1973 Season Preview - Power Rankings

NOTE ON CAPTAINS: I have decided to increase the number of overall captains to 5, with 2 more alternate captains per team
* = new to the position, coach, starting QB, or captain

1 - Providence Gold Stars
1972 Record: 11-2-1 (1st East, 1st Seed)
1972 Result: Won McCallister Cup
Head Coach: Tommie Warner (4th Season)
Starting QB: Red King
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: Blitz Heavy
Biggest Acquisition: WR Colby Bancana
Rookie to Watch: S Todd Collingwood

The drought finally ended in Providence with the team’s first McCallister Cup win since 1941 and their first in the NAAF era. Due to the success and talented roster, GM Timothy Marsh had some difficult decisions this offseason as longtime veterans, WR Owen Paisley and S Paul Christopher were out, leaving room for younger talent. A big payday also came for QB Red King who has solidified himself as the franchise QB. As the newly named captain, King will lead the Gold Stars’ offence this season and should be plenty productive with the rising stars in WR Justin Palmer and TE Kairos Knight. RB Tresean Jones will also serve as the full-time RB1 with RB Ronnie Byers becoming a victim of the salary cap and being shipped to Indiana. Additionally, the O-line will be looking to protect their QB better this season after King has missed important games in each of the last two seasons. Defensively, the Gold Stars should still boast one of the best defences in the league behind their many superstars like LB Kurt Warlock, DL Bartolo Cruz, and DB Neville Falkner. Despite losing some pieces, the Gold Stars are still set to be one of the top contenders this season. 

Captains: 
C - QB Red King*
A - DL Bartolo Cruz*
A - DB Neville Falkner*
A - WR Justin Palmer*
A - S Tom Parrish

2 - Vancouver Wolves
1972 Record: 9-5 (2nd West; )
1972 Result: Lost McCallister Cup
Head Coach: Johnnie Dawson (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Kevin Westwood
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DL Derick Parks
Rookie to Watch: RB Chavez Arrington

The Wolves have now come 1 win away from the McCallister Cup twice in 3 seasons. Despite not being as strong as the Serpents have been during the regular season, the Wolves have proven that they are a force when it counts. The team hasn’t changed a whole lot this season. QB Kevin Westwood will still lead the offence that continues to see the growth of younger stars like WR Akira Sakamoto, WR Tristian Lewis, and now rookie RB Chavez Arrington, to pair up with the established stars in WR Keshawn Johnston and RB Jeremiah Morrow. Defensively, the Wolves did bring in a solid new piece in breakout DL Derick Parks, who is set to play a major role on a solid D-line. Several younger players will also be hoping to break free this season in LB Lochlan Bourne and DB Apollo Duckworth, as well as the rise of the all-Japanese safety duo of Takuya Sasaki and Gunpai Koizumi. Vancouver has elected to trust their development to hopefully make the push to get over the top this season. If the team can stay healthy, they will undoubtedly be a threat.

Captains:
C - QB Kevin Westwood
A - DB Christian Allen*
A - WR Keshawn Johnston
A - OL Kenny Rudolph*
A - S Takuya Sasaki*

3 - Boston Independents
1972 Record: 9-4-1 (2nd East)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Kenneth Chaney (5th Season)
Starting QB: Nathaniel Braddock
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DB Aiden Sargent
Rookie to Watch: WR Alex Acquafredda

The Independents were one of the hottest teams down the stretch last season, finishing the regular season on a 7-0-1 run. They were met with heartbreak in the playoffs, falling in OT to the Wolves in round 1. The team enters the 1973 season hoping to keep up the momentum from the end of last season. QB Nathaniel Braddock is still searching for the elusive 2nd Cup and will have a very familiar offence this season with only OL Taylor Alexander being a new starter this season. Defensively, the team did add some helpful pieces in a new #1 corner in DB Aiden Sargent from Pittsburgh, as well as more depth at LB with Benjamin Page arriving from Indiana. The defensive HC in Chaney hopes the defence can build off of a solid year last year to help the team back-to-back playoff appearances since 1965.

Captains: 
C - QB Nathaniel Braddock
A - DL Wayne Baxton
A - S Ernie Osborne
A - LB Mads Strahlman*
A - OL Carlton Vanderbilt*

4 - Minnesota Serpents
1972 Record: 11-3 (1st West)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Soni Dionne (5th Season)
Starting QB: Martin Keller
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 3-3-5
Biggest Acquisition: S Paul Christopher
Rookie to Watch: RB Murdoch Washington

The Serpents are coming off of their 3rd consecutive West Division title, still holding an unbelievable 39-13 record in the team’s first 4 seasons. However, the team’s playoff success has not been there, going 1-4 so far. There is going to be a lot of pressure on the team to get further this season. Offensively, they are much the same, built around a stellar backfield with 1971 OPOY RB Tyler Kuhn and the incoming reliable RB George Seahorse. QB Martin Keller should still be a reliable game-manager, but I expect fans may be itching to see more out of the 28-year-old this season in hopes of getting further in the postseason. Defensively, the team remains really strong. The addition of S Paul Christopher to the already solid secondary should continue to make Minnesota the toughest team to throw against. A healthy LB Garrett Roberts and up-and-coming stars in LBs Earl Featherstonhaugh and Morgan King should provide solid run defence as well. 

