[Tiger Fan]

NOVEMBER 10, 1975

COWBOYS RIDE SELLERS TO WIN OVER RAMBLERS

Joshua Sellers threw for 216 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Kansas City Cowboys got their revenge against their cross-state rivals, dumping the St Louis Ramblers 44-17 at Prairie Park on Sunday. The victory atones for the Cowboys loss in Pioneer Stadium two weeks ago and leaves the 7-1 Cowboys with a two game lead on both St Louis and Minnesota atop the AFA's National Conference Central Division.

Unlike two weeks ago when the Cowboys defense could not contain the Ramblers running game, this time around Kansas City held the Ramblers to just 119 yards on the ground and controlled the time of possession. Sellers, who leads the AFA in passing yards, took care of the rest. The third year Kansas City quarterback was not perfect - he did throw a pair of interceptions- but he was close enough by completing more than 80% of his pass attempts for 216 yards and three touchdowns. A 68-yard interception return for a touchdown by Cowboys veteran safety Dave Michaud added to the dominance by the home side.

The Minnesota Lakers improved to 5-3 and a tie with the Ramblers for second in the division after they held off a late rally in Dallas to nip the Stallions 23-21 at Lone Star Stadium. Dallas lost despite a 209 yard passing, three touchdown day from quarterback Keith Hale.

*** Wasps With Dominant Display in Buffalo ***

Buffalo coach Tom Bowens called it "the worst loss he had ever been associated with" after his Buffalo Red Jackets were lambasted 41-2 in yet another dominant display from the Washington Wasps. The Wasps, who are a perfect 8-0 on the year, where in complete control of the contest even before it turned into a rout with a pair of interception returns for touchdowns in the final two minutes. The Washington defense held Buffalo off the scoresheet -the Red Jackets only points came on a safety- and limited the Buffalo offense to just 148 yards in a must-win game for the defending World Classic champions who, at 3-5, will need a miracle to even make the playoffs this time around.

Wasps wideout Michael Alexander had himself a field day with the Buffalo secondary, catching seven passes for 147 yards including a 68-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter that put the Wasps up 20-2 at the time. Charles Hartman threw for 272 on the day and added a second touchdown toss. The only thing that Washington struggled with was its ground game, which was limited to just a yard and a half per carry, but with Hartman and the passing game going so strong it simply did not matter.

The Wasps lead atop the American Conference East Division on Boston remains at three games after the Americans barely escaped with a 24-19 victory against San Diego. Boston, which has the second highest scoring offense in the AFA trailing only the Wasps, had its troubles against an underrated Admirals defense but in the end San Diego's shortcomings in the red zone combined with a big series from the Yanks passing game inside the two-minute warning proved the difference.

San Diego took a 19-17 lead right at the two minute warning when John Scarborough converted on a 25-yard field goal but that left plenty of time for Juan Huff to go to work. The Yanks quarterback completed four straight passes with the last one being a 24 yarder that found Michael Allison in the endzone for what proved to be the game winning touchdown.

*** Wildcats Finally Get A Victory ***

The Chicago Wildcats and Detroit Maroons have one of the longest running rivalries in pro sports and it always seems to lead to unexpected upsets. The Maroons were looking to stay in the playoff hunt and a trip to Cougars Park to face the winless Wildcats seemed like an easy victory before a tough showdown with division leading Cleveland the following weekend.

After all, Chicago had the worst performing offensive line in the league - and perhaps the worst the game has ever seen - so a strong Detroit defense should have a field day. It did not turn out that way as the Wildcats, while still allowing 9 sacks, pulled out a 24-12 victory. Chicago cornerback Michael Blanco was a big reason for the upset has he had two interceptions -one returned for a first quarter touchdown- and forced a fumble.

Detroit's offense had been sputtering and the Maroons were still without injured quarterback Charles Sonnenberg, who has been sidelined since the second week of the season with a broken wrist. The Maroons never did find the endzone and had to settle for 4 Garth McGee field goals to account for all of their scoring. As for the Wildcats offense, it was also severely lacking but backup quarterback Brian Eagle -forced into action when Charles Pederson left with a thigh injury- connected with receiver Bernard Bird on a 45-yard touchdown pass on the opening play of the fourth quarter that gave the Wildcats the lead for good.

*** Mountaineers Stop Olympians 20-3 ***

The Denver Mountaineers beat the Los Angeles Olympians 20-3 in a battle between the top two teams in the National Conference West Division. Joseph Chapman ran for 105 yards and dual threat quarterback Robert Haas gained 39 on the ground and another 113 through the air including an 8-yard touchdown pass to Walter Reynolds late in the third quarter to lift the Mountaineers to victory. Denver is now 6-2 and heading to Dallas next weekend while the Olympians dip to 5-3 in advance of a visit to Minnesota.

