1972 Week 1
KICKOFF
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 21 @ Louisville Thunder - 27 - Thunder Stadium - Thursday, June 22, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 46,226
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
2nd Q
10-7: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
10-14: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
11-14: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
11-21: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
14-21: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
14-24: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
21-24: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
21-27: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
The season would kick off with the Thunder and Blacksmiths in a very important divisional battle.
The first half was tight with both teams getting points on the board, however, the Blacksmiths would get flashbacks to their playoff loss when QB Louis Vaughn would get knocked out of the game late in the first half. Vaughn had taken a couple of shots early in the game which may have re-aggravated his previous arm injury. QB Magnus Torrensen would replace Vaughn.
Without Vaughn, Pittsburgh’s offence would slow down with Louisville taking over and starting to run away with a 10-point lead in the 4th.
RB Max Tracy would keep the Blacksmiths in the game with a touchdown in the 4th, but it was far too late as Louisville would kick off their title defence with a win.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Long Island Raiders - 14 @ Providence Gold Stars - 27 - New Providence Stadium - Friday, June 23, 1972 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 62,370
1st Q
7-0: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
7-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
2nd Q
7-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
7-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
7-20: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
14-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
14-27: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
The city of Providence was ecstatic about the return of DB Neville Falkner for their home opener against the Raiders, as it was the first time he had ever returned to the city for a game after Indiana never played Providence in the 3 years he was there.
They were also ecstatic about the team that many have billed as a top contender this season. They would show it by taking a strong 7-17 lead heading into halftime.
Long Island had gotten the upper hand early, but the Gold Stars’ defence adjusted and shut them down until the 4th.
The Gold Stars would overall dominate in a great opening game to start the season 1-0.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Winnipeg Falcons - 4 @ Vancouver Wolves - 30 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, June 23, 1972 - 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 34,658
1st Q
0-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
0-10: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
0-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
3rd Q
0-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-20: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
4-20: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
4-23: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4-30: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
Vancouver was all business to kick off the season against the Falcons. They would dominate the first half, jumping out to a 0-17 lead.
QB Ulysses Lawyer made his first start for the Falcons and struggled overall. The veteran threw a pair of interceptions and only was able to get into scoring range a couple of times in the game, giving the team only 4 points.
Vancouver was clearly the better team rolling on for a 4-30 win to start their redemption season.
Toronto Steelheads - 12 @ Halifax Mariners - 21 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, June 24, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Drizzle/Haze/Cloudy - Attendance: 24,456
1st Q
0-7: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
0-14: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
3-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
6-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
6-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
6-21: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
12-21: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Cameron Kane
The Todd Sparrow era in Halifax got off to a solid start with the Mariners jumping out to a 0-14 lead on the Steelheads in the first half, with Sparrow throwing a touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
Toronto’s defence rallied in the second half after struggling in the first, keeping the Mariners out of the endzone. However, their offence was less than stellar. QB Landon Ross’ first start for the Steelheads would be pretty slow. The team tried utilizing the run a lot, but Halifax did a good job of shutting it down. Only once Ross had to go to the air a bit more did the offence finally get into the endzone late in the game.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 23 @ Ottawa Royals - 36 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, June 24, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 44,966
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
7-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
7-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
7-17: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
10-17: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-23: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
3rd Q
13-23: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
13-26: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-26: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
4th Q
20-29: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
23-29: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
23-36: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
It was a tight opening quarter between the Royals and Blue Wings that left Ottawa up by a field goal.
The 2nd would see QB Drake Young catch fire, throwing a pair of touchdowns to give Ottawa a 13-point lead after Buffalo managed to deflect the extra-point attempt by K Ira Foster.
Ottawa’s offence cooled in the 3rd, allowing the Blue Wings to climb back into the game, scoring 10 points to cut the lead down to just 6 heading into the 4th.
After trading field goals, Ottawa’s defence would step up and seal the game with DB Sergio Alvarez coming away with a crucial interception that would set up a late touchdown to give Ottawa a 13-point lead once again.
Regina Wheat Kings - 9 @ Edmonton Rangers - 23 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, June 24, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,398
1st Q
0-7: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Stanley McClendon
3-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
3-10: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3rd Q
6-13: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
9-16: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
9-23: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
The Edmonton Rangers’ season started off on the right foot when new starting QB Ken Myers hit WR Stanley McClendon on a slant which he turned into a 76-yard touchdown. They would maintain their strong start with two field goals in the 2nd.
Regina’s offence struggled in the game, a lot of miscues would lead them to only grab 3 field goals during the game.
However, the game was still within a score until Edmonton got a big forced fumble from LB Rhett Bradberry, that would lead to a late touchdown.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Boston Independents - 15 @ Montreal Rouge - 24 - Mount Royal Stadium - Saturday, June 24, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,435
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
8-0: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
8-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
8-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3rd Q
15-10: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
15-16: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
15-18: MTL - 2PT QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villaneuva
4th Q
15-21: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
15-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
Boston’s season would get off to a rough start as they faced the Montreal Rouge for the 3rd consecutive game dating back to last season. The first stroke of bad luck would come on RB Reggie Whitehead’s touchdown where several players would land on his ankle awkwardly causing an injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for about half of the season.
Montreal couldn’t take advantage of the hindered Independents, only taking a 2-point lead into the half.
Boston came out of the break determined, scoring a touchdown to take a 5-point lead. However, Montreal was able to answer with RB Bo Frazier’s 2nd touchdown of the day.
Boston was only down by 3 in the 4th, but QB Nathaniel Braddock would be the next to hit the ground, taking a big hit from DL Alan Franjkovic, forcing QB Joel Joeson to finish the game. The hit was viewed as a little dirty, which led to a few scrums throughout the remainder of the game.
Montreal’s defence would shut down Joeson and the Independents, while the offence added 6 more points to start the season off with a win.
London Tigers - 17 @ Minnesota Serpents - 29 - Midgard Stadium - Sunday, June 25, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 49,240
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
3-14: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
6-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
6-15: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
3rd Q
6-22: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> RB Austin Andrews
12-22: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
14-22: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> TE Pete Mayfield
4th Q
14-29: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
17-29: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
RB Tyler Kuhn was back to his old ways to kick off the 1972 season, running all over the Tigers for 3 touchdowns and 132 yards.
QB Henry Johnsson in his first start took a bit to get going, but was able to lead a touchdown drive in the 3rd that kept London in the game. However, two interceptions from DB Austin Sherebernikoff and S Gérard LaCroix would not be a great look to start.
WR Lloyd Lane was relatively quiet for his first game in London, only making two catches in the game.
RB Austin Andrews would also get into the endzone for Minnesota, scoring against his former team for the first time.
Calgary Predators - 11 @ Indiana Victors - 20 - Victory Stadium - Sunday, June 25, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,607
1st Q
0-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
7-3: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
7-10: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
3rd Q
7-17: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
10-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
10-20: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
11-20: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
Calgary’s Wild West offence got off to a promising start with a touchdown in the opening quarter to take a 7-3 lead. However, it would be quickly stunted when QB Emmitt Jackson would take a hit from LB Benjamin Page on a scramble, forcing QB Jesse Essex into action.
Indiana took advantage with strong defensive play and then put up 14 straight points to make it 7-17.
From there, the Victors would settle into a comfortable spot, holding off the Predators to start an important season off 1-0.
Players of the Week
A dominant performance from the reigning Offensive Player of the Year helped lift Minnesota over London
Macnamara played a pivotal role in shutting down the Steelheads’ run game, racking up 10 tackles and getting to RB Shannon West in the backfield one time
Injury Report
BOS: RB Reggie Whitehead - 7 Weeks
BOS: QB Nathaniel Braddock - 2 Weeks
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores - Day-to-Day
BUF: WR Julius Drake - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Garth Brooklyn - Day-to-Day
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Day-to-day
CGY: OL Charles Schwartz - 2 Weeks
CGY: DB Andrw Patterson - 5 Weeks
EDM: DB Eddie Brink - 5 Weeks
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - 1 Week
HFX: S Nick Prince - 4 Weeks
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - Day-to-Day
IND: S Geno Aranda - 5 Weeks
IND: LB Gerrard Miller - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Everett Lynch - Day-to-Day
LI: WR Larry Mossholder - 2 Weeks
LI: LB Callum Owen - 1 Week
MIN: LB Earl Featherstonhaugh - 3 Weeks
MIN: DB Chandler Gage - 3 Weeks
OTT: WR Marshall Leonard - Day-to-Day
PIT: QB Louis Vaughn - 1 Week
PRO: DL Brock Dyson - 1 Week
PRO: OL Emil Jennings - 5 Weeks
REG: TE Hank Bradford - 11 Weeks
TOR: LB Grover Smith - Day-to-Day
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine - 4 Weeks
VAN: OL David Brewington - 2 Weeks
WPG: OL Czesław Krasowsk - 7 Weeks
WPG: Jesse Rivard - 10 Weeks
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 1-0
Edmonton - 1-0
Minnesota - 1-0
Calgary - 0-1
Regina - 0-1
Winnipeg - 0-1
CENTRAL
Louisville - 1-0
Indiana - 1-0
Toronto - 0-1
London - 0-1
Buffalo - 0-1
Pittsburgh - 0-1
EAST
Providence - 1-0
Montreal - 1-0
Ottawa - 1-0
Halifax - 1-0
Boston - 0-1
Long Island - 0-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville -
3 - Minnesota +1
4 - Montreal +1
5 - Pittsburgh -2
6 - Ottawa +1
7 - Vancouver +1
8 - Long Island -2
9 - Buffalo +1
10 - Boston -1
11 - Indiana +1
12 - London -1
13 - Halifax -
14 - Edmonton +1
15 - Toronto -1
16 - Calgary -
17 - Regina -
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 2 Games
EDM (1-0) @ LI (0-1) - JUN 29 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
BUF (0-1) @ PIT (0-1) - JUN 30 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
MTL (1-0) @ LDN (0-1) - JUL 1 - 1:00 PM ET - Canada Day
WPG (0-1) @ OTT (1-0) - JUL 1 - 5:00 PM ET - Canada Day
TOR (0-1) @ VAN (1-0) - JUL 1 - 8:30 PM ET - Canada Day
PRO (1-0) @ HFX (1-0) - JUL 2 - 1:00 PM ET
LOU (1-0) @ REG (0-1) - JUL 2 - 4:00 PM ET
MIN (1-0) @ CGY (0-1) - JUL 2 - 4:00 PM ET
IND (1-0) @ BOS (0-1) - JUL 4 - 5:00 PM ET - 4th of July
1972 Week 2
Roster Moves
BOS: RB Reggie Whitehead | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: RB Scott Dale (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: DB Andre Patterson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: DB Ken Olsen | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: DB Eddie Brink | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: DB Sam Kroshaw | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: S Nick Prince | Active Roster -> Reserve List
HFX: DB Cornelius Walker | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: TE Hank Bradford | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: TE Doug Landry | Reserve List -> Active Roster
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 0 @ Long Island Raiders - 17 - Long Island Stadium - Thursday, June 29, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,306
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
2nd Q
3rd Q
0-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
0-17: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
The Raiders were able to take an early lead with a field goal in the opening quarter, however, the scoring screeched to a halt with both teams having turnover and offensive troubles.
The Raiders would get a prime chance to score in the 2nd quarter after an interception from DB Ross Conroy only for a misfire on the snap resulting in a fumble going back the other way.
In the 3rd, the Raiders would finally start figuring out the Rangers, scoring a deep touchdown with Frank Drysdale. Then, a deflected pass from DL Johnathan Ellison would land in the arms of LB Callumn Owen, setting up a touchdown to TE Eric Peterson shortly after.
The quick scores would be the killing blow as the Raiders held on to a shutout win.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 29 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 - Riverfront Stadium at Brewer Park - Friday, June 30, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 48,411
1st Q
3-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
10-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
10-14: PIT - PTD QB Magnus Torrensen -> WR Edward Washington
13-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
19-14: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
22-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
22-20: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
22-22: PIT - 2PT QB Magnus Torrensen -> WR Yahui Sun
29-22: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
Pittsburgh would look to get some revenge on the Blue Wings after being knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by them last year.
QB Magnus Torrensen made his first start for the Blacksmiths since 1967. He would lead Pittsburgh to a 13-14 lead in the first half.
In the 2nd half, Buffalo started to pick up the pace. QB Charles Lemieux was playing determined and would get 9 points for the Blue Wings in the 3rd to take an 8-point lead.
Pittsburgh would manage to tie the game late with a great drive that ended with RB Max Tracy in the endzone.
After WR Yahui Sun tied the game with the 2-point conversion, the Blue Wings would go to work. Lemieux would pick apart the Blacksmiths’ defence and manage to get down to the 1-yard line before RB Jasper Dickerson punched in the go-ahead score.
Pittsburgh was unable to respond in the remaining minutes, leaving Buffalo victorious at Riverfront Stadium once again.
CANADA DAY
Montreal Rouge - 10 @ London Tigers - 24 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, July 1, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,375
1st Q
0-1: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
0-8: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-8: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
2nd Q
10-8: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
10-11: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
10-18: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
10-21: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
10-24: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
It was an electric atmosphere in London with a sold-out crowd in Western Fair Stadium with the Canada Day celebrations and Rouge fans making their way down from Montreal.
The home fans were treated to a strong start from the Tigers that would see them take an 0-8 lead in the first.
Montreal would then get the next 10 points before London was able to sneak in a late field goal and take a lead into the break.
The 2nd half would be a much different story with the Tigers’ defence completely shutting down the Montreal offence. A mix of great defensive play and some errors by QB Gene Bishop would leave Montreal stuck at 10 points.
QB Henry Johnsson looked good in his second start, leading the Tigers to score 13 points and secure their first win of the season.
CANADA DAY
Winnipeg Falcons - 22 @ Ottawa Royals - 27 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, July 1, 1972 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,831
1st Q
0-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
2nd Q
0-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
3-20: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-20: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
13-20: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
4th Q
13-27: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
16-27: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
22-27: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Elijah Skinner
The Ottawa Royals came out guns blazing against the Falcons, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the first, assisted by a DB Jerome Caldwell interception.
QB Ulysses Lawyer struggled mightily in the open stages of the game but did recover for a field goal late in the 2nd.
The Falcons would get another field goal in the 3rd but at the cost of Lawyer, who took a tough hit during the drive. QB Xerxes Wynn would get into the game on the next drive.
With Wynn under centre, the Falcons’ offence came to life, scoring their first touchdown of the season.
Ottawa would respond to start the 4th with a touchdown from RB Corbyn Knight, however, Winnipeg would stick around.
Wynn would lead a couple of drives that would pull the Falcons to within 5 points, including a long TD pass to WR Elijah Skinner.
Following the touchdown, Ottawa would refocus and shut the Falcons down in the final minutes, holding on for their 2nd win of the season.
CANADA DAY
Toronto Steelheads - 14 @ Vancouver Wolves - 31 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, July 1, 1972 - 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 34,871
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
2nd Q
0-21: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
7-21: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
7-24: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
14-24: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Cameron Kane
14-31: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
The Wolves remained determined on their bounce-back campaign, taking it to the Steelheads early.
Three 1st half touchdowns would give the Wolves a 0-21 lead heading into the break.
Toronto’s defence was still struggling to find their form, while the offence was continuing to sputter. Luckily, they would get a little bit of life with an early touchdown in the 3rd.
Unfortunately, that would be the only bright spot for starting QB Landon Ross, as he would throw a pick on the next drive.
QB David Simmons would enter the game in the 4th to relieve Ross. Simmons would get the Steelheads back to the endzone, giving them a little sliver of hope, which would be quickly dashed when QB Kevin Westwood hit a wide-open WR Akira Sakamoto, who would blow past everyone for a touchdown.
Providence Gold Stars - 20 @ Halifax Mariners - 11 - Atlantic Stadium - Sunday, July 2, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET/2:00 PM AT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,659
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
6-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
6-1: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
13-1: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
3rd Q
13-4: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
20-4: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
20-11: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
The Gold Stars headed up the coast for a date with the Halifax Mariners to kick off Sunday’s action.
The Gold Stars would control the first half with a 13-1 lead, while their defence was causing a lot of trouble for the young QB Todd Sparrow.
Halifax would gain a little life in the 3rd and eventually the 4th with a touchdown run from George Seahorse.
However, it was Providence’s day with a dominant defensive performance.
The one negative for the day was QB Red King leaving the game in the 4th, but the injury is believed to be minor and he should be back next week. QB Michael Miranda finished the game.
Louisville Thunder - 38 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 3 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, July 2, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 14,060
1st Q
7-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
10-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
2nd Q
17-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
24-0: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
3rd Q
31-0: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
31-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
38-3: LOU - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Justin Dubuque
The defending champions rolled into Regina and did not hold back as they completely blew up the Wheat Kings’ defence.
QB Buck Murphy would throw 2 touchdowns in the first half, while RB Neil Bradley powered through for another to take a staggering 24-0 lead.
Louisville’s defence was also playing at the top of their game, holding the Wheat Kings off until a late field goal following an interception from DB Madison McGhee allowed Regina to get a field goal.
In the 4th, Louisville would allow QB Al Washington to get some snaps, where he would throw a touchdown to make it 38-3.
Minnesota Serpents - 34 @ Calgary Predators - 16 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Sunday, July 2, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/2:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,133
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
0-10: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
7-10: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
14-10: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
21-10: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
3rd Q
21-13: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
28-13: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
31-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
31-16: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
34-16: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Calgary Predators got out to an early lead against the Serpents with their rushing attack seemed to work well against Minnesota’s defence that has one less guy up front.
However, after getting a 0-10 lead, they would suddenly get shut down with Minnesota making some adjustments defensively.
At the same time, Minnesota would capitalize on offence, scoring 3 touchdowns on the ground to take a 21-10 lead.
Calgary tried to get points back in the 2nd half, but would only get 6 while Minnesota added 13 to their total, capturing their 2nd win of the season.
4TH OF JULY
Indiana Victors - 20 @ Boston Independents - 25 - Richardson Stadium - Tuesday, July 4, 1972 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,182
1st Q
1-0: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
1-7: BOS - PTD QB Joel Joesen -> WR Al Allmendinger
4-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
7-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
7-14: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
3rd Q
14-14: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
14-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
17-17: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
17-18: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
20-18: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
20-25: BOS - PTD QB Joel Joesen -> WR Tyreek Flores
Tuesday’s 4th of July match-up would be an interesting one with Boston without both QB Nathaniel Braddock and RB Reggie Whitehead leaving QB Joel Joesen and RB Wesley Wu to start the game.
It started off alright for Boston with Joesen hitting WR Al Allmendinger for a touchdown early.
Indiana would spin their tires a bit throughout the first half. While they did get into scoring range 3 times, they all ended with kicks.
The game was tied for a little bit before RB Wesley Wu would break into the endzone to give Boston a 7-point lead at halftime.
In the 2nd half, Indiana would finally gain some traction, scoring 10 points in the 3rd to leave the game tied heading into the 4th.
The teams would both get a score early in the final frame, but Indiana’s field goal would put them out in front, leaving Joesen to play some hero ball.
Luckily for Boston, Joesen would pull through and get the team down the field, before hitting WR Tyreek Flores for the game-clinching score giving Boston their first win of the season.
Injury Report
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman - 5 Weeks
BOS: TE Spencer Griepentrog - 1 Week
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Season
BUF: OL Ty Barrett - 8 Weeks
CGY: WR Ted Jackson - Day-to-Day
CGY: DL Roger Barrett - Day-to-Day
EDM: S Paul Clement - 2 Weeks
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - 6 Weeks
HFX: LB Nick Proehl - 11 Weeks
HFX: DB Joe Robinson - Season
HFX: RB Axel Vandal - 1 Week
HFX: WR Jav Karrigan - 1 Week
HFX: OL Tony Walker-Jones - 5 Weeks
IND: OL Marc Clevinger - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Day-to-Day
LDN: OL Felton McDowell - 7 Weeks
LDN: WR James Love - 8 Weeks
LI: OL Gary Bies - Day-to-Day
LI: WR Valentine Botwright - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - 1 Week
LOU: DB Oswald Murray - 4 Weeks
MIN: OL Daniel Chou - 7 Weeks
MIN: TE Xavier Francis Langford - Day-to-Day
MTL: OL Bradley Clark - Day-to-Day
OTT: OL Martin Graw - 2 Weeks
PIT: DB Zed McLaughlin - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Day-to-Day
PRO: QB Red King - Day-to-Day
PRO: OL Peter Manning - 2 Weeks
REG: OL Matt Price-Fisher - 8 Weeks
TOR: OL Alan Farquharson - 1 Week
TOR: WR Sterling Underhill - Day-to-Day
TOR: DB Rob Risker - 8 Weeks
VAN: OL Ron Raymond - 13 Weeks
VAN: OL Nick Bowen - Day-to-Day
WPG: QB Ulysses Lawyer - 1 Week
WPG: S Lin Chong-Su - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Ian Yager - 5 Weeks
WPG: DL Justin Bardouche - 1 Week
WPG: OL John Dough - 1 Week
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Charles Lemieux BUF - 2 Passing Touchdowns, 311 Passing Yards
Lemieux’s performance was nearly perfect as he was able to lift the Blue Wings to a win over the Blacksmiths
Roster Moves
BOS: RB Reggie Whitehead | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: RB Scott Dale (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: DB Andre Patterson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: DB Ken Olsen | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: DB Eddie Brink | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: DB Sam Kroshaw | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: S Nick Prince | Active Roster -> Reserve List
HFX: DB Cornelius Walker | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: TE Hank Bradford | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: TE Doug Landry | Reserve List -> Active Roster
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 0 @ Long Island Raiders - 17 - Long Island Stadium - Thursday, June 29, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,306
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
2nd Q
3rd Q
0-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
0-17: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
The Raiders were able to take an early lead with a field goal in the opening quarter, however, the scoring screeched to a halt with both teams having turnover and offensive troubles.
The Raiders would get a prime chance to score in the 2nd quarter after an interception from DB Ross Conroy only for a misfire on the snap resulting in a fumble going back the other way.
In the 3rd, the Raiders would finally start figuring out the Rangers, scoring a deep touchdown with Frank Drysdale. Then, a deflected pass from DL Johnathan Ellison would land in the arms of LB Callumn Owen, setting up a touchdown to TE Eric Peterson shortly after.
The quick scores would be the killing blow as the Raiders held on to a shutout win.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 29 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 - Riverfront Stadium at Brewer Park - Friday, June 30, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 48,411
1st Q
3-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
10-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
10-14: PIT - PTD QB Magnus Torrensen -> WR Edward Washington
13-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
19-14: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
22-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
22-20: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
22-22: PIT - 2PT QB Magnus Torrensen -> WR Yahui Sun
29-22: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
Pittsburgh would look to get some revenge on the Blue Wings after being knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by them last year.
QB Magnus Torrensen made his first start for the Blacksmiths since 1967. He would lead Pittsburgh to a 13-14 lead in the first half.
In the 2nd half, Buffalo started to pick up the pace. QB Charles Lemieux was playing determined and would get 9 points for the Blue Wings in the 3rd to take an 8-point lead.
Pittsburgh would manage to tie the game late with a great drive that ended with RB Max Tracy in the endzone.
After WR Yahui Sun tied the game with the 2-point conversion, the Blue Wings would go to work. Lemieux would pick apart the Blacksmiths’ defence and manage to get down to the 1-yard line before RB Jasper Dickerson punched in the go-ahead score.
Pittsburgh was unable to respond in the remaining minutes, leaving Buffalo victorious at Riverfront Stadium once again.
CANADA DAY
Montreal Rouge - 10 @ London Tigers - 24 - Western Fair Stadium - Saturday, July 1, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,375
1st Q
0-1: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
0-8: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-8: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
2nd Q
10-8: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
10-11: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
10-18: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
10-21: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
10-24: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
It was an electric atmosphere in London with a sold-out crowd in Western Fair Stadium with the Canada Day celebrations and Rouge fans making their way down from Montreal.
The home fans were treated to a strong start from the Tigers that would see them take an 0-8 lead in the first.
Montreal would then get the next 10 points before London was able to sneak in a late field goal and take a lead into the break.
The 2nd half would be a much different story with the Tigers’ defence completely shutting down the Montreal offence. A mix of great defensive play and some errors by QB Gene Bishop would leave Montreal stuck at 10 points.
QB Henry Johnsson looked good in his second start, leading the Tigers to score 13 points and secure their first win of the season.
CANADA DAY
Winnipeg Falcons - 22 @ Ottawa Royals - 27 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, July 1, 1972 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,831
1st Q
0-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
2nd Q
0-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
3-20: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-20: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
13-20: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
4th Q
13-27: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
16-27: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
22-27: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Elijah Skinner
The Ottawa Royals came out guns blazing against the Falcons, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the first, assisted by a DB Jerome Caldwell interception.
QB Ulysses Lawyer struggled mightily in the open stages of the game but did recover for a field goal late in the 2nd.
The Falcons would get another field goal in the 3rd but at the cost of Lawyer, who took a tough hit during the drive. QB Xerxes Wynn would get into the game on the next drive.
With Wynn under centre, the Falcons’ offence came to life, scoring their first touchdown of the season.
Ottawa would respond to start the 4th with a touchdown from RB Corbyn Knight, however, Winnipeg would stick around.
Wynn would lead a couple of drives that would pull the Falcons to within 5 points, including a long TD pass to WR Elijah Skinner.
Following the touchdown, Ottawa would refocus and shut the Falcons down in the final minutes, holding on for their 2nd win of the season.
CANADA DAY
Toronto Steelheads - 14 @ Vancouver Wolves - 31 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, July 1, 1972 - 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 34,871
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
2nd Q
0-21: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
7-21: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
7-24: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
14-24: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Cameron Kane
14-31: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
The Wolves remained determined on their bounce-back campaign, taking it to the Steelheads early.
Three 1st half touchdowns would give the Wolves a 0-21 lead heading into the break.
Toronto’s defence was still struggling to find their form, while the offence was continuing to sputter. Luckily, they would get a little bit of life with an early touchdown in the 3rd.
Unfortunately, that would be the only bright spot for starting QB Landon Ross, as he would throw a pick on the next drive.
QB David Simmons would enter the game in the 4th to relieve Ross. Simmons would get the Steelheads back to the endzone, giving them a little sliver of hope, which would be quickly dashed when QB Kevin Westwood hit a wide-open WR Akira Sakamoto, who would blow past everyone for a touchdown.
Providence Gold Stars - 20 @ Halifax Mariners - 11 - Atlantic Stadium - Sunday, July 2, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET/2:00 PM AT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,659
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
6-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
6-1: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
13-1: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
3rd Q
13-4: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
20-4: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
20-11: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
The Gold Stars headed up the coast for a date with the Halifax Mariners to kick off Sunday’s action.
The Gold Stars would control the first half with a 13-1 lead, while their defence was causing a lot of trouble for the young QB Todd Sparrow.
Halifax would gain a little life in the 3rd and eventually the 4th with a touchdown run from George Seahorse.
However, it was Providence’s day with a dominant defensive performance.
The one negative for the day was QB Red King leaving the game in the 4th, but the injury is believed to be minor and he should be back next week. QB Michael Miranda finished the game.
Louisville Thunder - 38 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 3 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, July 2, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 14,060
1st Q
7-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
10-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
2nd Q
17-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
24-0: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
3rd Q
31-0: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
31-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
38-3: LOU - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Justin Dubuque
The defending champions rolled into Regina and did not hold back as they completely blew up the Wheat Kings’ defence.
QB Buck Murphy would throw 2 touchdowns in the first half, while RB Neil Bradley powered through for another to take a staggering 24-0 lead.
Louisville’s defence was also playing at the top of their game, holding the Wheat Kings off until a late field goal following an interception from DB Madison McGhee allowed Regina to get a field goal.
In the 4th, Louisville would allow QB Al Washington to get some snaps, where he would throw a touchdown to make it 38-3.
Minnesota Serpents - 34 @ Calgary Predators - 16 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Sunday, July 2, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/2:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,133
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
0-10: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
7-10: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
14-10: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
21-10: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
3rd Q
21-13: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
28-13: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
31-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
31-16: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
34-16: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Calgary Predators got out to an early lead against the Serpents with their rushing attack seemed to work well against Minnesota’s defence that has one less guy up front.
However, after getting a 0-10 lead, they would suddenly get shut down with Minnesota making some adjustments defensively.
At the same time, Minnesota would capitalize on offence, scoring 3 touchdowns on the ground to take a 21-10 lead.
Calgary tried to get points back in the 2nd half, but would only get 6 while Minnesota added 13 to their total, capturing their 2nd win of the season.
4TH OF JULY
Indiana Victors - 20 @ Boston Independents - 25 - Richardson Stadium - Tuesday, July 4, 1972 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,182
1st Q
1-0: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
1-7: BOS - PTD QB Joel Joesen -> WR Al Allmendinger
4-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
7-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
7-14: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
3rd Q
14-14: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
14-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
17-17: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
17-18: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
20-18: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
20-25: BOS - PTD QB Joel Joesen -> WR Tyreek Flores
Tuesday’s 4th of July match-up would be an interesting one with Boston without both QB Nathaniel Braddock and RB Reggie Whitehead leaving QB Joel Joesen and RB Wesley Wu to start the game.
It started off alright for Boston with Joesen hitting WR Al Allmendinger for a touchdown early.
Indiana would spin their tires a bit throughout the first half. While they did get into scoring range 3 times, they all ended with kicks.
The game was tied for a little bit before RB Wesley Wu would break into the endzone to give Boston a 7-point lead at halftime.
In the 2nd half, Indiana would finally gain some traction, scoring 10 points in the 3rd to leave the game tied heading into the 4th.
The teams would both get a score early in the final frame, but Indiana’s field goal would put them out in front, leaving Joesen to play some hero ball.
Luckily for Boston, Joesen would pull through and get the team down the field, before hitting WR Tyreek Flores for the game-clinching score giving Boston their first win of the season.
