'92 Chronology-Collier Cut Loose

Event Date: May 20th, 1992

Event Description: ‘Boats Release Veteran Pivot

Source: Memphis Star Tribune

The Memphis Showboats released backup quarterback Reggie Collier on Wednesday, and are hoping to find one with pro experience as his replacement.

"Reggie has shown the ability to be a productive quarterback in this league," Showboats general manager Steve Erhart said during a media gathering at the Liberty Bowl.

"We felt we wanted to in a different direction and see if we can get a better guy with experience to backup Andy Kelly."

Collier, who acquired by the Showboats in exchange for Walter Lewis, began the season as a starter, but also knew he wasn't necessarily the guy going into the season.

The veteran started seven games this season, before being replaced by rookie Andy Kelly in week eight. Overall he was 113 of 200 on pass attempts for 1523 passing yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions.

"When we look at guys, it's not just this year, but also what can this player do for us in the future." Erhart said. "You have to look at the big picture which includes things like a players salary and overall compensation. Reggie did a nice job early on for us, we also thought about his long-term future and we sincerely hope that he can become a starter for another team down the road."

Erhart is concerned about who will eventually back up Kelly, who is now entrenched in the starting role. Journeyman Jeff Francis was third on the depth chart and has now moved into the backup role. Collier's release leaves the Showboats with just two quarterbacks on their roster.

"You always have to prepare as if something was to happen to Andy and what would you do," Erhart said. "Most teams would have the same philosophy. We're not doing this just for the sake of doing it. We have a plan and hopefully we can execute it."

"Part of that will be determined by who we sign," Erhart said. "We will be bringing in some street free agents this week, and hopefully get someone signed by the weekend.”

more to come........

'92 Chronology-D.J. Plays Houston

Event Date: May 18th, 1992

Event Description: Another Major Win

Source: Pittsburgh Times Tribune

Major Harris threw for 332 yards and a touchdown to lead the Maulers to a 34-20 win over Houston at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.

D.J. Dozier rushed 13 times for 120 yards and Willie Collier hauled in seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown for the Maulers (6-3), who snapped a two-game losing skid.

David Klingler finished with 307 yards passing, but also threw a costly interception in the second quarter. Chuck Weatherspoon ran for 90 yards on 14 carries and Richard Johnson hauled in nine passes for 150 yards for the Gamblers (5-4), who fell to 2-2 on the road this season.

After the Maulers took an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter, the Gamblers opened their scoring with 9:04 left in the first half as Klingler found Gerald McNeil on a 32-yard touchdown strike giving Houston a 7-3 lead.

Near the end of the second quarter, Pittsburgh fired back with two touchdowns on the ground, the first coming from Rodney Carter from six-yards out and the second from Mike Oliphant with just 38 seconds to play in the half. Both scores capped 65-yard plus drives. A Max Zendejas field goal rounded out the first half scoring, and the teams went into the break with Pittsburgh up 17-10.

Rodney Carter opened the second half scoring with a one-yard run which finsihed off a 12-play, 85 yard drive and pushed Pittsburgh out to a two touchdown lead at 24-10. Houston got within 24-13 at the end of the third frame on a field goal from Zendejas, this time from 29-yards out.

Dan Plocki's 32-yard field goal and a touchdown pass from Major Harris to Willie Collier put the Maulers ahead 34-13 with 7:37 left in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory for the hometown heroes.

A late touchdown pass from David Klingler to former Houston University teammate Manny Hazard from five yards rounded out the scoring.

Game Notes;

Pittsburgh outgained Houston 539-408...The Maulers controlled just over 36 minutes of clock time...Gerald McNeil caught four passes for 77 yards with a touchdown for the Gamblers...Houston tight end Marvin Harvey was injured in the first quarter and did not return.

more to come.......

'92 Chronology-Southern Stampede

Event Date: May 17th, 1992

Event Description: Stallions Remain Perfect

Source: Mobile Daily News

Walter Lewis threw for 211 yards with two touchdowns on 20-of-28 passing to lead Birmingham over division rival Jacksonville by a score of 30-10 at Legion Field.

Paul Ott Carruth caught seven balls for 53 yards for the Stallions who won their ninth straight game and moved out to a three-game lead over the Bulls in the Southern division.

Charlie Brown added six receptions for 57 yards against his former team, and Brent Fullwood rushed seventeen times for 92 yards and Joey Jones also had a 56-yard reception for a score.

