Montreal Rouge - 26, Buffalo Blue Wings - 21 - Mount Royal Stadium - July 11, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Rouge and Blue Wings opened the season with a back and forth battle. However, it was all Montreal in the first quarter. The Rouge had the ball first and they would slowly march their way down the field with short passes to Rivera and Fontaine and of course runs from Marchal. The 3-time MVP would take in the score to end the first drive. The Blue Wings would have a solid drive right after but it didn’t end the way they wanted it too. QB Angelo Medina was under pressure on a 2nd and 6, and he thought he had a hole to run for the 1st down, however, DL Napoléon Chevalier would get his arm on the ball as Medina tried to tuck it. The ball would pop loose and the Rouge would take over. Their second drive would end the same way as the first with Marchal bursting through to the endzone. The second quarter was much better for the Blue Wings as Medina moved the ball around through the air. WR Travis Gallagher would have a huge pickup of 24 yards that would set up the RB Arthur Conner touchdown. After Montreal got a field goal, the Blue Wings marched again and scored a second touchdown this time on an over the shoulder catch by WR Joseph Barry. The second half started with several stops for both teams but it was Buffalo who broke through in the third. This time it was Angelo Medina scampering in form 11 yards out. Montreal would retaliate with a huge run from Marchal. The Rouge running back escaped up the middle and was about to hit the open field. The only player back was rookie Fraizer Brooks who would hold Marchal up just enough for DB Dylan Alston to catch up. The player prevented a field goal and maintained the lead. Unfortunately for the Blue Wings, a great play from the Rouge defense would change the tide. Medina passed the ball towards Travis Gallagher but Jean-Luc Paget got to him and was able to hit the ball. The ball deflected up and allowed S Chester George to get under it for his first interception. George was only stopped by Medina, but Marchal would finish off the job securing the Rouge another win.
Ottawa Royals - 20, Boston Independents - 16 - Lansdowne Park - July 12, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Royals started a new era on the right foot with a huge win over Boston. Boston was in control early scoring a touchdown on their second drive to RB Joel Bonner and were able to come up with stops on the Royals offense. The Royals would find a way through late in the first half with the help of the two running back system. Volkov was not particularly great today but had a burst of speed on a 14-yard gain that would set up Jean Matieau’s first TD pass of the season to WR Willard Brooks. The second half started with Boston scoring back-to-back field goals to reclaim the lead. They would maintain it throughout the rest of the game until the final minutes of the game. With his first chance to lead a 2-minute drill, Jean Matieau was unstoppable. Connecting on 4 consecutive plays and then getting an assist from Volkov. The Royals were in the redzone. On second and 8 from the 11-yard line, Jean Matieau dropped back and shifted to his right looking off the defenders. At the last second, Matieau shifted back to the left and saw WR Allen Atkins with a step in DB Lester Murphy. The pass window was tight but Matieau got it there and Atkins reeled in the game-winning catch tapping toes just in-bounds. It might go down as one of the greatest catches/plays in NAAF history (well at least to this point).
Worcester Athletics - 3, Toronto Tigers - 31 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - July 12, 1952 - 2PM ET
Was not the start QB Riley Kiernan was looking forward to. On his first throw, he was looking for WR Clyde McIntosh to the outside. Kiernan rushed the throw and DB Louie White jumped the route, easily taking it back for 6. Kiernan would shake it off for the next drive getting a first down but was stopped shortly after. Finally, it was time for Duane Logan to take his first snap in a new uniform. He would have a solid first drive ending in a field goal to add to the early lead. In the second, RB Laurent Brazeau was the next to show up rumbling up the middle where he would make first contact with 1st overall pick LB Scotty Williams. Williams would go for the big hit and Brazeau would lower his shoulder as well. They collided with a gasp from the crowd. Somehow, Brazeau was able to take the hit and spin-off of it gaining about 4 more yards and the first down before he lost balance and fell to the ground, but it immediately made Williams’ presence known. The Tigers would continue the drive and Brazeau would cap it off with a touchdown. The second half continued to go in the Tigers direction as QB Duane Logan would find a wide-open WR Wilbert Benjamin streaking down the right side of the field. Benjamin would catch the ball and take it in the rest of the way to extend the lead. The Athletics were able to have a decent drive late, but only mustered a field goal. As the game came to a close the Tigers rookie LB Aengus Lynch made a huge tackle on RB Jacque Montier and knocked the ball loose. The turnover would give Brazeau another touchdown.
Providence Gold Stars - 30, Hartford Hawks - 0 - New Providence Stadium - July 13, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars put a lot of the worries that many had about them to bed in the opening game. The offense seemed to be rejuvenated with RB Gene Fischer finding his feet and getting into the endzone twice. WR Peter Brooks also broke out for a 25-yard touchdown catch in the second half. On defense, they were even better, completely stopping all attack from the Hawks. They ended up taking home 5 interceptions in total with DB Victor Bean leading the way with 2. Their DL created lots of havoc for QB Andrew Sexton and didn’t let rookie RB Johnnie Stafford gain any sort of traction. The Gold Stars will have a true test next week against the Tigers. On the other side, Hartford looked awful, Sexton could complete only 6 passes and there was no run game. Their defense had some moments stalling the Gold Stars and holding them to field goals but it was far from fantastic play. DB Slay Mitchell was beaten by Peter Brooks and Eugene Burns on multiple occasions but he adjusted and made some plays late.
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Élisée Marchal MTL - 3 Touchdowns, 187 Rushing Yards
DEF: DB Victor Bean PRO - 2 Interceptions, 4 Knockdowns, 1 Tackle
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 1-0
Montreal 1-0
Ottawa 1-0
Buffalo 0-1
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 1-0
Boston 0-1
Worcester 0-1
Hartford 0-1
Power Rankings
Montreal -
Ottawa +2
Buffalo -
Boston -2
Providence +1
Toronto -1
Worcester -
Hartford -
Hartford Hawks - 10, Ottawa Royals - 35 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - July 18, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Royals continued to roll in Hartford with another dominant performance. QB Jean Matieau was lethal through the air connecting 80% of his throws and put up 3 touchdown passes. WR Allen Atkins had caught 2 of them including a 58-yard bomb after he beat rookie DB Slay Mitchell with his speed. WR John Osborn had his first TD as well. Not only was the pass game clicking but RB Alexei Volkov showed off his speed scoring two long touchdowns. His first of his career came from 41 yards out and he blew past everyone to score, and he would grab his second late in the game on an 82-yard run while the Royals were just trying to run some of the clock. QB Andrew Sexton had another rough day, while still not as bad as last week he had 2 more interceptions and could only gain 2 first downs in the first half. QB Michael Kramer would take over in the second and although the first couple drives went nowhere, Kramer found WR Robert Lang for a 20-yard gain and which would set up a WR Michael Mcleod touchdown on a pass from Kramer. The Hawks would add another field goal later.
Boston Independents - 18, Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 - Richardson Stadium - July 19, 1952 - 1 PM ET
The Independents bounced back well at home from their loss in Ottawa last week. The defense was the star in the win slowing down a pretty dynamic Buffalo offense. DB Lester Murphy had his first interception of the season early on which set up RB Joel Bonner’s first of the day. They would keep Buffalo to only 3 points until the 3rd quarter when they were up 18-3 on Bonner’s second and a single. Bonner was the engine on the offense all day finding his way forward. QB Larry Larson was still able to find both WR Ethan Walters and WR Samuel Floyd multiple times to help out Bonner. The Blue Wings touchdown in the 3rd came from RB Arthur Conner and was all they could manage. They still were successful on offense just were not able to get too far past mid-field and second-year K Donald Brewer does not have the range the Blue Wings would like. QB Angelo Medina remained super mobile running the ball 4 times for 36 yards, but there was some struggle getting the ball to his receivers at times. Buffalo already has found themselves in a hole at the bottom of the North Division.
Montreal Rouge - 27, Worcester Athletics - 9 - Mount Royal Stadium - July 19, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Rouge grabbed a routine win over the Athletics to improve to 2-0. RB Élisée Marchal had the bulk of the work on offense but was greeted by the new LB as Scotty Williams leveled Marchal early on in the game. It didn’t slow him down too much as he would go on to score two touchdowns once again in the first half. The second half was much slower for the offense but QB Oliver Callahan would find WR John Rivera for the score late. The defense was its usual solid self, but let up a late drive to the Athletics in the game. On the Worcester side, it was a much better performance from rookie QB Riley Kiernan. He seems to have found some comfort in the pocket and was way more mobile scampering for a 12 yard gain, catching the Rouge off guard. He was also able to get the ball moving with WR Clyde McIntosh and fellow rookie WR Christian Venegas. They would get into the endzone with RB Jacque Montier scoring a TD against his former team. The Rouge overall seemed laid back in this one and rightfully so, but things will get interesting in Providence next week.
Toronto Tigers - 24, Providence Gold Stars - 20 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - July 19, 1952 - 7 PM ET
Saturday night featured an intense game between the Tigers and Gold Stars. Both teams were riding high off of huge wins in week 1. It seemed like Providence had most of the momentum early with a strong second drive that ended in a WR Eugene Burns touchdown. On a Toronto drive not too long later, QB Duane Logan would pass towards WR Jake Hadder but the ball is a bit off deflecting up an into the hands of DB Victor Bean for his third pick of the season. The Gold Stars would score a field goal off the ensuing drive. Then it was time for the Tigers to kick it up. After scoring a field goal the team got a huge turnover from DB Paul Gregory who picked off the pass intended for Eugene Burns. This would set up the RB Laurent Brazeau touchdown. The Gold Stars would close out the first half with a field goal. In the second half, the Gold Stars got hot again. Midway through the 3rd, DB Lee Wolfe would pick off the pass over the middle from Duane Logan and set up a RB Gene Fischer touchdown. Providence would hold the lead into the fourth quarter, but Toronto gained some late traction. Following a long Tigers’ drive, Laurent Brazeau would score with just under 3 minutes to go to make it a 3-point game. The Gold Stars would take over and try running out the clock. On 2nd and 5, Gene Fischer would take the ball up the middle and pick up the first down, however, he forgot the ball as it was punched out by rookie LB Aengus Lynch. Toronto would recover and march to the goal-line.on second and goal Laurent Brazeau would punch in for the touchdown. The Gold Stars still had some time and took some shots downfield but S Mason Parker and DB Louie White would shut them down and hold on for the 2-0 start.
Players of the Week:
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 2-0
Ottawa 2-0
Montreal 2-0
Buffalo 0-2
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 1-1
Boston 1-1
Worcester 0-2
Hartford 0-2
Power Rankings
Montreal -
Ottawa -
Boston +1
Toronto +2
Buffalo -2
Providence -1
Worcester -
Hartford -
Buffalo Blue Wings - 14, Hartford Hawks - 16 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - July 25, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Blue Wings can’t catch a break as they drop their third straight. There may have been a feeling of relief coming into a game against an easier opponent, but they completely underestimated the Hawks. To make matters worse, RB Artur Conner had to leave the game in the first due to a hit from DL Sean Bowen. The Blue Wings could not keep the ball all day with 4 turnovers including 3 fumbles. The other turnover was an interception to DB Eugene Christensen. The Hawks had jumped out to a solid lead behind QB Michael Kramer making his first start. While they weren’t flashy, they were able to get the ball within field goal range multiple times. RB Johnnie Stafford would get his first career touchdown after a strip-sack from Sean Bowen. The Hawks led 13-0 at the half. The Blue Wings would score a touchdown in the third to 1951’s rookie of the year WR Clifford Church. They would be slowed again but would take the lead in the fourth on a second touchdown to WR Joseph Barry. The Hawks would get the ball and get to the 40 before giving K Thomas McFadden the chance to win. He would drill the kick and the defense would stall Buffalo again to win the game.
*(Apparently Hartford has this thing where they upset people in Week 3 - MTL in ’50, PRO in’51, and now BUF in ‘52. In fact, when playing during the third week of the season Hartford in undefeated and that would also apply to their 3rd game of every season beating BUF in ‘49 to improve to 1-2)
Toronto Tigers - 31, Ottawa Royals - 26 - Kitchener-Waterloo City Field - July 26, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The city of Kitchener gets another great showdown as the Tigers face off against their provincial rivals. QB Duane Logan was playing the Royals for the first time in his career and he came to play. The veteran QB immediately started lighting up the field moving the ball quickly. The Tigers were up 10-0 early off of a WR Wilbert Benjamin touchdown. After Jean Matieau led the Royals to a field goal, the Tigers would score again this time with a huge run from RB Laurent Brazeau. In the second, down 17-6, Ottawa would have a strong drive that would end in a WR Willard Brooks touchdown, though the convert was missed to make it a 3-point game. The Tigers held the lead into the half. The third quarter ended up being all Tigers. On their second drive of the half, Logan would find WR Marqués Gardner for a 22-yard gain and would set Brazeau up for a 16-yard touchdown run to extend the lead. On a later Royals drive, DB Louie White would snag the ball away when Matieau was under pressure and tried to get the ball to WR Allen Atkins. The Interception would allow Brazeau to score his third touchdown for the second straight week. The fourth started with the Tigers up 31-12. A determined Matieau and Atkins would lead the Royals back into the game in the fourth. Early on, Matieau would lead a quick drive, only needing 6 plays to score with Atkins in the endzone. They would get the 2-point convert this time to cut the lead to 11. A few drives later Matieau would fire a rocket downfield for Atkins who would catch the ball even with DB Louie White and S Mason Parker right on him. The Royals would end up in the endzone again on a jet sweep from RB Alexei Volkov who had lined up in the slot with Ellis Love in the backfield. Unfortunately, they would miss the convert, and Toronto would run out the clock to give themselves their first 3-0 start in franchise history.
Providence Gold Stars - 35, Montreal Rouge - 15 - New Providence Stadium - July 26, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The Gold Stars bounced back big time in their return home against the defending champs. It came early too as they would score on their first drive just over a minute into the game. WR Peter Brooks found a bit of open space and got the catch in the corner of the endzone. On Montreal’s first drive QB Oliver Callahan would make a bad decision and throw across the field to WR Richard de la Fontaine and it was picked off by DB Victor Bean. This would set up another Peter Brooks touchdown and the Gold Stars were up 14-0 quick. The Rouge were reeling and struggled to get back much. They got a field goal, but Providence came back with another strong drive and extended their lead with RB Gene Fischer on the ground to make it 21-3. The Rouge would add another field goal just before the half. The second half started with a 3rd Rouge field goal but quickly went further downhill for the Rouge when DB Lee Wolfe would pick it off and set up Peter Brooks’ 3rd TD. Heading into the fourth the Rouge found a little momentum with Marchal getting a touchdown, but the Gold Stars would steal it right back and score again this time to TE Marion Warren. The Gold Stars win a huge game at home and end the Rouge’s 14-game unbeaten streak.
