1951 "An Experiment in Expansion"

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Wednesday September 27, 1961

“Fisticuffs Poor Passer Ratings Mark Play in AFL” – Billy Mitchell, The Arizona Republic

(Portion posted article appeared in The Shamokin News Dispatch, Shamokin, Pennsylvania -Sept 25, 1961 page 6)

Does the old saying, “Went to a boxing event and a Hockey match broke out..” ring true with the young American Football League. Sunday’s feature bout took place in San Francisco where Charlie Powell of the Oakland Raiders only recently an honest-to-goodness pro heavyweight boxer, landed a solid uppercut on the jaw of Charley Diamond, 262-pound tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. And in a tag team match at Phoenix, the Wranglers two defensive tackles 290-pound Ernie Ladd and 254-pound Henry Schmidt were ejected late in the fourth quarter for trying to take on a good portion of the Houston Oilers club. It was an eventful weekend in the American Football League. Now if only the league’s signal callers had as much ‘guff’ as those attempting to punch their way toward a victory. The league’s completion percentage average is hanging around 49% through three weeks of play. The leading quarterback, Boston’s Vito Parilli, tops the short list with 56.3% passes completed. Parilli also leads the AFL’s hurlers with a passer rating of 85.7 QBR. While Completion percent and passer ratings are taking a hit, league wide interception ratings are soaring with 45 picks through 11 games. Quarterback play in American Football League needs to get better if it is to survive through the 1961 season. On another note, the hometown Arizona Wranglers will begin a three game east coast road trip this weekend. The team’s first stop on the tour will be War Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as ‘The Rockpile’, in Buffalo, New York. The Wranglers will continue their journey with stops in Boston and New York before returning to the west coast for a rematch with the Raiders at Candlestick Park. “It’s going to be a tough four weeks…..we will be making our temporary home in Amherst, Massachusetts,” mentioned Coach Robinson Tuesday evening. General Manager John Harland informed Coach Robinson on Tuesday that principle owner Edward Wright had secured a deal to use the facilities at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst for a few weeks. “After our matchup in Buffalo we will depart the following day for Amherst instead of returning to Phoenix. Make sense I guess….keep us on the east coast...it’s going to be a difficult few weeks regardless. We will work in conjunction with Massachusetts Redmen Head Coach Vic Fusia to schedule practices at Alumni Field,” added Coach Robinson.

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Arizona Wranglers @ Buffalo Bills pregame report
Location/Time: War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York; 4:15 PM EST
Last Meeting: November 20, 1960, Buffalo 31 @ Los Angeles 14
All time record: 1-1
Point Spread: -0.5 (ARI)
Over/Under: 37

“Wranglers set off for East Coast” – Billy Mitchell, The Arizona Republic

Lead Wrangler Wayne Robinson and the team departed Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport early Thrusday morning bound for Buffalo, New York. “This is going to be a long trip,” commented Coach Robinson before leaving for the airport. “We will stop in Los Angeles….board our charter bound for New York….Hope that goes better than the last go around,” he added with a smile. “Then on Monday we board a charter bus bound for Amherst, Massachusetts for a two week stay. It will be a challenge. However, I am looking forward to Coach Vic’s matchup against Villanova.” Coach Robinson is referring to the collegiate matchup between the University of Massachusetts and Villanova on October 7 at Alumni Field. “We will move our final pre game walk through that week against Boston to Friday and spend Saturday afternoon off cheering for Coach Vic’s Redmen,” explained Coach Robinson. When asked about this weekend’s opponent Coach Robinson stated, “Coach Ramsey’s got a great ball club and great fan base. The Rockpile is going to rocking,” Coach laughed and continued, “His defensive unit has kept them in every game and Wilmer Fowler has become a force since taking over as starting running back.” Coach also mentioned that his defensive backfield will have their hands full with the Bills offensive end duo of Dubenion and Bass.

Coach Buster Ramsey’s Buffalo Bills are coming off a tough 24-14 loss to the rival Patriots of Boston. In the battle of Eastern Division undefeated it was the Patriots who walked out of War Memorial Stadium 3-0. “That was tough loss. We had higher expectations and hoped to give the sold out crowd a better show. I have been told we have a full house again this weekend and they are in for a real treat. It’s going to be one heck of a game,” said Coach Ramsey during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

INJURY REPORT
Arizona
G Ernie Barnes is out with a pulled hamstring
Buffalo
RB Wray Carlton is out for season – RB Wilmer Fowler will get the start

STATISTICAL REPORT
Arizona
Total Offense: 481 passing yards; 565 rushing yards; 1,046 total yards; 5.4 yards per play
Total Defense: pass defense 540 yards; rush defense 149 yards; 689 yards allowed; 4.0 yards per play
Buffalo
Total Offense: 531 passing yards; 174 rushing yards; 705 total yards; 4.2 yards per play
Total Defense: pass defense 538 yards; rush defense 206 yards; 744 yards allowed; 3.9 yards per play