Tom Ramsey threw for 228 yards on 19-of-133 completions for the Bulls (6-3), who remain in second place one game ahead of Memphis. Carlos Huerta was 1-for-1 on field-goal attempts, while Mike Rozier was held to 13 rushing yards on eight carries.

An 46-yard Scott Norwood field goal with 8:19 left in the first put the Stallions on the board, then Tom Ramsey threw a ten-yard touchdown pass to Marc Lewis giving the Bulls a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter.

Walter Lewis connected on a 5-yard floater to Brown alone in the right corner of the end zone with forty one seconds to play in the half, as Birmingham took a 10-7 lead into the intermission.

Scott Norwood connected from 24 yards to push the Stallions to 13-7, and Brent Fullwood's one-yard plunge put Birmingham up 20-7 with 2:05 left in the third quarter.

Carlos Huerta added a 32-yard field goal with 14:41 to go in the third for a 20-10 game.

Another Lewis touchdown pass, this time to Joey Jones and another Norwood field goal rounded out the scoring in the final frame.

Game Notes;

Jacksonville lost starting wide out Perry kemp to an undisclosed injury in the first quarter, he did not return...Tom Ramsey was sacked four times in the loss... former Miami Dolphin Andre Brown led all receivers with 64 yards.

In other Week #9 USFL action; Michigan won at home against Memphis 24-14, New Jersey grabbed a road win in Tampa by beating the Bandits 35-27, Arizona downed New Orleans 18-10, and Baltimore beat Oakland 21-13.

more to come......

'92 Chronology-Comeback Kid

Event Date: May 16th, 1992

Event Description: Hohensee Leads Comeback

Source: Chicago Sentinel

Mike Hohensee threw for 360 yards and three scores while Mike Saunders gained 103 yards on the ground, as the Chicago Blitz rallied from 24-points down to defeat the Los Angeles Express, 32-27.

Hohensee was 20-of-36 passing while also throwing three picks while Scott McGhee hauled in a career-high nine receptions for 198 yards. Hart Lee Dykes had three catches for 68 yards and Mike Bellamy added a score for Chicago (5-4). Brian Franco was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts and finished with 14 points.

Damon Allen was inconsistent under center yet again, stifling the L.A. offense by hitting on just 9-of-22 pass attempts for 116 yards before being benched with 2:16 remaining in the fourth. Reuben Mayes ran for 41 yards on seven attempts for Los Angeles (3-6).

Brian Franco opened the final quarter with a 21-yard field goal but Los Angeles responded with 27 unanswered points as they raced out to a 27-3 half-time lead.

Damon Allen marched the Express 75-yards on twelve plays culminating with a Tony Boddie one-yard touchdown run, then after a Chicago turnover Boddie found the endzone again pushing Los Angeles out to a 14-3 lead. Two Jim Asmus field goals from 46 and 41-yards made it 20-3 with 4:37 left in the half.

Lou Brock Jr. picked off Hohensee on Chicago's next possession and returned it 43-yards for a touchdown and the Express took a 27-3 lead into the intermission.

Mike Hohensee brought the Blitz back for a touchdown on their first possession of the second half, finding Scott McGhee for a nine-yard strike and cutting the Los Angeles lead down to seventeen at the 12:01 mark of the third quarter.

Another Chicago score at the 7:51 mark came after Hohensee avoided a heavy pass rush and tossed a 29-yard touchdown to Mike Bellamy, cutting the lead to ten at 27-17. A 44-yard Brian Franco closed out the scoring in the third frame and moved the Blitz to within a touchdown in the process.

Another set of Franco field goals opened the fourth quarter as he hit from 19-yards and 28-yards to pull the Blitz to within one at 27-26. A Damon Allen fumble helped set up Chicago’s game-winning score which came off of a 63-yard pass play from Hohensee to Scott McGhee.

"We were able to make the adjustments at halftime, get refocused, and come out and control the clock in the second half and put the ball in the end zone when we really needed it," Hohensee said.

Game Notes;

Blitz receiver Scott McGhee caught nine passes for 198 yards with two scores...Damon Allen had a passer rating of 58.1 for the game...Mike Saunders added 103 yards on 21 carries for Chicago.

more to come......

'92 Chronology-Week #9 Injury Report

Event Date: May 14th, 1992

Event Description: Klingler fitting in with Gamblers

Source: Houston Star

A sore shoulder has been a bit of a nuisance, but otherwise David Klingler's U.S. Football League debut has gone even better than expected.