Boston Independents - 24, Worcester Athletics - 14 - Richardson Stadium - July 27, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Athletics keep showing improvement from week to week and it is noticeable here. While Boston opened this game well with a touchdown drive in the 1st quarter with Joel Bonner scoring, the Athletics were able to return with a couple of field goals after some strong drives. However, just before the half, WR Samuel Floyd would finally break free for a huge Boston touchdown to extend the lead. The lead was extended to 17-6 in the 3rd, but QB Riley Kiernan would lead a huge drive late in the 3rd that would end in his first career touchdown pass to WR Clyde McIntosh. Kiernan would also run in the 2-point convert to make it a 3 point game. Unfortunately, the Independents would come back with another strong drive of their own leading to another Joel Bonner touchdown and the 24-14 lead.
Players of the Week
Hartford Hawks - 13, Boston Independents - 20 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - August 1, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Friday night showdown was a slow one. Neither team really showed flash, especially early on. Boston would be the first to strike with 5 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter on the feet of RB Joel Bonner. They would grab another field goal to extend the lead into the second half. Hartford would be the next to strike. DL Sean Bowen would jump and deflect QB Larry Larson’s pass up and LB Roland Hensley would pick it off. The Linebacker would get tackled awkwardly shortly after and had to leave the game, but the turnover would turn into a touchdown to WR Robert Lang. Boston would counter with a field goal, but it was slow from there. The Hawks defense was doing a good job containing the Independents offense, however, Boston was doing the same to the Hawks offense. Eventually, K Thomas McFadden would make it a 3 point game but Boston would extend their lead with a touchdown pass to WR Ethan Walters. The Hawks were only able to grab a field goal and would fall to Boston once again. On the Independents side, it seems that they have shifted to a fairly conservative playing style and have not been quite as dominant, but they are still winning.
Ottawa Royals - 34, Buffalo Blue Wings - 41 - Lansdowne Park - August 2, 1952 - 2 PM ET
In complete contrast to the previous night's game, the Royals and Blue Wings put on a show. It started with the Royals scoring on their first drive finding WR Allen Atkins for the score. However, Buffalo was determined not to get beat again and come back quickly with an RB Artur Conner touchdown who missed most of last week's loss to Hartford. By the end of the 1st quarter, Ottawa scored another touchdown this time to WR John Osborn. The Blue Wings once again scored shortly after with WR Travis Gallagher. It looked like the same back and forth action would continue until DB Oscar Patterson picked off a pass intended for Willard Brooks and brought it back into Ottawa territory. QB Angelo Medina would lead the offense the rest of the way, finding WR Clifford Church for another touchdown. The Blue Wings would take the lead into the half and then add to it on their first drive of the third. This time it was RB Arthur Conner with his second of the game. The Royals would get another back with Allen Atkins again to make it a one-score game. The Blue Wings would follow up with once again extending their lead this time on a great 7-yard run from Angelo Medina into the endzone. Neither team’s defense was finding any sort of traction. The Royals would once again drive the field and score with RB Alexei Volkov, but then the Blue Wings had another score with WR Joseph Barry giving Medina his third Passing TD of the game. Both touchdowns were followed by missed converts. The Royals were running out of time to catch up. WR Allen Atkins would get his third of the game but that would be all they could get falling just short in the offensive battle.
Worcester Athletics - 6, Providence Gold Stars - 27 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - August 2, 1952 7 PM ET
The Gold Stars continued their dominance with a solid win over the Athletics. It was once again the defense shining grabbing 3 more interceptions in the game. DB Victor Bean and S Randy Maynard had picks in the first half resulting in a shutout in the first three quarters. DB Lee Wolfe would also get a pick in the second half to add to all of that. The offense capitalized on the turnovers with RB Gene Fischer getting into the endzone twice while WR Peter Brooks got another himself after his 3 last week. The Athletics just struggled with keeping the ball. They still lack a lot of weapons and their best receivers are developing yet. They are hoping for more success in the back to back against Hartford coming up. They would end the game with a couple of strong drives resulting in field goals, but that was all they could muster. The Gold Stars continue to roll with a 3-1 start but they will be facing their demons next week going into the home-and-home against Boston.
Toronto Tigers - 23, Montreal Rouge - 26 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - August 3, 1952 - 3 PM ET
It always seems to be the measure of how good the Tigers have gotten based on how they fare against the Rouge. After losing their first-ever NAAF game to the Rouge 45-0, they have come a long way. The first was intense with decent offensive drives but great defensive play to stop them short of the endzone. The teams traded field goals in the opening frame to make it 3-3. The Rouge would finally break it open with an RB Élisée Marchal touchdown to make it 3-10 but QB Duane Logan would counter with a huge touchdown finding WR Wilbert Benjamin in the endzone for the score. On the Rouge’s next drive, Qb Oliver Callahan continued to show some decline with a brutal interception to DB Paul Gregory. The Tigers would add a field goal in the ensuing drive to go up 13-10 at halftime. The Rouge would get the Tigers back in the 3rd quarter with another Élisée Marchal touchdown, but once again the Tigers were not going down without a fight. RB Laurent Brazeau scored the touchdown that opened up the 4th and gave the Tigers a late lead. Montreal would keep the offense coming but would come up well short of the endzone and then miss the field goal resulting in a single. The Tigers would take advantage and extend their lead to 23-18. Unfortunately, the Rouge are still the Rouge and they would roll down the field and eventually score a touchdown to WR John Rivera after a fake to Marchal. Marchal would take in the 2-pointer to give Montreal the 3-point lead. Toronto would still get a chance and on an excellent drive led by Duane Logan, they would make it just to around field goal range with 00:00 on the clock. With the final play, K Nathaniel King would miss the field goal attempt and the Tigers would fall 23-26.
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Angelo Medina BUF - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 1 Rushing Touchdown, 376 Passing Yards
DEF: DB Lee Wolfe - 1 Interception, 3 Knockdowns, 6 Tackles
Standings
NORTH
Montreal 3-1
Toronto 3-1
Ottawa 2-2
Buffalo 1-3
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 3-1
Boston 3-1
Hartford 1-3
Worcester 0-4
Power Rankings
Providence +1
Montreal +1
Toronto -2
Ottawa -
Boston -
Buffalo +1
Hartford -1
Worcester -
Montreal Rouge - 20, Ottawa Royals - 36 - Mount Royal Stadium - August 9, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Royals offense rolled over the usual brick wall of a Rouge defense and stole a game in Montreal. This game was close in the first few quarters as the teams traded touchdowns early on. Ottawa started things off with WR Willard Brooks finding the endzone, Montreal would follow up with their star RB Élisée Marchal scoring once again. The touchdowns would stand for a bit before Ottawa would reclaim the lead on a TE Morris Lindsey touchdown who snuck out underneath the coverage for his first TD as a Royal. The Rouge would have a big drive but fall just short of the endzone resulting in a field goal. The Royals would sneak another field goal in just before the half after DB Uzzia Hayes picked off QB Oliver Callahan. The Royals would add to the lead again in the 3rd with WR Allen Atkins’ first of the game, however, K Clint Hudson would miss the extra point. Montreal would find the endzone again after the Royals scored, once again with Marchal cutting the lead to just 6. Even with Marchal keeping the Rouge in the game, their aging defense had no answers for QB Jean Matieau. Matieau would lead another long drive which would end on a trick play finding RB Ellis Love open in the endzone for another passing touchdown. After another Rouge field goal. The Royals would put the nail in the coffin when WR Allen Atkins broke past everyone and took it to the house on a bomb over the top. The Royals rebound after back-to-back losses and Montreal starts to worry about their position.
Boston Independents - 23, Providence Gold Stars - 20 - Richardson Stadium - August 9, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Gold Stars demons still haunt them in Boston. Even with the team fielding the best defense in the league so far, they could not stop the Independents when it counted most. This game was all Boston early on with a field goal followed up by a RB Rahil Boone Touchdown after RB Joel Bonner left the game with a minor injury. Following the touchdown, both teams were able to slow each other down while also gaining traction on offense. The two sides traded several field goals making the score 13-6 Boston. Things changed when QB Bruce Woodard tried to find Peter Brooks downfield but was picked off by DB Lester Murphy. This would become another Boston major from WR Ethan Walters. Following the mistake, Woodard led the Gold Stars on a big drive that would end with RB Gene Fischer breaking through to the endzone. After DB Lee Wolfe would grab another interception off of QB Larry Larson, they would tie the game up at 20 with WR Lloyd Marshall. The Gold Stars had loads of momentum and plenty of time to take the lead. On their next drive, Providence would move quickly, but Woodard got a little excited and thought he had Peter Brooks open downfield. The throw was slightly short and was picked off by S Michael O’Brien. That zapped the momentum from Providence. The Independents wouldn’t score on the ensuing drive but would get the ball back once again late. QB Larry Larson would find himself in a similar position as last year without RB Joel Bonner, and once again he was able to pull off the win. Getting to field goal range and allowing K Arthur Wall to seal it on a 32-yard kick. The Gold Stars are frustrated again by another loss in Boston.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 19, Toronto Tigers - 17 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - August 10, 1952 - 3 PM ET
After both games from last year ended with only 2-points separating the teams, it was no surprise that once again it was a close game. The opening quarter had no scoring as both teams traded drive after drive. Each team had fumbled the ball as well with a little rain on the field early on. The second quarter would have Buffalo put up back-to-back field goals going up 6-0 however, with the half winding down and the rain halting, the Tigers moved the ball downfield and RB Laurent Brazeau would find the endzone to give the Tigers the halftime lead. The second half started with Toronto scoring again, this time on a field goal. The Blue Wings would get it back late in the 3rd on a bomb to WR Clifford Church who had snuck behind Tigers coverage. The Blue Wings now had the 13-10 lead. In the fourth, the Tigers would make a strong drive with about 4 minutes to go and score another touchdown. RB Laurent Brazeau had his second of the game and the Tigers had the late lead. Their defense was able to stop Buffalo twice while running down the clock. Buffalo got the ball back a third time with only 35 seconds left. QB Angelo Medina started working his magic and would in a couple of plays have the Blue Wings in the redzone. After a 1st down incompletion, Medina was able to find WR Travis Gallagher at the 4-yard line, where he was tackled. However, the Blue Wings still had one last play as the clock still had 1 second left when he was tackled. On the final snap, QB Angelo Medina dropped back and found no one open. With the coverage, Medina rolled out of the pocket and then took off towards the endzone. LB Aengus Lynch came rumbling in to tackle Medina and he got his arms around him, but Medina was able to stretch his arms over the line for the score. The Blue Wings would kneel the convert to prevent giving Toronto a chance to tie.
Worcester Athletics - 23, Hartford Hawks - 16 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - August 10, 1952 - 3 PM ET
QB Riley Kiernan grabbed his first career win in a battle with the Hawks. The Young QB was solid throwing one touchdown to fellow rookie WR Christian Venegas. The touchdown was Venegas’ first and he had almost dropped it but gained control after juggling it. The other 2 touchdowns for the Athletics came from RB Jacque Montier, including setting up the game-winner on a 34-yard run, which he would put into the endzone a couple plays later. LB Scotty Williams continued to be a force down the middle, absolutely rocking the Hawks rookie RB Johnnie Stafford who would fumble the ball on the play. He also came up with 12 tackles in the game. The Hawks were just as competitive with the game coming down to the final few minutes tied at 16. DB Slay Mitchell also reeled in his first interception of his career and had his best game. Unfortunately, their defense just couldn’t stop Montier on the final drive and that ended their day. Offensively, QB Michael Kramer had a minor set back in the game throwing a pick and fumbling the ball. He still was able to get WR Michael Mcleod a touchdown in the 3rd quarter.
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Laurent Brazeau TOR - 2 Touchdowns, 104 Rushing Yards
DEF: DB Victor Bean PRO - 1 Interception, 5 Tackles, 3 Knockdowns
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 4-2
Ottawa 4-2
Montreal 3-3
Buffalo 2-4
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 4-2
Boston 4-2
Worcester 2-4
Hartford 1-5
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Providence -
Toronto +2
Boston -1
Montreal -1
Buffalo -
Worcester -
Hartford -
Hartford Hawks - 10, Ottawa Royals - 35 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - July 18, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Royals continued to roll in Hartford with another dominant performance. QB Jean Matieau was lethal through the air connecting 80% of his throws and put up 3 touchdown passes. WR Allen Atkins had caught 2 of them including a 58-yard bomb after he beat rookie DB Slay Mitchell with his speed. WR John Osborn had his first TD as well. Not only was the pass game clicking but RB Alexei Volkov showed off his speed scoring two long touchdowns. His first of his career came from 41 yards out and he blew past everyone to score, and he would grab his second late in the game on an 82-yard run while the Royals were just trying to run some of the clock. QB Andrew Sexton had another rough day, while still not as bad as last week he had 2 more interceptions and could only gain 2 first downs in the first half. QB Michael Kramer would take over in the second and although the first couple drives went nowhere, Kramer found WR Robert Lang for a 20-yard gain and which would set up a WR Michael Mcleod touchdown on a pass from Kramer. The Hawks would add another field goal later.
Boston Independents - 18, Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 - Richardson Stadium - July 19, 1952 - 1 PM ET
The Independents bounced back well at home from their loss in Ottawa last week. The defense was the star in the win slowing down a pretty dynamic Buffalo offense. DB Lester Murphy had his first interception of the season early on which set up RB Joel Bonner’s first of the day. They would keep Buffalo to only 3 points until the 3rd quarter when they were up 18-3 on Bonner’s second and a single. Bonner was the engine on the offense all day finding his way forward. QB Larry Larson was still able to find both WR Ethan Walters and WR Samuel Floyd multiple times to help out Bonner. The Blue Wings touchdown in the 3rd came from RB Arthur Conner and was all they could manage. They still were successful on offense just were not able to get too far past mid-field and second-year K Donald Brewer does not have the range the Blue Wings would like. QB Angelo Medina remained super mobile running the ball 4 times for 36 yards, but there was some struggle getting the ball to his receivers at times. Buffalo already has found themselves in a hole at the bottom of the North Division.
