1989 was a Stormy season in many ways, and the Portland Storm capped off the year by winning the World Bowl over the Baltimore Stars. Portland is where the league's most controversial player plies his trade, and after amassing a league record 71 sacks in the regular season, Mark McKeon had none during the playoffs. The Storm defense still played good enough to win all 3 post season games and QB Oscar Willis had a 7:1 TD:INT ratio this post season compared to his 28:23 ratio in the first 16 games.
Baltimore put up a good fight, but 3 Jon Snow interceptions were too much to overcome as they lose their second consecutive World Bowl. There is no shame in the Stars game however, as it's not easy reaching consecutive World Bowls and you'd think eventually they will win one.
Storm 34 Stars 20
One of these teams was going to capture their first World Bowl trophy, and the first quarter was a feeling out process. Six punts and no points in the first 15 minutes, but Portland was driving as we entered the 2nd quarter. Portland RB Alfred Gale got the scoring underway with a short TD plunge. Baltimore would march downfield on the next drive before tying the game at 7 with this 36 yard Jon Snow TD pass to Jeffrey Zimmer. Later in the 2nd, Jon Snow tossed his first INT, setting the Storm up just outside the red zone. Portland QB Oscar Willis had a mediocre regular season, but he has turned his game up a notch or two this post season. Willis wasted no time turning the INT into points, finding a wide open Fred Wink with a 24 yard TD strike. A second INT by Jon Snow allowed Portland to add a FG before halftime for a 17-7 lead.
In the 3rd quarter, Baltimore struck first. Jon Snow threw his 2nd TD pass, a 1 yard toss to Justin Coffey to pull the Stars within 17-14. Portland then went on a 15 play, 75 yard time consuming drive. Oscar Willis tossed his 2nd TD pass, a 6 yarder to Timothy Roquemore that made the score 24-14.
That was the score entering the 4th quarter, and both teams exchanged FGs, giving us a score of 27-17 Portland with just under 7 minutes to play. Jon Snow threw his 3rd INT, and 2 running plays later, Portland's Alfred Gale got his 2nd rushing TD, punching it in from the 2. That made the score 34-17, but Baltimore has the kind of quick strike offense that makes most leads unsafe. Portland's defense had other ideas, only allowing a harmless 50 yard FG inside 2 minutes to give us a final score of 34-20.
Portland WR Timothy Roquemore was named World Bowl MVP, and he'll be driving away in a brand new 1990 Chevrolet Corvette. Roquemore ran 19 times for 98 yards, and caught 5 passes for 52 yards and a TD. Personally, I would have given it to Willis, but according to the league page, the "vote" went to Roquemore. Maybe they can carpool to practice next year?
