (10-6) earned a wild-card berth and upset New Jersey in the playoffs, so who knows where their ceiling is? The Georgia Force (11-5) have hit the rebuilding stage and are likely to disappear for a while. The Birmingham Stallions (3-13) showed last season they were serious about rebuilding. This season, the Stallions are likely to take some forward steps, maybe even a leap.

Atlantic Division: The Washington Federals (11-5) shocked the world by ending Pittsburgh's six-year reign atop the division. CrazyRazor earned Coach of the Year honors. We'll see how the Feds handle being the favorites this time around. The Maulers (8-8) seem to have thrown the switch into reverse, but they could just as easily lurch forward again. The Charlotte Hornets (3-13) and Baltimore Stars (2-14) can gain inspirations from Washington's surprising ascent.

East Division: The New Jersey Generals (11-5) are just two seasons removed from their most recent World Bowl appearance. They could be there again if they can wash the bad taste out of their mouths from last season's playoff loss to Shreveport. The Philadelphia Bell (10-6) fell short of the postseason with three consecutive losses to end the season, but recorded the first winning season in franchise history and have 19 players with four years or less of pro experience. The New York Stars (8-8) could go either direction. There's no place to go but up for the Boston Breakers (1-15).

1981 Training Camp Report

Indiana Jones, MLB, New Jersey

The USFL/WFL 1981 season has already begun with a league record — most happy owners after the first round of the draft.

Only three of the 32 first-round picks "busted," or sustained loss in potential of more than 3 points. That is almost certainly the best overall result for the league in its eight seasons.

The USFL/WFL history includes many memorable first-round busts, including The Commisioner's ill-advised pick of 98-volatility QB Andrew Reece last season (Houston Gamblers coach setherick is currently applying a defibrillator to Reece's career) and the Curse of Juan Bonnett (The Curse has kept the Denver Gold out of the playoffs via Week 16 losses in each of the last two seasons).

The Biggest Bust Award from the first round went to Los Angeles Express WR Dane Britt, the 17th overall pick, who lost 8 points. Britt still has 80 speed and 80 overall potential (my weights), so he likely will be a solid receiver for several seasons. Portland's second-round pick, WR Christopher Harland, lost 15 points.

Honolulu Hawaiians RB Ronald Boatman gained 6 points, the highest of any first-round pick. Wednesday was also a red-letter day for the New Jersey Generals, as MLB Indiana Jones and QB Ric Flair both boomed (+5 and +6). Jones now has an overall potential of 88 (my weights), the highest of any player to come out of this draft.

No. 1 overall pick Joseph Clark lost 3 points, but should still be a fine and productive receiver for the Boston Breakers. So should No. 2 overall pick Herbert Schuler (TE, San Jose), who also lost 3 points.

First-Round Busts

1-17, Dane Britt, WR, Los Angeles, -8
1-25, Rodney Garcia, WLB, Shreveport, -6
1-30, Peter Lewis, WR, Michigan, -7

First-Round Booms

1-10, Chris Cornell, WR, San Antonio, +3
1-16, Jose Miller, C, Michigan, +3
1-22, Indiana Jones, MLB, New Jersey, +5
1-24, Ronald Boatman, RB, Honolulu, +6
1-28, Thomas Bellanger, C, Portland, +4

Second-Round Busts

2-2, Jason Hopson, RG, Boston, -9
2-4, Donald Mercado, QB, Portland, -12
2-5, Christopher Harland, WR, Portland, -15
2-7, Lyle Maldanado, MLB, Florida, -6
2-9, Jose Rumsey, WLB, Birmingham, -8
2-13, Bob Marley, CB, New Jersey, -6
2-15, Steve Cole, SS, Michigan, -8
2-19, James Alonzo, MLB, Baltimore, -6
2-25, Don Quintinar, MLB, Tampa Bay, -7

Second-Round Booms

2-18, Troy Irwin, MLB, Los Angeles, +5
2-20, Michael Flores, MLB, Denver, +5
2-22, Alejandro Cavenaugh, RDE, NY Stars, +4
2-23, Ric Flair, QB, New Jersey, +6

1981 Draft, Retirements, Free Agency

Joseph Clark, WR, Boston Breakers

1981 Draft

The Boston Breakers had the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive season. They chose wisely last time around, taking CB Charles Bowles, who was runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year. This time, they took WR Joseph Clark out of North Carolina State.

Clark has 87 speed and potentials of 100 in pass catching, route running, bump-and-run avoidance, ball carrying, and avoid fumble. He can also catch kicks (85) and could effectively switch to RB if the Breakers deem it necessary.

