Event Date: June 27th, 1987
Event Description: USFL Championship Preview
Source: UPI
The Memphis Showboats and Denver Gold will meet in the USFL championship game Sunday, resolved to have some fun amid questions regarding the leagues’ future.
Facing what may be their swan song as their antitrust trial moves forward against the National football League, the Showboats and Gold will both try to secure their first league championship title.
“I enjoy competing against Memphis,” said veteran pivot Vince Evans. “The games are always clean, hard-hitting and challenging. They are one of the best teams in the league, we are one of the best teams in the league.”
The teams have a lot in common. Both have solid defenses, explosive offenses and both have coaches who are unfraid to open things up and take some chances.
The Showboats defeated Baltimore in the opening round of the playoffs and then knocked off Orlando last week, improving to (14-4) on the season.
The Gold edged the Arizona Outlaws by a single point in the first round and then dominated Oakland at home last week, posting an (11-7) record going into the final contest.
With the USFL moving toward a culmination of their antitrust fight against the NFL, the players and coaches continue to focus their attention on the field.
“(Lewis) doesn't have a rifle arm but he's a great scrambler,” said Denver's all-star linebacker John Nevens. “But he's a winner. He'll find a way to beat you.”
The Showboats beat the Gold in their lone matchup this season —a 42-23 win way back in Week #1 at Memphis.
Lewis's backfield partner is running back Leonard Williams and his wideouts include star receiver Derrick Crawford, veteran slotman Greg Moser and tight end Sam Bowers.
Denver counters with quarterback Vince Evans, fullback Todd Gerhart and hybrid Vincent White who lines up at a variety of positions.
Walter Lewis was named Offensive MVP this week, with White finishing second in the voting. Memphis head coach Pepper Rodgers finished second in coach of the year voting, just behind Orlando head man Lee Corso.
The league championship gets underway this Sunday from the Liberty Bowl at 8:00 pm. Television coverage starts at 7:00 p.m. on ABC, ESPN and RCA satellite.
Story-(UPI Modified)
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