Montreal Rouge - 27, Worcester Athletics - 9 - Mount Royal Stadium - July 19, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Rouge grabbed a routine win over the Athletics to improve to 2-0. RB Élisée Marchal had the bulk of the work on offense but was greeted by the new LB as Scotty Williams leveled Marchal early on in the game. It didn’t slow him down too much as he would go on to score two touchdowns once again in the first half. The second half was much slower for the offense but QB Oliver Callahan would find WR John Rivera for the score late. The defense was its usual solid self, but let up a late drive to the Athletics in the game. On the Worcester side, it was a much better performance from rookie QB Riley Kiernan. He seems to have found some comfort in the pocket and was way more mobile scampering for a 12 yard gain, catching the Rouge off guard. He was also able to get the ball moving with WR Clyde McIntosh and fellow rookie WR Christian Venegas. They would get into the endzone with RB Jacque Montier scoring a TD against his former team. The Rouge overall seemed laid back in this one and rightfully so, but things will get interesting in Providence next week.
Toronto Tigers - 24, Providence Gold Stars - 20 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - July 19, 1952 - 7 PM ET
Saturday night featured an intense game between the Tigers and Gold Stars. Both teams were riding high off of huge wins in week 1. It seemed like Providence had most of the momentum early with a strong second drive that ended in a WR Eugene Burns touchdown. On a Toronto drive not too long later, QB Duane Logan would pass towards WR Jake Hadder but the ball is a bit off deflecting up an into the hands of DB Victor Bean for his third pick of the season. The Gold Stars would score a field goal off the ensuing drive. Then it was time for the Tigers to kick it up. After scoring a field goal the team got a huge turnover from DB Paul Gregory who picked off the pass intended for Eugene Burns. This would set up the RB Laurent Brazeau touchdown. The Gold Stars would close out the first half with a field goal. In the second half, the Gold Stars got hot again. Midway through the 3rd, DB Lee Wolfe would pick off the pass over the middle from Duane Logan and set up a RB Gene Fischer touchdown. Providence would hold the lead into the fourth quarter, but Toronto gained some late traction. Following a long Tigers’ drive, Laurent Brazeau would score with just under 3 minutes to go to make it a 3-point game. The Gold Stars would take over and try running out the clock. On 2nd and 5, Gene Fischer would take the ball up the middle and pick up the first down, however, he forgot the ball as it was punched out by rookie LB Aengus Lynch. Toronto would recover and march to the goal-line.on second and goal Laurent Brazeau would punch in for the touchdown. The Gold Stars still had some time and took some shots downfield but S Mason Parker and DB Louie White would shut them down and hold on for the 2-0 start.
Players of the Week:
OFF: RB Laurent Brazeau TOR - 3 Touchdowns, 120 Rushing Yards
DEF: DB Lester Murphy BOS - 1 Interception, 5 Knockdowns, 4 Tackles
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 2-0
Ottawa 2-0
Montreal 2-0
Buffalo 0-2
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 1-1
Boston 1-1
Worcester 0-2
Hartford 0-2
Power Rankings
Montreal -
Ottawa -
Boston +1
Toronto +2
Buffalo -2
Providence -1
Worcester -
Hartford -
Buffalo Blue Wings - 14, Hartford Hawks - 16 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - July 25, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Blue Wings can’t catch a break as they drop their third straight. There may have been a feeling of relief coming into a game against an easier opponent, but they completely underestimated the Hawks. To make matters worse, RB Artur Conner had to leave the game in the first due to a hit from DL Sean Bowen. The Blue Wings could not keep the ball all day with 4 turnovers including 3 fumbles. The other turnover was an interception to DB Eugene Christensen. The Hawks had jumped out to a solid lead behind QB Michael Kramer making his first start. While they weren’t flashy, they were able to get the ball within field goal range multiple times. RB Johnnie Stafford would get his first career touchdown after a strip-sack from Sean Bowen. The Hawks led 13-0 at the half. The Blue Wings would score a touchdown in the third to 1951’s rookie of the year WR Clifford Church. They would be slowed again but would take the lead in the fourth on a second touchdown to WR Joseph Barry. The Hawks would get the ball and get to the 40 before giving K Thomas McFadden the chance to win. He would drill the kick and the defense would stall Buffalo again to win the game.
*(Apparently Hartford has this thing where they upset people in Week 3 - MTL in ’50, PRO in’51, and now BUF in ‘52. In fact, when playing during the third week of the season Hartford in undefeated and that would also apply to their 3rd game of every season beating BUF in ‘49 to improve to 1-2)
Toronto Tigers - 31, Ottawa Royals - 26 - Kitchener-Waterloo City Field - July 26, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The city of Kitchener gets another great showdown as the Tigers face off against their provincial rivals. QB Duane Logan was playing the Royals for the first time in his career and he came to play. The veteran QB immediately started lighting up the field moving the ball quickly. The Tigers were up 10-0 early off of a WR Wilbert Benjamin touchdown. After Jean Matieau led the Royals to a field goal, the Tigers would score again this time with a huge run from RB Laurent Brazeau. In the second, down 17-6, Ottawa would have a strong drive that would end in a WR Willard Brooks touchdown, though the convert was missed to make it a 3-point game. The Tigers held the lead into the half. The third quarter ended up being all Tigers. On their second drive of the half, Logan would find WR Marqués Gardner for a 22-yard gain and would set Brazeau up for a 16-yard touchdown run to extend the lead. On a later Royals drive, DB Louie White would snag the ball away when Matieau was under pressure and tried to get the ball to WR Allen Atkins. The Interception would allow Brazeau to score his third touchdown for the second straight week. The fourth started with the Tigers up 31-12. A determined Matieau and Atkins would lead the Royals back into the game in the fourth. Early on, Matieau would lead a quick drive, only needing 6 plays to score with Atkins in the endzone. They would get the 2-point convert this time to cut the lead to 11. A few drives later Matieau would fire a rocket downfield for Atkins who would catch the ball even with DB Louie White and S Mason Parker right on him. The Royals would end up in the endzone again on a jet sweep from RB Alexei Volkov who had lined up in the slot with Ellis Love in the backfield. Unfortunately, they would miss the convert, and Toronto would run out the clock to give themselves their first 3-0 start in franchise history.
Providence Gold Stars - 35, Montreal Rouge - 15 - New Providence Stadium - July 26, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The Gold Stars bounced back big time in their return home against the defending champs. It came early too as they would score on their first drive just over a minute into the game. WR Peter Brooks found a bit of open space and got the catch in the corner of the endzone. On Montreal’s first drive QB Oliver Callahan would make a bad decision and throw across the field to WR Richard de la Fontaine and it was picked off by DB Victor Bean. This would set up another Peter Brooks touchdown and the Gold Stars were up 14-0 quick. The Rouge were reeling and struggled to get back much. They got a field goal, but Providence came back with another strong drive and extended their lead with RB Gene Fischer on the ground to make it 21-3. The Rouge would add another field goal just before the half. The second half started with a 3rd Rouge field goal but quickly went further downhill for the Rouge when DB Lee Wolfe would pick it off and set up Peter Brooks’ 3rd TD. Heading into the fourth the Rouge found a little momentum with Marchal getting a touchdown, but the Gold Stars would steal it right back and score again this time to TE Marion Warren. The Gold Stars win a huge game at home and end the Rouge’s 14-game unbeaten streak.
Boston Independents - 24, Worcester Athletics - 14 - Richardson Stadium - July 27, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Athletics keep showing improvement from week to week and it is noticeable here. While Boston opened this game well with a touchdown drive in the 1st quarter with Joel Bonner scoring, the Athletics were able to return with a couple of field goals after some strong drives. However, just before the half, WR Samuel Floyd would finally break free for a huge Boston touchdown to extend the lead. The lead was extended to 17-6 in the 3rd, but QB Riley Kiernan would lead a huge drive late in the 3rd that would end in his first career touchdown pass to WR Clyde McIntosh. Kiernan would also run in the 2-point convert to make it a 3 point game. Unfortunately, the Independents would come back with another strong drive of their own leading to another Joel Bonner touchdown and the 24-14 lead.
Players of the Week
OFF: WR Peter Brooks PRO - 3 Touchdowns, 93 Receiving Yards
DEF: DL Sean Bowen HAR - 2 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 7 Tackles
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 3-0
Ottawa 2-1
Montreal 2-1
Buffalo 0-3
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 2-1
Boston 2-1
Hartford 1-2
Worcester 0-3
Power Rankings
Toronto +3
Providence +4
Montreal -2
Ottawa -2
Boston -1
Hartford +2
Buffalo -2
Worcester -1
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 3-0
Ottawa 2-1
Montreal 2-1
Buffalo 0-3
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 2-1
Boston 2-1
Hartford 1-2
Worcester 0-3
Power Rankings
Toronto +3
Providence +4
Montreal -2
Ottawa -2
Boston -1
Hartford +2
Buffalo -2
Worcester -1
Hartford Hawks - 13, Boston Independents - 20 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - August 1, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The Friday night showdown was a slow one. Neither team really showed flash, especially early on. Boston would be the first to strike with 5 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter on the feet of RB Joel Bonner. They would grab another field goal to extend the lead into the second half. Hartford would be the next to strike. DL Sean Bowen would jump and deflect QB Larry Larson’s pass up and LB Roland Hensley would pick it off. The Linebacker would get tackled awkwardly shortly after and had to leave the game, but the turnover would turn into a touchdown to WR Robert Lang. Boston would counter with a field goal, but it was slow from there. The Hawks defense was doing a good job containing the Independents offense, however, Boston was doing the same to the Hawks offense. Eventually, K Thomas McFadden would make it a 3 point game but Boston would extend their lead with a touchdown pass to WR Ethan Walters. The Hawks were only able to grab a field goal and would fall to Boston once again. On the Independents side, it seems that they have shifted to a fairly conservative playing style and have not been quite as dominant, but they are still winning.
Ottawa Royals - 34, Buffalo Blue Wings - 41 - Lansdowne Park - August 2, 1952 - 2 PM ET
In complete contrast to the previous night's game, the Royals and Blue Wings put on a show. It started with the Royals scoring on their first drive finding WR Allen Atkins for the score. However, Buffalo was determined not to get beat again and come back quickly with an RB Artur Conner touchdown who missed most of last week's loss to Hartford. By the end of the 1st quarter, Ottawa scored another touchdown this time to WR John Osborn. The Blue Wings once again scored shortly after with WR Travis Gallagher. It looked like the same back and forth action would continue until DB Oscar Patterson picked off a pass intended for Willard Brooks and brought it back into Ottawa territory. QB Angelo Medina would lead the offense the rest of the way, finding WR Clifford Church for another touchdown. The Blue Wings would take the lead into the half and then add to it on their first drive of the third. This time it was RB Arthur Conner with his second of the game. The Royals would get another back with Allen Atkins again to make it a one-score game. The Blue Wings would follow up with once again extending their lead this time on a great 7-yard run from Angelo Medina into the endzone. Neither team’s defense was finding any sort of traction. The Royals would once again drive the field and score with RB Alexei Volkov, but then the Blue Wings had another score with WR Joseph Barry giving Medina his third Passing TD of the game. Both touchdowns were followed by missed converts. The Royals were running out of time to catch up. WR Allen Atkins would get his third of the game but that would be all they could get falling just short in the offensive battle.
Worcester Athletics - 6, Providence Gold Stars - 27 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - August 2, 1952 7 PM ET
The Gold Stars continued their dominance with a solid win over the Athletics. It was once again the defense shining grabbing 3 more interceptions in the game. DB Victor Bean and S Randy Maynard had picks in the first half resulting in a shutout in the first three quarters. DB Lee Wolfe would also get a pick in the second half to add to all of that. The offense capitalized on the turnovers with RB Gene Fischer getting into the endzone twice while WR Peter Brooks got another himself after his 3 last week. The Athletics just struggled with keeping the ball. They still lack a lot of weapons and their best receivers are developing yet. They are hoping for more success in the back to back against Hartford coming up. They would end the game with a couple of strong drives resulting in field goals, but that was all they could muster. The Gold Stars continue to roll with a 3-1 start but they will be facing their demons next week going into the home-and-home against Boston.
Toronto Tigers - 23, Montreal Rouge - 26 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - August 3, 1952 - 3 PM ET
It always seems to be the measure of how good the Tigers have gotten based on how they fare against the Rouge. After losing their first-ever NAAF game to the Rouge 45-0, they have come a long way. The first was intense with decent offensive drives but great defensive play to stop them short of the endzone. The teams traded field goals in the opening frame to make it 3-3. The Rouge would finally break it open with an RB Élisée Marchal touchdown to make it 3-10 but QB Duane Logan would counter with a huge touchdown finding WR Wilbert Benjamin in the endzone for the score. On the Rouge’s next drive, Qb Oliver Callahan continued to show some decline with a brutal interception to DB Paul Gregory. The Tigers would add a field goal in the ensuing drive to go up 13-10 at halftime. The Rouge would get the Tigers back in the 3rd quarter with another Élisée Marchal touchdown, but once again the Tigers were not going down without a fight. RB Laurent Brazeau scored the touchdown that opened up the 4th and gave the Tigers a late lead. Montreal would keep the offense coming but would come up well short of the endzone and then miss the field goal resulting in a single. The Tigers would take advantage and extend their lead to 23-18. Unfortunately, the Rouge are still the Rouge and they would roll down the field and eventually score a touchdown to WR John Rivera after a fake to Marchal. Marchal would take in the 2-pointer to give Montreal the 3-point lead. Toronto would still get a chance and on an excellent drive led by Duane Logan, they would make it just to around field goal range with 00:00 on the clock. With the final play, K Nathaniel King would miss the field goal attempt and the Tigers would fall 23-26.
Players of the Week
Standings
NORTH
Montreal 3-1
Toronto 3-1
Ottawa 2-2
Buffalo 1-3
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 3-1
Boston 3-1
Hartford 1-3
Worcester 0-4
Power Rankings
Providence +1
Montreal +1
Toronto -2
Ottawa -
Boston -
Buffalo +1
Hartford -1
Worcester -
The Royals offense rolled over the usual brick wall of a Rouge defense and stole a game in Montreal. This game was close in the first few quarters as the teams traded touchdowns early on. Ottawa started things off with WR Willard Brooks finding the endzone, Montreal would follow up with their star RB Élisée Marchal scoring once again. The touchdowns would stand for a bit before Ottawa would reclaim the lead on a TE Morris Lindsey touchdown who snuck out underneath the coverage for his first TD as a Royal. The Rouge would have a big drive but fall just short of the endzone resulting in a field goal. The Royals would sneak another field goal in just before the half after DB Uzzia Hayes picked off QB Oliver Callahan. The Royals would add to the lead again in the 3rd with WR Allen Atkins’ first of the game, however, K Clint Hudson would miss the extra point. Montreal would find the endzone again after the Royals scored, once again with Marchal cutting the lead to just 6. Even with Marchal keeping the Rouge in the game, their aging defense had no answers for QB Jean Matieau. Matieau would lead another long drive which would end on a trick play finding RB Ellis Love open in the endzone for another passing touchdown. After another Rouge field goal. The Royals would put the nail in the coffin when WR Allen Atkins broke past everyone and took it to the house on a bomb over the top. The Royals rebound after back-to-back losses and Montreal starts to worry about their position.
