Tigers win 7-6 on Sheridan's dramatic two-run blast
By JOHN NELSON
DETROIT (AP) Pal Sheridan and Mike Henneman
shared a rare plarc in tin- playoff spotlight Saturday.
Sheridan, seldom used a n d ' s l u m p i n g badly at the end
of the season, h i t a t w o r u n homer in the eighth i n n i n g
that gave the Detroit Tigers a 7 6 victory over the Minnesota Twins in ( l a m e .'! of the American League
playoffs.
The rookie H e m i e m a n , ineffective in (lame 1; was the
winner w i t h three scoreless innings' of relief, stopping a
leak that had allowed the Twins to come hack from a 5-0
deficit to lead fi-5.
Thus, the Tigers avoided a plight from which no
playoff team ever has recovered. The Twins won the
first two games, and no team ever has come hack to win
a seven-game postsea.-.m series after falling three
games behind.
"This will tell you how my career has gone," Sheridan
said in the postgame news conference. "I've never been
to one of these before. I guess my career just started
slow and tapered off somewhere.
"I've never been in the limelight, and I probably
wouldn't be very good at it," Sheridan said.
Sheridan's last homer came Aug. 20 against the
Twins. That time it was off Keith Alherton. This time, it
was against Jeff Reardon as the Twins and Tigers reversed bullpen fortunes.
The Twins bullpen had a win and a save in the first
two games. Henneman pitched to two batters, walking
them both, in the opener at Minnesota.
"I was a little more jittery in Minneapolis," Henneman said. "Over there, we had 55,000 people yelling at
us. This time, we have 50,000 yelling for us.
Greg Gagne and Tom Brunansky had homered earlier
for the Twins, but Brunansky may have cost his club at
least one run with a baserunning blunder in the third
inning. Henneman came on for Walt Terrell in the sevtnth and gave up a two-run, two-out single to Gary
Gaetti that put Minnesota ahead 6-5.
"I gave up that hit to Gaetti, and I really wanted him
bad," Henneman said. And he later got him. He struck
ont GaBttrta entl~thir game and Bend the TigersTnto~
Game 4 with a chance for a tie in this series.
The Tigers will send left-hander Frank Tanana,
15-10, against the Twins' first-game starter, Frank
Viola, 17-10, Sunday night.
The Tigers were returning home, where they were 54-27
during the season. That home record was second only to
Minnesota's 56-25 this season. The Twins, on the other
hand, were 29-52 on the road, the worst traveling record
of any division or pennant winner in history.
Terrell was 15-1TJ during the season but 13-2 at home.
The Minnesota starter was rookie Les Straker, who had
spent 10 seasons in the minor leagues. Straker was gone
in Detroit's, five-run third inning, and it looked like the
game would follow form.
It did, in a way — but not because of Terrell, and not
"We got behind the first two games, but we came
because the Twins didn't play well here." —
back," Twin's Manager Tom Kelly said. "It was 5-0 today
"Sometimes, clubs get on a roll when everything they
against Walt Terrell at Tiger Stadium, but we came
back and got the lead. ... We were battling all the way, do turns out right," Tigers Manager Sparky Anderson
said. "The Twins looked like that, and at least we broke
but the Tigers didn't give_up_eUher. We saw that."
The Game 3 matchups were set up forTTDetroit wrrn—that roll now."
©he
\^/
PAGE A8-THE SOUTHWEST TIMES, PULASKI, VA., SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11,1987
Grogan's run
deals Cougars
second defeat
BYDANCALLAHAN
SWT Sports Editor
William Fleming continued its
resurgence under the direction of
coach Sherley Stuart with a 28-14
victory over Pula^ki County at Victory Stadium in Roanoke Friday
evening.
The Cougars are now 5-2 on the
season overall, and 1-2 in the Roanoke Valley District. The Colonels are
5-1, 2-1 and definite contenders for
the league crown, a trophy it has not
won si nee 1981.
Pulaski County managed an early
14-0 lead with the aid of numerous
Fleming mistakes, but the Cougars
could not add to their advantage,
and steadily the Colonels came back
to score the final 28 points in the
game. But the victory was not attained until only 3:45 was left to
play.
After an interception by safety
David Harding the Cougars had
moved to a third and three at the
Fleming 34. Quarterback Anthony
Akers went down two yards short on
a third down run. On fourth down
Akers punted but of bounds at the
Fleming 16.
On the next snap, junior tailback
Ronny Grogan, who at 6-2, 185 appears larger than the PCHS linemen
and is definitely faster than the
Cougar backs, broke clean on a
Wm. Fleming 28,
Pulaski Co. 14
Wm. Fleming Pulaski Co.
First Downs
12
12
Rushes-Yds. 32-284
42-113
Passing-ACI 11-5-3
15-7-2
51
Passing Yds.
111
335
Total Yds.
224
Return Yds..
139
140Punts-Ave.
3-25.7
7-34.1
FurnWes-Lost 3-2
3-1
Penalties
4-45.
5-45
Scoring Summary
Wm. Fleming 0-6-6-16-28
Pulaski Co. 7-7-0-0-14
P.C.- Frank 5 pass from Akers (Clark
kick)
P.C.- Frank 28 pass from Akers
(Clark kick)
Wm. Flem.- Ramirez 32 run (PAT
failed)
Wm. Flem.- Grogan 1 run (Run
failed),
Wm. Flem.- Grogan 84 run (Holland
run)
Wm. Flem.- Grogan 8 run (Holland
run)
Individual Stats
Rushing
Wm. Ftem.- Grogan 11-137, Ramirez
12-113. Pamwll 4-39 Jackson 1-1.
Jennings 1 -0, Holland 3-(-6).
P:C.-D;. Hendricks 31-99, Akers 9,6,
Frank 1-8, Williams 1-0.
Passing
Wm. Flem.- Holland 5-11-3 int., 51
yds.
P.C. Akers 7-15-2 int., 111 yds., 2TD
Receiving
Wm. Flem.- Ward 2-29, Ware 1-20,
Br atton 1-8, Pannell 1-(-6)
P.p.- Frank 5-76, Alley 1-20, Dalton
1-15
'••'...
Carolina
rips Tech
sweep around the left side and romped 84 yards virtually untouched to
break the Cougars' backs.
"Speed," said PCHS head coach
Joel Hicks. "Sooner, or later it gets
you. Grogan broke it, and we
couldn't catch.him. Their other tailback Rameriz (Alvin) made a great
run on us. Fleming is so quick. They
came close a lot, and finally broke it.
I don't know why the play came so
clean. We'll look at the film, but
whatever happened out there tonight, most of it was due to Fleming's atheltic ability and speed.
