Box Office – King of Kings (Jeffery Hunter, Siobhan McKenna, Robert Ryan) Billboard #1 – Please Mr Postman – The Marvelettes UK #1 – Tower of Strength – Frankie Vaughn
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Groman to miss final
Despite Oilers coach Wally Lemm benching a number of starters in order to protect them from injury in this last regular game of the season, his worst fears were realised when Bill Groman required assistance to leave the field after being on the receiving end of a big hit. News from the treatment room confirmed that he would be doubtful for the final although a cameo appearance if the situation proves dire enough has not been ruled out.
The game itself was entertaining despite the fact that there was little to play for. Oakland stayed with Houston in the early stages but from the moment when Cannon registered the first of his two td’s, they began to wilt. With the score 20-7 to Houston at half time, Lemm benched more starters which inevitably led to a more disjointed performance as the game wore on.
All told the season has been an unqualified success, particularly with performances improving markedly from the 2nd half of the season. The Oilers fully deserve their place in the final next week against the other stand out team in the AFL, the San Diego Chargers.
17 Dec 1961 – At Candlestick Park San Francisco Att.8,437 – Weather – Fair
q1
q2
q3
q4
Score
Houston Oilers
3
17
7
7
34
Oakland Raiders
7
0
0
7
14
Real Life Houston 47 New York 16
q1 08:20 – Hou – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 40 kick
q1 01:15 – Oak – Wayne Crow HB1 – 3 run (George Fleminginj kick)
q2 12:25 – Hou – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 19 kick
q2 07:15 – Hou – Billy Cannon HB0 – 4 run (Charlie Milstead kick)
Box Office – King of Kings (Jeffery Hunter, Siobhan McKenna, Robert Ryan) Billboard #1 – Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean UK #1 – Tower of Strength – Frankie Vaughn
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Houston back-ups answer the call & deliver routine victory
Armed with the knowledge that a single victory would be all that was needed to secure a championship final berth, Oilers head coach Wally Lemm was clearly looking to the long game today when he decided to bench a number of key starters to keep them free from injury risk. All the players chosen to fill the boots of these starters answered the call in handing Houston an solid victory over the Titans who had nothing but pride to play for.
The Titans D line was put under extreme pressure from the off, where Charley Tolar took on the mantle as the first choice RB with a series of bludgeoning inside runs. Although the passing game was not as effective, Houston’s first two scores came from passes to McLeod and Groman. Tolar added to his td haul in the third and by doing so set his own personal record of 26 attempts in a game. The Oilers defense handled New York without breaking sweat until the 4th quarter when the Titans finally rallied. Despite a single score separating the two teams, Houston always looked in control and they can now enjoy their final regular season game with no pressure, safe in the knowledge that they will be contesting the final against the Chargers in a fortnights time.
10 Dec 1961 – At The Polo Grounds, New York City. Att.15,612 – Weather – Fair
Playboy Playmate of the Month – Lynn Karrol Box Office – The Comancheros (John Wayne, Stuart Whitman, Ina Balin, Lee Marvin) Billboard #1 – Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean UK #1 – (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame / Little Sister – Elvis Presley
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Houston halt Chargers
What a difference a week makes. Houston entertained the undefeated AFC West champions in what will most likely be a dress rehearsal for the AFL Championship later this month. The Oilers unsurprisingly found it tough going against San Diego and were forced to rely on the kicking of George Blanda early on to keep them in contention with the passing game effectively snuffed out. When Blanda threw a pick 6 in the 2nd quarter, the game was in danger of running away from Houston and a lesser team may have buckled especially when Billy Cannon finally found a way through for a 61 yard gain only for Blanda to throw a third intercepted pass immediately after.
“None too polite” words were said in the dressing room at half time and when the second half commenced the Oilers defense set about their opponents with extra zeal. One lapse though was all it took for Bo Roberson to score his second td of the game when he broke clear for a 40 yard dash to the Oilers end zone. With the score now 6-20 in favour of the visitors Blanda finally managed to galvanise his offense for a response and the first td against the Chargers this season. The game turned when Paul Lowe spilled the ball on the Chargers next possession. Houston’s offense didn’t need to be asked twice and followed up with their 2nd td in under a minute. Despite losing club captain Orville Trask to a season ending injury, the defense was now managing to blunt San Diego’s attacks and forced a quick possession change. Blanda then registered his third FG of the game to give Houston a narrow lead. With the ball on the other foot, San Diego were now having to make riskier plays and when they failed to convert a critical 4th down, Houston gratefully ran out the clock for a first ever win against the Chargers.