Boston Independents - 23, Providence Gold Stars - 20 - Richardson Stadium - August 9, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Gold Stars demons still haunt them in Boston. Even with the team fielding the best defense in the league so far, they could not stop the Independents when it counted most. This game was all Boston early on with a field goal followed up by a RB Rahil Boone Touchdown after RB Joel Bonner left the game with a minor injury. Following the touchdown, both teams were able to slow each other down while also gaining traction on offense. The two sides traded several field goals making the score 13-6 Boston. Things changed when QB Bruce Woodard tried to find Peter Brooks downfield but was picked off by DB Lester Murphy. This would become another Boston major from WR Ethan Walters. Following the mistake, Woodard led the Gold Stars on a big drive that would end with RB Gene Fischer breaking through to the endzone. After DB Lee Wolfe would grab another interception off of QB Larry Larson, they would tie the game up at 20 with WR Lloyd Marshall. The Gold Stars had loads of momentum and plenty of time to take the lead. On their next drive, Providence would move quickly, but Woodard got a little excited and thought he had Peter Brooks open downfield. The throw was slightly short and was picked off by S Michael O’Brien. That zapped the momentum from Providence. The Independents wouldn’t score on the ensuing drive but would get the ball back once again late. QB Larry Larson would find himself in a similar position as last year without RB Joel Bonner, and once again he was able to pull off the win. Getting to field goal range and allowing K Arthur Wall to seal it on a 32-yard kick. The Gold Stars are frustrated again by another loss in Boston.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 19, Toronto Tigers - 17 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - August 10, 1952 - 3 PM ET
After both games from last year ended with only 2-points separating the teams, it was no surprise that once again it was a close game. The opening quarter had no scoring as both teams traded drive after drive. Each team had fumbled the ball as well with a little rain on the field early on. The second quarter would have Buffalo put up back-to-back field goals going up 6-0 however, with the half winding down and the rain halting, the Tigers moved the ball downfield and RB Laurent Brazeau would find the endzone to give the Tigers the halftime lead. The second half started with Toronto scoring again, this time on a field goal. The Blue Wings would get it back late in the 3rd on a bomb to WR Clifford Church who had snuck behind Tigers coverage. The Blue Wings now had the 13-10 lead. In the fourth, the Tigers would make a strong drive with about 4 minutes to go and score another touchdown. RB Laurent Brazeau had his second of the game and the Tigers had the late lead. Their defense was able to stop Buffalo twice while running down the clock. Buffalo got the ball back a third time with only 35 seconds left. QB Angelo Medina started working his magic and would in a couple of plays have the Blue Wings in the redzone. After a 1st down incompletion, Medina was able to find WR Travis Gallagher at the 4-yard line, where he was tackled. However, the Blue Wings still had one last play as the clock still had 1 second left when he was tackled. On the final snap, QB Angelo Medina dropped back and found no one open. With the coverage, Medina rolled out of the pocket and then took off towards the endzone. LB Aengus Lynch came rumbling in to tackle Medina and he got his arms around him, but Medina was able to stretch his arms over the line for the score. The Blue Wings would kneel the convert to prevent giving Toronto a chance to tie.
Worcester Athletics - 23, Hartford Hawks - 16 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - August 10, 1952 - 3 PM ET
QB Riley Kiernan grabbed his first career win in a battle with the Hawks. The Young QB was solid throwing one touchdown to fellow rookie WR Christian Venegas. The touchdown was Venegas’ first and he had almost dropped it but gained control after juggling it. The other 2 touchdowns for the Athletics came from RB Jacque Montier, including setting up the game-winner on a 34-yard run, which he would put into the endzone a couple plays later. LB Scotty Williams continued to be a force down the middle, absolutely rocking the Hawks rookie RB Johnnie Stafford who would fumble the ball on the play. He also came up with 12 tackles in the game. The Hawks were just as competitive with the game coming down to the final few minutes tied at 16. DB Slay Mitchell also reeled in his first interception of his career and had his best game. Unfortunately, their defense just couldn’t stop Montier on the final drive and that ended their day. Offensively, QB Michael Kramer had a minor set back in the game throwing a pick and fumbling the ball. He still was able to get WR Michael Mcleod a touchdown in the 3rd quarter.
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Jean Matieau OTT - 5 Passing Touchdowns, 426 Passing Yards
DEF: LB Scotty Williams WOR - 1 Forced Fumble, 12 Tackles
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 3-2
Toronto 3-2
Montreal 3-2
Buffalo 2-3
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 4-1
Providence 3-2
Worcester 1-4
Hartford 1-4
Power Rankings
Ottawa +3
Providence -
Boston +2
Montreal -2
Toronto -2
Buffalo -
Worcester +1
Hartford -1
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 3-2
Toronto 3-2
Montreal 3-2
Buffalo 2-3
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 4-1
Providence 3-2
Worcester 1-4
Hartford 1-4
Power Rankings
Ottawa +3
Providence -
Boston +2
Montreal -2
Toronto -2
Buffalo -
Worcester +1
Hartford -1
Providence Gold Stars - 26, Boston Independents - 14 - New Providence Stadium - August 16, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The rematch didn’t start out in the favour of the Gold Stars as the Boston Independents would go the distance on their opening drive. RB Joel Bonner punched the ball into the endzone on the 9th play of the game. QB Bruce Woodard was determined to end the 22-year drought against the Independents. He would lead the Gold Stars back down the field the other way and find TE Marion Warren for the touchdown. The defense was able to step up and slow Boston down for the rest of the first half. The Offense was able to get a couple of field goals over that time. While it seemed they would go into the half with a lead, DB Francis Veillette of Boston had other plans when he picked off Woodard’s pass and put Boston into scoring range. Bonner would finish what Veillette started by scoring the touchdown just before the half to take the 13-14 lead. The Gold Stars came out of the break with anger and determination. Woodard would lead the offense down the field regaining the lead on a field goal. Then, on Boston’s next drive DB Victor Bean would steal the ball from WR Samuel Floyd and take it back into Boston territory. The Gold Stars would then add to the lead with WR Peter Brooks. All of a sudden the Gold Stars were up 23-14 and would not look back. DB Lee Wolfe had another pick to seal the deal. The Gold Stars finally broke the curse and beat the Boston Football Club for the first time since 1930. They will also hold the tiebreaker over Boston based on point differential placing the division in their control.
Ottawa Royals - 29, Montreal Rouge - 16 - Lansdowne Park - August 16, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Royals came home to Lansdowne where they have not been able to beat the Rouge. However, the new-look Royals were ready this time. Out of the gate, their offense was maintaining the high level of play from last week’s game. On their second drive of the game, WR Allen Atkins broke deep for a 48-yard play that would set the Royals up at the 8-yard line. On the following play, the Rouge tried to pressure QB Jean Matieau by sending LB Quinton Brewer into the backfield but Matieau shifted and threw around him. He found WR John Osborn cutting right through the empty space Brewer had left and into the endzone. The Rouge were obviously frustrated. QB Oliver Callahan was continuing to struggle, throwing 2 interceptions in the first half. DB Michael Conner and LB Leo Davenport were the receivers of the errant throws. The Royals would add two more touchdowns in the half, one to WR Willard Brooks and another to WR Allen Atkins, and go up 21-3. The Rouge changed things up in the second half with former Buffalo QB Andrew Glover taking over. He was able to get the team moving a bit more and RB Élisée Marchal would score a touchdown. However, their defense still struggled with the Royals offense and they would allow another Willard Brooks touchdown. The game was pretty tame from then on with teams trading kicks. The Rouge would add a couple of field goals while also sacrificing a single late.
Hartford Hawks - 13, Worcester Athletics - 18 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - August 17, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Hawks gave QB Andrew Sexton another shot in the rematch with the Athletics. He was much better than the start of the season. He was able to throw a touchdown to WR Robert Lang but still threw 1 interception. The offense overall was able to move the ball more, but could not score enough to keep up with Kiernan and the Athletics. QB Riley Kiernan had another strong game. He was able to set up a RB Jacque Montier touchdown and then would scramble for a rushing touchdown himself. LB Scotty Williams was also still dominating the middle of the field with 10 tackles including knocking WR Arnold Torres flat on his back while he tried to catch a pass and he also had the interception for the Athletics. The loss may work in the favour for the Hawks who are now in prime position to have the top pick in the draft, but it does not help declining attendance in Hartford.
Toronto Tigers - 27, Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - August 17, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The battle between the Great Lakes rivals continues with yet another close battle. The first quarter featured both sides reaching the endzone with their star running backs. Arthur Conner opened it up first, breaking through the Tigers line and into the endzone. Then, Laurent Brazeau ran to the endzone with DL Matis Baril holding him back, but he reached the ball out and over the line. The remainder of the first half was back and forth. Neither team was able to break into the endzone again but the Tigers got a field goal. Defensively, DB Dylan Alston was able to pick off Duane Logan, but they would go 2 and out. At the start of the second half, QB Angelo Medina was able to lead the Blue Wings down the field and would get the ball to WR Joseph Barry for a touchdown and the lead. A field goal would be added to the total not long after. The Tigers had fallen behind again, but QB Duane Logan didn’t want to lose to the Blue Wings again and turned it up. He would lead the offense to field goal range and K Nathaniel would cut the lead to 4. A couple drives later, Logan would find WR Jake Hadder open to get them into Buffalo territory. Brazeau would inch their way towards the endzone where Logan would find WR Wilbert Benjamin for another touchdown. The Blue Wings would retaliate with a strong drive but DB Louie White prevented the touchdown and they would have to settle for the field goal. With time winding down with the threat of a tie, the Tigers would march downfield behind Logan and Brazeau. Eventually, the Tigers would find themselves in field goal range and would look to run down the time with Brazeau but he just broke it up through the middle and ran over LB Ben McCray to score the game-winning touchdown.
Players of the Week
The rematch didn’t start out in the favour of the Gold Stars as the Boston Independents would go the distance on their opening drive. RB Joel Bonner punched the ball into the endzone on the 9th play of the game. QB Bruce Woodard was determined to end the 22-year drought against the Independents. He would lead the Gold Stars back down the field the other way and find TE Marion Warren for the touchdown. The defense was able to step up and slow Boston down for the rest of the first half. The Offense was able to get a couple of field goals over that time. While it seemed they would go into the half with a lead, DB Francis Veillette of Boston had other plans when he picked off Woodard’s pass and put Boston into scoring range. Bonner would finish what Veillette started by scoring the touchdown just before the half to take the 13-14 lead. The Gold Stars came out of the break with anger and determination. Woodard would lead the offense down the field regaining the lead on a field goal. Then, on Boston’s next drive DB Victor Bean would steal the ball from WR Samuel Floyd and take it back into Boston territory. The Gold Stars would then add to the lead with WR Peter Brooks. All of a sudden the Gold Stars were up 23-14 and would not look back. DB Lee Wolfe had another pick to seal the deal. The Gold Stars finally broke the curse and beat the Boston Football Club for the first time since 1930. They will also hold the tiebreaker over Boston based on point differential placing the division in their control.
Ottawa Royals - 29, Montreal Rouge - 16 - Lansdowne Park - August 16, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Royals came home to Lansdowne where they have not been able to beat the Rouge. However, the new-look Royals were ready this time. Out of the gate, their offense was maintaining the high level of play from last week’s game. On their second drive of the game, WR Allen Atkins broke deep for a 48-yard play that would set the Royals up at the 8-yard line. On the following play, the Rouge tried to pressure QB Jean Matieau by sending LB Quinton Brewer into the backfield but Matieau shifted and threw around him. He found WR John Osborn cutting right through the empty space Brewer had left and into the endzone. The Rouge were obviously frustrated. QB Oliver Callahan was continuing to struggle, throwing 2 interceptions in the first half. DB Michael Conner and LB Leo Davenport were the receivers of the errant throws. The Royals would add two more touchdowns in the half, one to WR Willard Brooks and another to WR Allen Atkins, and go up 21-3. The Rouge changed things up in the second half with former Buffalo QB Andrew Glover taking over. He was able to get the team moving a bit more and RB Élisée Marchal would score a touchdown. However, their defense still struggled with the Royals offense and they would allow another Willard Brooks touchdown. The game was pretty tame from then on with teams trading kicks. The Rouge would add a couple of field goals while also sacrificing a single late.
Hartford Hawks - 13, Worcester Athletics - 18 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - August 17, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Hawks gave QB Andrew Sexton another shot in the rematch with the Athletics. He was much better than the start of the season. He was able to throw a touchdown to WR Robert Lang but still threw 1 interception. The offense overall was able to move the ball more, but could not score enough to keep up with Kiernan and the Athletics. QB Riley Kiernan had another strong game. He was able to set up a RB Jacque Montier touchdown and then would scramble for a rushing touchdown himself. LB Scotty Williams was also still dominating the middle of the field with 10 tackles including knocking WR Arnold Torres flat on his back while he tried to catch a pass and he also had the interception for the Athletics. The loss may work in the favour for the Hawks who are now in prime position to have the top pick in the draft, but it does not help declining attendance in Hartford.
Toronto Tigers - 27, Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - August 17, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The battle between the Great Lakes rivals continues with yet another close battle. The first quarter featured both sides reaching the endzone with their star running backs. Arthur Conner opened it up first, breaking through the Tigers line and into the endzone. Then, Laurent Brazeau ran to the endzone with DL Matis Baril holding him back, but he reached the ball out and over the line. The remainder of the first half was back and forth. Neither team was able to break into the endzone again but the Tigers got a field goal. Defensively, DB Dylan Alston was able to pick off Duane Logan, but they would go 2 and out. At the start of the second half, QB Angelo Medina was able to lead the Blue Wings down the field and would get the ball to WR Joseph Barry for a touchdown and the lead. A field goal would be added to the total not long after. The Tigers had fallen behind again, but QB Duane Logan didn’t want to lose to the Blue Wings again and turned it up. He would lead the offense to field goal range and K Nathaniel would cut the lead to 4. A couple drives later, Logan would find WR Jake Hadder open to get them into Buffalo territory. Brazeau would inch their way towards the endzone where Logan would find WR Wilbert Benjamin for another touchdown. The Blue Wings would retaliate with a strong drive but DB Louie White prevented the touchdown and they would have to settle for the field goal. With time winding down with the threat of a tie, the Tigers would march downfield behind Logan and Brazeau. Eventually, the Tigers would find themselves in field goal range and would look to run down the time with Brazeau but he just broke it up through the middle and ran over LB Ben McCray to score the game-winning touchdown.
