KICKOFF
Boston Independents - 26 @ Providence Gold Stars - 29 - New Providence Stadium - Thursday, June 21, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 65,094
1st Q
0-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
7-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
10-7: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
10-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
13-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
13-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
13-18: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
13-25: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
16-25: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
23-25: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
26-25: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
26-26: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
26-29: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
Providence kicked off the NAAF’s 25th Season by raising their first banner in the league’s history, in front of their rivals.
The game itself ended up being a back-and-forth affair, but the Gold Stars would start to pull away in the 3rd after a couple of costly Boston turnovers.
However, Providence would get a little too comfortable and the Independents, getting some turnovers themselves including a very important S Ernie Osborne pick, would climb back into the game to take the lead in the 4th.
Providence would get a chance to take the lead with a field goal, but K Gilbert O’Neill would miss the relatively short kick, sending the ball through the endzone for a single to at least tie the game.
After the defence shut down Boston, O’Neill would get a second chance, this time nailing the game-winning kick to start the season off with a 3-point nailbiter.
The win also marks QB Red King’s 18th consecutive win as a starter, he has not lost a game he has started since September 4, 1971, in a Week 11 loss to Vancouver.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 16 @ Montreal Rouge - 30 - Mount Royal Stadium - Friday, June 22, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,247
1st Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
0-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
0-17: MTL - DTD INT DB Lamar Brown
3-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
3-20: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-20: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
6-23: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
13-23: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Taylor Karis
16-30: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
QB Tom Applewhite made his first start for Montreal against a very familiar foe in the Thunder.
Applewhite was able to lead a steady Montreal offence throughout the game, eventually finding WR Taylor Karis for his first touchdown pass.
However, the real stars were on defence as Montreal held the usually high-flying Thunder to 6 points until the 4th quarter.
The Thunder played sloppily, especially QB Buck Murphy who threw 3 interceptions in the loss.
Ottawa Royals - 30 @ Halifax Mariners - 20 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 24,030
1st Q
0-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
2nd Q
10-7: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
10-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
17-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
3rd Q
20-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-13: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
23-13: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
30-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
30-20: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
The Royals headed to Halifax to kick off their season, ultimately putting together a solid 10-point win.
QB Drake Young was near perfect with 3 passing touchdowns and over 300 yards, being helped by WR Sterling Underhill who had 2 big touchdowns.
Halifax didn’t have too bad of a game as RB Axel Vandal showed that he had taken a step forward in his second season, setting a new career high in rushing yards and scoring twice in the loss.
Toronto Steelheads - 19 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 41,893
1st Q
0-7: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
3-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
9-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
9-8: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
16-8: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
16-11: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
19-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
The Victors got off to a roaring start when QB Al Washington elected to fire a pass over everyone to WR Jake Abbredezzi to score a quick touchdown on the opening drive.
It would be Indiana’s only glimmer of hope as Toronto’s defence would shut them down the rest of the way, creating several turnovers in the process.
Offensively, Toronto was relatively smooth, mainly leaning on RB Shannon West while QB Ryan Alexander settled into a game-management rhythm to pull off a solid division win.
Calgary Predators - 24 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 26 - Provencher Park - June 23, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 22,402
1st Q
7-0: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
10-0: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
2nd Q
10-7: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> TE Douglas Northway
10-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
10-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
17-13: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
17-20: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
4th Q
17-23: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
24-23: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
24-26: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
Winnipeg and Calgary would have a back-and-forth affair to kick off each of their seasons.
Calgary’s offence showed similar effectiveness, getting into the endzone 3 times, however, 4 turnovers allowed Winnipeg to stay in the game.
QB Emerson Thompson was solid along with the rest of the offence, taking advantage of the Preds’ woes to put themselves in position to get a late field goal to take home a strong week 1 win.
Edmonton Rangers - 20 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 7 - Broad Street Stadium - June 23, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 15,166
1st Q
7-0: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
13-0: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
2nd Q
3rd Q
13-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
4th Q
20-7: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Stanley McClendon
The Rangers rolled into Regina and jumped out to a commanding 13-0 lead off of a bad interception thrown by QB Stanley Evans.
QB Mike Key played solid in his Edmonton debut, able to coast through most of the game after the early lead, but still threw a pair of touchdowns.
Regina’s offence sputtered with many turnovers and just consistent dropped passes or sacks being taken, however, the defence was still solid holding Edmonton off the board until late in the game after the early turnovers.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 26 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 13 - Milton Charles Stadium - June 23, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 53,829
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
6-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
2nd Q
9-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
9-7: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
16-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
16-10: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
23-10: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> TE Xavier Francis Langford
4th Q
23-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
26-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
Minnesota would close out Saturday’s action with a convincing win over the Blue Wings.
The offence was moving steadily early in the game, opening with 3 consecutive field goals.
On the other hand, Buffalo’s offence was not doing as well with the Serpents’ defence shutting them down until a late 1st half touchdown by RB Jasper Dickerson.
Minnesota responded to the Blue Wings’ touchdown in the 3rd, reaching the endzone twice to pull away to a 23-10 lead.
The Serpents would easily hold on to capture a win to start the season.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 21 @ Long Island Raiders - 33 - Long Island Stadium - June 24, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 40,229
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
0-6: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
7-6: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
7-9: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
7-16: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
7-23: LI - DTD FUMR DL Chris Price - FFUM DL Johnathan Ellison
3rd Q
7-24: LI - Single K Vic Greatwood
14-24: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
4th Q
14-27: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
21-27: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
21-33: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
With the pressure on to perform, the Raiders made a statement against the Blacksmiths, crushing them on home soil.
The defence played well despite losing top LB William Washington II to a major injury, notably getting a defensive score off of a forced fumble from DL Johnathan Ellison.
The offence was also on, getting into the endzone two more times, including a game-sealing bomb from Sanchez to WR Nick Spalding in his Raiders’ debut.
The Blacksmiths still showed signs of life with Vaughn finding the endzone 3 times in the loss, but once again Pittsburgh is on the back foot to start the season.