TEAM LEADERS
Arizona
Passing: Jack Kemp 21-58-4, 347 yards. 3 TD
Rushing: Paul Lowe 50 carries, 321 yards, 4 TD
Receiving: Don Norton 10 receptions, 190 yards, 1 TD
Tackles: Chuck Allen 14 tackles, Emil Karas 14 tackles
Sacks: Jerry Fields 2
Interceptions: Dick Harris 2
Passes defended: Dick Harris 3
Buffalo
Passing: Tommy O’Connell 31-96-5, 616 yards, 6 TD
Rushing: Wilmer Fowler 51 carries, 167 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: Elbert Dubenion 7 receptions, 213 yards, 3 TD
Tackles: Mack Yoho 24 tackles
Sacks: Mack Yoho 3.5 sacks
Interceptions: Vern Valdez 3
Passes Defended: Laverne Torczon 2

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Saturday, September 30, 1961
Arizona Wranglers @ Buffalo Bills
Location: War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York
Attendance: 38,500
Weather: Cloud 72 degrees, Wind: calm
Game MVP: Don Norton

“Wranglers Round Up Bills” – Billy Mitchell, The Arizona Republic

The Arizona Wranglers corralled the Buffalo Bills at the Rockpile Sunday afternoon by a score of 30-10. Jack Kemp and his offensive cohorts took the opening kickoff and established the tone of the game early. Kemp guided his offense on a 12 play, 62 yard drive ticking off 7:12 of the first quarter clock. The drive ended with a 17 yard Greg Ellsworth field goal. The three point kick turned out to be the only points of the first quarter. The second quarter began with a Dick Harris interception of a pass intended for Glass Bass. Harris’ ball-hawking skills set up a 1 yard plunge by versatile running back Paul Lowe. “We were having a hard time getting through their front four…..then Harris’ pick of O’Connell shifted the momentum…then our aerial attack awoke for the first time this season. I think Jack had his first 300 yard passing game this year. I commend Bob for making the necessary game time adjustments and getting our offensive ends into the game,” commented an elated Coach Robinson after the game. Offensive Coordinator Bob Williams unleashed an aerial bombardment on the Bills secondary that produced 149 yards in the second quarter alone. The pass catching ability of Norton and Roberson set up another Paul Lowe short burst over the goal line. The Wranglers entered the half up 20-0. “If it wasn’t for injuries it would have been the best quarter of the season to date,” continued Coach Robinson at the post game press conference. Coach Robinson was referring to his all world tackle Ron Mix and starting center Don Rogers. Both went down mid way through the second quarter and did not return. “I am told both men suffered significant injuries that will force them to miss some playing time….of course that is all I know at this time. I will say both Belotti and Selawski played well in the second half and both men will see some playing time next weekend in Boston.” The Buffalo Bills, not being a team to concede the victory too early, began the second half with a long drive off their own. Bills signal caller, Tommy O’Connell, engineered a 10 play, 71 yard drive that ended with an Elbert Dubenion 6 yard touchdown strike. However, just like first 15, the touchdown reception would be the only points put up by either team in the third. The Wranglers front four of Nery, Hudson, Ladd and Faison took control of the line a scrimmage and dominated game play for the rest of the afternoon. The Bills were limited to a field goal through the final 23 minutes of the game.

Plays from scrimmage: Arizona 68 (19 First Downs); Buffalo 52 (14 First Downs)
Rushing: Arizona 36 for 95 (2.6 avg): Buffalo 22 for 44 (2.0 avg)
Pass plays: Arizona 19 for 32 (59%) 1 TD, 2 INT; Buffalo 17 for 30 (57%) 1 TD, 5 INT
Passing: Arizona 305 yards (9.6 per play); Buffalo 212 yards (7.3 per play)
Sacked: No sacks registered
Turnovers: Arizona 2; Buffalo 5
Punts: Arizona 2 punts for 100 yards (50.0 avg); Buffalo 2 punts for 86 yards (43.0 avg)
Third Down: Arizona 8 for 14 (57%); Buffalo 5 for 9 (56%)
Red Zone: Arizona 6 for 7 (3 FG, 3 TD); Buffalo 2 for 2 (1 FG, 1 TD
Time of Possession: Arizona 35:44; Buffalo 24:16

Game Information
First Quarter
FG – Greg Ellsworth 24 yards; 3-0 ARI
Second Quarter
FG – Greg Ellsworth 20 yards; 6-0 ARI
ARI – TD Paul Lowe 1 yard run (Greg Ellsworth kick) 13-0 ARI
ARI – TD Paul Lowe 5 yard run (Greg Ellsworth kick) 20-0 ARI
Third Quarter
BUF– Elbert Dubenion 6 yard pass from Tommy O’Connell (Duane Howard kick) 20-7 ARI
Fourth Quarter
BUF – FG Duane Howard 16 yards; 20-10 ARI
ARI – TD Don Norton 16 yard pass from Jack Kemp (Greg Ellsworth kick) 27-10 ARI
ARI – FG Greg Ellsworth 22 yards; 30-10 ARI

