KICKOFF
Boston Independents - 26 @ Providence Gold Stars - 29 - New Providence Stadium - Thursday, June 21, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 65,094
1st Q
0-7: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> TE Kairos Knight
7-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Tyreek Flores
10-7: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
10-14: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
13-14: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
13-17: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
13-18: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
13-25: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
16-25: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
23-25: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
26-25: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
26-26: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
26-29: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
Providence kicked off the NAAF’s 25th Season by raising their first banner in the league’s history, in front of their rivals.
The game itself ended up being a back-and-forth affair, but the Gold Stars would start to pull away in the 3rd after a couple of costly Boston turnovers.
However, Providence would get a little too comfortable and the Independents, getting some turnovers themselves including a very important S Ernie Osborne pick, would climb back into the game to take the lead in the 4th.
Providence would get a chance to take the lead with a field goal, but K Gilbert O’Neill would miss the relatively short kick, sending the ball through the endzone for a single to at least tie the game.
After the defence shut down Boston, O’Neill would get a second chance, this time nailing the game-winning kick to start the season off with a 3-point nailbiter.
The win also marks QB Red King’s 18th consecutive win as a starter, he has not lost a game he has started since September 4, 1971, in a Week 11 loss to Vancouver.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Louisville Thunder - 16 @ Montreal Rouge - 30 - Mount Royal Stadium - Friday, June 22, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 46,247
1st Q
0-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
0-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
0-17: MTL - DTD INT DB Lamar Brown
3-17: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
3-20: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-20: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
6-23: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
13-23: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Taylor Karis
16-30: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
QB Tom Applewhite made his first start for Montreal against a very familiar foe in the Thunder.
Applewhite was able to lead a steady Montreal offence throughout the game, eventually finding WR Taylor Karis for his first touchdown pass.
However, the real stars were on defence as Montreal held the usually high-flying Thunder to 6 points until the 4th quarter.
The Thunder played sloppily, especially QB Buck Murphy who threw 3 interceptions in the loss.
Ottawa Royals - 30 @ Halifax Mariners - 20 - Atlantic Stadium - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 24,030
1st Q
0-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
2nd Q
10-7: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
10-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
17-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
3rd Q
20-10: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-13: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
23-13: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
30-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
30-20: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
The Royals headed to Halifax to kick off their season, ultimately putting together a solid 10-point win.
QB Drake Young was near perfect with 3 passing touchdowns and over 300 yards, being helped by WR Sterling Underhill who had 2 big touchdowns.
Halifax didn’t have too bad of a game as RB Axel Vandal showed that he had taken a step forward in his second season, setting a new career high in rushing yards and scoring twice in the loss.
Toronto Steelheads - 19 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 41,893
1st Q
0-7: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
3-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3rd Q
9-7: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
9-8: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
16-8: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
16-11: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
19-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
The Victors got off to a roaring start when QB Al Washington elected to fire a pass over everyone to WR Jake Abbredezzi to score a quick touchdown on the opening drive.
It would be Indiana’s only glimmer of hope as Toronto’s defence would shut them down the rest of the way, creating several turnovers in the process.
Offensively, Toronto was relatively smooth, mainly leaning on RB Shannon West while QB Ryan Alexander settled into a game-management rhythm to pull off a solid division win.
Calgary Predators - 24 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 26 - Provencher Park - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 22,402
1st Q
7-0: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
10-0: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
2nd Q
10-7: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> TE Douglas Northway
10-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
10-13: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
17-13: CGY - RTD QB Emmitt Jackson
17-20: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
4th Q
17-23: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
24-23: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Ted Jackson
24-26: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
Winnipeg and Calgary would have a back-and-forth affair to kick off each of their seasons.
Calgary’s offence showed similar effectiveness, getting into the endzone 3 times, however, 4 turnovers allowed Winnipeg to stay in the game.
QB Emerson Thompson was solid along with the rest of the offence, taking advantage of the Preds’ woes to put themselves in position to get a late field goal to take home a strong week 1 win.
Edmonton Rangers - 20 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 7 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 15,166
1st Q
7-0: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
13-0: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
2nd Q
3rd Q
13-7: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
4th Q
20-7: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Stanley McClendon
The Rangers rolled into Regina and jumped out to a commanding 13-0 lead off of a bad interception thrown by QB Stanley Evans.
QB Mike Key played solid in his Edmonton debut, able to coast through most of the game after the early lead, but still threw a pair of touchdowns.
Regina’s offence sputtered with many turnovers and just consistent dropped passes or sacks being taken, however, the defence was still solid holding Edmonton off the board until late in the game after the early turnovers.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 26 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 13 - Milton Charles Stadium - Saturday, June 23, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 53,829
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
6-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
2nd Q
9-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
9-7: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
16-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
16-10: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
23-10: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> TE Xavier Francis Langford
4th Q
23-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
26-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
Minnesota would close out Saturday’s action with a convincing win over the Blue Wings.
The offence was moving steadily early in the game, opening with 3 consecutive field goals.
On the other hand, Buffalo’s offence was not doing as well with the Serpents’ defence shutting them down until a late 1st half touchdown by RB Jasper Dickerson.
Minnesota responded to the Blue Wings’ touchdown in the 3rd, reaching the endzone twice to pull away to a 23-10 lead.
The Serpents would easily hold on to capture a win to start the season.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 21 @ Long Island Raiders - 33 - Long Island Stadium - Sunday, June 24, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 40,229
1st Q
0-3: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
0-6: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
7-6: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> TE Jesse Butler
7-9: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
7-16: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
7-23: LI - DTD FUMR DL Chris Price - FFUM DL Johnathan Ellison
3rd Q
7-24: LI - Single K Vic Greatwood
14-24: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
4th Q
14-27: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
21-27: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
21-33: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
With the pressure on to perform, the Raiders made a statement against the Blacksmiths, crushing them on home soil.
The defence played well despite losing top LB William Washington II to a major injury, notably getting a defensive score off of a forced fumble from DL Johnathan Ellison.
The offence was also on, getting into the endzone two more times, including a game-sealing bomb from Sanchez to WR Nick Spalding in his Raiders’ debut.
The Blacksmiths still showed signs of life with Vaughn finding the endzone 3 times in the loss, but once again Pittsburgh is on the back foot to start the season.
Vancouver Wolves - 21 @ London Tigers - 7 - Western Fair Stadium - Sunday, June 24, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,767
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
8-0: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
11-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
11-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
18-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
4th Q
21-7: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
The final game of the week would see the Wolves control the tempo against the Tigers.
The McCallister Cup finalist from last season played a solid and clean game, taking care of the ball and scoring 21 points.
The Tigers didn’t have many answers for the Wolves’ defence, which kept them contained and forced three interceptions in the game.
Injury Report
BOS: LB Mads Strahlman - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr - Hip Injury - 5 Weeks
BOS: LB Benjamin Page - Foot Injury - 1 Week
BUF: OL Garth Brooklyn - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
CGY: DL Michael Ellis - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
CGY: OL Killion Lane - Sports Hernia - 12 Weeks
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
IND: LB Maxwell Trevorrow - Severe Cut - Day-to-Day
LI: LB William Washington II - Severe Ligament Tear - 11 Weeks
LI: OL Tony D’Allesandro - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
LOU: QB Rusty Lamb - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MIN: WR Ferdinand Matthews - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman - Concussion - 6 Weeks
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence - High Ankle Sprain - 12 Weeks
OTT: DB Tyler Hill - Minor Shoulder Injury - 2 Weeks
OTT: DB Jerome Caldwell - Illness - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Ben Jammin - Hamstring Injury - Day-to-Day
PRO: S Todd Collingwood - Mild Ligament Sprain - 4 Weeks
REG: LB Lewis Vander - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
REG: RB Bobby Brown - Finger Injury - Day-to-Day
REG: DB Madison McGee - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
TOR: LB Judge Barrett - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce - Torn Muscle - 6 Weeks
WPG: DL Quinton Hextal - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Drake Young OTT - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 311 Passing Yards
Young had a near-perfect game as the Royals got off to a strong start with a win over the Mariners
Ellison was dominant on the edge of the Raiders, helping create a defensive score and contain a usually strong Blacksmiths’ offence.
Standings
WEST
Edmonton - 1-0
Winnipeg - 1-0
Vancouver - 1-0
Minnesota - 1-0
Calgary - 0-1
Regina - 0-1
CENTRAL
Toronto - 1-0
Pittsburgh - 0-1
Buffalo - 0-1
Louisville - 0-1
London - 0-1
Indiana - 0-1
EAST
Ottawa - 1-0
Providence - 1-0
Montreal - 1-0
Long Island - 1-0
Boston - 0-1
Halifax - 0-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota +1
4 - Boston -1
5 - Ottawa +1
6 - Montreal +2
7 - Long Island +3
8 - Pittsburgh -3
9 - Louisville -2
10 - Buffalo -1
11 - London -
12 - Toronto +1
13 - Calgary -1
14 - Winnipeg +2
15 - Indiana -1
16 - Halifax +1
17 - Edmonton +1
18 - Regina -3
Week 2 Games
BUF (0-1) @ PRO (1-0) - JUN 29 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
REG (0-1) @ VAN (1-0) - JUN 29 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
IND (0-1) @ BOS (0-1) - JUN 30 - 12:00 PM ET
MTL (1-0) @ LI (1-0) - JUN 30 - 12:00 PM ET
WPG (1-0) @ MIN (1-0) - JUN 30 - 3:30 PM ET
PIT (0-1) @ LOU (0-1) - JUN 30 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LDN (0-1) @ TOR (1-0) - JUN 31 - 12:00 PM ET - Canada Day
HFX (0-1) @ EDM (1-0) - JUN 31 - 3:30 PM ET - Canada Day
CGY (0-1) @ OTT (1-0) - JUN 31 - 7:00 PM ET - Canada Day
1973 Week 2
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DL Greg Cox | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Killion Lane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: LB William Washington II | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: LB Mick Pilgrim | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Remi Blanchet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Trent Kunard | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Nate Milton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 @ Providence Gold Stars - 34 - New Providence Stadium - Friday, June 29, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 58,946
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
0-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
0-21: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
7-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
7-24: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
10-34: PRO - DTD FUMR LB Kurt Warlock - FFUM LB Nathaniel Lovelady
The Gold Stars’ defence came out firing on all cylinders, creating multiple turnovers to help the offence take a staggering 0-14 lead. WR Justin Palmer would add to it to start the 2nd before Buffalo finally got on the scoreboard with a WR Jimmy Jack score. Providence coasted the rest only scoring 6 more points on offence. However, the defence wasn’t done when they would take a fumble back for a touchdown to extend their lead to 10-34.
The game was another disappointing result for Buffalo who dropped a second straight 2+ possession game and fall to 0-2 for just the 2nd time since 1963.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 6 @ Vancouver Wolves - 37 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, June 29, 1973 – 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,905
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwodd -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
0-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
0-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
3rd Q
0-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-27: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-34: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
4th Q
6-34: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-37: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver was all business when welcoming the Wheat Kings to town.
The Wolves ran out to a 0-24 first-half lead on the back of 3 passing touchdowns from QB Kevin Westwood. Then, in the second half, RB Chavez Arrington would flash his talent, taking a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Regina’s QB Stanley Evans made his first start back in Vancouver after having spent a couple of seasons as the team’s backup. Evans struggled in the loss, though still wasn’t as bad as last week only throwing 1 interception. QB Whit Johnson would get a chance to get some snaps in the 4th, as did QB Jerome Sheppard for the Wolves.
Indiana Victors - 9 @ Boston Independents - 31 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,102
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
0-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
3-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
6-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
6-31: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
9-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
After the 3-point loss to Providence to kick off the season, Boston bounced back with a dominant win over the Victors. Braddock had a couple of early touchdowns while RB Reggie Whitehead would find the endzone twice in the 2nd half. The defence was also solid as they brought back a couple of picks in the game.
QB Al Washington’s 2nd start was not much better than his first, struggling to get the offence moving against a solid Boston defence. However, they still got into scoring range more consistently than last week showing some promise.
Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Long Island Raiders - 24 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,366
1st Q
0-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
14-17: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
14-24: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
17-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
23-24: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
29-24: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
31-24: MTL - 2PT QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
With both teams coming off statement wins to start the season, the Rouge and Raiders would meet for an important early season divisional bout.
The Raiders would have the upper hand early in the game on the back of 2 touchdowns from QB Ivan Sanchez to take a 7-17 lead at halftime. In the second half, Montreal was able to slowly climb back into the game as QB Tom Applewhite would lead the comeback charge. RB Mark St-Pierre would score a critical touchdown in the 4th in relief for RB Bo Frazier, but a missed extra point would keep Long Island in front. A big stop from the Rouge defence would lead to a second chance where rookie WR Evan Moore would be the hero to give Montreal the win.
Winnipeg Falcons - 7 @ Minnesota Serpents - 35 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,006
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
0-14: MIN - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
0-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
3rd Q
0-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-34: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
0-35: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
7-35: WPG - RTD RB Joshua Tomlinson
Winnipeg headed 7 hours south to Minneapolis to face the Serpents, and they were not welcomed kindly as the 3-time West Division champs pummelled Winnipeg. RBs Tyler Kuhn and George Seahorse would combine for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opening quarter. Minnesota would carry a 0-34 lead into the 4th before the backups came out. Former Falcon, QB Ulysses Lawyer would play the final quarter, while QB Mitchell Nash would get his first taste of NAAF action, leading a touchdown drive scored by rookie RB Joshua Tomlinson for his first.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 22 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,930
1st Q
6-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
6-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
2nd Q
12-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
12-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
12-15: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-15: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
4th Q
13-22: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
16-22: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
The two teams defeated by Montreal and Long Island both hoped to get their season back on track for Saturday Night Football. The Blacksmiths and Thunder had a back-and-forth, but surprisingly lower-scoring battle. Pittsburgh was able to take the lead into halftime, but the Louisville Captain, Casey Coleman, would come in clutch, getting back the lead with a touchdown to start the 3rd. Pittsburgh would try to stick with them, but after a 3rd missed kick from young K Dante DiBernardo, the coals were extinguished for Pittsburgh as the Thunder would add a touchdown to hold on for a win.
CANADA DAY
London Tigers - 26 @ Toronto Steelheads - 15 - Anderson Stadium - Sunday, July 1, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,873
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
6-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
6-8: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
13-8: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
3rd Q
13-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
13-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
20-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
23-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
26-15: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
The Tigers kicked off the Canada Day action by getting a bounce-back win in Toronto. K Nimrod Handsworth got to use his leg a lot more than last week, going 4/4 on attempts in the team’s win. QB Henry Johnsson and RB Jeremy Royal were steady in the backfield against a solid Toronto defence. QB Ryan Alexander and the Steelheads were less successful, only finding the endzone once in the opening quarter, before relying on K Frank Hughes for the remainder.
CANADA DAY
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Edmonton Rangers - 14 - Forest Heights Park - Sunday, July 1, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,441
1st Q
7-0: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
2nd Q
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
3rd Q
21-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-14: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
28-14: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q
Halifax would head out West for their Canada Day matchup, and make a bit of a statement against the Rangers. RB Axel Vandal continued to show off his talents, scoring 2 more touchdowns and hitting 121 rushing yards. QB Todd Sparrow also had a solid game, throwing 2 touchdowns. Edmonton’s offence still reached the endzone twice in the game, but the team played pretty sloppily in the loss.