Players of the Week
Standings
NORTH
Toronto 4-2
Ottawa 4-2
Montreal 3-3
Buffalo 2-4
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 4-2
Boston 4-2
Worcester 2-4
Hartford 1-5
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Providence -
Toronto +2
Boston -1
Montreal -1
Buffalo -
Worcester -
Hartford -
Boston Independents - 16, Montreal Rouge - 24 - Richardson Stadium - August 22, 1952 - 7 PM ET
The rematch of the 1951 McCallister Cup was a little bit of a letdown. Both teams have not been at the same level as last year, and this game seemed like one where both teams were trying to regroup. The Independents scored early on a field goal but K Arthur Wall had to leave the game with a minor injury thrusting rookie K Johnnie Berg into his first game. After Montreal tied it up, Berg would make his first career attempt to regain the lead. Following Boston’s second field goal, RB Élisée Marchal would take the Rouge down the field to score a touchdown. They would take the 6-10 lead into halftime. After the half, Marchal was able to find the endzone again and extend the lead to 6-17. Boston would finally answer back with RB Joel Bonner, but Berg would miss the extra point following the touchdown. Montreal would end up getting a huge turnover when LB Quinton Brewer stripped the ball from WR Ray Landry. DL Jean-Michel Duchane would recover, but in the pile-up, Duchane was hurt badly and will likely miss the remainder of the season. Montreal would move the ball but before they reached the endzone, QB Oliver Callahan was picked off by DB Lester Murphy. The Independents would take it back the other way and get another field goal to make it a 2-point game. Élisée Marchal would get most of the touches over the last quarter and would eventually breakthrough for another touchdown. Boston would try to get back into the game but all they could get was a single.
Ottawa Royals - 27, Worcester Athletics - 13 - Lansdowne Park - August 23, 1952 - 2 PM ET
Offense was the theme of the game early on with the first four drives resulting in scores. QB Riley Kiernan led the Athletics down the field to score on the opening drive, finding WR Clyde McIntosh for the touchdown. QB Jean Matieau would counter with another 14-yard shot to WR Allen Atkins for the touchdown. The Athletics would follow that up with a field goal before Atkins would find himself in the endzone again. The Royals lead 14-10 by the end of the first. The second quarter was a lot slower, but RB Alexei Volkov would break loose for a huge run and would get into the endzone a few plays later to extend the lead. The Athletics would be the first to score in the second half on a field goal. The Royals would get another touchdown not long after to extend their lead, this time it was WR Willard Brooks scoring. The fourth remained scoreless and the Royals won their 5th for the first time since 1949.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 24, Providence Gold Stars - 21 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - August 23, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The Blue Wings started hot in an almost must-win game if the team wants to stay in competition for a playoff spot. The first quarter was all Buffalo, they scored two touchdowns and took a 14-3 lead. RB Arthur Conner had both of the Blue Wings touchdowns and was finding a groove against the Gold Stars defense. Providence would score in the second quarter with WR Peter Brooks to pull to within 4 points at halftime. The second half would start with both teams trading field goals setting the score at 17-13. Entering the fourth, the Gold Stars were moving the ball well and were getting into Buffalo territory. On the Buffalo 45, Woodard would drop back to pass and looked to get the ball to WR Eugene Burns. As he was mid-throw DL John Prince hit Woodard causing the ball to flutter in the air. DB Dylan Alston then cut quickly after it and caught the ball before taking it back the other way for the touchdown. Buffalo now had an 11-point lead. Woodard would not back down after the interception and would eventually lead the Gold Stars back to the endzone. RB Gene Fischer got the major before WR Peter Brooks would tack on the 2-point convert. The Gold Stars would get the ball back shortly after a strong defensive stop, but they ran into a determined Blue Wings defense. DL Johnathan Brown would seal the win for Buffalo after sacking Woodard on 3rd and 6.
Hartford Hawks - 19, Toronto Tigers - 14 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - August 24, 1952 - 3 PM ET
One week after QB Andrew Sexton made his 3rd start of the season, the Hawks decided to go back to QB Michael Kramer behind center to play his old team. Kramer wasn’t great early on throwing an interception on their second drive, but the Hawks defense would bail him out by creating havoc for the Tigers offense. After Kramer’s interception, DB Slay Mitchell would steal the ball back off of a QB Duane Logan pass. A few drives later, LB Richard Hensley would grab another interception. The Hawks would grab a field goal on each drive following the turnovers. RB Laurent Brazeau was kept silent for the most part in the first half. DL Sean Bowen was making sure of that. The Hawks would get a third interception from DB Eugene Christensen and after taking it deep into Tigers territory, the QB Micheal Kramer would find WR Robert Lang in the endzone. Another field goal would make it 16-0 at halftime. The Tigers would turn it up in the second half with RB Laurent Brazeau finally breaking free. He would get into the endzone early and tack on a 2-point convert as well. The Hawks would stand strong following that, but the Tigers would eventually break through again with Brazeau. Unfortunately, they could not get the convert. The Hawks would hold on after that adding another field goal and keeping the Tigers from scoring ending the game 19-14.
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Arthur Conner BUF - 2 Touchdowns, 104 Rushing Yards
DEF: DL Sean Bowen HAR - 2 Sacks, 9 Tackles, 1 Knockdown
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 5-2
Montreal 4-3
Toronto 4-3
Buffalo 3-4
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 4-3
Boston 4-3
Worcester 2-5
Hartford 2-5
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Providence -
Montreal +2
Buffalo +2
Boston -1
Toronto -3
Hartford +1
Worcester -1
The rematch of the 1951 McCallister Cup was a little bit of a letdown. Both teams have not been at the same level as last year, and this game seemed like one where both teams were trying to regroup. The Independents scored early on a field goal but K Arthur Wall had to leave the game with a minor injury thrusting rookie K Johnnie Berg into his first game. After Montreal tied it up, Berg would make his first career attempt to regain the lead. Following Boston’s second field goal, RB Élisée Marchal would take the Rouge down the field to score a touchdown. They would take the 6-10 lead into halftime. After the half, Marchal was able to find the endzone again and extend the lead to 6-17. Boston would finally answer back with RB Joel Bonner, but Berg would miss the extra point following the touchdown. Montreal would end up getting a huge turnover when LB Quinton Brewer stripped the ball from WR Ray Landry. DL Jean-Michel Duchane would recover, but in the pile-up, Duchane was hurt badly and will likely miss the remainder of the season. Montreal would move the ball but before they reached the endzone, QB Oliver Callahan was picked off by DB Lester Murphy. The Independents would take it back the other way and get another field goal to make it a 2-point game. Élisée Marchal would get most of the touches over the last quarter and would eventually breakthrough for another touchdown. Boston would try to get back into the game but all they could get was a single.
Ottawa Royals - 27, Worcester Athletics - 13 - Lansdowne Park - August 23, 1952 - 2 PM ET
Offense was the theme of the game early on with the first four drives resulting in scores. QB Riley Kiernan led the Athletics down the field to score on the opening drive, finding WR Clyde McIntosh for the touchdown. QB Jean Matieau would counter with another 14-yard shot to WR Allen Atkins for the touchdown. The Athletics would follow that up with a field goal before Atkins would find himself in the endzone again. The Royals lead 14-10 by the end of the first. The second quarter was a lot slower, but RB Alexei Volkov would break loose for a huge run and would get into the endzone a few plays later to extend the lead. The Athletics would be the first to score in the second half on a field goal. The Royals would get another touchdown not long after to extend their lead, this time it was WR Willard Brooks scoring. The fourth remained scoreless and the Royals won their 5th for the first time since 1949.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 24, Providence Gold Stars - 21 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - August 23, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The Blue Wings started hot in an almost must-win game if the team wants to stay in competition for a playoff spot. The first quarter was all Buffalo, they scored two touchdowns and took a 14-3 lead. RB Arthur Conner had both of the Blue Wings touchdowns and was finding a groove against the Gold Stars defense. Providence would score in the second quarter with WR Peter Brooks to pull to within 4 points at halftime. The second half would start with both teams trading field goals setting the score at 17-13. Entering the fourth, the Gold Stars were moving the ball well and were getting into Buffalo territory. On the Buffalo 45, Woodard would drop back to pass and looked to get the ball to WR Eugene Burns. As he was mid-throw DL John Prince hit Woodard causing the ball to flutter in the air. DB Dylan Alston then cut quickly after it and caught the ball before taking it back the other way for the touchdown. Buffalo now had an 11-point lead. Woodard would not back down after the interception and would eventually lead the Gold Stars back to the endzone. RB Gene Fischer got the major before WR Peter Brooks would tack on the 2-point convert. The Gold Stars would get the ball back shortly after a strong defensive stop, but they ran into a determined Blue Wings defense. DL Johnathan Brown would seal the win for Buffalo after sacking Woodard on 3rd and 6.
Hartford Hawks - 19, Toronto Tigers - 14 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - August 24, 1952 - 3 PM ET
One week after QB Andrew Sexton made his 3rd start of the season, the Hawks decided to go back to QB Michael Kramer behind center to play his old team. Kramer wasn’t great early on throwing an interception on their second drive, but the Hawks defense would bail him out by creating havoc for the Tigers offense. After Kramer’s interception, DB Slay Mitchell would steal the ball back off of a QB Duane Logan pass. A few drives later, LB Richard Hensley would grab another interception. The Hawks would grab a field goal on each drive following the turnovers. RB Laurent Brazeau was kept silent for the most part in the first half. DL Sean Bowen was making sure of that. The Hawks would get a third interception from DB Eugene Christensen and after taking it deep into Tigers territory, the QB Micheal Kramer would find WR Robert Lang in the endzone. Another field goal would make it 16-0 at halftime. The Tigers would turn it up in the second half with RB Laurent Brazeau finally breaking free. He would get into the endzone early and tack on a 2-point convert as well. The Hawks would stand strong following that, but the Tigers would eventually break through again with Brazeau. Unfortunately, they could not get the convert. The Hawks would hold on after that adding another field goal and keeping the Tigers from scoring ending the game 19-14.
Players of the Week
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 5-2
Montreal 4-3
Toronto 4-3
Buffalo 3-4
NEW ENGLAND
Providence 4-3
Boston 4-3
Worcester 2-5
Hartford 2-5
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Providence -
Montreal +2
Buffalo +2
Boston -1
Toronto -3
Hartford +1
Worcester -1
Montreal Rouge - 41, Hartford Hawks - 6 - Mount Royal Stadium - August 30, 1952 - 2 PM ET
After seeing the Hawks beat Toronto last week, the Rouge were not going to take them lightly. Right from the start of the game, the Rouge were dominant. In the best game for them this year, the Rouge put up 4 touchdowns in the first half. RB Élisée Marchal seemed to be back up to form with a huge 46-yard touchdown run to open up the scoring. WR John Rivera would add another, followed by DB Jean-Luc Paget picking up a fumble caused by DB Anthony Massey and taking it back to the endzone. Marchal would reach the endzone again just before halftime to go up 28-0. The second half was not quite as dominant, but the Rouge never let the Hawks recover. LB Quinton Brewer had an interception and the offense would put up 13 more points. Marchal had a third touchdown as well to add to his total. The Hawks defense had no answers even after their strong performance last week, this just proves they have a long way to go yet.
Worcester Athletics - 10, Buffalo Blue Wings - 33 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - August 30, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Blue Wings kept up their current hot streak with another win over the Athletics. They had a strong start on offense scoring on back-to-back drives in the first to go up 10-0. WR Joseph Barry got the touchdown after pushing past DB Clifton Powers to score. The Athletics would struggle offensively and QB Riley Kiernan would throw a pick in the second to DB Oscar Patterson which would set up RB Arthur Conner for his first score of the day. The Athletics would get a solid drive in just before half and score with RB Jacque Montier. The Blue Wings would continue to add to their lead after WR Travis Gallagher cut open in the endzone behind DB Akia Harmon. RB Arthur Conner would grab a second touchdown in the fourth while the Athletics could only get a field goal over the rest of the game. Blue Wings are now right back in the hunt after winning 4 of their last 5.
Toronto Tigers - 17, Boston Independents - 30 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - August 31, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The final game at Toronto Municipal Stadium (any playoff games are going to be played in Kitchener), was miserable. Rain drenched the field all day leaving the field a mess. By game time, the rain had eased but still a factor. Boston’s gritty style of play seemed to work in their favour with the field conditions. RB Joel Bonner was able to power through the Toronto defense and wreak havoc. Bonner would score an early touchdown which was followed up by a field goal. The Tigers were struggling again on offense and only got a field goal early on. The score would be 17-3 at halftime after Bonner added his second of the game. Toronto would manage to start to pull themselves into the game as the field got a bit better. RB Laurent Brazeau would finally break through to the endzone and give Toronto some hope. The Independents, however, would get field goals on 2 of their next 3 drives extending their lead. Brazeau would get himself back to the endzone again to bring the lead back down to 6, but Bonner would lead Boston back the other way for his 3rd touchdown of the game and another win for Boston.
Providence Gold Stars - 28, Ottawa Royals - 32 - New Providence Stadium - August 31, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars returned home to a stadium they are unbeaten in this season. However, the league’s top team looked to change that. The Gold Stars would get off to a quick start, scoring a touchdown early on to WR Peter Brooks. The Royals would follow up the touchdown with one of their own to WR John Osborn. In the second, with the game tied, the Gold Stars were moving well down the field. RB Gene Fischer would take the ball up the middle but would be met by several Royals defenders. In the pile, Fischer was slow to get up. The running back, who has had injury troubles in the past, was out again. Fischer will likely miss the remaining games of the regular season. RB Clayton Owen would take over from there but Providence only got a field goal on that drive. The Royals would mimic the field goal before having a great drive that would lead to another touchdown. RB Alexei Volkov was having a blast with the Gold Stars defensive line and was able to have a successful day on the ground. This included the touchdown just before halftime. Down 13-17 coming out of the half, the Gold Stars would find some momentum in the third. QB Bruce Woodard slowly moved the ball downfield with pass after pass. Eventually, he was able to retake the lead on a pass to WR Eugene Burns for the touchdown. Besides a single in the third, it wouldn’t be until the fourth quarter when the Royals answered back. WR Allen Atkins was finally able to escape the excellent coverage of DB Lee Wolfe and score a touchdown to give the Royals the 20-25 lead. The Gold Stars were not out, as they would go down and score another touchdown once again to WR Peter Brooks. They would also score the 2-point convert and hold a 3 point lead with just over 2 minutes left. The Royals would strike out on their next drive and give the ball back to Providence with a minute and a half left. The Gold Stars would hand the ball off to Clayton Owen, but he would be hit at the line. The Ball popped loose and former Gold Star LB Leo Davenport would recover it. The Royals had prime field position and Matieau would get the ball to WR John Osborn for his second of the game and the win.