Top Performers
Arizona
QB Jack Kemp 19-32-2, 305 yards, 1 TD; 2 carries, 13 yards
RB Paul Lowe 22 carries, 55 yards, 2 TD; 2 receptions, 29 yards
WR Don Norton 6 receptions, 118 yards, 1 TD
WR Bo Roberson 5 receptions, 94 yards
DE Ron Nery 5 tackles
DT Bill Hudson 7 tackles
LB Jerry Fields 5 tackles
CB DIcK Harris 3 tackles, 3 INT
CB Claude Gibson 3 tackles, 1 PD, 1 INT
Buffalo
QB Tommy O’Connell 17-30-5, 212 yards, 1 TD
WR Elbert Dubenion 7 receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
DT Chuck McMurtry 9 tackles
LB Ralph Felton 8 tackles
CB Richie McCabe 6 tackles, 2 PD
S Billy Atkins 5 tackles, 1 PD, 2 INT

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Around the AFL – Monday October 2, 1961

Vito Parilli and the Boston Patriots kept pace with Western Division leader Arizona with a 27-10 victory over the New York Jets. The Patriots and Wranglers remain the only undefeated team left in the AFL. Both sit at 4-0 for the ’61 campaign. Parilli threw for 216 yards and 1 TD. His favorite target, Jim Colclough, hauled in 7 receptions for 106 yards and end Thomas Stephens caught 4 Parilli passes for 51 yards. The victory set up an epic showdown next week at Boston University Field in Boston.

Houston 28 @ Kansas City 3; GAME MVP: WR Charley Hennigan 8 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD
Denver 20 @ Oakland 27; GAME MVP: WR Charlie Hardy 7 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD

Week 4 Statistical report (TOP 5)
PASSING YARDS: Vito Parilli (BOS) 922 yards; Tommy O’Connell (BUF) 835 yards; AL Dorow (NYJ) 828 yards; Tom Flores (OAK) 743 yards; Frank Trupika (DEN) 661 yards

RECEIVING YARDS: Jim Colclough (BOS) 344 yards; Bob Coolbaugh (OAK) 324 yards; Elbert Dubenion (BUF) 319 yards; Don Norton (ARI) 311 yards; Don Maynard (NYJ) 307 yards

RUSHING YARDS: Paul Lowe (ARI) 376 yards; Billy Lott (BOS) 252 yards; Bill Mathis (NYJ) 216 yards; Keith Lincoln (ARI) 210 yards; Wilmer Fowler (BUF) 202 yards;

TACKLES: Bob Hudson (DEN) 37 tackles; Bud McFadin (DEN) 30 tackles; Mack Yoho (BUF) 28 tackles; Chuck McMurtry (BUF) 28 tackles; Mike Dukes (HOU) 27 tackles

SACKS: Mike Dukes (HOU) 5 sacks; Sid Youngeman (NYJ) 4.5 sacks; Bob Dee (BOS) 3.5 sacks; Mack Yoho (BUF) 3.5 sacks; Nick Mumley (NYJ) 3 sacks

National Football League – Week 4 report

Washington 21 @ Cleveland 27; GAME MVP: FB Jim Brown 194 totals yards, 3 TD
Chicago 30 @ Detroit 14; GAME MVP: WR Johnny Morris 9 receptions, 143 yards, 3 TD
Baltimore 24 @ Green Bay 24; GAME MVP: FB Joe Perry 94 total yards, 1 TD
Pittsburgh 7 @ Philadelphia 27; GAME MVP: QB Sonny Jurgensen 17/24, 224 yards, 1 TD
Los Angeles 21 @ San Francisco 37; GAME MVP: WR Clyde Conner 8 receptions, 160 yards, 1 TD
Dallas 14 @ Minnesota 27; GAME MVP: RB Hugh McElhenny 168 total yards, 2 TD
New York 38 @ St. Louis 10; GAME MVP: WR Del Shofner 7 receptions, 159 yards, 2 TD

Week 4 Statistical report (TOP 5)
PASSING YARDS: Y.A. Tittle (NYG) 1,235 yards; John Brodie (SF) 1,107 yards, Bart Starr (GB) 1,094 yards, Johnny Unitas (BAL) 1,035 yards; Sonny Jurgensen (PHI) 1,017 yards

RECEIVING YARDS: Billy Howton (DAL) 459 yards; Del Shofner (NYG) 443 yards; Red Phillips (LA) 432 yards; Clyde Conner (SF) 399 yards; Raymond Berry (BAL) 397 yards

RUSHING YARDS: Jim Brown (CLE) 475 yards; Willie Galimore (CHI) 381 yards; John Henry Johnson (PIT) 376 yards; Alex Webster (NYG) 367 yards; Jim Taylor (GB) 353 yards

TACKLES: Roy Wilkins (WAS) 40 tackles; Chuck Howley (DAL) 39 tackles; Wayne Walker (DET) 35 tackles; Bob Griffin (STL) 32 tackles; Jerry Tubbs (DAL) 31 tackles

SACKS: Lou Michaels (PIT) 4 sacks; George Tarasovic (PIT) 4 sacks; Dick Lasse (WAS) 4 sacks; Ed Culpepper (MIN) 3.5 sacks; Art Donovan (BAL) 3 sacks