Injury Report
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman - 5 Weeks
BOS: TE Spencer Griepentrog - 1 Week
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Season
BUF: OL Ty Barrett - 8 Weeks
CGY: WR Ted Jackson - Day-to-Day
CGY: DL Roger Barrett - Day-to-Day
EDM: S Paul Clement - 2 Weeks
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - 6 Weeks
HFX: LB Nick Proehl - 11 Weeks
HFX: DB Joe Robinson - Season
HFX: RB Axel Vandal - 1 Week
HFX: WR Jav Karrigan - 1 Week
HFX: OL Tony Walker-Jones - 5 Weeks
IND: OL Marc Clevinger - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Day-to-Day
LDN: OL Felton McDowell - 7 Weeks
LDN: WR James Love - 8 Weeks
LI: OL Gary Bies - Day-to-Day
LI: WR Valentine Botwright - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - 1 Week
LOU: DB Oswald Murray - 4 Weeks
MIN: OL Daniel Chou - 7 Weeks
MIN: TE Xavier Francis Langford - Day-to-Day
MTL: OL Bradley Clark - Day-to-Day
OTT: OL Martin Graw - 2 Weeks
PIT: DB Zed McLaughlin - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Day-to-Day
PRO: QB Red King - Day-to-Day
PRO: OL Peter Manning - 2 Weeks
REG: OL Matt Price-Fisher - 8 Weeks
TOR: OL Alan Farquharson - 1 Week
TOR: WR Sterling Underhill - Day-to-Day
TOR: DB Rob Risker - 8 Weeks
VAN: OL Ron Raymond - 13 Weeks
VAN: OL Nick Bowen - Day-to-Day
WPG: QB Ulysses Lawyer - 1 Week
WPG: S Lin Chong-Su - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Ian Yager - 5 Weeks
WPG: DL Justin Bardouche - 1 Week
WPG: OL John Dough - 1 Week
Players of the Week
Lemieux’s performance was nearly perfect as he was able to lift the Blue Wings to a win over the Blacksmiths
Cruz played a vital role in causing a lot of chaos for QB Todd Sparrow, the Gold Stars’ win over the Mariners
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 2-0
Minnesota - 2-0
Edmonton - 1-1
Calgary - 0-2
Winnipeg - 0-2
Regina - 0-2
CENTRAL
Louisville - 2-0
Buffalo - 1-1
Indiana - 1-1
London - 1-1
Toronto - 0-2
Pittsburgh - 0-2
EAST
Providence - 2-0
Ottawa - 2-0
Montreal - 1-1
Long Island - 1-1
Halifax - 1-1
Boston - 1-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Ottawa +2
5 - Vancouver +2
6 - Buffalo +3
7 - Montreal -3
8 - Long Island -
9 - Pittsburgh -4
10 - London +2
11 - Boston -1
12 - Indiana -1
13 - Halifax -
14 - Edmonton -
15 - Toronto -
16 - Calgary -
17 - Winnipeg +1
18 - Regina -1
Week 3 Games
OTT (2-0) @ LDN (1-1) - JUL 7 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (1-1) @ LI (1-1) - JUL 8 - 12:00 PM ET
PIT (0-2) @ WPG (0-2) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
MIN (2-0) @ REG (0-2) - JUL 8 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (2-0) @ CGY (0-2) - JUL 8 - 3:30 PM ET
MTL (1-1) @ PRO (2-0) - JUL 8 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
BOS (1-1) @ LOU (2-0) - JUL 9 - 1:00 PM ET
IND (1-1) @ TOR (0-2) - JUL 9 - 1:00 PM ET
EDM (1-1) @ BUF (1-1) - JUL 9 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Week 3
Roster Moves
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: LB Marc Hand | Reserve List -> Active Roster
BOS: OL Terry Pennington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: OL Tyler Recht | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: OL Kurt Klitsome | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Felton McDowell | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Harvey Strong | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: OL Daniel Chou | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DB Rob Risker | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DB Joseph Ahmed | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL Ron Raymond | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Ralph Allison | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Ian Yager | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: OL Damien Brisebois | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Ottawa Royals - 17 @ London Tigers - 21 - Western Fair Stadium - Friday, July 7, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 27,184
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-7: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
2nd Q
6-7: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
3rd Q
12-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
14-14: OTT - 2PT QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
4th Q
17-14: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
17-21: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
A classic battle between the Royals and Tigers would be the featured match on Friday Night Football.
The first half would go the way of the Tigers, with QB Henry Johnsson throwing his first career touchdown to WR Lloyd Lane before RB Jeremy Royal ran one in to make it 6-14 at halftime.
The Royals would climb back into the game in the 3rd after DB Sergio Alvarez would get a big-time interception to stop a Tigers drive, which QB Drake Young would turn into a touchdown back the other way.
The Royals would take their first lead of the game in the 4th off of a field goal, but the Tigers would be the ones getting the last laugh with QB Henry Johnsson flashing his arm, to get the team the go-ahead touchdown and capture their 2nd win in a row.
Halifax Mariners - 14 @ Long Island Raiders - 26 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,068
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
7-3: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
7-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
7-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
7-16: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
8-16: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
8-19: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
4th Q
14-19: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
14-26: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
After the Raiders struck first with a field goal, the Mariners would get a touchdown in response from RB George Seahorse.
In the 2nd, the Raiders would bounce back with 10 points of their own while the defence was able to shut down the Mariners.
In the 2nd half, the Raiders' defence continued to cause issues for the Mariners with S Sully Callahan getting an interception and DL Johnathan Ellison forcing a fumble.
The Raiders would take an 8-19 lead, but Halifax would get a touchdown to cut the lead down to 5 after a missed 2-point conversion.
Halifax would get the ball back, but QB Todd Sparrow would be picked off by DB Rutherford Winters which would turn into a touchdown to make it 14-26.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 25 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 10 - Provencher Park - Saturday, July 8 , 1972 - 1:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 22,970
1st Q
7-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
10-0: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
2nd Q
17-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
17-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
18-3: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
18-10: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
25-10: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
QB Louis Vaughn returned to the lineup for the Blacksmiths trip to Winnipeg. Vaughn would make an impact early, building a 17-0 lead.
QB Xerxes Wynn made his first career start but struggled in the opening half, being on the run from Pittsburgh’s dominant D-line the whole first half.
Winnipeg would only finally gain some traction in the 4th with a rushing touchdown from RB Joe Rivers after WR Elijah Skinner made a big play.
Wynn had an opportunity down by 8 to try and score a tying touchdown, but he would throw an interception to DB Aiden Sargent, which would turn into another touchdown to give Pittsburgh their first win of the season.
Minnesota Serpents - 36 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 8 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 14,244
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
14-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
17-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
24-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> RB Austin Andrews
24-1: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
27-1: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
27-8: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
33-8: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
36-8: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
Minnesota rolled into Regina and laid a beatdown on the Wheat Kings.
RB Tyler Kuhn would run all over the field in the first half, scoring a touchdown, and assisting largely in a second.
They kept rolling in the 3rd to take a 27-1 lead, while Regina was spinning their tires against the Minnesota defence.
The Wheat Kings’ day would get worse with DL Butcher Callahan leaving the game with a season-ending injury that will be a major blow to their defence.
They would get one touchdown from RB Deion Chapman, but by that time Minnesota was rolling out their backups as they climbed out to a 36-8 lead.
Vancouver Wolves - 38 @ Calgary Predators - 14 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,779
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
7-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
14-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
17-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
24-7: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
31-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
4th Q
31-14: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> RB Rocco Peaks
38-14: VAN - DTD FUMR DL Qian Zhou - FFUM DL Rashawn Sutherland
Vancouver aimed to keep pace with the Minnesota Serpents in the West with a strong showing against Calgary.
They would open the scoring with a touchdown on the opening drive, however, Calgary was able to answer back and make it 7-7.
Vancouver would take over in the 2nd though, scoring 10 points to take a 17-7 lead into halftime.
Vancouver’s run game would get loose in the 3rd, adding on another 14 points in the quarter between their top two RBs.
Calgary was finally able to break their silence in the 4th, with RB Rocco Peaks weaving his way out of the backfield for a touchdown.
Calgary would get the ball back, but QB Emmitt Jackson would immediately cough up the ball allowing the Wolves’ defence to score a final touchdown.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 16 @ Providence Gold Stars - 27 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 62,601
1st Q
0-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
3-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
3-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
6-14: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3rd Q
6-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
9-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
9-24: PRO - DTD FUM LB Kurt Warlock
16-24: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
16-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
The city of Providence would erupt early in the 1st quarter when DB Neville Falkner would nab his first interception since returning to the Gold Stars. The fans gave a bit of a standing ovation for their returning star.
The offence would feed on the energy, scoring a touchdown shortly after to take the lead.
Providence would add onto it in the 2nd following another turnover with S Tom Parrish grabbing an interception.
It was a brutal first half for QB Gene Bishop, bringing in the question of if the team should give QB Nathan Houle a shot if Montreal’s offensive woes continue.
Despite being outplayed by the Gold Stars throughout the game, Montreal remained within striking distance heading into the 4th, only down by 8.
However, their hopes would take a big hit after LB Kurt Warlock stripped the ball from RB Bo Frazier and then scored to extend the Gold Stars’ lead.
Despite the fumble, Montreal’s offence would rebound with Bishop getting the ball into the endzone for the first time in the game to make it an 8-point game again.
However, that would be their last real shot with Providence being able to burn the clock, en route to a field goal, and shut Montreal down on their final possession.
Boston Independents - 28 @ Louisville Thunder - 31 - Thunder Stadium - Sunday, July 9, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,566
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-7: BOS - KRTD WR Craig Nunnery
7-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
8-14: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
11-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
18-14: BOS - DTD INT S Ernie Osborne
3rd Q
21-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
21-21: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
28-21: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
28-28: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
28-31: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
The Thunder welcomed the crippled Independents to their home in hopes of picking up their 3rd win of the season.
They would get off to a good start with QB Buck Murphy finding WR Casey Coleman. The offence would take the field almost instantly, when the ensuing kickoff was returned for a touchdown to tie the game. Murphy would double down on the initial touchdown hitting Coleman a second time on the next drive.
Despite the strong start from Louisville, Boston would have a great 2nd flipping the tables completely following a S Ernie Osborne pick that would turn into a touchdown.
Boston’s lead would not make it to the 4th with Louisville tying the game back up.
Boston would take a lead in the 4th off of a RB Wesley Wu touchdown, but Louisville would get a touchdown right back.
Boston’s luck would finally run out with Louisville getting the stop and then scoring the game-winning field goal shortly after.
Indiana Victors - 12 @ Toronto Steelheads - 22 - Anderson Stadium - Sunday, July 9, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 47,374
1st Q
0-7: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Cameron Kane
2nd Q
6-7: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Ed Edwards
6-14: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
3rd Q
9-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
9-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
4th Q
12-15: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
12-22: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
Toronto went back to QB Landon Ross, despite benching the veteran QB last week. It would work out early with Toronto able to get out to a 6-14 lead in the first half.
Indiana managed a touchdown in the 2nd, but miscues were keeping them at arms length from the Steelheads.
On top of the Victors’ struggles, the Steelheads’ defence was playing well and was able to hold them to just 12 points.
While the Victors did get to within 3 points of the lead, the Steelheads’ offence would grab a late touchdown to make it 12-22.
Edmonton Rangers - 23 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, July 9, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 53,925
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
6-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
13-3: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
13-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
16-6: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
16-13: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
4th Q
16-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
23-20: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Spencer Hicks
The Rangers would shock the Blue Wings’ faithful, taking a 13-3 lead in the first half.
A couple of fumbles would not help the Blue Wings’ offence which barely got 6 points on the board in the first half.
Edmonton remained in control deep into the 3rd, but QB Charles Lemieux could only be stopped for so long. The Blue Wings’ Captain would lead a pair of touchdown drives to get Buffalo out in front late in the game.
However, following the 2nd touchdown, RB Aeneas Phillips would return the ensuing kickoff into Buffalo territory, which would set up WR Spencer Hicks to make a great grab against DB Dean Hawkins to get the game-winning touchdown for the Rangers to upset the Blue Wings on the road.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Aaron Sharpless - Day-to-Day
BOS: DL Bjorn Sigmarsson - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Randall Graham - 2 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Phil Gross - 6 Weeks
CGY: DL Ernest Hemminger - Day-to-Day
CGY: WR Jimmy Potter - 10 Weeks
EDM: DL James Chambers - 9 Weeks
EDM: OL Callum Thomas - 2 Weeks
HFX: RB George Seahorse - 2 Weeks
HFX: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence - 9 Weeks
LI: OL Alan Mitchell - 2 Weeks
LOU: TE Rex Williamson - 3 Weeks
LOU: TE Knobby Silverton - 1 Week
OTT: TE Luiss de Brands - 1 Week
PRO: OL Louis DeBois - 6 Weeks
REG: OL Fisher Blackmon - 4 Weeks
REG: DL Butcher Callahan - Season
REG: LB Brett Pride - 5 Weeks
REG: WR Jimmy Franks - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Max Russland - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: WR Casey Coleman LOU - 2 Receiving Touchdowns, 135 Receiving Yards
A dominant 1st quarter plus a clutch catch in the 4th would be vital to the Thunder’s win over Boston
DEF: LB Kurt Warlock PRO - 1 Defensive Touchdown, 1 Forced Fumble, 11 Tackles
Warlock dominated for the Gold Stars with 11 tackles plus an all-important defensive touchdown
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 3-0
Minnesota - 3-0
Edmonton - 2-1
Winnipeg - 0-3
Calgary - 0-3
Regina - 0-3
CENTRAL
Louisville - 3-0
London - 2-1
Buffalo - 1-2
Toronto - 1-2
Indiana - 1-2
Pittsburgh - 1-2
EAST
Providence - 3-0
Long Island - 2-1
Ottawa - 2-1
Montreal - 1-2
Boston - 1-2
Halifax - 1-2
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota +1
3 - Louisville -1
4 - Vancouver +1
5 - Ottawa -1
6 - Long Island +2
7 - London +3
8 - Pittsburgh +1
9 - Buffalo -3
10 - Montreal -3
11 - Boston -
12 - Edmonton +2
13 - Halifax -
14 - Toronto +1
15 - Indiana -3
16 - Calgary -
17 - Winnipeg -
18 - Regina -
Week 4 Games
LOU (3-0) @ BUF (1-2) - JUL 14 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
OTT (2-1) @ HFX (1-2) - JUL 15 - 12:00 PM ET
TOR (1-2) @ PIT (1-2) - JUL 15 - 12:00 PM ET
LDN (2-1) @ EDM (2-1) - JUL 15 - 3:30 PM ET
IND (1-2) @ VAN (3-0) - JUL 15 - 3:30 PM ET
MTL (1-2) @ MIN (3-0) - JUL 15 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
BOS (1-2) @ LI (2-1) - JUL 16 - 1:00 PM ET
CGY (0-3) @ PRO (3-0) - JUL 16 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (0-3) @ REG (0-3) - JUL 16 - 4:00 PM ET
Roster Moves
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: LB Marc Hand | Reserve List -> Active Roster
BOS: OL Terry Pennington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: OL Tyler Recht | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: OL Kurt Klitsome | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Felton McDowell | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Harvey Strong | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: OL Daniel Chou | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DB Rob Risker | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DB Joseph Ahmed | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL Ron Raymond | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Ralph Allison | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Ian Yager | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: OL Damien Brisebois | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Ottawa Royals - 17 @ London Tigers - 21 - Western Fair Stadium - Friday, July 7, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 27,184
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-7: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
2nd Q
6-7: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
3rd Q
12-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
14-14: OTT - 2PT QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
4th Q
17-14: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
17-21: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
A classic battle between the Royals and Tigers would be the featured match on Friday Night Football.
The first half would go the way of the Tigers, with QB Henry Johnsson throwing his first career touchdown to WR Lloyd Lane before RB Jeremy Royal ran one in to make it 6-14 at halftime.
The Royals would climb back into the game in the 3rd after DB Sergio Alvarez would get a big-time interception to stop a Tigers drive, which QB Drake Young would turn into a touchdown back the other way.
The Royals would take their first lead of the game in the 4th off of a field goal, but the Tigers would be the ones getting the last laugh with QB Henry Johnsson flashing his arm, to get the team the go-ahead touchdown and capture their 2nd win in a row.
Halifax Mariners - 14 @ Long Island Raiders - 26 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,068
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
7-3: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
7-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
7-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
7-16: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
8-16: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
8-19: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
4th Q
14-19: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
14-26: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
After the Raiders struck first with a field goal, the Mariners would get a touchdown in response from RB George Seahorse.
In the 2nd, the Raiders would bounce back with 10 points of their own while the defence was able to shut down the Mariners.
In the 2nd half, the Raiders' defence continued to cause issues for the Mariners with S Sully Callahan getting an interception and DL Johnathan Ellison forcing a fumble.
The Raiders would take an 8-19 lead, but Halifax would get a touchdown to cut the lead down to 5 after a missed 2-point conversion.
Halifax would get the ball back, but QB Todd Sparrow would be picked off by DB Rutherford Winters which would turn into a touchdown to make it 14-26.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 25 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 10 - Provencher Park - Saturday, July 8 , 1972 - 1:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 22,970
1st Q
7-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
10-0: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
2nd Q
17-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
17-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
18-3: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
18-10: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
25-10: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
QB Louis Vaughn returned to the lineup for the Blacksmiths trip to Winnipeg. Vaughn would make an impact early, building a 17-0 lead.
QB Xerxes Wynn made his first career start but struggled in the opening half, being on the run from Pittsburgh’s dominant D-line the whole first half.
Winnipeg would only finally gain some traction in the 4th with a rushing touchdown from RB Joe Rivers after WR Elijah Skinner made a big play.
Wynn had an opportunity down by 8 to try and score a tying touchdown, but he would throw an interception to DB Aiden Sargent, which would turn into another touchdown to give Pittsburgh their first win of the season.
Minnesota Serpents - 36 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 8 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 14,244
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
2nd Q
14-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
17-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
24-0: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> RB Austin Andrews
24-1: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
27-1: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
27-8: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
33-8: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
36-8: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
Minnesota rolled into Regina and laid a beatdown on the Wheat Kings.
RB Tyler Kuhn would run all over the field in the first half, scoring a touchdown, and assisting largely in a second.
They kept rolling in the 3rd to take a 27-1 lead, while Regina was spinning their tires against the Minnesota defence.
The Wheat Kings’ day would get worse with DL Butcher Callahan leaving the game with a season-ending injury that will be a major blow to their defence.
They would get one touchdown from RB Deion Chapman, but by that time Minnesota was rolling out their backups as they climbed out to a 36-8 lead.
Vancouver Wolves - 38 @ Calgary Predators - 14 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,779
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
7-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
14-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
17-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
24-7: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
31-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
4th Q
31-14: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> RB Rocco Peaks
38-14: VAN - DTD FUMR DL Qian Zhou - FFUM DL Rashawn Sutherland
Vancouver aimed to keep pace with the Minnesota Serpents in the West with a strong showing against Calgary.
They would open the scoring with a touchdown on the opening drive, however, Calgary was able to answer back and make it 7-7.
Vancouver would take over in the 2nd though, scoring 10 points to take a 17-7 lead into halftime.
Vancouver’s run game would get loose in the 3rd, adding on another 14 points in the quarter between their top two RBs.
Calgary was finally able to break their silence in the 4th, with RB Rocco Peaks weaving his way out of the backfield for a touchdown.
Calgary would get the ball back, but QB Emmitt Jackson would immediately cough up the ball allowing the Wolves’ defence to score a final touchdown.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 16 @ Providence Gold Stars - 27 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, July 8, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 62,601
1st Q
0-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
3-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
3-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
6-14: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3rd Q
6-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
9-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
9-24: PRO - DTD FUM LB Kurt Warlock
16-24: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
16-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
The city of Providence would erupt early in the 1st quarter when DB Neville Falkner would nab his first interception since returning to the Gold Stars. The fans gave a bit of a standing ovation for their returning star.
The offence would feed on the energy, scoring a touchdown shortly after to take the lead.
Providence would add onto it in the 2nd following another turnover with S Tom Parrish grabbing an interception.
It was a brutal first half for QB Gene Bishop, bringing in the question of if the team should give QB Nathan Houle a shot if Montreal’s offensive woes continue.
Despite being outplayed by the Gold Stars throughout the game, Montreal remained within striking distance heading into the 4th, only down by 8.
However, their hopes would take a big hit after LB Kurt Warlock stripped the ball from RB Bo Frazier and then scored to extend the Gold Stars’ lead.
Despite the fumble, Montreal’s offence would rebound with Bishop getting the ball into the endzone for the first time in the game to make it an 8-point game again.
However, that would be their last real shot with Providence being able to burn the clock, en route to a field goal, and shut Montreal down on their final possession.
Boston Independents - 28 @ Louisville Thunder - 31 - Thunder Stadium - Sunday, July 9, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,566
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-7: BOS - KRTD WR Craig Nunnery
7-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
8-14: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
11-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
18-14: BOS - DTD INT S Ernie Osborne
3rd Q
21-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
21-21: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
28-21: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
28-28: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
28-31: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
The Thunder welcomed the crippled Independents to their home in hopes of picking up their 3rd win of the season.
They would get off to a good start with QB Buck Murphy finding WR Casey Coleman. The offence would take the field almost instantly, when the ensuing kickoff was returned for a touchdown to tie the game. Murphy would double down on the initial touchdown hitting Coleman a second time on the next drive.
Despite the strong start from Louisville, Boston would have a great 2nd flipping the tables completely following a S Ernie Osborne pick that would turn into a touchdown.
Boston’s lead would not make it to the 4th with Louisville tying the game back up.
Boston would take a lead in the 4th off of a RB Wesley Wu touchdown, but Louisville would get a touchdown right back.
Boston’s luck would finally run out with Louisville getting the stop and then scoring the game-winning field goal shortly after.
Indiana Victors - 12 @ Toronto Steelheads - 22 - Anderson Stadium - Sunday, July 9, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 47,374
1st Q
0-7: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Cameron Kane
2nd Q
6-7: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Ed Edwards
6-14: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
3rd Q
9-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
9-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
4th Q
12-15: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
12-22: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
Toronto went back to QB Landon Ross, despite benching the veteran QB last week. It would work out early with Toronto able to get out to a 6-14 lead in the first half.
Indiana managed a touchdown in the 2nd, but miscues were keeping them at arms length from the Steelheads.
On top of the Victors’ struggles, the Steelheads’ defence was playing well and was able to hold them to just 12 points.
While the Victors did get to within 3 points of the lead, the Steelheads’ offence would grab a late touchdown to make it 12-22.
Edmonton Rangers - 23 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, July 9, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 53,925
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
6-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
13-3: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
13-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
16-6: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
16-13: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
4th Q
16-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
23-20: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Spencer Hicks
The Rangers would shock the Blue Wings’ faithful, taking a 13-3 lead in the first half.
A couple of fumbles would not help the Blue Wings’ offence which barely got 6 points on the board in the first half.
Edmonton remained in control deep into the 3rd, but QB Charles Lemieux could only be stopped for so long. The Blue Wings’ Captain would lead a pair of touchdown drives to get Buffalo out in front late in the game.
However, following the 2nd touchdown, RB Aeneas Phillips would return the ensuing kickoff into Buffalo territory, which would set up WR Spencer Hicks to make a great grab against DB Dean Hawkins to get the game-winning touchdown for the Rangers to upset the Blue Wings on the road.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Aaron Sharpless - Day-to-Day
BOS: DL Bjorn Sigmarsson - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Randall Graham - 2 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Phil Gross - 6 Weeks
CGY: DL Ernest Hemminger - Day-to-Day
CGY: WR Jimmy Potter - 10 Weeks
EDM: DL James Chambers - 9 Weeks
EDM: OL Callum Thomas - 2 Weeks
HFX: RB George Seahorse - 2 Weeks
HFX: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence - 9 Weeks
LI: OL Alan Mitchell - 2 Weeks
LOU: TE Rex Williamson - 3 Weeks
LOU: TE Knobby Silverton - 1 Week
OTT: TE Luiss de Brands - 1 Week
PRO: OL Louis DeBois - 6 Weeks
REG: OL Fisher Blackmon - 4 Weeks
REG: DL Butcher Callahan - Season
REG: LB Brett Pride - 5 Weeks
REG: WR Jimmy Franks - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Max Russland - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
A dominant 1st quarter plus a clutch catch in the 4th would be vital to the Thunder’s win over Boston
Warlock dominated for the Gold Stars with 11 tackles plus an all-important defensive touchdown
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 3-0
Minnesota - 3-0
Edmonton - 2-1
Winnipeg - 0-3
Calgary - 0-3
Regina - 0-3
CENTRAL
Louisville - 3-0
London - 2-1
Buffalo - 1-2
Toronto - 1-2
Indiana - 1-2
Pittsburgh - 1-2
EAST
Providence - 3-0
Long Island - 2-1
Ottawa - 2-1
Montreal - 1-2
Boston - 1-2
Halifax - 1-2
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota +1
3 - Louisville -1
4 - Vancouver +1
5 - Ottawa -1
6 - Long Island +2
7 - London +3
8 - Pittsburgh +1
9 - Buffalo -3
10 - Montreal -3
11 - Boston -
12 - Edmonton +2
13 - Halifax -
14 - Toronto +1
15 - Indiana -3
16 - Calgary -
17 - Winnipeg -
18 - Regina -
Week 4 Games
LOU (3-0) @ BUF (1-2) - JUL 14 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
OTT (2-1) @ HFX (1-2) - JUL 15 - 12:00 PM ET
TOR (1-2) @ PIT (1-2) - JUL 15 - 12:00 PM ET
LDN (2-1) @ EDM (2-1) - JUL 15 - 3:30 PM ET
IND (1-2) @ VAN (3-0) - JUL 15 - 3:30 PM ET
MTL (1-2) @ MIN (3-0) - JUL 15 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
BOS (1-2) @ LI (2-1) - JUL 16 - 1:00 PM ET
CGY (0-3) @ PRO (3-0) - JUL 16 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (0-3) @ REG (0-3) - JUL 16 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Week 4
Roster Moves
BUF: OL Ty Barrett | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: OL Lewis Lance (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: WR Jimmy Potter | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: WR Bruno Lemieux | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Phil Gross | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Reshard Cross (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: DL James Chambers | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: DL Lee Frye (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: WR Dexter Lallemont (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR James Love | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: WR Edgar Covington (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: TE Rex Williamson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: TE Ross Hämäläinen | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Louis DeBois | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Danny Nyce (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: LB Brett Pride | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: LB Arsenio Baldi | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: DL Butcher Callahan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: DL Anthony Lee (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: OL Matt Price-Fisher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: OL James Bathgate (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 24 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 31 - Milton Charles Stadium - Friday, July 14, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,685
1st Q
0-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
7-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
7-14: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
14-14: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
14-17: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
14-20: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-20: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
4th Q
21-23: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
24-23: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
24-29: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
24-31: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
After suffering a close loss to the Rangers, the Blue Wings bounced back with a strong first half against the unbeaten Thunder.
By taking advantage of a couple of Louisville turnovers, the Blue Wings were able to take a 14-17 lead at halftime.
Louisville would clean it up a bit in the 3rd to eventually take a lead into the 4th.
The teams would trade field goals keeping the difference at 1 point deep into the 4th quarter.
It would be a masterful game-winning drive from QB Charles Lemieux that would give Buffalo the late lead and the win to end Louisville’s unbeaten start.
Ottawa Royals - 33 @ Halifax Mariners - 30 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, July 15, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 23,167
1st Q
7-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
7-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
14-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
2nd Q
14-10: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
17-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
23-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
23-17: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
23-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
4th Q
30-24: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
30-27: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
30-30: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
33-30: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
The Royals got off to a strong start in the 1st quarter with QB Drake Young throwing a pair of touchdowns to take the lead.
Halifax would get back into the game with RB Axel Vandal’s first career touchdown.
Despite that, Ottawa responded with the next 9 points of the game, before Halifax mounted a comeback in the 3rd, scoring 2 more touchdowns to take a lead into the 4th.
In the final quarter, Ottawa would get the touchdown back, but again Halifax came back to tie it late. However, Ottawa would get the final say in the game with a last-second field goal.
Toronto Steelheads - 23 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Saturday, July 15, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 48,328
1st Q
7-0: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
2nd Q
10-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
10-3: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
10-4: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
13-4: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
13-7: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
20-7: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Sterling Underhill
4th Q
20-14: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
20-21: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
23-21: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
23-22: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
Toronto scored the first points of the game with a touchdown in the first while the defence held Pittsburgh scoreless in the opening quarter.
An interception and fumble from the Blacksmiths in the first half would help Toronto build up a 13-4 lead.
The woes continued for Pittsburgh with another interception in the 3rd which allowed the Steelheads to go up 20-7.
Despite his mistakes, QB Louis Vaughn gathered himself in the 4th to bring Pittsburgh back into the game and even take the lead.
Toronto would answer the comeback with a field goal but left enough time on the clock for Pittsburgh to get one last crack at a field goal, however, K Nigel Stewart’s kick would be pushed wide allowing Toronto to recover and sacrifice the single to capture the win.
London Tigers - 28 @ Edmonton Rangers - 25 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, July 15, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 28,376
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
0-6: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
7-6: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
7-12: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
3rd Q
10-12: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
10-15: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
16-15: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
18-15: LDN - 2PT QB Henry Johnsson -> TE Lucas Warmer
4th Q
18-22: EDM - DTD INT DB Chris Berrymore
25-22: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
25-25: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
28-25: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
The Rangers had a strong first half once again, getting up to a 7-12 lead with great play from the defence, only being beaten by one big play to WR Lloyd Lane.
However, the Tigers would make some adjustments at the half and would turn the score around, taking a 3-point lead into the 4th quarter.
London would get a chance to extend their lead, but DB Chris Berrymore would instead take an interception back the other way to take an 18-22 lead.
QB Henry Johnsson would answer back with a touchdown shortly after.
Edmonton would tie the game on a field goal with 2 minutes to go, but London would get the last laugh, taking home the win 28-25 on a last-second field goal from K Nimrod Handsworth.
Indiana Victors - 9 @ Vancouver Wolves - 23 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, July 15, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 35,010
1st Q
3-0: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-10: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
2nd Q
3rd Q
3-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristan Lewis
6-17: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
9-17: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
9-23: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Kendrick Newton
Vancouver continued their very strong start to the season, taking a 3-10 lead in the first quarter against the Victors.
Indiana hoped to start to gather themselves in this contest, but they couldn’t get much going against the Wolves' defence. QB Tom Applewhite especially struggled with 3 interceptions in the game.
Vancouver would cruise to another pair of touchdowns in the 2nd half, to take a strong 9-23 win marking their 4th straight 2-score win, bringing their point differential on the season up to a league-leading +81.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 12 @ Minnesota Serpents - 28 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, July 15, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 49,668
1st Q
2nd Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
0-14: MIN - DTD INT S Peter Sellers
3rd Q
3-14: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3-21: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
6-21: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
12-21: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
12-28: MIN - RTD RB Allen Navarro
After a scoreless 1st, Minnesota would finally break the silence with a touchdown from RB Tyler Kuhn, which was then followed up by a pick-6 from S Peter Sellers quickly making the game 0-14.
Montreal would get some points in the 3rd, but were still outpaced by Minnesota who scored yet another touchdown.
A late touchdown would keep Montreal around for a bit, but Minnesota eventually punched in one more touchdown to remain unbeaten on the season.
Montreal’s woes continue offensively with QB Gene Bishop continuing to struggle, bringing on the question of if the team should let their young QB, Nathan Houle, get a chance.
Boston Independents - 24 @ Long Island Raiders - 27 - Long Island Stadium - Sunday, July 16, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 39,720
1st Q
7-0: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
7-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
2nd Q
7-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
3rd Q
10-10: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
17-10: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
17-17: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
24-17: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
24-24: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
24-27: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
QB Nathaniel Braddock returned to the lineup looking to turn Boston’s season around. He opened the game with a touchdown pass to WR Edward Webb, giving Boston the early lead.
Long Island would answer back with the next 10 points leaving the game 7-10 at halftime.
Boston would start the second half well with 10 points of their own to regain a 7-point lead, but the Raiders would score late in the quarter to tie the game once again.
The two sides would get the offence rolling in the 4th, with both sides scoring a touchdown to leave the game tied at 24.
Boston had a chance to go down the field, but a great deflection from DB Ross Conroy would force Boston to punt and hand the Raiders the last chance, which they would take advantage of to win.