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Joel Bonner BOS - 3 Touchdowns, 145 Rushing Yards
DEF: LB Quinton Brewer MTL - 1 Interception, 1 Forced Fumble, 8 Tackles
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 6-2
Montreal 5-3
Toronto 4-4
Buffalo 4-4
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 5-3 - x
Providence 4-4
Worcester 2-6
Hartford 2-6
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Providence -
Montreal -
Buffalo -
Boston -
Toronto -
Hartford -
Worcester -
Ottawa Royals - 32, Toronto Tigers - 25 - Lansdowne Park - September 6, 1952 - 2 PM ET
Playoff implications are in the air for the rematch between the Royals and the Tigers. With a win, the Royals would clinch the division and host their first playoff game in the NAAF, while Toronto is trying to hold onto their playoff hopes. The Royals got off on the right foot, with QB Jean Matieau taking the offense to the endzone, finding WR Allen Atkins for the score. The Tigers would answer the touchdown with one of their own via RB Laurent Brazeau. Neither team scored until the second where Allen Atkins would catch his second touchdown over DB Louie White. The Tigers would get a field goal shortly after, but the Royals would find the endzone again before the half came to an end on a run from RB Alexei Volkov. The second half started with QB Duane Logan, who was playing his first game back in Ottawa, leading the Tigers down the field. He would eventually throw a touchdown to WR Jake Hadder and then RB Laurent Brazeau would tack on the 2-point convert. The Royals would add a field goal to double their lead from 3 to 6. However, the Tigers would find the endzone once again this time to RB Laurent Brazeau and take the 24-25 lead. Nearing the end of the game the Royals would be moving the ball slowly up the field and were at their own 44-yard line and had 3rd and Inches. Backup and former Tiger QB Evan Morrow was on the field with the short-yardage unit. Morrow was about to dive forward, but he would instead step back and fire a pass to WR Allen Atkins who had snuck out and behind everyone. Atkins would take the ball the rest of the way to retake the lead. The Tigers couldn’t answer and the Royals officially clinched the North Division.
*OTT Clinch North Division*
Buffalo Blue Wings - 24, Montreal Rouge - 15 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - September 6, 1952 - 2 PM ET
DB Oscar Patterson, the team’s long time captain and one of the greatest to play in Buffalo, was considering retirement after this season. Over the week off, Patterson decided to do something he always wanted to do and painted white wings on either side of his blue helmet. When he went onto the field with the wings, it created quite the conversation with announcers and the crowd in attendance. However, once the game started, the conversation went away as the Rouge looked to have control of the game from the start. Their offense was not reaching the endzone but Marchal was able to get them into field goal range again and again. The turning point came halfway through the 2nd when QB Oliver Callahan tried throwing the ball to WR Ray Lopez. Patterson was the one to jump the route and snag the ball. He would turn and fly down the field scoring the touchdown and igniting the Blue Wings heading into the half. The Blue Wings offense turned it up scoring a field goal and would follow it up with QB Angelo Medina finding WR Joseph Barry for a touchdown. RB Élisée Marchal would try to pull Montreal back into the game with a huge touchdown, but the team would miss the convert. The Rouge would get another chance but Callahan would be stripped by DL Johnathan Brown and the Blue Wings would recover, setting up RB Arthur Conner for a touchdown. The game would end on a second interception for DB Oscar Patterson as the Blue Wings beat the Rouge for the first time. With Patterson and his winged helmet leading the way, the symbol of the winged helmet would stick for Buffalo as they continue their hunt for the playoffs.
Boston Independents - 23, Hartford Hawks - 6 - Richardson Stadium - September 7, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Independents put themselves in prime position to clinch the New England Division once again with a win of Hartford. While they didn’t dominate, their defense held the Hawks offense back. RB Joel Bonner had another touchdown in the game giving Boston the 10-0 lead. They would add a couple of field goals in the second half before WR Samuel Floyd broke free for a touchdown. Hartford’s offense suffered from a lack of weapons again against a good defense. It is clear the team needs loads of help on the offensive side of the ball. QB Micheal Kramer was able to get them in range for a couple of field goals, but that was all they could manage. Boston is now just one win away from clinching the New England Division.
Providence Gold Stars - 34, Worcester Athletics - 13 - New Providence Stadium - September 7, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars dominated the Athletics in their second meeting of the season. WR Peter Brooks would grab two touchdowns on the day with WR Eugene Burns taking in another. The fourth touchdown would come from RB Clayton Owen who is in for the injured RB Gene Fischer. Their defense came up with several more turnovers from DB Lee Wolfe and DB Victor Bean who have been the top DBs in the league this season. QB Bruce Woodard was on point throwing for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns leading the way for the Gold Stars as they hold on to hope that maybe they can still win the division. Worcester was able to get the ball into the endzone but came at the cost of losing RB Jacque Montier. The RB would be hurt after being tackled on a 14-yard run. A couple plays later former Tigers RB Glenn Matthews would take it in for the score. They would get a couple more field goals but that was all they could grab in the loss.
*PRO Clinches Playoff Spot*
Players of the Week
OFF: WR Allen Atkins OTT - 3 Touchdowns, 124 Receiving Yards
DEF: DB Oscar Patterson BUF - 2 Interceptions, 1 Touchdown, 3 Tackles
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 7-2 -y
Buffalo 5-4
Montreal 5-4
Toronto 4-5
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 6-3 -x
Providence 5-4 -x
Worcester 2-7
Hartford 2-7
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Buffalo +2
Providence -1
Boston +1
Montreal -2
Toronto -
Hartford -
Worcester -
After seeing the Hawks beat Toronto last week, the Rouge were not going to take them lightly. Right from the start of the game, the Rouge were dominant. In the best game for them this year, the Rouge put up 4 touchdowns in the first half. RB Élisée Marchal seemed to be back up to form with a huge 46-yard touchdown run to open up the scoring. WR John Rivera would add another, followed by DB Jean-Luc Paget picking up a fumble caused by DB Anthony Massey and taking it back to the endzone. Marchal would reach the endzone again just before halftime to go up 28-0. The second half was not quite as dominant, but the Rouge never let the Hawks recover. LB Quinton Brewer had an interception and the offense would put up 13 more points. Marchal had a third touchdown as well to add to his total. The Hawks defense had no answers even after their strong performance last week, this just proves they have a long way to go yet.
Worcester Athletics - 10, Buffalo Blue Wings - 33 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - August 30, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Blue Wings kept up their current hot streak with another win over the Athletics. They had a strong start on offense scoring on back-to-back drives in the first to go up 10-0. WR Joseph Barry got the touchdown after pushing past DB Clifton Powers to score. The Athletics would struggle offensively and QB Riley Kiernan would throw a pick in the second to DB Oscar Patterson which would set up RB Arthur Conner for his first score of the day. The Athletics would get a solid drive in just before half and score with RB Jacque Montier. The Blue Wings would continue to add to their lead after WR Travis Gallagher cut open in the endzone behind DB Akia Harmon. RB Arthur Conner would grab a second touchdown in the fourth while the Athletics could only get a field goal over the rest of the game. Blue Wings are now right back in the hunt after winning 4 of their last 5.
Toronto Tigers - 17, Boston Independents - 30 - Toronto Municipal Stadium - August 31, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The final game at Toronto Municipal Stadium (any playoff games are going to be played in Kitchener), was miserable. Rain drenched the field all day leaving the field a mess. By game time, the rain had eased but still a factor. Boston’s gritty style of play seemed to work in their favour with the field conditions. RB Joel Bonner was able to power through the Toronto defense and wreak havoc. Bonner would score an early touchdown which was followed up by a field goal. The Tigers were struggling again on offense and only got a field goal early on. The score would be 17-3 at halftime after Bonner added his second of the game. Toronto would manage to start to pull themselves into the game as the field got a bit better. RB Laurent Brazeau would finally break through to the endzone and give Toronto some hope. The Independents, however, would get field goals on 2 of their next 3 drives extending their lead. Brazeau would get himself back to the endzone again to bring the lead back down to 6, but Bonner would lead Boston back the other way for his 3rd touchdown of the game and another win for Boston.
Providence Gold Stars - 28, Ottawa Royals - 32 - New Providence Stadium - August 31, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars returned home to a stadium they are unbeaten in this season. However, the league’s top team looked to change that. The Gold Stars would get off to a quick start, scoring a touchdown early on to WR Peter Brooks. The Royals would follow up the touchdown with one of their own to WR John Osborn. In the second, with the game tied, the Gold Stars were moving well down the field. RB Gene Fischer would take the ball up the middle but would be met by several Royals defenders. In the pile, Fischer was slow to get up. The running back, who has had injury troubles in the past, was out again. Fischer will likely miss the remaining games of the regular season. RB Clayton Owen would take over from there but Providence only got a field goal on that drive. The Royals would mimic the field goal before having a great drive that would lead to another touchdown. RB Alexei Volkov was having a blast with the Gold Stars defensive line and was able to have a successful day on the ground. This included the touchdown just before halftime. Down 13-17 coming out of the half, the Gold Stars would find some momentum in the third. QB Bruce Woodard slowly moved the ball downfield with pass after pass. Eventually, he was able to retake the lead on a pass to WR Eugene Burns for the touchdown. Besides a single in the third, it wouldn’t be until the fourth quarter when the Royals answered back. WR Allen Atkins was finally able to escape the excellent coverage of DB Lee Wolfe and score a touchdown to give the Royals the 20-25 lead. The Gold Stars were not out, as they would go down and score another touchdown once again to WR Peter Brooks. They would also score the 2-point convert and hold a 3 point lead with just over 2 minutes left. The Royals would strike out on their next drive and give the ball back to Providence with a minute and a half left. The Gold Stars would hand the ball off to Clayton Owen, but he would be hit at the line. The Ball popped loose and former Gold Star LB Leo Davenport would recover it. The Royals had prime field position and Matieau would get the ball to WR John Osborn for his second of the game and the win.
Players of the Week
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 6-2
Montreal 5-3
Toronto 4-4
Buffalo 4-4
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 5-3 - x
Providence 4-4
Worcester 2-6
Hartford 2-6
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Providence -
Montreal -
Buffalo -
Boston -
Toronto -
Hartford -
Worcester -
Playoff implications are in the air for the rematch between the Royals and the Tigers. With a win, the Royals would clinch the division and host their first playoff game in the NAAF, while Toronto is trying to hold onto their playoff hopes. The Royals got off on the right foot, with QB Jean Matieau taking the offense to the endzone, finding WR Allen Atkins for the score. The Tigers would answer the touchdown with one of their own via RB Laurent Brazeau. Neither team scored until the second where Allen Atkins would catch his second touchdown over DB Louie White. The Tigers would get a field goal shortly after, but the Royals would find the endzone again before the half came to an end on a run from RB Alexei Volkov. The second half started with QB Duane Logan, who was playing his first game back in Ottawa, leading the Tigers down the field. He would eventually throw a touchdown to WR Jake Hadder and then RB Laurent Brazeau would tack on the 2-point convert. The Royals would add a field goal to double their lead from 3 to 6. However, the Tigers would find the endzone once again this time to RB Laurent Brazeau and take the 24-25 lead. Nearing the end of the game the Royals would be moving the ball slowly up the field and were at their own 44-yard line and had 3rd and Inches. Backup and former Tiger QB Evan Morrow was on the field with the short-yardage unit. Morrow was about to dive forward, but he would instead step back and fire a pass to WR Allen Atkins who had snuck out and behind everyone. Atkins would take the ball the rest of the way to retake the lead. The Tigers couldn’t answer and the Royals officially clinched the North Division.
*OTT Clinch North Division*
Buffalo Blue Wings - 24, Montreal Rouge - 15 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - September 6, 1952 - 2 PM ET
DB Oscar Patterson, the team’s long time captain and one of the greatest to play in Buffalo, was considering retirement after this season. Over the week off, Patterson decided to do something he always wanted to do and painted white wings on either side of his blue helmet. When he went onto the field with the wings, it created quite the conversation with announcers and the crowd in attendance. However, once the game started, the conversation went away as the Rouge looked to have control of the game from the start. Their offense was not reaching the endzone but Marchal was able to get them into field goal range again and again. The turning point came halfway through the 2nd when QB Oliver Callahan tried throwing the ball to WR Ray Lopez. Patterson was the one to jump the route and snag the ball. He would turn and fly down the field scoring the touchdown and igniting the Blue Wings heading into the half. The Blue Wings offense turned it up scoring a field goal and would follow it up with QB Angelo Medina finding WR Joseph Barry for a touchdown. RB Élisée Marchal would try to pull Montreal back into the game with a huge touchdown, but the team would miss the convert. The Rouge would get another chance but Callahan would be stripped by DL Johnathan Brown and the Blue Wings would recover, setting up RB Arthur Conner for a touchdown. The game would end on a second interception for DB Oscar Patterson as the Blue Wings beat the Rouge for the first time. With Patterson and his winged helmet leading the way, the symbol of the winged helmet would stick for Buffalo as they continue their hunt for the playoffs.
Boston Independents - 23, Hartford Hawks - 6 - Richardson Stadium - September 7, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Independents put themselves in prime position to clinch the New England Division once again with a win of Hartford. While they didn’t dominate, their defense held the Hawks offense back. RB Joel Bonner had another touchdown in the game giving Boston the 10-0 lead. They would add a couple of field goals in the second half before WR Samuel Floyd broke free for a touchdown. Hartford’s offense suffered from a lack of weapons again against a good defense. It is clear the team needs loads of help on the offensive side of the ball. QB Micheal Kramer was able to get them in range for a couple of field goals, but that was all they could manage. Boston is now just one win away from clinching the New England Division.
Providence Gold Stars - 34, Worcester Athletics - 13 - New Providence Stadium - September 7, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars dominated the Athletics in their second meeting of the season. WR Peter Brooks would grab two touchdowns on the day with WR Eugene Burns taking in another. The fourth touchdown would come from RB Clayton Owen who is in for the injured RB Gene Fischer. Their defense came up with several more turnovers from DB Lee Wolfe and DB Victor Bean who have been the top DBs in the league this season. QB Bruce Woodard was on point throwing for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns leading the way for the Gold Stars as they hold on to hope that maybe they can still win the division. Worcester was able to get the ball into the endzone but came at the cost of losing RB Jacque Montier. The RB would be hurt after being tackled on a 14-yard run. A couple plays later former Tigers RB Glenn Matthews would take it in for the score. They would get a couple more field goals but that was all they could grab in the loss.