"The final score makes no
difference. That play beat us. We
went on third and three and didn't
get it. That was a big play, but we
punted and had'em deep. From a
field position standpoint, we were in
a great situation. A first down would
have allowed us to take the clock
from them, and Fleming would have
had to pass in the final seconds. But
still, we needed to hold them one
more time. Then it broke," said
Hicks.
The tailback tandem of Grogan
and Rameriz was more than the
Cougars could cope with. Grogan
ran 11 times for 137 yards and displayed the ability to run like a bulldozer i nside and a sprinter outside.
Rameriz ran 12 times for 113 yards.
Fullback Melvin Pannell ran four
times for 39 yards.
"We felt all Week we could shut
Pulaski County down," said Stuart.
"We knew we could run the ball. It
was our plan to run. All we had to do
was stop making mistakes. We .
didn't change anything at the half.
We just said settle down, and do
what we planned to do. I think we do
a little better job up front than people think too. The player we were
concerned about was #19 (wide
receiver Mark Frank). He can play
for anybody," said Stuart.
"This wasn't easy, and I said it
wouldn't be a perfectly played game.
Both teams made mistakes, but we
were able to overcome ours. In some
years, if we had turned the ball over
as many times the first half to Pulaski County as we did tonight, the
JVs would have played the second
half. Those Cougars didn't go anywhere though. I was beginning to
wonder if they would ever break at
all. Finally it happened. Grogan is a
super athlete, and we've got a lot of
excellent athletes. I'm still not sure
if people realize what we have. We
have a good team," added Stuart.
Hicks is very aware of that. "The
final score of the game is not important. With a little over three
minutes left we're still leading the
game. We could have won. We had
our opportunities. We lost a fumble,
and came up short on a first down.
Both those were big plays. Then
Fleming broke one. It's that simple.
They have the bert talent we've
seen. Fleming is the best team we've
See COUGARS, page A9
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For
South Carolina coach Joe Morrison,
it was just the elixir to cure what
ailed him and his Gamecocks the
last two weekends.
"This is a particularly good win
coming off our two emotional games
against Georgia and Nebraska,"
said Morrison after his team polished off Virginia Tech 40-10 Saturday.
"I was happy to see our team respond and play like they did. It was
a doggone good win."
The loss, however, was tough to
stomach for Tech's Frank Reamer,
who gave South Carolina credit for
its performance, particularly the
Gamecock defense that held his Hokies to just 49 yards offense in the
SUIT photo by Bob Hlnes
Pulaski County tailback Doug Hendricks breaks free of two attempted Colonel tackles
Nothing is
wrong with
this team
.ROANOKE-. For the first time
since 1984, Pulaski County has lost
two consecutive games. One it
shouldn't have (Franklin Co.), and
another it could have won (William
Fleming), but probably shouldn't
have been expected to because the
Colonels simply have more athletes
to call on.
The record is still a good 5-2, and
a lot folks would be proud to have
Locker Room
Dan Callahan
'
.
•
"
,
-
Staff photo by Bob Hlnea
Cougars James Whittaker (70), and Derek Taylor team up on Fleming's Rameriz
second half.
"I thought generally South Carolina has a great football team and
they have great skill people," said
Beamer. "They just do a great job
with what they do."
Wingback Sterling Sharpe, who
scored three of the Gamecocks' four
touchdowns, said the win marked a
turning point for South Carolina.
"This week we really got it
together because I believe everyone
was really excited to play," Sharpe
said. "We had a few offensive letdowns ... but we finally got .things
going, and we put the points we
needed on the Scoreboard."
Sharpe, who tied a school record
with his three scoring runs, had put
the Gamecocks ahead for good on a
three-yard sprint around left tackle with his four field goals and set a
with seven seconds left in the first South Carolina kicking record with
quarter, making the score 14-0.
16 points in one game.
South Carolina, which is No. 7 in
South Carolina got on the scorethe nation in pass offense, appeared board first with a 20-yard touchat times to be headed for a blowout down pass from Ellis, who hit 25 of
but quarterback Todd Ellis' three 41 passes for 334 yards, to wide
fumbles kept the 1-4 Hokies in the receiver Ryan Bethea.
game in the first half.
The South Carolina defense, led
The second half, however, was a by interceptions from corner backs
'Robert Robertson and Norman
different story.
South Carolina, which improved Floyd, held Virginia Tech to 187
its record to 3-2 after successive los- yards total offense — 101 of which
ses to No. 16 Georgia and No. 2 Ne- came on 16 of 31 passing attempts
braska, held Tech scoreless in the from quarterback Erik Chapman.
Chapman, who had two intercepsecond half while adding 19 more
tions while Ellis had none, got limpoints of its own.
Most of the Gamecocks' second- ited help from the Virginia Tech
half scoring came from kicker Collin running attack, which was led by
Mackie, who tied a school record tailback Jon Jeffries 23 yards.
those numbers/But like all Cougar
teams, this one wants to win the
Roarioke Valley District championship. There's still probably a
reasonable chance at gaining a
share of the title, but it's not a likely
situation now with a 1-2 record and
the two defeats coming against
prime contenders with only a single
loss, and Salem with no defeats.
With the tradition of winning over
the last eight years, and the excellent start to this season, one might
wonder what's wrong with this Cougar team? In a word—nothing. Nothing is wrong with this team.
This Pulaski County team works
just as hard, and gives just as much
effort, and wants to win just as badly
as any before it, and I predict that
desire will not change one little bit
the rest of the season. The defeats
have come to likely the best Fleming
and Franklin teams in the last 10
years.
It would be correct to say that this
Cougar team is probably a couple of
outstanding players shy, a step
away, or one mistake too many from
being undefeated. But why
shouldn't it be? Too much was lost
off the outstanding 1987 team to expect this group to motor along just
like nothing happened.
Fleming head coach Sherley
See LOCKER ROOM, page A9
THE SOUTHWEST TIMES, PULASKI, VA., SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11,1987tPAGE A9
Cougars—
Continued from page A8
played," said Hicka.
The Cougars scored on their second possession of the game. On
third and goal from the five, Akers
and senior split end Mark Frank
made a perfect play. Akers pumped
once, andjjhen lofted a pass to the
back left corner of the end zone.
Frank made the catch over his
shoulder, and chopped both feet into
the turf before stepping out of the
end zone. B.C. Clark added to conversion kick for a 7-0 PCHS lead.
On three consecutive possessions,
Fleming had a pass intercepted, and
lost two fumbles. Steve Alley picked
off Mike Holland's pass, and linebackers Derek Taylor and Timmy
Mannon recovered the loose pigskins.