Other American Football Association action from the weekend.

• The Milwaukee Stags upended the San Francisco Wings 20-16 thanks to Rob Stone's 36 yard touchdown pass to Henry Garza with just over five minutes remaining in the game. It ruined a strong afternoon for Wings quarterback Charlie Singletary who threw for over 300 yards.
• The New Orleans Crescents pulled even with the Wings at 5-3 atop the American Conference West Division following a 27-0 drubbing of the winless Los Angeles Tigers. Crescents linebacker Andrew Rutherford had a big day with a sack and two forced fumbles.
• Houston missed an opportunity to make it a three-way tie atop the AC West after the Drillers came up short in Cleveland, falling 20-6. Two first quarter touchdowns including a 29-yard interception return for a score by Michael Young sent the American Conference Central Division leading Finches on the path to victory and a 6-2 record.
• The New York Titans managed just 145 yards of total offense but benefitted from 6 Miami interceptions to upend the Mariners 14-10. It was just an awful day for Mariners quarterback Jeff Conroy, who threw for 270 yards but was picked off 6 times. Those six interceptions tie an AFA record set by Buffalo's Jason Myers in a game against Miami two years ago. The win snaps a 3-game losing skid for the Titans and evens their record at 4-4. Miami, also 4-4, has dropped two straight but does host winless Atlanta next weekend.
• Chuck Rayford threw 3 touchdown passes while Victor Mears ran for 152 yards and two scores as the Cincinnati Rivermen improved their National Conference East Division leading record to 6-2 with a 49-0 shellacking of winless Atlanta.
• The Philadelphia Frigates picked up their first victory of the season, outscoring the New York Stars 26-14. It was a sloppy game for both quarterbacks who combined to throw three interceptions, each of which was returned for a touchdown.
• The Seattle Roughnecks and Pittsburgh Paladins each sit at 4-4 on the season after the Roughnecks won 38-10 at Seattle Municipal Stadium on Sunday. Seattle quarterback Ellis Rich had a big day- throwing 4 touchdown passes while completing 22 of 27 attempts for 230 yards.

TOP THREE HOLD FIRM IN COLLEGE GRID POLL
Stability Returns After Weeks of Upsets

After three straight weekends that saw the nation’s top-ranked team fall, college football finally enjoyed a bit of calm at the summit. The top three teams in the latest poll each took care of business Saturday, holding their positions without incident.

The biggest surprise among them continues to be El Paso Methodist Bandits. The Southern Border Conference leaders, still navigating unfamiliar territory as a national contender, improved to 8–0 with a convincing 24–0 shutout of Canyon A&M.

Sophomore Grant Chacon delivered a standout performance, accounting for all three Bandits touchdowns and boosting his nation-leading total to 14 on the season. Backfield partner Mark Wilson, the AIAA’s leading rusher, added another 112 yards to push his season total to 1,133. Together, the duo continues to power an offense that shows no signs of slowing.

The same wave of upsets that opened the door for El Paso Methodist to rise to number one has also benefited Provo Tech Lions, who remain second in the rankings after improving to 8–0 with a 34–20 win over South Valley State.

Quarterback Domingo Patterson provided the highlight of the day, connecting with Christopher Ewing on a 68-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter as the Lions surged to a commanding early lead. From there, Provo Tech was able to cruise to victory. The Rocky Mountain Conference leaders are enjoying a breakthrough season, having never previously finished inside the top ten.

*** Fighting Saints Still in the Hunt ***

The most seasoned title contender among the top three remains the St. Blane Fighting Saints. Now 7–0, the independent powerhouse from Tyrone, Pennsylvania is chasing a fourth national championship in the past decade. But for the second straight week, the Saints had to survive a tense finish to keep that dream alive.

After edging Penn Catholic by three points a week ago, St. Blane faced an even narrower escape against Annapolis Maritime, holding on for a 13–12 victory. All of the Saints’ scoring came in the first half, with senior halfback Raleigh Cutler punching in a pair of short touchdown runs. A missed extra point could have loomed large, but Annapolis Maritime’s Sol Zaragoza also failed to convert, keeping the margin intact.

The Navigators controlled much of the play, but St. Blane’s defense delivered when it mattered most, limiting Annapolis Maritime to just eight total yards on its final two possessions and preventing any chance at a game-winning field goal.