Despite missing two of Houston's eight games to date because of the bad shoulder has generally made a favorable impression on coaches with a relentless approach to the game, the rookie quarterback leads the Gamblers with 1245 yards and eleven touchdown passes.

"I've still had a few welcome to pro football moments," smiled Klingler, "but I'm adapting well, I think. Those Offensive linemen are pretty strong and have given me time to operate the offense. I got punched once while being sacked and got knocked over backwards, but overall the line has played great. But it's still somewhat of a shock coming into the pro ranks and having to learn a new offense."

NEW YORK (AP) -- The updated United States Football League latest transactions and injury report, as provided by the league:

Memphis Showboats-Placed WR Wamon Buggs on P.U.P. list.

Week #9 Injury Report

Arizona at New Orleans

Wranglers--None.

Breakers--Probable: LB Alvin Toles (knee).

Memphis at Michigan

Showboats--Out: WR Wamon Buggs (knee); Doubtful: DL James Cribbs (knee).

Panthers--Out: WR Frank Lockett (knee).

Houston at Pittsburgh

Gamblers--Out: TE Marvin Harvey (knee).

Maulers--Questionable: WR Lorenzo Davis (wrist).

Birmingham at Jacksonville

Stallions--Out: TE Gary Lewis (stinger).

Bulls--Out: WR Perry Kemp (knee).

Los Angeles at Chicago

Express--Questionable: LB James Malone* (hand).

Blitz--None

New Jersey at Tampa Bay

Generals--None

Bandits--Out: LB Fernando Jackson (neck); Probable: DL Ron Simmons (shoulder); DB Alonzo Hampton (ankle).

Baltimore at Oakland

Stars--None

Invaders--None

more to come......

'92 Chronology-Mid-Season Report

Event Date: May 13th, 1992

Event Description: USFL Mid-Season Report Card

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Eastern Division

Pittsburgh Maulers
Record: 5-3
Grade: A-

Best attribute: The Maulers have cooled after a hot start, but they should remain a playoff contender. Offensively, the Maulers have versatile running back Mike Oliphant, upcoming quarterback Major Harris and explosive receiver Derek Hill. They are always a threat to score, but at the same time have the ability to grind out long drives behind the running of D.J. Dozier.

Needs improvement: The Maulers have talent on defense with defensive end Mansel Carter, linebacker Zeke Gadsden and strong safety Tom Gerhart, but need more consistency. They need more takeaways and must pressure the quarterback more.

New Jersey Generals
Record: 4-4
Grade: B+

Best attribute: New Jersey now has toughness and creativity on the offensive side of the ball. The Generals are becoming a team that will hit you hard and keep attacking. The combination of Doug Flutie and Perry Tuttle give the Generals passing game some offensive pop.

Needs improvement: The Generals are vulnerable in the secondary. They rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards per game, and rarely come up with big interceptions. Thanks to James Curry they have a decent pass rush, but the coverage is ordinary at best.

Baltimore Stars
Record: 4-4
Grade: B-

Best attribute: Lindy Infante's offensive game-planning makes the Stars special. Quarterback Chuck Fusina has been steady, and he has two fine receivers in Victor Harrison and Clarkston Hines to work with. Veteran running back John Settle has been the main cog for the Stars rushing attack.

Needs improvement: The defense is old and lacks speed. Those factors were obvious in losses to the Generals and Jacksonville. The Stars fell behind early in both of those games and the secondary gives up too many big plays in order for them to assert themselves against the league's better squads.

Michigan Panthers
Record: 2-6
Grade: D

Best attribute: The Panthers can run the ball with Jamie Morris and John Williams, and they can stop the run on defense. Defensive tackle Brent White is one of the league's strongest men and can tie up most interior offensive linemen. Quarterback Steve Pelluer has been the teams’ offensive MVP so far.

Needs improvement: The offensive chemistry is severely lacking. Pelluer has been solid at quarterback but he is clearly a player who is often looked upon to carry the offense. The Panthers are vulnerable against the pass because they have an inconsistent pass rush and skittish secondary.

Southern Division

Birmingham Stallions
Record: 7-0
Grade: A+

Best attribute: New head coach Walt Michaels has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the Stallions, and the explosive offense has returned under the guidance of Walter Lewis. The Stallions lead the league in run defense, are second in overall points allowed behind Baltimore. The running back combination of Brent Fullwood, and Paul Ott Carruth has been productive.

Needs improvement: Punt returner Lionel Vital is averaging just 4.5 yards per return.