There was no movement after the
first two turnovers by the Cougar
offense, and after Mannon's recovery at the Fleming 29 it didn't
look like PCHS would be able to
capitalize on that opportunity
either. A holding penalty had moved
the baM back to jhe 49. On third and
17, Doug Hendricks got ntnryards
around right end, but a late gave the
Cougars 15 more yards and a first
down at the 25.
But on first down Hendricks lost a
yard, and on second down Akers
fumbled the' snap, and recovered for
another loss of two. But on third
down Akers dropped back, a Fleming defender fell down, and Akers
lofted a high aerial toward the end
zone. It finally, descended into the
waiting hands of Frank for six.
Clark's pat put the Cougars up 14-0
with 5:15 left in the half.
But then the game began to turn
as Fleming stopped laying the ball
on the ground, and its athletes began making plays.
• Rameriz scored from 32 yards out
with 1:33 left in the second quarter
the Cougars in front 14-6 at intermission.
That was the beginning of 28
straight points by the Colonels.
Rameriz broke a 41-yard scamper on
the first possession of the third
quarter. Grogan got the first of his
three second half touchdowns from
two yards out. He was stopped short
on his try for two, and the Cougars
led 14-12.
It would stay that way until Grogan broke his big run. In between
•v
Pulaaki Co. had two excellent scoring opportunities. Hendricks ripped
for 18 yards, but fumbled and Flenu.
ing recovered at its own 20. That
came with 8:36 to play.
That was followed by Harding's
interception and a move to the
crs came up
short, punted, and then Grogan took
off.
Fleming rushed for a total of 284
yards on 32 carries, an average yield
of 8.88 per rush. The Colonels connected on five of 11 passes for 51
yards. Defensive end Robbie Cox
added a third interception for the
Cougars on the final play of the first
half.
PCHS rushed for 111 yards on 42
carries. Hendricks got 99 on 31 carries. Akers was seven of 15 passing .
for 111 yards and had two intercep- get ourselves, rested and ready for
ted. The last coming on a long throw Homecoming, and prepare ourselves
intended for Dalton. It was picked to get the most out of this season we
off by Fleming safety Kenneth Terry possibly can.
who returned the ball to the Cougar
"That's what we must do. Atrthie
11, and Grogan went over from the stage you either change your goal, or
eight with the issue already decided. hang it up. I don't want to hang it"
—The-Golonels-finished-with-335-totai" —up:—The re-'s—stiH—too—many- goodnet yards, Pulaski Co. 224.
things that can happen for us to
The" Cougars will now enjoy a quit, or be too discouraged now. We
much needed week off before return- made some good plays tonight. We
ing to action against Norlhside in played hard. We did the best we
two weeks in County Stadium for could. I don't feel bad about this
" Homecoming. Hicks told his team . team at all. I'm proud of our effort.
"We'll watch film Monday, take
it's now time for a reassessment.
Tuesday off, practice Wednesday
"We have to change our goal, and and Thursday, and take Friday off.
the way we think about things. We We need a rest. We need to relax.
need to rest, and come back strong Then we will prepare ourselves and
againt Northside...play with pride. return against Northside ready to
The playoffs are still a very good .play the very best we can," said
possibility. We've got two weeks to Hicks. '""'
Fleming quarterback Mike Holland appears to be sacked by Cougar Todd Wade, but JJolland slipped free, and tossed a 20-yard pass completion in the 2nd"q'uarter *"""""
Locker Room
Continued from page A8
Stuart, gracious in victory, had
nothing but good things to say about
these Cougars.
"I don't want anybody to tell me
that Pulaski County is a crybaby, or
isn't a top notch, first class program
with good kids. You could tell by
looking into their faces after the
game, it hurt those youngsters not
to win. But they shook hands with
everyone of us, and wished us luck
the rest of the season. My players
talked about it in our locker room
after the game. We were impressed.
"No, Pulaski County is not as good
Pioneers not great,
but still too good
for Eagles to score
BYTDMDUNCAN
Staff Writer
Friday night at Fort Chiswell was
the perfect example that it's better
to play not so good and win, then
play well and get beat. And for the
most part, that's what happened as
the Pioneers defeated the Auburn
Eagles, 18-0.
The win almost assured the
Pioneers of no worse than a tie in
the Mountain Empire District and
could lead to a Group A playoff
berth. .
Fort Chiswell head coach Paul
Hale once again watched the fellas
in black and white stripes drop the
yellow flags on his Pioneers.
It was a game that saw a total of
15 penalties, four of which belonged
the Eagles and the remaining 11 being tagged to the Pioneers. Fort
Chiswell was penalized for a total of
115 yards." We just had to many
penalties," stated Hale. " I think it
was because it was a big game.
Everyone was emotional. They
killed us last year at their place, and
I think our kids were pumped up."
The Pioneers started their opening drive with -an off-sides penalty,
and several plays later Jimmy Dunford scampered 45-yard<? into the
end zone only to have the touchdown
called back because of a holding
penalty. However, a ton of penalties
could not have prevented this victory as the Ft. Chiswell defense was
totally dominant.
The Pioneer defense allowed the
Eagles only four first downs, two in
each half. Fort Chiswell managed 15
first downs, a season high for the
Pioneers.
Fort Chiswell compiled 388 total
yards of offense on the evening compared to the only 98 yards for Auburn. The Pioneers rushed for 347
yards with Bobby Bums leading the
ground attack with 116 yards on 20
carries.
The Pioneers elected to use the
single wing full-time this season
rather than use the single wing half
of the time and the I-formation,
which Hale has done away with entirely.
"We just. decided to go to the
single wing full-time," remarked
Hale, "We can make adjustments,
plus I think we have a nice blend of
boys to run the single wing with."
Fort Chiswell got it's first score
with 8:11 left in the second quarter
when Jeff Freeman hit Scott Porter
with a seven-yard TD pass. Then,
with 2:43 remaining in the half,
Bums struck paydirt from eight
yards out to give the Pioneers a 12-0
halftime lead.
"Auburn came out and hit us,"said
Hale," We kept (Keith) Bennett bottled up. Most running backs will
stop after so long, but he kept coming. He may very well be the best
back in the district."
Neither team could put together a
scoring drive in the third quarter as
the Pioneers had to settle for the
12-point cushion heading into the
fourth quarter. The Pioneers controlled the ball a total of 11:04 but
were to come up with a-'acore. Then,
with 4:37 remaining in the game,
Freeman plunged into the end zone
from one yard put for the score to
cap off a drive thai'went 60-yards
and saw Dunford and Burns carrying most of the load offensively to up
the lead to 18 after the PAT attempt
failed. The drive was set up after the
Eagles failed to convert on a fourth
and two situation.