*** Each of Top Three Could Run the Table ***

Looking ahead it is quite easy to visualize a scenario where each of the top three conclude the regular season with perfect records. Top ranked El Paso Methodist has games they should win easily against Texas Panhandle next weekend and Abilene Baptist on Thanksgiving weekend. Both of those schools are 3-5 on the year. The test will come in between as in two weeks time the Bandits have a Southern Border Conference showdown with Tempe College. The Titans are 7-1 and like the Bandits 2-0 in conference play. Tempe College won the meeting between the two last year and has the added benefit of playing this one at home.

Provo Tech has not won the Rocky Mountain Conference since 1971 but getting past Utah A&M and Wyoming A&I, who have combined to win the RMC each of the past three seasons, leaves them well positioned. Only 4-4 Cache Valley, who the Lions host in their season finale, are at .500 as Provo Tech's opponents the next two weeks -each on the road- are 2-6 Mile High State and 1-7 Colorado Poly.

After the tense finishes of the past two weekends nothing seems guaranteed for St Blane but the Fighting Saints may just be in the best position to win the national title. It is expected that El Paso Methodist and Provo Tech will be exposed on New Year's Day when they likely are to play an opponent from one of the major conferences. That means if the Saints can get through the next four weekends without a blemish they may just be celebrating another title on New Years.

St Blane travels to Minutemen Stadium for a game with 4-4 Boston State next weekend. After that they have 0-8 Lambert College and a one-win Wisconsin Catholic, each of which should be easy victories. The finale may be a challenge as the Saints head to California for their traditional early December wrap-up. This time the opponent is Northern California, which is 5-2 and leads the West Coast Athletic Association but the Miners will be coming off a likely East-West Classic deciding game against Redwood the week prior.

The caveat is this season has provided an unusually high number of traps for top ranked teams along the way and perhaps the craziness will continue over the next four weekends.

LANCERS EYING SANTA ANA

Seven of the ten Great Lakes Alliance schools have played in the East-West Classic, leaving only Whitney College, Western Iowa and St. Ignatius having never had a chance to spend New Year's Day in Santa Ana. St. Ignatius has only played on January 1st once before - that was in 1956 when they went to Nashville and beat Liberty College 28-16 in the now-defunct Volunteer Classic. However, all of that might change after the Lancers improved to 5-0 in Great Lakes Alliance play and 7-1 overall with a 30-24 victory over St Magnus on Saturday.

The Lancers entered the game ranked 5th in the nation, one spot behind their opponents who are also 7-1 on the year. With the win, keyed by a ground game that saw both Cory Shinn and Chris Agnew top the century mark in rushing yardage, the Lancers control their own destiny and look well positioned to not only play on New Year's Day but also have a strong chance of finally appearing in the East-West Classic.

Impressive wins over Minnesota Tech and Indiana A&M are in the rearview mirror but the job is not done. The Lancers have a big showdown in the Motor City in two weeks time when they face Detroit City College, which is still mathematically alive for a fourth straight trip to Santa Ana but is terribly inconsistent after suffering their fourth loss on the year, but just their first in conference play, by absorbing a 35-27 defeat to Whitney College - a school that was 0-4 in league play entering the weekend.

St Ignatius is clearly the little brother in the relationship with their in-state rivals - Detroit City College has prevailed in 15 of the last 18 meetings between the pair- but something feels a little different this time around. The challenge for first year St Ignatius coach Billy Whitelow is to make sure his Lancers do not overlook next weekend's trip to Sioux City and a date with the winless Western Iowa Canaries. Survive that and the battle with Detroit City College and all that will stand in the Lancers way for a trip to California will be Wisconsin State. All three games are on the road, so there is much work for Whitelow to do, but that elusive first Great Lakes Alliance football title is within the Lancers grasp.