Vancouver Wolves - 21 @ London Tigers - 7 - Western Fair Stadium - June 24, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,767
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
8-0: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
11-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
11-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
18-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
4th Q
21-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
The final game of the week would see the Wolves control the tempo against the Tigers.
The McCallister Cup finalist from last season played a solid and clean game, taking care of the ball and scoring 21 points.
The Tigers didn’t have many answers for the Wolves’ defence, which kept them contained and forced three interceptions in the game.
Injury Report
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr - Hip Injury - 5 Weeks
BOS: LB Benjamin Page - Foot Injury - 1 Week
BUF: OL Garth Brooklyn - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
CGY: DL Michael Ellis - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
CGY: OL Killion Lane - Sports Hernia - 12 Weeks
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
IND: LB Maxwell Trevorrow - Severe Cut - Day-to-Day
LI: LB William Washington II - Severe Ligament Tear - 11 Weeks
LI: OL Tony D’Allesandro - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
LOU: QB Rusty Lamb - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MIN: WR Ferdinand Matthews - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman - Concussion - 6 Weeks
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence - High Ankle Sprain - 12 Weeks
OTT: DB Tyler Hill - Minor Shoulder Injury - 2 Weeks
OTT: DB Jerome Caldwell - Illness - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Ben Jammin - Hamstring Injury - Day-to-Day
PRO: S Todd Collingwood - Mild Ligament Sprain - 4 Weeks
REG: LB Lewis Vander - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
REG: RB Bobby Brown - Finger Injury - Day-to-Day
REG: DB Madison McGee - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
TOR: LB Judge Barrett - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce - Torn Muscle - 6 Weeks
WPG: DL Quinton Hextal - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Drake Young OTT - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 311 Passing Yards
Young had a near-perfect game as the Royals got off to a strong start with a win over the Mariners
Ellison was dominant on the edge of the Raiders, helping create a defensive score and contain a usually strong Blacksmiths’ offence.
Standings
WEST
Edmonton - 1-0
Winnipeg - 1-0
Vancouver - 1-0
Minnesota - 1-0
Calgary - 0-1
Regina - 0-1
CENTRAL
Toronto - 1-0
Pittsburgh - 0-1
Buffalo - 0-1
Louisville - 0-1
London - 0-1
Indiana - 0-1
EAST
Ottawa - 1-0
Providence - 1-0
Montreal - 1-0
Long Island - 1-0
Boston - 0-1
Halifax - 0-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota +1
4 - Boston -1
5 - Ottawa +1
6 - Montreal +2
7 - Long Island +3
8 - Pittsburgh -3
9 - Louisville -2
10 - Buffalo -1
11 - London -
12 - Toronto +1
13 - Calgary -1
14 - Winnipeg +2
15 - Indiana -1
16 - Halifax +1
17 - Edmonton +1
18 - Regina -3
Week 2 Games
BUF (0-1) @ PRO (1-0) - JUN 29 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
REG (0-1) @ VAN (1-0) - JUN 29 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
IND (0-1) @ BOS (0-1) - JUN 30 - 12:00 PM ET
MTL (1-0) @ LI (1-0) - JUN 30 - 12:00 PM ET
WPG (1-0) @ MIN (1-0) - JUN 30 - 3:30 PM ET
PIT (0-1) @ LOU (0-1) - JUN 30 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LDN (0-1) @ TOR (1-0) - JUN 31 - 12:00 PM ET - Canada Day
HFX (0-1) @ EDM (1-0) - JUN 31 - 3:30 PM ET - Canada Day
CGY (0-1) @ OTT (1-0) - JUN 31 - 7:00 PM ET - Canada Day
1973 Week 2
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DL Greg Cox | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Killion Lane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: LB William Washington II | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: LB Mick Pilgrim | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Remi Blanchet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Trent Kunard | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Nate Milton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 @ Providence Gold Stars - 34 - New Providence Stadium - June 29, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 58,946
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
0-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
0-21: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
7-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
7-24: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
10-34: PRO - DTD FUMR LB Kurt Warlock - FFUM LB Nathaniel Lovelady
The Gold Stars’ defence came out firing on all cylinders, creating multiple turnovers to help the offence take a staggering 0-14 lead. WR Justin Palmer would add to it to start the 2nd before Buffalo finally got on the scoreboard with a WR Jimmy Jack score. Providence coasted the rest only scoring 6 more points on offence. However, the defence wasn’t done when they would take a fumble back for a touchdown to extend their lead to 10-34.
The game was another disappointing result for Buffalo who dropped a second straight 2+ possession game and fall to 0-2 for just the 2nd time since 1963.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 6 @ Vancouver Wolves - 37 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - June 29, 1973 – 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,905
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwodd -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
0-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
0-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
3rd Q
0-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-27: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-34: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
4th Q
6-34: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-37: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver was all business when welcoming the Wheat Kings to town.
The Wolves ran out to a 0-24 first-half lead on the back of 3 passing touchdowns from QB Kevin Westwood. Then, in the second half, RB Chavez Arrington would flash his talent, taking a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Regina’s QB Stanley Evans made his first start back in Vancouver after having spent a couple of seasons as the team’s backup. Evans struggled in the loss, though still wasn’t as bad as last week only throwing 1 interception. QB Whit Johnson would get a chance to get some snaps in the 4th, as did QB Jerome Sheppard for the Wolves.
Indiana Victors - 9 @ Boston Independents - 31 - Richardson Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,102
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
0-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
3-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
6-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
6-31: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
9-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
After the 3-point loss to Providence to kick off the season, Boston bounced back with a dominant win over the Victors. Braddock had a couple of early touchdowns while RB Reggie Whitehead would find the endzone twice in the 2nd half. The defence was also solid as they brought back a couple of picks in the game.
QB Al Washington’s 2nd start was not much better than his first, struggling to get the offence moving against a solid Boston defence. However, they still got into scoring range more consistently than last week showing some promise.
Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Long Island Raiders - 24 - Long Island Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,366
1st Q
0-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
14-17: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
14-24: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
17-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
23-24: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
29-24: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
31-24: MTL - 2PT QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
With both teams coming off statement wins to start the season, the Rouge and Raiders would meet for an important early season divisional bout.
The Raiders would have the upper hand early in the game on the back of 2 touchdowns from QB Ivan Sanchez to take a 7-17 lead at halftime. In the second half, Montreal was able to slowly climb back into the game as QB Tom Applewhite would lead the comeback charge. RB Mark St-Pierre would score a critical touchdown in the 4th in relief for RB Bo Frazier, but a missed extra point would keep Long Island in front. A big stop from the Rouge defence would lead to a second chance where rookie WR Evan Moore would be the hero to give Montreal the win.
Winnipeg Falcons - 7 @ Minnesota Serpents - 35 - Midgard Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,006
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
0-14: MIN - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
0-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
3rd Q
0-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-34: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
0-35: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
7-35: WPG - RTD RB Joshua Tomlinson
Winnipeg headed 7 hours south to Minneapolis to face the Serpents, and they were not welcomed kindly as the 3-time West Division champs pummelled Winnipeg. RBs Tyler Kuhn and George Seahorse would combine for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opening quarter. Minnesota would carry a 0-34 lead into the 4th before the backups came out. Former Falcon, QB Ulysses Lawyer would play the final quarter, while QB Mitchell Nash would get his first taste of NAAF action, leading a touchdown drive scored by rookie RB Joshua Tomlinson for his first.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 22 - Thunder Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,930
1st Q
6-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
6-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
2nd Q
12-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
12-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
12-15: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-15: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
4th Q
13-22: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
16-22: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
The two teams defeated by Montreal and Long Island both hoped to get their season back on track for Saturday Night Football. The Blacksmiths and Thunder had a back-and-forth, but surprisingly lower-scoring battle. Pittsburgh was able to take the lead into halftime, but the Louisville Captain, Casey Coleman, would come in clutch, getting back the lead with a touchdown to start the 3rd. Pittsburgh would try to stick with them, but after a 3rd missed kick from young K Dante DiBernardo, the coals were extinguished for Pittsburgh as the Thunder would add a touchdown to hold on for a win.
CANADA DAY
London Tigers - 26 @ Toronto Steelheads - 15 - Anderson Stadium - July 1, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,873
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
6-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
6-8: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
13-8: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
3rd Q
13-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
13-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
20-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
23-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
26-15: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
The Tigers kicked off the Canada Day action by getting a bounce-back win in Toronto. K Nimrod Handsworth got to use his leg a lot more than last week, going 4/4 on attempts in the team’s win. QB Henry Johnsson and RB Jeremy Royal were steady in the backfield against a solid Toronto defence. QB Ryan Alexander and the Steelheads were less successful, only finding the endzone once in the opening quarter, before relying on K Frank Hughes for the remainder.
CANADA DAY
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Edmonton Rangers - 14 - Forest Heights Park - July 1, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,441
1st Q
7-0: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
2nd Q
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
3rd Q
21-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-14: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
28-14: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q
Halifax would head out West for their Canada Day matchup, and make a bit of a statement against the Rangers. RB Axel Vandal continued to show off his talents, scoring 2 more touchdowns and hitting 121 rushing yards. QB Todd Sparrow also had a solid game, throwing 2 touchdowns. Edmonton’s offence still reached the endzone twice in the game, but the team played pretty sloppily in the loss.
CANADA DAY
Calgary Predators - 10 @ Ottawa Royals - 38 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - July 1, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,894
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
2nd Q
0-21: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
3rd Q
7-21: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
7-28: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
7-31: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
10-31: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-38: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez
The Royals put an exclamation point at the end of Canada, as they ran the Predators out of town in a 10-38 win. QB Drake Young and the offence continued to click as they found their rhythm early in the season. The defence also played a large role in containing the Wild West offence, only allowing 10 points, while DB Sergio Alvarez took back some points for the defence as well.
Injury Report
BUF: WR Tracy Driscoll - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
EDM: DB Corey Ross - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
HFX: DL Adam Thweatt - Groin Strain - 1 Week
HFX: OL Glenn Capson - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson - Pectoral Strain - 3 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Contusion - 1 Week
LDN: DL Matt Brown - Broken Bone - 6 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - Torn Muscle - 5 Weeks
LOU: QB Xerxes Wynn - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Matteo Neumayer - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MTL: RB Bo Frazier - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
PIT: LB Quinn Masters - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Ted Cole - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson - Cramping - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Millard Streety - High Ankle Sprain - 8 Weeks
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Axel Vandal HFX - 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 121 Rushing Yards
Vandal had a strong performance showing off his ability in a big win for the Mariners
DEF: LB Kurt Warlock PRO - 12 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Warlock was all over the field in shutting down the Blue Wings in the team’s 2nd win of the season.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 2-0
Minnesota - 2-0
Edmonton - 1-1
Winnipeg - 1-1
Calgary - 0-2
Regina - 0-2
CENTRAL
London - 1-1
Louisville - 1-1
Toronto - 1-1
Buffalo - 0-2
Pittsburgh - 0-2
Indiana - 0-2
EAST
Ottawa - 2-0
Providence - 2-0
Montreal - 2-0
Boston - 1-1
Long Island - 1-1
Halifax - 1-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Boston -
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Montreal -
7 - Long Island -
8 - Louisville +1
9 - Pittsburgh -1
10 - London +1
11 - Buffalo -1
12 - Toronto -
13 - Calgary -
14 - Halifax +2
15 - Winnipeg -1
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 3 Games
LI (1-1) @ BOS (1-1) - JUL 4 - 5:00 PM ET - 4th of July
IND (0-2) @ LDN (1-1) - JUL 6 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (1-1) @ MTL (2-0) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
LOU (1-1) @ BUF (0-2) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
TOR (1-1) @ REG (0-2) - JUL 7 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (2-0) @ EDM (1-1) - JUL 7 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PRO (2-0) @ OTT (2-0) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (1-1) @ PIT (0-2) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
MIN (2-0) @ CGY (0-2) - JUL 8 - 4:30 PM ET
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DL Greg Cox | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Killion Lane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: LB William Washington II | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: LB Mick Pilgrim | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Remi Blanchet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Trent Kunard | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Nate Milton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 @ Providence Gold Stars - 34 - New Providence Stadium - June 29, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 58,946
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
0-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
0-21: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
7-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
7-24: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
10-34: PRO - DTD FUMR LB Kurt Warlock - FFUM LB Nathaniel Lovelady
The Gold Stars’ defence came out firing on all cylinders, creating multiple turnovers to help the offence take a staggering 0-14 lead. WR Justin Palmer would add to it to start the 2nd before Buffalo finally got on the scoreboard with a WR Jimmy Jack score. Providence coasted the rest only scoring 6 more points on offence. However, the defence wasn’t done when they would take a fumble back for a touchdown to extend their lead to 10-34.