The victory keeps the Pioneers
undefeated in district play (4-0) and
5-1 overall: Fort Chiswell will try to
get a piece of the MED title, a title
the Pioneers haven't held since 1982
as they travel to Shawsville to take
on the Indians Friday at 7:30.
r
!
FtChlmvdl
FirstPowne
15 •, .<
Rushes-Yards '52-347
Passing A-C-I
14-6-0
Passing Yards
41
Total Yards
386
Return Yards
29
Punts-Avg.
,3-39.3
FumUes-Lost
2-0
Penalties
11-115
20-77
11-2-1
' 21'" .
98
30
3-36.$
1-t
4-15
a team as it was last year, but at the
to score from 32 yards out. That was
virtually untouched for the winner.
same time, we're a whole lot better
a two-play sequence made possible
So one could say if the Cougars
than we were. We've worked hard,
by outstanding individual talent.
had come through on these crucial
and our kids want to win. I've got
Key situation number two came
plays, they would have won, and
better athletes, and more of them
with 8:36 left to play. Cougar tailthat would be true, but would it be
than Joel (Hicks, PCHS head coach)
back Doug Hendricks darted and
fair? No. Pulaski Co. led the game
has. Our backs are faster, and our
dashed for an 18-yard run to the
until only 3:45 was left to play, but
linemen are bigger. That's the
Colonel 20, but fumbled with the
it had certainly not been the dominsmallest Pulaski Co. team I can reCougars still up 14-12.
ant team, and finally the big play
member.
But while Fleming running backs
happened. The Cougars had done
"But I'll tell you this, Pulaski
had seemed like a step away from
the best they could, for as long as
County is the best team we've
popping big runs on numerous octhey could.
played, and we're hurting more than, cassions, the defense still held.
The opinion here is that Pulaski
we have after any game we've
Safety David Harding made a leapCounty was overmatched against
played. They hit us, and I thought
ing interception and here came the
Fleming. You don't like reading that
Joel's kids gave great effort. And he
Cougars again.
statement arid this writer doesn't
made some changes too to try and
The came key situation number
like making it, but it's true.
catch us ..Pulaski County changed
three. On third and three at the
For the Cougars to have beaten
its backfield alignment, and used an
Fleming 34, quarterback Anthony
Fleming, they would have had to
unbalanced line. We were very con- ' Akers kept on the option and came
come through on every big play and
fused for a long time. Joel and his
up two yards short with only 3:50
not made a single mistake. They
staff do a terrific job. And we kept
left to play. One more first down
would have had to play a perfect
making mistakes too. But when we
would have taken the clock away
game. That's asking too much. They
got things figured out, and quit
from the Colonels.
don't play perfect on Saturday's in
messing up,.it was our players vs.
Still, Akers punted out at the
Norman, Oklahoma. They.don't play
their players, and we've got good
Fleming 16 with only 3:45 remainperfect in RFK on Sunday's either.
talent and excellent speed. We can
ing in the game.. Not a bad situation
So don't expect a.high school team to
make plays that Pulaski County
at all with time short and the oppobe perfect on Friday night.
can't. That was the difference in the
nent 84 yards from paydirt. But
The fact is that Pulaski County
game.
Ronnie Grogan swept left, turned
committed three turnovers, one of
"But I think Pulaski Co. will make the corner, and 'sprinted 84 yards
which didn't matter, and Fleming
the playoffs. They've got too much
pride, and they'll keep playing well..
And I hope they do too. I have all the
respect in the world for that program up there and the people in
charge of it," said Stuart.
The first half of the game may
have been a sign of things to come.
The Cougars had 14 more snaps
than Fleming due to two lost fumbles and a pass interception, but the
Colonels gained 13 morejards, and
PCHS was ahead 14-6 at the half
after going up 14-0 fairly early.
But other than the additional op, portunities the first half, there were
three key situations in the contest.
Pulaski Community Hospital's Seniority Program is
In the second quarter Fleming
pleased to invite you to a FREE Pre-Retirement
quarterback Mike Holland appeared
Seminar presenting valuable tips and creative
to be sacked for a 10-yard loss, but
ideas on retirement-living. Our program
he escaped and got off a wobbly pass
speakers will answer such questions as:
to a covered 6-5,235 tight end David
Ware who made the catch anyway.
Will I need a job for financial needs to
Instead of minus 10 and a punti it
maintain my lifestyle?, ..What kind of
was plus 20 and a first down.
supplemental medical insurance will
On the next play, tailback Calvin
I require?,.; How do I apply for Social
Rameriz broke at least four tackles .
•SOFT
•SUHHORTIVE
•LIGHTWEIGHT
MADE
IN
U.S.A.
H,-,.
*£*'
V
:K
Scoring Summary
Ft Chiswell-0-12-0-6-18
Aubum-0-0-0-0-0
Ft. Chiswell' Freeman 7 yd. pass to
Porter (2 pt.conv.NG)
Ft .Chiswell- Burns 8 yd. run (2 pt
oonv.NG) ..
Ft. Chiswell- Freeman 1 yd. run (PAT
NG)
Individual Statistic*
Ruthlng
Ft Chiswell- Freeman 8-52, Dunford
12-94,.Barnes 11-40, Burris 20-116,
Campbell 1-44,
Auburn; Bennett 14-72, Phillip66:5,
Passing
'
Ft Chiswell- Freeman 13-6-41-0,
Dunford 1*0-0.
Auburn-Yatesl 1-2-21-1
Recalvlng ,
rFjL.Cniswell-t Dunford 2-15, Burris
1-4.
Porter 3-33, Johnson 1-3.
1
Aqbiinv
I"!,1
'
8910
LIGHT AS A
FEATHER-MADE
OF SOFT LEATHER
N
6VH1
M
5-11,12
W
5-10
WW
6-10
Look For The Red Wing Sign
MODERN SHOE
OWNTOWN WYTHEVILLE,VA
'H.: 703-228-3571
committed five, one of which made
no difference. So the Colonels made
more mistakes and still won. That's
to their credit, but not to the discredit of Pulaski Co.
This Cougar team is a little injured. A visit to the locker room .
.after the game also indicates a lot of
hurt pride. This Cougar team is a
little short on depth, and it's short
on some other things too, like speed
in crucial areas. It's not as big and
as strong as most of the last eight
teams. And it needs the week off it
will now enjoy.
.
.
•
But this Pulaski Co. team is a
good team, and it has potential to
have a fine season. I believe it will,
and it has an excellent opportunity
of gaining a berth in the Group
AAA, Division 6 state playoffs. But
hopes and expectations must be
kept in line with a reasonable
understanding of overall capability.
