55th McCallister Cup

Roster Moves
MTL: DB Jean Paul du Pont | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
MTL: DB Real Monet | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: LB Jaylen Murray | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: LB Shawn Anderson | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve

(3) Montreal Rouge VS. (1) Vancouver Wolves - Midgard Stadium - October 21, 1973 - 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CST - Weather: Partly Cloudy - 20°C | 68°F - Attendance: 50,226

* The field this season features the 25th Season logo instead of the usual NAAF logo. In addition, the 25-yard line on both sides of the field is outlined in red to also signify the 25th season. 

It was a beautiful evening in Minneapolis, with the sun slowly setting on Midgard Stadium. A mix of fans from across the league settled in to watch the big game. The local Minnesota subset of fans seemed to side more with the Rouge, considering their current rivalry with the Wolves. St. Paul native OL Bobby Finley got a big cheer when his name was announced as a member of Montreal’s starting lineup.

1st Quarter
The game itself started slow. Both teams were feeling each other out, playing it relatively safe to start the game. The conservative play would lead to minimal offence in the early stages. The game seesawed like this for a few drives before Vancouver was able to break into Montreal’s end. RB Jeremiah Morrow slipped by the Rouge front for an 18-yard run that would set up the Wolves at the Montreal 38. QB Kevin Westwood completed a couple more passes before K Sterling Brooks would score the opening points of the game with a field goal. It took a bit longer for Montreal to get the ball moving, but they would in the final minutes of the quarter. On the last play of the quarter, QB Tom Applewhite would connect with WR Antonio Villaneuva, which would put the Rouge at the Wolves’ 23.
MTL 0-3 VAN 

2nd Quarter
A few plays into the 2nd, Montreal would tie the game on a K Buster McDooley field goal. Vancouver’s ensuing drive would not last long. QB Kevin Westwood would be pressured by a Montreal blitz. He had to make a quick throw. The throw was a wobbly toss out towards WR Keshawn Johnston. The ball didn’t have enough juice to get to him, and DB Lamar Brown would cut underneath and intercept the pass, setting up Montreal in Vancouver territory. The Rouge would not get far, but still added 3 more points to take their first lead of the game. The Wolves did not dwell on the turnover. QB Kevin Westwood returned to the field and delivered a methodical drive. He found ways to connect with his receivers despite going up against arguably the league’s best secondary. With some help from the backfield, Westwood had the Wolves down to the 10. The next play, he would hit WR Keshawn Johnston to the outside, with a much better throw, for a touchdown to regain the lead. Montreal’s next drive was short. After RB Bo Frazier was stopped for only 2 yards, QB Tom Applewhite would fail to connect with WR Taylor Karis, leading to a quick punt. Vancouver got the ball back and quickly found themselves back in field goal range. Unfortunately, K Sterling Brook’s 2nd kick of the day would flutter wide right. RB Mark St-Pierre would field the missed kick and then elect to take a knee for a single, extending Vancouver’s lead to 6-11. As halftime loomed, Montreal hoped to get some more points before the break. They got a drive going towards midfield. At their own 48, QB Tom Applewhite would miss on a 1st down pass. On 2nd down, Applewhite fired a pass to WR Antonio Villanueva. The young WR would make the grab and spin off of an incoming hit from LB Jaylen Murray. WR Taylor Karis and TE John Schall would land some blocks, allowing Villanueva to slip past the Wolves’ secondary. He would scramble all the way down to the 14 before S Gunpei Koizumi tripped him up. From the 14, Applewhite would hit a quick pass to Karis before then finding TE Sylvain Leblanc at the front of the endzone for a touchdown to regain the lead. The team would go for 2 to make a 3-point game, but DB Christian Allen was able to knock the pass attempt away.
MTL 12-11 VAN

3rd Quarter
Vancouver came out of the break aggressive. QB Kevin Westwood’s first pass of the half would be a 46-yard bomb to WR Akira Sakamoto. The speedy receiver was able to pick up 10 more yards after the catch before being brought down by S Mathieu Cazenave. The Wolves continued to push down to the 3, where RB Richard Morin would punch in the touchdown to go back up by 6. The quick score left Montreal reeling a little, but they were able to answer back on the next drive, as K Buster McDooley knocked down his 3rd field goal of the game. Montreal’s defence would step it up on the next drive with the help of a DL Alan Franjkovic sack to force a 2 and out. The offence returned to the field looking to take back the lead. However, the drive was short-lived as QB Tom Applewhite’s toss to WR Antonio Villanueva was underthrown, allowing DB Christian Allen to get under it and take the ball back for Vancouver. The ensuing drive would result in a field goal for the Wolves, reinstating the 6-point lead. Montreal would have a more balanced drive coming off of the turnover. RB Bo Frazier was able to move the ball on the ground, while Applewhite was making some safer, quick throws. As much as the Wolves tried to stop them, Montreal kept finding ways to get first downs. They inched their way down to the 4, where Frazier powered through the Wolves’ front, carrying several defenders into the endzone. With the extra point, Montreal was back out in front. In the dying minutes of the 3rd, the Wolves were back on offence and already making strides down the field. A couple of chunk plays from WR Tristian Lewis and RB Chavez Arrington allowed Vancouver to get over midfield just before the quarter ended.
MTL 22-21 VAN