The game was another disappointing result for Buffalo who dropped a second straight 2+ possession game and fall to 0-2 for just the 2nd time since 1963.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 6 @ Vancouver Wolves - 37 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - June 29, 1973 – 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,905
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwodd -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
0-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
0-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
3rd Q
0-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-27: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-34: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
4th Q
6-34: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-37: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver was all business when welcoming the Wheat Kings to town.
The Wolves ran out to a 0-24 first-half lead on the back of 3 passing touchdowns from QB Kevin Westwood. Then, in the second half, RB Chavez Arrington would flash his talent, taking a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Regina’s QB Stanley Evans made his first start back in Vancouver after having spent a couple of seasons as the team’s backup. Evans struggled in the loss, though still wasn’t as bad as last week only throwing 1 interception. QB Whit Johnson would get a chance to get some snaps in the 4th, as did QB Jerome Sheppard for the Wolves.
Indiana Victors - 9 @ Boston Independents - 31 - Richardson Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,102
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
0-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
3-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
6-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
6-31: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
9-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
After the 3-point loss to Providence to kick off the season, Boston bounced back with a dominant win over the Victors. Braddock had a couple of early touchdowns while RB Reggie Whitehead would find the endzone twice in the 2nd half. The defence was also solid as they brought back a couple of picks in the game.
QB Al Washington’s 2nd start was not much better than his first, struggling to get the offence moving against a solid Boston defence. However, they still got into scoring range more consistently than last week showing some promise.
Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Long Island Raiders - 24 - Long Island Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,366
1st Q
0-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
14-17: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
14-24: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
17-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
23-24: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
29-24: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
31-24: MTL - 2PT QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
With both teams coming off statement wins to start the season, the Rouge and Raiders would meet for an important early season divisional bout.
The Raiders would have the upper hand early in the game on the back of 2 touchdowns from QB Ivan Sanchez to take a 7-17 lead at halftime. In the second half, Montreal was able to slowly climb back into the game as QB Tom Applewhite would lead the comeback charge. RB Mark St-Pierre would score a critical touchdown in the 4th in relief for RB Bo Frazier, but a missed extra point would keep Long Island in front. A big stop from the Rouge defence would lead to a second chance where rookie WR Evan Moore would be the hero to give Montreal the win.
Winnipeg Falcons - 7 @ Minnesota Serpents - 35 - Midgard Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,006
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
0-14: MIN - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
0-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
3rd Q
0-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-34: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
0-35: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
7-35: WPG - RTD RB Joshua Tomlinson
Winnipeg headed 7 hours south to Minneapolis to face the Serpents, and they were not welcomed kindly as the 3-time West Division champs pummelled Winnipeg. RBs Tyler Kuhn and George Seahorse would combine for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opening quarter. Minnesota would carry a 0-34 lead into the 4th before the backups came out. Former Falcon, QB Ulysses Lawyer would play the final quarter, while QB Mitchell Nash would get his first taste of NAAF action, leading a touchdown drive scored by rookie RB Joshua Tomlinson for his first.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 22 - Thunder Stadium - June 30, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,930
1st Q
6-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
6-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
2nd Q
12-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
12-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
12-15: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-15: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
4th Q
13-22: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
16-22: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
The two teams defeated by Montreal and Long Island both hoped to get their season back on track for Saturday Night Football. The Blacksmiths and Thunder had a back-and-forth, but surprisingly lower-scoring battle. Pittsburgh was able to take the lead into halftime, but the Louisville Captain, Casey Coleman, would come in clutch, getting back the lead with a touchdown to start the 3rd. Pittsburgh would try to stick with them, but after a 3rd missed kick from young K Dante DiBernardo, the coals were extinguished for Pittsburgh as the Thunder would add a touchdown to hold on for a win.
CANADA DAY
London Tigers - 26 @ Toronto Steelheads - 15 - Anderson Stadium - July 1, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,873
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
6-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
6-8: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
13-8: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
3rd Q
13-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
13-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
20-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
23-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
26-15: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
The Tigers kicked off the Canada Day action by getting a bounce-back win in Toronto. K Nimrod Handsworth got to use his leg a lot more than last week, going 4/4 on attempts in the team’s win. QB Henry Johnsson and RB Jeremy Royal were steady in the backfield against a solid Toronto defence. QB Ryan Alexander and the Steelheads were less successful, only finding the endzone once in the opening quarter, before relying on K Frank Hughes for the remainder.
CANADA DAY
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Edmonton Rangers - 14 - Forest Heights Park - July 1, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,441
1st Q
7-0: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
2nd Q
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
3rd Q
21-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-14: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
28-14: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q
Halifax would head out West for their Canada Day matchup, and make a bit of a statement against the Rangers. RB Axel Vandal continued to show off his talents, scoring 2 more touchdowns and hitting 121 rushing yards. QB Todd Sparrow also had a solid game, throwing 2 touchdowns. Edmonton’s offence still reached the endzone twice in the game, but the team played pretty sloppily in the loss.