This team cares just as much, and
wants badly to carry the banner of
"Cougarball" with pride. It played as
hard as it could against Fleming.
Expectation wise, that's
enough...this season, and any
season.
Security and Medicare?... How do I
go about preparing for retirement?
. ..What can I do for leisure activities?
... How will my emotional needs
change?... How do I go about
writing a will?
Be sure to join us for our
informative seminar and
casual social gathering.
Speakers will begin at 6:15.
Refreshments will be served
from 7:30. See you there!
Seniority
Thursday,
October
15th,
6:00-9:00
pm
Theatre in the new Occupational-Technical-Building at
A benefit that only comes with age.
New River Community College in Dublin, Virginia
For more information on RETIREMENT: A Full Life Job, call the Seniority Office at
Pulaski Community Hospital, 980-6822 or 639-0879, Extention 696.
Sports
PAGE A8-THE SOUTHWEST TIMES, PULASKI, VA., SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18,1987
_^HHHHli^_H_H____IH_BHH_i
Fans:
A legend in
their own time
I?Y DAN CALLAHAN
BY KIM NELSON
Sports Writers
For tho past eight and a half football seasons, the program at Pulaski County High School has been the most
prolific in this section of Virginia.
But while the Cougars have enjoyed tremendous success on the gridiron, there's another aspect of "Cougarball" that has also gained considerable notoriety.
The 1'ulaski County football fans, in a relatively short
period of time, have become almost legendary.
Invariably, almost every conversation with representatives of other schools concerning Cougar football
will also include questions about the Pulaski. County
fans.
"Are they as loud this year as the last time we
played?", or "How many fans do you think will make the
trip?", or "Do you think we should open the gates earlier
since we're playing Pulaski County?",or "We're a little
short in our athletic budget. We need a good gate. All
those fans are coming, aren't they?"
The answer on each occasion to all the above questions, and others concerning the Pulaski County fans is,
"Yes, they're coming, and a lot of them will probably get
(here early."
There are times when the Pulaski Co. fan is more
emotional, louder, more into the game, but always, the
Cougar fan is there.
Certainly, many of them come because the team wins
most uf the time. Some go because they have sons,
friends, classmates, or whatever on the team. Some go
because they have a son or daughter in the "Golden
Cougar" marching band. Some go because their daughter is a cheerleader...and .so on.
But the vast majority of Cougar fans attend games because they like football. It's a major aspect of their
community, and something thousands take pride in.
There is also little competition in the way of other entertainment outlets in Pulaski Co. in the fall.
Cougar fans come from all walks of life. They are doctors, lawyers, factory workers. They are school teachers,
farmers, and business people. They are tall,- short,
young, middle aged and old. Some blow horns. Some
wave flags. Some chew their fingernails, and hang on
the edge of their seats for every play. Some jump up and
down and scream to high heaven.
- Some have the opinion that all is perfect. If the Cougars do it, it's the right thing. The other team never
wins...the clock just runs out. And as usual, there are
the second guessers, the armchair quarterbacks who
always have the answers...after the fact. But it takes all.
kinds. The Cougar fan in many ways is typical. There's
Staff photos by Bob Hinca
The Pulaski County football fans...a special breed, and there are lots of them
just so darn many more ot them,
Some come early and eat. Often early in the season
when weather is still warm, a home football game in
County Stadium resembles a college afternoon tailgate
party.
•
.
There are ups and downs. The team usually wins, but
it doesn't win all the time. There are cheers. There is
grumbling. But there is always concern, and support for
the team.
Whatever the reason, and there are many...the'Gougar fans come from all directions on Friday night. They
may not always leave cheerful, but they always seem to
arrive happy.
One lady stoos on the wav to work at. 6:30 every Friday morning of a home game and leaves her cushion
next to the main gate. She wants to be first in line. It's a
tradition you might say. Bonnie Arnold believes fervently that if she isn't first in line, it might hurt the team's
performance.
Others must come early to get the same parking spot.
Others eat exactly the same pre-game meal and change
the menu only after a defeat. One fan, who shall remain
nameless, wears red long-handle underwear. The same
ones he has worn for over five years.
Clothing is a1 very superstitious item. One lady forgot
her Cougar earrings on a trip to Roanoke, stopped at
Ironto, and came all the way back home, and still made
it to the game on time. She always leaves early in case of
trouble.
Where to sit is also considered very important. Re-
serve seat sales increase yearly in County Stadium.
PCHS athletic director Carl Lindstrom says most fans
have set in the same seat since season reserve seats became available.
One couple delayed their wedding .because they didn't
want to get married on a Friday when the Cougars
played.
.
•
PCHS head coach Joel Hicks enjoys a cigar. He
smokesc"Swisher Sweets". Countless "Swishers" are lit
up after every victory. Fans see that Hicks doesn't run
out of his favorite brand.
On many occassions at road games the Cougar fans
have taken the home field advantage away simply by
Defense, Dunford's
run gives'The Fort'
share of MED title
BY TIM DUNCAN
Staff Writer ,
SHAWSVILLE-- Fort Chiswell
struck paydirt with 6:59 remaining
in thcj first quarter and that was the
only score the Pioneers needed as
they captured a share of the Mountain Empire District title, defeating
the Shawsville Shawnees 6-3.
: . The last time the Pioneers clinched at least a tie for the' MED title
was the 1982 season. The win keeps
the Pioneers 5-0 in the district,'6-1
overall with the only defeat coming
from Hblston High in the season
opener.
. The Pioneers scored on their opening drive after Mark King recovered
a Shawnee fumble at the Pioneer
40-yard line. On the first play of the
drive Jeff Freeman dropped back
/and pass to Chad Johnson. The aerjal was incomplete. However, a pass
interference' p?r>f>!ty was fisReased•'
on the Shawnees and it was first
and 10 at Ihe Shawsville 45. Next
came the play of the game.
Tailback Jimmy Dunford ran
down the right sideline, Freeman hit
him with a short pass, and Dunford
streaked into the end zone giving
the Pioneers a 6-0 lead.
From then on it became a battle of
the defense's as the Pioneers' held
the Shawnees to eight first downs,
three of which occurred on it's first
possession, but they never managed
more than one in any series the rest
of the game.
"We just got fired up,"sa,id King."
The fumble recovery did that. And
we're trying to get in the playoffs."
The Shawnee defense did however
manage to hold the Pioneers' scoreless for the remaining 42 minutes of
the game. Three times in the first
half Fort Chiswell got inside the
.Shawnee 15-yard line and on all
three occasions came away without
any points.