CANADA DAY
Calgary Predators - 10 @ Ottawa Royals - 38 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, July 1, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,894
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
2nd Q
0-21: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
3rd Q
7-21: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
7-28: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
7-31: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
10-31: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-38: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez
The Royals put an exclamation point at the end of Canada, as they ran the Predators out of town in a 10-38 win. QB Drake Young and the offence continued to click as they found their rhythm early in the season. The defence also played a large role in containing the Wild West offence, only allowing 10 points, while DB Sergio Alvarez took back some points for the defence as well.
Injury Report
BUF: WR Tracy Driscoll - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
EDM: DB Corey Ross - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
HFX: DL Adam Thweatt - Groin Strain - 1 Week
HFX: OL Glenn Capson - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson - Pectoral Strain - 3 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Contusion - 1 Week
LDN: DL Matt Brown - Broken Bone - 6 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - Torn Muscle - 5 Weeks
LOU: QB Xerxes Wynn - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Matteo Neumayer - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MTL: RB Bo Frazier - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
PIT: LB Quinn Masters - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Ted Cole - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson - Cramping - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Millard Streety - High Ankle Sprain - 8 Weeks
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Axel Vandal HFX - 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 121 Rushing Yards
Vandal had a strong performance showing off his ability in a big win for the Mariners
DEF: LB Kurt Warlock PRO - 12 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
Warlock was all over the field in shutting down the Blue Wings in the team’s 2nd win of the season.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 2-0
Minnesota - 2-0
Edmonton - 1-1
Winnipeg - 1-1
Calgary - 0-2
Regina - 0-2
CENTRAL
London - 1-1
Louisville - 1-1
Toronto - 1-1
Buffalo - 0-2
Pittsburgh - 0-2
Indiana - 0-2
EAST
Ottawa - 2-0
Providence - 2-0
Montreal - 2-0
Boston - 1-1
Long Island - 1-1
Halifax - 1-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Boston -
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Montreal -
7 - Long Island -
8 - Louisville +1
9 - Pittsburgh -1
10 - London +1
11 - Buffalo -1
12 - Toronto -
13 - Calgary -
14 - Halifax +2
15 - Winnipeg -1
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 3 Games
LI (1-1) @ BOS (1-1) - JUL 4 - 5:00 PM ET - 4th of July
IND (0-2) @ LDN (1-1) - JUL 6 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (1-1) @ MTL (2-0) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
LOU (1-1) @ BUF (0-2) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
TOR (1-1) @ REG (0-2) - JUL 7 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (2-0) @ EDM (1-1) - JUL 7 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PRO (2-0) @ OTT (2-0) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (1-1) @ PIT (0-2) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
MIN (2-0) @ CGY (0-2) - JUL 8 - 4:30 PM ET
Roster Moves
BOS: DL Joseph Kerr | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: DL Greg Cox | Reserve List -> Active Roster
CGY: OL Killion Lane | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
CGY: OL Reshard Cross | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: LB William Washington II | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: LB Mick Pilgrim | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Nathan Murray-Lawrence | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Nathan Hackman | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: WR Remi Blanchet | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: WR Trent Kunard | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: LB Magnus Pearce | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: LB Nate Milton | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Buffalo Blue Wings - 10 @ Providence Gold Stars - 34 - New Providence Stadium - Friday, June 29, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 58,946
1st Q
0-7: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
0-14: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
0-21: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
7-21: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
7-24: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
10-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-27: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4th Q
10-34: PRO - DTD FUMR LB Kurt Warlock - FFUM LB Nathaniel Lovelady
The Gold Stars’ defence came out firing on all cylinders, creating multiple turnovers to help the offence take a staggering 0-14 lead. WR Justin Palmer would add to it to start the 2nd before Buffalo finally got on the scoreboard with a WR Jimmy Jack score. Providence coasted the rest only scoring 6 more points on offence. However, the defence wasn’t done when they would take a fumble back for a touchdown to extend their lead to 10-34.
The game was another disappointing result for Buffalo who dropped a second straight 2+ possession game and fall to 0-2 for just the 2nd time since 1963.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 6 @ Vancouver Wolves - 37 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, June 29, 1973 – 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,905
1st Q
0-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
0-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwodd -> WR Tristian Lewis
2nd Q
0-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
0-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
3rd Q
0-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-27: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-34: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
4th Q
6-34: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
6-37: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
Vancouver was all business when welcoming the Wheat Kings to town.
The Wolves ran out to a 0-24 first-half lead on the back of 3 passing touchdowns from QB Kevin Westwood. Then, in the second half, RB Chavez Arrington would flash his talent, taking a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Regina’s QB Stanley Evans made his first start back in Vancouver after having spent a couple of seasons as the team’s backup. Evans struggled in the loss, though still wasn’t as bad as last week only throwing 1 interception. QB Whit Johnson would get a chance to get some snaps in the 4th, as did QB Jerome Sheppard for the Wolves.
Indiana Victors - 9 @ Boston Independents - 31 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,102
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
2nd Q
0-14: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
3-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-17: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
6-24: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
6-31: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
9-31: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
After the 3-point loss to Providence to kick off the season, Boston bounced back with a dominant win over the Victors. Braddock had a couple of early touchdowns while RB Reggie Whitehead would find the endzone twice in the 2nd half. The defence was also solid as they brought back a couple of picks in the game.
QB Al Washington’s 2nd start was not much better than his first, struggling to get the offence moving against a solid Boston defence. However, they still got into scoring range more consistently than last week showing some promise.
Montreal Rouge - 31 @ Long Island Raiders - 24 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,366
1st Q
0-7: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
14-17: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
14-24: LI - RTD RB Rudy Saunders
17-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
4th Q
23-24: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
29-24: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
31-24: MTL - 2PT QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
With both teams coming off statement wins to start the season, the Rouge and Raiders would meet for an important early season divisional bout.
The Raiders would have the upper hand early in the game on the back of 2 touchdowns from QB Ivan Sanchez to take a 7-17 lead at halftime. In the second half, Montreal was able to slowly climb back into the game as QB Tom Applewhite would lead the comeback charge. RB Mark St-Pierre would score a critical touchdown in the 4th in relief for RB Bo Frazier, but a missed extra point would keep Long Island in front. A big stop from the Rouge defence would lead to a second chance where rookie WR Evan Moore would be the hero to give Montreal the win.
Winnipeg Falcons - 7 @ Minnesota Serpents - 35 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,006
1st Q
0-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
0-14: MIN - RTD RB George Seahorse
2nd Q
0-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Ferdinand Matthews
3rd Q
0-27: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
0-34: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
0-35: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
7-35: WPG - RTD RB Joshua Tomlinson
Winnipeg headed 7 hours south to Minneapolis to face the Serpents, and they were not welcomed kindly as the 3-time West Division champs pummelled Winnipeg. RBs Tyler Kuhn and George Seahorse would combine for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opening quarter. Minnesota would carry a 0-34 lead into the 4th before the backups came out. Former Falcon, QB Ulysses Lawyer would play the final quarter, while QB Mitchell Nash would get his first taste of NAAF action, leading a touchdown drive scored by rookie RB Joshua Tomlinson for his first.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 22 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, June 30, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,930
1st Q
6-0: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Justin Anger
6-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
2nd Q
12-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
12-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
3rd Q
12-15: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
13-15: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
4th Q
13-22: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
16-22: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
The two teams defeated by Montreal and Long Island both hoped to get their season back on track for Saturday Night Football. The Blacksmiths and Thunder had a back-and-forth, but surprisingly lower-scoring battle. Pittsburgh was able to take the lead into halftime, but the Louisville Captain, Casey Coleman, would come in clutch, getting back the lead with a touchdown to start the 3rd. Pittsburgh would try to stick with them, but after a 3rd missed kick from young K Dante DiBernardo, the coals were extinguished for Pittsburgh as the Thunder would add a touchdown to hold on for a win.
CANADA DAY
London Tigers - 26 @ Toronto Steelheads - 15 - Anderson Stadium - Sunday, July 1, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,873
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
6-7: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
2nd Q
6-8: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
13-8: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
3rd Q
13-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
13-14: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
20-14: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
4th Q
23-14: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
23-15: TOR - Single K Frank Hughes
26-15: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
The Tigers kicked off the Canada Day action by getting a bounce-back win in Toronto. K Nimrod Handsworth got to use his leg a lot more than last week, going 4/4 on attempts in the team’s win. QB Henry Johnsson and RB Jeremy Royal were steady in the backfield against a solid Toronto defence. QB Ryan Alexander and the Steelheads were less successful, only finding the endzone once in the opening quarter, before relying on K Frank Hughes for the remainder.
CANADA DAY
Halifax Mariners - 28 @ Edmonton Rangers - 14 - Forest Heights Park - Sunday, July 1, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 28,441
1st Q
7-0: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-7: EDM - RTD RB Howie Bowman
2nd Q
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Shane Steadman
3rd Q
21-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-14: EDM - PTD QB Mike Key -> WR Spencer Hicks
28-14: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Oliver Shephard
4th Q
Halifax would head out West for their Canada Day matchup, and make a bit of a statement against the Rangers. RB Axel Vandal continued to show off his talents, scoring 2 more touchdowns and hitting 121 rushing yards. QB Todd Sparrow also had a solid game, throwing 2 touchdowns. Edmonton’s offence still reached the endzone twice in the game, but the team played pretty sloppily in the loss.
CANADA DAY
Calgary Predators - 10 @ Ottawa Royals - 38 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, July 1, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,894
1st Q
0-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
0-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
2nd Q
0-21: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
3rd Q
7-21: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
7-28: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
7-31: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
4th Q
10-31: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
10-38: OTT - DTD INT DB Sergio Alvarez
The Royals put an exclamation point at the end of Canada, as they ran the Predators out of town in a 10-38 win. QB Drake Young and the offence continued to click as they found their rhythm early in the season. The defence also played a large role in containing the Wild West offence, only allowing 10 points, while DB Sergio Alvarez took back some points for the defence as well.
Injury Report
BUF: WR Tracy Driscoll - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
EDM: DB Corey Ross - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
HFX: DL Adam Thweatt - Groin Strain - 1 Week
HFX: OL Glenn Capson - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson - Pectoral Strain - 3 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Contusion - 1 Week
LDN: DL Matt Brown - Broken Bone - 6 Weeks
LDN: LB Reuben James - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: OL Martin Dashaw - Torn Muscle - 5 Weeks
LOU: QB Xerxes Wynn - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: LB Matteo Neumayer - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
MTL: RB Bo Frazier - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
PIT: LB Quinn Masters - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: S Jarrett Sutherland - Foot Injury - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Ted Cole - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
TOR: DL Irwin Anthonyson - Cramping - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Millard Streety - High Ankle Sprain - 8 Weeks
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
Vandal had a strong performance showing off his ability in a big win for the Mariners
Warlock was all over the field in shutting down the Blue Wings in the team’s 2nd win of the season.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 2-0
Minnesota - 2-0
Edmonton - 1-1
Winnipeg - 1-1
Calgary - 0-2
Regina - 0-2
CENTRAL
London - 1-1
Louisville - 1-1
Toronto - 1-1
Buffalo - 0-2
Pittsburgh - 0-2
Indiana - 0-2
EAST
Ottawa - 2-0
Providence - 2-0
Montreal - 2-0
Boston - 1-1
Long Island - 1-1
Halifax - 1-1
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Boston -
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Montreal -
7 - Long Island -
8 - Louisville +1
9 - Pittsburgh -1
10 - London +1
11 - Buffalo -1
12 - Toronto -
13 - Calgary -
14 - Halifax +2
15 - Winnipeg -1
16 - Indiana -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 3 Games
LI (1-1) @ BOS (1-1) - JUL 4 - 5:00 PM ET - 4th of July
IND (0-2) @ LDN (1-1) - JUL 6 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (1-1) @ MTL (2-0) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
LOU (1-1) @ BUF (0-2) - JUL 7 - 12:00 PM ET
TOR (1-1) @ REG (0-2) - JUL 7 - 3:30 PM ET
VAN (2-0) @ EDM (1-1) - JUL 7 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
PRO (2-0) @ OTT (2-0) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (1-1) @ PIT (0-2) - JUL 8 - 1:00 PM ET
MIN (2-0) @ CGY (0-2) - JUL 8 - 4:30 PM ET
1973 Week 3
Roster Moves
HFX: OL Glenn Capson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Aaron McAfee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: OL Daniel Stern | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DL Matt Brown | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DL Russell Lynch | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: OL Martin Dashaw | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: OL Peter Smith | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Millard Streety | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Gavin Brightman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
4TH OF JULY
Long Island Raiders - 33 @ Boston Independents - 26 - Richardson Stadium - Wednesday, July 4, 1973 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,971
1st Q
0-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-3: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
7-13: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
10-13: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-16: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
20-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
26-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
26-19: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
26-26: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
33-26: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
The Raiders and Independents had a classic full of fireworks for the 4th of July.
QB Ivan Sanchez led the way for the Raiders, throwing 4 touchdowns, including a game-winning dump to RB Scott Norton to get another all-important win to start the season.
Boston had a strong start to the game, taking a 10-16 lead into halftime, but after falling behind in the 3rd, Braddock needed to rally a comeback to tie the game late, however, the defence just could not hold up as the Raiders were able to sneak away with the win, leaving Boston with their second last-minute loss of the season.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Indiana Victors - 25 @ London Tigers - 30 - Western Fair Stadium - Friday, July 6, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,725
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
7-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
8-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-13: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
14-13: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
16-13: IND - 2PT RB Ronnie Byers
16-20: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
16-27: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Julius Drake
19-27: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
19-30: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
25-30: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Felix Fontaine
The Tigers welcomed the Victors to town for Friday Night Football.
After a slower first half, the offence picked up in the 2nd with the teams trading blows. Eventually, the Tigers would get out to a big 16-27 lead off of back-to-back touchdowns from Lloyd Lane and Julius Drake’s first as a Tiger.
Indiana showed a bit more life on offence after back-to-back slower games to start the season. QB Al Washington had a pair of touchdown passes in the loss as he maintains the starting job for now.
Halifax Mariners - 24 @ Montreal Rouge - 36 - Mount Royal Stadium - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 46,138
1st Q
0-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
7-3: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-4: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
7-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
14-14: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
14-21: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
3rd Q
14-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
21-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
4th Q
24-30: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
24-33: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
24-36: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
Montreal would get off to their 2nd 3-0 start in 3 years with a win over Halifax, but the Mariners didn’t go down without a fight.
The first half would see Halifax take the upper hand on the back of RB Axel Vandal and QB Todd Sparrow, but Montreal would get the lead near the end of the 2nd on WR Evan Moore’s 2nd of the season.
Montreal would start to pull away in the 2nd half with WR Antonio Villanueva’s first of the season, Halifax would still get a field goal in the 4th, but the Rouge were able to shut them down otherwise.
Louisville Thunder - 34 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 33 - Milton Charles Stadium - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 53,815
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
7-3: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
2nd Q
7-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Edward Washington
14-10: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
21-13: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
21-16: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-22: BUF - DTD FUM DL Ned Hedman
21-24: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
28-24: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
28-27: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
28-33: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
34-33: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
Buffalo and Louisville put on an exciting match that came down to the wire.