Captains: 
C - OL Elias McCarren
A - QB Martin Keller
A - RB Tyler Kuhn*
A - S Gérard LaCroix*
A - DL Albert Sullivan

5 - Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
1972 Record: 9-5 (2nd Central)
1972 Result: Lost Semi-Finals
Head Coach: Ted McMahon (9th Season)
Starting QB: Louis Vaughn
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DB Felix Roy
Rookie to Watch: WR John Jackson

After a rough 1-4 start last season, the Blacksmiths were able to bounce back and go on an 8-1 run down the stretch to make the playoffs. Then, they were able to get to the second round after beating the Division rival Louisville Thunder. The Semi-Final appearance marks their 3rd final four appearance in 4 seasons, which certainly leaves the fans wondering if they are ever going to be able to break through to the McCallister Cup. Offensively, the team still has their dynamic duo of 2x MOPs in QB Louis Vaughn and RB Max Tracy leading the way behind one of the best O-lines in the league. The hope will be to get some more production outside of WR Taylor Austin in the passing game with WR Yahui Sun returning and WR Justin Anger getting the promotion to WR 3. On defence, the Blacksmiths continue to have a scary D-line with DL Jeff Lamonte remaining next to superstars in Mathias Hartmann and Arthur Bradshaw. While the departure of DB Aiden Sargent stings, DB Felix Roy is brought in to bring his starting experience to the #2 corner role. 

Captains: 
C - QB Louis Vaughn
A - DL Arthur Bradshaw*
A - LB Quinn Masters
A - OL Erik Nelson
A - RB Max Tracy*

6 - Ottawa Royals
1972 Record: 9-5 (3rd East)
1972 Result: Lost Semi-Finals
Head Coach: Jean Matieau (6th Season)
Starting QB: Drake Young
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: RB Nikki Yang
Rookie to Watch: WR Tyler Jackson

The Royals put together their second consecutive 9-5 season last year, being one of the teams to keep up with Providence until near the end of the year. They would get to the Semis but have still failed to return to the Cup since their last run in 1969. Heading into the 1973 season, the offence might start to look a bit different. RB Corbyn Knight is now 33, so the team could shift some snaps over to new signing, RB Nikki Yang, this season. WR Sterling Underhill, who was brought in via trade last year, is now the team’s long-term #1 WR who will be flanked by younger players in Charles Toothacre and Simon Riley. Luckily, the team still does have the consistent QB Drake Young to lead the way along with HC Jean Matieau. Defensively, the Royals do remain tough. Familiar faces like DL Bernhard Hartmann, 1972 DPOY, DB Sergio Alvarez, and S Marc Bellecourt will lead the charge as one of the best sets of core defenders in the league. However, the team will hope that the LB group can stay healthier than they have been and that some younger players can make a bigger impact this season like 1972 1st Round Pick, DL Robin Lucas. 

Captains: 
C - DL Bernhard Hartmann
A - S Marc Bellecourt*
A - OL Matt Helmut*
A - LB Sam Wheeler
A - QB Drake Young

7 - Louisville Thunder
1972 Record: 10-4 (1st Central)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Lou Granger (4th Season)
Starting QB: Buck Murphy
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: QB Xerxes Wynn
Rookie to Watch: WR Ray Howard

The Thunder captured their first Division title last season with a strong 10-4 season, however, the team would not survive a first-round bout with Pittsburgh, ending their campaign to defend the Cup. Due to the cap crunch, the Thunder were unable to make a lot of changes this offseason. The offence remains untouched in regards to starters as QB Buck Murphy and WRs Casey Coleman, Ben Graham, and Orlando Barrack are set to rule the skies. Defensively, the team does see a slight change with LB Daniel Timothy heading to Calgary, setting up Elias Ragsdale to take his place next to a hopefully more healthy Ricky Wildgoose. DL Aaron Henderson, DB Aquilio Ruiz, and S Tom MacDougall are all returning as key factors defensively as well. Overall, Louisville is set up to have a very explosive offence with a solid defence to back it up, meaning they should still be in the running in the Central this season. 

Captains: 
C - WR Casey Coleman
A - S Tom McDougall
A - QB Buck Murphy*
A - TE Rex Williamson*
A - LB Le’Darius Wynn

8 - Montreal Rouge
1972 Record: 6-8 (5th East)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Malachi Knowles (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Tom Applewhite*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: Zone Defence
Biggest Acquisition: QB Tom Applewhite
Rookie to Watch: WR Evan Moore

After the miraculous 12-2 season in 1971, the Rouge crashed down to Earth hard with a disappointing 6-8 record to follow it up. The seat will be hot for HC Malachi Knowles who had a similar trajectory in his first job in Louisville (starting strong before collapsing in the next two seasons). QB Gene Bishop was at the centre of the disappointing offence after he earned a new 2-year deal the season before. Thus, Montreal finally decided to pull the trigger on replacing the 37-year-old. QB Tom Applewhite is in as the new starter, coming over from Indiana. Applewhite had some solid seasons in Indiana, which included a McCallister Cup appearance in 1968. The gun-slinging QB should fit in with a Montreal offence that has several solid weapons, including the young duo of WR Antonio Villanueva and RB Bo Frazier, as well as veteran WR Taylor Karis. Applewhite also has previous experience working with Knowles when he was the OC in Indiana. Montreal is hoping the offence can hold while the defence can be their centrepiece, led by one of the strongest secondaries in the league behind DB Lamar Brown and S Mathieu Cazenave. Additions of LB Grover Smith and DL Bjorn Sigmarsson to the front 7 should also provide a boost to the already solid group including DL Alan Franjkovic and LB Jean-Christophe Bain. The Rouge still have a lot to prove and some chemistry to build, but you can’t deny they have the talent to be successful.