Calgary Predators - 10 @ Providence Gold Stars - 32 - New Providence Stadium - Sunday, July 16, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 60,699
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
2nd Q
0-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
7-14: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
3rd Q
7-15: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
7-18: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
7-25: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
4th Q
7-32: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
10-32: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
Providence welcomed the winless Predators to town and didn’t exactly have a lot of mercy. They would jump out to a 0-14 lead in the first half.
Calgary would get a touchdown on a great trick play that did fool the great Gold Stars’ defence, but it would be the only time they could get by them.
Providence would start to pile on the points in the 2nd half, with the next 18 points to take a 7-32 lead.
Calgary would get a consolation field goal near the end of the game once Providence started to rest starters.
Winnipeg Falcons - 13 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 20 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, July 16, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 18,714
1st Q
0-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
0-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
3-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
3-13: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
13-13: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Juwan Sylvester
13-20: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
A huge opportunity for both teams to get their first win of the season.
Despite QB Ulysses Lawyer being dressed for the game, the Falcons would stick to QB Xerxes Wynn, who would struggle in the 1st quarter with an interception that helped Regina get out to a 0-10 lead.
Regina seemed in control of the game, making life surprisingly difficult for Wynn in the backfield, despite missing their top star DL Butcher Callahan.
Winnipeg would also be swamped with injuries throughout the contest, however, in spite of that, they would manage to come back in the 4th to tie the game at 13.
However, the defence was unable to hold off the Wheat Kings’ offence, with QB Stanley Evans leading a great game-winning drive that ended in a touchdown, giving Regina their first win of the season in the first game where they were able to score double-digit points.
Injury Report
BOS: S Ernie Osborne - 2 Weeks
CGY: LB Junior Abbott - 4 Weeks
EDM: OL Darrell Lemay - 3 Weeks
HFX: RB Rene Lyons - 3 Weeks
LDN: TE Pete Mayfield - 3 Weeks
LOU: OL Kash Wilder - 10 Weeks
LOU: DL Aaron Henderson - Day-to-Day
MIN: OL Clifford Pratt - 2 Weeks
MTL: OL Elliot Barrett - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Harrison Russell - 1 Week
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Sam Reinkemeyer - Day-to-Day
TOR: S Grant Horos - 5 Weeks
TOR: OL Paul O’Doherty - Day-to-Day
VAN: WR Keshawn Johnston - 4 Weeks
WPG: DL Douglas Jackson - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Terry Upshaw - 2 Weeks
WPG: OL John Dough - 11 Weeks
WPG: DB Vern Nowitski - 3 Weeks
WPG: RB Joe Rivers - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Nathaniel Braddock BOS - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 321 Passing Yards
Despite the loss, Braddock was excellent for Boston, clearly having the best performance of the week
DEF: DB Dwayne James TOR - 2 Interceptions, 4 Tackles
James’ 2 interceptions were vital in slowing down the Blacksmiths in the Steelheads’ big win over their divisional rival
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 4-0
Minnesota - 4-0
Edmonton - 2-2
Regina - 1-3
Winnipeg - 0-4
Calgary - 0-4
CENTRAL
Louisville - 3-1
London - 3-1
Buffalo - 2-2
Toronto - 2-2
Indiana - 1-3
Pittsburgh - 1-3
EAST
Providence - 4-0
Long Island - 3-1
Ottawa - 3-1
Montreal - 1-3
Boston - 1-3
Halifax - 1-3
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Vancouver +1
4 - Louisville -1
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Long Island -
7 - London -
8 - Buffalo +1
9 - Pittsburgh -1
10 - Boston +1
11 - Edmonton +1
12 - Toronto +2
13 - Montreal -3
14 - Halifax -1
15 - Indiana -
16 - Regina +2
17 - Calgary -1
18 - Winnipeg -1
Week 5 Games
REG (1-3) @ PRO (4-0) - JUL 21 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LI (3-1) @ OTT (3-1) - JUL 22 - 12:00 PM ET
HFX (1-3) @ LOU (3-1) - JUL 22 - 12:00 PM ET
CGY (0-4) @ MIN (4-0) - JUL 22 - 3:30 PM ET
WPG (0-4) @ EDM (2-2) - JUL 22 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (4-0) @ BOS (1-3) - JUL 22 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PIT (1-3) @ MTL (1-3) - JUL 23 - 1:00 PM ET
TOR (2-2) @ LDN (3-1) - JUL 23 - 1:00 PM ET
BUF (2-2) @ IND (1-3) - JUL 23 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Week 5
Roster Moves
CGY: LB Junior Abbott | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: LB Teddy Redmond (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: OL Darrell Lemay | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: OL Cal Legar | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: RB Rene Lyons | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: RB Chris Shine | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: TE Pete Mayfield | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: TE Rénald Longuepee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: OL Kash Wilder | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: OL Bubba Hankins | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 9 @ Providence Gold Stars - 39 - New Providence Stadium - Friday, July 22, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 59,874
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
0-8: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
0-15: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
2nd Q
3-15: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-18: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-25: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
3rd Q
6-25: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-32: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
4th Q
6-39: PRO - PRTD WR Mark Taylor
9-39: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
The Wheat Kings got the chance to play on primetime television, however, they may have preferred not to as Providence ran them right out of town.
The unbeaten Gold Stars would score on the opening drive to take a 0-7 lead, which would quickly build to a 0-15 lead with their defence shutting down the Wheat Kings.
Regina would scrap together a drive to get a field goal, but Providence retaliated with another 10 points.
Providence held a convincing 6-32 lead heading into the 4th but would add to it once again with a punt return touchdown from WR Mark Taylor.
The Gold Stars made Friday night a miserable one for the Wheat Kings.
Long Island Raiders - 11 @ Ottawa Royals - 31 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, July 22, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,978
1st Q
1-0: LI - Single K Henderson Schumacher
1-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
2nd Q
1-14: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
4-14: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
4-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
4-24: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
4-31: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez
4th Q
11-31: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
In a bit of a surprising result, the Royals would dominate the 3-1 Raiders, when many expected a much closer duel.
However, Ottawa’s defence was all over the Raiders’ causing 4 turnovers, including 3 interceptions, with DB Sergio Alvarez taking one of his two interceptions to the house.
The Royals’ dominance gives them their 4th win of the season, placing them firmly in 2nd in the East behind the unbeaten Gold Stars.
Halifax Mariners - 22 @ Louisville Thunder - 31 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 22, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear/Hot - Attendance: 44,450
1st Q
3-0: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3-3: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3-10: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> RB Neil Bradley
2nd Q
10-10: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
11-10: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
11-17: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
3rd Q
11-24: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
18-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
4th Q
21-24: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
21-31: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
22-31: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
The Thunder would bounce back from their loss to Buffalo last week with a much better performance against the Mariners.
The Thunder were able to maintain a lead throughout the contest, but the Mariners did show some fight by staying in the game, getting the lead down to just 3 in the 4th.
However, the Thunder would be bailed out by RB Neil Bradley who took a 43-yard run to the house to put the game out of reach and secure their 4th win of the season.
Calgary Predators - 17 @ Minnesota Serpents - 35 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, July 22, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 49,056
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
7-7: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
7-14: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
7–21: MIN - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Sebastian Dassler
10-21: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-28: MIN - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Colby Bancana
4th Q
17-28: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
17-35: MIN - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Sam Gorychka
The Serpents maintained their dominance at the top of the West Division, showing Calgary how to really run the ball in the first half.
Unfortunately, QB Martin Keller would be knocked out of the game, but QB Mike Key came in for relief and threw 3 touchdowns in the 2nd half.
Calgary’s offence continued to sputter while their defence still wasn’t able to help, leaving them at 0-5.
Winnipeg Falcons - 21 @ Edmonton Rangers - 19 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, July 22, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 28,354
1st Q
7-0: WPG - PTD QB Ulysses Lawyer -> WR Juwan Sylvester
2nd Q
10-0: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
10-7: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
3rd Q
10-10: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
10-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
17-13: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
4th Q
17-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
18-16: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
18-19: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
21-19: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
The Falcons turned back to QB Ulysses Lawyer after Xerxes Wynn struggled against Regina last week, and it turned out to be a good decision as Lawyer was able to lead the Falcons to their first win of the season.
Edmonton did have the lead out of the first half, but their inability to finish a drive in the endzone in the 2nd half would allow Winnipeg to climb back into the game and get the win on a late field goal from K Jordan Hollingsworth.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 18 @ Boston Independents - 23 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, July 22, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,882
1st Q
7-0: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
7-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
3rd Q
7-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
10-14: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
11-14: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
18-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
18–17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
18-23: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
Vancouver and Boston clashed for a very important game, as Vancouver was faced with their first real test of the seasons, while Boston came in looking to turn their season around.
The first quarter would see both teams get a touchdown before both sides were shut out in the 2nd.In the 3rd, Boston would pick up the lead with WR Al Allmendinger’s 2nd touchdown of the game.
Vancouver was able to collect 4 points in the frame, leaving them down by 3 heading into the 4th.
Vancouver would take the lead early in the 4th with a touchdown from TE Johnny Temple, putting Boston in a frustratingly familiar place being down in the 4th.
A field goal would cut the lead down to just 1 point, but they were running low on time.
A great stop from the defence would give Braddock another chance, to which Braddock would take full advantage of, hitting Allmendinger for a 3rd touchdown to secure the team’s 2nd win of the year.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 17 @ Montreal Rouge - 24 - Mount Royal Stadium - Sunday, July 23, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,251
1st Q
2nd Q
0-7: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
7-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
7-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
10-10: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
10-17: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
10-24: MTL - DTD INT DB Jean Paul du Pont
17-24: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
A couple of struggling teams met in Montreal, hoping to turn their seasons around.
It was a tight contest heading into the 4th quarter tied at 10, but after a Rouge touchdown would give them back the lead, QB Louis Vaughn would make a critical error, throwing a pick-6 to DB Jean Paul du Pont, which would be a killing blow to the Blacksmiths.
Vaughn was able to get a late touchdown to stay alive, but they were too far back to make a true comeback, leaving Pittsburgh at a shocking 1-4, while Montreal improved to 2-3.
Toronto Steelheads - 23 @ London Tigers - 34 - Western Fair Stadium - Sunday, July 23, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 27,826
1st Q
0-7: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
3-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
10-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
2nd Q
10-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
3rd Q
13-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
13-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
16-17: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
16-24: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> TE Lucas Warmer
4th Q
16-31: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
16-34: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-34: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Cameron Kane
The red-hot Tigers would fall behind in the opening quarter against the Steelheads, who managed to keep pace with their Southern Ontario adversary.
The game was close deep into the 3rd, until QB Henry Johnsson clicked into high gear, leading the Tigers to 17 straight points to turn a 16-17 game into a 16-34 game.
Toronto was caught off guard by the sudden surge and was only able to get 7 of those points back.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 26 @ Indiana Victors - 15 - Victory Stadium - Sunday, July 23, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 47,278
1st Q
3-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
6-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
9-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
9-7: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
3rd Q
16-7: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
19-7: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
19-14: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
4th Q
19-15: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
26-15: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
The growing rivalry between the Victors and Blue Wings would have a pretty slow start to their latest meeting, with Buffalo getting 3 field goals to start the contest, while Indiana managed a late touchdown to leave the game at 9-7 at halftime.
Buffalo would pull away in the 3rd with 10 consecutive points that were assisted by an interception from DB Ezra Power.
Indiana would manage to cut the lead down to 4 midway through the 4th, but then WR Tracy Driscoll would get past the Victors’ secondary to score a game-securing touchdown.
Injury Report
BOS: DB Janek Rodoslav - Day-to-day
BUF: OL Josiah Fairey - Day-to-Day
BUF: DL Cal Ericsson - Day-to-Day
BUF: DL Zane Tannith - 2 Weeks
CGY: QB Jesse Essex - 7 Weeks
CGY: LB Billy Watkins - Day-to-Day
CGY: RB John Drexel - 4 Weeks
LDN: S Frank Thorpe - 8 Weeks
LDN: WR Alex Browne Sr. - 2 Weeks
LDN: OL Jacob Szczepanski - 8 Weeks
LI: S Sully Callahan - 1 Week
LOU: WR Ben Graham - Day-to-Day
LOU: DB Darian Quesada - 1 Week
LOU: LB Le’Darius Wynn - Day-to-Day
MIN: WR Montana Strole - 4 Weeks
MIN: OL Bobby Shields - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Martin Keller - 1 Week
MTL: WR Luc St. Cyr - 5 Weeks
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen - 4 Weeks
REG: DB Jerry Love - 1 Week
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson - 2 Weeks
VAN: WR Akira Sakamoto - 3 Weeks
WPG: DL Douglas Jackson - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: WR Al Allmendinger BOS - 3 Receiving Touchdowns, 126 Receiving Yards
Allmendinger reaped the rewards of a determined Braddock, securing 3 touchdowns in the team’s important win over Vancouver
DEF: DB Sergio Alvarez OTT - 2 Interceptions, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 4 Tackles
Alvarez was fantastic and important in shutting down the Raiders’ strong offence to help Ottawa get the win
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 5-0
Vancouver - 4-1
Edmonton - 2-3
Regina - 1-4
Winnipeg - 1-4
Calgary - 0-5
CENTRAL
London - 4-1
Louisville - 4-1
Buffalo - 3-2
Toronto - 2-3
Indiana - 1-4
Pittsburgh - 1-4
EAST
Providence - 5-0
Ottawa - 4-1
Long Island - 3-2
Montreal - 2-3
Boston - 2-3
Halifax - 1-4
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Ottawa +2
4 - Louisville -
5 - Vancouver -2
6 - London +1
7 - Long Island -1
8 - Buffalo -
9 - Boston +1
10 - Montreal +3
11 - Toronto +1
12 - Pittsburgh -3
13 - Edmonton -2
14 - Halifax -
15 - Indiana -
16 - Winnipeg +2
17 - Regina -1
18 - Calgary -1
Week 6 Games - RIVALRY WEEK
LI (3-2) @ HFX (1-4) - JUL 28 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
EDM (2-3) @ CGY (0-5) - JUL 28 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PIT (1-4) @ TOR (2-3) - JUL 29 - 12:00 PM ET
IND (1-4) @ LOU (4-1) - JUL 29 - 12:00 PM ET
MIN (5-0) @ VAN (4-1) - JUL 29 - 3:30 PM ET
PRO (5-0) @ BOS (2-3) - JUL 29 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
OTT (4-1) @ MTL (2-3) - JUL 30 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (1-4) @ WPG (1-4) - JUL 30 - 1:00 PM ET
LDN (4-1) @ BUF (3-2) - JUL 30 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Week 6
Roster Moves
CGY: RB John Drexel | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: RB Buck Wilde (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: DB Joe Robinson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: S Nick Prince | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Jacob Szczepanski | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: S Frank Thorpe | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: S Tristan Verrett (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: OL Chet Manley (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DL JR Stevens (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: WR Akira Sakamoto | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: WR Graham Spencer (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Long Island Raiders - 20 @ Halifax Mariners - 13 - Atlantic Stadium - Friday, July 28, 1972 - 6:00 PM ET/7:00 PM AT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 23,595
1st Q
7-0: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
2nd Q
7-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Jav Kerrigan
10-7: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
13-7: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
13-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
20-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
20-13: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
After a miserable performance against the Royals, the Raiders bounced back with a strong start against the Mariners, taking a 7-0 in the 1st.
Halifax was able to answer back with WR Jav Kerrigan getting away for a signature deep shot touchdown that had the crowd chanting “JAV! JAV! JAV!”.
The Raiders would stay in front going into the second half, eventually getting a 10-point lead following a WR Otto Washington touchdown.
As for Halifax, QB Todd Sparrow would get banged up leaving QB Lyle Painter to finish the game, who could only get a field goal in the 4th.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 26 @ Calgary Predators - 33 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Friday, July 28, 1972 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 31,902
1st Q
0-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
3-7: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-14: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> RB Rocco Peaks
2nd Q
4-14: EDM - Single K Thomas Standberry
4-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
11-17: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
11-20: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3rd Q
14-20: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
14-23: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
17-23: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
17-26: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
23-26: EDM - PTD QB Michael Benedict -> WR Stanley McClendon
23-33: CGY - RTD RB JC Skyes
26-33: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
There was a lot of pressure on the Predators to get the offence going in their game against the Rangers, which led to HC Travis Hobson cutting down on the number of trick plays that the Predators deployed in the game plan.
The adjustment would help with Calgary getting into the endzone twice in the opening quarter.
Edmonton had a slow start to the game, which would not be helped initially by QB Ken Myers getting banged up, leading to the team turning to QB Michael Benedict.
However, Benedict eventually turned the offence around, slowly climbing back into the game while Calgary failed to get back into the endzone.
Eventually, Benedict would hit WR Stanley McClendon for a touchdown that would pull the game to within 3.
Still, Calgary would answer back with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, during a signature trick play.
The last score was enough to capture the win and end Calgary’s winless season.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 24 @ Toronto Steelheads - 12 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, July 29, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 48,665
1st Q
0-3: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
7-3: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
14-3: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
17-3: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
17-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
17-12: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Sterling Underhill
24-12: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
The Blacksmiths looked to avenge the 22-23 loss to the Steelheads from 2 weeks earlier but would get off to a slow start with Toronto getting up a 0-3 lead.
Pittsburgh would bounce back with a pair of touchdowns in the 2nd to get a 14-3 lead.
They would maintain the lead into the 4th, but a touchdown from WR Sterling Underhill would make the game significantly closer, but QB Louis Vaughn would not allow them to get any closer leading a dominating drive to take a 12-point lead late in the 4th.
Indiana Victors - 23 @ Louisville Thunder - 34 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 29, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 46,012
1st Q
0-7: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
3-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
3-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
6-17: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-24: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
3rd Q
13-24: IND - PTD QB Matt Fletcher -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
13-27: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
4th Q
16-27: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
16-34: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
23-34: IND - PTD QB Matt Fletcher -> WR Ed Edwards
Louisville looked poised to dominate their rivals to the North for the 3rd game in a row when they opened up the game with a 6-24 lead in the first half.
Indiana had elected to make some lineup changes, allowing RB Daniel Collins to get the majority of snaps for the first time as well as benching QB Tom Applewhite in favour of QB Matt Fletcher.
Fletcher had a slow first half, but picked it up in the 2nd, throwing a pair of touchdowns, however, Louisville continued to add to their lead, holding onto a 23-34 win to improve to 5-1 while Indiana slips to 1-5.
Minnesota Serpents - 23 @ Vancouver Wolves - 17 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, July 29, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 34,554
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
2nd Q
3-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristan Lewis
3-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
6-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
13-10: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
20-10: MIN - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Sebastian Dassler
4th Q
20-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Kendrick Newton
23-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Serpents and Wolve met for a vital game at the top of the West Division.
The Wolves were slow out of the gate, being down their top 2 WRs, but they still managed to come out of the first half with the 4-point lead.
Minnesota rolled in with QB Mike Key getting the start with QB Martin Keller out with an injury.
The Serpents would roar back in the 3rd with a pair of touchdowns to take a 10-point lead into the 4th.
Vancouver was able to get 7 points back, but a long, clock-killing drive would help Minnesota hold onto their unbeaten season.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Providence Gold Stars - 25 @ Boston Independents - 21 - Richardson - Saturday, July 29, 1972 - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,019
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
10-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
17-7: PRO - DTD INT DB Neville Falkner
3rd Q
17-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
18-14: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
18-21: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
25-21: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
The battle of New England would close out Saturday’s action with a fierce battle.
The Independents would get the upper hand in the 1st quarter with Braddock finding Allmendinger for his 8th score of the season.
However, the Gold Stars' defence would step up in the 2nd with DB Neville Falkner getting a pick-six following a touchdown from RB Tresean Jones.
The Boston fans let Falkner hear their displeasure after he reportedly turned down a contract with Boston to return to Providence this offseason. Falkner just celebrated even harder in response, understanding he lives rent-free in their heads.
Luckily for the home crowd, Braddock would get the touchdown back in the 3rd to cut back into Providence’s sudden 10-point lead.
Eventually, Boston would get another touchdown after Braddock hit WR Edward Webb at the 1, setting up RB Wesley Wu for the score.
It was now QB Red King’s turn to make a play and he delivered with a game-winning drive that would finish with a great throw to WR Justin Palmer in the back of the endzone.
Ottawa Royals - 24 @ Montreal Rouge - 27 - OT - Mount Royal Stadium - Sunday, July 30, 1972 - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,352
1st Q
0-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
7-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
2nd Q
7-10: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villanueva
3rd Q
14-10: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
14-17: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
14-24: MTL - PTD QB Nathan Houle -> WR Taylor Karis
21-24: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
24-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
Overtime
24-27: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
The first half of a home-and-home between the Royals and Rouge would be a back-and-forth battle.
Ottawa had the lead out of the 1st, but a great play from WR Antonio Villanueva would give Montreal back the lead before the half.
In the 3rd, Ottawa would strike back with a touchdown on the ground, but Montreal answered back with their own rushing score.
The Rouge defence would come up with an interception to start the 4th, however, the ensuing drive would be thrown for a loop when QB Gene Bishop got knocked out of the game.
QB Nathan Houle was more than ready to step up and would then finish off the drive with a touchdown to WR Taylor Karis.
Ottawa would overcome the now 10-point deficit in the 4th to tie the game late and force overtime.
In the extra frame, Montreal would be the first to score with just 3 minutes remaining. Ottawa would get across midfield, but a timely interception from S Mathieu Cazenave would secure the win for the Rouge.
Regina Wheat Kings - 19 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 11 - Provencher Park - Sunday, July 30, 1972 - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 23,393
1st Q
7-0: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jimmy Franks
10-0: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
3rd Q
13-0: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-7: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
13-8: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
16-8: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
4th Q
16-11: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
19-11: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
Regina came out strong against the Falcons to take a 10-0 lead in the first half.
Winnipeg’s offence continued to sputter with QB Ulysses Lawyer throwing 3 interceptions in the game to go along with several 2 and outs.
Regina’s defence had a great day, making plays all over the field, while the offence was able to continue to add field goals throughout the 2nd half to secure their second straight win over the Falcons.
London Tigers - 20 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 25 - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, July 30, 1972 - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 53,830
1st Q
7-0: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
7-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
7-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
2nd Q
7-17: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
7-18: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
14-18: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
17-18: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
4th Q
20-18: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
20-25: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
QB Henry Johnsson and WR Lloyd Lane got their first dose of the Blue Wings-Tigers rivalry, and they came out swinging with a touchdown on the opening drive.
However, Buffalo would not let that affect them, scoring the next 17 points, while the defence turned the Tigers away.
The Tigers would not be deterred with a strong 3rd where Lloyd Lane scored his second touchdown and the Tigers pulled to within 1 point.
They would then take the lead in the 4th on K Nimrod Handsworth’s 2nd field goal of the game, but QB Charles Lemieux would do what he does best and lead the Blue Wings on a crucial touchdown drive to ultimately lift the Blue Wings over the Tigers.
Injury Report
BOS: DL Wayne Baxton - 8 Weeks
BUF: S Eric Willis - 8 Weeks
BUF: OL Randall Graham - Day-to-Day
EDM: QB Ken Myers - 3 Weeks
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Day-to-Day
HFX: QB Todd Sparrow - Day-to-Day
HFX: WR Oliver Shephard - 1 Week
LDN: S Ezekiel Locke - 4 Weeks
LOU: TE Knobby Silverton - 12 Weeks
LOU: DL Carl Hogg - 7 Weeks
MTL: QB Gene Bishop - 3 Weeks
MTL: OL Elias Schenk - 1 Week
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt - 5 Weeks
PIT: DL Jeff Lamonte - 4 Weeks
PIT: LB Patrick Hamilton - 1 Week
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - 4 Weeks
PIT: DL Adrian Edds - 3 Weeks
PRO: OL Joseph Samberg - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Cole Brentwood - 1 Week
TOR: DB Dwayne James - Day-to-Day
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine - 3 Weeks
VAN: DL Qian Zhou - 6 Weeks
WPG: TE John Wells - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Juwan Sylvester - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: WR Casey Coleman LOU - 2 Receiving Touchdowns, 121 Receiving Yards
Coleman rested most of the 4th and still put up 121 yards through the air and a pair of touchdowns in Louisville’s win
DEF: DB Neville Falkner PRO - 1 Interception, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 5 Tackles, 2 Knockdowns
Falkner’s touchdown alone was something, but also being able to get his hand on a few passes helped lift the Gold Stars over their rivals
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 6-0
Vancouver - 4-2
Edmonton - 2-4
Regina - 2-4
Winnipeg - 1-5
Calgary - 1-5
CENTRAL
Louisville - 5-1
Buffalo - 4-2
London - 4-2
Pittsburgh - 2-4
Toronto - 2-4
Indiana - 1-5
EAST
Providence - 6-0
Ottawa - 4-2
Long Island - 4-2
Montreal - 3-3
Boston - 2-4
Halifax - 1-5
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Louisville +1
4 - Ottawa -1
5 - Vancouver -
6 - London -
7 - Buffalo +1
8 - Montreal +2
9 - Long Island -2
10 - Boston -1
11 - Pittsburgh +1
12 - Toronto -1
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Halifax -
15 - Indiana -
16 - Calgary +2
17 - Regina -
18 - Winnipeg -2
Week 7 Games
CGY (1-5) @ WPG (1-5) - AUG 3 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
PRO (6-0) @ IND (1-5) - AUG 4 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (1-5) @ BOS (2-4) - AUG 5 - 12:00 PM ET
LI (4-2) @ PIT (2-4) - AUG 5 - 12:00 PM ET
MIN (6-0) @ EDM (2-4) - AUG 5 - 3:30 PM ET
MTL (3-3) @ OTT (4-2) - AUG 5 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LOU (5-1) @ TOR (2-4) - AUG 6 - 1:00 PM ET
BUF (4-2) @ LDN (4-2) - AUG 6 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (4-2) @ REG (2-4) - AUG 6 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Week 7
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Wayne Baxton | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DL Sam Holmes | Reserve List -> Active Roster
BUF: S Eric Willis | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: S Gabriel Allerton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: TE Knobby Silverton | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: TE Rex Williamson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: DL Jeff Lamonte | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: DL Yura Love (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Emil Jennings | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Active Roster -> Reserve List
VAN: DL Qian Zhou | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: DL Gord Garrick | Reserve List -> Active Roster
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Calgary Predators - 32 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 19 - Provencher Park - August 3, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 22,331
1st Q
7-0: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
14-0: CGY - RTD RB JC Skyes
2nd Q
21-0: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
21-7: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
21-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
22-10: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
22-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
29-13: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
4th Q
29-19: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
32-19: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
Winnipeg came into their Thursday Night matchup with Calgary with a bit of a disadvantage having played on Sunday while Calgary had a couple of extra days off.
On top of that, the Falcons also turned to QB Emerson Thompson after QB Ulysses Lawyer’s rough performance against Regina.
The difference two days made was apparent right from the start with Calgary blasting out to a 21-0 lead.
Winnipeg finally started their engine midway through the 2nd, scoring 10 points before the half.
Calgary would rebuild their lead a bit in the 3rd, but Thompson was able to get the Falcons into the endzone in the 4th but failed to pull within a score after a missed 2-point attempt.
Winnipeg would get chances to score again, but the Predators’ defence would hold them off.
After Calgary’s offence had sputtered through the first 5 weeks, they have put up 65 points in the last two games, which has helped them pick up back-to-back wins.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Providence Gold Stars - 40 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - August 4, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,996
1st Q
7-0: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
10-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-1: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
17-1: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
3rd Q
23-1: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
23-8: IND - PTD QB Matt Fletcher -> WR Ed Edwards
30-8: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
4th Q
33-8: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
33-11: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
40-11: PRO - DTD INT DB Nazario Piacenza
The Gold Stars rolled into Indiana and came out of the gates rolling with DB Michael Cope getting an interception on the opening drive, which would turn into a WR Justin Palmer touchdown.
Indiana’s offence, still being operated by QB Matt Fletcher, had little to say in the first half, only scoring a single point while a second Palmer touchdown would give the Gold Stars a 16-point lead.
Indiana showed a little life in the 3rd with a great touchdown grab from WR Ed Edwards who was able to beat his former teammate in DB Neville Falkner, however, the single touchdown would be dwarfed by the 2 rushing scores from the Gold Stars’ backfield.
By the 4th Providence started resting players, and yet they still put up points when DB Nazario Piacenza took an interception to the house.
Halifax Mariners - 23 @ Boston Independents - 36 - Richardson Stadium - August 5, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,019
1st Q
7-0: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
10-0: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
10-7: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
2nd Q
10-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
13-14: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
13-20: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> TE Spencer Griepentrog
13-22: BOS - 2PT RB Wesley Wu
16-22: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
16-29: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
23-29: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
23-36: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
Boston played ultra-aggressive in their game against the Mariners, taking any chance to build up a strong lead.
They would get a 9-point lead in the 3rd off of a 2-point conversion, then in the 4th when Halifax was able to pull the game back to within 6 points, QB Nathaniel Braddock would launch it deep instead of playing conservatively, resulting in his 4th passing touchdown of the game.
Halifax put up a solid fight in the game, with QB Todd Sparrow returning from being banged up last week, but they were just no match for Boston’s more aggressive approach as they look to recover from their 2-4 start.
Long Island Raiders - 35 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 38 - OT - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - August 5, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,239
1st Q
0-1: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
0-4: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
7-4: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
2nd Q
14-4: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
14-11: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
21-11: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
21-18: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
21-25: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
4th Q
21-28: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
28-28: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
Overtime
28-35: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
35-35: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
35-38: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
The Raiders and Blacksmiths got into an offensive battle on Saturday afternoon.
Long Island controlled the game up until the 3rd quarter when Pittsburgh finally put up back-to-back touchdowns to gain a lead heading into the 4th.
The Raiders were able to tie the game up late with a score from WR Otto Washington following a great Ivan Sanchez-led drive, which would force overtime.
In the extra frame, the two teams would trade touchdowns leaving the game tied with 2:23 to go in the frame. Louis Vaughn would manage to get down the field in time, allowing them to get the field goal to win the game.
Minnesota Serpents - 23 @ Edmonton Rangers - 22 - Forest Heights Park - August 5, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Clear/Hot - Attendance: 28,461
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
7-3: MIN - RTD RB Hugo Hughes
10-3: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
10-10: EDM - RTD RB Jimmy Golden
17-10: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
17-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
17-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
17-22: EDM - PTD QB Michael Benedict -> WR Stanley McClendon
23-22: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
QB Michael Benedict would get the start for the Rangers, marking the 4th different team he has started for.
Benedict got off to a bit of a slow start but was able to pull the Rangers back into the game late with a touchdown toss to WR Stanley McClendon, which would give them the late lead.
Minnesota had a slow game themselves, allowing Edmonton to get the late lead in the game despite the team’s impressive start to the season, however, they would get the last punch in, with QB Martin Keller, returning from injury, tossing the game-winning score to WR Sebastian Dassler.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Montreal Rouge - 16 @ Ottawa Royals - 25 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - August 5, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,115
1st Q
3-0: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
2nd Q
3-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
3rd Q
10-14: MTL - PTD QB Nathan Houle -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
10-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
13-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
16-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
16-23: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
16-25: OTT - 2PT QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
The Royals looked for revenge in the 2nd half of the Montreal-Ottawa home and home.