The two teams traded blows throughout the game. Buffalo generally trailed until the team got a big play from DL Ned Hedman would bat the ball out of QB Buck Murphy’s hands and then take it in for a score. Louisville was able to bounce back on the next drive to regain the lead.
In the final quarter, Buffalo would put up a field goal, before RB Jasper Dickerson would give them the late lead going up 28-33. A missed 2-point attempt would give Louisville a chance to take the lead and they would do just that as Murphy led the team down the field to score the go-ahead touchdown sealing a narrow win on the road.
With the loss, Buffalo begins the season 0-3 for the first time since 1961.
Toronto Steelheads - 23 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 17 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 13,904
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
6-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
3rd Q
6-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-10: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Cameron Kane
16-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
23-10: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
23-17: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
Toronto captured their second win of the season on the back of their defence who kept Regina at bay throughout the game. Offensively, QB Ryan Alexander would start to get more comfortable, throwing his first touchdown of the season to WR Cameron Kane.
Despite Toronto’s strong defence, Regina had their best offensive day of the season finally eclipsing 7 points, putting up 17. Rookie WR Colt Robbins would get more snaps in the 4th and turned it into a touchdown that kept Regina alive for a moment.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 21 @ Edmonton Rangers - 8 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,377
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
14-0: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
14-1: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
21-1: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
4th Q
21-8: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
Vancouver’s early defensive dominance continued as they visited Edmonton for Saturday Night Football. The defence only allowed a single point in the first 3 quarters, before a late RB Gary Hubbard touchdown broke the Rangers’ silence. The Wolves’ defence leads the league this season having only allowed 21 points in the first 3 games. The offence was also consistent with Westwood tossing another pair of touchdowns.
Edmonton was no match for the Wolves. Any moment they got a little momentum, the Wolves' defence would just tighten up and force them to punt or turn the ball over.
Providence Gold Stars - 21 @ Ottawa Royals - 19 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,010
1st Q
0-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
7-3: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
10-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
10-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
11-13: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
18-13: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
4th Q
18-19: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
21-19: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
A super important matchup between Ottawa and Providence would take Sunday afternoon.
The two contenders would have a relatively defensive first half with Providence coming out in front 10-6, but an early 3rd quarter touchdown would give them the 10-13 lead.
Providence would miss a field goal shortly after for a single, but then King would lead a touchdown drive the next time out to hold a lead going into the 4th.
Providence’s defence tried to hold off the Royals, but Ottawa eventually managed to take the lead when a beautiful throw from QB Drake Young found WR Sterling Underhill in double coverage to take back the lead. Unfortunately for the Royals, they would miss the 2-point attempt leaving Providence with enough time for a field goal drive. King would lead them down the field and eventually win the game to start the year 3-0 once again and maintain his unbeaten streak of, now, 20 games.
Winnipeg Falcons - 13 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 43 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Sunday, July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,202
1st Q
3-0: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
3-14: PIT - DTD FUMR DL Arthur Bradshaw - FFUM DL Matthias Hartmann
3-21: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3-27: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
3rd Q
3-34: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
3-37: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
6-37: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
6-43: PIT - RTD RB Alain Ducharme
13-43: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Juwan Sylvester
Pittsburgh started the season 0-2 last year before getting a win over Winnipeg in Week 3. One year later, they repeated history by destroying the Falcons with a monster 13-43 win. The Falcons did manage to have the first lead of the game up 3-0, but then Pittsburgh would rattle off the next 37 points on the back of RB Max Tracy, QB Louis Vaughn, and a defensive score. The 4th quarter would see backups get into the game with QB Magnus Torrensen leading the way for Pittsburgh and QB Mitchell Nash for Winnipeg. Nash would show off his arm talent by hitting WR Juwan Sylvester for a 67-yard touchdown, which may bring some hope to the Falcons for the future.
Minnesota Serpents - 39 @ Calgary Predators - 14 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Sunday, July 8, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,813
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
7-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
2nd Q
14-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
17-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
20-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
20-13: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
23-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
29-13: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
29-14: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
36-14: MIN - INT DTD DB Chandler Gage
39-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Serpents and Predators seemed evenly matched to start the game, with the teams tied at 7 after the first. However, Minnesota started to pull away in the second with 13 unanswered points.
Calgary showed a little life to start the 2nd half, but that would be all but washed out when QB Emmitt Jackson would take a hit leaving him a little dazed. QB Mitch Boland would replace him.
From there, Minnesota would control the rest of the game, capturing a 2nd straight dominant win.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: OL Mason Fitzpatrick - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - Contusion - 1 Week
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - Severe Hamstring Tear - 8 Weeks
IND: DB Oswald Martell - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
IND: S Derrick Fayden - Contusion - 1 Week
IND: S Jeff Labrie - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Byron Seabrooke - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
LOU: DB Aquilio Ruiz - Foot Injury - 4 Weeks
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
OTT: DL Skip Chambray - Foot Injury - 5 Weeks
PIT: DB Zed McLaughlin - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Archie Matthews - Pectoral Strain - 6 Weeks
PRO: OL Alanzo Tofflers - Shoulder Injury - 1 Week
REG: QB Jesse Essex - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
REG: DB Madison McGee - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Pete Gingers - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
VAN: DB Christian Allen - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
VAN: OL David Brewington - Hip Injury - 4 Weeks
WPG: RB Joshua Tomlinson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Ivan Sanchez LI - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 342 Passing Yards
Sanchez showed that he’s still the guy in Long Island, throwing for 4 touchdowns in a big win over Boston.
DEF: DL Reuben James LDN - 11 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Defended
James has been a consistent force for the Tigers and finally earns a POTW honour.
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 3-0
Vancouver - 3-0
Edmonton - 1-2
Winnipeg - 1-2
Regina - 0-3
Calgary - 0-3
CENTRAL
London - 2-1
Louisville - 2-1
Toronto - 2-1
Pittsburgh - 1-2
Buffalo - 0-3
Indiana - 0-3
EAST
Montreal - 3-0
Providence - 3-0
Ottawa - 2-1
Long Island - 2-1
Boston - 1-2
Halifax - 1-2
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Montreal +2
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Long Island +1
7 - Boston -3
8 - Louisville -
9 - Pittsburgh -
10 - London -
11 - Toronto +1
12 - Buffalo -1
13 - Halifax +1
14 - Calgary -1
15 - Indiana +1
16 - Winnipeg -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 4 Games
REG (0-3) @ WPG (1-2) - JUL 13 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LDN (2-1) @ HFX (1-2) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
BOS (1-2) @ LI (2-1) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
EDM (1-2) @ MIN (3-0) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
BUF (0-3) @ CGY (0-3) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
TOR (2-1) @ OTT (2-1) - JUL 14 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LOU (2-1) @ PIT (1-2) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (3-0) @ MTL (3-0) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (3-0) @ IND (0-3) - JUL 15 - 4:30 PM ET
Roster Moves
HFX: OL Glenn Capson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Aaron McAfee | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: OL Mackens Stevenson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: OL Daniel Stern | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: DL Matt Brown | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: DL Russell Lynch | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: OL Martin Dashaw | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: OL Peter Smith | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Millard Streety | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Gavin Brightman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
4TH OF JULY
Long Island Raiders - 33 @ Boston Independents - 26 - Richardson Stadium - Wednesday, July 4, 1973 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,971
1st Q
0-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
7-3: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
7-6: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
2nd Q
7-13: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
10-13: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-16: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
20-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
26-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
26-19: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
26-26: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
33-26: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> RB Scott Norton
The Raiders and Independents had a classic full of fireworks for the 4th of July.
QB Ivan Sanchez led the way for the Raiders, throwing 4 touchdowns, including a game-winning dump to RB Scott Norton to get another all-important win to start the season.
Boston had a strong start to the game, taking a 10-16 lead into halftime, but after falling behind in the 3rd, Braddock needed to rally a comeback to tie the game late, however, the defence just could not hold up as the Raiders were able to sneak away with the win, leaving Boston with their second last-minute loss of the season.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Indiana Victors - 25 @ London Tigers - 30 - Western Fair Stadium - Friday, July 6, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,725
1st Q
0-3: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
7-3: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
2nd Q
7-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
8-10: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
8-13: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3rd Q
14-13: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
16-13: IND - 2PT RB Ronnie Byers
16-20: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
16-27: LDN - PTD QB Henry Johnsson -> WR Julius Drake
19-27: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
19-30: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
25-30: IND - PTD QB Al Washington -> WR Felix Fontaine
The Tigers welcomed the Victors to town for Friday Night Football.
After a slower first half, the offence picked up in the 2nd with the teams trading blows. Eventually, the Tigers would get out to a big 16-27 lead off of back-to-back touchdowns from Lloyd Lane and Julius Drake’s first as a Tiger.
Indiana showed a bit more life on offence after back-to-back slower games to start the season. QB Al Washington had a pair of touchdown passes in the loss as he maintains the starting job for now.
Halifax Mariners - 24 @ Montreal Rouge - 36 - Mount Royal Stadium - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 46,138
1st Q
0-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
7-3: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
7-4: MTL - Single K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
7-7: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
14-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> TE Brandon McPhail
14-14: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
14-21: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Evan Moore
3rd Q
14-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
21-24: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
21-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
4th Q
24-30: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
24-33: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
24-36: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
Montreal would get off to their 2nd 3-0 start in 3 years with a win over Halifax, but the Mariners didn’t go down without a fight.
The first half would see Halifax take the upper hand on the back of RB Axel Vandal and QB Todd Sparrow, but Montreal would get the lead near the end of the 2nd on WR Evan Moore’s 2nd of the season.
Montreal would start to pull away in the 2nd half with WR Antonio Villanueva’s first of the season, Halifax would still get a field goal in the 4th, but the Rouge were able to shut them down otherwise.
Louisville Thunder - 34 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 33 - Milton Charles Stadium - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy/Windy - Attendance: 53,815
1st Q
0-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
7-3: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
2nd Q
7-10: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Edward Washington
14-10: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-13: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
3rd Q
21-13: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
21-16: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
21-22: BUF - DTD FUM DL Ned Hedman
21-24: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
28-24: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
4th Q
28-27: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
28-33: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
34-33: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
Buffalo and Louisville put on an exciting match that came down to the wire.
The two teams traded blows throughout the game. Buffalo generally trailed until the team got a big play from DL Ned Hedman would bat the ball out of QB Buck Murphy’s hands and then take it in for a score. Louisville was able to bounce back on the next drive to regain the lead.
In the final quarter, Buffalo would put up a field goal, before RB Jasper Dickerson would give them the late lead going up 28-33. A missed 2-point attempt would give Louisville a chance to take the lead and they would do just that as Murphy led the team down the field to score the go-ahead touchdown sealing a narrow win on the road.
With the loss, Buffalo begins the season 0-3 for the first time since 1961.
Toronto Steelheads - 23 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 17 - Broad Street Stadium - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM CST - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 13,904
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
6-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-7: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
3rd Q
6-10: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
13-10: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Cameron Kane
16-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
4th Q
23-10: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
23-17: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
Toronto captured their second win of the season on the back of their defence who kept Regina at bay throughout the game. Offensively, QB Ryan Alexander would start to get more comfortable, throwing his first touchdown of the season to WR Cameron Kane.
Despite Toronto’s strong defence, Regina had their best offensive day of the season finally eclipsing 7 points, putting up 17. Rookie WR Colt Robbins would get more snaps in the 4th and turned it into a touchdown that kept Regina alive for a moment.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Vancouver Wolves - 21 @ Edmonton Rangers - 8 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, July 7, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/5:00 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,377
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
14-0: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
3rd Q
14-1: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
21-1: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
4th Q
21-8: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
Vancouver’s early defensive dominance continued as they visited Edmonton for Saturday Night Football. The defence only allowed a single point in the first 3 quarters, before a late RB Gary Hubbard touchdown broke the Rangers’ silence. The Wolves’ defence leads the league this season having only allowed 21 points in the first 3 games. The offence was also consistent with Westwood tossing another pair of touchdowns.
Edmonton was no match for the Wolves. Any moment they got a little momentum, the Wolves' defence would just tighten up and force them to punt or turn the ball over.
Providence Gold Stars - 21 @ Ottawa Royals - 19 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,010
1st Q
0-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
7-3: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
2nd Q
10-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
10-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3rd Q
10-13: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
11-13: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
18-13: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
4th Q
18-19: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
21-19: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
A super important matchup between Ottawa and Providence would take Sunday afternoon.
The two contenders would have a relatively defensive first half with Providence coming out in front 10-6, but an early 3rd quarter touchdown would give them the 10-13 lead.
Providence would miss a field goal shortly after for a single, but then King would lead a touchdown drive the next time out to hold a lead going into the 4th.
Providence’s defence tried to hold off the Royals, but Ottawa eventually managed to take the lead when a beautiful throw from QB Drake Young found WR Sterling Underhill in double coverage to take back the lead. Unfortunately for the Royals, they would miss the 2-point attempt leaving Providence with enough time for a field goal drive. King would lead them down the field and eventually win the game to start the year 3-0 once again and maintain his unbeaten streak of, now, 20 games.
Winnipeg Falcons - 13 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 43 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Sunday, July 8, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,202
1st Q
3-0: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3-7: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
3-14: PIT - DTD FUMR DL Arthur Bradshaw - FFUM DL Matthias Hartmann
3-21: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
3-27: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
3rd Q
3-34: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Taylor Austin
3-37: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
6-37: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
6-43: PIT - RTD RB Alain Ducharme
13-43: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Juwan Sylvester
Pittsburgh started the season 0-2 last year before getting a win over Winnipeg in Week 3. One year later, they repeated history by destroying the Falcons with a monster 13-43 win. The Falcons did manage to have the first lead of the game up 3-0, but then Pittsburgh would rattle off the next 37 points on the back of RB Max Tracy, QB Louis Vaughn, and a defensive score. The 4th quarter would see backups get into the game with QB Magnus Torrensen leading the way for Pittsburgh and QB Mitchell Nash for Winnipeg. Nash would show off his arm talent by hitting WR Juwan Sylvester for a 67-yard touchdown, which may bring some hope to the Falcons for the future.
Minnesota Serpents - 39 @ Calgary Predators - 14 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Sunday, July 8, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 27,813
1st Q
7-0: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
7-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
2nd Q
14-7: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
17-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
20-7: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
20-13: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
23-13: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
29-13: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
29-14: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
36-14: MIN - INT DTD DB Chandler Gage
39-14: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
The Serpents and Predators seemed evenly matched to start the game, with the teams tied at 7 after the first. However, Minnesota started to pull away in the second with 13 unanswered points.
Calgary showed a little life to start the 2nd half, but that would be all but washed out when QB Emmitt Jackson would take a hit leaving him a little dazed. QB Mitch Boland would replace him.
