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| Nolan Loos, Birmingham |
Four seasons ago, head coach Wolveraider took over a team that was a bit of a mess in terms of age and salary cap. He resigned himself to taking his lumps for a while, traded away some veterans and expensive stars, and waited for his time to come. After a combined 13-35 record over the first three seasons of that process, Birmingham's time has apparently arrived.
The Stallions improved to 4-1 by outscoring the Detroit Wheels, 36-20, behind three TD passes from 11th-year pro QB Nolan Loos.
Birmingham's four victories have come at the expensive of three 1981 playoff teams. The other came against the Georgia Force, who missed last season's playoffs by one game.
Loos, who has a 100.08 QBR after five games, has been an interesting find off the free agent scrap heap.
Loos was taken by Philadelphia in the 34th round of the 1974 allocation draft, then released before the season began. He was a backup for three seasons with the Southern California Sun, then signed with (but never played for) Philadelphia again, New Jersey, Houston, and SoCal again before the Stallions stunned Loos (and his agent) with a four-year, $20.8-million offer in Day 2 of 1982 free agency.
CB Kelly Acosta, a first-round bust for Houston in 1980, has intercepted seven passes. SS Duane Dupree leads the team with 37 tackles. MLB Corey Dodson intercepted two passes against Detroit.
In other Week 5 games:
- John Bibler's 35-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Michigan Panthers to a 10-9 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers. The Panthers drove from their own 4 to the San Antonio 16 during an amazing 14-play drive that included nine pass completions by QB Jerry Ruiz, one on fourth down.
- A touchdown pass and a safety in the final 1:31 gave the New Orleans VooDoo a 23-20 triumph over the Chicago Blitz in a battle of division leaders.
- Chester Dougherty's 9-yard TD pass to Christopher Henderson with 1:57 to play lifted the Cleveland Thunderbolts past the Shreveport Steamer, 17-13, and into a three-way tie with Chicago and Michigan for the Midwest Division lead.
- Baltimore rookie WR Knob Creek caught eight passes for 162 yards and two TDs as the Stars earned their first victory, 29-21, over the Georgia Force. WR Jonathan Carlyle of the Force returned two kickoffs for TDs, covering 100 and 96 yards, and also caught a 75-yard TD pass.
- The Boston Breakers picked up their first victory of the 1982 season by edging the New York Stars, 10-3, on Shawn Whitmire's 41-yard TD pass to Joseph Clark with 37 seconds to play. Boston had snapped its 29-game losing streak with a victory over Orlando in last season's Week 16.
- Honolulu QB David McBroom was 26-for-33 passing for 493 yards and six TDs during a 59-3 rout of the Southern California Sun. WR Mark Moody averaged 34.8 yards on his five receptions, including TD receptions of 12 and 75 yards.
- Memphis CB Albert Arsenault made nine tackles, intercepted a pass, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble during the Showboats' 40-16 triumph over the Oklahoma Outlaws. Oklahoma QB Gene Nowlin was picked off three times and now leads the league with 16 intercepted passes.
- The Pittsburgh Maulers (4-1) maintained their Atlantic Division lead with a 24-0 shutout of the Florida Blazers that included Brandon Elam's interception return for a TD. Florida MLB Lyle Maldanodo made nine tackles, intercepted a pass, and forced a fumble.
- Denver WR Corey True had 138 yards rushing, 108 yards receiving, and a TD from both positions as the Gold (4-1) remained tied with Portland (4-1) atop the West Division with a 36-14 triumph over the Arizona Wranglers.
Week 6 Preview
The Denver Gold (4-1) will try to hand the Houston Gamblers (5-0) their first loss. The Jacksonville Bulls (4-1) are at New Jersey (4-1) in a battle of division leaders. The Birmingham Stallions (4-1) will try to earn a share of the South Division lead with a win at New Orleans (5-0).
Coach's Profile
Chandyo, New York Stars
Playing MFN Since: August 2016
Hometown (town, state): Fort Smith, Arkansas
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| Chandyo |
Current residence (town, state): Same
Day job: Level 2 IT tech
Favorite teams (all sports): Arkansas Razorbacks (football) and Baltimore Ravens. I only really watch football, but if I had to pick on the others, they would be Atlanta Braves (MLB), Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Columbus Crew (MLS).
A real-life sports experience: I was able to finally attend a Baltimore Ravens game, a couple of years ago. It was the final game of the season, but, sadly, had to go to Cincinnati to watch it. Ihave attended several Arkansas Razorback football games.
A fantasy sports experience: I've been playing fantasy football for about 8-10 years. Currently own/run two fantasy football leagues, One is a re-draft and the other is a dynasty.
Coach's Corner: (tip for a new MFN coach): Don't be afraid to ask questions and speed is supreme.