Captains: 
C - OL Mathieu Roy
A - LB Jean-Christophe Bain*
A - DB Lamar Brown
A - RB Bo Frazier*
A - WR Taylor Karis

9 - Buffalo Blue Wings
1972 Record: 8-6 (3rd Central)
1972 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Maurice Evanson (10th Season)
Starting QB: Charles Lemieux
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Owen Paisley
Rookie to Watch: DB Lawrence Martell

In both of the past two seasons, the Blue Wings have snuck into the Playoffs as the 8th seed in the final week of the season, despite battling many injuries throughout both seasons. This offseason, the Blue Wings addressed their lack of depth and might have a team that could make a return to the top tier in the league. 2x MOP, QB Charles Lemieux, still leads the way on offence alongside RB Jasper Dickerson, who will aim to stay healthy after a few injuries in the past couple of seasons. The WR group added some new blood in veteran WR Owen Paisley, who solidifies an already solid group next to WR Tracy Driscoll and WR Jimmy Jack. The defence does see some changes. Reinforcements on the D-line behind former Rouge teammates, Sebastian Hamilton and Ross Jackson help out DL Ned Hedman. The younger Eric Strohecker and Willie Stetson are expected to get more responsibility behind the aging Randall Lambert at LB. Younger DBs in DB Lawrence Martell and S Levi Brickshaw will also look for more opportunities with several veterans departing. Buffalo has been in a bit of a transition, but they may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and could be a force in the Central once again if the team can stay healthy that is. 

Captains: 
C - QB Charles Lemieux
A - OL Garth Brooklyn*
A - DL Ned Hedman*
A - WR Jimmy Jack
A - LB Randall Lambert*

10 - Long Island Raiders
1972 Record: 8-6 (4th East)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Levi Bray (4th Season)
Starting QB: Ivan Sanchez
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Nick Spalding 
Rookie to Watch: DL George Vangruensven

The Raiders earned the 1-hit-wonder label after they managed to miss the playoffs in each of the past two seasons following their seemingly out-of-nowhere McCallister Cup win in 1970. While the team hasn’t been bad, they do need to be better in the competitive East Division to get back on track. The ultra-competitive Owner Wayne Tillman is watching over the team and may be putting HC Levi Bray on the hot seat going into an important season. Last season, QB Ivan Sanchez did manage to lead the league in passing touchdowns with 29, but also led the league in interceptions with 23. Entering his final season of his current contract, Sanchez is going to have the pressure on him to be better this season. Hopefully, he can keep up the scoring with WR Frank Drysdale taking on the WR1 role going forward along with free agent acquisition WR Nick Spalding. The defence, which has been the Raiders’ typical strength, has a blend of veterans and young players. DL Johnathan Ellison, LB William Washington II, and DB Rutherford Winters lead the younger core of DL Dallas Breaker, LBs Callum Owen and Tyrone Dye, and DB Levi Woodrow.  

Captains: 
C - LB William Washington II
A - DL Johnathan Ellison*
A - OL Alan Mitchell*
A - WR Larry Mossholder
A - DB Rutherford Winters

11 - London Tigers
1972 Record: 7-7 (4th Central)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Aengus Lynch (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Henry Johnsson
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Julius Drake
Rookie to Watch: DB Oliver Benson

The Tigers finally flashed their potential last season with a 6-3 start, but crumbled down the stretch, missing the playoffs at 7-7. The young team is hoping to get their first playoff appearance since 1967 this season. Last year was the first for QB Henry Johnsson under centre. The young QB showed he could play, leading a much more productive offence. 1972 free agency acquisition, WR Lloyd Lane, showed he could be the #1 guy last season and will look to build off of a solid first year as a Tiger. If RB Jeremy Royal can keep up the consistency he showed last year, the Tigers could be an explosive offence. Defensively, the team should be sturdy behind defensive HC Aengus Lynch. The team’s starting defence has 0 players 30 or older, relying on a lot of young talent. LBs Reuben James and Everett Lynch lead the way down the middle with the young duo of DLs Mo Kahn and Matt Brown on the line. The secondary will also be younger with 1972 1st Round Pick, S Marcus Harris and 1973 1st Round Pick, DB Oliver Benson both arriving to be potential game changers. The Tigers are a young team, but that’s been said about them for a couple of seasons now, it is time to see if they can turn that youth into a great team.

