North American Association of Football (Fictional History): 46th McCallister Cup

46th McCallister Cup

Buffalo Blue Wings VS. Long Island Raiders - New Providence Stadium - October 4, 1964 - 6 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy 18ºC | 65ºF - TV: Jerry Goldbridge and Jackie Calhoon
1st Q
The battle of New York was obviously going to be centred around the running back duel between RB Jimmy Golden of the Blue Wings and RB Dareion Fields of the Raiders. However, neither team was able to get going early on. It was both of the defences that were able to step up as they clearly took the time to develop strong strategies to contain the explosive weapons. Buffalo would be the first to start to attack through the air. QB Charles Lemieux was able to connect on a few plays that allowed them to make up some ground. They would be the first team to strike to make it 3-0, but that was all that was to come from the opening quarter.
BUF 3-0 LI

2nd Q
The ensuing quarter would continue to roll with defence being the main controller of the game. However, RB Jimmy Golden was starting to find a little bit of space and was able to get Buffalo into scoring range. QB Charles Lemieux would connect with TE Tanner Tint to get down to the 3-yard line before Golden took in the game's first major to make it 10-0 Blue Wings. Once again, the Raiders found themselves in a tricky situation and would need to start making something happen. The Blue Wings defence was limiting what the Raiders could do out of the backfield, so they were forced to go to the air. QB Stanley Troyer would step up to make a few throws connecting with WR Casey Coleman and WR Wilson Queensgate to get the team into field goal range to get at least 3 back before the break.
BUF 10-3 LI

3rd Q
The 3rd quarter was going to have to be an important one for the Raiders, who were looking to build on their field goal from the end of the second. The offence would get the ball first, but they were quickly stopped by the Blue Wings. Buffalo would get the ball and QB Charles Lemieux was looking to go to work. He would drop back to see WR Zachariah Pembroke make a break, but at the last second, the WR made another route change. Lemieux had already thrown the ball and DB Rutherford Winters was all over it. The Raider had great field position, and RB Dareion Fields would be able to get the team into the endzone to tie the game up at 10. The lead was now gone for the Blue Wings and they would be hoping to get back on the board, however, the Raiders defence was starting to get into their heads. DB Lauri Hayha would almost pick off another Lemieux pass and DL Vernon Spears was able to grab a sack. The Raiders continued to push and were moving the ball down the field as the quarter came to an end.
BUF 10-10 LI

4th Q
The Raiders would continue their drive in the 4th quarter, however, a big tackle from LB Orion Carter would stall out the drive at midfield. The Raiders would pin the Blue Wings on their own 3-yard line with a great punt from K Henderson Schumacher. Buffalo would look to get out, but the Raiders were all over and would force the 2 and out. K Ryan Perch was unable to get it very far leading to the Raiders continuing with the field position battle. QB Stanley Troyer would open the next drive with a 38-yard shot to WR Casey Coleman. The Raiders would get back into the endzone with Dareion Fields breaking it to the outside to give the Raiders a 10-17 lead. Buffalo was not going to be knocked out that easily, however, they did have to deal with RB Jimmy Golden losing his temper a little on the sideline with frustration. QB Charles Lemieux would step in as the captain and longtime teammate of Golden and get him focused. He would lead the team out on the next drive and they were flying. Lemieux hit target after target and Golden was able to make a couple of strong runs. Buffalo was suddenly within striking distance. They would get down to the 12 and then Lemieux would fake the handoff to Golden and then roll to find WR Julius Drake open in the endzone. The game was once again tied with 4 minutes to go. Both defences were tight from this point out as the teams traded a couple of short drives. With 1:24 to go the Raiders were looking to make a final push. Troyer needed to go through the air. He would look for WR Larry Mossholder, but his pass was off and would be incomplete. On 2nd down, the Blue Wings brought a little extra pressure with LB Harrison Bennett going in on the blitz. The play allowed DL Lonnie Vincent to get through and he would hit Troyer before he could throw, causing a sack and forcing the punt. Buffalo would get the ball and only had 0:58 to try and get into range. Lemieux would be the one the Blue Wings relied on as the QB was able to slowly take a few yards at a time. However, it was scary when DL Pionk Bjorkkstrand broke through the line and managed to trip up Lemieux for a 5-yard loss leading to a 2nd and 15 just out of range. Lemieux took the ensuing snap knowing the team needed to pick up the yardage. He would feel some pressure from the Raiders D-line, but he was able to escape before getting the ball to WR Daniel Irons to pick up 17 yards. They would inch a bit closer with a short run to Golden. The clock was pretty much drained as K Ryan Perch took the field to attempt the game-winning field goal. With the crowd in Providence holding their breath the ball would be snapped. The Australian kicker would take his steps and boot the ball. It came off with a womble, but then it settled and sailed through the uprights clinching the Blue Wings their 3rd McCallister Cup.

*Fun Stat: Buffalo is an odd team that has never won and lost a playoff game in the same season, either they get beat in their first game or they win the title.

McCallister Cup MVP