OTHER GAMES OF NOTE SATURDAY

• Georgia Baptist, number one in the early going until a loss to Central Kentucky in the Deep South Conference opener, is back in the top ten and very much in contention for the conference title. The Gators improved to 3-1 in section play and 6-1 overall with a 38-7 drubbing of Bayou State. The big game on the Gators schedule comes Thanksgiving weekend when they host Noble Jones College in a game that might well determine the conference champion.
• The Colonels are now 4-0 in Deep South play (6-1 overall) and ranked 10th after doubling Opelika State 20-10 on Saturday. Northern Mississippi and Western Florida are also in the conference title picture as each improved to 3-1 and tied with Georgia Baptist for second place. The Mavericks downed Central Kentucky 35-17 while the Wolves scored 17 first quarter points and went on to defeat Alabama Baptist 26-16.
• There is a fourth undefeated team remaining in college football this season. That would be the George Fox University Reds who improved to 6-0 with a 23-13 victory over Grafton. The Reds have sole possession of top spot in the Academia Alliance after Brunswick, which entered the weekend undefeated, saw its hopes for a perfect season end with a 34-10 drubbing at the hands of Dickson.
• The Northern California Miners and Redwood Mammoths are tied for top spot in the West Coast Athletic Association. Both are 3-1 in conference play after the Miners downed Spokane State 10-3 while the Mammoths were upended 13-10 by Portland Tech. Redwood has won the conference title and the East-West Classic berth that comes along with it each of the past three years.
• The always competitive Southwestern Alliance once more looks like its conference title will go down to the wire. Three schools share the conference lead at 3-1 after College of Waco handed Amarillo Methodist its first section loss of the campaign, downing the Grizzlies 19-16. Arkansas A&T is the third team in the tie at the top after the Badgers nipped Darnell State 16-13.
• Eastern State, which was ranked #1 in the nation until the Monitors fell to Maryland State 27-14 two weeks ago in South Atlantic Conference play, got back on track with a 21-12 victory over Columbia Military Academy. That leaves Eastern State, which was SAC champ a year ago, tied for the conference led with Maryland State. Both the Monitors and Maryland State are 3-1 in conference play after the Bengals nipped Chesapeake State 16-13 in overtime in rainy Baltimore thanks to freshman kicker Willie Long going a perfect 3-for-3 in field goal attempts including the winner, a 37-yard boot in the extra frame.

WEEKEND COLLEGE FOOTBALL RESULTS
Eastern State Monitors - 21, Columbia Military Academy Cadets - 12
Maryland State Bengals - 16, Charleston Tech Admirals - 13
Carolina Poly Cardinals - 31, Cowpens State Fighting Green - 24
Coastal State Eagles - 16, North Carolina Tech Techsters - 13
Tempe College Titans - 33, Abilene Baptist Chaparrals - 14
Valley State Gunslingers - 17, Texas Panhandle Cowboys - 14
El Paso Methodist Bandits - 24, Canyon A_M Armadillos - 0
Eastern Oklahoma Pioneers - 20, College of Omaha Raiders - 13
Oklahoma City State Wranglers - 10, Lawrence State Chippewa - 3
Eastern Kansas Warriors - 25, Daniel Boone College Frontiersmen - 22
Boulder State Grizzlies - 34, Iowa A_M Bulls - 12
Whitney College Engineers - 35, Detroit City College Knights - 27
Indiana A_M Reapers - 26, Lincoln Presidents - 6
Central Ohio Aviators - 38, Western Iowa Canaries - 0
Minnesota Tech Lakers - 20, Wisconsin State Brewers - 6
St Ignatius Lancers - 30, St Magnus Vikings - 24
Ellery Bruins - 25, Sadler Bluecoats - 0
Dickson Maroons - 34, Brunswick Knights - 10
George Fox Reds - 23, Grafton Scholars - 13
Henry Hudson Explorers - 45, Pierpont Purple - 6
McKinney State Renegades - 17, Queen City Monarchs - 14
Northern Minnesota Muskies - 24, Ferguson Wildcats - 14
Payne State Mavericks - 41, Cleveland Tigers - 3
Portland Tech Magpies - 13, Redwood Mammoths - 10
Coastal California Dolphins - 14, Lane State Emeralds - 11
Rainier College Majestics - 27, CC Los Angeles Coyotes - 19
Northern California Miners - 10, Spokane State Indians - 3
Western Florida Wolves - 26, Alabama Baptist Panthers - 16
Noble Jones College Colonels - 20, Opelika State Wildcats - 10
Georgia Baptist Gators - 38, Bayou State Cougars - 7
Northern Mississippi Mavericks - 35, Central Kentucky Tigers - 17
Cumberland Explorers - 20, Mississippi A_M Generals - 10
Bluegrass State Mustangs - 24, Baton Rogue State Red Devils - 0
Provo Tech Lions - 34, South Valley State Roadrunners - 20
Cache Valley Cowboys - 19, Mile High State Falcons - 6
Colorado Poly Redbirds - 27, Custer College Cavalry - 3
Wyoming A_I Prospectors - 27, Utah A_M Aggies - 22
Bulein Hornets - 20, Mobile Maritime Middies - 17
Chesapeake State Clippers - 42, Richmond State Colonials - 10
Alexandria Generals - 42, Central Carolina Lions - 20
Potomac College Pelicans - 38, Petersburg Patriots - 15
Lubbock State Hawks - 20, Travis College Bucks - 10
College of Waco Cowboys - 19, Amarillo Methodist Grizzlies - 16
Arkansas A_T Badgers - 16, Darnell State Legislators - 13
Texas Gulf Coast Hurricanes - 24, Red River State Rowdies - 23
American Atlantic Pelicans - 21, Rome State Centurions - 14
College of San Diego Friars - 30, Commonwealth Catholic Knights - 0
Liberty College Bells - 31, Chicago Poly Catamounts - 7
Huntington State Miners - 55, St Patrick's Shamrocks - 0
St Pancras Lions - 27, Miami State Gulls - 6
Minns College Mavericks - 31, Penn Catholic Crusaders - 6
St Blane Fighting Saints - 13, Annapolis Maritime Navigators - 12
Pittsburgh State Finches - 20, Boston State Pirates - 14
Garden State Redbirds - 35, Lambert College Stags - 18
Idaho A_M Pirates - 20, Wisconsin Catholic Cavaliers - 17