Jacksonville Bulls
Record: 6-2
Grade: A-

Best attribute: The Bulls are not the league's most talented team, but they may be the toughest. That toughness is exemplified by receiver Perry Kemp and lineman Calvin Turner and Bruce Thornton (10 combined sacks). Quarterback Tom Ramsey has above average numbers and has proven he is a winner.

Needs improvement: Ramsey has been tossed around like a rag doll at times and that’s because the Bulls’ feisty -- but smallish -- offensive line has been manhandled by bigger opponents.

Memphis Showboats
Record: 5-3
Grade: B

Best attribute: Quarterback Reggie Collier started the season but has now given way to ex-Volunteer Andy Kelly. Chuck Webb continues to be a sledge hammer out of the backfield. Cornerback Mossy Cade is effective and can take an interception or return back to the house.

Needs improvement: The offense has shown signs of life, but still has a ways to go.

New Orleans Breakers
Record: 3-5
Grade: C

Best attribute: When John Fourcade is playing consistently, the Breakers' offense is dangerous. The best of Fourcade’s weapons are Flip Johnson, who combines speed and great hands. Running back Marcus Dupree remains one of the leagues’ best despite battling a nagging knee injury. When Fourcade struggles, the Breakers can do little more than tread water.

Needs improvement: The Breakers are soft against the pass, and don't create enough turnovers or get enough sacks.

Tampa Bay Bandits
Record: 2-6
Grade: D

Best attribute: The Bandits earned their first win, but needed five weeks to do it. They aren’t as bad on defense as they are on offense. That's about the nicest thing we can say. Defensive lineman Eddie Weaver and Willie Green make it tough for opponents to run the ball inside the tackles.

Needs improvement: Even though Willie Gillespie and Eric Truvillion are still competitive receivers, both players have had problems with dropped balls. Ben Bennett has struggled with his timing and overall production. The Bandits have only won one game at home so far.

Western Division

Houston Gamblers

Record: 5-3

Grade: B+

Best attribute: The Gamblers lack the firepower and all-around dominance of previous teams, but the combination of coach Forrest Gregg, rookie quarterback David Klingler and a solid receiving corps give them a degree of resilience. The defense has generally exceeded expectations, and it should help this team make a solid run at another division title.

Needs improvement: Former Dallas Cowboy James Dixon has been a nice addition but he has not provided the boost to the kick return game that many expected. The offensive line has been average despite the addition of some big name free agents during the off-season.

Oakland Invaders
Record: 4-4
Grade: B

Best attribute: Oakland' started the season with wins over both Los Angeles, and Houston. But setbacks, including losses to lowly Arizona and at home against Chicago, have thrown the Invaders off track. If Oakland gets back to relying on the running of Blaise Bryant, things could turn around in the second half of the season.

Needs improvement: The offensive line hasn't played like one of the league's biggest and strongest. Gordon Banks has vanished at times, while the pass defense has been average.

Chicago Blitz
Record: 4-4
Grade: B+

Best attribute: Rookie running back Mike Saunders may be the most valuable player in the league. He makes the Blitz a dangerous offensive team, while receiver Hart Lee Dykes is a big-play threat. Quarterback Mike Hohensee has been solid despite the fact that he has been less than completely healthy.

Needs improvement: The Blitz play dominating and hard-hitting defense, but they are not always at their best in the red zone. The other issue is special-teams play, where opponents have taken advantage of their poor kickoff coverage.

Los Angeles Express
Record: 3-5
Grade: C-

Best attribute: The Express appeared to be an explosive offensive team, but Damon Allen has struggled to find receivers Jo Jo Townsell and Mario Bailey. If Allen can start to resemble the quarterback he was in the C.F.L., the Express can still contend.

Needs improvement: The Express are porous against the run and the pass and there's no sign of immediate improvement. The Express also sit near the bottom of the league in sacks and quarterback pressure.

Arizona Wranglers

Record: 1-7

Grade: F

Best attribute: Receiver Trumaine Johnson is a big-play threat who can win the one-on-one battle against even the best cornerbacks but he can't carry this team.

Needs improvement: The offensive line and the defense have been mostly awful. Coach Frank Kush is widely believed to be headed for the front office at seasons’ end.

more to come.......

'92 Chronology-Bullish on Baltimore

Event Date: May 11th, 1992

Event Description: Baltimore Bash!

Source: Baltimore Sun Times

John Settle rushed for a 118 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, leading Baltimore to a 34-3 pummeling of Tampa Bay.