QB Nathan Houle, who was getting the start for the Rouge with QB Gene Bishop injured, did get Montreal the 3-0 lead, but Ottawa would counter with a pair of big touchdowns to take a 3-14 lead into halftime.
In the 3rd, Montreal would get a touchdown with TE Sylvain Leblanc bailing out a scrambling QB Nathan Houle by getting wide open in the endzone.
Montreal was then able to climb back to within a point by the 4th quarter, however, Ottawa’s offence woke up again and QB Drake Young would get the team back into the endzone, tagging on a 2-point conversion to make it a 2-score game, giving Ottawa the important win, and beating Montreal by enough to win the tiebreaker.
Louisville Thunder - 30 @ Toronto Steelheads - 24 - Anderson Stadium - August 6, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 47,455
1st Q
3-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3-7: TOR - PTD QB Landon Ross -> WR Cameron Kane
10-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
17-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
17-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
17-17: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
20-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
4th Q
20-24: TOR - DTD INT DB Dwayne James
27-24: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
30-24: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
The Steelheads put up a solid fight against the Central-leading Thunder, coming back from a 17-7 hole in the 2nd, to take a late lead off of a pick-6 from DB Dwayne James.
Louisville had to rally late, with a touchdown toss to WR Ben Graham, who was QB Buck Murphy’s 3rd TD pass of the game. Hopefully, this will mask his many mistakes in this game.
Toronto looked like they may have had a late shot to steal the game, but a great defensive stand from the Thunder would hold them off.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 35 @ London Tigers - 37 - Western Fair Stadium - August 6, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,434
1st Q
0-7: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
7-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
7-10: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
14-10: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
21-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
21-13: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
21-19: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
21-26: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
28-26: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
4th Q
28-33: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> TE Lucas Warmer
28-34: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
35-34: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
35-37: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
The Tigers-Blue Wings rematch would be a stellar game between the young QB Henry Johnsson and the veteran QB Charles Lemieux.
The Tigers got the first blow in, but Buffalo would answer back with 21 of the next 24 points to take a 21-10 lead.
London would get a late field goal in the 1st half to pick up some momentum which they carried into the 3rd with back-to-back touchdowns to take a 5-point lead.
Buffalo got a touchdown back before the end of the quarter, but London answered right back to start the 4th.
However, Buffalo got back in front in the 4th, off of a great drive from QB Charles Lemieux, capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run from RB Jasper Dickerson.
It was then QB Henry Johnsson’s turn to play hero, leading a late-game drive that would end with a beautiful game-winning kick from the legend himself K Nimrod Handsworth to cap off one of the best Tigers-Blue Wings games in their rivalry.
Vancouver Wolves - 26 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 8 - Broad Street Stadium - August 7, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 14,258
1st Q
3-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
3-1: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
10-1: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristan Lewis
3rd Q
17-1: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
19-1: VAN - Safety DL Alex Young
4th Q
19-8: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
26-8: VAN - KRTD RB Nikki Yang
The Wolves rolled into Regina without their top wide receivers and managed to get a decent lead on the Wheat Kings.
Luckily, the defence made up for the slowed-down offence, only allowing a single point in the first 3 quarters of the game. They even scored some points with a safety in the 3rd.
Regina finally found the endzone in the 4th, only to have the ensuing kickoff be returned to the house to just put the game away for good.
Injury Report
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr - 5 Weeks
BOS: DL Sam Holmes - 1 Week
BUF: DL Ned Hedman - 3 Weeks
BUF: LB Randall Lambert - Season
EDM: DL John Belanger - Day-to-Day
HFX: WR Jav Kerrigan - 3 Weeks
IND: OL Taylor Alexander - 4 Weeks
LDN: DB Ray Hallatt - 6 Weeks
LI: OL Albert Newport - 1 Week
LI: DB Ross Conroy - Day-to-Day
LOU: OL Robert Pelletier - Day-to-Day
LOU: S Graham Kensigton - 2 Weeks
LOU: WR Stu Weidemann - 3 Weeks
LOU: S Brett Tavers - 2 Weeks
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Day-to-Day
MTL: DL Ross Jackson - Day-to-Day
MTL: LB Walker Colson - 2 Weeks
MIN: DB Davey Woods - 8 Weeks
MIN: S Peter Sellers - 6 Weeks
OTT: DL Robin Lucas - Day-to-Day
OTT: DL Obert Roux - Day-to-Day
PIT: S Garet deVale - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Erik Nelson - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Porter Pikesville - Day-to-Day
REG: OL Simon Northcott - 4 Weeks
TOR: OL Taylor Forbes - 7 Weeks
VAN: DL Rashawn Sutherland - 12 Weeks
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Nathaniel Braddock BOS - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 333 Passing Yards
Braddock is turning on another gear this season with another monster game to pick up a vital win
DEF: DL Bernhard Hartmann OTT - 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 6 Tackles
Hartmann was all over QB Nathan Houle in the win over the Rouge, clearly aiming at getting revenge on the Rouge
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 7-0
Vancouver - 5-2
Calgary - 2-5
Regina - 2-5
Edmonton - 2-5
Winnipeg - 1-6
CENTRAL
Louisville - 6-1
London - 5-2
Buffalo - 4-3
Pittsburgh - 3-4
Toronto - 2-5
Indiana - 1-6
EAST
Providence - 7-0
Ottawa - 5-2
Long Island - 4-3
Montreal - 3-4
Boston - 3-4
Halifax - 1-6
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Ottawa +1
4 - Louisville -1
5 - London +1
6 - Vancouver -1
7 - Buffalo -
8 - Montreal -
9 - Long Island -
10 - Boston -
11 - Pittsburgh -
12 - Toronto -
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Halifax -
15 - Calgary +1
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Regina -
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 8 Games
LDN (5-2) @ LI (4-3) - AUG 10 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
HFX (1-6) @ IND (1-6) - AUG 11 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
BOS (3-4) @ TOR (2-5) - AUG 12 - 3:00 PM ET
OTT (5-2) @ PIT (3-4) - AUG 12 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (3-4) @ BUF (4-3) - AUG 13 - 1:00 PM ET
LOU (6-1) @ PRO (7-0) - AUG 13 - 4:30 PM ET
BYE: CGY (2-5), EDM (2-5), MIN (7-0), REG (2-5), VAN (5-2), WPG (1-6)
1972 Week 8
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: LB Randall Lambert | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: LB Virgil Rolsson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: DB Eddie Brink | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
EDM: DB Sam Kroshaw | Active Roster -> Waivers
EDM: OL Darrell Lemay | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
EDM: OL Cal Legar | Active Roster -> Waivers
HFX: RB Rene Lyons | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: RB Chris Shine | Active Roster -> Waivers
LDN: TE Pete Mayfield | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: TE Rénald Longuepee | Active Roster -> Waivers
LDN: DB Ray Hallatt | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DB Jordan Jackson | Reserve List - > Active Roster
LOU: S Brett Tavers | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: S Malcolm Emerton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: S Peter Sellers | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: S Alex Spurrier | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DB Davey Woods | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: DB Leonard Cannon | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
TOR: DL JR Stevens | Active Roster -> Reserve List
TOR: OL Taylor Forbes | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Aaron McAfee (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Rashawn Sutherland | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: DL Frank Colt (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Czesław Krasowsk | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: OL John Dough | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
London Tigers - 25 @ Long Island Raiders - 33 - Long Island Stadium - August 10, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 40,232
1st Q
7-0: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
3rd Q
10-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
10-17: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
10-20: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
17-20: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
17-23: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
24-23: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
25-23: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
25-26: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
25-33: LI - DTD INT LB Callum Owen
A renewal of the Tigers-Raiders rivalry was on hand for Thursday Night Football.
The Tigers started the game well with the first score, but then the Raiders came roaring back with the next two scores, which was helped by a LB William Washington II forced fumble.
The teams would trade field goals in a much slower 2nd quarter, with the Raiders then adding to the lead in the 3rd.
The Tigers would climb back into the game in the 3rd, scoring two touchdowns in the last two quarters to finally take the lead 24-23.
After the Tigers got a single, the Raiders would take back the lead on a field goal late in the 4th.
QB Henry Johnsson was now in a position to make the big save at the end of the game, however, his pass attempt to WR Cole Fletcher would be slightly behind the WRs allowing LB Callum Owen to nab the crucial interception which would be returned to the house for a touchdown to secure the win for the Raiders.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 15 @ Indiana Victors - 22 - Victory Stadium - August 11, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET (Game Delayed to 8:00 PM ET Due to Thunderstorm) - Weather: Rain - Attendance: 39,079
1st Q
0-1: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
7-1: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
7-4: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
7-11: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
3rd Q
8-11: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
8-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
15-14: HFX - RTD RB George Seahorse
15-15: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
15-22: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
After the hour-long delay due to thunderstorms, the Victors and Mariners would take the field with the Victors making the switch back to QB Tom Applewhite as the starting QB after Matt Fletcher started the last two games.
The wet weather would affect the first half with both teams struggling to get much offence going.
Halifax would get the first major score of the game with a WR Shane Steadman touchdown, while the Victors slowly added points until finally reaching the endzone with RB Daniel Collins’ first career touchdown.
Another slow 3rd quarter would lead to an 8-14 game heading into the 4th, where Halifax would finally regain the lead on a touchdown rush from RB George Seahorse.
The Victors were able to tie the game on a single with 5 minutes to go.
Both teams would trade drives until Applewhite would come through with the game-winning touchdown pass to WR Jake Abbredezzi to capture the team’s first win since week 1 against Calgary.
Boston Independents - 21 @ Toronto Steelheads - 14 - Anderson Stadium - August 12, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,143
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
2nd Q
7-3: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
7-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
14-6: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
14-12: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
14-14: TOR - 2PT QB Landon Ross -> WR Cameron Kane
4th Q
21-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
Boston would look to build off of their recent success despite the plethora of injuries that are piling up.
They would get an early lead, but Toronto was able to stick around with the Independents into the 4th.
However, QB Nathaniel Braddock was able to beat the solid Steelheads' defence and the game-winning score to get back to .500 on the season.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Ottawa Royals - 34 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 37 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - August 12, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,239
1st Q
0-3: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
0-10: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
7-10: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
2nd Q
14-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
14-17: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
14-24: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
17-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
17-31: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
24-31: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
4th Q
24-34: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
31-34: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
34-34: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
34-37: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
The Royals and Blacksmiths would meet for the first time since 1968 for Saturday Night Football.
Pittsburgh got out to a 0-10 lead after DL Arthur Bradshaw was able to punch the ball out RB Corbyn Knight’s arms to set up a RB Max Tracy touchdown.
Knight would rebound with a touchdown on the ensuing drive before the Royals would take the lead to start the 2nd, but once again Pittsburgh’s offence went to work, scoring another 14 before halftime.
The Royals would only be able to make up 3 points by the end of the 3rd, with Tracy finding the endzone for a 3rd time in the game.
However, QB Drake Young didn’t let up and was able to lead the Royals in the comeback to tie the game in the 4th at 34.
QB Louis Vaughn would have too much time left in the game following the game-tying field goal and would be able to lead the Blacksmiths down the field to answer back and secure a huge win over the Royals.
Montreal Rouge - 15 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - Milton Charles Stadium - August 13, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Fog - Attendance: 53,871
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
6-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-10: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
9-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3rd Q
9-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
12-13: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
15-13: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
15-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
The banged-up Blue Wings would welcome the Rouge in a classic NAAF matchup.
Montreal’s offence was overall pretty consistent throughout the game, being able to get past the injured Blue Wings’ defence effectively, but QB Nathan Houle struggled to finish drives leading to the team scoring 5 field goals in the game.
It would be enough to take a lead in the 4th, but the inability to capitalize with more points allowed QB Charles Lemieux to do what he does best and lead a late-game scoring drive to secure Buffalo’s 5th win of the season.
Louisville Thunder - 20 @ Providence Gold Stars - 30 - New Providence Stadium - August 13, 1972 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 62,787
1st Q
3-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
2nd Q
3-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
10-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> TE Rex Williamson
10-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-17: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
13-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
13-20: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
20-20: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
20-23: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
20-30: PRO - DTD INT DB Neville Falkner
Two division leaders would square off with the unbeaten Gold Stars welcoming the Thunder, Louisville was hoping to end Providence’s unbeaten campaign for the second year in a row.
It would be a close contest in the first half with the teams knotted up at 10, but Providence would start to slip away in the 3rd.
However, Providence’s secondary would become vulnerable with both S Tom Parrish and S Paul Christopher would leave the game early allowing WR Casey Coleman to find the endzone to tie the game.
After the Gold Stars regained the lead, it would be DB Neville Falkner who would step up late in the game, intercepting a QB Buck Murphy pass to put the game out of range and keep the Gold Stars’ perfect record intact.
Injury Report
BOS: DB Claus Pickering - 9 Weeks
BOS: S Mason Paquette - 2 Weeks
BUF: S Wesley Jones - 6 Weeks
BUF: S Levi Brickshaw - Day-to-Day
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - 3 Weeks
HFX: LB Alastair Glass - Day-to-Day
IND: RB Daniel Collins - 4 Weeks
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - 6 Weeks
LDN: OL Hamish Esposito - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - 6 Weeks
LOU: LB Daniel Timothy - Day-to-Day
LOU: RB Neil Bradley - 9 Weeks
MTL: DL Mateo Cousineau - 1 Week
MTL: DL Stan Walz - Season
PIT: WR Edward Washington - 2 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - 12 Weeks
PRO: OL Jon Parkes - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Gregg Rosenberg - 5 Weeks
PRO: OL Emil Jennings - Day-to-Day
PRO: S Paul Christopher - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Max Tracy PIT - 3 Rushing Touchdowns, 110 Rushing Yards
Tracy flashed his old self in a dominant performance to capture the vital win over the Royals
DEF: LB Callum Owen LI - 7 Tackles, 1 Interception, 1 Defensive Touchdown
There were a lot of great defensive performances this week, but Callum Owen's crucial game-securing pick-6 to go along with an already impressive outing earns him Defensive Player of the Week
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 7-0
Vancouver - 5-2
Calgary - 2-5
Regina - 2-5
Edmonton - 2-5
Winnipeg - 1-6
CENTRAL
Louisville - 6-2
Buffalo - 5-3
London - 5-3
Pittsburgh - 4-4
Toronto - 2-6
Indiana - 2-6
EAST
Providence - 8-0
Ottawa - 5-3
Long Island - 5-3
Boston - 4-4
Montreal - 3-5
Halifax - 1-7
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Ottawa -
4 - Louisville -
5 - London -
6 - Long Island +3
7 - Vancouver -1
8 - Pittsburgh +3
9 - Boston +1
10 - Buffalo -3
11 - Montreal -3
12 - Toronto -
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Calgary -
15 - Indiana +1
16 - Halifax -2
17 - Regina -
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 9 Games
TOR (2-6) @ CGY (2-5) - AUG 18 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
BUF (5-3) @ MIN (7-0) - AUG 19 - 2:00 PM ET
PIT (4-4) @ EDM (2-5) - AUG 19 - 5:00 PM ET
VAN (5-2) @ LOU (6-2) - AUG 19 - 8:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
WPG (1-6) @ LDN (5-3) - AUG 20 - 1:00 PM ET
IND (2-6) @ REG (2-5) - AUG 20 - 4:30 PM ET
BYE: BOS (4-4), HFX (1-7), LI (5-3), MTL (3-5), OTT (5-3), PRO (8-0)
1972 Week 9
Roster Moves
CGY: LB Junior Abbott | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: LB Teddy Redmond | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: QB Jesse Essex | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: QB Eric Reed | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: DB Andre Patterson | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: DB Ken Oleson | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
EDM: OL Kurt Klitsome | Active Roster -> Waivers
EDM: OL Cal Legar | Waivers -> Reserve List
EDM: DB Sam Kroshaw | Waivers -> Reserve List
LDN: TE Rénald Longuepee | Waivers -> Reserve List
LOU: RB Neil Bradley | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: RB Chris Shine | Waivers (HFX) -> Active Roster
MTL: DL Stan Walz | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: DL Smith Yap (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Gregg Rosenberg | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Tom Parrish | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Larry Lee Stichman (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: LB Brett Pride | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: LB Arsenio Baldi | Active Roster -> Waivers
VAN: WR Akira Sakamoto | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: WR Graham Spencer | Active Roster -> Reserve List
WPG: OL Ian Yager | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: OL Damien Brisebois | Active Roster -> Reserve List
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 13 @ Calgary Predators - 25 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - August 18, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 27,879
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3-3: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
2nd Q
3-10: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
3rd Q
3-17: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
6-17: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-18: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
6-25: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
13-25: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
Calgary rolled into Friday Night Football riding a 2-game win streak, while Toronto hoped to end a 4-game skid.
The teams would leave the 1st tied at 3, but Calgary’s offence started to roll in the 2nd, scoring a touchdown to take the lead into halftime.
Calgary continued to build on the lead with QB Emmitt Jackson hitting WR Ted Jackson while evading a collapsing pocket, before then adding another touchdown in the early stages of the 4th.
Toronto’s offence was left looking for many answers, only scoring 6 points heading into the final frame.
QB David Simmons would check into the game and would get the team into the endzone to make the score look a little better, while Calgary held on for their 3rd straight win.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 15 @ Minnesota Serpents - 33 - Midgard Stadium - August 19, 1972 - 2:00 PM ET/1:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 48,972
1st Q
0-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
7-7: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
2nd Q
7-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
8-10: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
8-17: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
8-20: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
8-27: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
15-27: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
15-30: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
15-33: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Serpents would defend their unbeaten record against the Blue Wings on a scorching afternoon in Minneapolis.
The heat did not slow RB Tyler Kuhn down who rushed for a pair of touchdowns and 102 yards against the banged-up Blue Wings’ defence.
Buffalo’s offence was able to get an early touchdown but fell silent until finally getting back in the endzone in the 4th, but it was far too late as Minnesota would cruise the rest of the way to their 8th win of the season.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 19 @ Edmonton Rangers - 6 - Forest Heights Park - August 19, 1972 - 5:00 PM ET/3:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,375
1st Q
7-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
2nd Q
7-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
14-3: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
14-6: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
17-6: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
19-6: PIT - Safety DL Matthias Hartmann
Pittsburgh’s offence had a little more trouble than expected against the Rangers, only getting 17 points on the board, but the defence played one of their best games of the season keeping the Rangers to only 6 points and adding 2 themselves.
QB Michael Benedict made his second straight start and was struggling to pick up 1st downs all day, causing many 2-and-outs.
Edmonton’s defence managed to hold up despite the significant difference in time of possession between the teams with Pittsburgh having the ball a lot more than Edmonton.
Either way, Pittsburgh gets their 4th straight win to get above .500 for the first time this season.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 23 @ Louisville Thunder - 32 - Thunder Stadium - August 19, 1972 - 8:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,690
1st Q
7-0: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
7-7: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
2nd Q
7-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
7-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
14-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
3rd Q
14-20: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
17-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
17-26: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
4th Q
17-29: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-29: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
23-32: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
Louisville looked to rebound from the loss to Providence while Vancouver hoped to keep the Serpents within a reasonable distance at the top of the West.
Both teams scored early with a pair of touchdowns, RB Robert Jack scoring as the starter for the Thunder who were without RB Neil Bradley.
The Thunder built off of the score with the next 10 points, but a late score from a returning WR Akira Sakamoto would keep the Wolves within 3 heading into halftime.
The 3rd would see the teams trade field goals, but a fumble from QB Kevin Westwood would allow the Thunder to take a 9-point lead into the 4th off of Jack’s second touchdown of the game.
Vancouver was able to cut the lead down to 6 in the 4th on a WR Keshawn Johnston touchdown, but they would be unable to get more points before a K Rhys Kupp field goal would put the game out of reach.
Winnipeg Falcons - 10 @ London Tigers - 24 - Western Fair Stadium - August 20, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,639
1st Q
0-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
2nd Q
0-14: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Cole Fletcher
3rd Q
3-14: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
3-21: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
3-24: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
10-24: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> TE Douglas Northway
The Tigers would bounce back from the loss to the Raiders in a strong win over the lowly Falcons.
RB Jeremy Royal was especially impressive with a pair of touchdowns while torching the Falcons’ defence.
Winnipeg did start QB Emerson Thompson for the 2nd consecutive game. Still, he struggled against the solid Tigers defence, only able to score a late touchdown on TE Douglas Northway’s 1st of his career.
Indiana Victors - 37 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 33 - Broad Street Stadium - August 20, 1972 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 14,118
1st Q
3-0: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jimmy Franks
10-7: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
10-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
10-17: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
10-20: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
17-20: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
3rd Q
20-20: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
27-20: IND - RTD RB Yancy Harrison
27-23: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
4th Q
30-23: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
30-30: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
30-33: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
37-33: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
A high-scoring affair in Regina would close out the week with QB Stanley Evans and the Wheat Kings’ offence having their best performance of the season.
WR Leonard Green scored a touchdown against his former team in the Victors, which allowed the Wheat Kings to tie the game and eventually take a late lead.
QB Tom Applewhite started once again for the Victors and was the hero once again with a game-winning toss to WR Jake Abbredezzi, despite his defence letting him down overall with many costly mistakes.
Ultimately, Indiana walked away with a 2nd straight win while the fans at Broad Street Stadium were treated to a fun game.
Injury Report
CGY: RB JC Skyes - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - Day-to-Day
LOU: LB Le’Darius Wynn - Day-to-Day
MIN: DB Jayson Klyde - 1 Week
MIN: OL David Biarski - 1 Week
MIN: LB Garrett Roberts - 12 Weeks
PIT: WR Yahui Sun - 2 Weeks
PIT: S Garet deVale - Day-to-Day
PIT: RB Max Tracy - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Cole Brentford - Day-to-Day
REG: LB Austin Ford - 6 Weeks
TOR: OL Amos Sewell - 9 Weeks
TOR: WR Emiliano Ariail - 3 Weeks
VAN: LB Daniel Shao Li - 1 Week
VAN: OL Kenny Rudolph - Day-to-Day
VAN: DL Joseph James - Day-to-Day
VAN: DL Jared Kendall - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Elijah Skinner - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Ryan Conway - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Tyler Kuhn MIN - 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 120 Rushing Yards
Kuhn’s performance in the heat was a key factor in helping the Serpents beat the Blue Wings
DEF: DL Matthias Hartmann PIT - 2 Sacks, 1 Safety, 6 Tackles
Hartmann was instrumental in the Blacksmiths’ fantastic defensive performance with a pair of sacks including the safety score
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 8-0
Vancouver - 5-3
Calgary - 3-5
Edmonton - 2-6
Regina - 2-6
Winnipeg - 1-7
CENTRAL
Louisville - 7-2
London - 6-3
Buffalo - 5-4
Pittsburgh - 5-4
Indiana - 3-6
Toronto - 2-7
EAST
Providence - 8-0
Ottawa - 5-3
Long Island - 5-3
Boston - 4-4
Montreal - 3-5
Halifax - 1-7
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Louisville +1
4 - Ottawa - 1
5 - London -
6 - Long Island -
7 - Pittsburgh +1
8 - Vancouver -1
9 - Boston -
10 - Buffalo -
11 - Montreal -
12 - Calgary +2
13 - Toronto -1
14 - Edmonton -1
15 - Indiana -
16 - Halifax -
17 - Regina -
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 10 Games
EDM (2-6) @ MTL (3-5) - AUG 24 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
HFX (1-7) @ REG (2-6) - AUG 25 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
BOS (4-4) @ CGY (3-5) - AUG 26 - 3:00 PM ET
MIN (8-0) @ OTT (5-3) - AUG 26 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LI (5-3) @ WPG (1-7) - AUG 27 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (8-0) @ VAN (5-3) - AUG 27 - 4:30 PM ET
BYE: BUF (5-4), IND (3-6), LDN (6-3), LOU (7-2), PIT (5-4), TOR (2-7)
1972 Week 10
Roster Moves
BOS: RB Reggie Whitehead | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BOS: RB Scott Dale | Active Roster -> Waivers
CGY: RB John Drexel | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: RB Buck Wilde | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: OL Phil Gross | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: OL Kurt Klitsome | Waivers -> Reserve List
MIN: OL Daniel Chou | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Active Roster -> Waivers
MIN: LB Garrett Roberts | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: LB Arsenio Baldi | Waivers (REG) -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Chet Manley | Active Roster -> Reserve List
PRO: OL Louis DuBois | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: OL Matt Price-Fisher | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: OL James Bathgate | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Amos Sewell | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Alec Smart (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 28 @ Montreal Rouge - 25 - Mount Royal Stadium - August 24, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 46,250
1st Q
0-1: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
7-1: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Stanley McClendon
10-1: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
10-8: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
17-8: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
3rd Q
20-8: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
20-15: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
20-18: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
21-18: EDM - Single K Thomas Standberry
28-18: EDM - DTD FUM LB Perry Stevenson
28-25: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villaneuva
Both QB Ken Myers and QB Gene Bishop returned to the starting lineup for their respective teams.
Myers and the Rangers got off to an early lead when the speed of WR Stanley McClendon got by the Montreal defence.
The Rouge were able to answer back in the 2nd, but a later turnover would allow Edmonton to take a 9-point lead into halftime.
Bishop and the Rouge would mount a comeback in the 3rd, getting 10 points back and cutting the lead down to just 2.
Montreal would have a chance to take the lead or even tie the game in the 4th, but QB Gene Bishop would be flushed out of the pocket, taking a hit from DL Caleb Cologne, forcing a fumble and allowing LB Perry Stevenson to pick it up for a touchdown.
The Rouge would manage to get the touchdown back, but ran out of time allowing the Rangers to capture their first win since Week 3 and handing Montreal their 3rd straight loss.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 26 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 18 - Broad Street Stadium - August 25, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM CST - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 15,614
1st Q
0-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
7-3: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
2nd Q
10-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-4: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
3rd Q
16-4: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
16-11: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
23-11: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q
23-18: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
26-18: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
Another injury to the Mariners’ WR corps would lead to a breakout game for 2nd Round rookie, WR Oliver Shephard who scored his first two touchdowns of this career.
QB Todd Sparrow played with poise in the team’s win, getting the Mariners down the field for another 4 field goals as well.
Regina wasn’t quite able to reproduce the offensive output they had last week, but they kept it close in the end with a touchdown from WR Leonard Green.
Boston Independents - 31 @ Calgary Predators - 24 - OT - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - August 26, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,423
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
2nd Q
10-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-14: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
3rd Q
17-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
17-21: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
4th Q
17-24: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
24-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
Overtime
31-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
The red-hot Predators gave the Independents a run for their money in a crucial game.
QB Emmitt Jackson continued to run the offence with more confidence, escaping the pocket several times to make great plays, as Calgary’s offensive adjustments to try and use more traditional offensive plays to balance with the wild west plays, were making a difference.
RB Reggie Whitehead did return to the lineup for the Independents, scoring 2 times, including the game-tying score.
QB Nathaniel Braddock would finally put the game to bed with a touchdown drive in Overtime to give Boston their 3rd straight win and 4th in 5 games.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 14 @ Ottawa Royals - 24 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - August 26, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,036
1st Q
2nd Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
7-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
7-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
7-21: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
4th Q
7-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
14-24: MIN - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
After dropping 2 of their last 3 games, the Royals would make a statement against the Serpents, jumping out to a 7-21 lead in the 3rd off of some great offensive play and help from a S Marc Bellecourt interception.
Minnesota’s offence was looking for answers for the first time this season, and it would get worse in the 4th when QB Martin Keller took a bump from DL Obert Roux, resulting in a fumble and minor injury for Keller.
QB Mike Key would come in and get a late score, but Ottawa was too good in this matchup.
Long Island Raiders - 28 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 31 - Provencher Park - August 27, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 21,791
1st Q
0-7: WPG - DTD INT S Vernon Redgate
7-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
2nd Q
7-14: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
14-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
14-21: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Elijah Skinner
3rd Q
17-21: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
17-28: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
4th Q
20-28: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
20-31: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
26-31: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
28-31: LI - 2PT QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
The struggling teams in the West Division continued to surprise with Winnipeg shocking the 5-3 Raiders.
QB Emerson Thompson made his 3rd straight start and played well, dishing out a pair of touchdowns to help the team capture just their second win of the year.
S Vernon Redgate was the one that kickstarted the Falcons with a pick-6 which Regate had caught 38 yards down the field, only to weave his way through everyone for the score.
QB Ivan Sanchez threw 3 interceptions in the game, but still managed to get a late score to make it close, but ultimately, the Raiders ran of out time.
Providence Gold Stars - 27 @ Vancouver Wolves - 20 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - August 27, 1972 - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 35,009
1st Q
0-1: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
7-1: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
14-1: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
14-4: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
14-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
20-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
3rd Q
21-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
27-10: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4th Q
27-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
27-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
The Gold Stars would take down the struggling Wolves en route to their 9th win of the season, marking the team’s best start in franchise history eclipsing their 8-0 start back in 1953.
QB Red King was fantastic in the first half, throwing a pair of touchdowns, while the defence was all over the Wolves’ offence.
Several turnovers helped the Gold Stars to a 27-10 lead at the end of the 3rd.