From there, Minnesota would control the rest of the game, capturing a 2nd straight dominant win.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
BUF: DB Ezra Power - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
CGY: QB Emmitt Jackson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
CGY: DL Robert Westminster - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: OL Mason Fitzpatrick - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
HFX: LB Frederic Macnamara - Contusion - 1 Week
HFX: S Sampson Wendel - Severe Hamstring Tear - 8 Weeks
IND: DB Oswald Martell - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
IND: S Derrick Fayden - Contusion - 1 Week
IND: S Jeff Labrie - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Marshall Langenbrunner - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
LDN: LB Byron Seabrooke - Cramping - Day-to-Day
LI: DL Dallas Breaker - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
LOU: DB Aquilio Ruiz - Foot Injury - 4 Weeks
MTL: LB Jean-Christophe Bain - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
OTT: DL Skip Chambray - Foot Injury - 5 Weeks
PIT: DB Zed McLaughlin - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Archie Matthews - Pectoral Strain - 6 Weeks
PRO: OL Alanzo Tofflers - Shoulder Injury - 1 Week
REG: QB Jesse Essex - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
REG: DB Madison McGee - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
REG: DL Pete Gingers - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
VAN: DB Christian Allen - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
VAN: OL David Brewington - Hip Injury - 4 Weeks
WPG: RB Joshua Tomlinson - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
Players of the Week
Sanchez showed that he’s still the guy in Long Island, throwing for 4 touchdowns in a big win over Boston.
James has been a consistent force for the Tigers and finally earns a POTW honour.
Standings
WEST
Minnesota - 3-0
Vancouver - 3-0
Edmonton - 1-2
Winnipeg - 1-2
Regina - 0-3
Calgary - 0-3
CENTRAL
London - 2-1
Louisville - 2-1
Toronto - 2-1
Pittsburgh - 1-2
Buffalo - 0-3
Indiana - 0-3
EAST
Montreal - 3-0
Providence - 3-0
Ottawa - 2-1
Long Island - 2-1
Boston - 1-2
Halifax - 1-2
Power Rankings
1 - Providence -
2 - Vancouver -
3 - Minnesota -
4 - Montreal +2
5 - Ottawa -
6 - Long Island +1
7 - Boston -3
8 - Louisville -
9 - Pittsburgh -
10 - London -
11 - Toronto +1
12 - Buffalo -1
13 - Halifax +1
14 - Calgary -1
15 - Indiana +1
16 - Winnipeg -1
17 - Edmonton -
18 - Regina -
Week 4 Games
REG (0-3) @ WPG (1-2) - JUL 13 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LDN (2-1) @ HFX (1-2) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
BOS (1-2) @ LI (2-1) - JUL 14 - 12:00 PM ET
EDM (1-2) @ MIN (3-0) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
BUF (0-3) @ CGY (0-3) - JUL 14 - 3:30 PM ET
TOR (2-1) @ OTT (2-1) - JUL 14 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
LOU (2-1) @ PIT (1-2) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
PRO (3-0) @ MTL (3-0) - JUL 15 - 1:00 PM ET
VAN (3-0) @ IND (0-3) - JUL 15 - 4:30 PM ET
BREAKING NEWS
MONTREAL AND BISHOP AGREE TO PART WAYS
Right before the season began, the Rouge suspended Gene Bishop indefinitely because the quarterback did not show up to training camp. Bishop finally arrived at the team’s building, but only to negotiate a contract termination. Montreal had been unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, so they agreed to mutually part ways, terminating the final year of the contract.
With the contract being terminated, the Rouge will not have Bishop’s salary count towards the salary cap. Allowing Montreal to add to the roster if needed. For Bishop, he is free to sign with any team, making him a full free agent. However, he will be placed on Waivers prior to the contract termination and other teams will have a chance to pick him up. That being said, it is unlikely any teams will want to take on the contract.
As the season goes on, many expect Bishop to be one of the first quarterbacks to be called if a team loses a quarterback due to injury during the season. For now, the veteran will wait for an opportunity.
MONTREAL AND BISHOP AGREE TO PART WAYS
Right before the season began, the Rouge suspended Gene Bishop indefinitely because the quarterback did not show up to training camp. Bishop finally arrived at the team’s building, but only to negotiate a contract termination. Montreal had been unsuccessful in finding a trade partner, so they agreed to mutually part ways, terminating the final year of the contract.
With the contract being terminated, the Rouge will not have Bishop’s salary count towards the salary cap. Allowing Montreal to add to the roster if needed. For Bishop, he is free to sign with any team, making him a full free agent. However, he will be placed on Waivers prior to the contract termination and other teams will have a chance to pick him up. That being said, it is unlikely any teams will want to take on the contract.
As the season goes on, many expect Bishop to be one of the first quarterbacks to be called if a team loses a quarterback due to injury during the season. For now, the veteran will wait for an opportunity.
1973 Week 4
Roster Moves
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: WR Raul Creek | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: S Sampson Wendel | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: DB Samuel McCann | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Gene Bishop | Suspended -> Waivers (Contract Termination)
OTT: DL Skip Chambray | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: DL Chuck Thomas | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: LB Archie Matthews | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: LB Ben Morstand | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL David Brewington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Clyde O'Neil | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 25 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 9 - Provencher Park - Friday, July 13, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 23,393
1st Q
7-0: REG - DTD FUMR LB Dallas Rush - FFUM DL Butcher Callahan
7-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
14-3: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
2nd Q
3rd Q
21-3: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
21-6: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
22-6: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
25-6: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
25-9: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
A Friday Night showdown was an opportunity for the two prairie rivals to get their seasons back on track. Regina got the upper hand early with a fumble returned for a touchdown by former Falcons’ LB Dallas Rush. WR Colt Robbins would score shortly after to make it 14-3, which would hold until the break.
Regina would add to their lead to start the 3rd and Winnipeg just could not get much going offensively and QB Emerson Thompson had 3 interceptions in the game. QB Mitchell Nash made his 3rd consecutive appearance in the 4th, which leads a few to wonder if he will take over the starting duties soon.
Regina holds on for their first win of the season.
London Tigers - 19 @ Halifax Mariners - 20 - Atlantic Stadium - Friday, July 14, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,708
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Jav Kerrigan
2nd Q
3-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
10-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
13-10: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
13-17: HFX - RTD RB Rene Lyons
4th Q
16-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
19-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
19-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
The Mariners have been competitive so far this season, and they showed it again taking on the Tigers. QB Todd Sparrow had the offence moving in the first half to take a 3-10 lead. The Tigers took back some momentum in the 3rd with a RB Jeremy Royal touchdown, but it was quickly lost when QB Henry Johnsson left the game with a torn muscle. QB Tyrion Gainsborough replaced him and led the Tigers back into the lead in the 4th after Halifax had scored another touchdown. Ultimately, it was Sparrow’s turn to play hero and would lead the Mariners down the field to kick a field goal and secure their second win of the season.
Boston Independents - 27 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,334
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-3: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3-6: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
3-9: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-9: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
13-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-23: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
20-23: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
27-23: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
27-30: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
The rematch of the 4th of July game would see another close battle between the Independents and Raiders. The Raiders had a 3-9 lead in the 2nd, but Boston regained it on a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown. The Raiders would answer back with a touchdown to TE Eric Peterson, his 3rd score in the last two weeks. The Raiders extended their lead in the 2nd half with a Frank Drysdale touchdown, but then Boston bounced back with back-to-back scores to take a 27-23 lead in the 4th. QB Ivan Sanchez, under the rejuvenated guidance of HC Levi Bray, would not be denied however, as they would go down for a clutch touchdown drive to secure their second straight win over Boston.
Edmonton Rangers - 21 @ Minnesota Serpents - 18 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 49,942
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
10-0: EDM - DTD INT DB Eddie Brink
10-1: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
2nd Q
13-1: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
13-8: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
13-11: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
14-11: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
21-11: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
21-18: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
Edmonton rolled into Minnesota and shocked the unbeaten Serpents to get their 2nd win of the season.
Minnesota did not do themselves any favours as QB Martin Keller threw a horrendous pick to DB Eddie Brink to allow Edmonton to jump out to a quick 10-0 lead. More turnovers and just ineffective play calling led to Minnesota’s offence sputtering all game. They still managed to stay with Edmonton but never gained the lead.
The Rangers still earned some credit with a feisty defence and solid offensive play to keep them out in front. The sturdy run game was instrumental in getting the ball moving, and the Rangers were able to rely on it due to holding the lead.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 19 @ Calgary Predators - 30 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 29,975
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
0-14: CGY - PTD QB Mitch Boland -> WR Jimmy Potter
2nd Q
0-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
7-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Owen Paisley
3rd Q
7-24: CGY - KRTD RB Buck Wilde
8-24: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
11-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
11-27: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
17-27: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
19-27: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
19-30: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
The battle of two shockingly winless teams would see the Predators, who were without starting QB Emmitt Jackson, top the struggling Blue Wings.
QB Mitch Boland drew the start for Calgary and had a solid outing, leading Calgary to a solid 0-17 lead with the help of the defence. RB Buck Wilde would make a name for himself to open the 2nd half allowing Calgary to get further ahead.
Buffalo finally started to put it together in the 4th, with QB Charles Lemieux getting the team back in the endzone and make it a one-score game, but they just ran out of juice at the end and Calgary was able to hold on.
Buffalo’s shocking 0-4 start is now the worst start the team has had in the NAAF.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 13 @ Ottawa Royals - 24 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,964
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
3-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
3-11: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
3rd Q
6-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-14: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
4th Q
13-21: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
13-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
To close out Saturday’s action, the Steelheads would head up to the Nation’s Capital to take on the Royals.
The defences kept the game close in the opening quarter, but then former Steelheads’ WR Sterling Underhill would get through for a touchdown in the 2nd, allowing Ottawa to take a 3-11 lead going into halftime.
Underhill would double-dip with his 2nd touchdown in the 3rd, giving Ottawa a commanding lead. Toronto was able to get a touchdown back with WR Alex Browne Sr.’s first as a Steelhead, but they were just too far behind as the Royals captured a big win.
Louisville Thunder - 24 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 18 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Sunday, July 15, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,325
1st Q
0-3: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
0-4: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
7-4: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
14-4: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-5: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
17-5: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
17-12: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
4th Q
24-12: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
24-18: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
The Thunder would beat the Blacksmiths again in the rematch of the Week 2 bout.
QB Buck Murphy was solid throughout, tossing 3 touchdowns, two of which were to WR Ben Graham who had replaced WR Casey Coleman at WR1 due to injury.
The Blacksmiths sputtered in the first half as QB Louis Vaughn was having trouble moving the offence and K Dante DiBernardo continued his kicking woes. They got a little bit going in the 2nd half, but they were playing from too far behind as the Thunder held on to take over 1st place in the Central while the Blacksmiths slipped to another 1-3 start.
Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Montreal Rouge - 23 - Mount Royal Stadium - Sunday, July 15, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,428
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3-10: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
10-10: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
13-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
16-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
16-17: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
22-17: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
22-23: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
For the second consecutive week the Gold Stars put their unbeaten season on the line against another unbeaten East Division rival, but this time they would not get lucky as the Rouge would get a big win over the defending champs.
The game was back-and-forth, with both defences and offences making big plays. Providence managed to get an upper hand in the third with a 16-10 lead, but a RB Bo Frazier touchdown would shift the game back into Montreal’s favour.
In the 4th, Providence would regain the lead on a RB Tresean Jones touchdown. They would go for two to make it a 7-point game but failed with DB Lamar Brown batting away the pass attempt. Montreal then answered back with a long drive, ending in a WR Antonio Villanueva touchdown as he wrestled off two tacklers to get into the endzone, securing a narrow 1-point win.
The loss ended quarterback Red King’s 20-game win streak as a starter and marked his first loss since September 4, 1971.
Vancouver Wolves - 41 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - Sunday, July 15, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 39,111
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
14-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
21-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
28-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
28-7: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
3rd Q
35-7: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
35-8: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
38-8: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
38-11: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
41-11: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
QB Kevin Westwood lit up Victory Stadium in the first half, throwing for 4 touchdowns as the Wolves’ offence torched the rebuilding Victors.
Westwood managed 245 passing yards in the first half, eventually reaching 302 before sitting in the 4th. Rookie RB Chavez Arrington also made an impact with his 2nd kick return touchdown of the season on a Victors’ punt.
Indiana’s day was all over the place, they did manage a touchdown in the first half, but they would lose their QB, Al Washington, to a torn muscle in his throwing arm. QB Nathan Houle would debut as a Victor to replace him, showing no signs of pain from his knee injury for last season. Houle was okay in relief, but the game was far out of reach when he got into the action.
Injury Report
BOS: TE Rénald Longuepee - Sports Hernia - 12 Weeks
BOS: LB Byron Turner - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
BUF: TE Sid Sydney - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Charles Schwartz - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
CGY: DB Scott Summerhayes - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
EDM: LB Rhett Bradberry - Knee Swelling - 5 Weeks
HFX: WR Jav Kerrigan - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
HFX: DL Bernard King - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: RB Axel Vandal - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Corey Briggs - Knee Swelling - 3 Weeks
IND: WR Otto Washington - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
IND: DL Eugene Case - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
IND: QB Al Washington - Torn Muscle - 8 Weeks
LDN: QB Henry Johnsson - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
LDN: WR Cole Fletcher - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
LDN: DB Bernard Wilkins - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
LI: LB Tyrone Dye - Contusion - 1 Week
LOU: DL Carl Hogg - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
LOU: WR Casey Coleman - Hand Injury - 1 Week
MIN: LB Earl Featherstonhaugh - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
MIN: OL Elias McCarren - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
OTT: OL Randall McCutchan - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Yuri Dragunov - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Emil Jennings - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Contusion - 1 Week
REG: OL Ian Robertson - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
REG: S Benny Preston - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
REG: RB Alex Herbco - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Don Shred - Dislocated Shoulder - 10 Weeks
VAN: OL Ken Kennedy - Minor Shoulder Injury - 3 Weeks
VAN: LB Shawn Anderson - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Kevin Westwood VAN - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 302 Passing Yards
Roster Moves
BOS: WR Tyreek Flores | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: WR Raul Creek | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: S Sampson Wendel | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: DB Samuel McCann | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: QB Gene Bishop | Suspended -> Waivers (Contract Termination)
OTT: DL Skip Chambray | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
OTT: DL Chuck Thomas | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PIT: LB Archie Matthews | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
PIT: LB Ben Morstand | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: OL David Brewington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: OL Clyde O'Neil | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Regina Wheat Kings - 25 @ Winnipeg Falcons - 9 - Provencher Park - Friday, July 13, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 23,393
1st Q
7-0: REG - DTD FUMR LB Dallas Rush - FFUM DL Butcher Callahan
7-3: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
14-3: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
2nd Q
3rd Q
21-3: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
21-6: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
22-6: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
25-6: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
25-9: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
A Friday Night showdown was an opportunity for the two prairie rivals to get their seasons back on track. Regina got the upper hand early with a fumble returned for a touchdown by former Falcons’ LB Dallas Rush. WR Colt Robbins would score shortly after to make it 14-3, which would hold until the break.
Regina would add to their lead to start the 3rd and Winnipeg just could not get much going offensively and QB Emerson Thompson had 3 interceptions in the game. QB Mitchell Nash made his 3rd consecutive appearance in the 4th, which leads a few to wonder if he will take over the starting duties soon.
Regina holds on for their first win of the season.