4th Quarter
After flipping sides, the Wolves continued to roll with another first down before they were finally held up. The Wolves would put up another field goal to take a 2-point lead. Once again, the lead didn’t last long as Montreal was able to go back the other way and match the field goal, making it 25-24. The game’s intensity picked up heading into the home stretch as both teams were fighting for every last inch. Montreal would get a break when RB Richard Morin coughed up the football on Vancouver’s next drive. The Rouge recovered the fumble, only to give it back to the Wolves when QB Tom Applewhite sent the ball into the arms of LB Lochlan Bourne. The Wolves now had the ball just a bit behind where they initially gave it up. The only thing the two turnovers did was waste valuable time for the Wolves. Thus, they would come out just as aggressively as the start of the half, with Westwood attacking the Montreal secondary. He would not connect on 1st down, but did find TE Johnny Temple on second to keep the drive going. They continued to push the ball, even adding some variation with runs from the many men in the backfield. Vancouver found themselves knocking on the door again. On this drive, the Wolves would get into the endzone with Westwood finding WR Tristian Lewis for the score to make it 25-30. The Wolves would go for two to make it a 7-point game. Westwood attempted to throw it back into the endzone, going back to Lewis over the middle, but the pass was broken up by LB Grover Smith, keeping the game a 25-30. The ball was back in Montreal’s court. The next drive was a long one. The Rouge were facing every 2nd down possible and even a couple of 3rd downs as they made their way down the field. However, they kept the drive alive. RB Bo Frazier twice would get past the sticks on 3rd and short. Montreal was now down to the 30-yard line. QB Tom Applewhite would drop back and hit WR Taylor Karis to pick up 8. After Frazier got the last couple of yards on 2nd, they would now have 19 yards to go and a new set of downs. Applewhite would then find WR Antonio Villanueva for 7. He would appear to go down, but somehow shook off the DB Christian Allen tackle and picked up another 5 to get down to the 7. On 1st down, RB Bo Frazier would be stuffed for no yards, setting up 2nd and Goal. On the next play, Applewhite would attempt to throw it for the touchdown. He would make a quick throw towards Villanueva, but the ball was a bit high. There would be a lot of contact on the play from DB Christian Allen, and Villanueva was very adamant that there should have been a penalty, but the refs kept the flags in their pockets. It was now 3rd and Goal, and the Rouge elected to be aggressive and go for it, even if there was still time to potentially get 2 field goals. Applewhite would once again drop back to throw. He would hesitate on the throw, and the Rouge line was not able to hold up for the full time. The Wolves were starting to break through. Applewhite scrambled out to the right and then saw an open man. WR Taylor Karis had improvised and slipped toward the sideline, wide open. Applewhite lobbed it to him. The ball floated. Karis caught the pass, but DB Apollo Duckworth had time to catch up. The two collided. Karis appeared to bobble the ball a little but managed to still clutch it against his body to hold on for the go-ahead touchdown. The Rouge would follow up with a 2-point attempt, and RB Bo Frazier would break through the Wolves’ defence to make it a 3-point game. The Wolves would still have some time following the score. They would make some quick gains to get up to the 42. However, they then faced a 3rd and 4 after an incompletion on 2nd down. Westwood would drop back and connect with WR Keshawn Johnston to keep the drive alive. They kept on pressing, picking up another first down to get into Montreal’s end. The drive continued as the Wolves got into range for K Sterling Brooks. After being forced to 3rd down again with less than a minute to go. Brooks would take the field for a 44-yard attempt. Brooks stepped up to kick, and as he followed through, S Garet deVale came flying off the edge. deVale, who had a limited role this season, still had a little more gas in the tank and would get just enough to deflect the kick. The ball still got past the line, but was not going to go through the uprights. Montreal would get the loose ball. Applewhite would kneel out the final plays as Montreal would secure their first McCallister Cup in 20 years.

Scoring Summary
1st Q
0-3: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
2nd Q
6-3: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
6-10: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
6-11: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
12-11: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> TE Sylvain Leblanc
3rd Q
12-18: VAN - RTD RB Richard Morin
15-18: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
15-21: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
22-21: MTL - RTD RB Bo Frazier
22-24: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
4th Q
25-24: MTL - FG K Buster McDooley
25-30: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Tristian Lewis
31-30: MTL - PTD QB Tom Applewhite -> WR Taylor Karis
33-30: MTL - 2PT RB Bo Frazier

Injury Report
VAN: LB Kyrell Warner - Hand Injury - 2 Weeks

McCallister Cup MOP

WR Taylor Karis MTL - 1 Receiving Touchdown, 71 Receiving Yards

1973 McCallister Cup Champions

1973 Season Recap

54th McCallister Cup

Roster Moves
PRO: LB Kurt Warlock | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
PRO: LB Cole Kent | Active Roster -> Reserve List

(5) Vancouver Wolves VS. (1) Providence Gold Stars - Milton Charles Stadium - Buffalo, NY - October 22, 1972 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Rain - 9°C | 48°F - Attendance: 53,871
Many Gold Star fans made the trip over to Buffalo to watch their team compete for a title, even with the rain in the forecast. Wolves fans were few and far between the Gold Stars and local Buffalo fans that were in attendance, making it feel more like a home game for the Gold Stars. The rain was increasing as the kickoff festivities continued in what was shaping up to be a wet evening.