Captains: 
C - DL Mo Kahn
A - S Marcus Harris*
A - WR Lloyd Lane*
A - LB Everett Lynch
A - RB Jeremy Royal*

12 - Calgary Predators
1972 Record: 6-8 (3rd West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Travis Hobson (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Emmitt Jackson
Offensive Scheme: Wild West
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: LB Daniel Timothy
Rookie to Watch: DL Michael Ellis

HC Travis Hobson with a fire lit under his seat last season, turned the Predators around, finally finding a balance in the chaotic Wild West offence to get the team to a respectable 6-8 finish. The pressure will still be on the team to maintain the success going into the ‘73 season. QB Emmitt Jackson has established himself as the perfect leader for the offence, with his dual-threat ability. The many rising weapons on the offence in RB Rocco Peaks and 1972 draftees WR Eric Norris and WR James Johnson should bring plenty of excitement this season. Not to mention the already solid RB John Drexel and WR Ted Jackson. Defensively, Calgary made some improvements, adding LB Daniel Timothy from Louisville to boost an already solid group alongside new captain Junior Abbott and the young Marcus McGhee. DL Michael Ellis will also be an interesting rookie to watch but don’t forget about the veterans like DL Damien Battles and DB Scott Sumerhayes. There’s a lot of excitement around the Preds this season, the question will be: “Can they challenge Vancouver and Minnesota at the top of the West?”.

Captains: 
C - LB Junior Abbott*
A - DL Damien Battles*
A - RB John Drexel
A - WR Ted Jackson*
A - DB Scott Summerhayes*

13 - Toronto Steelheads
1972 Record: 6-8 (5th Central)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Phillip Little (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Ryan Alexander*
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: OL Matthew Miller
Rookie to Watch: OL Owen Brightman

The Steelheads got off to a rocky start under QB Landon Ross last season, going 2-7 to start. However, after their bye week and switching over to QB David Simmons and then rookie QB Ryan Alexander, the team bounced back with a 4-1 finish. Entering his 2nd season, Alexander will be taking over the offence going forward for Toronto. The 1972 15th overall pick, is a young pocket passer who is looked at as the future of the team and will have the chance to prove it next to a healthy WR Cameron Kane, newcomer WR Alex Browne Sr., and RB Shannon West with a fresh new contract after a solid performance last season. However, the team does have to be a little skeptical of their O-line which looks to be one of the weakest on paper, which may hold the offence back this year. Defensively, the team should be solid behind their stars of LB Judge Barrett, DL Haakon Leichenberg, DB Dwayne James, and S Charles Clerk. Younger stars will also get a bigger opportunity this season with 1972 1st Overall Pick DL Sam Reinkemeyer moving to the edge on the line this season as well as LB Chase Chalker who takes the spot left by LB Grover Smith. Overall, Toronto should have a solid defence behind defensive HC Phillip Little, but the offence might go through some growing pains.

Captains: 
C - LB Judge Barrett
A - WR Alex Browne Sr.*
A - S Charles Clerk
A - DB Dwayne James*
A - OL Amos Sewell

14 - Indiana Victors
1972 Record: 4-10 (6th Central)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Theo Espinoza (1st Season)
Starting QB: Al Washington*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: LB Conrad Kurst
Rookie to Watch: LB Corey Briggs

It was a miserable season for the Victors in 1972, which made it clear it was time for an overhaul. GM Pete Laird and HC Theo Espinoza are now in charge of the team and hope to turn it around. Throughout training camp, many had their eyes on the QB battle between the 2 young 25-year-old draftees from the 1970 draft: 1st Round Pick, Nathan Houle, and 4th Round Pick, Al Washington. However, the battle would be short-lived with Houle still dealing with some nagging issues from his season-ending injury last season, so the team is moving forward with Washington as their starter. Washington has just one start to his name, but the young QB still has a lot of potential and will have an opportunity to prove it until Houle is good to go. Washington will have some solid weapons still with WR Jake Abbredezzi leading the way, next to a solid backfield behind the newly acquired RB Ronnie Byers and RB Daniel Collins. Defensively, the Victors do have some new faces starting this season with LB Conrad Kurst, joining the LB group next to new captain Marshall Langenbrunner, and DB Oswald Martell, making his debut in a starting role to begin his 2nd season. They will also be in a new scheme under HC Theo Espinoza, who has found success with a solid defence in Long Island. It is likely the team will lean on their defence to capture a few more wins this season.

Captains:
C - LB Marshall Langenbrunner*
A - WR Jake Abbredezzi*
A - DL Eugene Case*
A - OL Viktor Stahl*
A - LB Maxwell Trevorrow*

15 - Regina Wheat Kings
1972 Record: 3-11 (5th West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Wayne Combs (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Stanley Evans
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: WR Bennie Braverman
Rookie to Watch: WR Colt Robbins

Injuries plagued the Wheat Kings last season, primarily on defence with two of their top players, DL Butcher Callahan and LB Brett Pride, missing significant time. They managed a 3-11 season despite the injuries and look to be taking steps in the right direction towards a strong season this year. QB Stanley Evans still controls the offence next to RB Deion Chapman in the backfield. The WR corps gets a bit of a shake-up with WR Nick Spalding heading to Long Island, so WR Leonard Green will lead the way next to newcomer Bennie Braverman and rookie WR Colt Robbins. On paper, the defensive is the stronger part of Regina’s team with the elite DL Butcher Callahan dominating the line, a solid LB corps with Pride and 1972 3rd overall pick, LB Lewis Vander, and a pair of solid corners in DB Madison McGee and 2nd-year DB Kevin Krane. If Regina can stay healthy this season, expect the team to show a little more bite this season.