Chuck Fusina played second fiddle to Settle's heroics, throwing for 129 yards on 9-of-13 attempts while tossing two touchdowns to Bob Niziolek, who hauled in three balls for 25 yards. The Stars (4-4) have won two straight.

Ben Bennett had a rough outing, getting sacked five times in the loss while finishing with just 72 yards on 7-of-15 efficiency for the Bandits (2-6), who won last week. Greg Boone logged 64 yards on a dozen carries in defeat.

Fusina and Niziolek hooked up for a 10-yard score late in the second quarter giving Baltimore a 14-3 lead at the half. Settle added a five yard run to open the scoring for the Stars.

David Trout opened the scoring in the second half with a 30-yard field goal in the third.

Niziolek continued his terrific day with a 12-yard touchdown moving Baltimore out to a 24-3 lead at the end of three quarters.

John Settle added his second touchdown near the end of the fourth quarter, and David Trout's 40-yard field goal finalized the scoring.

Game Notes;

The Bandits lost five players to injury during the game...Anthony Toney had 67 yards on 14 carries for the Stars, who won the turnover battle, 2-1...Tampa pulled Ben Bennett at the end of the game in favor of backup Jimmy Jordan who was just 1 of 5 passing.

more to come...

'92 Chronology-Crazy Eights

Event Date: May 10th, 1992

Event Description: Express Down Wranglers

Source: Los Angeles Sentinel News

If quarterback Damon Allen is going to wear the goat horns when the Los Angeles Express lose, it seems only fair that he get a little bit of credit when things are going well. And at least for this week things did go well indeed.

Allen completed 12-of-24 passes for 209 yards with three touchdowns sending Los Angeles over Arizona, 31-20, at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.

Wayne Walker caught five balls for 131 yards for the Express (3-5). Tim Wrightman had four catches for 60 yards and Reuben Mayes rushed for 45 yards on 17 carries and Shawn Knight added a fumble return for a touchdown in the second quarter.

“I’m proud of how he played and how he managed the game,” said head coach Dick Coury, who created a low-level quarterback controversy when he said that he would consider benching Allen in favor of sophomore Garrett Gabriel.

“It’s all about the rhythm,” Allen said. “When you get into a rhythm in the early going like we did todays, it helps the quarterback out — you’re more comfortable.”

Allen says, while the offensive scheme has remained largely unchanged, the Express have tried to get the offense moving early with some high-percentage throws.

Allen was also quick to spread the credit around, noting the play of Wayne Walker who “really stepped it up this week” and the “tough running” of both Reuben Mayes and Leroy Holt, who combined for 85 yards rushing.

“When you don’t have negative plays, when the running back can fall forward for three yards and we’re in a manageable second-down situation rather than third and long yardage, it helps the offense out a lot,” Allen said.

Alan Risher threw for 156 yards on 21-of-39 passing for the Wranglers who now dropped to (1-7). Kevin Nelson scored a rushing touchdown, Trumaine Johnson caught eight balls for 68 yards and Darian Hagan scored on a 92-yard kickoff return at the end of the third quarter.

Game Notes;

Art Greathouse led all rushers with 61 yards on just six carries...the Wranglers were without running back Bill Johnson...a story out of Arizona this week claimed that head coach Frank Kush will step down at the end of the season and move to the front office.

In other Week #8 USFL action; Jacksonville edged New Orleans 24-23, Birmingham mauled Michigan 39-21, and Oakland defeated New Jersey at home 28-27.

Event Description: Klinger Returns; Gamblers Win

Source: Houston Star Tribune

David Klingler threw three touchdown passes and Reggie Dupard rushed for 43 yards on 12 carries, as the Houston Gamblerss remained the class of the West division with a 34-21 victory over Chicago.

Klingler, who has missed the last two weeks’ due to injury, completed 21-of-35 attempts for 277 yards to help the Gamblers improve to 5-3 and move into sole possession of first place. Gerald McNeil had four receptions for 67 yards and a score, while Manny Hazard caught five balls for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Mike Hohensee completed 17-of-39 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Blitz (4-4), who have dropped two of their last three games. Travis Moore registered four receptions for a game-high 90 yards with two scores in defeat.

A 45-yard field goal and a nine yard touchdown pass from Klingler to Marvin Harvey 68-yard gave Houston an early 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Houston got ten more uncontested points in the second quarter on a touchdown pass from Jason Garrett to Manny Hazard and another Max Zendejas field goal from 26-yards out.

Trailing 27-0 midway through the third quarter, Hart Lee Dykes hauled in a five-yard pass from Hohensee to finally put the Blitz on the scoreboard.