The second overall selection was TE Herbert Schuler, who went from Mississippi State to the San Jose SaberCats. Schuler has low volatility (26) and 100 potential in pass catching, route running, bump-and-run avoidance, break tackle, ball carrying, avoid fumble, run blocking, and pass blocking. Add in decent speed (78) and Schuler could become one of the best TE in league history.

The Baltimore Stars took WR Brian Darden with the third pick. The Southern Cal product could end up in the 90s in most categories except speed (85) and break tackle (17).

The draft continues through Thursday.

Free Agency

CB John Borkowski, an All-Pro with the Orlando Renegades last season, sorted through nine offers before signing a one-year, $16.89 million pact with the Portland Storm. Middle linebacker and 1974 league defensive MVP John Cintron, formerly of Shreveport, also signed a one-year deal with the Storm, also for $16.89 million, as did former Arizona Wranglers CB Albert Welsh, an All-Pro in 1977 and '79.

Daniel McKee, the 1974 league offensive co-MVP, was allowed to test free agency before re-signing with the Chicago Blitz (3 years, $21.5 million).

RDE Ernest Huggins was courted by 15 teams before deciding on the New Jersey Generals (6 years, $60 million). Twelve teams offered SLB Mike Harmon before he finally signed with the Steamer.

Retirements

Five players, including a two-time World Bowl QB, stood out among the players announcing their retirement before the 1981 season.

Antonio Wilson. who led the Memphis Showboats to victories in World Bowl VI and World Bowl VII, finally hung up the cleats at age 37. Wilson was signed by Memphis after being cast aside by the San Jose SaberCats after four seasons, the last two riding the bench. Wilson found new life in Memphis, posting a QBR of 95 or better in each of his three seasons there.

WR William Delatorre averaged 107 catches during his first six seasons, two with the Denver Gold and four with Boston, before finishing up with 35 catches in 1980. He accumulated more than 10,000 yards receiving and 59 TDs, catching 56.6 percent of passes thrown his way. He was traded by Denver to Boston during the 1976 draft in exchange for first- and third-round picks that turned into WR Joseph Dailey (who has twice surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the Gold) and DT Clyde Raines.

Another outstanding receiver to finish up was San Antonio's Donnie Baker. He caught 432 passes for 7,875 yards and 52 TDs, averaging 18.2 yards per catch. Baker was All-Pro in 1974 and '75.

Southern California Sun MLB James Kelley had 663 tackles, 41 sacks, and 162 hurries over seven seasons. The durable linebacker never participated in fewer than 1,000 plays in a season and was All-Pro in 1976, '77, and '78.

Florida Blazers CB Barry Litchford was the No. 2 pick in the 1974 allocation draft. He made 535 tackles and picked off 29 passes in seven seasons and was a 1977 All-Pro.

1980 World Bowl VII Wrapup

Winning back-to-back championships should be difficult, but PrivateSnowflake is making it look easy.

Nathan Branch, LDE, Memphis (92)

Old warhorse Antonio Wilson threw for 475 yards and two TDs and Gregory Shea ran for 94 yards and two more scores as the Memphis Showboats pulled away from the New Orleans VooDoo for a 34-23 victory in World Bowl VII at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Memphis became the second team in league history to win back-to-back championships, joining the 1976 and 1977 Detroit Wheels. PrivateSnowflake hast also coached the University of Cincinnati Bearcats to consecutive titles (and is seeking a third) in the NCAA 2.0 league.

New Orleans led, 16-14, midway through the second quarter before Memphis scored the next 20 points to go on top, 34-16, before the VooDoo managed a consolation touchdown in the final seconds.  James Lightfoot passed for three touchdowns for New Orleans, which also lost to Detroit in World Bowl III.

Antonio Wilson, QB, Memphis

The 36-year-old Wilson directed the Showboats offense to 585 total yards. Sterling Willis caught 10 passes for 216 yards. LDE Nathan Branch recorded four sacks and SLB Lamar Reynolds led Memphis with seven tackles. New Orleans SS Robert Johannes led all defensive players with 10 tackles.

Wilson has 15 years pro experience and is seriously contemplating retirement (40 percent). The Showboats cut him loose after last season, but picked him up again when Wilson decided to keep lacing up the cleats and no other team offered him a contract. He finished the season with a 109.76 QBR while splitting time with James Perry. Willis averaged 22.6 yards per catch during the regular season.

The Showboats have 16 players who will start next season with 10 or more years of pro experience. Will they ever begin showing their age? That will be the question on the minds of 31 other coaches when the 1981 season begins.

1980 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team

A pair of players who set all-time records highlight the 1980 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team.