Captains: 
C - LB Brett Pride
A - DL Butcher Callahan
A - QB Stanley Evans
A - DL Pete Gingers
A - OL Hugh Johnson*

16 - Winnipeg Falcons
1972 Record: 3-11 (6th West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Jay Nielson (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Emerson Thompson*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: LB Daniel Shao Li
Rookie to Watch: RB Joshua Tomlinson

1972 was a turbulent season for the Falcons, especially under centre. QBs Ulysses Lawyer and Xerxes Wynn were brought in to shake up the QB room. Unfortunately, both struggled early in the season combining for 1 win through all of their starts combined. QB Emerson Thompson, who had been the previous starter, stepped back in and performed well enough to capture 2 wins in 6 starts. Thompson’s performance and comfort behind a weaker O-line led to him getting the job this season, though many still suspect 1972 3rd Round Pick, Mitchell Nash, will get a shot as well. The aforementioned O-line is hopefully going to be stronger behind younger talent that is showing growth. A stronger line should help Thompson deliver the ball to his playmakers in WRs Terry Upshaw and Juwan Sylvester. RB Joe Rivers will still be the starting RB, but rookie Joshua Tomlinson is also expected to get some snaps. Defensively, the Falcons will look to LB Claude Clarke and DB Kyle Ellerbee to lead the way as veterans. However, younger players like 1972 ROY nominee, DL Graham de Veres, and S Vernon Redgate, will need to step up to lead as well. Winnipeg has a lot of uncertainty this season, but if they can get some consistent play at QB, they may fare decently in the West.

Captains: 
C - LB Claude Clarke
A - DB Kyle Ellerbee*
A - DL Quinton Hextal*
A - RB Joe Rivers
A - WR Terry Upshaw

17 - Halifax Mariners
1972 Record: 2-12 (6th East)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Alfred Deniau (1st Season)
Starting QB: Todd Sparrow
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DB Perry Ferris
Rookie to Watch: S George Turner

It was tough sledding for the Mariners in the East Division last season, as Halifax was crushed by a miserable 0-8 divisional record. The new season brings in a new coach in Alfred Deniau who is coming off of a short 2-year HC role in Montreal where he posted a 9-15 record. Deniau previously was Halifax’s OC during their run to the Cup win in 1968. The team hopes that Deniau’s offensive specialty can help young QB Todd Sparrow take the next step forward. The former 1st overall pick has struggled so far in his young career and will be hoping to flash some of the elite talent in his 3rd season. He does have some reinforcements offensively, with 2nd-year players in RB Axel Vandal and WR Oliver Shephard expecting to play bigger roles this season. Not to mention WRs Shane Steadman and Jav Kerrigan remain on the team next to a solid O-line. Defensively, the Mariners are a bit weak up front behind an aging DL Pat Butler, but a solid LB corps and some changes in the secondary with the addition of DB Perry Ferris and 1st Overall Pick, S George Turner. There are signs to suggest Halifax should be stronger this season, however, it remains a tough East Division, which may lead to still a long year in Halifax.

Captains: 
C - DL Pat Butler
A - LB Frederic Macnamara*
A - QB Todd Sparrow*
A - DB Jack Treadaway*
A - WR Shane Steadman

18 - Edmonton Rangers
1972 Record: 4-10 (4th West)
1972 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Pat Gilliam (4th Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Mike Key*
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3
Biggest Acquisition: DL Chris Barrett
Rookie to Watch: S Ian Lauder

Following the retirement of their star QB, Blair Collins, the Rangers stumbled through the 1972 season. Inconsistent play at QB behind Ken Myers did not help the matter, leading to the team making some changes this offseason. QB Mike Key was brought in to be the starter, however, he may be a few years too late to a starting role, as he is already 35 years old and hasn’t held a consistent starting position since 1963. The rest of the offence is mixed. The loss of Matthew Miller on the O-line weakens the usually sturdy group. RB Gary Hubbard isn’t getting younger, though he should have some backup with youngsters like Howie Bowman and Vincent Marsden II. WR Stanley McClendon is still expected to be the star in the passing game, but expect Edmonton’s offence to still run through the backfield. Defensively, the Rangers did add several pieces, but they were all in the 30+ range with DLs Chris and Roger Barrett, DL Jared Kendall and S Pat Washington. DB Corey Ross, also 30, is an interesting move having some starting experience on the back end, but again getting older. Edmonton may have improved the team marginally with the new additions, but it could be a short-lived improvement due to the age. 

Captains: 
C - OL Charles Creighton
A - DL Chris Barrett
A - RB Gary Hubbard*
A - QB Mike Key*
A - LB Frank St. John

1973 ADDITIONAL OFFSEASON NEWS

GENE BISHOP YET TO REPORT TO MONTREAL
It has been made known that QB Gene Bishop has not reported to the Montreal Rouge thus far for the start of the season. The veteran QB has been Montreal’s starter since 1961, however, after a few seasons of rough performances, in particular last season, the team elected to make a change, bringing in QB Tom Applewhite for the role. Bishop is not taking it well and with 1-year left on his contract, he can’t go and play elsewhere. In his exit meeting following the season, Bishop was notified by GM Jon Neal that they may look for a new option at QB. Bishop replied with a trade request. However, Montreal has been unable to move the contract. With teams feeling solidified in their QB options, no team wants to pay $35,000 for a backup. 