CANADA DAY
Calgary Predators - 10 @ Ottawa Royals - 38 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - July 1, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,894
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
2nd Q
0-21: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
3rd Q
7-21: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
7-28: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
7-31: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
10-31: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-38: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez
The Royals put an exclamation point at the end of Canada, as they ran the Predators out of town in a 10-38 win. QB Drake Young and the offence continued to click as they found their rhythm early in the season. The defence also played a large role in containing the Wild West offence, only allowing 10 points, while DB Sergio Alvarez took back some points for the defence as well.
Injury Report
BUF: WR Tracy Driscoll - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
EDM: DB Corey Ross - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
HFX: DL Adam Thweatt - Groin Strain - 1 Week
HFX: OL Glenn Capson - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson - Pectoral Strain - 3 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Contusion - 1 Week
LDN: DL Matt Brown - Broken Bone - 6 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - Torn Muscle - 5 Weeks
LOU: QB Xerxes Wynn - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Matteo Neumayer - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MTL: RB Bo Frazier - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
PIT: LB Quinn Masters - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Ted Cole - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson - Cramping - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Millard Streety - High Ankle Sprain - 8 Weeks
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
Vandal had a strong performance showing off his ability in a big win for the Mariners
Warlock was all over the field in shutting down the Blue Wings in the team’s 2nd win of the season.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 2-0
Minnesota - 2-0
Edmonton - 1-1
Winnipeg - 1-1
Calgary - 0-2
Regina - 0-2
CENTRAL
London - 1-1
Louisville - 1-1
Toronto - 1-1
Buffalo - 0-2
Pittsburgh - 0-2
Indiana - 0-2
EAST
Ottawa - 2-0
Providence - 2-0
Montreal - 2-0
Boston - 1-1
Long Island - 1-1
Halifax - 1-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Boston -
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Montreal -
7 - Long Island -
8 - Louisville +1
9 - Pittsburgh -1
10 - London +1
11 - Buffalo -1
12 - Toronto -
13 - Calgary -
14 - Halifax +2
15 - Winnipeg -1
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 3 Games
LI (1-1) @ BOS (1-1) - JUL 4 - 5:00 PM ET - 4th of July
IND (0-2) @ LDN (1-1) - JUL 6 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (1-1) @ MTL (2-0) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
LOU (1-1) @ BUF (0-2) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
TOR (1-1) @ REG (0-2) - JUL 7 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (2-0) @ EDM (1-1) - JUL 7 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PRO (2-0) @ OTT (2-0) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (1-1) @ PIT (0-2) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
MIN (2-0) @ CGY (0-2) - JUL 8 - 4:30 PM ET
1973 Week 3
Roster Moves
HFX: OL Glenn Capson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Aaron McAfee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: OL Daniel Stern | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DL Matt Brown | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DL Russell Lynch | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: OL Martin Dashaw | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: OL Peter Smith | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Millard Streety | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Gavin Brightman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
4TH OF JULY
Long Island Raiders - 33 @ Boston Independents - 26 - Richardson Stadium - July 4, 1973 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,971
1st Q
0-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-3: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
7-13: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
10-13: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-16: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
20-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
26-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
26-19: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
26-26: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
33-26: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
The Raiders and Independents had a classic full of fireworks for the 4th of July.
QB Ivan Sanchez led the way for the Raiders, throwing 4 touchdowns, including a game-winning dump to RB Scott Norton to get another all-important win to start the season.
Boston had a strong start to the game, taking a 10-16 lead into halftime, but after falling behind in the 3rd, Braddock needed to rally a comeback to tie the game late, however, the defence just could not hold up as the Raiders were able to sneak away with the win, leaving Boston with their second last-minute loss of the season.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Indiana Victors - 25 @ London Tigers - 30 - Western Fair Stadium - July 6, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,725
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
7-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
8-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-13: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
14-13: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
16-13: IND - 2PT RB Ronnie Byers
16-20: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
16-27: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Julius Drake
19-27: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
19-30: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
25-30: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Felix Fontaine
The Tigers welcomed the Victors to town for Friday Night Football.
After a slower first half, the offence picked up in the 2nd with the teams trading blows. Eventually, the Tigers would get out to a big 16-27 lead off of back-to-back touchdowns from Lloyd Lane and Julius Drake’s first as a Tiger.
Indiana showed a bit more life on offence after back-to-back slower games to start the season. QB Al Washington had a pair of touchdown passes in the loss as he maintains the starting job for now.
Halifax Mariners - 24 @ Montreal Rouge - 36 - Mount Royal Stadium - July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 46,138
1st Q
0-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
7-3: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-4: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
7-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
14-14: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
14-21: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
3rd Q
14-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
21-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
4th Q
24-30: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
24-33: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
24-36: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
Montreal would get off to their 2nd 3-0 start in 3 years with a win over Halifax, but the Mariners didn’t go down without a fight.
The first half would see Halifax take the upper hand on the back of RB Axel Vandal and QB Todd Sparrow, but Montreal would get the lead near the end of the 2nd on WR Evan Moore’s 2nd of the season.
Montreal would start to pull away in the 2nd half with WR Antonio Villanueva’s first of the season, Halifax would still get a field goal in the 4th, but the Rouge were able to shut them down otherwise.
Louisville Thunder - 34 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 33 - Milton Charles Stadium - July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 53,815
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
7-3: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
2nd Q
7-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Edward Washington
14-10: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
21-13: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
21-16: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-22: BUF - DTD FUM DL Ned Hedman
21-24: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
28-24: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
28-27: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
28-33: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
34-33: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
Buffalo and Louisville put on an exciting match that came down to the wire.
The two teams traded blows throughout the game. Buffalo generally trailed until the team got a big play from DL Ned Hedman would bat the ball out of QB Buck Murphy’s hands and then take it in for a score. Louisville was able to bounce back on the next drive to regain the lead.
In the final quarter, Buffalo would put up a field goal, before RB Jasper Dickerson would give them the late lead going up 28-33. A missed 2-point attempt would give Louisville a chance to take the lead and they would do just that as Murphy led the team down the field to score the go-ahead touchdown sealing a narrow win on the road.
