Week 14 saw two teams earn a ticket to the playoffs and two others position themselves for an all-or-nothing deathmatch next week. There are only 2 spots left, and 3 teams that want to get one. Someone is going to be outside looking in.
PHI 34 CHI 28—The Chicago Blitz gave the Atlantic-leading Philly Stars all they could handle in a game that went into overtime tied at 28. Chicago’s CB Virgil Livers made a play for Defensive Player of the week with 2 Pick 6 interceptions of Stars QB Chuck Fusina. Fusina, undaunted, continued to throw the ball, completing 32 passes for 342 yards and 4 TD’s. In overtime it was a broken tackle by Stars RB Booker Russell that turned a 3 yard swing pass into the winning score, a 64 yard shocker that left the 21,200 fans in attendance in shock.
BIR 6 BOS 20—In a must-win game for both teams, each at 9-4, it was Boston that proved the more capable team, holding the Stallions to 163 yards passing and only 203 in total offense. Cornelius Quarles had his worst outing of the day, rushing for only 24 yards on 18 carries, as Boston loaded the box and dared Bob Lane to beat them. The 14 point win keeps Boston on pace for the Atlantic title, while Birmingham is now in real risk of missing the playoffs.
NJ 17 TBY 35—Tampa just kept rolling as John Reaves closed in on an MVP trophy with 282 yards and 3 more TD’s on the season. And while Hershel Walker had yet another 100-yard game (108 total), it was not enough as New Jersey fell to 6-8 for the year. Tampa’s win has clinched the Central Division title and the #1 seed in the playoffs.
LA 19 DEN 39—The Denver Gold also punched their playoff ticket with a convincing win over the Express. The Gold held LA to only 252 total yards, while the three-headed RB committee of Harry Sydney, Scott Stamper and FB Larry Canada compiled 133 on the ground to put away the Express.
MGN 18 WSH 16—In a game which Vegas had as a 10 point Michigan win, the Panthers struggled against a feisty Washington Federals squad. Using their 3rd QB of the year, longtime Steelers backup Joe Gilliam, the Federals hung tough in the game. Craig James battered the Panthers D-line for 95 yards and Gilliam hit Mike Holmes with a TD, but it was not enough. Despite having a sub-par day, Bobby Hebert was able to rally the troops and hit both Anthony Carter and Derek Holloway with scoring throws to eke out a narrow 2 point win and go a game up on Birmingham in the Central.
ARZ 24 OAK 38—The Invaders notched their 4th win of the year, sending streaky Arizona down to their 3rd straight defeat. Despite the return of Alan Risher at QB, the Wranglers could not keep pace with an Invader offense that was clicking on all cylinders, Alfred Whittington racked up 118 yards and 2 scores, while streaky Invader QB Fred Besana completed 68% of his passes with 3 scoring throws and no picks. Both teams are out of playoff contention, but pride still matters in football and these teams continue to fight.
PLAYOFF PICTURE
Tampa Bay Bandits (12-2): Central Division Champions and #1 playoff seed
Denver Gold (8-6): Pacific Division Champions, locked into #3 seed
Boston Breakers (10-4): Currently tied with Phila. at the top of the Atlantic Division. Would win tiebreaker if season ended today. Boston plays Philly next week, with the winner almost assured the division title.
Philadelphia Stars (10-4): Currently tied with Boston for Atlantic lead. Play Boston next week with winner almost assured of division title.
Michigan Panthers (10-4): 2 games behind Tampa in Central, but would lose tiebreaker. Holds Tiebreaker against Birmingham (2-0 vs. the Stallions) and Boston (Defested in week 1). Have not played Philadelphia, but would beat them on better inter-division record.
Our Look at the Remaining Two Spots: If Michigan can win two games where they are favored (vs. LA and Chicago), they would win the lone league Wild Card. That would mean only 1 team from the Atlantic would get into the playoffs and next week’s game between Boston and Philadelphia in Veteran’s Stadium holds the key.
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