Montreal has come forward with the situation as they plan to suspend Bishop, without pay, until he shows up for the season (a suspension like this requires there are conditions that the player can meet to be reinstated). This would allow Montreal to at least call up a QB to replace him for the time being.

Future options, if a trade doesn’t come about, could be placing Bishop on waivers, then either buying out his contract, which would still impact Montreal’s cap this season or the two sides agreeing to mutually terminate the contract. If they agree to terminate, Montreal would serve no penalty, but Bishop would not receive any compensation. 

Further development on the matter will be updated as the season progresses.

SEVERAL PLAYERS HEAD TO GLFL
Once the dust had settled on the offseason, there were a couple of players who didn’t find a home in the NAAF and instead made commitments to the GLFL. TE Dylan Chowder, who believed he should be a starter in the NAAF, was not getting the right offer. He elected to then sign with Detroit in the GLFL. Chowder has spent 8 seasons in the NAAF split between Halifax, Providence, and Indiana.

OL TJ Overton is also heading to the GLFL. Overton is a former 1st Round Pick of the Victors but has been disappointing in 6 seasons in the league. After a pair of journeyman seasons in Providence and Winnipeg, Overton is headed to St. Louis for the 1973 season. 

1973 Schedule Release

The 1973 NAAF season will kickoff in Providence, Rhode Island for the first time as the defending champion Gold Stars host the Boston Independents. This will be the 3rd time the New England rivalry will be featured in the opening game. The previous 2 times were in 1950 and 1962 after Boston had won the cup the last season. Providence Owner, David Maxwell, insisted that they host Boston in the game since they had to “suffer” and watch Boston raise their banner in the past, so he wanted to pay back the favour. 

Week 2 features another Canada Day triple header with London-Toronto, Halifax-Edmonton and Calgary-Ottawa all facing off on the day. Next Wednesday, Boston will host Long Island in the first half of a home-and-home between the East Division rivals. 

Other routine matchups remain on the schedule, like Rivalry Week in Week 6. The Bye Weeks are between 8-10, and the Labour Day matches are between Calgary-Edmonton and Louisville-Indiana. 

A note for Week 15, there is expected to still be a season finale game at 7:00 PM ET on September 29th, but no match-up has been assigned to that slot, the selection will happen in the lead-up to the final week of the season. 

1973 Hall of Fame Class

Member #42: RB Scott Mallard-White - Oshawa, ON - 1st Ballot - Creator: ThisIsFine
Following in the footsteps of one of the greatest of all time, RB Élisée Marchal, is not an easy task, but Mallard-White managed to fill the shoes well. After being selected 1st overall in 1956, he would serve as the #2 back to Marchal in his first season. He would perform well in limited snaps during the season, showing Montreal did have their new premier back. In the offseason, Marchal would leave for Providence, passing the torch onto Mallard-White. After a solid first season as the starter, Mallard-White would break free as a top rusher in the league in his 3rd season, scoring 20 touchdowns and winning his first Offensive Player of the Year award. He continued to put up solid numbers throughout the next several seasons, being an All-Star in 3 consecutive seasons between 1958 and 1960. His performance would dip a little between the 1961 and 1962 regular seasons, but he showed up for the 1962 playoffs, earning the Playoff MVP in helping the Rouge to the McCallister Cup, where they would fall short against the Louisville Thunder. Mallard-White would ride that wave from the 1962 playoffs, and put up another 20-touchdown season in 1963, earning his 2nd Offensive Player of the Year. Following the second award, Mallard-White started to show his age, not quite reaching the top form he held during his prime. He would still help the Rouge reach one more McCallister Cup final in 1966, but once again came up empty-handed. Despite not winning a McCallister Cup, Mallard-White lived up to the expectations and had a very strong career, earning his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.

Member #43: DB Alexander Bradley - Newark, NJ - 1st Ballot - Creator: CaptainMort3D
Bradley immediately broke through in his first season after being selected 2nd overall by the Worcester Athletics in 1954. He brought in 6 interceptions during his rookie season, earning him the Rookie of the Year honours. Bradley kept up the pace through his first 4 seasons, being named an All-Star in each one of them. He would get his first crack at the McCallister Cup during the 1956 season, helping the Athletics reach the final, but the team came up short against the Royals. In the next two seasons, Bradley’s relationship with the Athletics’ front office deteriorated. He was not happy with the direction of the team, and when the cheap operations of Chester Paul led to Bradley being lowballing in his new contract discussions, he decided to leave. Bradley would end up signing on with the Louisville Thunder, following his coach from Worcester, Emil Riddle, who was also heading out West. Taking on a leadership role, Bradley would return to superstar form in 1959, playing well enough to earn him Defensive Player of the Year. The Thunder continued to build their team around Bradley, improving with each season. Then, in 1962, Bradley would be reunited with former Worcester teammate, LB Scotty Williams, and the two would be the core pieces in one of the greatest defences in NAAF history. That season the team would win the McCallister Cup, earning Bradley his first title. After one more season with the Thunder, Bradley would find himself back in free agency ahead of the 1964 season. This time, he would sign with the Long Island Raiders. He would put up 3 more All-Star seasons with the Raiders, bringing his total to 11 in his career. He even earned a 2nd McCallister Cup with Long Island in 1965, defeating his former club in the Thunder. Bradley will go down as one of the best and most consistent DBs in the league’s history, easily cementing his legacy in a Hall of Fame career. 