1st Quarter
Vancouver would get the ball to start the game but quickly went 2 and out following a dropped pass from WR Akira Sakamoto. Providence took over and didn’t have much success either, getting one 1st down before punting it back. The game continued like this for a while until Vancouver would be the first to catch a break when QB Red King would lose his grip on the football when pulling it back to throw. DL Qian Zhou would land on it after the ball pinballed around the many legs of the O- and D-lines. Vancouver would take over in Providence’s end and put up a field goal to strike first. The sudden turn of events didn’t deter Providence who was able to get down the field themselves and add a field goal to tie the game with RB Tresean Jones starting to get some traction in the run game.
VAN 3-3 PRO

2nd Quarter
The rain started to pick up a little more into the 2nd quarter. However, despite that Providence would be able to get the offence moving. RB Tresean Jones continued to roll out of the backfield, but it was WR Justin Palmer who was able to slip out of a couple of tackles following an 18-yard catch and pick up another 21 yards. After Jones failed to get into the endzone from the 3 on 1st down, the Gold Stars would swing the ball to RB Ronnie Byers who would then punch in the first touchdown of the game to give Providence the lead. On the ensuing kickoff, RB Nikki Yang would return the kick only to lose his grip on the ball allowing DB Nazario Piacenza to pick it up for a big turnover. Providence would once again threaten a touchdown, but WR Leon Hudson would be unable to reel in the touchdown grab, forcing the Gold Stars to settle for a field goal. The game had quickly gone from a tie to a 10-point Gold Stars lead. Vancouver’s offence was really struggling, between dropped passes and a batter O-line that was having a tough time against the Gold Stars’ front. QB Kevin Westwood was running for his life on most plays having to throw the ball out of bounds several times to avoid sacks. However, he was eventually able to slip a tackle and hit WR Keshawn Johnston for a decent gain to get into Providence’s end. However, they didn’t get much further and had to punt. Providence returner, WR Mark Taylor, also had some trouble on the return with the ball slipping through his arms and bouncing into the endzone. Taylor would get back and fall on it, sacrificing the single. Providence would then take the lead into halftime
VAN 4-13 PRO

3rd Quarter
The rain continued to start the 3rd quarter and Vancouver was still getting swamped by the Gold Stars’ defence. RB Jeremiah Morrow would eventually be blown up in the backfield, causing a fumble and taking Morrow out of the game. Providence added to their lead shortly after with another field goal to make it 4-16. Frustration could have easily overcome the Wolves after another turnover, but they remained composed. On the next drive, QB Kevin Westwood was dishing out to his many receivers. He had to get the ball off quickly with Providence still putting on the pressure. It would still work with WR Akira Sakamoto eventually slipping a tackle to get down to the 5. Westwood would then toss a short pass to RB Nikki Yang, who would get into the endzone. Over the time Vancouver rolled down the field, the rain let up, going from consistent rain to a very sparse drizzle. Vancouver’s defence built off of the momentum and longer rest and was able to hold the Gold Stars off on the next couple of drives. However, Providence would also stop the Wolves to hold onto a 5-point lead heading into the final quarter.
VAN 11-16 PRO

4th Quarter
A drizzle remained in the final frame, but the lighter rain seemed to allow for more offensive risk-taking with the Gold Stars starting to move down the field. Vancouver had gained some momentum in the 3rd with a solid comeback, so the Gold Stars felt they needed to put the pressure on offensively. QB Red King went to work and swiftly got the team down to the 16 before he would hit WR Justin Palmer for a touchdown to give Providence an 11-22 lead. Unfortunately, K Gilbert O’Neill’s left foot slipped on the grass as he ran up to kick the extra point resulting in a failed PAT. Vancouver would get a decent return to start the next drive, helping them get to midfield. However, it would end shortly after when DL Bartolo Cruz got to QB Kevin Westwood for the 3rd time in the game. Providence would get the ball back and once again get down the field. O’Neill did get some redemption for his earlier slip-up, putting up another field goal to extend the lead to 11-25. Down 14 with less than half a quarter to go, Vancouver was feeling the pressure, but Westwood remained composed. He would lead another long drive down the field, somehow finding a way past the Gold Stars’ defence. The drive would come to an end when Westwood would hit WR Keshawn Johnston cutting across the field on a post. Johnston would get by S Paul Christopher to get into the endzone to cut the lead in half. The Providence fans collectively held their breath as Vancouver was back in the game. Providence’s offence would try to kill some clock with some conservative offence, but Vancouver’s defence was able to stop them eventually and get the ball back. Time was down to less than 3 minutes as Westwood once again started to lead the offence down the field. As hard as the Gold Stars’ defence tried, Vancouver kept moving, picking up a couple of 3rd down conversions to keep the drive alive. Westwood was looking to threaten a potential game-tying score and dropped back, but was immediately flushed out of the pocket by DL Bartolo Cruz. WR Akira Sakamoto had run his route, but changed direction and looked like he had a window. As Westwood threw, Cruz laid a hit and he couldn’t get enough on it. DB Neville Falkner cut right at it and picked off the pass, running it all the way the other way for a touchdown to put the game to bed. The Providence fans exploded. Vancouver had nothing left in the tank. The Gold Stars had ended their drought. They were champions for the first time since 1941.

Scoring Summary
1st Q
3-0: VAN - FG K Sterling Brooks
3-3: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
2nd Q
3-10: PRO - RTD RB Ronnie Byers
3-13: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
4-13: VAN - Single K Sterling Brooks
3rd Q
4-16: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
11-16: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> RB Nikki Yang
4th Q
11-22: PRO - PTD QB Red King -> WR Justin Palmer
11-25: PRO - FG K Gilbert O’Neill
18-25: VAN - PTD QB Kevin Westwood -> WR Keshawn Johnston
18-32: PRO - DTD DB Neville Falkner

Injury Report
PRO: WR Owen Paisley - Day-to-Day
VAN: RB Jeremiah Morrow - 2 Weeks

McCallister Cup MVP

DL Bartolo Cruz - 3 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 6 Tackles
Cruz was a thorn in QB Kevin Westwood's side throughout the game. His constant pressure was a key to Providence's success in this game.

Other Notes: QB Red King made some history, becoming the youngest QB (24) to win the McCallister previously held by QB Lyle Painter who was 25 when he won in 1958. King also set a mark by winning all 13 starts he made this season, the only QB to have that many starts and remain perfect in a season. 