London Tigers - 19 @ Halifax Mariners - 20 - Atlantic Stadium - Friday, July 14, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET/1:00 PM AT - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 23,708
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-7: HFX - PTD QB Todd Sparrow -> WR Jav Kerrigan
2nd Q
3-10: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
3rd Q
10-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
13-10: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
13-17: HFX - RTD RB Rene Lyons
4th Q
16-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
19-17: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
19-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
The Mariners have been competitive so far this season, and they showed it again taking on the Tigers. QB Todd Sparrow had the offence moving in the first half to take a 3-10 lead. The Tigers took back some momentum in the 3rd with a RB Jeremy Royal touchdown, but it was quickly lost when QB Henry Johnsson left the game with a torn muscle. QB Tyrion Gainsborough replaced him and led the Tigers back into the lead in the 4th after Halifax had scored another touchdown. Ultimately, it was Sparrow’s turn to play hero and would lead the Mariners down the field to kick a field goal and secure their second win of the season.
Boston Independents - 27 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - Long Island Stadium - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,334
1st Q
3-0: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-3: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3-6: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
3-9: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-9: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
10-16: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
13-16: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
13-23: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
20-23: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
4th Q
27-23: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Edward Webb
27-30: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
The rematch of the 4th of July game would see another close battle between the Independents and Raiders. The Raiders had a 3-9 lead in the 2nd, but Boston regained it on a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown. The Raiders would answer back with a touchdown to TE Eric Peterson, his 3rd score in the last two weeks. The Raiders extended their lead in the 2nd half with a Frank Drysdale touchdown, but then Boston bounced back with back-to-back scores to take a 27-23 lead in the 4th. QB Ivan Sanchez, under the rejuvenated guidance of HC Levi Bray, would not be denied however, as they would go down for a clutch touchdown drive to secure their second straight win over Boston.
Edmonton Rangers - 21 @ Minnesota Serpents - 18 - Midgard Stadium - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/2:30 PM CT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 49,942
1st Q
3-0: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
10-0: EDM - DTD INT DB Eddie Brink
10-1: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
2nd Q
13-1: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
13-8: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
13-11: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
14-11: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
4th Q
21-11: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
21-18: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
Edmonton rolled into Minnesota and shocked the unbeaten Serpents to get their 2nd win of the season.
Minnesota did not do themselves any favours as QB Martin Keller threw a horrendous pick to DB Eddie Brink to allow Edmonton to jump out to a quick 10-0 lead. More turnovers and just ineffective play calling led to Minnesota’s offence sputtering all game. They still managed to stay with Edmonton but never gained the lead.
The Rangers still earned some credit with a feisty defence and solid offensive play to keep them out in front. The sturdy run game was instrumental in getting the ball moving, and the Rangers were able to rely on it due to holding the lead.
Buffalo Blue Wings - 19 @ Calgary Predators - 30 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 29,975
1st Q
0-7: CGY - RTD RB Rocco Peaks
0-14: CGY - PTD QB Mitch Boland -> WR Jimmy Potter
2nd Q
0-17: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
7-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Owen Paisley
3rd Q
7-24: CGY - KRTD RB Buck Wilde
8-24: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
11-24: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
11-27: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
17-27: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Jimmy Jack
19-27: BUF - 2PT RB Jasper Dickerson
19-30: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
The battle of two shockingly winless teams would see the Predators, who were without starting QB Emmitt Jackson, top the struggling Blue Wings.
QB Mitch Boland drew the start for Calgary and had a solid outing, leading Calgary to a solid 0-17 lead with the help of the defence. RB Buck Wilde would make a name for himself to open the 2nd half allowing Calgary to get further ahead.
Buffalo finally started to put it together in the 4th, with QB Charles Lemieux getting the team back in the endzone and make it a one-score game, but they just ran out of juice at the end and Calgary was able to hold on.
Buffalo’s shocking 0-4 start is now the worst start the team has had in the NAAF.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Toronto Steelheads - 13 @ Ottawa Royals - 24 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Saturday, July 14, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 44,964
1st Q
3-0: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
3-3: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
2nd Q
3-10: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
3-11: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
3rd Q
6-11: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
6-14: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
6-21: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
4th Q
13-21: TOR - PTD QB Ryan Alexander -> WR Alex Browne Sr.
13-24: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
To close out Saturday’s action, the Steelheads would head up to the Nation’s Capital to take on the Royals.
The defences kept the game close in the opening quarter, but then former Steelheads’ WR Sterling Underhill would get through for a touchdown in the 2nd, allowing Ottawa to take a 3-11 lead going into halftime.
Underhill would double-dip with his 2nd touchdown in the 3rd, giving Ottawa a commanding lead. Toronto was able to get a touchdown back with WR Alex Browne Sr.’s first as a Steelhead, but they were just too far behind as the Royals captured a big win.
Louisville Thunder - 24 @ Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 18 - Riverfront Stadium of Pittsburgh - Sunday, July 15, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 48,325
1st Q
0-3: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
0-4: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
7-4: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
2nd Q
14-4: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
14-5: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
17-5: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
17-12: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
4th Q
24-12: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
24-18: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
The Thunder would beat the Blacksmiths again in the rematch of the Week 2 bout.
QB Buck Murphy was solid throughout, tossing 3 touchdowns, two of which were to WR Ben Graham who had replaced WR Casey Coleman at WR1 due to injury.
The Blacksmiths sputtered in the first half as QB Louis Vaughn was having trouble moving the offence and K Dante DiBernardo continued his kicking woes. They got a little bit going in the 2nd half, but they were playing from too far behind as the Thunder held on to take over 1st place in the Central while the Blacksmiths slipped to another 1-3 start.
Providence Gold Stars - 22 @ Montreal Rouge - 23 - Mount Royal Stadium - Sunday, July 15, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 46,428
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
3-10: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
2nd Q
10-10: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
13-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3rd Q
16-10: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
16-17: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
4th Q
22-17: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
22-23: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
For the second consecutive week the Gold Stars put their unbeaten season on the line against another unbeaten East Division rival, but this time they would not get lucky as the Rouge would get a big win over the defending champs.
The game was back-and-forth, with both defences and offences making big plays. Providence managed to get an upper hand in the third with a 16-10 lead, but a RB Bo Frazier touchdown would shift the game back into Montreal’s favour.
In the 4th, Providence would regain the lead on a RB Tresean Jones touchdown. They would go for two to make it a 7-point game but failed with DB Lamar Brown batting away the pass attempt. Montreal then answered back with a long drive, ending in a WR Antonio Villanueva touchdown as he wrestled off two tacklers to get into the endzone, securing a narrow 1-point win.
The loss ended quarterback Red King’s 20-game win streak as a starter and marked his first loss since September 4, 1971.
Vancouver Wolves - 41 @ Indiana Victors - 11 - Victory Stadium - Sunday, July 15, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 39,111
1st Q
7-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
14-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
21-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> TE Johnny Temple
2nd Q
28-0: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
28-7: IND - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
3rd Q
35-7: VAN - KRTD RB Chavez Arrington
35-8: IND - Single K Ross Poindexter
38-8: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
38-11: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
41-11: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
QB Kevin Westwood lit up Victory Stadium in the first half, throwing for 4 touchdowns as the Wolves’ offence torched the rebuilding Victors.
Westwood managed 245 passing yards in the first half, eventually reaching 302 before sitting in the 4th. Rookie RB Chavez Arrington also made an impact with his 2nd kick return touchdown of the season on a Victors’ punt.
Indiana’s day was all over the place, they did manage a touchdown in the first half, but they would lose their QB, Al Washington, to a torn muscle in his throwing arm. QB Nathan Houle would debut as a Victor to replace him, showing no signs of pain from his knee injury for last season. Houle was okay in relief, but the game was far out of reach when he got into the action.
Injury Report
BOS: TE Rénald Longuepee - Sports Hernia - 12 Weeks
BOS: LB Byron Turner - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
BUF: TE Sid Sydney - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Charles Schwartz - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
CGY: DB Scott Summerhayes - Groin Strain - 2 Weeks
EDM: LB Rhett Bradberry - Knee Swelling - 5 Weeks
HFX: WR Jav Kerrigan - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
HFX: DL Bernard King - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: RB Axel Vandal - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
IND: LB Corey Briggs - Knee Swelling - 3 Weeks
IND: WR Otto Washington - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
IND: DL Eugene Case - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
IND: S Donald Dozier - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks
IND: QB Al Washington - Torn Muscle - 8 Weeks
LDN: QB Henry Johnsson - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
LDN: WR Cole Fletcher - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
LDN: DB Bernard Wilkins - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
LI: LB Tyrone Dye - Contusion - 1 Week
LOU: DL Carl Hogg - Strained Hamstring - 3 Weeks
LOU: WR Casey Coleman - Hand Injury - 1 Week
MIN: LB Earl Featherstonhaugh - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
MIN: OL Elias McCarren - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
OTT: OL Randall McCutchan - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: LB Yuri Dragunov - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
PRO: OL Emil Jennings - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Contusion - 1 Week
REG: OL Ian Robertson - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
REG: S Benny Preston - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
REG: RB Alex Herbco - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Don Shred - Dislocated Shoulder - 10 Weeks
VAN: OL Ken Kennedy - Minor Shoulder Injury - 3 Weeks
VAN: LB Shawn Anderson - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
WPG: DB Kyle Ellerbee - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
Players of the Week
Westwood lit up the skies for Vancouver while only playing 3 quarters, to help them reach 4-0.
DEF: DL Butcher Callahan REG - 1 Forced Fumble, 3 Sacks, 6 Tackles
Callahan isn't skipping a beat since returning from a major injury last season, racking up 3 sacks in the team's win over Winnipeg.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 4-0
Minnesota - 3-1
Edmonton - 2-2
Regina - 1-3
Winnipeg - 1-3
Calgary - 1-3
CENTRAL
Louisville - 3-1
London - 2-2
Toronto - 2-2
Pittsburgh - 1-3
Buffalo - 0-4
Indiana - 0-4
EAST
Montreal - 4-0
Providence - 3-1
Long Island - 3-1
Ottawa - 3-1
Halifax - 2-2
Boston - 1-3
Power Rankings
1 - Montreal +4
2 - Providence -1
3 - Vancouver -1
4 - Ottawa +1
5 - Long Island +1
6 - Minnesota -3
7 - Louisville +1
8 - Boston -1
9 - Pittsburgh -
10 - Halifax +3
11 - London -1
12 - Toronto -1
13 - Edmonton +4
14 - Calgary -
15 - Buffalo -3
16 - Regina +2
17 - Indiana -2
18 - Winnipeg -3
Week 5 Games
OTT (3-1) @ BUF (0-4) - JUL 20 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
LI (3-1) @ VAN (4-0) - JUL 20 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
HFX (2-2) @ BOS (1-3) - JUL 21 - 12:00 PM ET
LDN (2-2) @ LOU (3-1) - JUL 21 - 12:00 PM ET
WPG (1-3) @ EDM (2-2) - JUL 21 - 3:30 PM ET
MIN (3-1) @ PRO (3-1) - JUL 21 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (4-0) @ TOR (2-2) - JUL 22 - 1:00 PM ET
PIT (1-3) @ IND (0-4) - JUL 22 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (1-3) @ CGY (1-3) - JUL 22 - 4:30 PM ET
1973 Week 5
Roster Moves
BOS: TE Rénald Longuepee | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: TE Donald Tillman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: LB Rhett Bradberry | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: LB Spencer Morrison (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: WR Jav Kerrigan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: WR Bryson Boyd | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: LB Corey Briggs | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: LB Sheamus Desmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: QB Al Washington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: QB Dominic Hoffmeister (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Cole Fletcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: WR Jarred Reid (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: DB Aquilio Ruiz | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: DB Dale Dalebroux | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: DL Carl Hogg | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: DL Bob Atkins | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: OL Ian Robertson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: OL James Bathgate | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Don Shred | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Alec Smart | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: LB Shawn Anderson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: LB Alejo O’Connor | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Ottawa Royals - 42 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 35 - OT - Milton Charles Stadium - Friday, July 20, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 53,724
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
10-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
13-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-6: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
20-13: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
20-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
27-20: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
27-27: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
4th Q
27-34: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
34-34: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
OT
34-35: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
40-35: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
42-35: OTT - 2PT QB Drake Young -> WR Chad Anderson
The Royals and Blue Wings delivered an absolute classic to kick off Week 5.
Ottawa was able to get the upper hand in the first half on the back of 2 WR Charles Toothacre touchdowns, but as the half came to a close, Buffalo would sneak in a late touchdown.
They carried the momentum into the 2nd half, scoring on their opening drive to make it 20-20. After trading touchdowns, Buffalo would get a chance to take the lead off of a DB Ezra Power interception. RB Jasper Dickerson would score his 3rd touchdown to take the lead, but Ottawa had an answer with WR Sterling Underhill scoring to tie the game and send it to OT.
In the extra frame, Buffalo got down the field, but the kick from K Ryan Perch would miss, leading to a single. Ottawa then went down the other way and scored the game-winning touchdown.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Long Island Raiders - 18 @ Vancouver Wolves - 32 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, July 20, 1973 - 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,956
1st Q
1-0: LI - Single K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
1-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
8-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
8-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
3rd Q
11-14: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
11-15: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
11-22: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
4th Q
11-25: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
18-25: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
18-32: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
The Wolves showed that their weak schedule was not the reason the team was still undefeated as they beat the solid Long Island Raiders convincingly. While the Raiders’ offence was able to get the ball moving against the Wolves’ defence that had only allowed 8 points per game over the first four weeks, it still wasn’t up to their usual proficiency.
Aside from a Raiders’ 1-point lead, the Wolves were able to keep Long Island at arms length throughout the rest of the game leading to the convincing win, finally getting revenge for the 1970 McCallister Cup loss (this was their first meeting since the game).
Halifax Mariners - 6 @ Boston Independents - 24 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,078
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> TE Spencer Griepentrog
3-7: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
3-10: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
3-17: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
6-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
6-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
Boston would get a much-needed win over the Mariners during Saturday’s early slate.
QB Nathaniel Braddock looked more like himself, throwing for 2 touchdowns in the win and keeping the offence moving.
Halifax cooled back down after a stretch of solid games over the past 3 weeks, unable to move the ball all that well against a determined Boston defence.
London Tigers - 27 @ Louisville Thunder - 32 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,843
1st Q
0-7: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
7-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
2nd Q
14-8: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Julius Drake
14-15: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
3rd Q
14-22: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
20-22: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Lloyd Lane
20-29: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
4th Q
27-29: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
27-32: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
The Thunder were able to hold off the Tigers to secure their 4th win in a row and maintain first in the Central Division.
WR Ben Graham shinned in the absence of WR Casey Coleman, scoring twice in the 3rd. RB Neil Bradley also had a big day on the ground as the Thunder ran a more balanced attack in this one.
QB Tyrion Gainsborough got his first start of the season with the injury to QB Henry Johnsson. Gainsborough was able to keep the team in the game, taking care of the ball and throwing two touchdowns. RB Jeremy Royal also found the endzone twice, but it wasn’t enough.
Winnipeg Falcons - 16 @ Edmonton Rangers - 18 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,268
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
7-3: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
2nd Q
7-6: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
7-9: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
7-11: EDM - Safety DL Caleb Cologne
10-11: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
10-18: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
16-18: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Terry Upshaw
The Rangers grabbed their 2nd consecutive win, narrowly escaping a comeback attempt against the Falcons.
Edmonton’s defence led the way, stifling the Falcons' offence throughout the game, even scoring themselves with a safety in the 3rd. The offence was solid behind RB Gary Hubbard, as they had 4 scoring drives themselves.
