User talk:Fendov

Game Day Preparations
Dallas, coached by the erudite Hank Stram featured on offense Abner Haynes, Len Dawson and rookie running back Curtis McClinton, a powerful 230 lb former All-American running back at Kansas. The defense would showcase Johnny Robinson and EJ Holub.

Houston, coached by Frank "Pop" Ivy featured a host of offensive talent with veteran George Blanda, Charlie Tolar, the fleet-footed but ill-fated2 Billy Cannon, Charley Hennigan, and unheralded Willard Dewveall. Jeppesen Stadium counted 37,981 fans in attendance. Astronaut Gus Grissom placed the ball on the kicking tee as the honorary referee.

Game Summary
1st Qtr

Early in the game both teams relied on the run. Houston with Tolar and Cannon gained the advantage and advanced the ball to the Dallas 4-yard line. The Dallas defense rose to the occasion and hit Blanda as he attmepted to pass causing the ball to wobble right into the eager arms of EJ Holub. Houston’s Al Jamison saved a touchdown by knocking Holub out of bounds at midfield. Dawson then mixed running and passing to the Houston 8 where Tommy Booker booted a 16-yard field goal.

Houston started driving again with Tolar and Cannon running, often from a “double wing” backfield formation. The drive stalled and Blanda missed a 47-yard field goal to conclude the qtr.

2nd Qtr

When Dallas took possession, Jack Spikes promptly darted around left end for 33 yards, augmented by a 15 yard face mask penalty against Houston. Dawson then hit Abner Haynes, who had lined up as a flanker, on a curl-out pattern and Haynes scooted down the right sideline for 28 yards and a touchdown.

Later, in the quarter, Houston had the ball at their 32, when Blanda lofted a pass deep, but Dave Grayson picked the ball off and returned it to the Hou 29. Dallas kept the ball on the ground, with Haynes scoring his 2nd TD. George Blanda would not be deterred and continued to pass, but a 4th down incompletion at the Dallas 25 ended another drive, and any more scoring threats in the first half.

At halftime, AFL Commissioner Joe Foss presented Rookie-Of-The-Year, Curtis McClinton and Player-Of-The-Year, Len Dawson with Mercury S-55 convertible automobiles.

3rd Qtr

The Oilers received the kickoff and Blanda again came out throwing. With Charlie Tolar knocking defenders down and Blanda's passes, Houston culminated the drive with a 15-yard pass to Willard Dewveall, closing the gap to 17-7, Dallas.

Later in the third period Haynes fumbled and Houston recovered at the Dallas 20, but Johnny Robinson picked-off Blanda's pass at the goal line and returned in to the 37.

Dallas kept the ball on the ground in the 2nd half, intending to use up the clock and keep Houston's potent offense off the field. Dallas consistently moved the ball, but could not score.

4th Qtr

George Blanda using the double wing backfield, had Houston driving again. On third down pass from the Dallas 24, Johnny Robinson delivered a hard hit to Billy Cannon at the goal line preventing a touchdown. Blanda then cooly kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 17-10, Dallas.

Dallas stayed conservative and Blanda continued the aerial assault connecting with Cannon and Hennigan to move to the Dallas 1-yard line. Charlie Tolar (an oil-well fire fighter in the off-season)2 took the ball in on a 1-yard dive, again knocking defenders out of the way. Blanda's extra-point tied the game at 17-17.

With the clock running down, Dave Grayson blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt by Blanda to end any more scoring threats.

Overtime