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| Laverne Ashlick, LDE, Philadelphia |
Memphis Showboats (10-6) at Portland Storm (11-5): The Showboats will seek to become the only franchise with three league titles, having won World Bowl VI and World Bowl VII. Portland will try to shake off a three-game losing streak to end the regular season. Portland leads the regular-season series, 3-2, including a 27-24 decision in Week 9 this season. The teams have never met in the playoffs. Memphis will be without starting TE Ernest McNeill (knee). Portland has sustained quite a run of concussions, with three players out or probable, and two other players questionable with regular injuries.
Denver Gold (9-7) at Michigan Panthers (11-5): Michigan has had quite a season already, setting a franchise record for victories while winning its first-ever division title and clinching its first-ever playoff spot. Now the Panthers will face Denver, which emerged from a four-way tie for the final wild-card spot. The Gold made their first-ever playoff appearance last season, falling to Detroit in their first game. Michigan leads the regular-season series, 3-1, and won, 10-6, in Week 4 of the 1981 season. The Gold and Panthers are both are pretty healthy.
Birmingham Stallions (9-7) at Washington Federals (12-4): The Stallions spent three seasons rebuilding under coach Wolveraider and are now in the playoffs for the first time since 1978. The Federals have won two Atlantic Division championships in the last three seasons. Birmingham leads the regular-season series, 3-2, but the Federals beat the Stallions, 20-12, in Week 7 this season. Washington has five players out, doubtful, or questionable, including 91-rated LT Wesley Griffin. The Stallions have three significant injuries to projected starters.
Philadelphia Bell (11-5) at Jacksonville Bulls (10-5-1): Philadelphia will be looking to avenge last season's 13-7 loss to Jacksonville in the wild-card round. The Bell are 1-4 in the regular season against the Bulls, but that victory came this season—a 20-10 Philadelphia win in Week 10. Jacksonville, which earned its second consecutive Southeast Division championship, will try for its first postseason victory since 1975. The Bulls have two significant injuries on the offensive line, while the Bell have three injuries on defense, including star LDE Laverne Ashlock (ankle).
Record Book
- Houston Gamblers QB Mario Valencia threw 55 TD passes this season, tied for second all-time behind Portland's William Hill (63 in 1980). Valencia also threw 55 TD passes with Detroit in 1976, as did Michigan's Jerry Ruiz in 1980.
- Houston's James Connelly ran for 1,507 yards this season, which ranks No. 12 all-time and is the most by any USFL/WFL back since 1978. His 11 TDs are tied for No. 9 for a single season.
- Houston MLB Roderick Carver made 138 tackles, tied for second all-time with Oklahoma Hall of Fame CB Allen Herrera (1974). Washington MLB Travis Curcio set the league record with 140 in 1978.
- Georgia Force FS Harold Lindsay made 130 tackles, tied for fifth all-time.
- Florida Blazers CB Shelby Kemp returned two interceptions for TDs this season, tying the league record set by Cleveland's Monte Cherry in 1978.
- Oakland Invaders K Lester Reed averaged 73.9 yards per kickoff this season, tied for third all-time. Reed (1981) and Boston's Timothy Riley (1974) both averaged 74.1.
- Cleveland Thunderbolts P Dan Carr averaged 48.5 yards per boot this season, ranking No. 3 all-time under himself (1979) and Baltimore's Wesley Bradley (1975).
- Baltimore WR Randy Christmas still holds the record for highest average per catch (29.8) for any receiver with 32 or more receptions in a season. He set that record during the league's first season, 1974.
Coach's Profile
eyeballll, Detroit Wheels
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| eyeballll |
Hometown (town, state): Vancouver, BC, Canada
Current residence (town, state): Vancouver
Day job: Taper (taping, mudding, and sanding drywall)
Favorite teams (all sports): Philadelphia Eagles!
A real-life sports experience: I had both of my front teeth knocked out playing hockey when I was 16 … a very Canadian thing to do.
A fantasy sports experience: I've been playing fantasy football for years, so I've had my share of wins. Two years ago I managed to win the Toilet Bowl in BOTH of the leagues I was in. The two teams didn't have any players in common, so to lose that effectively in both leagues was quite an accomplishment (one my friends celebrate on a regular basis).
Coach's Corner: (tip for a new MFN coach): Play selection is the most important aspect that is overlooked by many owners. If a play gets you a 1.2 yd average after running it 35 times, take it out of your playbook and try a new play! There are lots of plays that work and lots that don't. Your job is to find the ones that work.