Christopher Curtis, WR, Oakland

Oakland Invaders WR Christopher Curtis was named offensive MVP by the league coaches after accumulating 3,587 yards. The former record of 3,426 total yards was held by teammate Jason Brooks. Curtis caught 96 passes for 2,188 yards, returned 27 kickoffs for 932 yards (35.0 average) and returned 53 punts for 457 yards (8.6 average). Curtis did not run the ball this season, but had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons for Oakland in 1975 and '76. The Invaders drafted Curtis with their ninth-round pick in the 1974 allocation draft.

There was no sophomore slump for Washington Federals RDE John Broussard, who followed up his All-Pro rookie season by accumulating a record 33 sacks in 1980. The former record of 31 was shared by Georgia Force DT Ryan Moore (1974) and Tampa Bay LDE William Lewis (1978). Broussard was also credited with 56 tackles and 53 hurries and forced a fumble. He was taken by the Federals with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 1979 draft.

Washington coach CrazyRazor, who led the team to its first-ever Atlantic Division title, was named Coach of the Year by his peers.

The rookies of the year were Chicago Blitz RB Max Howard, who rushed for 1,233 yards, and Michigan Panthers CB Clifford Blackburn, who made 102 tackles and led all defensive backs by allowing only 25.7 percent of passes thrown his way to be caught.

Detroit Wheels OL Thomas Watson and New York Stars WR/KR Allan Howard were both named All-Pro for the third time in their careers. Repeat selections from 1979 include Broussard, Howard, Houston Gamblers kicker Daniel McCormack, and New Orleans VooDoo DB Larry Ackman.

1980 USFL/WFL All-Pro Team

(Previous selections in parentheses)

Offense: Joe Richardson, QB, Washington; Max Howard, RB, Chicago; Patrick Hiebert, RB, Oklahoma ('78); Christopher Curtis, WR, Oakland; Dominique Barrientos, WR, Georgia; Ernest McNeill, TE, Memphis; Adam Bolding, OL, Portland ('76); William Dillon, OL, Tampa Bay; Steve Niehaus, OL, New Jersey; Thomas Watson, OL, Detroit ('77, '78); Miguel Martinez, OL, Oklahoma.

Special Teams: Daniel McCormack, K, Houston ('79); Jack Carle, P, Birmingham; Allan Howard, KR, New York Stars ('76, '79).

Defense: Jeffrey Alfaro, DL, New Orleans; John Broussard, DL, Washington ('79); Albert Cruz, DL, Oklahoma; James Lockette, DL, New Jersey ('77); Ramon Boldt, LB, New Orleans; Joseph Graham, LB, Arizona; William McMartin, LB, San Jose; Corey Dodson, LB, Birmingham; Mike Williams, DB, New Jersey ('75); John Borkowski, DB, Orlando; Clifford Blackburn, DB, Michigan; Larry Ackman, DB, New Orleans ('79).

Offensive MVP: Christopher Curtis, WR, Oakland
Defensive MVP: John Broussard, DL, Washington
Coach of the Year: CrazyRazor, Washington
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Max Howard, RB, Chicago
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Clifford Blackburn, DB, Michigan

Others Receiving Votes

(In order of votes received)
QB: William Hill, Portland; Edgar Jones, Shreveport; Les Lacy, Oakland; Jerry Ruiz, Michigan
RB: Jason Brooks, Oakland; Duane Cunningham, Denver; Herschel Walker, Tampa Bay; Michael Leonard, Portland; Enrique Pacheco, Detroit; Cory Martin, Washington; Christopher Gray, San Jose; Travis Tucker, San Antonio; Kenneth Boyd, New Orleans.
WR: Robert Herrera, Los Angeles; Jerome Wheeler, Memphis; Sterling Willis, Memphis; Quincy White, Arizona; William Ramsey, New Orleans
TE: Leroy Selmon, New Jersey; Gregory Drayton, Southern California; Jacob Scully, Washington; Harold Erdmann, San Antonio; Darrell Trotter, Michigan.
OL: Andre Adkins, Pittsburgh; Michael Warren, San Jose; Richard Parker, Arizona; Jimmy Hoffa, New Jersey; Kenneth Miller, Oakland; James Smith, San Jose; Robert Brown, Portland; Greg McDermott, New Orleans
KR: Aaron Levenson, Oklahoma; Christopher Curtis, Oakland; Arthur Strickland, Florida
DL: Robert Keese, Pittsburgh; Miguel Gross, New Orleans; Joe Braatz, Oklahoma; Ernest Huggins, Portland; Martin McMeans, Memphis
LB: Bruce Sullivan, Birmingham; Dennis Rivas, Orlando; Eric Bigham, New York; David Watkins, Florida
DB: Jim Morrison, San Antonio; Edward Blanco, San Antonio; Terry Crum, Tampa Bay; Derrick Cunningham, Oklahoma; Brian Newberry, Tampa Bay; Keith Marsh, Birmingham; Jerome Stevens, Boston; Kelly Acosta, Birmingham; Thomas Koenig, Arizona; Tony Moore, Memphis; Robert Johannes, New Orleans
Offensive MVP: Joe Richardson, Washington; William Hill, Portland; Jerry Ruiz, Michigan; Quincy White, Arizona
Defensive MVP: Mike Williams, New Jersey; Ramon Boldt, New Orleans; Keith Marsh, Birmingham; Robert Keese, Pittsburgh; James Lockette, New Jersey; John Borkowski, Orlando
Coach of the Year: Jaybo911, Philadelphia; RoyceR, Oklahoma; trslick, Honolulu; PrivateSnowflake, Memphis; Pernbronze, Portland; Eyeballll, Detroit
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Gaston Gross, C, New York; Jose Gough, TE, Cleveland; Mark Moody, WR, Honolulu
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Charles Bowles, DB, Boston; Mark Owens, LB, Oakland; Jim Jansen, DB, San Antonio