However, Winnipeg was able to keep themselves in the game behind QB Mitchell Nash’s first career start. The QB had the offence out there as a bit more of a threat than in past weeks, even leading a potential game-tying drive, only coming up short on the 2-point conversion. A promising start for the young QB.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 16 @ Providence Gold Stars - 28 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 56,854
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
3-10: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
3-11: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
6-11: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
6-18: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
6-21: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
13-21: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
16-21: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
16-28: PRO - DTD INT LB Brian O’Flaherty
To close out Saturday’s action, the Gold Stars would get back into the win column with a strong win over the Serpents who dropped their second straight to slip to 3-2.
Providence’s defence was able to control Minnesota’s attack for most of the first 3 quarters before RB Tyler Kuhn finally broke through for a touchdown to cut into Providence’s sizable lead.
A field goal in the 4th would cut the lead down to 5, but on their next drive, QB Martin Keller’s pass would be deflected by DL Newton Dalton, allowing LB Brian O’Flaherty would get under it and take it back for the game-sealing touchdown.
Montreal Rouge - 17 @ Toronto Steelheads - 20 - Anderson Stadium - Sunday, July 22, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 51,167
1st Q
0-7: TOR - DTD INT Dwayne James
0-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
7-10: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
3rd Q
10-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
10-17: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
17-17: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
17-20: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
After a quick start on a DB Dwayne James pick-6, the Steelheads were able to stick with the unbeaten Rouge and even come away with a win.
Toronto’s defence was able to hold off the Montreal attack in this one, forcing a lot of stalled drives. They were also solid offensively with QB Ryan Alexander leading the game-winning drive late in the 4th.
Montreal was able to bounce back from the early hole they found themselves in, with scores from both of their running backs, including RB Mark St-Pierre’s surprise 24-yard score. However, some sloppy mistakes would cost them their first loss of the season.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 20 @ Indiana Victors - 24 - Victory Stadium - Sunday, July 22, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,417
1st Q
0-7: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
3-7: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
3-10: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
6-10: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
13-10: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
13-17: IND - PTD QB Nathan Houle -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
4th Q
20-17: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
20-24: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
Indiana would nab their first win of the season, defeating the struggling Pittsburgh Blacksmiths at home.
QB Nathan Houle made his first start as a Victor, and was solid in the game, throwing a touchdown. However, the bigger impact came with RB Daniel Collins getting the majority of snaps over RB Ronnie Byers. Collins would run all over the Blacksmiths’ defence, scoring twice.
Pittsburgh’s struggles offensively allowed them to fall into a 6-10 hole in the first half. While RB Max Tracy was able to score twice in the second half, it was just not enough to get a win and they slipped to 1-4 for the 2nd straight season.
Regina Wheat Kings - 36 @ Calgary Predators - 35 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Sunday, July 22, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 29,864
1st Q
3-0: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> RB Rocco Peaks
6-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
9-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
9-8: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
15-8: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jimmy Franks
17-8: REG - 2PT RB Deion Chapman
17-11: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3rd Q
24-11: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
24-18: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
27-18: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
27-25: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
4th Q
27-28: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
30-28: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
30-35: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
36-35: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
Regina would steal another win, defeating the Predators with a late touchdown to capture their 2nd straight.
QB Emmitt Jackson returned to the lineup for Calgary allowing them to get an early lead in the 1st, but Regina gained the upper hand in the 2nd off of a WR Jimmy Franks Touchdown.
Regina would open the 2nd half by extending their lead, but Calgary would finally start fighting back, getting the game back to within 2 points off of 2 touchdowns. After trading field goals, the Predators would be the next to find the endzone holding a 5-point lead late. However, QB Stanley Evans flashed his underrated abilities and crafted a clutch game-winning drive to get the Wheat Kings the 1-point win.
Injury Report
BUF: LB Eric Strohecker - Cramping - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Phil Gross - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: S Derrick Focht - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
HFX: OL Heracles Odysseus - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: WR Stanley McClendon - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
EDM: LB Tanner Upton - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Wrist Sprain - 1 Week
IND: S Geno Aranda - Shoulder Separation - 6 Weeks
IND: LB Zach Sexton - Pectoral Strain - 5 Weeks
LDN: DB Oliver Benson - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: DB Rutherford Winters - Fractured Rib - 4 Weeks
LOU: OL Jerry Hankins - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: RB George Seahorse - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
MIN: OL Peter Palmerston - Foot Injury - 1 Week
MIN: DB Davey Woods - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
MTL: DB Real Monet - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
OTT: DL Robin Lucas - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Ben Jammin - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
PRO: QB Gilles Doucet - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
REG: LB Brett Pride - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
REG: S Sheldon Jackson - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
TOR: DB Santino Arriola - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Amos Sewell - Minor Shoulder Injury - 3 Weeks
TOR: RB JC Skyes - Contusion - 2 Weeks
VAN: LB Patrick Lennon - Contusion - 2 Weeks
VAN: DB Dean Hawkins - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
VAN: RB Chavez Arrington - High Ankle Sprain - 10 Weeks
VAN: OL James Denison - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
WPG: TE Douglas Northway - Torn Muscle - 6 Weeks
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis - Cramping - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
OFF: QB Drake Young OTT - 4 Passing Touchdowns, 362 Passing Yards
Young was delivering the ball all over the field with precision, throwing 4 touchdowns in a big OT win over Buffalo.
DEF: DB Dwayne James TOR - 1 Interception, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 6 Tackles, 1 Pass Defended
James’ early pick-6 was all a part of getting the Steelheads’ momentum early and they would hold onto it to capture a big upset over Montreal.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 5-0
Edmonton - 3-2
Minnesota - 3-2
Regina - 2-3
Winnipeg - 1-4
Calgary - 1-4
CENTRAL
Louisville - 4-1
Toronto - 3-2
London - 2-3
Indiana - 1-4
Pittsburgh - 1-4
Buffalo - 0-5
EAST
Montreal - 4-1
Providence - 4-1
Ottawa - 4-1
Long Island - 3-2
Boston - 2-3
Halifax - 2-3
Power Rankings
1 - Vancouver +2
2 - Montreal -1
3 - Providence -1
4 - Ottawa -
5 - Long Island -
6 - Louisville +1
7 - Minnesota -1
8 - Boston -
9 - Toronto +3
10 - London +1
11 - Halifax -1
12 - Pittsburgh -3
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Regina +2
15 - Calgary -1
16 - Indiana +1
17 - Buffalo -2
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 6 Games
HFX (2-3) @ LI (3-2) - JUL 27 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
CGY (1-4) @ EDM (3-2) - JUL 27 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PIT (1-4) @ TOR (3-2) - JUL 28 - 12:00 PM ET
IND (1-4) @ LOU (4-1) - JUL 28 - 12:00 PM ET
MIN (3-2) @ VAN (5-0) - JUL 28 - 3:30 PM ET
PRO (4-1) @ BOS (2-3) - JUL 28 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (4-1) @ OTT (4-1) - JUL 29 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (1-4) @ REG (2-3) - JUL 29 - 2:00 PM ET
LDN (2-3) @ BUF (0-5) - JUL 29 - 5:00 PM ET
Roster Moves
BOS: TE Rénald Longuepee | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
BOS: TE Donald Tillman | Reserve List -> Active Roster
EDM: LB Rhett Bradberry | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
EDM: LB Spencer Morrison (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
HFX: WR Jav Kerrigan | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: WR Bryson Boyd | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: LB Corey Briggs | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: LB Sheamus Desmond | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: QB Al Washington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: QB Dominic Hoffmeister (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LDN: WR Cole Fletcher | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LDN: WR Jarred Reid (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: DB Aquilio Ruiz | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: DB Dale Dalebroux | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LOU: DL Carl Hogg | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: DL Bob Atkins | Reserve List -> Active Roster
REG: OL Ian Robertson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
REG: OL James Bathgate | Reserve List -> Active Roster
TOR: OL Don Shred | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
TOR: OL Alec Smart | Reserve List -> Active Roster
VAN: LB Shawn Anderson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: LB Alejo O’Connor | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Ottawa Royals - 42 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 35 - OT - Milton Charles Stadium - Friday, July 20, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Rain - Attendance: 53,724
1st Q
3-0: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
3-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
10-3: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
10-6: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
13-6: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-6: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Charles Toothacre
20-13: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
20-20: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Tracy Driscoll
27-20: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> TE Luiss de Brands
27-27: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
4th Q
27-34: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
34-34: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
OT
34-35: BUF - Single K Ryan Perch
40-35: OTT - RTD RB Nikki Yang
42-35: OTT - 2PT QB Drake Young -> WR Chad Anderson
The Royals and Blue Wings delivered an absolute classic to kick off Week 5.
Ottawa was able to get the upper hand in the first half on the back of 2 WR Charles Toothacre touchdowns, but as the half came to a close, Buffalo would sneak in a late touchdown.
They carried the momentum into the 2nd half, scoring on their opening drive to make it 20-20. After trading touchdowns, Buffalo would get a chance to take the lead off of a DB Ezra Power interception. RB Jasper Dickerson would score his 3rd touchdown to take the lead, but Ottawa had an answer with WR Sterling Underhill scoring to tie the game and send it to OT.
In the extra frame, Buffalo got down the field, but the kick from K Ryan Perch would miss, leading to a single. Ottawa then went down the other way and scored the game-winning touchdown.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Long Island Raiders - 18 @ Vancouver Wolves - 32 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Friday, July 20, 1973 - 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 34,956
1st Q
1-0: LI - Single K Vic Greatwood
2nd Q
1-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
8-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
8-14: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
3rd Q
11-14: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
11-15: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
11-22: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
4th Q
11-25: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
18-25: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Frank Drysdale
18-32: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
The Wolves showed that their weak schedule was not the reason the team was still undefeated as they beat the solid Long Island Raiders convincingly. While the Raiders’ offence was able to get the ball moving against the Wolves’ defence that had only allowed 8 points per game over the first four weeks, it still wasn’t up to their usual proficiency.
Aside from a Raiders’ 1-point lead, the Wolves were able to keep Long Island at arms length throughout the rest of the game leading to the convincing win, finally getting revenge for the 1970 McCallister Cup loss (this was their first meeting since the game).
Halifax Mariners - 6 @ Boston Independents - 24 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,078
1st Q
0-7: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> TE Spencer Griepentrog
3-7: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
2nd Q
3-10: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
3-17: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
6-17: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
4th Q
6-24: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Craig Nunnery
Boston would get a much-needed win over the Mariners during Saturday’s early slate.
QB Nathaniel Braddock looked more like himself, throwing for 2 touchdowns in the win and keeping the offence moving.
Halifax cooled back down after a stretch of solid games over the past 3 weeks, unable to move the ball all that well against a determined Boston defence.
London Tigers - 27 @ Louisville Thunder - 32 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 44,843
1st Q
0-7: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
7-7: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
7-8: LOU - Single K Rhys Kupp
2nd Q
14-8: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Julius Drake
14-15: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
3rd Q
14-22: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
20-22: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Lloyd Lane
20-29: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
4th Q
27-29: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
27-32: LOU - FG K Rhys Kupp
The Thunder were able to hold off the Tigers to secure their 4th win in a row and maintain first in the Central Division.
WR Ben Graham shinned in the absence of WR Casey Coleman, scoring twice in the 3rd. RB Neil Bradley also had a big day on the ground as the Thunder ran a more balanced attack in this one.
QB Tyrion Gainsborough got his first start of the season with the injury to QB Henry Johnsson. Gainsborough was able to keep the team in the game, taking care of the ball and throwing two touchdowns. RB Jeremy Royal also found the endzone twice, but it wasn’t enough.
Winnipeg Falcons - 16 @ Edmonton Rangers - 18 - Forest Heights Park - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/1:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,268
1st Q
0-3: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
7-3: WPG - RTD RB Joe Rivers
2nd Q
7-6: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
3rd Q
7-9: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
7-11: EDM - Safety DL Caleb Cologne
10-11: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
4th Q
10-18: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
16-18: WPG - PTD QB Mitchell Nash -> WR Terry Upshaw
The Rangers grabbed their 2nd consecutive win, narrowly escaping a comeback attempt against the Falcons.
Edmonton’s defence led the way, stifling the Falcons' offence throughout the game, even scoring themselves with a safety in the 3rd. The offence was solid behind RB Gary Hubbard, as they had 4 scoring drives themselves.
However, Winnipeg was able to keep themselves in the game behind QB Mitchell Nash’s first career start. The QB had the offence out there as a bit more of a threat than in past weeks, even leading a potential game-tying drive, only coming up short on the 2-point conversion. A promising start for the young QB.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Minnesota Serpents - 16 @ Providence Gold Stars - 28 - New Providence Stadium - Saturday, July 21, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy/Light Rain - Attendance: 56,854
1st Q
3-0: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
3-10: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
3-11: PRO - Single K Gilbert O’Neill
6-11: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
3rd Q
6-18: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Leon Hudson
6-21: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
13-21: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
4th Q
16-21: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
16-28: PRO - DTD INT LB Brian O’Flaherty
To close out Saturday’s action, the Gold Stars would get back into the win column with a strong win over the Serpents who dropped their second straight to slip to 3-2.
Providence’s defence was able to control Minnesota’s attack for most of the first 3 quarters before RB Tyler Kuhn finally broke through for a touchdown to cut into Providence’s sizable lead.
A field goal in the 4th would cut the lead down to 5, but on their next drive, QB Martin Keller’s pass would be deflected by DL Newton Dalton, allowing LB Brian O’Flaherty would get under it and take it back for the game-sealing touchdown.
Montreal Rouge - 17 @ Toronto Steelheads - 20 - Anderson Stadium - Sunday, July 22, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 51,167
1st Q
0-7: TOR - DTD INT Dwayne James
0-10: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
2nd Q
7-10: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
3rd Q
10-10: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
10-17: TOR - RTD RB Shannon West
4th Q
17-17: MTL - RTD RB Mark St-Pierre
17-20: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
After a quick start on a DB Dwayne James pick-6, the Steelheads were able to stick with the unbeaten Rouge and even come away with a win.
Toronto’s defence was able to hold off the Montreal attack in this one, forcing a lot of stalled drives. They were also solid offensively with QB Ryan Alexander leading the game-winning drive late in the 4th.
Montreal was able to bounce back from the early hole they found themselves in, with scores from both of their running backs, including RB Mark St-Pierre’s surprise 24-yard score. However, some sloppy mistakes would cost them their first loss of the season.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 20 @ Indiana Victors - 24 - Victory Stadium - Sunday, July 22, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,417
1st Q
0-7: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
3-7: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
3-10: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
6-10: PIT - FG K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
13-10: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
13-17: IND - PTD QB Nathan Houle -> WR Jake Abbredezzi
4th Q
20-17: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
20-24: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
Indiana would nab their first win of the season, defeating the struggling Pittsburgh Blacksmiths at home.
QB Nathan Houle made his first start as a Victor, and was solid in the game, throwing a touchdown. However, the bigger impact came with RB Daniel Collins getting the majority of snaps over RB Ronnie Byers. Collins would run all over the Blacksmiths’ defence, scoring twice.
Pittsburgh’s struggles offensively allowed them to fall into a 6-10 hole in the first half. While RB Max Tracy was able to score twice in the second half, it was just not enough to get a win and they slipped to 1-4 for the 2nd straight season.