*PRO Clinches Playoff Spot*
Players of the Week
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 7-2 -y
Buffalo 5-4
Montreal 5-4
Toronto 4-5
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 6-3 -x
Providence 5-4 -x
Worcester 2-7
Hartford 2-7
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Buffalo +2
Providence -1
Boston +1
Montreal -2
Toronto -
Hartford -
Worcester -
Hartford Hawks - 3, Providence Gold Stars - 31 - Arnold H. Bensen Park - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Gold Stars stomped the Hawks in the final game of the season. QB Bruce Woodard threw for 3 touchdowns again finding WR Peter Brooks twice and TE Marion Warren. WR Eugene Burns did leave the game with a minor injury but will return for the semi-finals next week. The rest of Providence’s success comes in the form of their defense. Combining for 4 more turnovers to add to the plethora they had in week one against the Hawks. QB Andrew Sexton threw 3 interceptions in the first half before Micheal Kramer took over in the second half. DB Lee Wolfe had two picks while DB Victor Bean had one which he would return for a touchdown. Kramer would get a field goal late for the Hawks but they were not in the game at all. To make matters worse, they had low attendance and the cheer for Providence was louder than for Hartford. The Hawks are going into a rough place financially.
Montreal Rouge - 36, Toronto Tigers - 29 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
Both teams were fighting to keep their season alive, and it would be the running backs that would take over this one. RB Élisée Marchal would be the first to score and give Montreal the first lead. It wasn’t long till RB Laurent Brazeau answered for the Tigers. Tying the game up early at 7. Marchal would grab his second of the game to end the first quarter going up 14-7. The Tigers were not able to get into the endzone but got a field goal in the second. However, Marchal kept up his determination and would score his third of the half. The second half would start with a strong Tigers drive where Brazeau would grab his second of the game. Not long after Brazeau cut the lead, DB Louie White would take the ball back, picking off QB Oliver Callahan. Brazeau would match Marchal with his 3rd of the day. The Tigers did miss the 2-point tries on both touchdowns to only be up 21-22. Marchal would find the endzone once again for his 4th of the game and regained the 28-22 lead. Brazeau would continue to hammer away at the Montreal defense and grab his 4th as well. Finally, Toronto would still need to get a field goal to hold the tiebreaker over Montreal. They would become more aggressive on offense which would end badly when LB Quinton Brewer would knock the ball loose and give Montreal a chance to score. Marchal would add to his total and set the record for most touchdowns in a game at 5 for the win.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 27, Ottawa Royals - 21 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Royals came into Buffalo with a playoff spot and home-field already locked up so they decided to rest QB Jean Matieau and WR Allen Atkins. Replacing them would be former Blue Wings QB Evan Morrow and WR John Hall. The Blue Wings would go full force needing the win to get into the playoffs. They would start well scoring a touchdown in the first quarter to WR Travis Gallagher and adding a second one later with RB Arthur Conner. Ottawa would get a couple of field goals, but the Blue Wings led 17-6 at halftime. The Royals would get a touchdown early on as Evan Morrow would throw his first touchdown with Ottawa to WR John Osborn. Buffalo would get another field goal before RB Alexei Volkov would score for Ottawa. Ottawa would still miss both converts and be down 20-18. The Royals would be attempting to take the lead on a later drive but Morrow would overthrow WR Willard Brooks and S Frazier Brooks would pick it off and give Buffalo the ball back. QB Angelo Medina would lead Buffalo to score once again this time finding WR Clifford Church. The Blue Wings would hold on for the win continuing their 6-1 run after starting 0-3 to make the playoffs.
*BUF Clinches Playoff Spot*
Worcester Athletics - 14, Boston Independents - 20 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The final game at the old Worcester Athletic Club would be an alright one for the Athletics. Boston did get off to a good start with WR Samuel Floyd scoring a touchdown in the first. After Boston tacked on a field goal, QB Riley Kiernan would find WR Clyde McIntosh for his first touchdown pass of the day. Boston would add another touchdown to start the second half with WR Floyd once again. Kiernan would get another one back finding rookie WR Christian Venegas for another touchdown and it pulled the Athletics to within 3 points. Boston, however, would shut down the Athletics for the rest of the game and add another field goal for the win. Boston once again holds on to clinch the New England Division once again.
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Élisée Marchal MTL - 5 Touchdowns, 295 Rushing Yards
DEF: DB Lee Wolfe PRO - 2 Interceptions, 4 Tackles, 3 Knockdowns
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 7-3 -y
Buffalo 6-4 -x
Montreal 6-4
Toronto 4-6
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 7-3 -y
Providence 6-4 -x
Worcester 2-8
Hartford 2-8
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Buffalo -
Boston +1
Providence -1
Montreal -
Toronto -
Worcester +1
Hartford -1
Playoff Preview
Ottawa Royals VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Lansdowne Park - SEP 20 - 6 PM ET
Head-to-Head:
W3 - OTT - 34, BUF 41
W10 - BUF - 27, OTT - 21
Both teams come into the matchup red hot over the second half of the season. After starting 2-2 the Royals would win 5 straight and easily clinch the North Division. Buffalo also had a slow start going 0-3 but managed to win 6 of their last 7, including their last 4 to make the playoffs. It’s expecting to be an offensive shootout between two exciting teams
Boston Independents VS. Providence Gold Stars - Richardson Stadium - SEP 21 - 3 PM ET
Head-to-Head:
W5 - BOS - 23, PRO - 20
W6 - PRO - 23, BOS - 14
Once again the Independents will host the Gold Stars in a playoff game. The two have met twice in the postseason since the NAAF started and Boston has dominated both meetings. The Gold Stars will have more confidence and they finally topped Boston for the first time since 1930. They still have yet to win in Boston, but this could be the best chance to do so. This will be a gritty match between two bitter rivals.
The Gold Stars stomped the Hawks in the final game of the season. QB Bruce Woodard threw for 3 touchdowns again finding WR Peter Brooks twice and TE Marion Warren. WR Eugene Burns did leave the game with a minor injury but will return for the semi-finals next week. The rest of Providence’s success comes in the form of their defense. Combining for 4 more turnovers to add to the plethora they had in week one against the Hawks. QB Andrew Sexton threw 3 interceptions in the first half before Micheal Kramer took over in the second half. DB Lee Wolfe had two picks while DB Victor Bean had one which he would return for a touchdown. Kramer would get a field goal late for the Hawks but they were not in the game at all. To make matters worse, they had low attendance and the cheer for Providence was louder than for Hartford. The Hawks are going into a rough place financially.
Montreal Rouge - 36, Toronto Tigers - 29 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
Both teams were fighting to keep their season alive, and it would be the running backs that would take over this one. RB Élisée Marchal would be the first to score and give Montreal the first lead. It wasn’t long till RB Laurent Brazeau answered for the Tigers. Tying the game up early at 7. Marchal would grab his second of the game to end the first quarter going up 14-7. The Tigers were not able to get into the endzone but got a field goal in the second. However, Marchal kept up his determination and would score his third of the half. The second half would start with a strong Tigers drive where Brazeau would grab his second of the game. Not long after Brazeau cut the lead, DB Louie White would take the ball back, picking off QB Oliver Callahan. Brazeau would match Marchal with his 3rd of the day. The Tigers did miss the 2-point tries on both touchdowns to only be up 21-22. Marchal would find the endzone once again for his 4th of the game and regained the 28-22 lead. Brazeau would continue to hammer away at the Montreal defense and grab his 4th as well. Finally, Toronto would still need to get a field goal to hold the tiebreaker over Montreal. They would become more aggressive on offense which would end badly when LB Quinton Brewer would knock the ball loose and give Montreal a chance to score. Marchal would add to his total and set the record for most touchdowns in a game at 5 for the win.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 27, Ottawa Royals - 21 - Buffalo Civic Stadium - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The Royals came into Buffalo with a playoff spot and home-field already locked up so they decided to rest QB Jean Matieau and WR Allen Atkins. Replacing them would be former Blue Wings QB Evan Morrow and WR John Hall. The Blue Wings would go full force needing the win to get into the playoffs. They would start well scoring a touchdown in the first quarter to WR Travis Gallagher and adding a second one later with RB Arthur Conner. Ottawa would get a couple of field goals, but the Blue Wings led 17-6 at halftime. The Royals would get a touchdown early on as Evan Morrow would throw his first touchdown with Ottawa to WR John Osborn. Buffalo would get another field goal before RB Alexei Volkov would score for Ottawa. Ottawa would still miss both converts and be down 20-18. The Royals would be attempting to take the lead on a later drive but Morrow would overthrow WR Willard Brooks and S Frazier Brooks would pick it off and give Buffalo the ball back. QB Angelo Medina would lead Buffalo to score once again this time finding WR Clifford Church. The Blue Wings would hold on for the win continuing their 6-1 run after starting 0-3 to make the playoffs.
*BUF Clinches Playoff Spot*
Worcester Athletics - 14, Boston Independents - 20 - Worcester Athletic Club Grandstands - September 13, 1952 - 2 PM ET
The final game at the old Worcester Athletic Club would be an alright one for the Athletics. Boston did get off to a good start with WR Samuel Floyd scoring a touchdown in the first. After Boston tacked on a field goal, QB Riley Kiernan would find WR Clyde McIntosh for his first touchdown pass of the day. Boston would add another touchdown to start the second half with WR Floyd once again. Kiernan would get another one back finding rookie WR Christian Venegas for another touchdown and it pulled the Athletics to within 3 points. Boston, however, would shut down the Athletics for the rest of the game and add another field goal for the win. Boston once again holds on to clinch the New England Division once again.
Players of the Week
Standings
NORTH
Ottawa 7-3 -y
Buffalo 6-4 -x
Montreal 6-4
Toronto 4-6
NEW ENGLAND
Boston 7-3 -y
Providence 6-4 -x
Worcester 2-8
Hartford 2-8
Power Rankings
Ottawa -
Buffalo -
Boston +1
Providence -1
Montreal -
Toronto -
Worcester +1
Hartford -1
Playoff Preview
Ottawa Royals VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Lansdowne Park - SEP 20 - 6 PM ET
Head-to-Head:
W3 - OTT - 34, BUF 41
W10 - BUF - 27, OTT - 21
Both teams come into the matchup red hot over the second half of the season. After starting 2-2 the Royals would win 5 straight and easily clinch the North Division. Buffalo also had a slow start going 0-3 but managed to win 6 of their last 7, including their last 4 to make the playoffs. It’s expecting to be an offensive shootout between two exciting teams
Boston Independents VS. Providence Gold Stars - Richardson Stadium - SEP 21 - 3 PM ET
Head-to-Head:
W5 - BOS - 23, PRO - 20
W6 - PRO - 23, BOS - 14
Once again the Independents will host the Gold Stars in a playoff game. The two have met twice in the postseason since the NAAF started and Boston has dominated both meetings. The Gold Stars will have more confidence and they finally topped Boston for the first time since 1930. They still have yet to win in Boston, but this could be the best chance to do so. This will be a gritty match between two bitter rivals.
Ottawa Royals VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Lansdowne Park - September 20, 1952 - 6 PM ET
The Blue Wings came onto the field with a great majority of the players now sporting the wings on their helmets. The change has inspired the league to encourage it with their uniform regulation changes this offseason.
The game started with both teams trading drives. They were able to move the ball particularly well but were stopped by around midfield. Midway into the opening frame, QB Jean Matieau would find WR Allen Atkins open for a 23-yard gain to get them within scoring range. A couple plays later, Matieau would find WR Willard Brooks in the endzone for the score and the 7-0 lead. The Blue Wings would answer back not long after when QB Angelo Medina found WR Joseph Barry sneaking into the endzone. The opening quarter ended with the teams knotted up at 7.
Matieau would keep the offense moving in the second and score another touchdown early on. This time it was Allen Atkins scoring, reclaiming the lead for the Royals. It would take a couple of drives, but Medina would be able to get Buffalo back to scoring range. RB Arthur Conner would punch it in to tie it back up with 1 minute to go in the half. The Royals would be able to get down the field for a field goal just before the break to go up 17-14.
In the second half, the Royals would continue to move the ball well. Matieau would get the ball to Atkins again for a 41-yard play that would set up his second touchdown of the day and extend the Ottawa lead to 10 midway through the third quarter. The Blue Wings ended up being slow out of the break, but once Ottawa had taken the lead, the team turned it up. Medina would lead the offense down to score just a couple drives later, with Arthur Conner scoring his second of the day.
Medina took the momentum they had built up and ran with it. Completing pass after pass taking the Blue Wings to the endzone for a fourth time. WR Travis Gallagher had the touchdown this time as they would go up 24-27 after a missed point-after. The Royals would comeback attacking after blowing their 10 point lead. Matieau was making play after play to his receivers keeping the offense moving. Once the Royals got down to the Buffalo 24, it seemed inevitable they would score, however, DB Oscar Patterson had something to say about that. Matieau would try to get the pass to WR John Osborn when Patterson jumped the crossing route and took it back for Buffalo. The Blue Wings would drive back the other way and get deep into Ottawa territory. On a second and goal from 12 yards out, Medina would drop back to throw, Ottawa would try to prevent the major dropping back which allowed Medina to find some space. Rolling out of the pocket Medina would take off towards the endzone. The Royals started converging but Travis Gallagher and Arthur Conner would make a couple of solid blocks that allowed Medina to dive into the endzone. The Blue Wings now had put up 20 unanswered points and were well on their way to win. The only issue is the Ottawa offense is still the best in the league. Matieau would lead the Royals back on another strong drive. Not making any mistakes this time and getting them down to the 9-yard line. From there RB Alexei Volkov would take it in for his first on the day and pull the Royals to within 3. The Blue Wings would run down some of the clock, but the Royals would still get another chance. Once again they were marching but as they got to midfield the Blue Wings were able to force them to a 3rd down. On what could be the Royals last chance Matieau would try to get the ball to Atkins, but S Frazier Brooks would knock it away and seal the deal for the Blue Wings who would head home to play the McCallister Cup.
Boston Independents VS. Providence Gold Stars - Richardson Stadium - September 21, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars entered their most feared stadium hoping to finally get over the hump of the Boston Independents. On the other side, Boston was playing for their coach who was entering what could be his final game on the sidelines. Boston would open up the game with a strong drive led by RB Joel Bonner. Bonner had 6 carries as he put the team into field goal range. K Arthur Wall would nail the field goal and give Boston the early lead. The Gold Stars would take over and things quickly went downhill. QB Bruce Woodard has already been getting the tag for playoff choker, and the start of this game did not help his case. Woodard would throw an interception on his 2nd pass to DB Lester Murphy. The DB would give Boston great field position in which Joel Bonner would quickly cash in for a touchdown. Boston led 10-0 after the first quarter.