QB Kevin Westwood would adjust and manage to mount a solid comeback against the tough Gold Stars’ defence, closing the gap to 7 points, but Providence would stand strong late in the 4th leading to Vancouver’s 4th loss in their last 5 games.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Harrold Kera - 1 Week
BOS: OL Bradley Seed - 1 Week
CGY: LB Kaleb Frederick - 9 Weeks
CGY: DL Chris Barrett - 2 Weeks
EDM: WR Stanley McClendon - 11 Weeks
HFX: WR Shane Steadman - Day-to-Day
LI: RB Scott Norton - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Weston East - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Martin Keller - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Enzo Morello - 1 Week
MTL: DL Sebastian Hamilton - 3 Weeks
PRO: QB Michael Miranda - 3 Weeks
PRO: DL Brock Dyson - 2 Weeks
REG: S Clarence Sale - 9 Weeks
REG: TE Bobby Clark - Day-to-Day
REG: TE Doug Landry - Day-to-Day
REG: WR Raymond Jefferson - 3 Weeks
VAN: DL Frank Colt - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Juwan Sylvester - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Evan Kilgore - 1 Week
WPG: DB Vern Nowitski - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Red King PRO - 2 Passing Touchdowns, 245 Passing Yards
King's performance was spot on in Providence's big win over Vancouver, continuing to show his growth and potential as an elite player in the NAAF
DEF: S Vernon Redgate WPG - 1 Interception, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 8 Tackles
Redgate's interception and touchdown was a catalyst for the teams big upset over the Raiders
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 8-1
Vancouver - 5-4
Calgary - 3-6
Edmonton - 3-6
Regina - 2-7
Winnipeg - 2-7
CENTRAL
Louisville - 7-2
London - 6-3
Buffalo - 5-4
Pittsburgh - 5-4
Indiana - 3-6
Toronto - 2-7
EAST
Providence - 9-0
Ottawa - 6-3
Long Island - 5-4
Boston - 5-4
Montreal - 3-6
Halifax - 2-7
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 9-0
2 - W: Minnesota - 8-1
3 - C: Louisville - 7-2
4 - London - 6-3
5 - Ottawa - 6-3
6 - Vancouver - 5-4
7 - Buffalo - 5-4
8 - Long Island - 5-4
==================
9 - Pittsburgh - 5-4
10 - Boston - 5-4
11 - Calgary - 3-6
12 - Edmonton - 3-6
13 - Montreal - 3-6
14 - Indiana - 3-6
15 - Regina - 2-7
16 - Toronto - 2-7
17 - Winnipeg - 2-7
18 - Halifax - 2-7
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville +1
3 - Ottawa +1
4 - Minnesota -2
5 - London -
6 - Pittsburgh +1
7 - Boston +2
8 - Long Island -2
9 - Vancouver -1
10 - Buffalo -
11 - Calgary +1
12 - Montreal -1
13 - Edmonton +1
14 - Halifax +2
15 - Toronto -2
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Winnipeg +1
18 - Regina -1
Week 11 Games
BUF (5-4) @ WPG (2-7) - SEP 1 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PIT (5-4) @ LDN (6-3) - SEP 2 - 12:00 PM ET
OTT (6-3) @ PRO (9-0) - SEP 2 - 12:00 PM ET
VAN (5-4) @ HFX (2-7) - SEP 2 - 3:30 PM ET
MIN (8-1) @ LI (5-4) - SEP 2 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (3-6) @ BOS (5-4) - SEP 3 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (2-7) @ TOR (2-7) - SEP 3 - 4:30 PM ET
CGY (3-6) @ EDM (3-6) - SEP 4 - 2:00 PM ET - Labour Day
LOU (7-2) @ IND (3-6) - SEP 4 - 6:00 PM ET - Labour Day
Roster Moves
BOS: RB Reggie Whitehead | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BOS: RB Scott Dale | Active Roster -> Waivers
CGY: RB John Drexel | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: RB Buck Wilde | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: OL Phil Gross | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: OL Kurt Klitsome | Waivers -> Reserve List
MIN: OL Daniel Chou | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Active Roster -> Waivers
MIN: LB Garrett Roberts | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: LB Arsenio Baldi | Waivers (REG) -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Chet Manley | Active Roster -> Reserve List
PRO: OL Louis DuBois | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: OL Matt Price-Fisher | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: OL James Bathgate | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Amos Sewell | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Alec Smart (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 28 @ Montreal Rouge - 25 - Mount Royal Stadium - August 24, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Hot - Attendance: 46,250
1st Q
0-1: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
7-1: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Stanley McClendon
10-1: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
10-8: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
17-8: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
3rd Q
20-8: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
20-15: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
20-18: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
21-18: EDM - Single K Thomas Standberry
28-18: EDM - DTD FUM LB Perry Stevenson
28-25: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Antonio Villaneuva
Both QB Ken Myers and QB Gene Bishop returned to the starting lineup for their respective teams.
Myers and the Rangers got off to an early lead when the speed of WR Stanley McClendon got by the Montreal defence.
The Rouge were able to answer back in the 2nd, but a later turnover would allow Edmonton to take a 9-point lead into halftime.
Bishop and the Rouge would mount a comeback in the 3rd, getting 10 points back and cutting the lead down to just 2.
Montreal would have a chance to take the lead or even tie the game in the 4th, but QB Gene Bishop would be flushed out of the pocket, taking a hit from DL Caleb Cologne, forcing a fumble and allowing LB Perry Stevenson to pick it up for a touchdown.
The Rouge would manage to get the touchdown back, but ran out of time allowing the Rangers to capture their first win since Week 3 and handing Montreal their 3rd straight loss.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 26 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 18 - Broad Street Stadium - August 25, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM CST - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 15,614
1st Q
0-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
7-3: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
2nd Q
10-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-4: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
3rd Q
16-4: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
16-11: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
23-11: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q
23-18: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
26-18: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
Another injury to the Mariners’ WR corps would lead to a breakout game for 2nd Round rookie, WR Oliver Shephard who scored his first two touchdowns of this career.
QB Todd Sparrow played with poise in the team’s win, getting the Mariners down the field for another 4 field goals as well.
Regina wasn’t quite able to reproduce the offensive output they had last week, but they kept it close in the end with a touchdown from WR Leonard Green.
Boston Independents - 31 @ Calgary Predators - 24 - OT - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - August 26, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,423
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
2nd Q
10-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-14: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
3rd Q
17-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
17-21: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
4th Q
17-24: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
24-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
Overtime
31-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
The red-hot Predators gave the Independents a run for their money in a crucial game.
QB Emmitt Jackson continued to run the offence with more confidence, escaping the pocket several times to make great plays, as Calgary’s offensive adjustments to try and use more traditional offensive plays to balance with the wild west plays, were making a difference.
RB Reggie Whitehead did return to the lineup for the Independents, scoring 2 times, including the game-tying score.
QB Nathaniel Braddock would finally put the game to bed with a touchdown drive in Overtime to give Boston their 3rd straight win and 4th in 5 games.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 14 @ Ottawa Royals - 24 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - August 26, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,036
1st Q
2nd Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
7-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
7-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
7-21: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
4th Q
7-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
14-24: MIN - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
After dropping 2 of their last 3 games, the Royals would make a statement against the Serpents, jumping out to a 7-21 lead in the 3rd off of some great offensive play and help from a S Marc Bellecourt interception.
Minnesota’s offence was looking for answers for the first time this season, and it would get worse in the 4th when QB Martin Keller took a bump from DL Obert Roux, resulting in a fumble and minor injury for Keller.
QB Mike Key would come in and get a late score, but Ottawa was too good in this matchup.
Long Island Raiders - 28 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 31 - Provencher Park - August 27, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 21,791
1st Q
0-7: WPG - DTD INT S Vernon Redgate
7-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
2nd Q
7-14: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
14-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
14-21: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Elijah Skinner
3rd Q
17-21: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
17-28: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
4th Q
20-28: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
20-31: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
26-31: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
28-31: LI - 2PT QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
The struggling teams in the West Division continued to surprise with Winnipeg shocking the 5-3 Raiders.
QB Emerson Thompson made his 3rd straight start and played well, dishing out a pair of touchdowns to help the team capture just their second win of the year.
S Vernon Redgate was the one that kickstarted the Falcons with a pick-6 which Regate had caught 38 yards down the field, only to weave his way through everyone for the score.
QB Ivan Sanchez threw 3 interceptions in the game, but still managed to get a late score to make it close, but ultimately, the Raiders ran of out time.
Providence Gold Stars - 27 @ Vancouver Wolves - 20 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - August 27, 1972 - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 35,009
1st Q
0-1: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
7-1: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
14-1: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
14-4: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
14-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
20-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Owen Paisley
3rd Q
21-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
27-10: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4th Q
27-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
27-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
The Gold Stars would take down the struggling Wolves en route to their 9th win of the season, marking the team’s best start in franchise history eclipsing their 8-0 start back in 1953.
QB Red King was fantastic in the first half, throwing a pair of touchdowns, while the defence was all over the Wolves’ offence.
Several turnovers helped the Gold Stars to a 27-10 lead at the end of the 3rd.
QB Kevin Westwood would adjust and manage to mount a solid comeback against the tough Gold Stars’ defence, closing the gap to 7 points, but Providence would stand strong late in the 4th leading to Vancouver’s 4th loss in their last 5 games.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Harrold Kera - 1 Week
BOS: OL Bradley Seed - 1 Week
CGY: LB Kaleb Frederick - 9 Weeks
CGY: DL Chris Barrett - 2 Weeks
EDM: WR Stanley McClendon - 11 Weeks
HFX: WR Shane Steadman - Day-to-Day
LI: RB Scott Norton - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Weston East - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Martin Keller - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Enzo Morello - 1 Week
MTL: DL Sebastian Hamilton - 3 Weeks
PRO: QB Michael Miranda - 3 Weeks
PRO: DL Brock Dyson - 2 Weeks
REG: S Clarence Sale - 9 Weeks
REG: TE Bobby Clark - Day-to-Day
REG: TE Doug Landry - Day-to-Day
REG: WR Raymond Jefferson - 3 Weeks
VAN: DL Frank Colt - Day-to-Day
WPG: WR Juwan Sylvester - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Evan Kilgore - 1 Week
WPG: DB Vern Nowitski - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
King's performance was spot on in Providence's big win over Vancouver, continuing to show his growth and potential as an elite player in the NAAF
Redgate's interception and touchdown was a catalyst for the teams big upset over the Raiders
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 8-1
Vancouver - 5-4
Calgary - 3-6
Edmonton - 3-6
Regina - 2-7
Winnipeg - 2-7
CENTRAL
Louisville - 7-2
London - 6-3
Buffalo - 5-4
Pittsburgh - 5-4
Indiana - 3-6
Toronto - 2-7
EAST
Providence - 9-0
Ottawa - 6-3
Long Island - 5-4
Boston - 5-4
Montreal - 3-6
Halifax - 2-7
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 9-0
2 - W: Minnesota - 8-1
3 - C: Louisville - 7-2
4 - London - 6-3
5 - Ottawa - 6-3
6 - Vancouver - 5-4
7 - Buffalo - 5-4
8 - Long Island - 5-4
==================
9 - Pittsburgh - 5-4
10 - Boston - 5-4
11 - Calgary - 3-6
12 - Edmonton - 3-6
13 - Montreal - 3-6
14 - Indiana - 3-6
15 - Regina - 2-7
16 - Toronto - 2-7
17 - Winnipeg - 2-7
18 - Halifax - 2-7
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville +1
3 - Ottawa +1
4 - Minnesota -2
5 - London -
6 - Pittsburgh +1
7 - Boston +2
8 - Long Island -2
9 - Vancouver -1
10 - Buffalo -
11 - Calgary +1
12 - Montreal -1
13 - Edmonton +1
14 - Halifax +2
15 - Toronto -2
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Winnipeg +1
18 - Regina -1
Week 11 Games
BUF (5-4) @ WPG (2-7) - SEP 1 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PIT (5-4) @ LDN (6-3) - SEP 2 - 12:00 PM ET
OTT (6-3) @ PRO (9-0) - SEP 2 - 12:00 PM ET
VAN (5-4) @ HFX (2-7) - SEP 2 - 3:30 PM ET
MIN (8-1) @ LI (5-4) - SEP 2 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (3-6) @ BOS (5-4) - SEP 3 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (2-7) @ TOR (2-7) - SEP 3 - 4:30 PM ET
CGY (3-6) @ EDM (3-6) - SEP 4 - 2:00 PM ET - Labour Day
LOU (7-2) @ IND (3-6) - SEP 4 - 6:00 PM ET - Labour Day
1972 Week 11
Roster Moves
BOS: DB Claus Pickering | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DB Dallas Daniels (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
BOS: RB Scott Dale | Waivers -> Reserve List
BUF: OL Ty Barrett | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: OL Lewis Lance | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: S Wesley Jones | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: DB Lawrence Martell (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: LB Kaleb Frederick | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: LB Teddy Redmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: WR Stanley McClendon | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: WR Rudolph Rose (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR James Love | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Edgar Covington | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LDN: OL Felton McDowell | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Active Roster -> Waivers
LI: DL Dallas Breaker | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DL George Vangruensven (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: S Brett Tavers | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: S Malcolm Emerton | Active Roster -> Reserve List
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Waivers -> Reserve List
PIT: DL Jeff Lamonte | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PIT: DL Yura Love | Active Roster -> Waivers
PRO: QB Michael Miranda | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: QB Peter Watson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: S Clarence Sale | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: S Jeff Labrie | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DB Rob Risker | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
TOR: DB Joseph Ahmed | Active Roster -> Waivers
WPG: DL Jesse Rivard | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: DL Justin Bardouche | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 34 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 24 - OT - Provencher Park - September 1, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,122
1st Q
3-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-7: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Juwan Sylvester
2nd Q
10-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
10-14: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
17-14: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
3rd Q
24-14: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
24-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
24-24: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
Overtime
31-24: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
34-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
The Falcons would continue to build off of their big win over the Raiders last week and were able to take the Blue Wings to overtime after coming back from down 10 in the 3rd.
QB Emerson Thompson got his 4th straight start and continued to play the most consistent of the Winnipeg QBs this season.
The battered Blue Wings still had a working offence that would see QB Charles Lemieux throw 3 touchdowns en route to the overtime win to keep themselves in the playoff picture.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 29 @ London Tigers - 14 - Western Fair Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 27,349
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
7-4: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
14-4: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
15-4: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
22-4: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
22-11: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
22-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
29-14: PIT - DTD INT DB Zed McLaughlin
The Blacksmiths would continue their win streak extending it to 5 games with an important win over the Tigers, whom they are chasing in the Central Division.
The Blacksmiths did have a sizable lead in the 3rd, but the Tigers got it down to a 1-score game in the 4th with a chance to try and tie it.
However, the game would be put to bed with a pick-6 from DB Zed McLaughlin, allowing Pittsburgh to go up by 15.
Ottawa Royals - 18 @ Providence Gold Stars - 28 - New Providence Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 63,243
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
2nd Q
3-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4-14: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
4-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
11-17: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
11-18: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
11-21: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
18-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
18-28: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
The Gold Stars had another big game against the Royals this week, putting the unbeaten record on the line again, but they continued to come out on top.
The defence did a great job of slowing down the Royals in the first half only allowing 4 points.
Ottawa was able to rally late and cut the lead down to 3, but the Gold Stars would add another touchdown to put the game to bed.
The win gives Providence the first 10-0 start since Ottawa did it in 1958, the only time a team has gone a perfect 12-0 in a season. Buffalo was the last team to come close to reaching that point with a 9-0 start in 1969.
*Providence clinches a playoff spot
Vancouver Wolves - 27 @ Halifax Mariners - 10 - Atlantic Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/4:30 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,060
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
2nd Q
14-0: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
17-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
24-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
4th Q
24-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
27-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver got back on track with a strong win over the Mariners, after losing 4 of their last 5.
QB Kevin Westwood had the offence back to a more steady state this week after injuries disrupted the team’s flow over the last few weeks.
Halifax had some fight, but ultimately struggled against the Wolves’ defence leading to another loss.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 20 @ Long Island Raiders - 28 - Long Island Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,294
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
7-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
2nd Q
10-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
10-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
13-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
13-21: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
13-28: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
20-28: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
The Raiders bounced back from the loss to Winnipeg, with a strong win over the Serpents.
QB Ivan Sanchez had a great game, throwing 3 touchdowns in the team’s win against a solid secondary that Minnesota has.
The Serpents dropped their 2nd straight game after losing to Ottawa last week, with the offence struggling to move the ball at times in this game.
Montreal Rouge - 13 @ Boston Independents - 24 - Richardson Stadium - September 3, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Heavy Rain - Attendance: 44,871
1st Q
0-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
2nd Q
0-10: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-10: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Chad Anderson
3rd Q
7-17: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
10-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
13-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
13-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
Boston and Montreal’s second meeting of the season would see the Independents get revenge on the Rouge.
RB Reggie Whitehead had his first strong game, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns in the win.
Montreal’s offence struggled again with QB Gene Bishop being rattled all day long.
Regina Wheat Kings - 24 @ Toronto Steelheads - 31 - OT - Anderson Stadium - September 3, 1972 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,512
1st Q
7-0: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
7-7: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Cameron Kane
14-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
2nd Q
14-14: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Felix Fontaine
3rd Q
14-21: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
21-21: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
4th Q
24-21: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
24-24: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
Overtime
24-31: TOR - DTD INT DB Santino Arriola
After QB Landon Ross was the starting QB for the first 9 games of the year, the Steelheads looked to change it up with QB David Simmons getting the start.
Simmons looked a lot better than he had all season last year, throwing a pair of touchdowns in the team’s first win since week 4.
Regina continued their strong run of games despite the loss, the offence specifically continuing to have a strong output putting up double-digit points in 3 straight games after only having 2 games in the first 7 games.
LABOUR DAY
Calgary Predators - 27 @ Edmonton Rangers - 16 - Forest Heights Park - September 4, 1972 - 2:00 PM ET/12:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 28,390
1st Q
0-7: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
0-10: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
0-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
7-13: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
3rd Q
14-13: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
17-13: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
17-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
24-16: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
27-16: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
Several early turnovers from the Predators led to an early Edmonton lead, which had the home crowd excited in their Labour Day game against the Preds, however, Calgary would recover.
QB Emmitt Jackson would run all over the field leading the Predators all the way back and then nearly doubled their output by the end of the game.
The Predators earn their 4th win in their last 5 games while Edmonton slips further behind their Alberta rivals in the standings.
LABOUR DAY
Louisville Thunder - 38 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - September 4, 1972 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,078
1st Q
3-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
10-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
17-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
24-3: LOU - DTD INT Aquilio Ruiz
3rd Q
31-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
31-4: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
38-4: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
38-11: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
It was a rerun of last year’s Labour Day matchup between Louisville and Indiana as the Thunder rolled right through the Victors.
QB Buck Murphy was slinging the ball against the young Victors’ secondary, throwing 3 touchdowns in the win.
The defence was also dominant only allowing 4 points before the final quarter.
QB Tom Applewhite looked more frustrated than ever, eventually being sat late in the 4th for QB Matt Fletcher, with his contract up at the end of the season, some are starting to wonder if he may be in his final days as a Victor.
Injury Report
BOS: WR Al Allmendinger - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Phil Gross - Day-to-Day
CGY: LB Billy Watkins - 3 Weeks
HFX: DL Pat Butler - 1 Week
HFX: DB Cornelius Walker - 4 Weeks
IND: DB Felix Roy - Day-to-Day
IND: OL Clancy Harrison - 6 Weeks
LDN: OL Derek Butcher - 6 Weeks
LI: S Calvin Hobbes - 1 Week
LI: TE Eric Peterson - 2 Weeks
LI: S Valentine Kitcher - Season
LOU: LB Ricky Wildgoose - Season
LOU: S Tom McDougall - 5 Weeks
MIN: DL Winfield Winchester - Day-to-Day
MIN: DL Ernest Schenn - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Morgan King - Season
OTT: DL Mathieu Tremblay - 1 Week
OTT: S Marc Bellecourt - 1 Week
PIT: DB Ike Vander Waal - 3 Weeks
PRO: DB Neville Falkner - Day-to-Day
PRO: WR Justin Palmer - 3 Weeks
PRO: DL Bartolo Cruz - Day-to-Day
REG: DB Madison McGee - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Max Russland - Day-to-Day
VAN: WR Tristian Lewis - 3 Weeks
WPG: DL Douglas Jackson - 3 Weeks
WPG: OL Czesław Krasowsk - 10 Weeks
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Ivan Sanchez LI - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 272 Passing Yards
Roster Moves
BOS: DB Claus Pickering | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DB Dallas Daniels (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
BOS: RB Scott Dale | Waivers -> Reserve List
BUF: OL Ty Barrett | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: OL Lewis Lance | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: S Wesley Jones | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: DB Lawrence Martell (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: LB Kaleb Frederick | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: LB Teddy Redmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: WR Stanley McClendon | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: WR Rudolph Rose (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR James Love | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Edgar Covington | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LDN: OL Felton McDowell | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Active Roster -> Waivers
LI: DL Dallas Breaker | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DL George Vangruensven (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: S Brett Tavers | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: S Malcolm Emerton | Active Roster -> Reserve List
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Waivers -> Reserve List
PIT: DL Jeff Lamonte | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PIT: DL Yura Love | Active Roster -> Waivers
PRO: QB Michael Miranda | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: QB Peter Watson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: S Clarence Sale | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: S Jeff Labrie | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DB Rob Risker | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
TOR: DB Joseph Ahmed | Active Roster -> Waivers
WPG: DL Jesse Rivard | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
WPG: DL Justin Bardouche | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 34 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 24 - OT - Provencher Park - September 1, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,122
1st Q
3-0: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3-7: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Juwan Sylvester
2nd Q
10-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Julius Drake
10-14: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
17-14: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
3rd Q
24-14: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
24-17: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
24-24: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
Overtime
31-24: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
34-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
The Falcons would continue to build off of their big win over the Raiders last week and were able to take the Blue Wings to overtime after coming back from down 10 in the 3rd.
QB Emerson Thompson got his 4th straight start and continued to play the most consistent of the Winnipeg QBs this season.
The battered Blue Wings still had a working offence that would see QB Charles Lemieux throw 3 touchdowns en route to the overtime win to keep themselves in the playoff picture.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 29 @ London Tigers - 14 - Western Fair Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 27,349
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
7-4: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
14-4: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
15-4: PIT - Single K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
22-4: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
22-11: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
22-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
29-14: PIT - DTD INT DB Zed McLaughlin
The Blacksmiths would continue their win streak extending it to 5 games with an important win over the Tigers, whom they are chasing in the Central Division.
The Blacksmiths did have a sizable lead in the 3rd, but the Tigers got it down to a 1-score game in the 4th with a chance to try and tie it.
However, the game would be put to bed with a pick-6 from DB Zed McLaughlin, allowing Pittsburgh to go up by 15.
Ottawa Royals - 18 @ Providence Gold Stars - 28 - New Providence Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 63,243
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
2nd Q
3-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4-14: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
4-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
11-17: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
11-18: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
11-21: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
18-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
18-28: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
The Gold Stars had another big game against the Royals this week, putting the unbeaten record on the line again, but they continued to come out on top.
The defence did a great job of slowing down the Royals in the first half only allowing 4 points.
Ottawa was able to rally late and cut the lead down to 3, but the Gold Stars would add another touchdown to put the game to bed.
The win gives Providence the first 10-0 start since Ottawa did it in 1958, the only time a team has gone a perfect 12-0 in a season. Buffalo was the last team to come close to reaching that point with a 9-0 start in 1969.
*Providence clinches a playoff spot
Vancouver Wolves - 27 @ Halifax Mariners - 10 - Atlantic Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/4:30 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,060
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
2nd Q
14-0: VAN - RTD RB Nikki Yang
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
17-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
24-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
4th Q
24-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
27-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver got back on track with a strong win over the Mariners, after losing 4 of their last 5.
QB Kevin Westwood had the offence back to a more steady state this week after injuries disrupted the team’s flow over the last few weeks.
Halifax had some fight, but ultimately struggled against the Wolves’ defence leading to another loss.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 20 @ Long Island Raiders - 28 - Long Island Stadium - September 2, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,294
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
7-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
2nd Q
10-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
10-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
13-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
13-21: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
13-28: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
20-28: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
The Raiders bounced back from the loss to Winnipeg, with a strong win over the Serpents.
QB Ivan Sanchez had a great game, throwing 3 touchdowns in the team’s win against a solid secondary that Minnesota has.
The Serpents dropped their 2nd straight game after losing to Ottawa last week, with the offence struggling to move the ball at times in this game.
Montreal Rouge - 13 @ Boston Independents - 24 - Richardson Stadium - September 3, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Heavy Rain - Attendance: 44,871
1st Q
0-7: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
2nd Q
0-10: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-10: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Chad Anderson
3rd Q
7-17: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
10-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
13-17: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
13-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
Boston and Montreal’s second meeting of the season would see the Independents get revenge on the Rouge.
RB Reggie Whitehead had his first strong game, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns in the win.
Montreal’s offence struggled again with QB Gene Bishop being rattled all day long.
Regina Wheat Kings - 24 @ Toronto Steelheads - 31 - OT - Anderson Stadium - September 3, 1972 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,512
1st Q
7-0: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
7-7: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Cameron Kane
14-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
2nd Q
14-14: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Felix Fontaine
3rd Q
14-21: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
21-21: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
4th Q
24-21: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
24-24: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
Overtime
24-31: TOR - DTD INT DB Santino Arriola
After QB Landon Ross was the starting QB for the first 9 games of the year, the Steelheads looked to change it up with QB David Simmons getting the start.
Simmons looked a lot better than he had all season last year, throwing a pair of touchdowns in the team’s first win since week 4.
Regina continued their strong run of games despite the loss, the offence specifically continuing to have a strong output putting up double-digit points in 3 straight games after only having 2 games in the first 7 games.
LABOUR DAY
Calgary Predators - 27 @ Edmonton Rangers - 16 - Forest Heights Park - September 4, 1972 - 2:00 PM ET/12:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 28,390
1st Q
0-7: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
0-10: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
2nd Q
0-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
7-13: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
3rd Q
14-13: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
17-13: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
17-16: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
24-16: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
27-16: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
Several early turnovers from the Predators led to an early Edmonton lead, which had the home crowd excited in their Labour Day game against the Preds, however, Calgary would recover.
QB Emmitt Jackson would run all over the field leading the Predators all the way back and then nearly doubled their output by the end of the game.
The Predators earn their 4th win in their last 5 games while Edmonton slips further behind their Alberta rivals in the standings.
LABOUR DAY
Louisville Thunder - 38 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - September 4, 1972 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 48,078
1st Q
3-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
10-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
17-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
24-3: LOU - DTD INT Aquilio Ruiz
3rd Q
31-3: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
31-4: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
38-4: LOU - RTD RB Robert Jack
38-11: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
It was a rerun of last year’s Labour Day matchup between Louisville and Indiana as the Thunder rolled right through the Victors.
QB Buck Murphy was slinging the ball against the young Victors’ secondary, throwing 3 touchdowns in the win.
The defence was also dominant only allowing 4 points before the final quarter.
QB Tom Applewhite looked more frustrated than ever, eventually being sat late in the 4th for QB Matt Fletcher, with his contract up at the end of the season, some are starting to wonder if he may be in his final days as a Victor.
Injury Report
BOS: WR Al Allmendinger - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Phil Gross - Day-to-Day
CGY: LB Billy Watkins - 3 Weeks
HFX: DL Pat Butler - 1 Week
HFX: DB Cornelius Walker - 4 Weeks
IND: DB Felix Roy - Day-to-Day
IND: OL Clancy Harrison - 6 Weeks
LDN: OL Derek Butcher - 6 Weeks
LI: S Calvin Hobbes - 1 Week
LI: TE Eric Peterson - 2 Weeks
LI: S Valentine Kitcher - Season
LOU: LB Ricky Wildgoose - Season
LOU: S Tom McDougall - 5 Weeks
MIN: DL Winfield Winchester - Day-to-Day
MIN: DL Ernest Schenn - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Morgan King - Season
OTT: DL Mathieu Tremblay - 1 Week
OTT: S Marc Bellecourt - 1 Week
PIT: DB Ike Vander Waal - 3 Weeks
PRO: DB Neville Falkner - Day-to-Day
PRO: WR Justin Palmer - 3 Weeks
PRO: DL Bartolo Cruz - Day-to-Day
REG: DB Madison McGee - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Max Russland - Day-to-Day
VAN: WR Tristian Lewis - 3 Weeks
WPG: DL Douglas Jackson - 3 Weeks
WPG: OL Czesław Krasowsk - 10 Weeks
Players of the Week
Sanchez came up clutch in an important win over the West Division-leading Serpents
DEF: DL Aaron Henderson LOU - 1 Forced Fumble, 2 Sacks, 5 Tackles
Henderson ate up the Victors' O-line and got into QB Tom Applewhite's head in the dominant win
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 8-2
Vancouver - 6-4
Calgary - 4-6
Edmonton - 3-7
Regina - 2-8
Winnipeg - 2-8
CENTRAL
Louisville - 8-2
Buffalo - 6-4
Pittsburgh - 6-4
London - 6-4
Toronto - 3-7
Indiana - 3-7
EAST
Providence - 10-0 - X
Ottawa - 6-4
Long Island - 6-4
Boston - 6-4
Montreal - 3-7
Halifax - 2-8
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 10-0 - X
2 - W: Minnesota - 8-2
3 - C: Louisville - 8-2
4 - Buffalo - 6-4
5 - Vancouver - 6-4
6 - Ottawa - 6-4
7 - Long Island - 6-4
8 - Pittsburgh - 6-4
==================
9 - London - 6-4
10 - Boston - 6-4
11 - Calgary - 4-6
12 - Edmonton - 3-7
13 - Montreal - 3-7
14 - Toronto - 3-7
15 - Indiana - 3-7
16 - Regina - 2-8
17 - Winnipeg - 2-8
18 - Halifax - 2-8
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville -
3 - Ottawa -
4 - Minnesota -
5 - Pittsburgh +1
6 - Boston -1
7 - London -2
8 - Long Island -
9 - Vancouver -
10 - Buffalo -
11 - Calgary -
12 - Montreal -
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Toronto +1
15 - Halifax -1
16 - Indiana -
17 - Winnipeg -
18 - Regina -
Week 12 Games
OTT (6-4) @ BOS (6-4) - SEP 8 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PRO (10-0) @ TOR (3-7) - SEP 9 - 12:00 PM ET
*PRO clinches the East Division with Win
LI (6-4) @ BUF (6-4) - SEP 9 - 12:00 PM ET
CGY (4-6) @ HFX (2-8) - SEP 9 - 3:30 PM ET
REG (2-8) @ MIN (8-2) - SEP 9 - 3:30 PM ET
EDM (3-7) @ VAN (6-4) - SEP 9 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
WPG (2-8) @ MTL (3-7) - SEP 10 - 1:00 PM ET
IND (3-7) @ PIT (6-4) - SEP 10 - 1:00 PM ET
LDN (6-4) @ LOU (8-2) - SEP 10 - 4:00 PM ET
Henderson ate up the Victors' O-line and got into QB Tom Applewhite's head in the dominant win
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 8-2
Vancouver - 6-4
Calgary - 4-6
Edmonton - 3-7
Regina - 2-8
Winnipeg - 2-8
CENTRAL
Louisville - 8-2
Buffalo - 6-4
Pittsburgh - 6-4
London - 6-4
Toronto - 3-7
Indiana - 3-7
EAST
Providence - 10-0 - X
Ottawa - 6-4
Long Island - 6-4
Boston - 6-4
Montreal - 3-7
Halifax - 2-8
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 10-0 - X
2 - W: Minnesota - 8-2
3 - C: Louisville - 8-2
4 - Buffalo - 6-4
5 - Vancouver - 6-4
6 - Ottawa - 6-4
7 - Long Island - 6-4
8 - Pittsburgh - 6-4
==================
9 - London - 6-4
10 - Boston - 6-4
11 - Calgary - 4-6
12 - Edmonton - 3-7
13 - Montreal - 3-7
14 - Toronto - 3-7
15 - Indiana - 3-7
16 - Regina - 2-8
17 - Winnipeg - 2-8
18 - Halifax - 2-8
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville -
3 - Ottawa -
4 - Minnesota -
5 - Pittsburgh +1
6 - Boston -1
7 - London -2
8 - Long Island -
9 - Vancouver -
10 - Buffalo -
11 - Calgary -
12 - Montreal -
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Toronto +1
15 - Halifax -1
16 - Indiana -
17 - Winnipeg -
18 - Regina -
Week 12 Games
OTT (6-4) @ BOS (6-4) - SEP 8 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PRO (10-0) @ TOR (3-7) - SEP 9 - 12:00 PM ET
*PRO clinches the East Division with Win
LI (6-4) @ BUF (6-4) - SEP 9 - 12:00 PM ET
CGY (4-6) @ HFX (2-8) - SEP 9 - 3:30 PM ET
REG (2-8) @ MIN (8-2) - SEP 9 - 3:30 PM ET
EDM (3-7) @ VAN (6-4) - SEP 9 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
WPG (2-8) @ MTL (3-7) - SEP 10 - 1:00 PM ET
IND (3-7) @ PIT (6-4) - SEP 10 - 1:00 PM ET
LDN (6-4) @ LOU (8-2) - SEP 10 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Trade Deadline
TRADE 1: PROVIDENCE ADDS DIXON FOR SAFETY DEPTH
The first trade of the deadline window would see the Gold Stars add some insurance at safety with the injury to S Tom Parrish. They would add S Nick Dixon from Calgary in exchange for Indiana’s 4th Round Pick in this year’s draft.