With the loss, Buffalo begins the season 0-3 for the first time since 1961.
Toronto Steelheads - 23 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 17 - Broad Street Stadium - July 7, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 13,904
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
6-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
3rd Q
6-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-10: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Cameron Kane
16-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
23-10: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
23-17: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
Toronto captured their second win of the season on the back of their defence who kept Regina at bay throughout the game. Offensively, QB Ryan Alexander would start to get more comfortable, throwing his first touchdown of the season to WR Cameron Kane.
Despite Toronto’s strong defence, Regina had their best offensive day of the season finally eclipsing 7 points, putting up 17. Rookie WR Colt Robbins would get more snaps in the 4th and turned it into a touchdown that kept Regina alive for a moment.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 21 @ Edmonton Rangers - 8 - Forest Heights Park - July 7, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,377
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
14-0: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
14-1: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
21-1: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
4th Q
21-8: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
Vancouver’s early defensive dominance continued as they visited Edmonton for Saturday Night Football. The defence only allowed a single point in the first 3 quarters, before a late RB Gary Hubbard touchdown broke the Rangers’ silence. The Wolves’ defence leads the league this season having only allowed 21 points in the first 3 games. The offence was also consistent with Westwood tossing another pair of touchdowns.
Edmonton was no match for the Wolves. Any moment they got a little momentum, the Wolves' defence would just tighten up and force them to punt or turn the ball over.
Providence Gold Stars - 21 @ Ottawa Royals - 19 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,010
1st Q
0-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
7-3: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
10-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
10-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
11-13: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
18-13: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
4th Q
18-19: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
21-19: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
A super important matchup between Ottawa and Providence would take Sunday afternoon.
The two contenders would have a relatively defensive first half with Providence coming out in front 10-6, but an early 3rd quarter touchdown would give them the 10-13 lead.
Providence would miss a field goal shortly after for a single, but then King would lead a touchdown drive the next time out to hold a lead going into the 4th.
Providence’s defence tried to hold off the Royals, but Ottawa eventually managed to take the lead when a beautiful throw from QB Drake Young found WR Sterling Underhill in double coverage to take back the lead. Unfortunately for the Royals, they would miss the 2-point attempt leaving Providence with enough time for a field goal drive. King would lead them down the field and eventually win the game to start the year 3-0 once again and maintain his unbeaten streak of, now, 20 games.
Winnipeg Falcons - 13 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 43 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,202
1st Q
3-0: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
3-14: PIT - DTD FUMR DL Arthur Bradshaw - FFUM DL Matthias Hartmann
3-21: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3-27: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
3rd Q
3-34: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
3-37: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
6-37: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
6-43: PIT - RTD RB Alain Ducharme
13-43: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Juwan Sylvester
Pittsburgh started the season 0-2 last year before getting a win over Winnipeg in Week 3. One year later, they repeated history by destroying the Falcons with a monster 13-43 win. The Falcons did manage to have the first lead of the game up 3-0, but then Pittsburgh would rattle off the next 37 points on the back of RB Max Tracy, QB Louis Vaughn, and a defensive score. The 4th quarter would see backups get into the game with QB Magnus Torrensen leading the way for Pittsburgh and QB Mitchell Nash for Winnipeg. Nash would show off his arm talent by hitting WR Juwan Sylvester for a 67-yard touchdown, which may bring some hope to the Falcons for the future.
Minnesota Serpents - 39 @ Calgary Predators - 14 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - July 8, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,813
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
7-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
2nd Q
14-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
17-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
20-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
20-13: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
23-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
29-13: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
29-14: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
36-14: MIN - INT DTD DB Chandler Gage
39-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Serpents and Predators seemed evenly matched to start the game, with the teams tied at 7 after the first. However, Minnesota started to pull away in the second with 13 unanswered points.
Calgary showed a little life to start the 2nd half, but that would be all but washed out when QB Emmitt Jackson would take a hit leaving him a little dazed. QB Mitch Boland would replace him.
From there, Minnesota would control the rest of the game, capturing a 2nd straight dominant win.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: OL Mason Fitzpatrick - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - Contusion - 1 Week
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - Severe Hamstring Tear - 8 Weeks
IND: DB Oswald Martell - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
IND: S Derrick Fayden - Contusion - 1 Week
IND: S Jeff Labrie - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Byron Seabrooke - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
LOU: DB Aquilio Ruiz - Foot Injury - 4 Weeks
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
OTT: DL Skip Chambray - Foot Injury - 5 Weeks
PIT: DB Zed McLaughlin - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Archie Matthews - Pectoral Strain - 6 Weeks
PRO: OL Alanzo Tofflers - Shoulder Injury - 1 Week
REG: QB Jesse Essex - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
REG: DB Madison McGee - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Pete Gingers - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
VAN: DB Christian Allen - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
VAN: OL David Brewington - Hip Injury - 4 Weeks
WPG: RB Joshua Tomlinson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Ivan Sanchez LI - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 342 Passing Yards
Sanchez showed that he’s still the guy in Long Island, throwing for 4 touchdowns in a big win over Boston.
DEF: DL Reuben James LDN - 11 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Defended
James has been a consistent force for the Tigers and finally earns a POTW honour.