Regina Wheat Kings - 36 @ Calgary Predators - 35 - Predators Stadium at The Stampede - Sunday, July 22, 1973 - 4:30 PM ET/2:30 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 29,864
1st Q
3-0: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
3-7: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> RB Rocco Peaks
6-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
9-7: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
9-8: CGY - Single K Billy Eichelberger
15-8: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Jimmy Franks
17-8: REG - 2PT RB Deion Chapman
17-11: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
3rd Q
24-11: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
24-18: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
27-18: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
27-25: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
4th Q
27-28: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
30-28: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
30-35: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
36-35: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
Regina would steal another win, defeating the Predators with a late touchdown to capture their 2nd straight.
QB Emmitt Jackson returned to the lineup for Calgary allowing them to get an early lead in the 1st, but Regina gained the upper hand in the 2nd off of a WR Jimmy Franks Touchdown.
Regina would open the 2nd half by extending their lead, but Calgary would finally start fighting back, getting the game back to within 2 points off of 2 touchdowns. After trading field goals, the Predators would be the next to find the endzone holding a 5-point lead late. However, QB Stanley Evans flashed his underrated abilities and crafted a clutch game-winning drive to get the Wheat Kings the 1-point win.
Injury Report
BUF: LB Eric Strohecker - Cramping - Day-to-Day
CGY: OL Phil Gross - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
HFX: S Derrick Focht - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
HFX: OL Heracles Odysseus - Torn Muscle - 7 Weeks
EDM: LB Perry Stevenson - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: WR Stanley McClendon - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
EDM: LB Tanner Upton - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Charles Creighton - Wrist Sprain - 1 Week
IND: S Geno Aranda - Shoulder Separation - 6 Weeks
IND: LB Zach Sexton - Pectoral Strain - 5 Weeks
LDN: DB Oliver Benson - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: DB Rutherford Winters - Fractured Rib - 4 Weeks
LOU: OL Jerry Hankins - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: RB George Seahorse - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
MIN: OL Peter Palmerston - Foot Injury - 1 Week
MIN: DB Davey Woods - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
MTL: DB Real Monet - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
OTT: DL Robin Lucas - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PIT: OL Ben Jammin - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
PRO: QB Gilles Doucet - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
REG: LB Brett Pride - Mild Concussion - 2 Weeks
REG: S Sheldon Jackson - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
TOR: DB Santino Arriola - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
TOR: OL Amos Sewell - Minor Shoulder Injury - 3 Weeks
TOR: RB JC Skyes - Contusion - 2 Weeks
VAN: LB Patrick Lennon - Contusion - 2 Weeks
VAN: DB Dean Hawkins - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
VAN: RB Chavez Arrington - High Ankle Sprain - 10 Weeks
VAN: OL James Denison - Sprained Ankle - 1 Week
WPG: TE Douglas Northway - Torn Muscle - 6 Weeks
WPG: DL Jordan Mantis - Cramping - Day-to-Day
Players of the Week
Young was delivering the ball all over the field with precision, throwing 4 touchdowns in a big OT win over Buffalo.
James’ early pick-6 was all a part of getting the Steelheads’ momentum early and they would hold onto it to capture a big upset over Montreal.
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 5-0
Edmonton - 3-2
Minnesota - 3-2
Regina - 2-3
Winnipeg - 1-4
Calgary - 1-4
CENTRAL
Louisville - 4-1
Toronto - 3-2
London - 2-3
Indiana - 1-4
Pittsburgh - 1-4
Buffalo - 0-5
EAST
Montreal - 4-1
Providence - 4-1
Ottawa - 4-1
Long Island - 3-2
Boston - 2-3
Halifax - 2-3
Power Rankings
1 - Vancouver +2
2 - Montreal -1
3 - Providence -1
4 - Ottawa -
5 - Long Island -
6 - Louisville +1
7 - Minnesota -1
8 - Boston -
9 - Toronto +3
10 - London +1
11 - Halifax -1
12 - Pittsburgh -3
13 - Edmonton -
14 - Regina +2
15 - Calgary -1
16 - Indiana +1
17 - Buffalo -2
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 6 Games
HFX (2-3) @ LI (3-2) - JUL 27 - 6:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
CGY (1-4) @ EDM (3-2) - JUL 27 - 9:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PIT (1-4) @ TOR (3-2) - JUL 28 - 12:00 PM ET
IND (1-4) @ LOU (4-1) - JUL 28 - 12:00 PM ET
MIN (3-2) @ VAN (5-0) - JUL 28 - 3:30 PM ET
PRO (4-1) @ BOS (2-3) - JUL 28 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
MTL (4-1) @ OTT (4-1) - JUL 29 - 1:00 PM ET
WPG (1-4) @ REG (2-3) - JUL 29 - 2:00 PM ET
LDN (2-3) @ BUF (0-5) - JUL 29 - 5:00 PM ET
1973 Week 6
Roster Moves
HFX: OL Heracles Odysseus | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Joseph Gibson (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: LB Zach Sexton | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: LB Victor Underhill | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: DB Rutherford Winters | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DB Art Winslow (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: DB Real Monet | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: DB Nick Butler (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Active Roster -> Waivers
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Active Roster -> Reserve List
VAN: RB Chavez Arrington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: RB Abel Grigsby (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: TE Douglas Northway | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: TE Mason Chamberlain (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 13 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - Long Island Stadium - Friday, July 27, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,322
1st Q
0-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
7-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
7-20: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
10-27: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
13-27: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-30: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
The Raiders rebounded from their loss to Vancouver by handing Halifax a significant defeat.
QB Ivan Sanchez was back on track with a pair of touchdowns in the win, while RB Scott Norton had a more fruitful day. Defensively, the Raiders were all over QB Todd Sparrow, with DL Dallas Breaker getting to him a couple of times.
Halifax loses another tough one where the offence struggled after only putting up 6 points last week in Boston. RB Axel Vandal was a welcome presence in his return to the lineup, scoring a touchdown.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Calgary Predators - 20 @ Edmonton Rangers - 11 - Forest Heights Park - Friday, July 27, 1973 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,390
1st Q
0-1: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
7-1: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
3rd Q
14-1: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
14-4: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
17-4: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
17-11: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
20-11: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
Calgary put an end to Edmonton’s 2-game run with a solid win over their provincial rivals.
QB Emmitt Jackson got his first win as a start this season, putting together a decent showing with a touchdown pass to WR Eric Norris. The Predators’ defence was the star in this one as they were all over the Edmonton offence that only barely got into the endzone in the 4th.
Edmonton’s momentum over the past two games comes to a screeching halt as they played pretty poorly in an important divisional matchup.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 @ Toronto Steelheads - 6 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,093
1st Q
7-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
14-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
15-0: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
15-3: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
22-3: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
4th Q
22-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
The Blacksmiths got their train back on the track with a convincing win over the Steelheads.
RB Max Tracy put the offence on his back in the first half, scoring two early touchdowns to get a 0-14 lead. DL Arthur Bradshaw did much the same on defence, racking up 3 sacks in the win.
Toronto was all over the place with QB Ryan Alexander getting dropped 7 times in the game, as the O-line broke down. RB Shannon West had even less success on the ground leading to many 2 and outs in the game.
Indiana Victors - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 28 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,344
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
3-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
3-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-21: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
13-21: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
4th Q
16-21: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
16-28: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
The Thunder rattled off their 5th consecutive win with another solid showing against the lowly Victors. QB Buck Murphy tossed 3 touchdowns to 3 different players in the win, while the defence was all over Indiana in the first half.
The Victors were coming off their first win last week but played a bit more as expected in the follow-up. The offence was quiet in the first half, but RB Daniel Collins did help the team get back into the game late. However, an interception and subsequent touchdown from WR Ben Graham would crush their hopes.
Minnesota Serpents - 18 @ Vancouver Wolves - 34 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 35,103
1st Q
1-0: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
1-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
2nd Q
1-14: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
8-14: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
8-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
11-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
11-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akria Sakamoto
4th Q
18-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
18-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
18-34: VAN - DTD INT S Takuya Sasaki
Vancouver remained unbeaten taking down Minnesota for just the 2nd time in the regular season since joining the league.
Vancouver got the early lead with a pair of touchdowns in the first half, but a late score from RB Tyler Kuhn would cut into the lead. Vancouver managed to extend the lead again up to 13 in the 3rd, having full control of the game. The struggling QB Martin Keller, who hasn’t been playing as well over the Serpents’ 2-game skid, did manage to get the team back into the game with a touchdown, however, his mistakes would continue later, making a pour throw that was taken back to the house by S Takuya Sasaki to put the game out of reach.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Providence Gold Stars - 23 @ Boston Independents - 30 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,021
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-10: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
2nd Q
10-10: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
10-13: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
10-20: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
17-20: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
17-23: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
20-23: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
23-23: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
23-30: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
The Independents and Gold Stars met for the 2nd time this season and had another narrow battle.
Boston had the upper hand in the 1st off of a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown, but Providence answered back in the 2nd via WR Justin Palmer. Boston would sneak in a field goal before the break to go up 10-13.
In the 2nd half, Boston managed to get up to a 10-point lead with RB Wesley Wu getting his first of the season, but a RB Tresean Jones touchdown would cancel it before Boston got another late field goal.
Down by 6, the Gold Stars would lock down Boston while the offence was able to grab back-to-back field goals to tie the game late in the 4th. However, Boston got the last laugh this time with Braddock leading a touchdown drive to close out the game with a very important win.
Montreal Rouge - 20 @ Ottawa Royals - 32 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, July 29, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,125
1st Q
3-0: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-0: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
2nd Q
13-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
3rd Q
13-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
13-15: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
13-22: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Chad Anderson
4th Q
20-22: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
20-25: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-32: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
Ottawa would get a big win over Montreal to overtake first place in the East Division.
The Rouge did have the upper hand in the first half, getting up to a 13-7 lead with their defence holding Ottawa’s offence to only 7 points. However, in the 2nd half, QB Drake Young would start to figure it out and led the Royals to a pair of touchdowns in the 3rd to take a 13-22 lead heading into the 4th.
Montreal did answer back with a touchdown to cut the lead down to 2 and then had a chance to take the lead after Ottawa only got a field goal. Unfortunately for Montreal, QB Tom Applewhite would get hit hard by DL Bernhard Hartmann, knocking the ball loose and allowing Ottawa to take over and put the game out of reach.
Winnipeg Falcons - 14 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 25 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, July 29, 1973 - 2:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CST - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 18,093
1st Q
0-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
1-3: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
1-10: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
4-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
4-17: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
4-18: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
11-18: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
4th Q
11-25: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
14-25: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
The Wheat Kings would roll on to their 3rd straight win, taking down Winnipeg for the 2nd time in 3 weeks.
The Wheat Kings were rolling with QB Stanley Evans leading the way for 2 touchdown drives. Unfortunately, he would get knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury, leading to QB Whit Johnson getting his first action of his career. Johnson was solid in relief, leading another touchdown drive in the 4th.
Winnipeg struggled again offensively with QB Mitchell Nash in his 2nd start, being constantly chased by Regina’s D-line. Nash eventually would jam his finger on the helmet of DL Pete Gingers leading to him leaving the game and QB Emerson Thompson replacing him. Thompson did get the Falcons into the endzone, but it was far too little.
London Tigers - 27 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - OT - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, July 29, 1973 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 53,722
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
3-10: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
10-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
17-10: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
20-10: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
20-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Owen Paisley
20-20: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
OT
27-20: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
To close out the week the Tigers would head down to Buffalo and hand the Blue Wings their 6th loss of the season and their 2nd straight OT loss.
The Blue Wings controlled the first half with their defence and offence, but then the Tigers roared back in the 3rd and early 4th with 17 consecutive points.
QB Charles Lemieux led a 10-point comeback in the 4th, flashing his Hall of Fame skillset, and managing to get the job done in under 5 minutes.
Once, overtime started, the game slowed a bit with neither team looking to make a costly mistake. Eventually, the deciding play would be a 65-yard touchdown run from RB Jeremy Royal who slipped right through the Blue Wings’ defence to score.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
BOS: S Lee Crewe - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
BOS: OL Harrold Kera - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Garth Brooklyn - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
BUF: LB Eric Strohecker - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
CGY: RB Rocco Peaks - Foot Injury - 1 Week
CGY: DL Michael Ellis - Cramping - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
HFX: S Derrick Focht - Torn Muscle - 8 Weeks
IND: DL Tyrone Powers - Wrist Sprain - 1 Week
IND: S Derrick Fayden - Moderate Concussion - 4 Weeks
LDN: OL Shane Willis - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
LDN: DB Bernard Wilkins - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
LDN: WR Julius Drake - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
LI: QB David Simmons - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: LB Brent Mayiski - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: DB Levi Woodrow - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
LOU: DB Oswald Murray - Groin Strain - 1 Week
LOU: OL Robert Pelletier - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Ulysses Lawyer - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
MIN: OL Jordan Bryson - Moderate Concussion - 5 Weeks
MTL: DL Alan Franjkovic - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
MTL: OL Mathieu Roy - Hand Injury - 1 Week
MTL: TE Sylvain Leblanc - Knee Swelling - 3 Weeks
OTT: WR Charles Toothacre - Severe Ligament Tear - 9 Weeks
PIT: S Chris Berger - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
PIT: OL Harrison Russell - Mild Ligament Sprain - 4 Weeks
PRO: OL Louie DeBois - Mild Concussion - 5 Weeks
PRO: WR James Penguin - High Ankle Sprain - 12 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PRO: RB Jonathan Rougeau - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
PRO: TE Kairos Knight - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
REG: QB Stanley Evans - Minor Shoulder Injury - 2 Weeks
WPG: QB Mitchell Nash - Jammed Finger - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Hip Strain - 5 Weeks
Players of the Week
OFF: RB Jeremy Royal LDN - 2 Rushing Touchdowns, 176 Rushing Yards
DEF: DL Arthur Bradshaw PIT - 1 Forced Fumble, 3 Sacks, 7 Tackles
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 6-0
Edmonton - 3-3
Regina - 3-3
Minnesota - 3-3
Calgary - 2-4
Winnipeg - 1-5
CENTRAL
Louisville - 5-1
London - 3-3
Toronto - 3-3
Pittsburgh - 2-4
Indiana - 1-5
Buffalo - 0-6
EAST
Ottawa - 5-1
Montreal - 4-2
Long Island - 4-2
Providence - 4-2
Boston - 3-3
Halifax - 2-4
Power Rankings
1 - Vancouver -
2 - Ottawa +2
3 - Montreal -1
4 - Providence -1
5 - Long Island -
6 - Louisville -
7 - Boston +1
8 - Minnesota -1
9 - London +1
10 - Toronto -1
11 - Pittsburgh +1
12 - Halifax -1
13 - Regina +1
14 - Calgary +1
15 - Edmonton -2
16 - Indiana -
17 - Buffalo -
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 7 Games
EDM (3-3) @ IND (1-5) - AUG 2 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
TOR (3-3) @ PIT (2-4) - AUG 3 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PRO (4-2) @ HFX (2-4) - AUG 4 - 12:00 PM ET
LI (4-2) @ OTT (5-1) - AUG 4 - 12:00 PM ET
CGY (2-4) @ VAN (6-0) - AUG 4 - 3:30 PM ET
LOU (5-1) @ MIN (3-3) - AUG 4 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
BOS (3-3) @ WPG (1-5) - AUG 5 - 1:00 PM ET
BUF (0-6) @ LDN (3-3) - AUG 5 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (3-3) @ MTL (4-2) - AUG 5 - 4:30 PM ET
Roster Moves
HFX: OL Heracles Odysseus | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
HFX: OL Joseph Gibson (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
IND: LB Zach Sexton | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
IND: LB Victor Underhill | Reserve List -> Active Roster
LI: DB Rutherford Winters | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LI: DB Art Winslow (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: DB Real Monet | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: DB Nick Butler (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
PRO: S Todd Collingwood | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: S Tony Bentley | Active Roster -> Waivers
PRO: OL Ted Cole | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: OL Danny Nyce | Active Roster -> Reserve List
VAN: RB Chavez Arrington | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
VAN: RB Abel Grigsby (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
WPG: TE Douglas Northway | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
WPG: TE Mason Chamberlain (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Halifax Mariners - 13 @ Long Island Raiders - 30 - Long Island Stadium - Friday, July 27, 1973 - 6:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 40,322
1st Q
0-7: LI - RTD RB Scott Norton
7-7: HFX - RTD RB Axel Vandal
2nd Q
7-14: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> WR Nick Spalding
7-17: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
3rd Q
7-20: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
10-20: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
10-27: LI - PTD QB Ivan Sanchez -> TE Eric Peterson
4th Q
13-27: HFX - FG K Albert Wickerweaver
13-30: LI - FG K Vic Greatwood
The Raiders rebounded from their loss to Vancouver by handing Halifax a significant defeat.