TRADE 2: VANCOUVER BOOSTS D-LINE ADDING DL RON PRUMPLE
The Victors were big sellers at this year’s deadline looking to pick up younger players and picks. The first move was to send DL Ron Prumple to Vancouver. They added on WR Frank MacCoghlan to the deal and would get a 2nd Round Pick along with 23-year-old WR Charles West in return. For Vancouver, Prumple helps fill a hole left by DL Rashawn Sutherland’s season-ending injury, the WR swap also helps to clear up Vancouver’s crowded WR prospect group while adding a depth piece for right now.
TRADE 3: MINNESOTA BEGINS BUSY DEADLINE WITH ADDING A DEFENSIVE BACK IN CHRIS BERRYMORE
Minnesota was all business at the deadline looking to patch up several wounds that have hit the team over the last couple of weeks. The first move was to get some help in the secondary, sending a 2nd Round Pick and WR Montana Strole to the Edmonton Rangers to acquire DB Chris Berrymore. Berrymore has been a great piece for the Rangers the past couple of seasons, while his age does show a bit, he has a knack for creating turnovers with 6 on the season.
TRADE 4: OTTAWA AND TORONTO SWAP WIDE RECEIVERS FOR FRESH STARTS
Probably one of the biggest surprises of the deadline say the Royals and Steelheads swap top WRs. The Royals would acquire WR Sterling Underhill in exchange for WR Matthew de la Cruz in a one-for-one deal. Underhill had been growing frustrated being the Steelheads’ #2 target this season behind WR Cameron Kane, despite feeling like he should be the #1. With his contract up at the end of the season, and a departure from the organization practically confirmed, they would look to get at least some value for the player. On the other side, Matthew de la Cruz has been given the reins as the #1 WR in Ottawa, and despite 7 receiving touchdowns, has struggled overall in really being that #1 threat. For Ottawa, they move on from the underperforming de la Cruz and get a guy with the tools to be the #1 weapon in their offence in Underhill, who is still only 26. For Toronto, they get a WR that is still under contract through next season who can now find a smaller role to get his game back.
TRADE 5: MINNESOTA SHIPS 1ST ROUND PICK TO BRING IN LB CONRAD KURST
The Serpents’ second trade at the deadline would see the team add a replacement for the injured LB Garrett Roberts. LB Conrad Kurst has been a top LB for the Rouge for the last 5 and a half seasons, and he will bring a lot of experience to the Serpents’ defence. Along with adding Kurst, the Serpents also acquired DB Adam Levesque, WR Luc St. Cyr, and a 4th Round Pick. Montreal would receive Minnesota’s 1st Round Pick and Montreal native DB Anthony Proulx
TRADE 6: LOUISVILLE BRINGS ON SEAHORSE TO FILL HOLE IN THE BACKFIELD
With RB Neil Bradley done for the season, the Thunder were on the hunt to add a starting RB. They would find one in a familiar face, acquiring Mariners’ starting back George Seahorse. Seahorse previously spent time with the Thunder in 1967 and 1968. His return to Louisville marks his second return to a former team, having had 2 different stints with the Mariners. The power back should provide Louisville with a steady run game down the stretch. In return for giving up their top RB, the Mariners would pick up Louisville’s 1st Round Pick, Prospect DB Jack Holly, and RB Chris Shine.
TRADE 7: BOSTON ADDS BAILEY TO D-LINE IN ONE-FOR-ONE SWAP
Boston went into the deadline hoping not to give up any more draft picks, but they still wanted to add a d-lineman with both DL Joseph Kerr and DL Wayne Baxton dealing with injuries. They would manage to get a deal done with Indiana, acquiring DL Bill Bailey straight up for LB William Kirkpatrick. Bailey previously spent a couple of seasons on Boston’s reserves but has improved a lot since then becoming a consistent starter for Indiana. Kirkpatrick, a former 3rd Round selection hasn’t really lived up to what Boston hoped as he gets a fresh start with Indiana.
TRADE 8: RAIDERS ADD FALCONS’ SAFETY PAT WASHINGTON
The Raiders were hoping to get in on the D-line action but ultimately failed to acquire either of the two Indiana players in Prumple and Bailey. There was an attempt to pull the Barrett twins out of Calgary, but the Preds' hot stretch over the past couple of weeks has pulled them from the deal. Instead, the Raiders would settle on bringing in a safety to help with the injuries back there.
Washington isn’t flashy, but he’s a great tackler and will add value beyond just an injury replacement for the Raiders. Winnipeg would receive Long Island’s 2nd Round Pick as compensation. Pat is also going to be the 3rd player with the last name Washington on the team, though he has no relation to the two other brothers, LB William Washington II and WR Otto Washington.
TRADE 9: OTTAWA BRINGS ON LB GERRARD MILLER FOR LB DEPTH
The Royals would make a second move to acquire some assurance in their LB core. With LB Tuukka Tariitt having battled injuries over the last two seasons, the Royals wanted a stronger #4 LB. They would acquire LB Gerrard Miller in hopes of finding the answer in the 26-year-old. With another year on his deal after this season, the Royals can be confident in having Miller around for the same position next season. In exchange, the Victors would get a 3rd Round Pick and LB Aloysius King IV.
TRADE 10: MINNESOTA FINISHES OFF A BUSY DEADLINE IN A 3-TEAM TRADE WITH WINNIPEG AND REGINA
Minnesota set out to create a lot of chaos at the deadline, and they would top it all off with a 3-way deal. The Serpents would acquire more LB depth in Nathan Davidson from Winnipeg and veteran OL Fred Tiny from Regina. The Falcons would get 26-year-old OL Bobby Sheilds and reserve DL Albert Kirk from Minnesota and then former Falcons’ DB Alain Archambault from Regina. Regina would get Minnesota’s 3rd Round Pick and reacquire LB Arsenio Baldi from Minnesota and then receive OL Evan Kilgore and DB Martin St. Jean from Winnipeg. The big pieces in this deal are Davidson heading to Minnesota to add more insurance to the LB corps and Shields heading to Winnipeg as the Falcons continue to strengthen their O-line.
TRADE 11: LOUISVILLE SNEAKS IN A TRADE FOR LB MIKE FRANCIS JUST BEFORE THE DEADLINE
The Thunder and Victors were able to sneak in one last trade before the deadline officially passed. Louisville would acquire LB Mike Francis, who the Victors have been trying to deal with for a while in exchange for a 3rd Round Pick. Francis can be a bit abrasive, but clearly, Louisville, who is missing LB Ricky Wildgoose, is willing to overlook it in hopes of getting back to the top of the mountain this season.
TRADE 1: PROVIDENCE ADDS DIXON FOR SAFETY DEPTH
The first trade of the deadline window would see the Gold Stars add some insurance at safety with the injury to S Tom Parrish. They would add S Nick Dixon from Calgary in exchange for Indiana’s 4th Round Pick in this year’s draft.
TRADE 2: VANCOUVER BOOSTS D-LINE ADDING DL RON PRUMPLE
The Victors were big sellers at this year’s deadline looking to pick up younger players and picks. The first move was to send DL Ron Prumple to Vancouver. They added on WR Frank MacCoghlan to the deal and would get a 2nd Round Pick along with 23-year-old WR Charles West in return. For Vancouver, Prumple helps fill a hole left by DL Rashawn Sutherland’s season-ending injury, the WR swap also helps to clear up Vancouver’s crowded WR prospect group while adding a depth piece for right now.
TRADE 3: MINNESOTA BEGINS BUSY DEADLINE WITH ADDING A DEFENSIVE BACK IN CHRIS BERRYMORE
Minnesota was all business at the deadline looking to patch up several wounds that have hit the team over the last couple of weeks. The first move was to get some help in the secondary, sending a 2nd Round Pick and WR Montana Strole to the Edmonton Rangers to acquire DB Chris Berrymore. Berrymore has been a great piece for the Rangers the past couple of seasons, while his age does show a bit, he has a knack for creating turnovers with 6 on the season.
TRADE 4: OTTAWA AND TORONTO SWAP WIDE RECEIVERS FOR FRESH STARTS
Probably one of the biggest surprises of the deadline say the Royals and Steelheads swap top WRs. The Royals would acquire WR Sterling Underhill in exchange for WR Matthew de la Cruz in a one-for-one deal. Underhill had been growing frustrated being the Steelheads’ #2 target this season behind WR Cameron Kane, despite feeling like he should be the #1. With his contract up at the end of the season, and a departure from the organization practically confirmed, they would look to get at least some value for the player. On the other side, Matthew de la Cruz has been given the reins as the #1 WR in Ottawa, and despite 7 receiving touchdowns, has struggled overall in really being that #1 threat. For Ottawa, they move on from the underperforming de la Cruz and get a guy with the tools to be the #1 weapon in their offence in Underhill, who is still only 26. For Toronto, they get a WR that is still under contract through next season who can now find a smaller role to get his game back.
TRADE 5: MINNESOTA SHIPS 1ST ROUND PICK TO BRING IN LB CONRAD KURST
The Serpents’ second trade at the deadline would see the team add a replacement for the injured LB Garrett Roberts. LB Conrad Kurst has been a top LB for the Rouge for the last 5 and a half seasons, and he will bring a lot of experience to the Serpents’ defence. Along with adding Kurst, the Serpents also acquired DB Adam Levesque, WR Luc St. Cyr, and a 4th Round Pick. Montreal would receive Minnesota’s 1st Round Pick and Montreal native DB Anthony Proulx
TRADE 6: LOUISVILLE BRINGS ON SEAHORSE TO FILL HOLE IN THE BACKFIELD
With RB Neil Bradley done for the season, the Thunder were on the hunt to add a starting RB. They would find one in a familiar face, acquiring Mariners’ starting back George Seahorse. Seahorse previously spent time with the Thunder in 1967 and 1968. His return to Louisville marks his second return to a former team, having had 2 different stints with the Mariners. The power back should provide Louisville with a steady run game down the stretch. In return for giving up their top RB, the Mariners would pick up Louisville’s 1st Round Pick, Prospect DB Jack Holly, and RB Chris Shine.
TRADE 7: BOSTON ADDS BAILEY TO D-LINE IN ONE-FOR-ONE SWAP
Boston went into the deadline hoping not to give up any more draft picks, but they still wanted to add a d-lineman with both DL Joseph Kerr and DL Wayne Baxton dealing with injuries. They would manage to get a deal done with Indiana, acquiring DL Bill Bailey straight up for LB William Kirkpatrick. Bailey previously spent a couple of seasons on Boston’s reserves but has improved a lot since then becoming a consistent starter for Indiana. Kirkpatrick, a former 3rd Round selection hasn’t really lived up to what Boston hoped as he gets a fresh start with Indiana.
TRADE 8: RAIDERS ADD FALCONS’ SAFETY PAT WASHINGTON
The Raiders were hoping to get in on the D-line action but ultimately failed to acquire either of the two Indiana players in Prumple and Bailey. There was an attempt to pull the Barrett twins out of Calgary, but the Preds' hot stretch over the past couple of weeks has pulled them from the deal. Instead, the Raiders would settle on bringing in a safety to help with the injuries back there.
Washington isn’t flashy, but he’s a great tackler and will add value beyond just an injury replacement for the Raiders. Winnipeg would receive Long Island’s 2nd Round Pick as compensation. Pat is also going to be the 3rd player with the last name Washington on the team, though he has no relation to the two other brothers, LB William Washington II and WR Otto Washington.
TRADE 9: OTTAWA BRINGS ON LB GERRARD MILLER FOR LB DEPTH
The Royals would make a second move to acquire some assurance in their LB core. With LB Tuukka Tariitt having battled injuries over the last two seasons, the Royals wanted a stronger #4 LB. They would acquire LB Gerrard Miller in hopes of finding the answer in the 26-year-old. With another year on his deal after this season, the Royals can be confident in having Miller around for the same position next season. In exchange, the Victors would get a 3rd Round Pick and LB Aloysius King IV.
TRADE 10: MINNESOTA FINISHES OFF A BUSY DEADLINE IN A 3-TEAM TRADE WITH WINNIPEG AND REGINA
Minnesota set out to create a lot of chaos at the deadline, and they would top it all off with a 3-way deal. The Serpents would acquire more LB depth in Nathan Davidson from Winnipeg and veteran OL Fred Tiny from Regina. The Falcons would get 26-year-old OL Bobby Sheilds and reserve DL Albert Kirk from Minnesota and then former Falcons’ DB Alain Archambault from Regina. Regina would get Minnesota’s 3rd Round Pick and reacquire LB Arsenio Baldi from Minnesota and then receive OL Evan Kilgore and DB Martin St. Jean from Winnipeg. The big pieces in this deal are Davidson heading to Minnesota to add more insurance to the LB corps and Shields heading to Winnipeg as the Falcons continue to strengthen their O-line.
TRADE 11: LOUISVILLE SNEAKS IN A TRADE FOR LB MIKE FRANCIS JUST BEFORE THE DEADLINE
The Thunder and Victors were able to sneak in one last trade before the deadline officially passed. Louisville would acquire LB Mike Francis, who the Victors have been trying to deal with for a while in exchange for a 3rd Round Pick. Francis can be a bit abrasive, but clearly, Louisville, who is missing LB Ricky Wildgoose, is willing to overlook it in hopes of getting back to the top of the mountain this season.
Roster Moves
CGY: LB Billy Watkins | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: DB Ken Oleson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: WR Rudolph Rose | Active Roster -> Reserve List
IND: OL Clancy Harrison | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: DL Terrence Strickland (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: DL Daniel Chung (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: OL Alton Rowland (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Derek Butcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Waivers -> Active Roster
LI: S Valentine Kitcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: LB Ricky Wildgoose | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: S Tom McDougall | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: S Malcolm Emerton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: LB Morgan King | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: DB Leonard Cannon | Active Roster -> Waivers
MTL: WR Trent Kunard | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: LB Mick Pilgrim (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Active Roster -> Waivers
PRO: S Larry Lee Stichman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: LB Austin Ford | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: DL Frank Colt | Active Roster -> Reserve List
WPG: OL Czesław Krasowsk | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Archie Matthews | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Ottawa Royals - 19 @ Boston Independents - 24 - Richardson Stadium - September 8, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,066
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
0-14: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
2nd Q
7-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
10-14: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
10-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
17-17: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
18-17: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
4th Q
19-17: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
19-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
A very important game in Boston would see a pair of 6-4 teams battle for possession of 2nd in the East.
Boston jumped out to a 0-14 lead after an interception by DB Tim McGovern on a miscommunication from Ottawa.
Ottawa bounced back with a big touchdown from their new WR acquisition in Sterling Underhill.
Ottawa would eventually get the lead in the 4th up 19-17, but Boston would get the last punch in with WR Al Allmendinger scoring a deep, game-winning touchdown to give Boston their 5th straight win.
Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Toronto Steelheads - 6 - Anderson Stadium - September 9, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 47,041
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
10-0: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
12-0: PRO - Safety DL Bartolo Cruz
3rd Q
19-0: PRO - PTD QB Jace Beleren -> WR Owen Paisley
19-3: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
19-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
22-6: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
The Gold Stars win again, but at a cost with QB Red King getting banged up in the first half, which will likely keep the young QB out until the playoffs. QB Jace Beleren replaced King for the rest of the game.
Luckily, their defence would dominate, only allowing 6 points in the game against the struggling Steelheads, allowing them to clinch their first division title since 1962.
Toronto continued to roll with QB David Simmons for the 2nd straight game but struggled against the Gold Stars’ defence. On top of that Toronto would lose both of their top 2 WRs for the season in Cameron Kane and Felix Fontaine, following their trade of WR Sterling Underhill leaving them with a completely new WR corps.
*Providence clinches East Division
Long Island Raiders - 24 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 31 - Milton Charles Stadium - September 9, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,543
1st Q
7-0: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
7-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
2nd Q
7-10: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
14-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Otto Washington
14-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
14-20: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
4th Q
21-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
21-23: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
24-23: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
24-29: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
24-31: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
Another crucial game between 6-4 teams would see the Raiders take a 1-point lead in the final minutes of the game, however, WR Tracy Driscoll would slip past the Raiders’ injured secondary, scoring the deep game-winning touchdown.
Overall, the Raiders offence continued to play well with QB Ivan Sanchez throwing 3 touchdowns for the 2nd game in a row.
On the other side, despite many key defensive injuries, QB Charles Lemieux and the Blue Wings’ offence continued to keep the team in a playoff spot.
Calgary Predators - 37 @ Halifax Mariners - 13 - Atlantic Stadium - September 9, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/4:30 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 21,503
1st Q
0-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
7-3: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
14-3: CGY - DTD INT DB Scott Summerhayes
2nd Q
20-3: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
20-6: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
27-6: CGY - KRTD WR James Johnson
27-13: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
30-13: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
37-13: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> RB Rocco Peaks
The red-hot Predators would roll into Halifax and continue their sudden burst of offence.
The strategy change to bring a more balanced play calling in the Wild West offence has worked wonders as Calgary has now won 5 of their last 6.
The Mariners had a tough game yet again with 4 turnovers in their second straight home blowout loss.
Regina Wheat Kings - 9 @ Minnesota Serpents - 33 - Midgard Stadium - September 9, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 49,534
1st Q
0-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Colby Bancana
0-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
2nd Q
0-17: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
0-20: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
3-20: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-27: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
6-27: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
4th Q
6-30: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
9-30: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
9-33: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
After back-to-back losses, the Serpents would get back on track in a dominant win over the Wheat Kings.
QB Martin Keller flashed his arm in the opening half with a pair of touchdowns before the team settled into a steady tempo in the 2nd half.
Regina would be held scoreless in the first half and then QB Stanley Evans would be knocked out of the game which would lead to 2nd year QB Whit Johnson finishing the game.
Johnson with help from RB Deion Chapman would get a couple of field goals in the 2nd half.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Edmonton Rangers - 10 @ Vancouver Wolves - 29 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - September 9, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 35,012
1st Q
0-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3-7: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
3-8: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
3-15: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
3-16: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
3-19: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
10-19: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
10-22: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
10-29: VAN - DTD FUMR LB Shawn Anderson - FFUM DL Alex Young
The Wolves put together their 2nd straight win to keep pace in the West Division.
A solid first half would get them out to a 3-16 lead, then the 2nd half would be a little slower aside from the defence making a big play with DL Alex Young striping RB Jimmy Golden, allowing LB Shawn Anderson to jump on top of it in the endzone.
A touchdown in the 3rd was the only bright spot in Edmonton’s game with many 2 and-outs throughout the game.
Winnipeg Falcons - 17 @ Montreal Rouge - 26 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 10, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,738
1st Q
0-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
3-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3-10: MTL - PTD QB Nathan Houle -> WR Chad Anderson
3rd Q
3-11: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
9-11: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Elijah Skinner
11-11: WPG - 2PT RB Joe Rivers
11-14: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
11-15: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
14-15: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
14-18: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
17-18: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
17-24: MTL - KRTD RB Alain Ducharme
17-26: MTL - 2PT RB Bo Frazier
After 4 straight losses, the Rouge would turn to QB Nathan Houle to start their game against the Falcons and he would turn out their first win since Week 6.
It would still be a tight game with the QB Emerson Thompson-led Falcons able to cut the lead down to 1 in the 4th, but RB Alain Ducharme would put an end to the game with a kick return touchdown on the ensuing kickoff.
Indiana Victors - 21 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 31 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - September 10, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 48,326
1st Q
0-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
7-7: IND - RTD RB Ed Finley
2nd Q
7-14: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
7-21: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
7-24: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
14-24: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
4th Q
14-31: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
21-31: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Tranquille Rousseau
The Blacksmiths continued to roll on to their 6th straight win, beating the Victors on home field convincingly.
RB Max Tracy was the start for the Blacksmiths with 2 rushing touchdowns on the day.
QB Tom Applewhite started the game despite being benched in last week’s loss to the Thunder, and he managed to have an okay day, especially in the 2nd half, throwing a pair of touchdowns.
London Tigers - 20 @ Louisville Thunder - 27 - Thunder Stadium - September 10, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,228
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Justin Dubuque
2nd Q
7-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
10-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
10-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
13-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
13-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
4th Q
13-20: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
20-20: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
20-27: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
In what was a very close game, the Thunder would get a very important win over the Tigers, coming down to a late touchdown from WR Casey Coleman to decide it.
The Tigers, who now slip to 6-5 after a 4-1 start, had to fight back in this game down their top QB, Henry Johnsson. QB Tyrion Gainsborough came in as relief and was able to tie the game up late, but couldn’t match the late Coleman score.
The Thunder now sit in position to capture the Central Division next week.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Ken Lafontaine - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Artem Sobakov - Day-to-Day
BUF: TE Paul Arturberry - 3 Weeks
BUF: DL Kevin Patterson - 1 Week
CGY: DB Bobby Bastian - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Patrick Lennon - Day-to-Day
EDM: TE Ricky Hammonds - 1 Week
EDM: DL John Belanger - 10 Weeks (Season)
HFX: TE Brandon McPhail - 4 Weeks
IND: WR Lew Wallendowski - 2 Weeks
LDN: RB Raymond Green - 1 Week
LDN: QB Henry Johnsson - Day-to-Day
MIN: TE Hunter Ziegelbauer - 3 Weeks
MTL: OL Flint Boyer - 1 Week
MTL: S Mathieu Cazenave - Day-to-Day
OTT: S Joseph Ackerman - 10 Weeks (Season)
OTT: DB Tyler Hill - 4 Weeks
PRO: QB Red King - 4 Weeks
PRO: OL Emil Jennings - Day-to-Day
REG: QB Stanley Evans - Day-to-Day
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine - 8 Weeks (Season)
TOR: S Bennett Drill - 9 Weeks (Season)
TOR: WR Cameron Kane - 14 Weeks (Season)
VAN: WR Dennis Davtyan - Season
Players of the Week
DEF: LB Kurt Warlock PRO - 11 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 9-2
Vancouver - 7-4
Calgary - 5-6
Edmonton - 3-8
Regina - 2-9
Winnipeg - 2-9
CENTRAL
Louisville - 9-2
Buffalo - 7-4
Pittsburgh - 7-4
London - 6-5
Toronto - 3-8
Indiana - 3-8
EAST
Providence - 11-0 - Y
Boston - 7-4
Ottawa - 6-5
Long Island - 6-5
Montreal - 4-7
Halifax - 2-9
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 11-0 - Y
2 - W: Minnesota - 9-2
3 - C: Louisville - 9-2
4 - Vancouver - 7-4
5 - Buffalo - 7-4
6 - Boston - 7-4
7 - Pittsburgh - 7-4
8 - Ottawa - 6-5
==================
9 - Long Island - 6-5
10 - London - 6-5
11 - Calgary - 5-6
12 - Montreal - 4-7
13 - Edmonton - 3-8
14 - Toronto - 3-8
15 - Indiana - 3-8
16 - Regina - 2-9
17 - Winnipeg - 2-9
18 - Halifax - 2-9
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Louisville -
3 - Minnesota +1
4 - Pittsburgh +1
5 - Boston +1
6 - Ottawa -3
7 - Vancouver +2
8 - Buffalo +2
9 - Long Island -1
10 - London -3
11 - Calgary -
12 - Montreal -
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Toronto -
15 - Indiana +1
16 - Halifax -1
17 - Winnipeg -
18 - Regina -
Week 13 Games
BUF (7-4) @ TOR (3-8) - SEP 15 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LOU (9-2) @ CGY (5-6) - SEP 15 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
*LOU clinches playoff spot with Win or 2 of LDN/LI/OTT Loss
*LOU clinches Central Division with Win + BUF Loss
PRO (11-0) @ LI (6-5) - SEP 16 - 12:00 PM ET
REG (2-9) @ BOS (7-4) - SEP 16 - 3:30 PM ET
OTT (6-5) @ EDM (3-8) - SEP 16 - 3:30 PM ET
MIN (9-2) @ PIT (7-4) - SEP 16 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
*MIN clinches playoff spot with Win or 2 of LDN/LI/OTT Loss
*MIN clinches West Division with Win + VAN Loss
HFX (2-9) @ MTL (4-7) - SEP 17 - 1:00 PM ET
LDN (6-5) @ IND (3-8) - SEP 17 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (7-4) @ WPG (2-9) - SEP 17 - 4:00 PM ET
1972 Week 13
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BOS: DL Sam Holmes | Active Roster -> Waivers
BUF: TE Paul Arturberry | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: TE Nino Duggets (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: QB Jesse Essex | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: QB Eric Reed | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: DL James Chambers | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
EDM: DL John Belanger | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: WR Dexter Lallemont | Active Roster -> Reserve List
HFX: TE Brandon McPhail | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: TE Scott Kissell (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: S Sully Callahan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DB Arnie Marston (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: TE Hunter Ziegelbauer | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: TE Dave Pira | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DB Leonard Cannon | Waivers -> Reserve List
OTT: S Joseph Ackerman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: DB Real Monet (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Waivers -> Reserve List
REG: TE Hank Bradford | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: TE Doug Landry | Active Roster -> Waivers
TOR: WR Cameron Kane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: WR Victor Augustin (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: S Bennett Drill | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DB Joseph Ahmed | Waivers -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Qian Zhou | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Gord Garrick | Active Roster -> Waivers
VAN: WR Dennis Davtyan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: WR Graham Spencer | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 18 @ Toronto Steelheads - 21 - Anderson Stadium - September 15, 1972 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,942
1st Q
7-0: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
2nd Q
7-7: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
7-14: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Patrick Early
3rd Q
10-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-21: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
16-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
18-21: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
The Steelheads, despite being down their top 2 WRs, would pull off the upset against the Blue Wings.
QB David Simmons got his 3rd start of the season and had one of his best performances, throwing 2 touchdowns and getting the win.
Buffalo had a rough go with several mistakes in the first half both offensively and defensively, but they still managed to make it close at the end but ended up running out of time.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 33 @ Calgary Predators - 29 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - September 15, 1972 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 30,249
1st Q
7-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
10-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
10-1: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
2nd Q
10-8: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
17-8: LOU - RTD RB George Seahorse
17-15: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
3rd Q
20-15: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-15: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-21: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
23-23: CGY - 2PT QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
4th Q
23-29: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
26-29: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
33-29: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
Calgary would put on quite the battle at home against the Central-leading Thunder.
QB Emmitt Jackson and offence was running all over the field, even taking a 23-29 lead in the 4th quarter.
The Thunder would manage to come back and win the game in the 4th, but they were certainly shocked by Calgary’s performance escaping with a narrow win.
The good news for the Thunder is that the win does clinch them a ticket back to the postseason as well as the team’s first-ever Division title due to Buffalo also losing earlier in the evening.
*Louisville clinches playoff spot
*Louisville clinches Central Division
Providence Gold Stars - 16 @ Long Island Raiders - 26 - Long Island Stadium - September 16, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,230
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
6-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
6-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
6-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
6-16: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
9-16: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Niell
16-16: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4th Q
16-19: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
16-26: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
The Raiders had a lot of pressure on them to win with their playoff hopes starting to look dire, and they would pull off the massive win over the unbeaten Gold Stars.
It didn’t come easy, however, with Providence’s defence helping to keep the game close until the Raiders finally were able to pull away in the 4th with 10 points Providence wasn’t able to answer back.
QB Jace Beleren drew in to start for the injured QB Red King, but struggled, relying heavily on the run game throughout, and having a couple of interceptions as well.
Regina Wheat Kings - 13 @ Boston Independents - 38 - Richardson Stadium - September 16, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 44,883
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
3-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
10-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
10-14: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-21: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> TE Spencer Griepentrog
3rd Q
10-24: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
10-31: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Evan Clanton
4th Q
13-31: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-38: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
Boston was able to grab their 6th straight win with a dominant win over the Wheat Kings.
QB Nathaniel Braddock was perfect in the decisive win, earning himself a break in the 4th with QB Joel Joesen finishing the game for him.
Regina’s offence had another down week and their defence was just no match for Boston’s offence leading to an expected final score.
Ottawa Royals - 30 @ Edmonton Rangers - 19 - Forest Heights Park - September 16, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,300
1st Q
7-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
7-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
10-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
17-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
20-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
27-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
27-10: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Spencer Hicks
27-16: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
4th Q
30-16: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
30-19: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
After back-to-back difficult losses, the Royals were able to get back in the win column with a win over the Rangers.
WR Sterling Underhill seems to be fitting in well with his new club, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the first half.
The Royals were far ahead at 27-3 in the 3rd, but Edmonton would get a couple of bounces leading to a bit of a comeback in the 3rd and 4th, but ultimately were way too far back to make it interesting.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 21 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 17 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - September 16, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 48,386
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
2nd Q
10-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
10-14: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
13-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
13-17: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
14-17: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
4th Q
21-17: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
Saturday Night Football gave us a super important game between the Serpents and Blacksmiths.
It would be a tight game right to the end, with the Serpents getting the lead on a touchdown run from RB Tyler Kuhn.
Pittsburgh’s 6-game win streak would come to an end in the close matchup, but they have still managed to turn around the rough start they had to the season.
The win does clinch a playoff spot for Minnesota and potentially a West Division with a Vancouver loss on Sunday.
*Minnesota clinches playoff spot
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Montreal Rouge - 31 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 17, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,061
1st Q
2nd Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
7-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-14: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
3rd Q
7-21: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> TE John Schall
7-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-24: HFX - RTD RB Rene Lyons
4th Q
21-24: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
28-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
28-31: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
Montreal entered their Sunday afternoon game knowing they were eliminated from playoff contention, but they remained determined to get another win.
Montreal was able to take a lead in the first half, but QB Nathan Houle would suffer a major injury taking him out for the rest of the season, leaving QB Gene Bishop to finish the game.
Halifax would then come back from being down 7-24 taking the lead in the 4th, only for Bishop to lead a vintage game-winning drive to give Montreal their second win in a row.
London Tigers - 24 @ Indiana Victors - 27 - Victory Stadium - September 17, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 39,077
1st Q
7-0: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
7-10: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Tranquille Rousseau
2nd Q
7-17: IND - DTD INT DB Oswald Martell
10-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
10-20: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
10-27: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
4th Q
17-27: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
24-27: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Lloyd Lane
The Tigers’ skid continued in a tough loss to the Victors, leaving them in a tough spot with two games left.
QB Henry Johnsson had his worst performance of the season, throwing 3 interceptions, leading to QB Tyrion Gainsborough taking over in the 2nd half.
Gainsborough was able to mount a comeback but came up short, however, a QB controversy may be on the horizon for the last couple of games.
Indiana had a great performance behind the determined QB Tom Applewhite and returning RB Daniel Collins, leading to their 4th win of the season.
Vancouver Wolves - 24 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 26 - Provencher Park - September 17, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/3:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,139
1st Q
0-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
7-3: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
2nd Q
7-10: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Juwan Sylvester
3rd Q
7-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
7-20: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
10-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
17-20: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
17-23: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
24-23: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
24-26: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
The final shock of the week would see the Falcons pull off the upset against the Wolves.
QB Emerson Thompson continued to impress, leading the Falcons on a game-winning drive in the dying minutes of the 4th.