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 3-0
Vancouver - 3-0
Edmonton - 1-2
Winnipeg - 1-2
Regina - 0-3
Calgary - 0-3
CENTRAL
London - 2-1
Louisville - 2-1
Toronto - 2-1
Pittsburgh - 1-2
Buffalo - 0-3
Indiana - 0-3
EAST
Montreal - 3-0
Providence - 3-0
Ottawa - 2-1
Long Island - 2-1
Boston - 1-2
Halifax - 1-2
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Montreal +2
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Long Island +1
7 - Boston -3
8 - Louisville -
9 - Pittsburgh -
10 - London -
11 - Toronto +1
12 - Buffalo -1
13 - Halifax +1
14 - Calgary -1
15 - Indiana +1
16 - Winnipeg -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 4 Games
REG (0-3) @ WPG (1-2) - JUL 13 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LDN (2-1) @ HFX (1-2) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
BOS (1-2) @ LI (2-1) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
EDM (1-2) @ MIN (3-0) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
BUF (0-3) @ CGY (0-3) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
TOR (2-1) @ OTT (2-1) - JUL 14 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LOU (2-1) @ PIT (1-2) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (3-0) @ MTL (3-0) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (3-0) @ IND (0-3) - JUL 15 - 4:30 PM ET
Roster Moves
HFX: OL Glenn Capson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Aaron McAfee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: OL Daniel Stern | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DL Matt Brown | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DL Russell Lynch | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: OL Martin Dashaw | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: OL Peter Smith | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Millard Streety | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Gavin Brightman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
4TH OF JULY
Long Island Raiders - 33 @ Boston Independents - 26 - Richardson Stadium - July 4, 1973 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,971
1st Q
0-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-3: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
7-13: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
10-13: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-16: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
20-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
26-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
26-19: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
26-26: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
33-26: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
The Raiders and Independents had a classic full of fireworks for the 4th of July.
QB Ivan Sanchez led the way for the Raiders, throwing 4 touchdowns, including a game-winning dump to RB Scott Norton to get another all-important win to start the season.
Boston had a strong start to the game, taking a 10-16 lead into halftime, but after falling behind in the 3rd, Braddock needed to rally a comeback to tie the game late, however, the defence just could not hold up as the Raiders were able to sneak away with the win, leaving Boston with their second last-minute loss of the season.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Indiana Victors - 25 @ London Tigers - 30 - Western Fair Stadium - July 6, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,725
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
7-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
8-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-13: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
14-13: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
16-13: IND - 2PT RB Ronnie Byers
16-20: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
16-27: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Julius Drake
19-27: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
19-30: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
25-30: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Felix Fontaine
The Tigers welcomed the Victors to town for Friday Night Football.
After a slower first half, the offence picked up in the 2nd with the teams trading blows. Eventually, the Tigers would get out to a big 16-27 lead off of back-to-back touchdowns from Lloyd Lane and Julius Drake’s first as a Tiger.
Indiana showed a bit more life on offence after back-to-back slower games to start the season. QB Al Washington had a pair of touchdown passes in the loss as he maintains the starting job for now.
Halifax Mariners - 24 @ Montreal Rouge - 36 - Mount Royal Stadium - July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 46,138
1st Q
0-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
7-3: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-4: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
7-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
14-14: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
14-21: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
3rd Q
14-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
21-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
4th Q
24-30: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
24-33: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
24-36: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
Montreal would get off to their 2nd 3-0 start in 3 years with a win over Halifax, but the Mariners didn’t go down without a fight.
The first half would see Halifax take the upper hand on the back of RB Axel Vandal and QB Todd Sparrow, but Montreal would get the lead near the end of the 2nd on WR Evan Moore’s 2nd of the season.
Montreal would start to pull away in the 2nd half with WR Antonio Villanueva’s first of the season, Halifax would still get a field goal in the 4th, but the Rouge were able to shut them down otherwise.
Louisville Thunder - 34 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 33 - Milton Charles Stadium - July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 53,815
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
7-3: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
2nd Q
7-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Edward Washington
14-10: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
21-13: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
21-16: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-22: BUF - DTD FUM DL Ned Hedman
21-24: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
28-24: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
28-27: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
28-33: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
34-33: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
Buffalo and Louisville put on an exciting match that came down to the wire.
The two teams traded blows throughout the game. Buffalo generally trailed until the team got a big play from DL Ned Hedman would bat the ball out of QB Buck Murphy’s hands and then take it in for a score. Louisville was able to bounce back on the next drive to regain the lead.
In the final quarter, Buffalo would put up a field goal, before RB Jasper Dickerson would give them the late lead going up 28-33. A missed 2-point attempt would give Louisville a chance to take the lead and they would do just that as Murphy led the team down the field to score the go-ahead touchdown sealing a narrow win on the road.
With the loss, Buffalo begins the season 0-3 for the first time since 1961.
Toronto Steelheads - 23 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 17 - Broad Street Stadium - July 7, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 13,904
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
6-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
3rd Q
6-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-10: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Cameron Kane
16-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
23-10: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
23-17: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
Toronto captured their second win of the season on the back of their defence who kept Regina at bay throughout the game. Offensively, QB Ryan Alexander would start to get more comfortable, throwing his first touchdown of the season to WR Cameron Kane.
Despite Toronto’s strong defence, Regina had their best offensive day of the season finally eclipsing 7 points, putting up 17. Rookie WR Colt Robbins would get more snaps in the 4th and turned it into a touchdown that kept Regina alive for a moment.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 21 @ Edmonton Rangers - 8 - Forest Heights Park - July 7, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,377
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
14-0: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
14-1: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
21-1: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
4th Q
21-8: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
Vancouver’s early defensive dominance continued as they visited Edmonton for Saturday Night Football. The defence only allowed a single point in the first 3 quarters, before a late RB Gary Hubbard touchdown broke the Rangers’ silence. The Wolves’ defence leads the league this season having only allowed 21 points in the first 3 games. The offence was also consistent with Westwood tossing another pair of touchdowns.
Edmonton was no match for the Wolves. Any moment they got a little momentum, the Wolves' defence would just tighten up and force them to punt or turn the ball over.
Providence Gold Stars - 21 @ Ottawa Royals - 19 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,010
1st Q
0-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
7-3: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
10-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
10-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
11-13: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
18-13: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
4th Q
18-19: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
21-19: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
A super important matchup between Ottawa and Providence would take Sunday afternoon.
The two contenders would have a relatively defensive first half with Providence coming out in front 10-6, but an early 3rd quarter touchdown would give them the 10-13 lead.
Providence would miss a field goal shortly after for a single, but then King would lead a touchdown drive the next time out to hold a lead going into the 4th.