Despite a strong team performance, overall special mention has to be made of Billy Cannon, once more at the forefront of Houston’s attacks who today beat Dave Smith’s 1960 single rushing record by 2 yds with his 187 yard haul as well as recording the best total rushing yards in a season with 2 games to spare.
Houston are being kept honest by the Patriots who won again but if they can beat the Titans next week they will all but seal the Eastern Conference and thereby set up another mouth watering fixture against the Chargers in the final.
03 Dec 1961 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston. Att.37,845 – Weather – Fair
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Score
San Diego Chargers
7
7
6
0
20
Houston Oilers
3
3
14
3
23
real life San Diego 13, Houston 33
q1 09:10 – SD – Bo Roberson HB2- 2 run (George Blair kick)
Box Office – King of Kings (Jeffery Hunter, Siobhan McKenna, Robert Ryan) Billboard #1 – Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean UK #1 – (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame / Little Sister – Elvis Presley
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Houston buckeroo Broncos
Records continued to tumble as Houston racked up a record score against a sorry Denver side at Jeppesen stadium on Sunday. Denver were missing Lionel Taylor and Fred Bukaty for this fixture and it showed as they never managed to come to terms with a Houston team keen to silence critics of recent performances. Denver’s only score came after a trick play fake punt when George Herring’s pass found Gene Prebola for a 30 yard gain to set up a td shortly after. That was the high water mark for Denver who were unable to record many first downs let alone get into Oiler territory. For Houston, the running game felt as if it were a training exercise with both Cannon and Tolar racking up their personal highest yardage tallies for rushing in a single match. George Blanda had an unspectacular day passing but his kicking was sublime and with the 49 yard FG at the end of the game, he registered the most points (19) scored by a player in a Houston shirt in a single game.
All eyes now turn to next weeks fixture, seen by many as a dress rehearsal for the end of season Championship decider. The Oilers will be without End John White and Safety Freddy Glick who were both injured during the course of the last game.
26 Nov 1961 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston. Att.37,845 – Weather – Fair
q1
q2
q3
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Score
Denver Broncos
7
0
0
0
7
Houston Oilers
10
21
17
13
61
real life Denver 14, Houston 45
q1 11:35 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 52 kick
q1 04:25 – DB – Jack Hill WR4(3)/PK – 5 pass (Gene Mingo kick)
q1 00:15 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 2 run (George Blanda kick)
q2 12:00 – HO – Dave Smith FB3 – 11 run (George Blanda kick)
Box Office – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard) Billboard #1 – Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean UK #1 – (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame / Little Sister – Elvis Presley
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Cannon blasts 1000 yard landmark
Billy Cannon’s milestone 1000 rushing yard season total only added fuel to the fire that Houston are fast becoming a one trick pony in this dour victory at a sodden Jeppesen Stadium. While Cannon was setting his personal career records including the most carries in a game, the rest of the Oilers offense were finding life hard against a New York side that had they been more confident may have taken the spoils.
Careless kicking from Titans Dick Guesman ultimately cost his side victory as Houston turned the ball over in the first half with alarming regularity. New York were in complete control in the first quarter but only had a single FG to show for their efforts. Guesman missed a routine 2nd kick and then the Titans offense were flagged for a holding penalty on their next drive after looking likely to add to their score. The game was low in quality apart from Cannon and it took Houston most of the first half before they finally found their rhythm. Once more, it came down again to the Oilers defense who collectively put in another strong performance and were to all intents and purposes the difference between victory and defeat. Cannon grabbed the headlines though especially when he broke through to score a 17 yard td in the 4th quarter and give Houston a single score lead. He is now averaging over 113 yards per game and with 4 matches to play, looks likely to set records that could stand for a long time. Oilers new head coach Wally Lemm will need to quickly work out a system that doesn’t rely so heavily on Cannon as the potential championship dress rehearsal verses the Chargers is just two games away.