NEXT WEEKEND GAMES INVOLVING TOP 20 SCHOOLS
Texas Panhandle (3-5) at #1 El Paso Methodist (8-0)
#2 Provo Tech (8-0) at Mile High State (2-6)
#3 St Blane (7-0) at Boston State (4-4)
#4 St Ignatius (6-1) at Western Iowa (0-7)
#5 Georgia Baptist (6-1) at Bluegrass State (3-4)
#6 George Fox (6-0) at Henry Hudson (3-3)
#7 Central Ohio (7-1) at Wisconsin State (3-5)
North Carolina Tech (4-4) at #8 Eastern State (7-1)
Darnell State (3-4) at #9 College of Waco (7-1)
#10 Noble Jones College (6-1) at Cumberland (3-4)
#11 St Magnus (6-2) at Lincoln (3-5)
#12 Alexandria (7-1) at Richmond State (1-7)
Bayou State (2-5) at #13 Northern Mississippi (6-1)
#14 Boulder State (6-2) at #17 Oklahoma City State (6-2)
#15 Huntington State (7-1) at Miami State (2-6)
#16 Minns College (7-1) at Annapolis Maritime (4-3)
#18 Tempe College (7-1) at Canyon A&M (4-3)
#19 Lawrence State (6-2) at College of Omaha (3-5)
#20 College of San Diego (6-2) at Chicago Poly (3-5)






COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW
COLLEGE HOOPS SET FOR A NEW ERA
Change Sweeps AIAA as 1975-76 Season Tips Off

The college basketball season opens this week, and if you think you recognize the landscape, take another look. From conference realignment to tournament expansion — and even the very machinery used to chart the season’s course — change is the defining theme as the AIAA tips off a new campaign. It is a far different world from last April, when Mississippi A&M Generals cut down the nets after defeating Noble Jones College Colonels for the national title.

*** Conference Map Redrawn ***

The biggest shift comes in the Deep South, where a familiar name is heading home.

The Georgia Baptist Gators have officially departed the Deep South Conference to rejoin the South Atlantic Conference — a league they helped found before leaving in 1919 to form the DSC. The move has been rumored for years, but is now reality. Basketball makes the jump immediately, with baseball to follow in the spring and the football Gators slated to join next fall.

The SAC grows to ten schools with the addition of Meridian State Marauders in addition to Georgia Baptist, while the Deep South also settles at ten members after dropping Baton Rouge State Red Devils. The Red Devils, despite recent success on the hardwood, will take their talents to the newly formed Intercity Alliance. Baton Rouge State has been forced out primarily due to its awful conference record on the gridiron, where the Red Devils have won just 2 of their last 35 conference games.

Elsewhere, the Southwestern Alliance expands to nine with the addition of the Ferguson Wildcats, a former Midwestern Association member still searching for its first taste of tournament success in the modern era.

*** A Bigger Game — In Every Sense **

This season also marks a structural overhaul.

The AIAA expands to 238 teams, up from 214, and — for the first time — every program will belong to a conference. The days of the wandering independent are gone, replaced by a 26-conference alignment that places greater emphasis on league championships. The national tournament grows as well, doubling in size from 32 teams to 64 — a long-awaited change that promises more opportunity, more upsets, and perhaps a few more Cinderella stories come March.

*** A New Engine Driving It All ***

Behind the scenes, the sport has undergone perhaps its most fascinating transformation.

Just as the pro game embraced new technology, the college ranks have shifted to a new simulation engine, moving away from the old Fast Break system to a more modern model in Draft Day Sports College Basketball. The result? A shakeup in expectations and a fresh set of contenders.

Traditional powers may still loom, but the new system has already produced a preseason landscape that feels… different.

*** Excitement Brewing in Milwaukee ***

No program better reflects that shift than the Wisconsin State Brewers.