1972 McCallister Cup Champions

1972 Season Recap

53rd McCallister Cup

Roster Moves
LOU: OL Bubba Hankins | Active Roster -> Injured Reserve
LOU: OL Paul Dix (Rookie) | Reserve List -> Active Roster
MTL: DL Mateo Cousineau | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
MTL: DL Stan Walz | Active Roster -> Reserve List

(5) Louisville Thunder VS. (2) Montreal Rouge - New Providence Stadium - October 24, 1971 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather:  Cloudy/Light Rain - 12°C | 54°F - Attendance: 65,440
A mixture of fans from all across the NAAF came out to fill the 65,000-seat stadium in Providence. It was the most red that New Providence Stadium ever been with the Rouge fans making their way down to Providence. Louisville didn’t do too bad themselves, but then there were also the Providence fans who had bought tickets hoping their team would go the distance. Now, they were left to boo both teams, after Louisville had ended their season 2 weeks earlier, and Montreal being a division rival. A cloudy and cool day in Providence mixed with an energetic crowd would make for a good setting for the 53rd McCallister Cup.

1st Quarter
The game kicked off with former Thunder kicker, Frank Hughes, sending the ball to Thunder WR Ben Graham. Graham would have a solid return giving the Thunder good field position to start the game. The offence rolled out and would catch the Rouge by surprise. QB Buck Murphy would hit a couple of passes to pick up a quick 17 yards, then find WR Ben Graham who would slip through for another 21. Eventually, RB Neil Bradley would get involved to close the gap to the endzone. Bradley would get them to the 3 where Murphy would drop back and toss the ball up to WR Casey Coleman towards the back of the endzone. Even with DB Lamar Brown closing in, Coleman would reach up and grab the ball to make it 7-0. 

Montreal would be shaken after the opening drive score from the Thunder. The offence would take the field and DL Gavin Shaw would drop QB Gene Bishop on the first snap. After an incompletion on 2nd down, Montreal would kick it right back to the Thunder. Despite the short break, the Rouge defence would recover from the early blow and would hold off the Thunder on their next drive. 

After a couple of drives from both teams that didn’t get much traction, the Rouge would start to dig in. The offence would lead a long and gruelling drive down the field. RB Bo Frazier would fight for every inch on the ground, while WR Taylor Karis and WR Antonio Villanueva picked up yards through the air. Once they got down to the 16, Bishop would connect with Karis again cutting through the middle. Karis would shake off a tackle from DB Oswald Murray and then look to get to the goal line, but LB Ricky Wildgoose would stop him just short. After Frazier failed to get in on first down, HC Malachi Knowles would pull a nifty play out of the book. QB Gene Bishop would fake the handoff to Frazier, and then turn to WR Antonio Villanueva who was set up for a screen to the left. Villanueva planted aiming to pull DB Oswald Murray in. Murray took the bait. Villaneuva then cut right back up to the endzone. Bishop would lob it up to the back corner, where a closing S Graham Kensington would attempt to get a hand on it, but Villanueva would reel it in for the tying score. The score would remain tied heading into the 2nd.
LOU 7-7 MTL

2nd Quarter
To start the 2nd, Montreal would continue to hold the momentum. The defence would hold off the Thunder, while the offence looked to be starting another strong drive. However, it would soon be thwarted as DL Lucas Kipling, a former Rouge player, would get to Bishop as he pulled back to throw. The ball flew loose and the Thunder would recover in Louisville territory. Montreal’s defence remained composed, but the Thunder still were able to put up 3 points. 

Despite only getting a field goal, the momentum had completely swung in Louisville’s direction. Their defence would hold off the Rouge on their next drive, allowing the offence to look to add more points. The Thunder offence would get the ball to their own 46-yard line with a couple of runs from RB Neil Bradley. Then, QB Buck Murphy would drop back and find WR Lloyd Lane cutting across the field. Lane caught the ball and then cut right in between S Etienne LaMond and S Mathieu Cazenave. From there, Lane would turn on the jets and take it right down the road to the endzone to make it 17-7 for Louisville. 

Montreal’s defence recovered and kept Louisville off the board for the rest of the half. As for their offence, they had one last shot to get some points on the board. QB Gene Bishop was getting pressure on every play, so he had to be quick. Some good play calls from HC Malachi Knowles would help inch Montreal into Louisville territory. On the last play of the half, K Frank Hughes would fire home the field goal to cut the lead down to just 7 heading into halftime.
LOU 17-10 MTL

3rd Quarter
Getting the ball to start the 2nd half, the Rouge would continue to take what they could get from the Thunder defence and once again slowly made their way into Louisville territory. An eventual field goal would cut the lead down to just 4. The Rouge defence also kept the Thunder at bay, nearly getting an interception off of QB Buck Murphy when an errant throw would hit LB Conrad Kurst right in the chest and bounce off. However, as much as the game was being managed by the Rouge, it would remain a stalemate with the Thunder defence regaining their hold on the Rouge. Eventually, one side would budge, and it would be the Rouge when QB Gene Bishop would be intercepted by DB Oswald Murray, who jumped on a ball that was thrown behind WR Antonio Villanueva. The interception energized the Thunder as they marched into Montreal territory and would add 3 more points to their total to once again make it a 6-point game. 