1980 World Bowl VII Preview

Can the Memphis Showboats repeat? Can the New Orleans VooDoo prevent yet another loss by the National Conference?

Those are the questions we face heading into Tuesday's World Bowl VII.

Gregory Shea, Memphis

Memphis could become the second team to win back-to-back World Bowls. The Detroit Wheels won World Bowls III and IV.  The Showboats defeated the New Jersey Generals, 34-31, in World Bowl VI.

The only World Bowl victory for the National Conference came in the league's very first season, when the Florida Blazers beat the Chicago Blitz. Oakland's win in World Bowl II began a string of five consecutive victories for the American Conference.

The VooDoo made it to World Bowl III, but lost, 45-0, to the Detroit Wheels.

The only previous meeting of the Showboats and VooDoo came during the 1977 regular season. Memphis won, 36-24, behind 152 yards rushing from Gregory Shea.

The Showboats defeated the Detroit Wheels, 41-27, in this season's American Conference championship game. Antonio Wilson, last year's World Bowl MVP, threw five TD passes and Gregory Shea rushed for 116 yards.

New Orleans halted the Washington Federals' Cinderella run with a 40-28 win in the National Conference championship game. The VooDoo scored the first 19 points of the second half after the teams had fought to a 21-21 tie at intermission.The New Orleans defense twice sacked Washington QB Joe Richardson for safeties.

Memphis RG Jeremy Contreras and LDE Tyler Helton are injured. New Orleans WLB Ramon Boldt (hand) is questionable.

1980 Conference Championships Preview

Could we see a team in the USFL go worst-to-first?

Joe Richardson (10)

It would be sort of like this for the Washington Federals, if this continues. Washington finished last in the Atlantic Division in 1977, third in 1978 and '79, and claimed its first division title this season. The Federals are now in the National Conference championship game, thanks to a 35-19 win over the Tampa Bay Bandits in the divisional round.

The Feds will face the New Orleans VooDoo in Saturday's game to determine half of the World Bowl VII pairing. The other half sees the defending champion Memphis Showboats taking on the Detroit Wheels for the American Conference crown. A look at both games:

Washington Federals at New Orleans VooDoo: MFN has made New Orleans a 6-point favorite in this one. The VooDoo steamrolled the Shreveport Steamer, 29-10, after taking a 23-3 halftime lead. James Lightfoot fired three TD passes, one of 87 yards to James Sheckler. The Federals never trailed against Tampa Bay as WRs Matt Ellis and Roger Saddler combined for 277 yards receiving and four TDs, all from QB Joe Richardson.The teams last met in 1979, New Orleans winning, 33-12. The VooDoo lead the series, 3-0. Federals DT Richard Fleming is questionable. All of the New Orleans roster is available.

Detroit Wheels at Memphis Showboats: MFN has made the defending World Bowl champion Showboats a 3-point favorite. Memphis scored 42 points in the first half while taking apart the Oklahoma Outlaws, 49-19. Gregory Shea ran for three TDs in the game's first 15:03 and Jerome Wheeler and Ernest McNeill combined for 291 receiving yards. Detroit took a 29-6 halftime lead against Portland and went on to quiet the Storm, 39-27. Chuck Johnson recorded two of the three Wheels interceptions of Portland QB William Hill and RDE Ray Franklin sacked Hill four times. Memphis leads the regular-season series, 2-1, including a 47-44 victory in Week 10 this season. The Showboats also beat the Wheels, 15-12 in overtime, in the 1978 playoffs. All of the Detroit roster is probable or healthy. Memphis RG Jeremy Contreras and LDE Tyler Helton are injured.