Picked number one in the preseason poll, the Brewers are an unlikely headliner. They have never won a Great Lakes Alliance title and have never advanced beyond the round of 16 in the national tournament. A 13–16 record last season offered little hint of what was to come.

Yet here they are.

Wisconsin State is built around a promising core, including junior forward Paul Christiansen and sophomore Mike Pelletier, but much of the buzz surrounds freshman guard Bo Roussel — a prized local recruit who spurned national powers to stay home.

Whether that faith pays off will be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

If the Brewers are the new face of the preseason, the Great Lakes Alliance remains as formidable as ever.

Four GLA schools appear in the preseason top twenty-five, including Whitney College Engineers at number three, St. Ignatius Lancers at five, and defending conference champion Detroit City College Knights at seventeen. Detroit City College, fresh off a 27–5 campaign, will again lean on sharpshooting juniors Harry Gilmour and Ernie Feaster as they attempt to defend their crown.

*** A Season Unlike Any Other ***

New conferences. A larger stage. A different engine driving the results.

College basketball has always thrived on change, but rarely has it seen so much of it arrive all at once. What it all means will begin to unfold this week. And if the early signs are any indication, the 1975–76 season may not follow any script we’ve seen before.

NORSEMEN STARTING TO LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS

The Minneapolis Norsemen were tabbed by many observers to be on the shortlist of Challenge Cup contenders when preseason predictions were announced. However the Norsemen, who fell in a tough seven game quarterfinal series to the Boston Bees last season, got off to a slow start with just one victory in their first five games.

With three consecutive victories last week Minneapolis is starting to make its way up the Yeadon Division standings but they are still staring up at the surprising Detroit Motors who lead the division with 20 points. Like Detroit, the Norsemen have played 13 games and the recent winning streak boosted their record over the .500 mark for the first time this season.

One of the big reasons for the Norsemen's early struggles was in net where veteran goaltender Al Ferguson was having a tough time. The 32-year-old who has been the Minneapolis starting goaltender since joining them from Montreal in the 1967 expansion draft, put together back to back strong showings last week to prolong the streak. He sat out the opener of the three game winning streak as backup Eric Spencer got the call for a 6-5 victory over St Louis but when called upon Ferguson was solid. He made 28 saves in a 7-2 victory over Los Angeles keyed by a five-point night from Tom Rowley on Friday evening and then last night held off the Chicago Packers in a hard fought 4-3 victory.

Ferguson is still a long way from his peak - he was a second team all-star selection last year and in 1970-71- but looks to be heading in the right direction. Next week will be a big test for Ferguson and the Norsemen who have road games in Cincinnati against the Dewar Division leading Ironclads and in Boston against a Bees team that finished with the best regular season record in the league a year ago and is hot on the heels of Connelly Division leading Montreal this season.

NAHC NOTES

• Two of the hottest teams in the league met in Detroit on Wednesday night when the Montreal Valiants, fresh off a 9-1 drubbing in Vancouver by the Thomas Division leading Totems, skated to a 3-3 tie with the Detroit Motors. Ron Kincaid's third goal of the season midway through the final stanza helped the Vals salvage a point in what was a tough week for the defending Challenge Cup champions. In addition to the loss in Vancouver, the Vals also fell at home Friday night to San Francisco but did rebound to end the week with a victory, nipping Boston 4-3 to snap a 4-game winless streak.
• Detroit's Charlie Rodgers slowed last week with just two points in three games but the Motors captain continues to be one of the surprise scoring stars of the season. The 28-year-old has never scored more than 72 points in a season but already has 24 through just 13 games.
• Tough break for the Philadelphia Rogues who lost veteran defenseman Duke Dawson for at least three months with a neck injury. The 33-year-old Philadelphia captain is a veteran of 543 NAHC games, all with the Rogues who he joined in the expansion draft.
• 25 year old Boston Bees center Eddie Lafleur has added some truculence to his game. The scoring star has scored more than 40 goals each of the past two seasons and was a first team all-star two years ago. He has struggled to score this year with just 4 goals in his first 12 games before he broke out with a hat trick against Quebec in a 7-2 Boston win last Tuesday. While the goals have been a struggle this season, Lafleur has stepped up his physical play and is among the penalty minute leaders in the NAHC with 38 in 14 games. A year ago he accumulated just 66 minutes all season.
• Count the Los Angeles Stingrays as one team glad to be done with October. The Stingrays went just 1-8-1 in the opening month of the season but have picked up the pace in November with a victory and two ties in their four games this month. Los Angeles has made the playoffs six of the past seven years and reached the semi-finals last season but their seven points this season is presently worst in the league.