David Klingler's 18-yard touchdown pass to Vince Courville stretched Houston's lead to 34-7 with just over twelve minutes to go in the fourth.

Hohensee hit Dykes again for a 52-yard touchdown with 10:27 to play, and a one-yard touchdown run by backup quarterback Rick Johnson at the end of the quarter closed out the scoring.

Game Notes;

League leading rusher Mike Saunders finished with 40 yards on ten catches...Chicago committed three turnovers...Houston travels to Pittsburgh while Chicago returns home to face Los Angeles.

more to come...

'92 Chronology-Rookie Debut

Event Date: May 9th, 1992

Event Description: Kelly Gets Major Win

Source: Memphis Times Tribune

Rookie Andy Kelly threw for 262 yards and four touchdowns, including the game winner, leading the Memphis Showboats to a thrilling, 37-36 victory over Major Harris and the Pittsburgh Maulers at the Liberty Bowl. With the win the Showboats improved to 5-3 on the season.

The Showboats were more ground oriented in this contest, as the team relied heavily on Chuck Webb, who rushed for 97 yards Brad Gaines added another 61 yards with one score. Greg Anderson led the receiving corps finishing with 55 yards on four receptions with two touchdowns.

The Showboats struck first in the matchup when Andy Kelly found Greg Anderson down the left sideline for a 23-yard touchdown pass giving Memphis a 7-0 lead at the 6:48 mark.

It took the Maulers six minutes to answer back, as D.J. Dozier rumbled into the end zone for a three-yard score tying the game at 7-7.

Kelly struck again in the second stanza, as he found veteran Wamon Buggs on an eleven- yard toss, giving Memphis a 14-7 edge with 8:50 left in the half.

A frenzy of scoring closed out the half as each team scored at least twice with under two minutes left.

Major Harris tossed the first of two touchdowns with the first going to D.J. Dozier from 20-yards out and the second going to Derek Hill on a 62-yard bomb with no time left. Memphis also added a 38-yard field goal by Ian Howfield, making things 27-17 in favor of the visiting Maulers at halftime.

The third quarter was dominated by defensive play, as the only points in the frame came off of a Andy Kelly to Joey Hackett pass and off of the foot of Dan Plocki, as the kicker added a 30-yard field goal for Pittsburgh.

After another field goal from Plocki, this time from 40-yards out, the Showboats struck back with a 12-yard touchdown run from Gaines bringing Memphis to within two at 33-31 with 8:44 remaining. A third Dan Plocki field goal gave the Maulers a five-point cushion with 4:19 left to play.

Pittsburgh was marching down field towards the end of the fourth quarter, but Major Harris made a major mistake in the final minutes, tossing an interception to end the potential game-winning drive.

"Sometimes I felt like I was trying to do too much. The one pick and the sack we took were huge. Those didn't help us out at all," Harris said.

The Showboats were able to capitalize on the turnover as Kelly found Greg Anderson again this time from 28-yards out to give Memphis the lead and the win.

Game Notes;

Mike Oliphant led the Maulers with 36 yards on seven carries...Derek Hill finished with 188 receiving yards with one touchdown for Pittsburgh...Zeke Gadsden had two sacks and a game high eleven tackles...the Maulers signed veteran cornerback Jerry Holmes just before game time.

more to come...

'92 Chronology-Competitive Field

Event Date: May, 8th, 1992

Event Description: N.F.L. Fields Expansion Bids

Source: Pro Football News

Thirteen potential ownership groups have submitted bids for the two teams to be added to the National Football League in 1994, the league said yesterday.

The N.F.L. received applications from groups in:

St. Louis; Baltimore; Jacksonville; Memphis; Nashville; Oakland; Sacramento; Portland; Birmingham; Honolulu; both Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina; and San Antonio.

The N.F.L. Expansion Committee will recommend a list of final candidate cities next fall. The league hopes to select the two expansion teams by the beginning of next year, and the new teams would begin play in 1994. The bids were due by May 10th.

Five of the applicants currently house franchises in the U.S. Football League, while three have had teams in the World League of American Football.

more to come......

'92 Chronology-Week #8 Injury Report

Event Date: May 7th, 1992

Event Description: Maulers Contact Veteran

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune

HOLMES RETURNING?: Veteran defensive back Jerry Holmes might be returning to the Pittsburgh Maulers roster.

Head coach Sam Rutigliano apparently has contacted Holmes, 35, and asked if he'd be willing to return to Pittsburgh to finish out the season.