Montreal’s offence would not be able to rebound from the pick on the ensuing drive as they would go 2 and out with Bishop getting sacked on 2nd down. On the following punt, WR Ben Graham would work his magic and slip through several tackles and get past the first wave of Rouge players. He almost found his way through the last couple of players but was tripped up. The great return would put Louisville in field goal range. A few plays later, after making it a more comfortable kick distance, K Elvis Franklin would once again put the Thunder up by 10.
LOU 23-13 MTL

4th Quarter
The final quarter continued the frustrations for the Rouge as Bishop would be sacked again on the next drive, and RB Bo Frazier would be limited after taking a big hit from LB Ricky Wildgoose causing a minor injury. They were going to need a spark if they had any hope of pulling it back in. Right on queue, QB Buck Murphy would have to finally put his signature on the game. The QB known to have interception problems would have that demon rear its ugly head when he underthrew a pass to WR Lloyd Lane. S Mathieu Cazenave was able to get underneath the ball and make the play. Montreal took over and found their footing, sort of. After a solid run on first down from RB Raymond Green, the Rouge would be forced to a 3rd and 9 when Bishop got sacked again. However, with the game in the balance, they would go for it. Bishop stepped up and delivered a throw to WR Antonio Villaneuva who would spin off a tackle and get over the line for a first. They would build off of the crucial play, continuing to march their way down to the 4 where RB Raymond Green would take it around the right side of the line and into the endzone to cut the lead down to 3. 

Louisville remained unphased by the turn of events, and the offence went about business as usual. They would find themselves inching into Montreal territory and looking to add more points to the board. However, the Rouge defence pushed back. DL Alan Franjkovic got close to sacking QB Buck Murphy on first down, the pass falling incomplete on the other end. Then, on second down, Murphy would drop back and look towards the sideline for WR Casey Coleman. Murphy waited a moment for the play to develop before firing toward Coleman. However, DL Sebastian Hamilton would get his arm up and deflect the pass enough to knock it off course. The ball now went more upfield where a waiting DB Lamar Brown was in prime position to get another interception for Montreal. Montreal’s offence continued to motor down the field as the energy from their fans brought the stadium to life. WR Antonio Villaneuva would have one of his signature plays of breaking 2 tackles to pick up another 12 yards after the catch that would set up Montreal at the 12. From there, Bishop would drop back and feel the pressure. He was able to escape it and just like he did back in his days in Worcester, he took off. Now he was much older, so he was easily caught after picking up 6 yards. On 2nd, Bishop would drop back again and this time would hit WR Taylor Karis in the endzone for the score to get Montreal in front for the first time all day. The Montreal fans would be ecstatic, well until QB Magnus Torrensen would lose grip on the snap, resulting in a failed convert. In the end, Montreal still had a 3-point gap, 23-26. 

The clock would start to wind down on the Thunder now as Montreal’s defence would turn them away on the ensuing drive. Montreal looked to play conservatively with their defence playing well, but that did result in a quick 2 and out. Louisville’s next drive would be a different story as they started to roll again. Murphy dished out a great pass to WR Lloyd Lane. Then, WR Ben Graham would take a jet sweep into Montreal territory. Then, Murphy aimed to get the team in good field goal range. Knowing Murphy that meant he was going to take a shot and not play it safe. The QB would drop back and survey the field. Finally, he tossed a shot at WR Casey Coleman. Coleman had gotten about 20-ish yards down the field before he planted and went up for the ball. DB Lamar Brown had done a good job of staying on him and also went up. However, Brown was behind Coleman, who was never gonna drop a pass that he was the first to. In desperation, Brown targeted the arms of Coleman, but the veteran held on and spun off of Brown who then tried to make a tackle. Brown went to the ground empty-handed. Coleman turned towards the middle of the field as a speeding S Mathieu Cazenave would come flying in. Coleman would let Cazenave pass right by with a shove from his right arm during a juke. He then took off with Cazenave tripping over his own feet. He was gone, and the remaining 20 yards were nothing as New Providence Stadium was both ecstatic and shocked from the mixture of fans as Coleman took in the go-ahead touchdown. 

Montreal entered desperation mode and was able to get back to midfield on their next drive. Threatening, but once again Bishop would be under pressure on 2nd down and would only barely get the ball off before being sacked. So on 3rd down, the game was on the line. Bishop would take the snap, wait, and then fire a quick pass to WR Taylor Karis. The ball was high and Karis jumped for it at the 1st down marker. He caught the ball but was immediately hit by LB Le’Darius Wynn. Despite being right at the line, the referees ruled that he did not make it and the ball was turned over. The Rouge could only argue their case as QB Buck Murphy would kneel out the final plays to secure the win and give Louisville their 2nd McCallister Cup Championship in the team’s history. 

Injury Report
LOU: DL Craig Cromwell - Day-to-Day
MTL: OL Mathieu Roy - Day-to-Day
MTL: RB Bo Frazier - Day-to-Day

McCallister Cup MOP

WR Casey Coleman LOU - 2 Receiving Touchdowns, 121 Receiving Yards

1971 McCallister Cup Champions

1971 Season Recap

52nd McCallister Cup

Roster Moves
VAN: DB Christian Allen | Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
VAN: DB Kaden Newsbury | Active Roster -> Reserve List

(4) Vancouver Wolves VS. (2) Long Island Raiders - Mount Royal Stadium - Montreal, QC - October 4, 1970 - 7:00 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy 8ºC | 47ºF - Attendance: 46,468

1st Q
A cooler evening in Montreal proved to be a bitter battleground for the 52nd McCallister Cup. Defence became the central focus of another McCallister Cup as both teams were held silent in the early stages of the opening quarter. The Wolves almost had the first major break with RB Jeremiah Morrow nearly getting through a huge hole, only to be met by LB William Washington II. It would be the Raiders that would strike first after their run-game found the gas pedal, leading to a 0-3 lead after the opening quarter.
VAN 0-3 LI

2nd Q
The tempo of the game did not change much into the 2nd quarter. Both teams took the hardnosed slant for the game plan and it wasn’t getting them very far. Eventually, Vancouver would start to spread the ball out more. QB Kevin Westwood found WR Keshawn Johnston for a big pickup midway through the 2nd to set up a field goal to tie the game at 3. The Raiders would follow suit with the Wolves and sprinkle in more passing plays. The plan would not pay off immediately, going 2 and out, but after a strong defensive stop, the Raiders were marching down the field. QB Ivan Sanchez made some great passes which eventually led to a touchdown from WR Larry Mossholder who made a nice cut to get open. The Wolves tried to counter but ran out of time.
VAN 3-10 LI