WEST DIVISION LAGGING BEHIND IN CHL

In the early going at least the Western Division of the Continental Hockey League certainly appears to be a step behind the other two groupings as the league picks up steam in its fourth season.

At four teams, the West is the smallest of the three divisions and the only division that has failed to see a team reach double-digits in points. The Denver Peaks and Houston Outlaws are tied for the division lead with 9 points each, a total that would have left them in fifth place in either of the other two groupings.

The New York Eagles, with their talented European rookies Stefan Edberg and Sven Holmqvist continue to lead the way but are being pressed by their Eastern Division rivals from Buffalo. The 24-year-old Edberg has been the breakout star of the season and already has 18 goals and 30 points -both league highs- in just 16 games. The Buffalo Keepers also have a scoring star of their own but his performance was much more expected. Hank Brassell, is a 28-year-old left winger who is the Keepers all-time leading scorer with 306 points including 24 this season.

CANNONS MAKE MAJOR PITCHING PICKUP, ADD PROSPECT IN THE PROCESS
By TWIFS Baseball Editor Tip Harrison

For once, the Houston Comets weren't involved with an offseason trade (though don't worry they still had fun!), as for the second offseason in a row, veteran righty Jose Martinez is on the move.

After six seasons with Montreal, he spent just one in Baltimore, coming over for a pair of young pitchers. An All-Star as a stopper for the Saints in the '72 season, he returned this year as a starter, putting together a third consecutive 30+ start season. In terms of ERA, it was his best, working to a 2.88 (134 ERA+) mark in 228.1 innings pitched. His 13-10 record was slightly better then last year, but his 4.4 WAR and 3.43 FIP (88 FIP-) were actually three year worsts. That shows you exactly the type of pitcher the Cannons are getting, as he can give them something legit behind Herm Quinn (16-12, 2.87, 180).

At 31, Martinez is in the midst of his prime, and he's done a great job going from 11th Rounder to pen arm to top-of-the-rotation starter. In seven seasons he's made 101 starts and 128 relief appearances, and excluding his rough debut season, he's been a consistently above average pitcher. He holds a 3.05 ERA (122 ERA+), 3.14 FIP (122 FIP-), and 496 strikeouts in 883 FABL innings, and even his average performance would be a huge upgrade for them. Ace Barrell 12-15, 4.78, 139) has not been the ace they were hoping for, and the organization does not seem too confident that Ike Hawley (10-11, 2.73, 162) can recreate his newfound success this season, as despite his great results he finished in the pen. When you have a chance to add a top player you do it, and Martinez certainly fits that billing.

What confuses is the return, as the deal doesn't seem to help Baltimore very much. They did get a top-100 prospect in Jack Abrams, who ranks 70th overall and 3rd in their system, but to get him they had to give up a prospect of their own. Abrams isn't the traditional headliner for a pitcher either, as he's a corner bat who's top two qualities are his discipline and his arm. A talented athlete, he could develop power as he matures, and at 20 there's a lot of upside yet to be untapped. The former first rounder showed some of it this season, as a majority of his time was in High-A Charleston. He appeared in 81 games, producing a 151 WRC+ to go with his .309/.420/.502 (137 OPS+) batting line. Add in 11 doubles, 10 triples, 10 homers, 43 RBIs, 55 runs, and 62 walks, and it's easy to see what Baltimore is hoping for.

It's harder to see why Baltimore also gave up center fielder Norv McClanahan, who ranks not too much further down at 134. Just 19, he's got a ton of upside too, and is a different type of player then Abrams. Instead of a great eye and the chance for power, his talent comes his speed and hit tool. Baltimore's 6th Rounder in 1974, he's a strong hitter with elite speed, and unlike Abrams he should have no issues out in center. He spent most of his time in Low A, batting .275/.369/.372 with 6 doubles, 6 triples, 4 homers, 25 RBIs, 40 runs, 45 walks, and 11 steals. A nice pick up to go with a legit starter, it's hard to view this as anything but a major win for the Cannons.

FABL's first notable deal of the offseason, Martinez was in high demand, as both the Imperials and the Cougars made offers for the former Clipper ace. Both Continental clubs are searching hard to improve their rotations, and with potentially the best available pitcher now traded, options may be limited. Speculative pickups could be Ike Hawley, who's now very unlikely to pitch in the Cannons rotation with Martinez in the fold, or perhaps one of Martinez's old teammates in Baltimore. Recently turned 35-year-old Johnny Hugot (13-9, 3.58, 134) was effective despite a FA high 115 walks, and could be a cheap option, while the now 28-year-old Buck Guthrie (10-17, 4.25, 125) could be an interesting reclamation project. It would appear no one on the roster is untouchable, and after moving Martinez the calls for their players will only continue to increase.