Member #44: LB Konrad Aust - Staten Island, NY - 1st Ballot - Creator: ZO82
The Independents drafted Aust with the #2 pick in the 1956 draft, just one pick behind fellow Hall of Fame Classman, Scott Mallard-White. In just his second season, Aust was already making a major impact, earning his first All-Star nod. Next to Hall of Fame LB Brent Harper, Aust made up the core of the Boston defence for the next decade as they went on to make 9 consecutive playoff appearances between 1957 and 1965. During the run of success, Aust would earn his lone McCallister Cup in 1961, ironically the only season during that time that he wasn’t named an All-Star. Overall, Aust was a little overshadowed in his time in Boston, with Harper being the one to earn 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards, but he still made enough of a mark to earn his place in the Hall of Fame. 

Member #45: OL James Knowles - Oshawa, ON - 6th Ballot - Creator: Wallflower
Knowles was a rising star with the Ottawa Royals during the postwar era of the Ontario Football Union, prior to the founding of the NAAF. Right from the first season in the NAAF, Knowles was a consistent All-Star. He would be an All-Star in each of the first 7 seasons he spent in the NAAF. He played a vital role in protecting QB Duane Logan and then later QB Jean Matieau. Eventually, he would get his first McCallister Cup in 1954, helping the Royals to start their dynasty. He would continue to play a role in the team’s success capturing a 2nd and 3rd Cup in the next two seasons. Unfortunately, his final two seasons in 1956 and 1957, were filled with injuries, which eventually led to his retirement. However, Knowles still will go down as one of the strongest O-linemen in the early years of the NAAF, earning his spot in the Hall. 

Member #46: DL Calias McDonough - Brooklyn, NY - 1st Ballot - Creator: Darknes
McDonough is a Providence Gold Star. His humour and trash talk on the field, mixed with his undying loyalty for the organization and city made him a massive fan favourite and a perfect fit for the organization. McDonough began his career when he was selected 2nd overall by the Gold Stars in 1955. In his second season, he had already established himself on the D-line, earning his first All-Star nod. He would then go on to be an All-Star in each of the next 6 seasons. McDonough’s loyalty was seen throughout his career with the Gold Stars going through some tough seasons at the turn of the decade, but it would pay off when the team got to the McCallister Cup in 1963. Unfortunately, the team came up short against the Tigers. In the backstretch of his career, McDonough would be presented with an opportunity to leave the Gold Stars and chase a title, but he elected to stay put. He loved the city and the team, even if he never admits it outright. McDonough is a legend in the city and now a legend across the league as he enters the Hall of Fame.

Member #47: OL Malachi Knowles - Worcester, MA - 6th Ballot - Creator: Wallflower
Malachi Knowles began his career in 1939, playing for his hometown team in the Worcester Athletics of the New England Football Championship. Knowles was a solid player through his first few seasons, helping the Athletics capture a McCallister Cup in 1940. However, in 1942, his career had to be put on pause as the US entered WWII. During the pause, Knowles was still dedicated to getting better at the game he had fallen in love with and worked on his skills. Once the war had ended, Knowles was part of a core group of players and officials that were key to getting the NEFC back up and running. Knowles’ hard work skill-wise paid off as well, earning him a spot on the Boston Football Club in 1946 after his old team in the Athletics did not return after the war. Knowles had a solid run with Boston, capturing 5 consecutive McCallister Cups from 1946-1950. During that time, Knowles would also become a key voice in Boston over the decision for the league to move forward with trying hybrid football, leading to the eventual merger into the NAAF. Over the first two years in the NAAF, Knowles would work with Richard Paul in Worcester to help get the Worcester Athletics back to the pro level. In 1951, they would return to the NAAF. Knowles would join the new team, earning his lone NAAF All-Star nod in 1951. After one more season, Knowles would call it a career and move on to coaching, spending a lot of time as an Offensive Coordinator with Boston and Indiana, while also having head coaching roles in Louisville and currently Montreal. This Hall of Fame induction goes beyond just Knowles’ play on the field, but also his work off of it. He may not get the foremost credit, but he was still a passionate and dedicated factor in helping hybrid football (and professional football) get off the ground during the postwar era.

1973 Free Agency Part 2

Following the conclusion of the draft, the remainder of still outstanding free agents would find new homes. Here’s a run through the team’s moves from the rest of free agency:

Boston Independents
The big piece staying put is WR Edward Webb, who inked a new 2-year deal to remain in Boston where he has broken free as a solid WR for the past couple of seasons. The other notable signing was QB Jace Beleren, set to be Braddock’s new backup.