3rd Q
The 3rd quarter would see the game have a dramatic change. To start, the Wolves would come out of the break rejuvenated. After the defence stopped the Raiders quickly, Westwood would lead a drive to get the Wolves into the endzone. The Wolves moved down the field with ease before RB Jeremiah Morrow would punch in a touchdown to tie the game again, 10-10. After the Wolves scored, their defence would continue to ride the momentum. DL Qian Zhou would get into the backfield and knock the ball out of the arms of QB Ivan Sanchez. The ball hit the ground and all the players around dove onto it including Sanchez and Zhou. Once the dust had settled, the Raiders still came up with the ball, but there were a couple of casualties on the play. Zhou would leave the game after getting hit in the pile, while Ivan Sanchez was shaking his hand in pain after. In the pile, Sanchez’s hand was crushed by a helmet and he would not be able to grip a ball, forcing QB David Simmons into the game. With their starting QB out of the game, the Raiders’ defence knew they had to step up. They came with some tenacity and some heat. DL Dallas Breaker powered through the line going after QB Kevin Westwood. Westwood would turn to escape only to be hammered from the other side by DL Pionk Bjorkkstrand. Bjorkkstrand would catch Westwood on the chin with his helmet appearing to knock the star QB unconscious. It was a scary hit that lead to Westwood being carted off the field. QB Stanley Evans stepped in to replace him in the tie game that was now relying on a pair of backup QBs to decide a winner.
VAN 10-10 LI

4th Q
While the Wolves were certainly quite concerned about their QB, they still remained focused early in the 4th with QB Stanley Evans leading a field goal drive to give the Wolves their first lead of the game. Evans’ playstyle was similar to Kevin Westwood, so the Wolves could keep their game plan intact, however, the Raiders had to adjust to a more mobile style that QB David Simmons had. It seemed to work as Simmons was finding ways to move the football. Some delayed options to RB Scott Norton, a couple of solid throws, and a run or two himself kept the Raiders moving the ball. They would eventually tie the game again at 13 a piece with the clock starting to get low. In the final 3 minutes, the Wolves were starting to make way on a drive. QB Stanley Evans was making quick passes to get them into Raiders’ territory. The Raiders would force a 2nd and 10 after LB Callum Owen was able to break up one of the quick plays. The Raiders brought more coverage closer to the line with the two safeties holding their position at the first down marker. Evans noted the move and looked for an opportunity to get it over them. Evans dropped back and saw his fastest WR Akira Sakamoto, breaking past DB Ross Conroy right off the line. Evans didn’t hesitate more than a couple of seconds and threw the ball up the sideline. However, after the pass, the trap was sprung. DB Rutherford Winters had drifted slowly into the safety spot from the other side. As soon as Evans turned to Sakamoto, Winters bolted across. Evans’ pass was a little off-target and it gave Winters the ability to get under it. The ball landed in Winters' arms and the Raiders were taking the ball back the other way. After a solid return from Winters, the Raiders’ offence took over and were able to pick up yardage while killing as much time as they could. RB Scott Norton would break off a 14-yard play before QB David Simmons would scramble for a 1st down on the very next play. At this point, they were well in field goal range and K Henderson Schumacher would come onto the field and nail a 24-yard kick to give the Raiders the lead. The Wolves had little time to work with and they wouldn’t get far turning it over on downs to allow the Raiders to kneel out the game and capture their 3rd McCallister Cup in Long Island. 

Injury Report
LI: QB Ivan Sanchez - 4 Weeks
LI: OL Alan Mitchell - Day-to-Day
VAN: DL Qian Zhou - Day-to-Day
VAN: TE Daniel Whitford - 2 Weeks
VAN: QB Kevin Westwood - 8 Weeks

McCallister Cup MVP

DB Rutherford Winters - 1 Interception, 6 Tackles, 3 Passes Defended

1970 McCallister Cup Champions

1970 Season Recap

51st McCallister Cup

51st McCallister Cup

*Field Design: This year's field is the first to feature the cup in any capacity on the field as the Victors produced a unique logo for the game featuring the trophy with the team's flame from their torch logo as well as the # of the game and location. This is also the first time each team had coloured endzone in the design of their own endzones on their own field. 

Buffalo Blue Wings VS. Ottawa Royals - Victory Stadium - October 5, 1969 - 6 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - 20ºC | 69ºF
1st Q
The Blue Wings would elect to take the ball to start the game in order to get QB Travis Jackson comfortable under centre in his first career start. On the opening drive, they would pick up a first down, but not much else. In fact, both teams struggled on offence with very few yards being picked up early in the game. Buffalo would eventually get into field goal range after a strong string of plays and K Ryan Perch would strike first blood. Ottawa’s offence continued to spin its tires and Buffalo would maintain their lead into the 2nd. 
BUF 3-0 OTT

2nd Q
The second frame would continue much the same as the first with both teams’ defences stepping up. Ottawa would get a turnover with DL Bernhard Hartmann swatting the ball out of QB Travis Jackson’s hands. However, Buffalo would get it right back with RB Corbyn Knight losing the ball a few plays later because of DL William Sanderson. Eventually, Buffalo would get another turnover, this time from DB Dean Hawkins, who picked off QB Drake Young’s pass. The 2nd turnover would turn into a field goal to give Buffalo a 6-0 lead. Ottawa had one last shot near the end of the half, but they ran out of time, leaving the game at 6-0.
BUF 6-0 OTT