*** Comets Continue to Add to Pen ***

Another week, another new pitcher in Houston, as the Comets sent a young arm to the Cannons for the now 33-year-old Joe Rice. Taken 13th by the Pioneers in 1961, he quickly cracked the league's top 100. A vet of 10 years, he spent parts of five seasons with them, as well as time with the Arrows, Chiefs, Cannons, and Wranglers. This year was split between Dallas and Cincy, where he went 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA (126 ERA+) that was much better then his 4.43 FIP (115 FIP-). Allowing 10 homers in 65 innings will do that, and in 934.1 career innings he's allowing basically one per nine. Another depth arm, he has a respectable 4.00 ERA (95 ERA+) and 1.32 WHIP, but cannot be expected for much more then middle relief and the occasional spot start.

The Cannons return is 22-year-old righty Juan Rivera, who Houston took in the 5th Round of the 1971 draft. A Panamanian native, Rivera ranks as the 214th best prospect, checking in at 12th in the Cannons system. A five pitch pitcher, he has the stuff to start, but he's still working on commanding his secondary pitches. The better his control is, the more successful he'll be, but unless he polishes it up he may never make it to the majors. He is on the right track, as his 7.6 BB% in 183.2 innings was his first below 10, and he did it without a notable drop in strikeouts. He is also eligible for the Rule-5 draft, but considering he hasn't pitched above A-Ball, the Cannons will not likely need to protect him this winter.

ROCKETS BEGIN TO FIND THEIR THRUST
St Louis Shows Signs of Life After Slow Start

It has not been the smooth liftoff many expected, but the St. Louis Rockets may finally be gaining altitude.

The defending Federal Basketball League champions endured a sluggish opening to the season, but back-to-back weekend victories over Boston and Cleveland suggest the club could be rediscovering its rhythm. For a franchise that has become synonymous with success — eight straight playoff appearances and four titles in that span — a slow start was bound to raise eyebrows.

A year ago, the Rockets saw their remarkable streak of six consecutive 62-plus win seasons come to an end with a comparatively modest 49–33 record. This fall brought more early turbulence, as St. Louis dropped four of its first seven contests and looked uncharacteristically out of sync.

One thing that has not changed, however, is the brilliance of John Brantner. The four-time MVP continues to perform at an extraordinary level, carrying the offense while the rest of the club worked to find its footing.

That supporting cast may now be catching up.

The Rockets have won four of their last five games, including a demanding stretch of contests over eight days. The week was punctuated by a 114–101 victory over Boston, followed by a narrow 118–115 decision against the Cleveland Bulldogs.

Brantner was, once again, the driving force. He poured in 40 points against Boston and followed it up with 42 more the next night, pushing his league-leading average to an eye-popping 33.8 points per game.

Despite the recent surge, St. Louis remains in third place in the Midwest Division, though just a single game behind both Denver and the Houston Apollos. The schedule offers little respite. The Rockets face three games in the coming week, beginning with a road test in Los Angeles before returning home to host the Toronto Falcons and the New York Knights.

If the past few nights are any indication, the climb back toward the top of the standings may already be underway.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 11/09/1975

• President Ford challenged Ronald Reagan and any other White House rivals to contest him in all of the 30 Republican presidential primary elections next year. He said candidates owed it to the voters to do it rather than "entering some and ducking others." Reagan, the former California governor plans to announce on November 20 that he will challenge Ford for the GOP nomination.
• Meanwhile Vice-President Nelson Rockefeller has withdrawn from Ford's 1976 ticket to spare Ford from Republican "party squabbles" that were complicating his campaign against the impending challenge from Reagan.
• Patty Hearst's attorney says the 21-year-old newspaper heiress is "not going to plead guilty" to federal bank robbery charges at a plea hearing scheduled for today in San Francisco.
• The Federal government is looking into the possibility of trying to break up the giant General Motors Corp., according to a government source. Antitrust action against the world's largest automaker reportedly has been recommended by two bureaus of the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC chairman refused to confirm or deny the report but did say "We have a number of investigations going on."
• Pope Paul VI, saying outdoor mass at a square often used for Communist rallies, Sunday called Communism "unacceptable" in Rome. It was his first direct challenge to spreading Marxist influence in the city.
• Tens of thousands of Moroccans, waving that country's flag and chanting glory to Allah launched a peaceful march five miles into the Spanish Sahara over the weekend. They trekked into the disputed, mineral-rich territory despite a blinding dust storm and amidst Spanish helicopters and old propeller-driven fighter planes. Moroccan helicopters also circled but there were no encounters.