.
.
"We didn't come off the ballthat
well," assistant Pioneer coach John
Wayne Martin said. "We just-didn't"
maintain our blocks, and we didn't
hit the holes."
Shawsville cut the Pioneer lead to
three on their first possession of the
See COUGAR FANS, page All
Pulaski Go.
will play
Petersburg
second half after Bobby Hopkins
• intercepted a Freeman pass and returned it to the FC 13, and then a
penalty at the end of the return
moved the ball to the six-yard line.
But the Pioneer defense. buckled
down, and three plays later the
Shawnees had lost two yards and
.had to settle for a 1'9-yard field goal
by Mike Wood.
•".
"I thought it was too early in the
game to gamble on a fourth-andlong," said Shawsville head coach
Bob Walton. " And if we came back
with another field goal later, we
could go into overtime."
Shawsville almost had that opportunity late in the third quarter when
the Shawnee defense forced the
Pioneers to punt deep inside their
own territory. The Shawnees took
over on the Pioneer 35-yard line and
after four plays, the Shawnees' had
moved the ballj!2-yards to the FC
The Virginia High School League
ratified a re-districting of the Group
AAA Central Region during a formal
session in Charlottesville Thursday.
The realignment created four new
districts, the teams are the same,
but not necessarily in a district
grouped with the same teams as in
past years. At this juncture, they are
Locker Room
OanCallahan
being referred to as District 1-2-3-4.
Each will give itself a name at a
later date.
The change, though it concerns
Group AAA districts primarily in
the Richmond 8rea, has helped Pulaski County High School.
PCHS athletic director Carl Lindstrom attended the VHSL session,
vandrwhen seven of the schools anHowever, quarterback Tony
nounced they Had open'-dates for Lovern was wide on a pitchout that
next, football season due to the rerolled to the Shawsville 31-yard line
districting, he immediately went to
as Pioneer Larry Keith "fell on the.
work.
Staff
nhotoH
by
Bob
Hincg
loose pigskin.
Pioneer
tailback
Jimmy
Dunford
turns
the
corner
at
Shawsville
"My eyes had to light up like a
"We knew it was going to be to be
Christmas
tree," said Lindstrom. "I
a pitch," remarked Keith. 'They just
jumped
on
that
like a dog after a
kept running to that (left) side. We
bone. I didn't hesitate, and my goal
knew it was coming. And they were
was toget a committment immerunning the option."
diately. We got one, and got a couple
'•Our kids showed character and
of other prospects out of the situa-got the job done when it had to be
tion too. It wasn't long ago that we
done," said Martin.
were looking for three games. Now
Shawsville had the bppurtunity to
we're
looking for only one. I feel
score twice late in the fourth but
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — First
million fans during the regular selling the- team to a group of people lucky that things have materialized
both drives ended in punts.
they almost left town. Now they're
season, another 110,000-plus during from the Tampa-St. Petersburg for us. I feel so much better. I know
Bobby Burris led the Pioneers in
the talk of the town. The Minnesota
two victorious American League area.
the fans will be pleased too. Nobody
rushing with 77 yards on 16 carries.
Twins have come a long way in just
playoff games and about 50,000
The lease Griffith signed with the wants to see us play less than a
Dunford finished with 41 on 10 ata few years.
more fans for a post-playoff rally.
10-game schedule, and that prospect
Metrodome could have been broken
tempts. Freeman was hit on four of
"It seemed for sure that we'd be in
I the strike 'year of 1981, the if the Twins didn't draw at least 2.4' doesn't appear likely at all now."
11 passes for 108 yards. Burris was
Florida somewhere by now," outfielTwins attracted only 469,090 people million fans in 1984. So a ticketThe game Lindstrom landed is
1-1 for 11. Scott Porter caught the, der Tom Brunansky eaya.
to old Met Stadium. In 1982, the buyout scheme was launched by with Petersburg. The Cougars will
other four aerials for 72 yards. .
Instead, the Twins are still in
Twins moved into the Metrodome in Twin Cities businessmen in a last- face the "Crimson Wave" inl988
Minnesota. And, for the first time
and '89. But. the news gets even betdowntown Minneapolis, but only ditch effort to keep the team here.
since 1965 and the second time ever,
The victory sets the stage for next
921,186 people cared enough about
On May 16, for a weekday game ter. There will be no long trip for Puthe 1987 World Series will be in
Friday evening's game in Indeperithat 60-1Q2 team to come out and against Toronto, only 6,346 fans laski County fans. Lindstrom and
dence aa the Slut! Duvils host the
Minnesota, too...
shpwedup to watch the Twins lose Petersburg officials worked out an
agreement to play both games4a
When Brunansky came to the
Pioneers. The Blue Devils are curEven fewer fans cared the follow- to the Blue Jays. TfierlFwere 45,517
team in 1982, the Twins were falling
rently in second place in the MED
ing year •— 858,939 — and Calvin no-shows, so the announced atten- County Stadium.
apart, both on andjoff the field:
It should be said, particularly
with a 3-1 district record, and a win
Griffith, who in 1961 brought the dance was 51,863 — at that time,
with a feature on Oongnr fans in toThey were a fafcry from this 1987
over 'The Fort', would enable Indeteam to Minnesota from Washingteam — which drew more than 2
pendence to get a share of the title.
ton, D.C., was starting to talk about
See WORLD SERIES, page A10
See LOCKER ROOM, page A9
Not long ago, they wanted
to run Twins out of town
THE SOUTHWEST TIMES, PULASKI, VA., SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18,1987-PAGE A11
'Christmas list' survey doomed NFLPA 2 years ago
By DAVE GOLDBERG
NEW YORK (AP) — In retrospect, the NFL Players
Association lost the strike of 1987 more than two years
ago, when it asked its members to fill out questionnaires
listing their priorities in a new contract. At the same
time, it questioned about 50 agents about the same
-thing;
At the top of both lists was the same item — free
agency.
The answers weren't wrong, it was the way the union
interpreted them. As numerous people observed during
the strike, using "Christmas list" surveys almost never
works. TowitT"~
1. Support by the agents for free agency was obvious
and self-serving.
2. Anyone filling out impersonal questionnaires will
always check the things that sound good on paper without thinking about the ramifications, particularly when
they're two years off. What would you rather drive? A
Mercedes or a Pinto?
When the NFL strike crumbled into chaos Thursday
after 24 days, free agency was the reason.
Union leader Gene Upshaw may have realized he was
in trouble on free agency as early as March at the
players association convention in Los Angeles.
While most of the 200 players at the Century Plaza
Hotel were saying that free agency wasn't very important to them, Upshaw and the rest of the union leaders
had a new slogan: "horizontal, not vertical."