Buffalo Blue Wings
The Blue Wings made a bigger splash by landing WR Owen Paisley on a 2-year $23,500 contract. The longtime Gold Stars’ WR wasn’t fitting in Providence’s tight cap situation so he lands in a new competitive spot with Buffalo, hoping to get another championship before retirement.

Calgary Predators
Calgary continued to add some depth on defence, signing LB Mike Francis, who struggled to garner much interest elsewhere, due to attitude issues, but should add a lot of strength to the Preds’ LB corps.

Edmonton Rangers
The team would grab a new starting TE, signing Daryl Leclair to a 2-year contract at $15,000. It will be Leclair’s first full-time starting gig after being a backup in Halifax for the past 5 seasons. The Rangers also added veteran DL Jared Kendall from their Vancouver rivals. Kendall left Vancouver after the two sides were too far apart on money for the 32-year-old.

Halifax Mariners
The Mariners did a lot of re-signing, bringing back DL Bernard King, WR James Hess, and DB Max Adams, but then also added some LB depth in Kyle Essena. 

Indiana Victors
The Long Island-Indiana pipeline continued with the Victors signing WR Otto Washington and QB Rider Wandrey. They also added DL Tyrone Powers, who was also with Long Island recently.

London Tigers
It was fairly quiet for London, who added back LBs Jethro Gibson and Garrett DeGraaf as their most notable moves. They did also land former Rangers’ starter, QB Ken Myers, who will likely battle QB Tyrion Gainsborough for the backup role.

Long Island Raiders
The Raiders were able to bring back S Calvin Hobbes on a cheaper 1-year, $15,500 deal after the veteran couldn’t find many opportunities elsewhere. They also brought in former Victors’ starting RB Ed Finley for depth at the position.

Louisville Thunder
The Thunder were able to fit WR Orlando Barrack back into the payroll on a much cheaper 1-year $16,250 deal. Barrack should still make an impact, even if it is in a smaller role with the team this season. 

Minnesota Serpents
Depth was the focus for Minnesota who added many players to boost up their ranks, most notably WR Justin Dubuque and OL Leroy Hankins.

Montreal Rouge
The Rouge were a bit handi-capped through the rest of free agency as a calculation error left the team over budget. So they were more focused on trading a piece out to make some room. However, they still added some depth pieces where they could like QB Martin Michaud and DB Real Monet.

Ottawa Royals
The Royals added some depth on the O-line with longtime Independent, Aaron Sharpless, making his way over. They also brought back a couple more depth players like RB Théomire Desormeaux and S Pete Gunner.

Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
The Blacksmiths focused a lot on bringing in younger depth in DL Terrence Strickland and DB Arnie Marston. They also added some veteran help with RB Raymond Green returning to Pittsburgh as a backup after he was bumped out of the starting role when RB Max Tracy arrived in 1971.

Providence Gold Stars
Providence made more minor depth moves with what remained of their cap, especially when WR Owen Paisley officially declined their offer and signed with Buffalo. Notable pickups were RB Jonathan Rougeau, OL Ben Salem, and QB Gilles Doucet.

Regina Wheat Kings
The Wheat Kings ended up being relatively active in an attempt to add more sturdy depth across the lineup. RB Alex Herbo and S Bennett Drill were the two most notable pickups from Toronto, who both may have decent impacts as backups this season.

Toronto Steelheads
GM Reginald McMahon continued to pull from players he had signed with Buffalo before he took the job in Toronto. He added WRs Perry Francoise and Boris Bohka, as well as LB Gaston Christison. The largest signing ended up being LB Austin Ford, who has some injury concerns from his last 2 seasons with Regina, but maybe a smaller role can make him more reliable. 

Vancouver Wolves
DB Dean Hawkins was certainly hurt that Buffalo didn’t seem to want to keep him back at 34 years old, so he has decided to move across the continent to play for the Wolves next season at a lower salary than Buffalo had initially offered. The other notable moves from Vancouver were adding DL Cole Brentwood, a Regina teammate of their top signing this offseason, DL Derick Parks, and WR Frank MacCoghlan who they had traded for last season.

Winnipeg Falcons
Winnipeg native, RB Joseph Cook, would head home on a 2-year deal with the Falcons. They also added WR Kendrick Newton, a former teammate of WR Ryan Conway (their current WR 4) as well as veteran QB Michael Benedict to get into the rotation with QB Emerson Thompson and 1972 3rd Round Pick, QB Mitchell Nash. 

TRADES

Outside of the signings, there were a couple of trades. As mentioned the Rouge were in need of cap help after their miscalculation landed them in a tough spot. Buffalo would be willing to make a deal and the Rouge would send DL Sebastian Hamilton to Buffalo in exchange for DL Kevin Patterson. The move saved Montreal $5,000 in salary which squeaks them just below the cap, while Buffalo benefits by getting a better player for their D-line straight up. 

Buffalo wasn’t done there as they would then make a deal with Indiana, picking up LB William Kirkpatrick in exchange for a 1974 4th Round Pick and undrafted DL Jimmy Bradford. Kirkpatrick had only been traded to Indiana at the deadline last season, but under the new regime, he’s already on the way out, expecting to play a depth role in Buffalo. The former 3rd Round Pick has struggled to find his footing in the NAAF so far, but maybe ANOTHER change of scenery can help.