Providence’s defence tried to hold off the Royals, but Ottawa eventually managed to take the lead when a beautiful throw from QB Drake Young found WR Sterling Underhill in double coverage to take back the lead. Unfortunately for the Royals, they would miss the 2-point attempt leaving Providence with enough time for a field goal drive. King would lead them down the field and eventually win the game to start the year 3-0 once again and maintain his unbeaten streak of, now, 20 games.
Winnipeg Falcons - 13 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 43 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,202
1st Q
3-0: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
3-14: PIT - DTD FUMR DL Arthur Bradshaw - FFUM DL Matthias Hartmann
3-21: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3-27: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
3rd Q
3-34: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
3-37: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
6-37: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
6-43: PIT - RTD RB Alain Ducharme
13-43: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Juwan Sylvester
Pittsburgh started the season 0-2 last year before getting a win over Winnipeg in Week 3. One year later, they repeated history by destroying the Falcons with a monster 13-43 win. The Falcons did manage to have the first lead of the game up 3-0, but then Pittsburgh would rattle off the next 37 points on the back of RB Max Tracy, QB Louis Vaughn, and a defensive score. The 4th quarter would see backups get into the game with QB Magnus Torrensen leading the way for Pittsburgh and QB Mitchell Nash for Winnipeg. Nash would show off his arm talent by hitting WR Juwan Sylvester for a 67-yard touchdown, which may bring some hope to the Falcons for the future.
Minnesota Serpents - 39 @ Calgary Predators - 14 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - July 8, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,813
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
7-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
2nd Q
14-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
17-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
20-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
20-13: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
23-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
29-13: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
29-14: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
36-14: MIN - INT DTD DB Chandler Gage
39-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Serpents and Predators seemed evenly matched to start the game, with the teams tied at 7 after the first. However, Minnesota started to pull away in the second with 13 unanswered points.
Calgary showed a little life to start the 2nd half, but that would be all but washed out when QB Emmitt Jackson would take a hit leaving him a little dazed. QB Mitch Boland would replace him.
From there, Minnesota would control the rest of the game, capturing a 2nd straight dominant win.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: OL Mason Fitzpatrick - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - Contusion - 1 Week
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - Severe Hamstring Tear - 8 Weeks
IND: DB Oswald Martell - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
IND: S Derrick Fayden - Contusion - 1 Week
IND: S Jeff Labrie - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Byron Seabrooke - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
LOU: DB Aquilio Ruiz - Foot Injury - 4 Weeks
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
OTT: DL Skip Chambray - Foot Injury - 5 Weeks
PIT: DB Zed McLaughlin - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Archie Matthews - Pectoral Strain - 6 Weeks
PRO: OL Alanzo Tofflers - Shoulder Injury - 1 Week
REG: QB Jesse Essex - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
REG: DB Madison McGee - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Pete Gingers - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
VAN: DB Christian Allen - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
VAN: OL David Brewington - Hip Injury - 4 Weeks
WPG: RB Joshua Tomlinson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
Players of the Week
Sanchez showed that he’s still the guy in Long Island, throwing for 4 touchdowns in a big win over Boston.
James has been a consistent force for the Tigers and finally earns a POTW honour.
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 3-0
Vancouver - 3-0
Edmonton - 1-2
Winnipeg - 1-2
Regina - 0-3
Calgary - 0-3
CENTRAL
London - 2-1
Louisville - 2-1
Toronto - 2-1
Pittsburgh - 1-2
Buffalo - 0-3
Indiana - 0-3
EAST
Montreal - 3-0
Providence - 3-0
Ottawa - 2-1
Long Island - 2-1
Boston - 1-2
Halifax - 1-2
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Montreal +2
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Long Island +1
7 - Boston -3
8 - Louisville -
9 - Pittsburgh -
10 - London -
11 - Toronto +1
12 - Buffalo -1
13 - Halifax +1
14 - Calgary -1
15 - Indiana +1
16 - Winnipeg -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 4 Games
REG (0-3) @ WPG (1-2) - JUL 13 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LDN (2-1) @ HFX (1-2) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
BOS (1-2) @ LI (2-1) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
EDM (1-2) @ MIN (3-0) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
BUF (0-3) @ CGY (0-3) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
TOR (2-1) @ OTT (2-1) - JUL 14 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LOU (2-1) @ PIT (1-2) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (3-0) @ MTL (3-0) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (3-0) @ IND (0-3) - JUL 15 - 4:30 PM ET
BREAKING NEWS
MONTREAL AND BISHOP AGREE TO PART WAYS
Right before the season began, the Rouge suspended Gene Bishop indefinitely because the quarterback did not show up to training camp. Bishop finally arrived at the team’s building, but only to negotiate a contract termination. Montreal had been unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, so they agreed to mutually part ways, terminating the final year of the contract.
With the contract being terminated, the Rouge will not have Bishop’s salary count towards the salary cap. Allowing Montreal to add to the roster if needed. For Bishop, he is free to sign with any team, making him a full free agent. However, he will be placed on Waivers prior to the contract termination and other teams will have a chance to pick him up. That being said, it is unlikely any teams will want to take on the contract.
As the season goes on, many expect Bishop to be one of the first quarterbacks to be called if a team loses a quarterback due to injury during the season. For now, the veteran will wait for an opportunity.
MONTREAL AND BISHOP AGREE TO PART WAYS
Right before the season began, the Rouge suspended Gene Bishop indefinitely because the quarterback did not show up to training camp. Bishop finally arrived at the team’s building, but only to negotiate a contract termination. Montreal had been unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, so they agreed to mutually part ways, terminating the final year of the contract.
With the contract being terminated, the Rouge will not have Bishop’s salary count towards the salary cap. Allowing Montreal to add to the roster if needed. For Bishop, he is free to sign with any team, making him a full free agent. However, he will be placed on Waivers prior to the contract termination and other teams will have a chance to pick him up. That being said, it is unlikely any teams will want to take on the contract.
As the season goes on, many expect Bishop to be one of the first quarterbacks to be called if a team loses a quarterback due to injury during the season. For now, the veteran will wait for an opportunity.