That is, he said one sunny morning in the hotel coffee
shop, the eight major issues -were all of equal importance; free agency no more important than roster size or
a 3-year contract term. "I think the free agency thine
has been blown out of proportion," said the man who un^
til the previous January had made that his primary issue.
For Upshaw, the problem was that the owners
wouldn't let him off the hook.
Even before negotiations began, the message from the
NFL Management Council was the same: "Never,
Never, NeverVilli_we_allow any change in the system
"which requires compensation for any player who
changes teams. If you think you'll get the unfettered free
agency you demand, you're wrong."
Upshaw's response: "That's what they say now. What
will they say later?"
What they said later, was, of course the same. The negotiations never got beyond that one issue and when
their paychecks disappeared, so did the players from the
picket lines.
The strike began Sept. 22 with not one of the 38 articles in the contract agreed upon despite 17 meetings between April 20 and Aug. 14 and three more after the
contract expired Aug. 31. Whatever Upshaw and management negotiator Jack Donlan discussed, they kept
coming back to the same thing — the union's demand
for what it called "unfettered" free agency; manage' ment's adamance against it.
From the start, the union had a simple strategy —
convince the players that the strike would be short,
keeping what they knew to be a shaky consituency from
going back to camp.
Union officials also believed that team unity would
keep teams out regardless of individual doubts. It did —
until the big collapse on Wednesday.
Typical were the Kansas City Chiefs, who stayed solid
to the end despite what several players said was a serious split among players who wanted no part of free
Cougar Fans —
Continued from page A8
good for the community to come together in support of
outnumbering the other school's supporters so badly. something of which we can be proud."
Numerous events in Pulaski Co. are scheduled or
O-Billy Fields, '81 grad.-- "I've been attending Couchanged so as not to go head to head with a PCHS foot- gar football games for about 11 years. I enjoy eating beball game. You can't start the dance until the game is fore games, getting together with friends and the comover, but the best idea is move it to Saturday night.
petitiveness that is always present when the Cougars
The Southwest Times moved through the crowd in play. Ocassionally I feel too much emphasis is placed on
Roanoke's Victory Stadium during this year's game with winning, but it's where the action is and also where
William Fleming, and talked with Cougar fans. Each most of the county is on a Friday night."
were asked the same questions. We talked with' young>• Peggy Baker, '86 grad.-- "I have attended Cougar
sters, PCHS students, adults, males, females and so on.
games as long as I can remember. I feel I am a dedicated
The questions asked were as follows. How long have fan. I have many friends on the team and I LOVE my
you been coming to Cougar football games? How dedi- Cougars."
cated are you? and What is it about Cougar football that
But this was not a good night for Pulaski County.
excites you the most, what makes you want to spend After leading most of the game, the Cougars came up
every Friday night watching them play? If the 14 people short to Fleming. It was the first time since 1984 that
that were interviewed are any indication of how the PCHS had lost two consecutive games. But those losses
average football fan feels, the average fan is dedicated came to teams from North Carolina and West Virginia.
and wants to be a part of a successful team, which of
It marked the first time the Cougars has lost back-tocourse the Cougars have proven to be over the past back games to state schools since 1980, over 6 and a half
several years.
seasons ago.
Another major factor that became evident throughout
Four Pulaski County fans were asked if such disthe interviews was the fact that fans feel- that Cougar appointment would affect their support of the team.
football brings the county together as one family and
provides good fellowship. The responses from the 14
>-Hugh Huff, Pulaski-- Heavens no The level of
loyal supporters will speak for themselves.
competition is tough. You can't expect to win every
^•Leonard Gunter, Fairlawn- "I have attended game. I hate to lose, as bad any anybody, but it makes
Cougar football games for 6-7 years. When I'm off from winning a little more sweeter. We're 5-2. I'm pleased
work I don't miss any games. We have a good band and a with that. We lost a lot of goocTplayers off last year's
well-known program. I'm proud to be associated with team. These kids are playing hard. I like our team. We
Pulaski County Cougars and the spirit of winning."
don't have a problem. The Giants are 0-4. They've got a
^•Thomas L. Cox, Draper- "I have attended Cou- problem.
gar football games for nine years. I go to all games,
"We don't have a thing to feel bad about. We've got a
home and away, even playoffs. I have even been known quality program, and it will continue to be of high quato paint a Cougar on my chest for games. My children go lity in the years ahead. We've got super good coaches,
to Pulaski Co. It's just tradition to go, I love football and and good kids doing the best they can to be successful.
I like to win. I don't like to lose, but I'd still attend."
Year in, year out, we'll always be the team to beat. If
^ June Hall, Pulaski-- "I have attended games for anybody is disappointed, they need to sit back, take a
about 11 vears. I travel to all games, regardless of how look, realize where we are, and where we've been. 'Coufar away they are. The team shows good sportsmanship garball'...that's where it,'s at for me."
during both ups and downs...I like that. I always make
sure I'm. off on Friday nights. I think they have come a
>-Alex Rygas, Pulaski-- "The past two weeks will
long way since Coach Hicks began coaching here."
not effect the way I look at our team at all. I hope.it
>• Peggy Watson, HillsVille- "I'have come to watch doesn't affect others either. Every school has fair weaththe Cougars play about three years. I try to attend most, er fans. I'm sure there's some grumbling. But that's the
games...home and away, I attend because they are win- 'way it is. There's always Monday morning quarterners, but I would follow them even if they lost"
.:
backs, a.nd that type thing. I don't let it bother me. I
*• Randy Ward, a senior a PCHS- "I've attended don't listen, and don't agree with that type thing.
Cougar football games for about five years. I've made it
"I, and my family, will continue to support the team as
16 air games this year. I know the players and it's my always. A good fan stands out during hard times, but
school. I feel I should support them. Every Friday is I'm not even sure if this should be classified as hard
football."
times. A true supporter will not let two straight losses
V Stacy Williams, a neutral onlooker from Va. lessen how they feel. It's easy to support when-you win
Beach-"I didn't attend, either school, but I'm rooting all the games. I'm no bandwagon jumper. I'm a Cougar
for the Cougars. I've gotten to attend several games in fan today, tomorrow, and every day. That won't change."
the last few years, since I live in Roanoke, There are a
couple of aspects of Cougar games that stand out in my
Richards, Newbern- "The last two games
mind. First, the Cougars are always rated high and will not mean a thing .concerning how I feel about Coueveryone wants to beat them. Second, the fans are dedi- gar football. I've always felt that on a given night in high
cated and the team has a big following...just look at school football, any team can knock off another. We have
their crowd tonight. Third, I do have friends that atten- excellent teams in the RVD. It's not easy to win, and it's
ded PCHS and I don't like the way the RVD treats Pula- never been easy. We've been able to be so successful beskiCo."