Providence couldn’t get much going against the Boston defense, especially with Woodard looking a bit trigger shy. The teams would trade field goals for the entire second quarter resulting in a 13-6 Boston lead at the half.
First-year head coach Perry Powell would try to get his guys going after the half, but Peter McDuffin always seemed to be 2 steps ahead. The Gold Stars started to fall even more apart in the 3rd quarter. It would start with DB Francis Veillette picking off Woodard and setting up another Boston touchdown for Bonner. Then, it was RB Gene Fischer who lost the football to LB Carlos Bennett. The Independents would capitalize again with another field goal and go up 23-6 heading into the final quarter. Frustration was boiling over once again for the Gold Stars as they continued to make mistakes with another fumble. Their defense was doing all they could but with Boston having a short field it proved useless. However, they would come up with a huge stop, forcing a Boston 2 and out deep in Boston territory. K Arthur Wall could only punt it so far and giving Providence a shorter field. Bruce Woodard would turn it on and lead the offense down to the redzone. He would connect with WR Peter Brooks in the endzone for a touchdown cutting the lead to 10. The Gold Stars would get another chance and once again march down the field. They were at the Boston 21 and had a fresh set of downs. Woodard dropped back and saw WR Eugene Burns break off in a post over the middle. Woodard would throw a pass quickly and it sailed. The ball would be off the mark and S Michael O’Brien would take it and seal the deal for Boston sending them back to the McCallister Cup again. The Gold Stars flopped once again in the playoffs, which may call for major changes to the team this offseason.
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Angelo Medina BUF - 2 Passing Touchdowns, 1 Rushing Touchdown, 237 Passing Yards
DEF: DB Lester Murphy BOS - 1 Interception, 4 Knockdowns, 4 Tackles
34th McCallister Cup Preview
Boston Independents VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Buffalo Civic Stadium - SEP 27 - 6 PM ET
Head-to-Head:
W2 - BOS 18-10 BUF
The Blue Wings will continue their hot streak heading into their first McCallister Cup. They will also be the home team in what was supposed to be a neutral site game. The Blue Wings are slight favourites in the showdown, but you can never count out the Boston team that has been to every NAAF championship so far. The major storylines will be centered around Boston HC Peter McDuffin in his final game and DB Oscar Patterson who may also be playing his final game.
The Blue Wings came onto the field with a great majority of the players now sporting the wings on their helmets. The change has inspired the league to encourage it with their uniform regulation changes this offseason.
The game started with both teams trading drives. They were able to move the ball particularly well but were stopped by around midfield. Midway into the opening frame, QB Jean Matieau would find WR Allen Atkins open for a 23-yard gain to get them within scoring range. A couple plays later, Matieau would find WR Willard Brooks in the endzone for the score and the 7-0 lead. The Blue Wings would answer back not long after when QB Angelo Medina found WR Joseph Barry sneaking into the endzone. The opening quarter ended with the teams knotted up at 7.
Matieau would keep the offense moving in the second and score another touchdown early on. This time it was Allen Atkins scoring, reclaiming the lead for the Royals. It would take a couple of drives, but Medina would be able to get Buffalo back to scoring range. RB Arthur Conner would punch it in to tie it back up with 1 minute to go in the half. The Royals would be able to get down the field for a field goal just before the break to go up 17-14.
In the second half, the Royals would continue to move the ball well. Matieau would get the ball to Atkins again for a 41-yard play that would set up his second touchdown of the day and extend the Ottawa lead to 10 midway through the third quarter. The Blue Wings ended up being slow out of the break, but once Ottawa had taken the lead, the team turned it up. Medina would lead the offense down to score just a couple drives later, with Arthur Conner scoring his second of the day.
Medina took the momentum they had built up and ran with it. Completing pass after pass taking the Blue Wings to the endzone for a fourth time. WR Travis Gallagher had the touchdown this time as they would go up 24-27 after a missed point-after. The Royals would comeback attacking after blowing their 10 point lead. Matieau was making play after play to his receivers keeping the offense moving. Once the Royals got down to the Buffalo 24, it seemed inevitable they would score, however, DB Oscar Patterson had something to say about that. Matieau would try to get the pass to WR John Osborn when Patterson jumped the crossing route and took it back for Buffalo. The Blue Wings would drive back the other way and get deep into Ottawa territory. On a second and goal from 12 yards out, Medina would drop back to throw, Ottawa would try to prevent the major dropping back which allowed Medina to find some space. Rolling out of the pocket Medina would take off towards the endzone. The Royals started converging but Travis Gallagher and Arthur Conner would make a couple of solid blocks that allowed Medina to dive into the endzone. The Blue Wings now had put up 20 unanswered points and were well on their way to win. The only issue is the Ottawa offense is still the best in the league. Matieau would lead the Royals back on another strong drive. Not making any mistakes this time and getting them down to the 9-yard line. From there RB Alexei Volkov would take it in for his first on the day and pull the Royals to within 3. The Blue Wings would run down some of the clock, but the Royals would still get another chance. Once again they were marching but as they got to midfield the Blue Wings were able to force them to a 3rd down. On what could be the Royals last chance Matieau would try to get the ball to Atkins, but S Frazier Brooks would knock it away and seal the deal for the Blue Wings who would head home to play the McCallister Cup.
Boston Independents VS. Providence Gold Stars - Richardson Stadium - September 21, 1952 - 3 PM ET
The Gold Stars entered their most feared stadium hoping to finally get over the hump of the Boston Independents. On the other side, Boston was playing for their coach who was entering what could be his final game on the sidelines. Boston would open up the game with a strong drive led by RB Joel Bonner. Bonner had 6 carries as he put the team into field goal range. K Arthur Wall would nail the field goal and give Boston the early lead. The Gold Stars would take over and things quickly went downhill. QB Bruce Woodard has already been getting the tag for playoff choker, and the start of this game did not help his case. Woodard would throw an interception on his 2nd pass to DB Lester Murphy. The DB would give Boston great field position in which Joel Bonner would quickly cash in for a touchdown. Boston led 10-0 after the first quarter.
Providence couldn’t get much going against the Boston defense, especially with Woodard looking a bit trigger shy. The teams would trade field goals for the entire second quarter resulting in a 13-6 Boston lead at the half.
First-year head coach Perry Powell would try to get his guys going after the half, but Peter McDuffin always seemed to be 2 steps ahead. The Gold Stars started to fall even more apart in the 3rd quarter. It would start with DB Francis Veillette picking off Woodard and setting up another Boston touchdown for Bonner. Then, it was RB Gene Fischer who lost the football to LB Carlos Bennett. The Independents would capitalize again with another field goal and go up 23-6 heading into the final quarter. Frustration was boiling over once again for the Gold Stars as they continued to make mistakes with another fumble. Their defense was doing all they could but with Boston having a short field it proved useless. However, they would come up with a huge stop, forcing a Boston 2 and out deep in Boston territory. K Arthur Wall could only punt it so far and giving Providence a shorter field. Bruce Woodard would turn it on and lead the offense down to the redzone. He would connect with WR Peter Brooks in the endzone for a touchdown cutting the lead to 10. The Gold Stars would get another chance and once again march down the field. They were at the Boston 21 and had a fresh set of downs. Woodard dropped back and saw WR Eugene Burns break off in a post over the middle. Woodard would throw a pass quickly and it sailed. The ball would be off the mark and S Michael O’Brien would take it and seal the deal for Boston sending them back to the McCallister Cup again. The Gold Stars flopped once again in the playoffs, which may call for major changes to the team this offseason.
Players of the Week
34th McCallister Cup Preview
Boston Independents VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Buffalo Civic Stadium - SEP 27 - 6 PM ET
Head-to-Head:
W2 - BOS 18-10 BUF
The Blue Wings will continue their hot streak heading into their first McCallister Cup. They will also be the home team in what was supposed to be a neutral site game. The Blue Wings are slight favourites in the showdown, but you can never count out the Boston team that has been to every NAAF championship so far. The major storylines will be centered around Boston HC Peter McDuffin in his final game and DB Oscar Patterson who may also be playing his final game.
1952 McCallister Cup
34th McCallister Cup Championship - Boston Independents VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Buffalo Civic Stadium - September 27, 1952 - 6 PM ET
Grey skies and light rain were in the air for the start of the 34th McCallister Cup, but the city of Buffalo did not care. The stadium was packed. Every inch of the stands was filled plus the additional standing areas as well. The fans were ready to watch their Blue Wings.
Buffalo would kick the ball away to start the game, giving Boston the first chance with the ball. The Independents would quickly go 2 and out and give it to Buffalo. The Blue Wings' first drive went just as well with their own 2 and out. It seemed like it would be a slow game early on. Eventually, Boston would start to break through the Blue Wings line with RB Joel Bonner. The running back would get Boston down to the Buffalo 36, where they would finally be stopped and would score the first points on a field goal. The Blue Wings would not be able to get anything going as Boston’s defense was shutting them down early on. When the first quarter was coming to a close, QB Angelo Medina would look to find WR Joseph Barry on a crossing route. The pass was a bit behind and wind up in the hands of DB Clinton Benton. The turnover would turn into another Boston field goal to give them the 6-0 lead after one quarter.
The second would continue to go in favour of the Independents early on. They would add another field goal after a long drive to make it 9-0. At this point, RB Arthur Conner had enough of the slow start and took the team on his back on the next drive. The Blue Wings would focus on the run and they would start to find success. Conner powered his way through the Boston defense deep into enemy territory. Once they got down to the 4-yard line, Conner would push his way through to the goal line and score the touchdown. The entire drive ignited the crowd and the noise level rose. Boston would struggle with communication over the next bit with the spike in noise during their huddles. The Buffalo defense would make a huge stop and with the ball back they would get back to Boston territory where K Donald Brewer would narrowly make the field goal attempt just before halftime to give Buffalo the 9-10 lead.
The Blue Wings kept the momentum after the half and continued to move the ball well down the field. QB Angelo Medina would start to find his arm connecting with WR Joseph Barry for a 23-yard gain. RB Arthur Conner would get them back down to the 10, but it would be Medina finding WR Travis Gallagher right at the goal line to extend their lead. They would also gamble with a 2-point convert and Conner would punch it in and make it a 2-score lead 9-18. Boston continued to struggle as the Blue Wings defense was able to stop Boston consistently. However, you can never count the Independents out.
Boston would make several adjustments heading into the 4th quarter, primarily giving Larson a bit more control on the field. Larson would turn things around for Boston. They would have a couple of drives gaining chunks of yardage slowly tipping the field position battle in their favour. Eventually, Larson would find WR Samuel Floyd who would use his speed to break into the open field and pick up 45 yards. Not long after RB Joel Bonner would put the ball into the endzone and make it a 2-point game with 7 minutes to go in the game. For the next few drives neither team could score but eventually, Buffalo would get a huge break on a 21-yard Conner run and set them up for a field goal. Brewer would hit the kick and make it a 5-point lead. Boston would continue to push over the final minutes of the game. They would get down to the Buffalo 32, but they would fail to convert on a 3rd and 8 with Patterson knocking down the pass attempt. Buffalo would be able to run the remaining time down to officially complete the run from 0-3 to league champion. For the first time in Club history, the Buffalo Blue Wings are Champions!
McCallister Cup MVP
RB Arthur Conner BUF - 1 Touchdown, 146 Rushing Yards
34th McCallister Cup Championship - Boston Independents VS. Buffalo Blue Wings - Buffalo Civic Stadium - September 27, 1952 - 6 PM ET
Grey skies and light rain were in the air for the start of the 34th McCallister Cup, but the city of Buffalo did not care. The stadium was packed. Every inch of the stands was filled plus the additional standing areas as well. The fans were ready to watch their Blue Wings.
Buffalo would kick the ball away to start the game, giving Boston the first chance with the ball. The Independents would quickly go 2 and out and give it to Buffalo. The Blue Wings' first drive went just as well with their own 2 and out. It seemed like it would be a slow game early on. Eventually, Boston would start to break through the Blue Wings line with RB Joel Bonner. The running back would get Boston down to the Buffalo 36, where they would finally be stopped and would score the first points on a field goal. The Blue Wings would not be able to get anything going as Boston’s defense was shutting them down early on. When the first quarter was coming to a close, QB Angelo Medina would look to find WR Joseph Barry on a crossing route. The pass was a bit behind and wind up in the hands of DB Clinton Benton. The turnover would turn into another Boston field goal to give them the 6-0 lead after one quarter.
The second would continue to go in favour of the Independents early on. They would add another field goal after a long drive to make it 9-0. At this point, RB Arthur Conner had enough of the slow start and took the team on his back on the next drive. The Blue Wings would focus on the run and they would start to find success. Conner powered his way through the Boston defense deep into enemy territory. Once they got down to the 4-yard line, Conner would push his way through to the goal line and score the touchdown. The entire drive ignited the crowd and the noise level rose. Boston would struggle with communication over the next bit with the spike in noise during their huddles. The Buffalo defense would make a huge stop and with the ball back they would get back to Boston territory where K Donald Brewer would narrowly make the field goal attempt just before halftime to give Buffalo the 9-10 lead.
The Blue Wings kept the momentum after the half and continued to move the ball well down the field. QB Angelo Medina would start to find his arm connecting with WR Joseph Barry for a 23-yard gain. RB Arthur Conner would get them back down to the 10, but it would be Medina finding WR Travis Gallagher right at the goal line to extend their lead. They would also gamble with a 2-point convert and Conner would punch it in and make it a 2-score lead 9-18. Boston continued to struggle as the Blue Wings defense was able to stop Boston consistently. However, you can never count the Independents out.
Boston would make several adjustments heading into the 4th quarter, primarily giving Larson a bit more control on the field. Larson would turn things around for Boston. They would have a couple of drives gaining chunks of yardage slowly tipping the field position battle in their favour. Eventually, Larson would find WR Samuel Floyd who would use his speed to break into the open field and pick up 45 yards. Not long after RB Joel Bonner would put the ball into the endzone and make it a 2-point game with 7 minutes to go in the game. For the next few drives neither team could score but eventually, Buffalo would get a huge break on a 21-yard Conner run and set them up for a field goal. Brewer would hit the kick and make it a 5-point lead. Boston would continue to push over the final minutes of the game. They would get down to the Buffalo 32, but they would fail to convert on a 3rd and 8 with Patterson knocking down the pass attempt. Buffalo would be able to run the remaining time down to officially complete the run from 0-3 to league champion. For the first time in Club history, the Buffalo Blue Wings are Champions!