If Holmes opts to return to the USFL, it might be a while before he actually suits up because Holmes would need some time to get into playing shape. Holmes last played with Green Bay during the 1991 NFL season.

Week #8 Injury Report

New Orleans at Jacksonville

Breakers--Doubtful: LB Alvin Toles (knee); Probable: WR Lonzell Hill (finger).

Bulls--Probable: C Brian Musselman (hand).

Pittsburgh at Memphis

Showboats--Out: DL James Cribbs (knee); Probable: C-G Mike Nease (knee).

Maulers--Out: WR Lorenzo Davis (wrist).

Chicago at Houston

Blitz--None

Gamblers--Out: DE Charles Bennett (shoulder).

Michigan at Birmingham

Panthers--Questionable: WR Frank Lockett (knee); Doubtful: RB John Williams (knee).

Stallions--Out: TE Gary Lewis (stinger).

Arizona at Los Angeles

Wranglers--None.

Express--Out: LB James Malone* (hand); Probable: C Mike Ariey (elbow).

New Jersey at Oakland

Invaders--Probable: K Jim Gallery (stinger).

Generals--None

Tampa Bay at Baltimore

Bandits--Out: DL Ron Simmons (shoulder), LB Fernando Jackson (neck), FB Greg Boone (leg), DB Alonzo Hampton (ankle).

Stars--None

more to come......

'92 Chronology-Star Struck?

Event Date: May 6th, 1992

Event Description: Week #7 Power Rankings

Source: Pro Football News

Here is the mid-season installment of the power rankings for the U.S. Football League;

(#1) Birmingham Stallions

Record: 7-0

Last week’s ranking: #2

This week: vs. Michigan Panthers, Sunday 4 p.m.

Walter Lewis may be in line for League MVP and Comeback Player of the Year honors.

(#2) Pittsburgh Maulers

Record: 5-2

Last week’s ranking: #1

This week: at Memphis Showboats, Sunday 1 p.m.

Are they starting to slip after losing two of three games?

(#3) Memphis Showboats

Record: 4-3

Last week’s ranking: #3

This week: vs. Pittsburgh Maulers, Sunday 1 p.m.

Some Showboats fans have been calling on Pepper Rodgers to make a change at quarterback, despite the teams winning record.

(#4) Baltimore Stars

Record: 3-4

Last week’s ranking: #5

This week: vs. Tampa Bay Bandits, Monday 8 p.m.

An aging but still competitive unit.

(#5) New Jersey Generals

Record: 4-3

Last week’s ranking: #4

This week: at Oakland Invaders, Saturday 8 p.m.

Ex-C.F.L. star James Curry is second in the league with seven sacks.

(#6) Houston Gamblers

Record: 4-3

Last week’s ranking: #6

This week: vs. Chicago Blitz, Sunday 8 p.m.

Veteran Frank Seurer and newcomer Jason Garrett have filled in nicely for David Klingler who has been sidelined with injuries.

(#7) Oakland Invaders

Record: 3-4

Last week’s ranking: #9

This week: vs. New Jersey Generals, Saturday 8 p.m.

Blaise Bryant leads the team with 496 yards rushing but has yet to find the end zone.

(#8) Jacksonville Bulls

Record: 5-2

Last week’s ranking: #10

This week: vs. New Orleans Breakers, Sunday 1 p.m.

Veteran wide outs Perry Kemp and Marc Lewis have already combined for over 1,000 receiving at the midway point of the season.

(#9) Chicago Blitz

Record: 4-3

Last week’s ranking: #8

This week: at Houston Gamblers, Sunday 8 p.m.

Ron Meyers’ boys face another big test as they head to Houston.

(#10) New Orleans Breakers

Record: 3-4

Last week’s ranking: #7

This week: at Jacksonville Bulls

Bayou Boys get a boost this week as Marcus Dupree returns.

(#11) Tampa Bay Bandits

Record: 2-5

Last week’s ranking: #14

This week: at Baltimore Stars, Monday 8 p.m.

The offense finally came together last week as the Bandits crushed Los Angeles.

(#12) Los Angeles Express

Record: 2-5

Last week’s ranking: #11

This week: vs. Los Angeles Express, Sunday 4 p.m.

Could Dick Coury’s job be in jeopardy after another slow start to the season?

(#13) Arizona Wranglers

Record: 1-6

Last week’s ranking: #12

This week: at Los Angeles, Sunday 4 p.m.

Alan Risher replaced Todd Dillon last week, but the results were just the same.