• ' ' . . • •
cause of the overall quality of our program, good kids,
^Carvel Brumfield, Dublin- "I have-attended the and outstanding leadership by coach Hicks and his staff.
games for about 10 years. I feel I am very dedicated and
"I'm a loyal Cougar supporter, and I understand you
crazy about Cougar football. Words just can't explain can't win all the games all the time. Sometimes the ball
the excitement that goes along with a Cougar football just bounces away from you. We've had so many great
game on a Friday night. I have arrived as early as 5-5:30 wins the last eight and a half years, and the experience
p.m. in order to get a seat at games expected to be more has been tremendous. We are so very fortunate to have
crowded .thanrHRuaCThere"^
a coach Hicks, and his fine staff. Our kids are good, and
Friday night than support iiiu Cougai's. There »G good they work hard, aiiur'wmiV'vei'y'^Vuth"lo'"-lte:':D^'c6BsTuK"";
fellowship and it seems that.the community comes You can't ask for more than that.
together as one big family in support of the Cougars."
"You either support or you don't...I. support. I think
*-Lora Vest, 10 years old- "I have been coming to we've got the best football program in the state of Virfootball games for about four years. I go to all the games ginia. I'm with our players and coaches 150%, I mean
because my brother, Scott and his friends play for the that.,.150%."
Cougars. I like football and Dad is a big fan too. The
Cougars win. I even wrote a paper on the Cougars for
fr-Bonnie Arnold- "No sir! The last two weeks will
school. I'd like to be a sports reporter someday."
just make me cheer louder...if that's possible. I'll follow
l»-Max Campbell, Dublin, Deputy Sheriff- "I've my Cougars win or lose. I just feel sorry for them when
attended Cougar footballgames for about 10-11 years. I they don't win, because I know they always do the best
have to work most home games and I travel as the they can. I love my Cougars. They're the best.
team's escort to playoffs, so I enjoy away games. I played
"I think all us should support even more when things
ball at the same high school in W. Va. (Big Creek of War) are hard. But I believe. They'll come back. I just know
at which Coach Hicks later coached and where Randy they will. I believe in them, and believe in our coaches. I
Flinchum attended. I feel Cougar football brings the believe in everything our program stands for, and it's
community together and it relieves the stress of the the something for all of Pulaski County to be proud of. I haweek."
ven't missed a game since 1979, home or away, and the
^ Fannie Robinson, Jr. at PCHS-- "I've attended Good Lord willing, I won't ever miss another one.
football games for about six years. I go to both home and
"I work at Dublin Garment. We have computer sewing
away games. I like football and enjoy being with friends machines now. We programmed them so they say 'Go
at games."1
.
,
•
Cougars Go'. We've got a bunch of Cougar fans at work.
^•Greg Akers, 10 years old- "I have been coming to We're not giving up because we know the team will
Cougar football games for about four years and I haven't never give up- Like I said, I love my Cougars. That's just
missed one yet this year. I just like to watch them play. the way it is, and the way it'll always be."
Dion Hendricks is one of my favorite players."
The Cougar fans have spoken. Apparently, little if
>• Doris Bland, Dublin- "I have attended the games anything has changed in the face of two straight defeats.
for about 1ft y**rs and feel I am a very dedicated fan. That's as it should be. Pulaski County did not play this
When reserve tickets first came into existence I arrived week. The team enjoyed a week off. It will be Homecomat 4:30 a.m. to get mine....I was the seventh person in ing Friday in County Stadium against Northside. It will
line. My son (Curtis) was quarterback for the Cougars at be the final home game of the 1987 season. Expect the
one time, but even now I don't miss a game. I think it is usual large crowd.
At one point in the discussions, Mick Luckhurst, the
agency. But in tenm votes, it was always the same.
Falcons' British-bom kicker and a member of the
"Everyone raised their hands the same way," said
union's executive committee, made a long speech about
Rick Donnalley, the team's assistant player rep.
free agency meaning freedom and freedom being the
The union's short-strike strategy also depended on the
American way, leading Rooney to cut him short: "We
assumption that the owners would never be able to asdon't need any more speeches about the American wav."
semble strike tennis in 10 days and if they did, that
But the second week, the erosion began as some
television would drop the games after a week or two.
'owners- began -warning players, that. they, could., lose...
They WerlTwTonp; on Both"counts.
thousands of dollars in contract provisions if they didn't
Awful as many were, everyone at least put a team on
corss the picket lie. Quite a few did, particularly in Dalthe field. And while some advertisers canceled, necessilas, where Schramm lured back Tony Dorsett, Ed "Too
tating future rebates, the owners received both the SepTall" Jones and Kevin Brooks with registered letters
tember and October TV payments, about $100 million
threatening their annuities.
each.
By Oct. 2, there were nearly 90 players back and othIn fact, they may have made money — team payrolls
ers clearly restless. Upshaw and other union officials
dropped from about $865,000 a week on the average to
flew around the country, trying to put their fingers in
about $200,000 and while many stadiums were threethe dike — countering one rumor that all the Los Angquarters empty, a lot of those empty seats were noeles Raiders were about to go; another that the Patriots
shows who didn't bother to return tickets, meaning the
were ready to break, a third that it was the 49ers.
owners banked the money anyway.
Finally, after failing to reach agreement with Donlan
All that made the short-strike strategy paramount.
on
the expiration date for the extension of the 1982 con-"
So on the day he announced at halftime of the Jetstract, Upshaw released them Thursday — too late. As
Patriots game that it was on, Upshaw managed to concarloads of players showed up at training camps they
vince Commissioner Pete Rozelle to try to bring the
were turned around by team officials, who told them
sides together.
they could practice for the $108 a day per diem plus $38
The next day, Tuesday, Sept. 23, they met in Phiin meal money but couldn't collect their weekly payladelphia with the Management Council bringing along
checks.
two members of its executive committee, Tex Schramm
So away most of them went, tails tucked between
of Dallas and Dan Rooney of Pittsburgh, to hear what
their legs, the victims of a hard-line management policy
they thought would be a change by the union in its posithat, in fact, had remained constant for two weeks.
tion on free agency.
"It's the end of the CivilWar and they're taking AtIf any, the three days in Philadelphia were counterlanta," said wide receiver Cris Collinsworth of the Cinproductive.
cinnati Bengals. "Let's get the furniture before it burns,
Schramm and Rooney made a staged exit Tuesday,
muttering that the union didn't mow at all.
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