QB Ivan Sanchez was back on track with a pair of touchdowns in the win, while RB Scott Norton had a more fruitful day. Defensively, the Raiders were all over QB Todd Sparrow, with DL Dallas Breaker getting to him a couple of times.
Halifax loses another tough one where the offence struggled after only putting up 6 points last week in Boston. RB Axel Vandal was a welcome presence in his return to the lineup, scoring a touchdown.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Calgary Predators - 20 @ Edmonton Rangers - 11 - Forest Heights Park - Friday, July 27, 1973 - 9:00 PM ET/7:00 PM MT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 28,390
1st Q
0-1: EDM - Single K Nigel Stewart
7-1: CGY - RTD RB John Drexel
2nd Q
3rd Q
14-1: CGY - PTD QB Emmitt Jackson -> WR Eric Norris
14-4: EDM - FG K Nigel Stewart
17-4: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
4th Q
17-11: EDM - RTD RB Gary Hubbard
20-11: CGY - FG K Billy Eichelberger
Calgary put an end to Edmonton’s 2-game run with a solid win over their provincial rivals.
QB Emmitt Jackson got his first win as a start this season, putting together a decent showing with a touchdown pass to WR Eric Norris. The Predators’ defence was the star in this one as they were all over the Edmonton offence that only barely got into the endzone in the 4th.
Edmonton’s momentum over the past two games comes to a screeching halt as they played pretty poorly in an important divisional matchup.
Pittsburgh Blacksmiths - 22 @ Toronto Steelheads - 6 - Anderson Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 50,093
1st Q
7-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
2nd Q
14-0: PIT - RTD RB Max Tracy
15-0: PIT - Single K Dante DiBernardo
3rd Q
15-3: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
22-3: PIT - PTD QB Louis Vaughn -> WR Yahui Sun
4th Q
22-6: TOR - FG K Frank Hughes
The Blacksmiths got their train back on the track with a convincing win over the Steelheads.
RB Max Tracy put the offence on his back in the first half, scoring two early touchdowns to get a 0-14 lead. DL Arthur Bradshaw did much the same on defence, racking up 3 sacks in the win.
Toronto was all over the place with QB Ryan Alexander getting dropped 7 times in the game, as the O-line broke down. RB Shannon West had even less success on the ground leading to many 2 and outs in the game.
Indiana Victors - 16 @ Louisville Thunder - 28 - Thunder Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 12:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,344
1st Q
0-7: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Orlando Barrack
3-7: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
2nd Q
3-14: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Casey Coleman
3rd Q
6-14: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
6-21: LOU - RTD RB Neil Bradley
13-21: IND - RTD RB Daniel Collins
4th Q
16-21: IND - FG K Ross Poindexter
16-28: LOU - PTD QB Buck Murphy -> WR Ben Graham
The Thunder rattled off their 5th consecutive win with another solid showing against the lowly Victors. QB Buck Murphy tossed 3 touchdowns to 3 different players in the win, while the defence was all over Indiana in the first half.
The Victors were coming off their first win last week but played a bit more as expected in the follow-up. The offence was quiet in the first half, but RB Daniel Collins did help the team get back into the game late. However, an interception and subsequent touchdown from WR Ben Graham would crush their hopes.
Minnesota Serpents - 18 @ Vancouver Wolves - 34 - Vancouver Exhibition Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 3:30 PM ET/12:30 PM PT - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 35,103
1st Q
1-0: MIN - Single K Ray Bough
1-7: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akira Sakamoto
2nd Q
1-14: VAN - RTD RB Jeremiah Morrow
8-14: MIN - RTD RB Tyler Kuhn
3rd Q
8-17: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
11-17: MIN - FG K Ray Bough
11-24: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Akria Sakamoto
4th Q
18-24: MIN - PTD QB Martin Keller -> WR Sebastian Dassler
18-27: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
18-34: VAN - DTD INT S Takuya Sasaki
Vancouver remained unbeaten taking down Minnesota for just the 2nd time in the regular season since joining the league.
Vancouver got the early lead with a pair of touchdowns in the first half, but a late score from RB Tyler Kuhn would cut into the lead. Vancouver managed to extend the lead again up to 13 in the 3rd, having full control of the game. The struggling QB Martin Keller, who hasn’t been playing as well over the Serpents’ 2-game skid, did manage to get the team back into the game with a touchdown, however, his mistakes would continue later, making a pour throw that was taken back to the house by S Takuya Sasaki to put the game out of reach.
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Providence Gold Stars - 23 @ Boston Independents - 30 - Richardson Stadium - Saturday, July 28, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - Attendance: 45,021
1st Q
3-0: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
3-3: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3-10: BOS - RTD RB Reggie Whitehead
2nd Q
10-10: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
10-13: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
3rd Q
10-20: BOS - RTD RB Wesley Wu
17-20: PRO - RTD RB Tresean Jones
17-23: BOS - FG K Woody Woodstock
4th Q
20-23: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
23-23: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
23-30: BOS - PTD QB Nathaniel Braddock -> WR Al Allmendinger
The Independents and Gold Stars met for the 2nd time this season and had another narrow battle.
Boston had the upper hand in the 1st off of a RB Reggie Whitehead touchdown, but Providence answered back in the 2nd via WR Justin Palmer. Boston would sneak in a field goal before the break to go up 10-13.
In the 2nd half, Boston managed to get up to a 10-point lead with RB Wesley Wu getting his first of the season, but a RB Tresean Jones touchdown would cancel it before Boston got another late field goal.
Down by 6, the Gold Stars would lock down Boston while the offence was able to grab back-to-back field goals to tie the game late in the 4th. However, Boston got the last laugh this time with Braddock leading a touchdown drive to close out the game with a very important win.
Montreal Rouge - 20 @ Ottawa Royals - 32 - Royals Stadium at Brewer Park - Sunday, July 29, 1973 - 1:00 PM ET - Weather: Partly Cloudy - Attendance: 45,125
1st Q
3-0: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-0: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-7: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
2nd Q
13-7: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
3rd Q
13-14: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Sterling Underhill
13-15: OTT - Single K Ira Foster
13-22: OTT - PTD QB Drake Young -> WR Chad Anderson
4th Q
20-22: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Antonio Villanueva
20-25: OTT - FG K Ira Foster
20-32: OTT - RTD RB Corbyn Knight
Ottawa would get a big win over Montreal to overtake first place in the East Division.
The Rouge did have the upper hand in the first half, getting up to a 13-7 lead with their defence holding Ottawa’s offence to only 7 points. However, in the 2nd half, QB Drake Young would start to figure it out and led the Royals to a pair of touchdowns in the 3rd to take a 13-22 lead heading into the 4th.
Montreal did answer back with a touchdown to cut the lead down to 2 and then had a chance to take the lead after Ottawa only got a field goal. Unfortunately for Montreal, QB Tom Applewhite would get hit hard by DL Bernhard Hartmann, knocking the ball loose and allowing Ottawa to take over and put the game out of reach.
Winnipeg Falcons - 14 @ Regina Wheat Kings - 25 - Broad Street Stadium - Sunday, July 29, 1973 - 2:00 PM ET/12:00 PM CST - Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Attendance: 18,093
1st Q
0-3: REG - FG K Mark Mundle
2nd Q
1-3: WPG - Single K Jordan Hollingsworth
1-10: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Leonard Green
4-10: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
3rd Q
4-17: REG - PTD QB Stanley Evans -> WR Colt Robbins
4-18: REG - Single K Mark Mundle
11-18: WPG - PTD QB Emerson Thompson -> WR Terry Upshaw
4th Q
11-25: REG - RTD RB Deion Chapman
14-25: WPG - FG K Jordan Hollingsworth
The Wheat Kings would roll on to their 3rd straight win, taking down Winnipeg for the 2nd time in 3 weeks.
The Wheat Kings were rolling with QB Stanley Evans leading the way for 2 touchdown drives. Unfortunately, he would get knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury, leading to QB Whit Johnson getting his first action of his career. Johnson was solid in relief, leading another touchdown drive in the 4th.
Winnipeg struggled again offensively with QB Mitchell Nash in his 2nd start, being constantly chased by Regina’s D-line. Nash eventually would jam his finger on the helmet of DL Pete Gingers leading to him leaving the game and QB Emerson Thompson replacing him. Thompson did get the Falcons into the endzone, but it was far too little.
London Tigers - 27 @ Buffalo Blue Wings - 20 - OT - Milton Charles Stadium - Sunday, July 29, 1973 - 5:00 PM ET - Weather: Clear - Attendance: 53,722
1st Q
3-0: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
3-3: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
2nd Q
3-10: BUF - RTD RB Jasper Dickerson
3rd Q
10-10: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
17-10: LDN - PTD QB Tyrion Gainsborough -> WR Lloyd Lane
4th Q
20-10: LDN - FG K Nimrod Handsworth
20-17: BUF - PTD QB Charles Lemieux -> WR Owen Paisley
20-20: BUF - FG K Ryan Perch
OT
27-20: LDN - RTD RB Jeremy Royal
To close out the week the Tigers would head down to Buffalo and hand the Blue Wings their 6th loss of the season and their 2nd straight OT loss.
The Blue Wings controlled the first half with their defence and offence, but then the Tigers roared back in the 3rd and early 4th with 17 consecutive points.
QB Charles Lemieux led a 10-point comeback in the 4th, flashing his Hall of Fame skillset, and managing to get the job done in under 5 minutes.
Once, overtime started, the game slowed a bit with neither team looking to make a costly mistake. Eventually, the deciding play would be a 65-yard touchdown run from RB Jeremy Royal who slipped right through the Blue Wings’ defence to score.
Injury Report
BOS: OL Terry Pennington - Tight Hamstring - Day-to-Day
BOS: S Lee Crewe - Knee Swelling - 4 Weeks
BOS: OL Harrold Kera - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
BUF: OL Garth Brooklyn - Wrist Sprain - 2 Weeks
BUF: LB Eric Strohecker - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
CGY: RB Rocco Peaks - Foot Injury - 1 Week
CGY: DL Michael Ellis - Cramping - Day-to-Day
EDM: OL Lenny Barrigan - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
HFX: S Derrick Focht - Torn Muscle - 8 Weeks
IND: DL Tyrone Powers - Wrist Sprain - 1 Week
IND: S Derrick Fayden - Moderate Concussion - 4 Weeks
LDN: OL Shane Willis - Sprained Ankle - 2 Weeks
LDN: DB Bernard Wilkins - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
LDN: WR Julius Drake - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
LI: QB David Simmons - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: LB Brent Mayiski - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
LI: DB Levi Woodrow - Mild Ligament Sprain - 6 Weeks
LOU: DB Oswald Murray - Groin Strain - 1 Week
LOU: OL Robert Pelletier - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
MIN: QB Ulysses Lawyer - Strained Hamstring - 2 Weeks
MIN: OL Jordan Bryson - Moderate Concussion - 5 Weeks
MTL: DL Alan Franjkovic - Mild Ligament Sprain - 5 Weeks
MTL: OL Mathieu Roy - Hand Injury - 1 Week
MTL: TE Sylvain Leblanc - Knee Swelling - 3 Weeks
OTT: WR Charles Toothacre - Severe Ligament Tear - 9 Weeks
PIT: S Chris Berger - Mild Concussion - 1 Week
PIT: OL Harrison Russell - Mild Ligament Sprain - 4 Weeks
PRO: OL Louie DeBois - Mild Concussion - 5 Weeks
PRO: WR James Penguin - High Ankle Sprain - 12 Weeks
PRO: S Tom Parrish - Mild Soreness - Day-to-Day
PRO: RB Jonathan Rougeau - Tight Calf - Day-to-Day
PRO: TE Kairos Knight - Minor Bruise - Day-to-Day
REG: QB Stanley Evans - Minor Shoulder Injury - 2 Weeks
WPG: QB Mitchell Nash - Jammed Finger - Day-to-Day
WPG: OL Ian Yager - Hip Strain - 5 Weeks
Players of the Week
Standings
WEST
Vancouver - 6-0
Edmonton - 3-3
Regina - 3-3
Minnesota - 3-3
Calgary - 2-4
Winnipeg - 1-5
CENTRAL
Louisville - 5-1
London - 3-3
Toronto - 3-3
Pittsburgh - 2-4
Indiana - 1-5
Buffalo - 0-6
EAST
Ottawa - 5-1
Montreal - 4-2
Long Island - 4-2
Providence - 4-2
Boston - 3-3
Halifax - 2-4
Power Rankings
1 - Vancouver -
2 - Ottawa +2
3 - Montreal -1
4 - Providence -1
5 - Long Island -
6 - Louisville -
7 - Boston +1
8 - Minnesota -1
9 - London +1
10 - Toronto -1
11 - Pittsburgh +1
12 - Halifax -1
13 - Regina +1
14 - Calgary +1
15 - Edmonton -2
16 - Indiana -
17 - Buffalo -
18 - Winnipeg -
Week 7 Games
EDM (3-3) @ IND (1-5) - AUG 2 - 7:00 PM ET - Thursday Night Football
TOR (3-3) @ PIT (2-4) - AUG 3 - 7:00 PM ET - Friday Night Football
PRO (4-2) @ HFX (2-4) - AUG 4 - 12:00 PM ET
LI (4-2) @ OTT (5-1) - AUG 4 - 12:00 PM ET
CGY (2-4) @ VAN (6-0) - AUG 4 - 3:30 PM ET
LOU (5-1) @ MIN (3-3) - AUG 4 - 7:00 PM ET - Saturday Night Football
BOS (3-3) @ WPG (1-5) - AUG 5 - 1:00 PM ET
BUF (0-6) @ LDN (3-3) - AUG 5 - 1:00 PM ET
REG (3-3) @ MTL (4-2) - AUG 5 - 4:30 PM ET