(#14) Michigan Panthers

Record: 2-5

Last week’s ranking: #13

This week: at Birmingham, Sunday 4 p.m.

Could Monte Clark’s job be in jeopardy after another slow start to the season?

In other U.S.F.L. news:

The Baltimore Stars may move after the season if their lease agreement is not extended by the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland.

The Stars can terminate the agreement if a lease extension is not negotiated by the end of the regular season, the team said in a statement released to the media late yesterday.

The franchise, which agreed to extend its lease back in 1990, is thought to be open to the idea of moving the team back to Philadelphia where they were based for the first two years of their existence.

more to come............

'92 Chronology-Broken in Oakland

Event Date: May 4th, 1992

Event Description: Invaders Slam Breakers

Source: Bay Area News

Bob Gagliano threw for 175 yards and tossed three first-half touchdowns as Oakland smashed New Orleans, 37-14.

Gordon Banks finished with 128 yards and caught all of Gagliano's touchdown passes for the Invaders (3-4), who have won two of their last four games. Blaise Bryant rushed for 75 yards on 23 carries and Lakei Heimuli added an additional 44 yards on the ground in the winning effort.

John Fourcade threw for 131 yards and threw one touchdown pass to pace the Breakers (3-4).

Oakland went in front 20-7 with 6:38 left in the first half on a 33-yard touchdown toss from Gagliano to Banks, then went up 27-7 midway through the third quarter after Mike Wright returned an interception 27 yards for another touchdown.

The Breakers added a touchdown in the third via a Sammy Martin 93-yard kick-off return, but Oakland countered with a 49-yard field goal with under two minutes left in the game.

Game Notes;

John Fourcade fumbled twice...Marcus Dupree did not play as he is out with a sprained knee...the Breaker's Lonzell caught five balls for 51 yards with one touchdown.

more to come......

'92 Chronology-Halfway Home

Event Date: May 3rd, 1992

Event Description: Stallions Remain Perfect

Source: Birmingham Daily Sentinel

Walter Lewis completed 25-of-34 passes for 362 yards with four passing touchdowns as the Birmingham Stallions came from behind to defeat the Chicago Blitz, 31-24.

Brent Fullwood rushed for 73 yards and Charlie Brown caught nine passes for 142 yards with one touchdown reception while Joey Jones grabbed three touchdown receptions in the victory.

Rick Johnson finished 16-of-28 for 303 yards with one touchdown and one interception for Chicago (4-3), which lost for the second time in three weeks. League rushing king Mike Saunders was held to just 57 yards on fifteen carries with two touchdowns. Wideout Hart Lee Dykes caught five passes for 141 yards and a touchdown in the loss.

The hosts held a 3-0 lead in the early going, but Lewis led the Stallions on a solid drive before his touchdown pass capped it with 6:11 to go in the first quarter. From the 23-yard line, Lewis took the snap from the shotgun and looked for an open receiver. With nobody open, Lewis eluded pressure, moved to his left and found Charlie Brown down the left sideline for the touchdown and a 7-3 lead.

The second quarter belonged to Mike Saunders, who scored on touchdown runs to boost Chicago's lead to 17-7 with just under nine minutes to play in the first-half. The former Iowa star made good on attempts from two and eleven yards.

But the momentum was short-lived.

On Birmingham's next to last offensive possession, Scott Norwood nailed a 32-yard field goal then after a quick Chicago turnover Lewis threw another touchdown pass, this time to a streaking Joey Jones from 56-yards out, and the teams went into the intermission tied at 17-17.

The lone score of the mostly defensive third quarter occurred with 6:00 remaining in the stanza. Lewis again found Jones open in the end zone from two yards out and the Stallions held a 24-17 lead.

The fourth quarter scoring opened when Lewis's long pass down the left side was intended for Jerry Bouldin, but the receiver was clearly in double coverage. The ball tipped off the hands off both Chicago defenders and directly into the hands of Jones, who raced untouched into the end zone from 21-yards out. The Stallions then led by two touchdowns and never looked back.

Game Notes;

Birmingham improved to 8-0 on the season...Paul Ott Carruth rushed thirteen times for 25 yards for the Stallions...Chuck Clanton had eight tackles for Birmingham...Birmingham out gained Chicago, 452-403...Tony Woods had two sacks for Chicago.

In other Week #7 action: New Jersey defeated Arizona 24-19, Baltimore won on the road at Memphis 16-10, Tampa Bay blew out Los Angeles 34-3 and Houston handled Michigan 39-28.

more to come......