3rd Q
Ottawa hoped to finally break their silence early in the 2nd half, but Buffalo remained in control defensively. Luckily for Ottawa, their defence also was stepping up, keeping them within a score of the lead. The Royals remained calm and eventually, their patience would be rewarded with WR Colby Bancana breaking a tackle and picking up a whole chuck of yards. Soon enough, RB Corbyn Knight would get into the endzone to give Ottawa the 6-7 lead. There was a newfound confidence in the Royals, but it did not faze the Blue Wings who would then put together their own scoring drive, led by RB Jimmy Golden. Golden would get the score from 6 yards out to give Buffalo their 6-point lead back. Buffalo would remain in the lead heading into the final quarter.
BUF 13-7 OTT

4th Q
The game overall did not have a lot of offensive excitement, but that only made every score that much more meaningful. Both teams continued to pressure the other QB with several sacks occurring for both squads early in the quarter. However, Ottawa’s pressure would turn into a big play when QB Travis Jackson would rush a throw, which fluttered into the arms of DB Sergio Alvarez. The interception gave the Royals' offence some energy, as they would push their way down the field. From 8 yards out, QB Drake Young would drop back and find WR Piers Key for the touchdown to tie the game and then give them the lead after K Ira Foster’s extra point. Ottawa continued to hold the momentum following the touchdown, as the defence would stop Buffalo for a 2 and out on the ensuing drive. After getting the ball back, Ottawa’s offence continued to rumble, with RB Corbyn Knight breaking loose for 23 yards to get Ottawa into field goal range. The Royals were forced to 2nd and 8, after the Knight run, and they would look to the air to keep the drive alive. However, DL Ned Hedman would put pressure on QB Drake Young, who would spin out of the pocket dropping back further. When Young turned back upfield to see where his receivers were, DL William Sanderson was right in his face and he had to take the sack. K Ira Foster would trot out to kick a 46-yard field goal. Foster would get a good boot on the ball, but it would be pulled to the left just enough to barely miss. Luckily for the Royals, they would still get a point out of the play due to RB Jasper Dickerson misjudging the ball on the return, allowing it to bounce past him. Buffalo would eventually kick it out of their end on the next drive, but they also needed a stop with time running thin. Their defence got out there and they would force Ottawa to a 2 and out. The Royals would punt and RB Jasper Dickerson had a chance to redeem his flub on the missed field goal. Dickerson would follow through with a massive return getting the ball over midfield. The Blue Wings’ offence would take the field and would promptly lose 3 yards on the first play as the Royals blew up a screen pass to RB Jimmy Golden in the backfield. QB Travis Jackson would need to step up and make an important throw on the next play. Jackson would drop back and then fire a pass to WR Tracy Driscoll. The pass was easily the best Jackson threw all game, hitting Driscoll up the seam, right between 2 defenders who collided with each other to allow Driscoll to slip away. Driscoll would pick up another 8 yards before S Marc Bellecourt put a stop to it. However, Buffalo was already in prime field goal range. They would run the ball on the next couple of plays and get the clock to 0 for the final play. K Ryan Perch was on the field to kick the potential game-winner. There were some attempts from Royals fans to make noise, but as soon as Perch’s foot hit the ball, Victory Stadium went silent. The Ball sailed right through the uprights, and the Blue Wings fans in attendance exploded with excitement as they have just won their 4th McCallister Cup in 6 seasons.  

*Bonus Stats: I have a feeling that QB Travis Jackson may hold onto this rare stat for a long time, being the first QB not only to have his first start be the McCallister Cup but also to win the championship game in his first career start. It’s going to be unlikely to see anyone else make their first start in the McCallister Cup let alone win it. 

BUF - #21 RB Jimmy Golden

OTT - #47 DB Sergio Alvarez

Injury Report
OTT: OL Peter Kingsley - Day-to-Day

McCallister Cup MVP

DL William Sanderson BUF - 2 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble, 7 Tackles
Defence won this game for Buffalo and Sanderson was at the centre of 2 important plays that changed the game, as he wins his second McCallister Cup MVP. 

1969 McCallister Cup Champions

1969 Season Recap

50th McCallister Cup

50th McCallister Cup

Roster Moves
IND: S Clarence Sale - Injured Reserve -> Active Roster
IND: S Chase Penrod - Active Roster -> Reserve List

Halifax Mariners VS. Indiana Victors - Richardson Stadium - Boston, MA - October 6, 1968 - 6 PM ET - Weather: Cloudy - 12ºC | 54ºF

Pre-Game
In the week leading up to the big game, an interesting story out of Halifax . Tickets for the 50th McCallister Cup were available at the box offices at Atlantic Stadium and many came paired with a ticket for a ferry to Boston. Boston owner, Benjamin Harris, was the one behind the task, helping his friend and owner of the Mariners, Elliot Hudson, to get his fans into the city of Boston. It certainly made the crowd in Boston quite loud in favour of the Mariners. Indiana fans did make the trip as well, but it was far less than the Mariners. There was even the audible sound of the classic “JAV! JAV! JAV!” chant as WR Jav Kerrigan’s name was called during team introductions.

