USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Monday, October 7, 2019

'85 Chronology-Cruise Control

Event Date: April 8th, 1985

Event Description: Bandits Sink 'Boats

Source: UPI

Gary Anderson rushed for a pair touchdown passes Saturday night to lift the Tampa Bay Bandits to a 43-14 triumph over the Memphis Showboats.

Tampa's secondary victimized Memphis quarterback Walter Lewis for five interceptions and a fumble. Three of the thefts resulted in Bandits' scores and the fourth killed a drive in the second quarter.

John Reaves completed 25-of-37 passes for 360 yards with two touchdowns and two picks. Lewis was 13-of-28 for 154 yards to go along with 91 rushing yards for the Showboats.

After Memphis went ahead 7-3 at the end of the first quarter, the Bandits took the lead to stay in the second quarter when Reaves engineered a five-play, 54-yard drive capped by a 2-yard run by Anderson for a touchdown.

Tampa Bay scored another touchdown near the end of the frame when Alvin Bailey intercepted Lewis and Spencer Jackson caught a four-yard pass from Reaves to make it 20-7.

A late field goal from Zenon Andrusyshyn put the Bandits ahead 23-7 at the intermission.

The Bandits put the game away in the third period with two touchdowns, one each from Anderson and Reaves. Anderson scored via a one-yard touchdown plunge and Reaves found Eric Truvillion for a 31-yard touchdown.

Game Notes: The Bandits were hit by a rash of injuries during the contest, including the loss of wideout Willie Gillespie and defensive back Warren Hanna.

Story-(UPI Modified)

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