Vancouver was shocked, especially when they had fallen into a 7-20 hole, but managed to get back into the lead, only to allow the Falcons to get the last kick in at the buzzer.
The loss for Vancouver gives Minnesota their 3rd straight West Division title.
*Minnesota clinches West Division
Injury Report
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr - 1 Week
BOS: DB Mordecai King - Day-to-Day
BOS: WR Edward Webb - 2 Weeks
EDM: RB Gary Hubbard - 1 Week
HFX: OL Gleeson Seidl - Day-to-Day
HFX: DB Lance Lee - 1 Week
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - 5 Weeks
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - 1 Week
IND: OL Viktor Stahl - Day-to-Day
IND: DL Daniel Myers - Day-to-Day
LDN: OL Harvey Strong - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Albert Newport - 1 Week
LI: DL Chris Price - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Martin Keller - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Conrad Kurst - Day-to-Day
MTL: QB Nathan Houle - 9 Weeks
MTL: OL Phil Ampertis - Day-to-Day
MTL: DL Gregory Jacquet - 1 Week
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt - 4 Weeks
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen - 8 Weeks
PRO: LB Victor Falkensteig - 3 Weeks
PRO: DL Newton Dalton - Day-to-Day
PRO: LB Kurt Warlock - 4 Weeks
TOR: DB Santino Arriola - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Sam Reinkemeyer - 7 Weeks
VAN: OL Nick Bowen - 6 Weeks
VAN: LB Jaylen Murray - 2 Weeks
WPG: DL Eric Clarke - Day-to-Day
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee - 3 Weeks
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Drake Young - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 282 Passing Yards
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BOS: DL Sam Holmes | Active Roster -> Waivers
BUF: TE Paul Arturberry | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: TE Nino Duggets (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: QB Jesse Essex | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: QB Eric Reed | Active Roster -> Reserve List
EDM: DL James Chambers | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
EDM: DL John Belanger | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: WR Dexter Lallemont | Active Roster -> Reserve List
HFX: TE Brandon McPhail | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: TE Scott Kissell (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: S Sully Callahan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DB Arnie Marston (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: TE Hunter Ziegelbauer | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: TE Dave Pira | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DB Leonard Cannon | Waivers -> Reserve List
OTT: S Joseph Ackerman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: DB Real Monet (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Waivers -> Reserve List
REG: TE Hank Bradford | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
REG: TE Doug Landry | Active Roster -> Waivers
TOR: WR Cameron Kane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: WR Victor Augustin (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: S Bennett Drill | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DB Joseph Ahmed | Waivers -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Qian Zhou | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: DL Gord Garrick | Active Roster -> Waivers
VAN: WR Dennis Davtyan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: WR Graham Spencer | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 18 @ Toronto Steelheads - 21 - Anderson Stadium - September 15, 1972 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,942
1st Q
7-0: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
2nd Q
7-7: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
7-14: TOR - PTD QB David Simmons -> WR Patrick Early
3rd Q
10-14: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-21: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
16-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
18-21: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
The Steelheads, despite being down their top 2 WRs, would pull off the upset against the Blue Wings.
QB David Simmons got his 3rd start of the season and had one of his best performances, throwing 2 touchdowns and getting the win.
Buffalo had a rough go with several mistakes in the first half both offensively and defensively, but they still managed to make it close at the end but ended up running out of time.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 33 @ Calgary Predators - 29 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - September 15, 1972 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 30,249
1st Q
7-0: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
10-0: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
10-1: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
2nd Q
10-8: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
17-8: LOU - RTD RB George Seahorse
17-15: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
3rd Q
20-15: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-15: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-21: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
23-23: CGY - 2PT QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
4th Q
23-29: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
26-29: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
33-29: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
Calgary would put on quite the battle at home against the Central-leading Thunder.
QB Emmitt Jackson and offence was running all over the field, even taking a 23-29 lead in the 4th quarter.
The Thunder would manage to come back and win the game in the 4th, but they were certainly shocked by Calgary’s performance escaping with a narrow win.
The good news for the Thunder is that the win does clinch them a ticket back to the postseason as well as the team’s first-ever Division title due to Buffalo also losing earlier in the evening.
*Louisville clinches playoff spot
*Louisville clinches Central Division
Providence Gold Stars - 16 @ Long Island Raiders - 26 - Long Island Stadium - September 16, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,230
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
6-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
6-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
6-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3rd Q
6-16: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
9-16: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Niell
16-16: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
4th Q
16-19: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
16-26: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
The Raiders had a lot of pressure on them to win with their playoff hopes starting to look dire, and they would pull off the massive win over the unbeaten Gold Stars.
It didn’t come easy, however, with Providence’s defence helping to keep the game close until the Raiders finally were able to pull away in the 4th with 10 points Providence wasn’t able to answer back.
QB Jace Beleren drew in to start for the injured QB Red King, but struggled, relying heavily on the run game throughout, and having a couple of interceptions as well.
Regina Wheat Kings - 13 @ Boston Independents - 38 - Richardson Stadium - September 16, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 44,883
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
3-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
10-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
10-14: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-21: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> TE Spencer Griepentrog
3rd Q
10-24: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
10-31: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Evan Clanton
4th Q
13-31: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-38: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
Boston was able to grab their 6th straight win with a dominant win over the Wheat Kings.
QB Nathaniel Braddock was perfect in the decisive win, earning himself a break in the 4th with QB Joel Joesen finishing the game for him.
Regina’s offence had another down week and their defence was just no match for Boston’s offence leading to an expected final score.
Ottawa Royals - 30 @ Edmonton Rangers - 19 - Forest Heights Park - September 16, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,300
1st Q
7-0: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
7-3: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
10-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
17-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
20-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
27-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
27-10: EDM - PTD QB Ken Myers -> WR Spencer Hicks
27-16: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
4th Q
30-16: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
30-19: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
After back-to-back difficult losses, the Royals were able to get back in the win column with a win over the Rangers.
WR Sterling Underhill seems to be fitting in well with his new club, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the first half.
The Royals were far ahead at 27-3 in the 3rd, but Edmonton would get a couple of bounces leading to a bit of a comeback in the 3rd and 4th, but ultimately were way too far back to make it interesting.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 21 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 17 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - September 16, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 48,386
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
2nd Q
10-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
10-14: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
13-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
13-17: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
14-17: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
4th Q
21-17: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
Saturday Night Football gave us a super important game between the Serpents and Blacksmiths.
It would be a tight game right to the end, with the Serpents getting the lead on a touchdown run from RB Tyler Kuhn.
Pittsburgh’s 6-game win streak would come to an end in the close matchup, but they have still managed to turn around the rough start they had to the season.
The win does clinch a playoff spot for Minnesota and potentially a West Division with a Vancouver loss on Sunday.
*Minnesota clinches playoff spot
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Montreal Rouge - 31 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 17, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,061
1st Q
2nd Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
7-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-14: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
3rd Q
7-21: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> TE John Schall
7-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-24: HFX - RTD RB Rene Lyons
4th Q
21-24: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
28-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
28-31: MTL - PTD QB Gene Bishop -> WR Taylor Karis
Montreal entered their Sunday afternoon game knowing they were eliminated from playoff contention, but they remained determined to get another win.
Montreal was able to take a lead in the first half, but QB Nathan Houle would suffer a major injury taking him out for the rest of the season, leaving QB Gene Bishop to finish the game.
Halifax would then come back from being down 7-24 taking the lead in the 4th, only for Bishop to lead a vintage game-winning drive to give Montreal their second win in a row.
London Tigers - 24 @ Indiana Victors - 27 - Victory Stadium - September 17, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 39,077
1st Q
7-0: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
7-10: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Tranquille Rousseau
2nd Q
7-17: IND - DTD INT DB Oswald Martell
10-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
10-20: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
10-27: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
4th Q
17-27: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
24-27: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Lloyd Lane
The Tigers’ skid continued in a tough loss to the Victors, leaving them in a tough spot with two games left.
QB Henry Johnsson had his worst performance of the season, throwing 3 interceptions, leading to QB Tyrion Gainsborough taking over in the 2nd half.
Gainsborough was able to mount a comeback but came up short, however, a QB controversy may be on the horizon for the last couple of games.
Indiana had a great performance behind the determined QB Tom Applewhite and returning RB Daniel Collins, leading to their 4th win of the season.
Vancouver Wolves - 24 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 26 - Provencher Park - September 17, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/3:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,139
1st Q
0-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
7-3: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
2nd Q
7-10: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Juwan Sylvester
3rd Q
7-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
7-20: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
10-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
17-20: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
17-23: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
24-23: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
24-26: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
The final shock of the week would see the Falcons pull off the upset against the Wolves.
QB Emerson Thompson continued to impress, leading the Falcons on a game-winning drive in the dying minutes of the 4th.
Vancouver was shocked, especially when they had fallen into a 7-20 hole, but managed to get back into the lead, only to allow the Falcons to get the last kick in at the buzzer.
The loss for Vancouver gives Minnesota their 3rd straight West Division title.
*Minnesota clinches West Division
Injury Report
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr - 1 Week
BOS: DB Mordecai King - Day-to-Day
BOS: WR Edward Webb - 2 Weeks
EDM: RB Gary Hubbard - 1 Week
HFX: OL Gleeson Seidl - Day-to-Day
HFX: DB Lance Lee - 1 Week
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - 5 Weeks
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - 1 Week
IND: OL Viktor Stahl - Day-to-Day
IND: DL Daniel Myers - Day-to-Day
LDN: OL Harvey Strong - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Albert Newport - 1 Week
LI: DL Chris Price - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Martin Keller - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Conrad Kurst - Day-to-Day
MTL: QB Nathan Houle - 9 Weeks
MTL: OL Phil Ampertis - Day-to-Day
MTL: DL Gregory Jacquet - 1 Week
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt - 4 Weeks
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen - 8 Weeks
PRO: LB Victor Falkensteig - 3 Weeks
PRO: DL Newton Dalton - Day-to-Day
PRO: LB Kurt Warlock - 4 Weeks
TOR: DB Santino Arriola - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Sam Reinkemeyer - 7 Weeks
VAN: OL Nick Bowen - 6 Weeks
VAN: LB Jaylen Murray - 2 Weeks
WPG: DL Eric Clarke - Day-to-Day
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee - 3 Weeks
Players of the Week
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 10-2 -Y
Vancouver - 7-5
Calgary - 5-7
Winnipeg - 3-9
Edmonton - 3-9
Regina - 2-10
CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-2 -Y
Buffalo - 7-5
Pittsburgh - 7-5
London - 6-6
Toronto - 4-8
Indiana - 4-8
EAST
Providence - 11-1 -Y
Boston - 8-4
Ottawa - 7-5
Long Island - 7-5
Montreal - 5-7
Halifax - 2-10
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 11-1 - Y
2 - W: Minnesota - 10-2 - Y
3 - C: Louisville - 10-2 - Y
4 - Boston - 8-4
5 - Vancouver - 7-5
6 - Buffalo - 7-5
7 - Pittsburgh - 7-5
8 - Ottawa - 7-5
==================
9 - Long Island - 7-5
10 - London - 6-6
11 - Calgary - 5-7
12 - Montreal - 5-7 - e
13 - Toronto - 4-8 - e
14 - Indiana - 4-8 - e
15 - Winnipeg - 3-9 - e
16 - Edmonton - 3-9 - e
17 - Regina - 2-10 - e
18 - Halifax - 2-10 - e
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota +1
3 - Louisville -1
4 - Boston +1
5 - Pittsburgh -1
6 - Ottawa -
7 - Long Island +2
8 - Vancouver -1
9 - Buffalo -1
10 - Calgary +1
11 - London -1
12 - Montreal -
13 - Toronto +1
14 - Indiana +1
15 - Winnipeg +2
16 - Edmonton -3
17 - Halifax -1
18 - Regina -
Week 14 Games
TOR (4-8) @ IND (4-8) - SEP 22 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (2-10) @ OTT (7-5) - SEP 23 - 12:00 PM ET
*OTT clinches a playoff spot with Win + LI Loss
LOU (10-2) @ LDN (6-6) - SEP 23 - 12:00 PM ET
WPG (3-9) @ MIN (10-2) - SEP 23 - 3:30 PM ET
EDM (3-9) @ REG (2-10) - SEP 23 - 3:30 PM ET
PIT (7-5) @ BUF (7-5) - SEP 23 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
*BUF clinches playoff spot with Win
*PIT clinches playoff spot with Win by more than 7 points + LDN Loss
BOS (8-4) @ PRO (11-1) - SEP 24 - 1:00 PM ET
*BOS clinches playoff spot with Win
*PRO clinches #1 seed in playoffs with Win + MIN Loss
MTL (5-7) @ LI (7-5) - SEP 24 - 1:00 PM ET
CGY (5-7) @ VAN (7-5) - SEP 24 - 4:00 PM ET
*VAN clinches playoff spot with Win + PIT or BUF Loss (No Tie) or OTT Loss or LI Loss
1972 Week 14
Roster Moves
CGY: WR James Potter | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: WR Bruno Lemieux | Active Roster -> Waivers
HFX: LB Nick Proehl | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Jacob Szczepanski | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Active Roster -> Waivers
LDN: S Frank Thorpe | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: S Tristan Verrett | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LDN: DB Ray Hallatt | Injured Reserve -> Reserve List
LOU: DL Carl Hogg | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: DL Bob Atkins | Active Roster -> Waivers
MIN: S Peter Sellers | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MIN: S Alex Spurrier | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: QB Nathan Houle | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: QB Jacque Monet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: OL Chet Manley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: QB Michael Miranda | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: QB Red King | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Gregg Rosenberg | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Tom Pillsbury | Active Roster -> Reserve List
PRO: LB Kurt Warlock | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: LB Cole Kent (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DL Sam Reinkemeyer | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DL JR Stevens | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: TE Buddy Bing | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: DB Allan Wong | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 28 @ Indiana Victors - 13 - Victory Stadium - September 22, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 39,029
1st Q
7-0: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> RB Shannon West
8-0: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
15-0: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
15-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
22-3: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
22-6: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
25-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
25-13: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
28-13: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
QB Ryan Alexander would make his first career start after being drafted 15th overall earlier this year.
Alexander was able to manage the game well, but it was RB Shannon West who had a massive game, scoring 3 touchdowns to help the Steelheads capture their 5th win of the season.
Indiana had a wild time under centre. QB Tom Applewhite started the game, but after taking a bump in the 2nd, QB Matt Fletcher would take over only for him to suffer a significantly worse injury, which led to QB Lee Rogers playing a bit.
After a couple of bad drives from Rogers, Applewhite would re-enter the game and finish the game in what could be a very disappointing final game in Indianapolis for Applewhite who looks less and less likely to return to the Victors next season.
Halifax Mariners - 17 @ Ottawa Royals - 40 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - September 23, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 44,865
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
0-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
3-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3-24: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
6-24: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
6-27: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
7-27: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
7-30: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
14-30: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
4th Q
14-37: OTT - DTD INT DB Maxwell Holmes
17-37: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
17-40: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
The Royals would crush the Mariners en route to putting themselves in the best position to make the playoffs they could.
The Royals dominated the first half before going on cruise control in the 2nd half, even letting QB Ray Trace get some playing time in the 4th quarter.
QB Todd Sparrow had a tough outing against the Royals’ defence but still managed to get 14 points on the board, but then QB Colt Dorsey would get a chance to get some experience in the 4th, unfortunately throwing a pick-6 on his first drive.
Louisville Thunder - 23 @ London Tigers - 35 - Western Fair Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 27,624
1st Q
0-7: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
7-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-14: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
2nd Q
14-14: LOU - RTD RB George Seahorse
14-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
14-18: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
14-25: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
20-25: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
4th Q
23-25: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-28: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-35: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
The Tigers put an end to their 3-games skid with a massive win over the Central Division champs.
QB Henry Johnsson was back to his old self, helping WR Lloyd Lane get a score against his old team and RB Jeremy Royal would score a couple touchdowns in a great performance. However, it was LB Everett Lynch that played a huge part in the win getting a pick and a forced fumble.
Louisville kept it close with WR Casey Coleman scoring a couple of touchdowns, but the interception from Lynch would allow Royal to put the game out of reach in the 4th.
Winnipeg Falcons - 18 @ Minnesota Serpents - 36 - Midgard Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 49,960
1st Q
0-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
7-7: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Terry Upshaw
2nd Q
7-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
7-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
7-20: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
7-23: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
10-23: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
10-26: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
11-26: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
11-33: MIN - RTD RB Austin Andrews
18-33: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Elijah Skinner
18-36: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
Minnesota would get a convincing win over Winnipeg to keep a potential 1st place finish intact heading into the final game of the season.
The Serpents' defence did a lot of the heavy lifting, only allowing 11 points by the 4th quarter, but the offence was pretty steady as well.
Winnipeg would start QB Xerxes Wynn for the 3rd time this season, giving him at least one more shot. He had his moments, throwing a pair of touchdowns, but was pretty alright the rest of the game.
Edmonton Rangers - 13 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 25 - Broad Street Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 16,173
1st Q
0-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
0-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
7-10: EDM - PTD QB Leif Christiansen -> WR Elliot Gold
2nd Q
7-17: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
3rd Q
7-18: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
10-18: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
13-18: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
13-25: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> TE Bobby Clark
Regina would grab their 3rd win of the season beating the Rangers behind a solid performance from QB Stanley Evans, who threw a pair of touchdowns.
Edmonton decided to change it up in the backfield with QB Leif Christiansen taking over for QB Ken Myers, getting his first career start after getting his first bit of action in the playoffs last year replacing QB Louis Vaughn for Pittsburgh.
Christiansen did throw a touchdown in the game, and mounted a small comeback in the 3rd, but still couldn’t do a whole lot with the offence throughout the game.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 31 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 9 - Milton Charles Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,711
1st Q
7-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
14-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
14-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-3: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
21-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-9: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
28-9: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
31-9: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
Pittsburgh not only got the important win over Buffalo but dominated, winning by well over enough to steal the tiebreaker between the two teams putting them in a stronger position to make the postseason.
The Vaughn and Tracy duo did their thing to get out to the massive lead, but the defence also stepped up in a big way, only allowing 9 points to the Blue Wings.
QB Charles Lemieux had an uncharacteristically rough day with a couple of interceptions, being unable to score much all day.
Boston Independents - 29 @ Providence Gold Stars - 29 - OT - New Providence Stadium - September 24, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 65,100
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
10-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-6: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
13-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-9: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
16-9: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
16-16: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
19-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
19-23: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
19-26: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
26-26: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
Overtime
29-26: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
29-29: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
The rematch between the Independents and Gold Stars would be as tight as could be, heading to overtime, which inevitably still couldn’t find a winner.
QB Michael Miranda would get his first start for the Gold Stars coming off of his injury while replacing QB Jace Beleren after a tough game last week against Long Island.
He was solid in keeping the Gold Stars in the game, though with a lot of help from RBs Tresean Jones and Ronnie Byers.
QB Nathaniel Braddock was able to tie the game late with a great touchdown drive, but in the end, he couldn’t get past the Gold Stars’ defence in OT.
Despite the tie, Boston still clinched their first playoff berth since 1969.
*Boston clinches playoff spot
Montreal Rouge - 20 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - OT - Long Island Stadium - September 24, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,309
1st Q
2nd Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
0-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
3rd Q
7-10: MTL - DTD INT S Mathieu Cazenave
7-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
13-13: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
20-13: MTL - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Antonio Villanueva
20-20: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
Overtime
20-27: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
20-30: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
The Raiders almost let the first half of a home-and-home with Montreal slip away from them after leading 0-10 in the first half, only to see the Rouge climb back and take a lead in the 4th.
RB Rudy Saunders would help to get the game tied back up, scoring his first touchdown before the Raiders would run away in overtime to secure the important win.
QB Martin Michaud got the second start of his career, helping the Rouge back into the game in the 3rd, before throwing a touchdown to take the lead in the 4th, but couldn’t finish the game with a win in overtime.
Calgary Predators - 15 @ Vancouver Wolves - 33 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - September 24, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,829
1st Q
0-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
7-3: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
7-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
2nd Q
7-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Frank MacCoghlan
3rd Q
8-17: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
8-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
15-20: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
15-23: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
15-30: VAN - DTD FUM DL Qian Zhou
15-33: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver would put an end to Calgary’s playoff hopes while securing their own in a strong win over the Predators.
QB Kevin Westwood would put on a strong first half, with a pair of touchdowns, giving Vancouver a comfortable lead.
Calgary was able to climb back into the game in the later stages, but a big mistake on a lateral attempt would allow DL Qian Zhou to score his second touchdown of the season which would put the Predators’ season to bed.
Injury Report
BOS: DL Moses Abraham - 7 Weeks (Season)
BOS: LB Byron Turner - 5 Weeks (Season)
BUF: LB Eric Strohecker - 5 Weeks (Season)
EDM: LB Herb Landry - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - 5 Weeks (Season)
EDM: S Julian Thomas - 11 Weeks (Season)
HFX: S Derrick Focht - 3 Weeks
HFX: OL Mason Fitzpatrick - 11 Weeks (Season)
IND: OL Alton Rowland - 11 Weeks (Season)
IND: QB Matt Fletcher - 12 Weeks (Season)
LDN: DB Victor Vratislav - 11 Weeks (Season)
LDN: OL Jacob Szczepanski - Day-to-Day
LI: RB Scott Norton - 1 Week
MIN: OL Daniel Chou - 8 Weeks (Season)
MIN: OL Peter Palmerston - 9 Weeks (Season)
MIN: DB Jayson Klyde - 3 Weeks
MTL: DL Sebastian Hamilton - 4 Weeks (Season)
MTL: S Etienne LaMond - Day-to-Day
MTL: OL Mathieu Roy - 5 Weeks (Season)
OTT: OL Crawford Starrick - 4 Weeks (Season)
OTT: WR Charles Toothacre - 1 Week
PIT: DL Matthias Hartmann - 1 Week
PRO: LB Brian O’Flaherty - 1 Week
REG: LB Lewis Vander - 3 Weeks
REG: DL Porter Pikesville - 1 Week
TOR: LB Judge Barrett - 1 Week
TOR: OL Nic Bureau - 1 Week
WPG: LB Dallas Rush - 6 Weeks
WPG: OL Josh Rowell - 1 Week
VAN: OL Kenny Rudolph - 5 Weeks (Season)
VAN: WR Kendrick Newton - Day-to-Day
VAN: TE Johnny Temple - 6 Weeks (Season)
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Shannon West TOR - 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 1 Receiving Touchdown, 118 Rushing Yards, 19 Receiving Yards
Roster Moves
CGY: WR James Potter | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: WR Bruno Lemieux | Active Roster -> Waivers
HFX: LB Nick Proehl | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: OL Jacob Szczepanski | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Active Roster -> Waivers
LDN: S Frank Thorpe | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LDN: S Tristan Verrett | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LDN: DB Ray Hallatt | Injured Reserve -> Reserve List
LOU: DL Carl Hogg | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: DL Bob Atkins | Active Roster -> Waivers
MIN: S Peter Sellers | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MIN: S Alex Spurrier | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: QB Nathan Houle | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: QB Jacque Monet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: LB Tuukka Tariitt | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: LB Sheamus Desmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: OL Lars Nordssen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: OL Chet Manley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: QB Michael Miranda | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: QB Red King | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Gregg Rosenberg | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Tom Pillsbury | Active Roster -> Reserve List
PRO: LB Kurt Warlock | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: LB Cole Kent (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: DL Sam Reinkemeyer | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: DL JR Stevens | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: WR Felix Fontaine | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: TE Buddy Bing | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: DB Allan Wong | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 28 @ Indiana Victors - 13 - Victory Stadium - September 22, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 39,029
1st Q
7-0: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> RB Shannon West
8-0: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
15-0: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
15-3: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
22-3: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
22-6: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
25-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
25-13: IND - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
28-13: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
QB Ryan Alexander would make his first career start after being drafted 15th overall earlier this year.
Alexander was able to manage the game well, but it was RB Shannon West who had a massive game, scoring 3 touchdowns to help the Steelheads capture their 5th win of the season.
Indiana had a wild time under centre. QB Tom Applewhite started the game, but after taking a bump in the 2nd, QB Matt Fletcher would take over only for him to suffer a significantly worse injury, which led to QB Lee Rogers playing a bit.
After a couple of bad drives from Rogers, Applewhite would re-enter the game and finish the game in what could be a very disappointing final game in Indianapolis for Applewhite who looks less and less likely to return to the Victors next season.
Halifax Mariners - 17 @ Ottawa Royals - 40 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - September 23, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 44,865
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
0-17: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
3-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3-24: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
6-24: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
6-27: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
7-27: HFX - Single K Albert Wickerweaver
7-30: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
14-30: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
4th Q
14-37: OTT - DTD INT DB Maxwell Holmes
17-37: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
17-40: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
The Royals would crush the Mariners en route to putting themselves in the best position to make the playoffs they could.
The Royals dominated the first half before going on cruise control in the 2nd half, even letting QB Ray Trace get some playing time in the 4th quarter.
QB Todd Sparrow had a tough outing against the Royals’ defence but still managed to get 14 points on the board, but then QB Colt Dorsey would get a chance to get some experience in the 4th, unfortunately throwing a pick-6 on his first drive.
Louisville Thunder - 23 @ London Tigers - 35 - Western Fair Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 27,624
1st Q
0-7: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
7-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
7-14: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
2nd Q
14-14: LOU - RTD RB George Seahorse
14-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
14-18: LDN - Single K Nimrod Handsworth
14-25: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
20-25: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
4th Q
23-25: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
23-28: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-35: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
The Tigers put an end to their 3-games skid with a massive win over the Central Division champs.
QB Henry Johnsson was back to his old self, helping WR Lloyd Lane get a score against his old team and RB Jeremy Royal would score a couple touchdowns in a great performance. However, it was LB Everett Lynch that played a huge part in the win getting a pick and a forced fumble.
Louisville kept it close with WR Casey Coleman scoring a couple of touchdowns, but the interception from Lynch would allow Royal to put the game out of reach in the 4th.
Winnipeg Falcons - 18 @ Minnesota Serpents - 36 - Midgard Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 49,960
1st Q
0-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
7-7: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Terry Upshaw
2nd Q
7-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
7-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
7-20: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
7-23: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
10-23: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
10-26: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
11-26: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
11-33: MIN - RTD RB Austin Andrews
18-33: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Elijah Skinner
18-36: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
Minnesota would get a convincing win over Winnipeg to keep a potential 1st place finish intact heading into the final game of the season.
The Serpents' defence did a lot of the heavy lifting, only allowing 11 points by the 4th quarter, but the offence was pretty steady as well.
Winnipeg would start QB Xerxes Wynn for the 3rd time this season, giving him at least one more shot. He had his moments, throwing a pair of touchdowns, but was pretty alright the rest of the game.
Edmonton Rangers - 13 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 25 - Broad Street Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 16,173
1st Q
0-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
0-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
7-10: EDM - PTD QB Leif Christiansen -> WR Elliot Gold
2nd Q
7-17: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
3rd Q
7-18: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
10-18: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
13-18: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
4th Q
13-25: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> TE Bobby Clark
Regina would grab their 3rd win of the season beating the Rangers behind a solid performance from QB Stanley Evans, who threw a pair of touchdowns.
Edmonton decided to change it up in the backfield with QB Leif Christiansen taking over for QB Ken Myers, getting his first career start after getting his first bit of action in the playoffs last year replacing QB Louis Vaughn for Pittsburgh.
Christiansen did throw a touchdown in the game, and mounted a small comeback in the 3rd, but still couldn’t do a whole lot with the offence throughout the game.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 31 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 9 - Milton Charles Stadium - September 23, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,711
1st Q
7-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
14-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
14-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-3: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
21-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-9: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
4th Q
28-9: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
31-9: PIT - FG K Nigel Stewart
Pittsburgh not only got the important win over Buffalo but dominated, winning by well over enough to steal the tiebreaker between the two teams putting them in a stronger position to make the postseason.
The Vaughn and Tracy duo did their thing to get out to the massive lead, but the defence also stepped up in a big way, only allowing 9 points to the Blue Wings.
QB Charles Lemieux had an uncharacteristically rough day with a couple of interceptions, being unable to score much all day.
Boston Independents - 29 @ Providence Gold Stars - 29 - OT - New Providence Stadium - September 24, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 65,100
1st Q
7-0: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
10-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-6: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
13-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-9: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
16-9: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
16-16: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
19-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
19-23: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
19-26: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
26-26: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
Overtime
29-26: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
29-29: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
The rematch between the Independents and Gold Stars would be as tight as could be, heading to overtime, which inevitably still couldn’t find a winner.
QB Michael Miranda would get his first start for the Gold Stars coming off of his injury while replacing QB Jace Beleren after a tough game last week against Long Island.
He was solid in keeping the Gold Stars in the game, though with a lot of help from RBs Tresean Jones and Ronnie Byers.
QB Nathaniel Braddock was able to tie the game late with a great touchdown drive, but in the end, he couldn’t get past the Gold Stars’ defence in OT.
Despite the tie, Boston still clinched their first playoff berth since 1969.
*Boston clinches playoff spot
Montreal Rouge - 20 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - OT - Long Island Stadium - September 24, 1972 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 40,309
1st Q
2nd Q
0-3: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
0-10: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
3rd Q
7-10: MTL - DTD INT S Mathieu Cazenave
7-13: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
13-13: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
20-13: MTL - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Antonio Villanueva
20-20: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
Overtime
20-27: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
20-30: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
The Raiders almost let the first half of a home-and-home with Montreal slip away from them after leading 0-10 in the first half, only to see the Rouge climb back and take a lead in the 4th.
RB Rudy Saunders would help to get the game tied back up, scoring his first touchdown before the Raiders would run away in overtime to secure the important win.
QB Martin Michaud got the second start of his career, helping the Rouge back into the game in the 3rd, before throwing a touchdown to take the lead in the 4th, but couldn’t finish the game with a win in overtime.
Calgary Predators - 15 @ Vancouver Wolves - 33 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - September 24, 1972 - 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,829
1st Q
0-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
7-3: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
7-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
2nd Q
7-17: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Frank MacCoghlan
3rd Q
8-17: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
8-20: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
15-20: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Shay Hopkins
15-23: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
15-30: VAN - DTD FUM DL Qian Zhou
15-33: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver would put an end to Calgary’s playoff hopes while securing their own in a strong win over the Predators.
QB Kevin Westwood would put on a strong first half, with a pair of touchdowns, giving Vancouver a comfortable lead.
Calgary was able to climb back into the game in the later stages, but a big mistake on a lateral attempt would allow DL Qian Zhou to score his second touchdown of the season which would put the Predators’ season to bed.