1st Q
The Indiana Victors elected to kick the ball to the Mariners to start the game in hopes of creating some momentum with their defence and quiet the Mariners’ faithful. The strategy would appear to work with the Mariners’ only picking up 1 yard on their first drive. The Victors would get the ball and Tom Applewhite would take the field. Indiana’s first drive would end with WR Ed Edwards making a stellar catch over his head in the back of the endzone. The Mariners’ offence retook the field and once again were stuffed by the Victors’ defence. While Indiana failed to score on their second drive, they would have another strong drive following yet another defensive stop. Applewhite led the Victors down to the Mariners’ end before hitting WR Ed Edwards on an out route. Edwards turned up field and planted his foot for a cut, however, LB Bear Donnelly’s helmet would ram right into his leg. Edwards’ ankle got twisted during the tackle and he struggled to get off the field following the play. Edwards would be taken out of the game and would not return, a huge blow to the Victors. Luckily, Indiana’s drive didn’t stop there as Applewhite would soon find former Boston WR, Evan Clanton, to take the lead much to the dismay of some Boston fans in attendance. Indy’s strong first quarter would leave them in control heading into the 2nd.
HFX 0-14 IND

2nd Q
The Mariners’ fans were quiet following the rough opening quarter, but they would have a reason to cheer early in the 2nd quarter. QB Tom Applewhite’s strong start would see its first bump in the road, as he would be picked off by DB Joe Robinson. The Mariners’ offence would take advantage of a shorter field and get to the endzone. RB Ronald O’Sullivan would catch the eventual TD pass out of the backfield and make a great spin move around LB Lucas Gladwell. Following Halifax’s score, the game would tighten up with both defences taking control of the game. Indiana would manage a field goal near the end of the quarter, but Halifax would sneak in a field goal as well just before the break.
HFX 10-17 IND

3rd Q
Indy was starting with the football in the second half, and they would be able to get into field goal range to regain their 10-point lead on their first drive. They would continue to hold the lead with their defence continuing to play well, however, more bad news would come their way. After RB Ronald O’Sullivan made a catch out of the backfield for the Mariners, DB Cameron Taylor would fly in to make the tackle. Taylor was just about to grab O’Sullivan when TE Dylan Chowder, going helmet first, ploughed into Taylor’s torso. Taylor would struggle to get up and would eventually be taken out of the game with what is likely some broken ribs. Without Taylor, the Victors struggled to contain QB Lyle Painter. Painter was starting to get comfortable and moved the Mariners’ offence down the field with confidence. Eventually, Painter would connect with WR Shane Steadman for the touchdown to pull Halifax to within 3 points heading into the final quarter.
HFX 17-20 IND

4th Q
The Mariners’ defence was finally holding down the fort as the Victors' offence struggled without WR Ed Edwards. However, Halifax was also struggling to move the ball as their former head coach, Urick Wilkins, now defensive coordinator of the Victors, had made strong adjustments to the defence to manage the loss of Cameron Taylor. However, as the game was nearing its end, the Mariners were threatening to score. QB Lyle Painter had led them into Victors’ territory, but it would be all for nothing after his pass to WR Shane Steadman would be bobbled by the receiver and then caught by S Tom Parrish. The Victors would push the ball out of their end and then punt the ball back to Halifax. The Mariners would end up with the ball at their own 14-yard line. Time was not on their side. The Mariners would pick up a pair of first downs quickly to get out of the shadow of their own goalposts. At about their own 47, they would hit a snag getting forced to a 3rd and 4. Seeing the time winding down, the Mariners’ elected to go for it. On the important snap, Painter would drop back and look for a quick throw. He hoped to get WR Shane Steadman cutting to the sideline, however, as he pulled back to throw, DL Ron Prumple nailed him from behind. The ball squirted loose and DL Fred Webster would pick it up and then hand it over to DB Adam Levesque who would break it into the endzone to put the nail in the coffin. The Mariner fans were chattering like crazy, some shocked, but others noticed the flags on the field. Head referee, Braidy MacBride, signalled the call which was an offside on Ron Prumple, who had jumped a split second too early. The Mariner fans cheered as they were given a new set of downs. Painter and the Mariners were fueled with new life as they continued their march down the field. Painter in particular was playing some of the best football of his career on the drive seemingly finding every target. They would arrive at the Indiana 26, needing to pick up a first down on 2nd and 5. Painter would drop back and look to throw. He would feel the pressure from the Indiana D-line, but he would stand his ground and step up to throw down the field. Painter had seen WR Jav Kerrigan gain a step to the outside against DB Kelly Kirkland. Painter’s pass would go right over Kirkland and into the arms of Kerrigan. Kirkland would attempt to make the tackle, but Kerrigan fought him off and took a couple more steps before getting into the endzone. The Mariners’ fans in attendance shouted “JAV! JAV! JAV!” as Kerrigan scored what would be the game-winning touchdown, giving Halifax their first McCallister Cup in the NAAF. 

HFX - 62 DB Joe Robinson

IND - 89 WR Ed Edwards

Injury Report

DL Chauncy Overstreet HFX - 4 Weeks
WR Ed Edwards IND - 2 Weeks
DB Cameron Taylor IND - 5 Weeks
DB Tim McGovern IND - Day-to-Day
OL TJ Overton IND - 4 Weeks

McCallister Cup MVP

QB Lyle Painter HFX - 3 Passing Touchdowns, 275 Passing Yards

Other interesting facts about this championship:
The Mariners’ run to the final was a trip down memory lane for Lyle Painter, who beat the team that drafted him in Long Island, then beat the Royals, the team he faced in both of his previous 2 McCallister Cup appearances, and then Indiana, the second team he was a member of.
To make it worse for Indiana, remember that Painter won an MVP award in 1965 with Indiana before they selected Applewhite over him for the future, which led to him signing with Halifax.
Mariners’ coach Ben McMillan, who had coached the Independents between 1960 and 1965, returned to Boston and would win the McCallister Cup in front of the city and team that let him go. To make it worse for Boston fans, McMillan is still the last guy to coach Boston in a playoff game.
Halifax also now has the worst record of any championship-winning team in the history of the NAAF after finishing 6-6 this season.
Now if we count Worcester's whole history along with the Mariners this would be the team's overall 7th McCallister Cup as the Athletics had won the cup 6 times prior to the NAAF's first season.

1968 McCallister Cup Champions

1968 NAAF Season Recap