Injury Report
BOS: DL Moses Abraham - 7 Weeks (Season)
BOS: LB Byron Turner - 5 Weeks (Season)
BUF: LB Eric Strohecker - 5 Weeks (Season)
EDM: LB Herb Landry - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - 5 Weeks (Season)
EDM: S Julian Thomas - 11 Weeks (Season)
HFX: S Derrick Focht - 3 Weeks
HFX: OL Mason Fitzpatrick - 11 Weeks (Season)
IND: OL Alton Rowland - 11 Weeks (Season)
IND: QB Matt Fletcher - 12 Weeks (Season)
LDN: DB Victor Vratislav - 11 Weeks (Season)
LDN: OL Jacob Szczepanski - Day-to-Day
LI: RB Scott Norton - 1 Week
MIN: OL Daniel Chou - 8 Weeks (Season)
MIN: OL Peter Palmerston - 9 Weeks (Season)
MIN: DB Jayson Klyde - 3 Weeks
MTL: DL Sebastian Hamilton - 4 Weeks (Season)
MTL: S Etienne LaMond - Day-to-Day
MTL: OL Mathieu Roy - 5 Weeks (Season)
OTT: OL Crawford Starrick - 4 Weeks (Season)
OTT: WR Charles Toothacre - 1 Week
PIT: DL Matthias Hartmann - 1 Week
PRO: LB Brian O’Flaherty - 1 Week
REG: LB Lewis Vander - 3 Weeks
REG: DL Porter Pikesville - 1 Week
TOR: LB Judge Barrett - 1 Week
TOR: OL Nic Bureau - 1 Week
WPG: LB Dallas Rush - 6 Weeks
WPG: OL Josh Rowell - 1 Week
VAN: OL Kenny Rudolph - 5 Weeks (Season)
VAN: WR Kendrick Newton - Day-to-Day
VAN: TE Johnny Temple - 6 Weeks (Season)
Players of the Week
West showed his former team what he could do in a big win for the Steelheads
DEF: LB Everett Lynch LDN - 1 Interception, 1 Forced Fumble, 11 Tackles
Lynch was a major factor in the Tigers' important win over the Thunder.
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 11-2 - Y
Vancouver - 8-5 - X
Calgary - 5-8
Winnipeg - 3-10
Edmonton - 3-10
CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-3 - Y
Pittsburgh - 8-5
Buffalo - 7-6
London - 7-6
Toronto - 5-8
Indiana - 4-9
EAST
Providence - 11-1-1 - Y
Boston - 8-4-1 - X
Ottawa - 8-5
Long Island - 8-5
Montreal - 5-8
Halifax - 2-11
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 11-1-1 - Y
2 - W: Minnesota - 11-2 - Y
3 - C: Louisville - 10-3 - Y
4 - Boston - 8-4-1 - X
5 - Vancouver - 8-5 - X
6 - Pittsburgh - 8-5
7 - Ottawa - 8-5
8 - Long Island - 8-5
======================
9 - Buffalo - 7-6
10 - London - 7-6
11 - Calgary - 5-8 - e
12 - Toronto - 5-8 - e
13 - Montreal - 5-8 - e
14 - Indiana - 4-9 - e
15 - Regina - 3-10 - e
16 - Winnipeg - 3-10 - e
17 - Edmonton - 3-10 - e
18 - Halifax - 2-11 - e
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Boston +1
4 - Pittsburgh +1
5 - Louisville -2
6 - Ottawa -
7 - Vancouver +1
8 - Long Island -1
9 - Buffalo -
10 - London +1
11 - Calgary -1
12 - Toronto +1
13 - Montreal -1
14 - Indiana -
15 - Winnipeg -
16 - Regina +2
17 - Edmonton -1
18 - Halifax -1
Week 15 Games
BOS (8-5) @ HFX (2-11) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
LI (8-5) @ MTL (5-8) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*LI clinches playoff spot with Win or BUF + LDN Loss
PRO (11-1-1) @ OTT (8-5) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*PRO clinches 1st with Win
*OTT clinches playoff spot with Win or BUF + LDN Loss or BUF + LI Loss or LDN + LI Loss
IND (4-9) @ BUF (7-6) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*BUF clinches playoff spot with Win + OTT or LI Loss OR Win + LDN beats PIT by more than 15
TOR (5-8) @ LOU (10-3) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
REG (3-10) @ CGY (5-8) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
EDM (3-10) @ WPG (3-10) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
VAN (8-5) @ MIN (11-2) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*MIN clinches 1st with Win + PRO Loss
LDN (7-6) @ PIT (8-5) - SEP 30 - 7:00 PM ET - Season Finale
*LDN clinches playoff spot with Win + OTT or LI Loss + BUF Loss OR Win by more than 15 + OTT or LI Loss
*PIT clinches playoff spot with Win or Loss by < 15 or BUF Loss
Lynch was a major factor in the Tigers' important win over the Thunder.
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 11-2 - Y
Vancouver - 8-5 - X
Calgary - 5-8
Winnipeg - 3-10
Edmonton - 3-10
CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-3 - Y
Pittsburgh - 8-5
Buffalo - 7-6
London - 7-6
Toronto - 5-8
Indiana - 4-9
EAST
Providence - 11-1-1 - Y
Boston - 8-4-1 - X
Ottawa - 8-5
Long Island - 8-5
Montreal - 5-8
Halifax - 2-11
Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 11-1-1 - Y
2 - W: Minnesota - 11-2 - Y
3 - C: Louisville - 10-3 - Y
4 - Boston - 8-4-1 - X
5 - Vancouver - 8-5 - X
6 - Pittsburgh - 8-5
7 - Ottawa - 8-5
8 - Long Island - 8-5
======================
9 - Buffalo - 7-6
10 - London - 7-6
11 - Calgary - 5-8 - e
12 - Toronto - 5-8 - e
13 - Montreal - 5-8 - e
14 - Indiana - 4-9 - e
15 - Regina - 3-10 - e
16 - Winnipeg - 3-10 - e
17 - Edmonton - 3-10 - e
18 - Halifax - 2-11 - e
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Minnesota -
3 - Boston +1
4 - Pittsburgh +1
5 - Louisville -2
6 - Ottawa -
7 - Vancouver +1
8 - Long Island -1
9 - Buffalo -
10 - London +1
11 - Calgary -1
12 - Toronto +1
13 - Montreal -1
14 - Indiana -
15 - Winnipeg -
16 - Regina +2
17 - Edmonton -1
18 - Halifax -1
Week 15 Games
BOS (8-5) @ HFX (2-11) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
LI (8-5) @ MTL (5-8) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*LI clinches playoff spot with Win or BUF + LDN Loss
PRO (11-1-1) @ OTT (8-5) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*PRO clinches 1st with Win
*OTT clinches playoff spot with Win or BUF + LDN Loss or BUF + LI Loss or LDN + LI Loss
IND (4-9) @ BUF (7-6) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*BUF clinches playoff spot with Win + OTT or LI Loss OR Win + LDN beats PIT by more than 15
TOR (5-8) @ LOU (10-3) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
REG (3-10) @ CGY (5-8) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
EDM (3-10) @ WPG (3-10) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
VAN (8-5) @ MIN (11-2) - SEP 30 - 3:00 PM ET
*MIN clinches 1st with Win + PRO Loss
LDN (7-6) @ PIT (8-5) - SEP 30 - 7:00 PM ET - Season Finale
*LDN clinches playoff spot with Win + OTT or LI Loss + BUF Loss OR Win by more than 15 + OTT or LI Loss
*PIT clinches playoff spot with Win or Loss by < 15 or BUF Loss
1972 Week 15
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Wayne Baxton | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BOS: LB Byron Turner | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: S Wesley Jones | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: S Gabriel Allerton | Active Roster -> Reserve List
BUF: S Eric Willis | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: DB Lawrence Martell | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: LB Billy Watkins | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: LB Will Cox | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: WR Bruno Lemieux | Waivers -> Reserve List
IND: QB Matt Fletcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: QB Peter Dooling (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DB Victor Vratislav | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DB Ray Hallatt | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Waivers -> Reserve List
LI: DL Dallas Breaker | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LI: DL George Vangruensven | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LOU: OL Kash Wilder | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: OL Bubba Hankins | Active Roster -> Waivers
LOU: DL Bob Atkins | Waivers -> Reserve List
MIN: OL Peter Palmerston | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DB Jayson Klyde | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: DB Leonard Cannon | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: OL Crawford Starrick | Active Roster -> Reserve List
OTT: OL Mike Normal (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL Ron Raymond | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: OL Nick Bowen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Kenny Rudolph | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Joel Abelen (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: TE Johnny Temple | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: TE Simon Leblanc (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
Boston Independents - 25 @ Halifax Mariners - 15 - Atlantic Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 26,057
1st Q
7-0: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
7-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
14-3: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
3rd Q
14-6: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
15-6: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
15-12: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> WR Jav Kerrigan
4th Q
18-12: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
18-15: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
25-15: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
Boston would grab the last home playoff game spot with a win over the Mariners to close out the season.
The starters got to play the first 3 quarters before a few backups got in, but QB Nathaniel Braddock stayed in the game until the last touchdown was scored in the 4th.
For the Mariners, the game was a send-off to their long-time QB Lyle Painter, who is set to retire at the end of the season. Painter was given the final start of the season, eventually throwing his final touchdown of his career to WR Jav Kerrigan.
Long Island Raiders - 30 @ Montreal Rouge - 34 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,274
1st Q
3-0: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
6-7: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
6-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
13-10: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
13-17: MTL - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Nathan Hackman
13-20: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3rd Q
20-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
20-27: MTL - RTD RB Bo Fraizer
27-27: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
4th Q
30-27: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
30-34: MTL - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Antonio Villanueva
One week after their OT battle, the Raiders and Rouge locked horns in a pivotal match-up for the Raiders.
The Rouge got ahead in the 1st half with some turnovers and solid play from QB Martin Michaud in his 2nd start in a row.
The Raiders were able to bounce back in the 3rd, with a pair of touchdown from QB Ivan Sanchez, before taking a 3-point lead in the 4th.
However, the Raiders season would be put in jeopardy when QB Martin Michaud evaded pressure in the pocket to find WR Antonio Villanueva, who would break a pair of tackles en route to a 27-yard touchdown that would stand as the game-winner.
Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Ottawa Royals - 29 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - September 30, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: - Attendance: 44,833
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
6-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
6-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
13-13: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
13-16: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
13-19: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
13-26: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
16-26: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
19-26: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
19-29: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
22-29: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
Two well-matched-up teams would battle in Ottawa with the Royals still hoping to lock up a playoff spot while the Gold Stars had a chance at the #1 seed.
The game was tight in the first half with both teams’ defences and offences playing well.
However, Ottawa would pull away in the 3rd quarter, despite the late push from the Gold Stars, DB Sergio Alvarez would put the game to bed with a late interception to clinch the big win and a playoff berth for the Royals.
QB Michael Miranda was the starter once again for the Gold Stars, but they were unable to come away with a win, leaving them a 0-2-1 without QB Red King, who they will not have next week for the Quarter-Finals.
*OTT clinches playoff spot
Indiana Victors - 8 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 31 - Milton Charles Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,544
1st Q
0-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
0-10: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
1-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
1-17: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
1-24: BUF - RTD RB Théodore Lemieux
3rd Q
1-31: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Perry Francoise
4-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
5-31: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
The Blue Wings and Victors faced off in the final week of the season for the 2nd year in a row, however, this time only the Blue Wings had a chance of clinching a playoff spot.
QB Charles Lemieux would dish it out in a great game for himself and the offence that got out to a 1-31 lead by the 3rd quarter.
The team would hold on for a convincing win to capture their 7th consecutive playoff appearance with the Raiders losing to Montreal.
QB Peter Dooling would get his first career start, coming in for the Victors. Dooling’s maiden outing would be rough, throwing 3 interceptions before QB Lee Rogers would replace him in the 4th.
*Buffalo clinches playoff spot
Toronto Steelheads - 24 @ Louisville Thunder - 17 - Thunder Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,083
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3-7: LOU - RTD RB Mario Leclair
2nd Q
10-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
3rd Q
17-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
17-14: LOU - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Ben Graham
4th Q
24-14: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
24-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
A meaningless contest between the Steelheads and Thunder would see rookie QB Ryan Alexander get his second straight start for Toronto while QB Al Washington would also get his first career start for Louisville.
Alexander relied a lot on RB Shannon West who had another great game this week, but also threw his first touchdown pass to WR Matthew de la Cruz en route to a 2-0 start in his career.
Washington was solid as well, but did throw a couple of interceptions, but did connect with WR Ben Graham to make the game close heading into the 4th.
Regina Wheat Kings - 29 @ Calgary Predators - 33 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 29,909
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
3-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-14: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR James Johnson
2nd Q
9-14: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Raymond Jefferson
11-14: REG - 2PT RB Deion Chapman
3rd Q
18-14: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
21-14: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
21-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
21-20: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
21-26: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
27-26: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
29-26: REG - 2PT QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
29-33: CGY - PTD QB Mitch Boland -> WR Eric Norris
Despite the game not having too much significance, the Predators and Wheat Kings would have a banger of a game that would come down to the wire.
Regina recovered from an early 3-14 hole and took the lead late in the 4th, on the back of QB Stanley Evans, who had a solid game.
On the other side, QB Emmitt Jackson had a great performance with 2 passing touchdowns and a rushing score, but on the final drive, down by 29-26, Jackson would take a big hit.
QB Mitch Boland would step in and would finish the drive strong hitting rookie WR Eric Norris for the touchdown to give Calgary the close win and finish out their best NAAF season at 6-8.
Edmonton Rangers - 22 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 13 - Provencher Park - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,495
1st Q
7-0: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
2nd Q
10-0: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
10-7: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Terry Upshaw
3rd Q
17-7: EDM - PTD QB Leif Christiansen -> WR Spencer Hicks
17-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
19-10: EDM - Safety DL Caleb Cologne
4th Q
19-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
22-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standverry
Edmonton would get a win to close out the season with QB Leif Christiansen leading the way in his 2nd straight win.
A touchdown pass from Christiansen plus a safety from DL Caleb Cologne in the 3rd would be the key plays in the team’s win.
Winnipeg rolled with QB Xerxes Wynn again but wasn’t super impressed with Wynn getting taken down for the safety and throwing a couple of interceptions, but he did have a bright spot with a great play to get the team’s only touchdown of the game.
Vancouver Wolves - 30 @ Minnesota Serpents - 20 - Midgard Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 49,806
1st Q
3-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> TE Xavier Francis Langford
6-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
13-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
13-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
16-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
23-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
23-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
23-20: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
30-20: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristan Lewis
The Wolves and Serpents would still roll with starters for their season's final matchup.
Minnesota hoped they may still capture the #1 seed while Vancouver had a chance at a home playoff game.
The Wolves would be the ones to take a big lead in the 3rd with Westwood finding WR Keshawn Johnston early in the 3rd.
While some expected the Wolves to put their starters away, they decided not to, and even still the Serpents would climb back, but then Westwood would put the game to bed with a toss to WR Tristan Lewis.
Vancouver would pick up the win, Minnesota would fall short giving Providence the #1 seed, marking the first time since 1953, that the Gold Stars have finished with the top record in the league.
SEASON FINALE
London Tigers - 24 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 28 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 48,091
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
10-0: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
2nd Q
10-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
10-14: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
17–14: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
17-21: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
17-28: PIT - RTD RB Carter Roy
4th Q
24-28: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
With everything else that happened earlier in the day, the stakes in final game were:
London needed a win by more than 15 points to clinch the final playoff spot while Pittsburgh needed either a win or a loss by less than 15.
London got out to a great start, getting up to a 10-0 lead in the 1st off of a big turnover from a S Ezekiel Locke forced fumble
However, Pittsburgh would quickly turn it around in the 2nd, scoring a pair of touchdowns to take the lead, leaving London in a 19-point hole with the stakes taken into account.
London would get an early touchdown, but turnovers would cost them dearly, allowing Pittsburgh to get up to a 17-28 lead.
London got one last touchdown, but on their next drive, QB Henry Johnsson tossed a pick to DB Aiden Sargent that would secure the win for Pittsburgh and a 4th straight playoff appearance.
*Pittsburgh clinches playoff spot
Injury Report
BOS: DB Tim McGovern - Day-to-Day
BUF: DB Ezra Power - 1 Week
BUF: OL Artem Sobakov - 2 Weeks
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Day-to-Day
HFX: LB Nick Proehl - Day-to-Day
IND: OL Jean-Baptiste Desjardins - Day-to-Day
IND: OL Marc Clevinger - 2 Weeks
LDN: OL Felton McDowell - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Alan Mitchell - Day-to-Day
LOU: DL Aaron Henderson - 7 Weeks (Season)
MIN: RB Hugo Hughes - 7 Weeks (Season)
MIN: LB Enzo Morello - 7 Weeks (Season)
MTL: RB Maxwell Greenfield - Day-to-Day
OTT: S Marc Bellecourt - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Jean Baptiste Francois - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Patrick Hamilton - 5 Weeks (Season)
PRO: OL Gregg Rosenberg - 3 Weeks (Season)
TOR: LB Lincoln Webster - Season
TOR: OL Dwayne Jones - 9 Weeks (Season)
TOR: DB Santino Arriola - 7 Weeks (Season)
VAN: OL James Denison - 1 Week
VAN: DB Christian Allen - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Damien Brisebois - 11 Weeks (Season)
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Emmitt Jackson CGY - 2 Passing Touchdowns, 1 Rushing Touchdown, 201 Passing Yards, 63 Rushing Yards
Jackson's performance was a good one being able to do everything through the air and on the ground
DEF: DB Sergio Alvarez OTT - 1 Interception, 7 Tackles, 1 Pass Defended
Alvarez has flown under the radar this season despite leading the league in interceptions and he had a great game against the Gold Stars to get the Royals into the playoffs
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 11-3 - Y
Vancouver - 9-5 - X
Calgary - 6-8
Edmonton - 4-10
Regina - 3-11
Winnipeg - 3-11
CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-4 - Y
Pittsburgh - 9-5 - X
Buffalo - 8-6 - X
London - 7-7
Toronto - 6-8
Indiana - 4-10
EAST
Providence - 11-2-1 - Z
Boston - 9-4-1 - X
Ottawa - 9-5 - X
Long Island - 8-6
Montreal - 6-8
Halifax - 2-12
Final Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 11-2-1 - Z
2 - W: Minnesota - 11-3 - Y
3 - C: Louisville - 10-4 - Y
4 - Boston - 9-4-1 - X
5 - Vancouver - 9-5 - X
6 - Pittsburgh - 9-5 - X
7 - Ottawa - 9-5 - X
8 - Buffalo - 8-6 - X
=====================
9 - Long Island - 8-6
10 - London - 7-7
11 - Calgary - 6-8
12 - Toronto - 6-8
13 - Montreal - 6-8
14 - Edmonton - 4-10
15 - Indiana - 4-10
16 - Regina - 3-11
17 - Winnipeg - 3-11
18 - Halifax - 2-12
Power Rankings
1 - Boston +2
2 - Providence -1
3 - Pittsburgh +1
4 - Minnesota -2
5 - Ottawa +1
6 - Vancouver +1
7 - Louisville -2
8 - Buffalo +1
9 - Long Island -1
10 - London -
11 - Calgary -
12 - Toronto -
13 - Montreal -
14 - Indiana -
15 - Regina +1
16 - Edmonton +1
17 - Winnipeg -2
18 - Halifax -
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Wayne Baxton | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BOS: LB Byron Turner | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BUF: S Wesley Jones | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: S Gabriel Allerton | Active Roster -> Reserve List
BUF: S Eric Willis | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
BUF: DB Lawrence Martell | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: LB Billy Watkins | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
CGY: LB Will Cox | Active Roster -> Reserve List
CGY: WR Bruno Lemieux | Waivers -> Reserve List
IND: QB Matt Fletcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: QB Peter Dooling (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DB Victor Vratislav | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DB Ray Hallatt | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: OL Oscar Montgomery | Waivers -> Reserve List
LI: DL Dallas Breaker | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LI: DL George Vangruensven | Active Roster -> Reserve List
LOU: OL Kash Wilder | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
LOU: OL Bubba Hankins | Active Roster -> Waivers
LOU: DL Bob Atkins | Waivers -> Reserve List
MIN: OL Peter Palmerston | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: OL Fernand Nielson | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MIN: DB Jayson Klyde | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MIN: DB Leonard Cannon | Reserve List -> Active Roster
OTT: OL Crawford Starrick | Active Roster -> Reserve List
OTT: OL Mike Normal (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL Ron Raymond | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: OL Nick Bowen | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Kenny Rudolph | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Joel Abelen (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: TE Johnny Temple | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: TE Simon Leblanc (Debut) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
Boston Independents - 25 @ Halifax Mariners - 15 - Atlantic Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 26,057
1st Q
7-0: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
7-3: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
14-3: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
3rd Q
14-6: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
15-6: BOS - Single K Woody Woodstock
15-12: HFX - PTD QB Lyle Painter -> WR Jav Kerrigan
4th Q
18-12: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
18-15: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
25-15: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
Boston would grab the last home playoff game spot with a win over the Mariners to close out the season.
The starters got to play the first 3 quarters before a few backups got in, but QB Nathaniel Braddock stayed in the game until the last touchdown was scored in the 4th.
For the Mariners, the game was a send-off to their long-time QB Lyle Painter, who is set to retire at the end of the season. Painter was given the final start of the season, eventually throwing his final touchdown of his career to WR Jav Kerrigan.
Long Island Raiders - 30 @ Montreal Rouge - 34 - Mount Royal Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,274
1st Q
3-0: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
3-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
6-7: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
6-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
13-10: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
13-17: MTL - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Nathan Hackman
13-20: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3rd Q
20-20: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
20-27: MTL - RTD RB Bo Fraizer
27-27: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Larry Mossholder
4th Q
30-27: LI - FG K Henderson Schumacher
30-34: MTL - PTD QB Martin Michaud -> WR Antonio Villanueva
One week after their OT battle, the Raiders and Rouge locked horns in a pivotal match-up for the Raiders.
The Rouge got ahead in the 1st half with some turnovers and solid play from QB Martin Michaud in his 2nd start in a row.
The Raiders were able to bounce back in the 3rd, with a pair of touchdown from QB Ivan Sanchez, before taking a 3-point lead in the 4th.
However, the Raiders season would be put in jeopardy when QB Martin Michaud evaded pressure in the pocket to find WR Antonio Villanueva, who would break a pair of tackles en route to a 27-yard touchdown that would stand as the game-winner.
Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Ottawa Royals - 29 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - September 30, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: - Attendance: 44,833
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
6-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
6-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
13-13: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
13-16: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
13-19: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
13-26: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Marshall Leonard
16-26: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
19-26: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
19-29: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
22-29: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
Two well-matched-up teams would battle in Ottawa with the Royals still hoping to lock up a playoff spot while the Gold Stars had a chance at the #1 seed.
The game was tight in the first half with both teams’ defences and offences playing well.
However, Ottawa would pull away in the 3rd quarter, despite the late push from the Gold Stars, DB Sergio Alvarez would put the game to bed with a late interception to clinch the big win and a playoff berth for the Royals.
QB Michael Miranda was the starter once again for the Gold Stars, but they were unable to come away with a win, leaving them a 0-2-1 without QB Red King, who they will not have next week for the Quarter-Finals.
*OTT clinches playoff spot
Indiana Victors - 8 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 31 - Milton Charles Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 53,544
1st Q
0-7: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
0-10: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
1-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
1-17: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
1-24: BUF - RTD RB Théodore Lemieux
3rd Q
1-31: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Perry Francoise
4-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
4th Q
5-31: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
The Blue Wings and Victors faced off in the final week of the season for the 2nd year in a row, however, this time only the Blue Wings had a chance of clinching a playoff spot.
QB Charles Lemieux would dish it out in a great game for himself and the offence that got out to a 1-31 lead by the 3rd quarter.
The team would hold on for a convincing win to capture their 7th consecutive playoff appearance with the Raiders losing to Montreal.
QB Peter Dooling would get his first career start, coming in for the Victors. Dooling’s maiden outing would be rough, throwing 3 interceptions before QB Lee Rogers would replace him in the 4th.
*Buffalo clinches playoff spot
Toronto Steelheads - 24 @ Louisville Thunder - 17 - Thunder Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 45,083
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3-7: LOU - RTD RB Mario Leclair
2nd Q
10-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
3rd Q
17-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
17-14: LOU - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Ben Graham
4th Q
24-14: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Matthew de la Cruz
24-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
A meaningless contest between the Steelheads and Thunder would see rookie QB Ryan Alexander get his second straight start for Toronto while QB Al Washington would also get his first career start for Louisville.
Alexander relied a lot on RB Shannon West who had another great game this week, but also threw his first touchdown pass to WR Matthew de la Cruz en route to a 2-0 start in his career.
Washington was solid as well, but did throw a couple of interceptions, but did connect with WR Ben Graham to make the game close heading into the 4th.
Regina Wheat Kings - 29 @ Calgary Predators - 33 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 29,909
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
3-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-14: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR James Johnson
2nd Q
9-14: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Raymond Jefferson
11-14: REG - 2PT RB Deion Chapman
3rd Q
18-14: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
21-14: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
21-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
21-20: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
21-26: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
27-26: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Nick Spalding
29-26: REG - 2PT QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
29-33: CGY - PTD QB Mitch Boland -> WR Eric Norris
Despite the game not having too much significance, the Predators and Wheat Kings would have a banger of a game that would come down to the wire.
Regina recovered from an early 3-14 hole and took the lead late in the 4th, on the back of QB Stanley Evans, who had a solid game.
On the other side, QB Emmitt Jackson had a great performance with 2 passing touchdowns and a rushing score, but on the final drive, down by 29-26, Jackson would take a big hit.
QB Mitch Boland would step in and would finish the drive strong hitting rookie WR Eric Norris for the touchdown to give Calgary the close win and finish out their best NAAF season at 6-8.
Edmonton Rangers - 22 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 13 - Provencher Park - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 22,495
1st Q
7-0: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
2nd Q
10-0: EDM - FG K Thomas Standberry
10-7: WPG - PTD QB Xerxes Wynn -> WR Terry Upshaw
3rd Q
17-7: EDM - PTD QB Leif Christiansen -> WR Spencer Hicks
17-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
19-10: EDM - Safety DL Caleb Cologne
4th Q
19-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
22-13: EDM - FG K Thomas Standverry
Edmonton would get a win to close out the season with QB Leif Christiansen leading the way in his 2nd straight win.
A touchdown pass from Christiansen plus a safety from DL Caleb Cologne in the 3rd would be the key plays in the team’s win.
Winnipeg rolled with QB Xerxes Wynn again but wasn’t super impressed with Wynn getting taken down for the safety and throwing a couple of interceptions, but he did have a bright spot with a great play to get the team’s only touchdown of the game.
Vancouver Wolves - 30 @ Minnesota Serpents - 20 - Midgard Stadium - September 30, 1972 - 3:00 PM ET/2:00 PM CT - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 49,806
1st Q
3-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-7: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> TE Xavier Francis Langford
6-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
2nd Q
13-7: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
13-10: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
16-10: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
23-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
23-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
4th Q
23-20: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
30-20: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristan Lewis
The Wolves and Serpents would still roll with starters for their season's final matchup.
Minnesota hoped they may still capture the #1 seed while Vancouver had a chance at a home playoff game.
The Wolves would be the ones to take a big lead in the 3rd with Westwood finding WR Keshawn Johnston early in the 3rd.
While some expected the Wolves to put their starters away, they decided not to, and even still the Serpents would climb back, but then Westwood would put the game to bed with a toss to WR Tristan Lewis.
Vancouver would pick up the win, Minnesota would fall short giving Providence the #1 seed, marking the first time since 1953, that the Gold Stars have finished with the top record in the league.
SEASON FINALE
London Tigers - 24 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 28 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 48,091
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
10-0: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
2nd Q
10-7: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Edward Washington
10-14: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3rd Q
17–14: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
17-21: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
17-28: PIT - RTD RB Carter Roy
4th Q
24-28: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
With everything else that happened earlier in the day, the stakes in final game were:
London needed a win by more than 15 points to clinch the final playoff spot while Pittsburgh needed either a win or a loss by less than 15.
London got out to a great start, getting up to a 10-0 lead in the 1st off of a big turnover from a S Ezekiel Locke forced fumble
However, Pittsburgh would quickly turn it around in the 2nd, scoring a pair of touchdowns to take the lead, leaving London in a 19-point hole with the stakes taken into account.
London would get an early touchdown, but turnovers would cost them dearly, allowing Pittsburgh to get up to a 17-28 lead.
London got one last touchdown, but on their next drive, QB Henry Johnsson tossed a pick to DB Aiden Sargent that would secure the win for Pittsburgh and a 4th straight playoff appearance.
*Pittsburgh clinches playoff spot
Injury Report
BOS: DB Tim McGovern - Day-to-Day
BUF: DB Ezra Power - 1 Week
BUF: OL Artem Sobakov - 2 Weeks
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Day-to-Day
HFX: LB Nick Proehl - Day-to-Day
IND: OL Jean-Baptiste Desjardins - Day-to-Day
IND: OL Marc Clevinger - 2 Weeks
LDN: OL Felton McDowell - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Alan Mitchell - Day-to-Day
LOU: DL Aaron Henderson - 7 Weeks (Season)
MIN: RB Hugo Hughes - 7 Weeks (Season)
MIN: LB Enzo Morello - 7 Weeks (Season)
MTL: RB Maxwell Greenfield - Day-to-Day
OTT: S Marc Bellecourt - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Jean Baptiste Francois - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Patrick Hamilton - 5 Weeks (Season)
PRO: OL Gregg Rosenberg - 3 Weeks (Season)
TOR: LB Lincoln Webster - Season
TOR: OL Dwayne Jones - 9 Weeks (Season)
TOR: DB Santino Arriola - 7 Weeks (Season)
VAN: OL James Denison - 1 Week
VAN: DB Christian Allen - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Damien Brisebois - 11 Weeks (Season)
Players of the Week
Jackson's performance was a good one being able to do everything through the air and on the ground
Alvarez has flown under the radar this season despite leading the league in interceptions and he had a great game against the Gold Stars to get the Royals into the playoffs
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 11-3 - Y
Vancouver - 9-5 - X
Calgary - 6-8
Edmonton - 4-10
Regina - 3-11
Winnipeg - 3-11
CENTRAL
Louisville - 10-4 - Y
Pittsburgh - 9-5 - X
Buffalo - 8-6 - X
London - 7-7
Toronto - 6-8
Indiana - 4-10
EAST
Providence - 11-2-1 - Z
Boston - 9-4-1 - X
Ottawa - 9-5 - X
Long Island - 8-6
Montreal - 6-8
Halifax - 2-12
Final Playoff Picture
1 - E: Providence - 11-2-1 - Z
2 - W: Minnesota - 11-3 - Y
3 - C: Louisville - 10-4 - Y
4 - Boston - 9-4-1 - X
5 - Vancouver - 9-5 - X
6 - Pittsburgh - 9-5 - X
7 - Ottawa - 9-5 - X
8 - Buffalo - 8-6 - X
=====================
9 - Long Island - 8-6
10 - London - 7-7
11 - Calgary - 6-8
12 - Toronto - 6-8
13 - Montreal - 6-8
14 - Edmonton - 4-10
15 - Indiana - 4-10
16 - Regina - 3-11
17 - Winnipeg - 3-11
18 - Halifax - 2-12
Power Rankings
1 - Boston +2
2 - Providence -1
3 - Pittsburgh +1
4 - Minnesota -2
5 - Ottawa +1
6 - Vancouver +1
7 - Louisville -2
8 - Buffalo +1
9 - Long Island -1
10 - London -
11 - Calgary -
12 - Toronto -
13 - Montreal -
14 - Indiana -
15 - Regina +1
16 - Edmonton +1
17 - Winnipeg -2
18 - Halifax -