19 Nov 1961 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston. Att.37,845 – Weather – Rain
q1
q2
q3
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Score
New York Titans
3
0
0
7
10
Houston Oilers
0
7
3
7
17
real life New York 13, Houston 49
q1 09:45 – NY – Dick Guesman PK/DE – 27 kick
q2 05:45 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 17 pass (George Blanda kick)
q3 02:05 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 37 kick
q4 10:20 – NY – Al Dorow QBA4 – 4 run (Dick Guesman kick)
q4 03:40 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 14 run (George Blanda kick)
#16 George Blanda goes aerial seeking out Bill Groman for Houston’s first score
Box Office – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard) Billboard #1 – Big Bad John – Jimmy Dean UK #1 – (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame / Little Sister – Elvis Presley
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Boston boss Oilers
Houston’s winning streak was rudely brought to an end in their own back yard by a determined Boston side keen on proving their own championship credentials. Boston are perhaps the most underrated team in the AFC while Houston have recently flattered to deceive. For Houston this performance was very much of last year’s vintage, lacking in flair and too conservative to trouble their opponents.
Houston had started well when Blanda found Groman in the end zone to open the scoring. The drive was marked by an injury to Billy Cannon after only his 2nd carry of the game. Limping from the field of play he was to be sidelined for the rest of the half. Without their talisman, Houston found life difficult and struggled to find a way through a resurgent Patriots defensive line. Blanda’s form also began to tail off as the Oilers had to play catch up when the Patriots first drew level and then began to pull ahead through a brace of Cappelletti Field Goals. The Oilers defense also had their hands full contending with Larry Garron but by and large put in another solid display blunting the opposition offense. The play of the game came when Boston QB Babe Parilli having struggled to make yards on running plays, managed to find Larry Burton in acres of space for a 36 yard td pass. Houston threatened on fewer and fewer occasions and a passage of play involving an offensive holding penalty followed by a QB sack effectively ended their chances.
Following this result at the press conference, Oilers owner Bud Adams announced that with immediate effect Wally Lemm would take over as head coach for the remainder of the season. Although the announcement was a shock considering the result was the first defeat in seven matches, it was not so much a surprise to insiders amid rumours of dissatisfaction regarding the playing style in unconvincing wins of recent weeks. Houston will look to bounce back next week with a home fixture against the Titans of New York who also harbour championship aspirations.
12 Nov 1961 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston. Att.37,845 – Weather – Fair
q1
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Score
Boston Patriots
7
3
3
7
20
Houston Oilers
7
0
0
0
7
real life Boston 15, Houston 27
q1 05:20 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 16 pass (George Blanda)
q1 00:00 – BP – Larry Garron FB1 – 7 pass (Gino Cappelletti kick)
q2 00:45 – BP – Gino Cappelletti LE0/PK – 8 kick
q3 09:35 – BP – Gino Cappelletti LE0/PK – 45 kick
q4 06:05 – BP – Ron Burton HB1 – 36 pass (Gino Cappelletti kick)
Rich Michael #77 & Bob Schmidt #52 prise open the door for a rare opportunity for Billy Cannon #20 in front of a sell out home crowd
Playboy Playmate of the Month – Dianne Danford Box Office – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard) Billboard #1 – Runaround Sue – Dion UK #1 – Walkin’ Back to Happiness – Helen Shapiro
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Lacklustre Oilers forced once more to rely on defense in bad tempered match
For the second successive match, Houston had their defense to thank after the offense inexplicably caught the jitters late on in a game marred by ill discipline from both teams. A total of eleven players had to seek treatment during the match as tempers frayed at a wet Bears Stadium.
Houston had to recover from an atrocious start after Cannon fumbled the kick off and when on their next drive Blanda was picked, Denver were shortly after 10-0 to the good. Houston had been expected to make light work of Denver but only found their feet in q2 when the offense clicked while Denver’s was for the most part of the match impotent. After the break the Broncos reduced arrears with a Mingo FG from one of their few well constructed drives. A little later on Blanda took a late hit and was replaced by Jacky Lee. Blanda returned for a field goal attempt but despite making the kick limped off the field and did not return. Houston extended their lead to 11 points with a Bill Groman td pass reception when Lee hit a purple patch but on the next drive he also received a knock that required treatment. With tempers fraying amid colourful language, the officials had a busy time keeping both sets of players separated between plays and when Denver scored in the 4th quarter the game threatened to boil over before order was restored. The Oilers offense began to choke with Lee struggling who was having to rely on obvious running plays that were easily dealt with by Denver. In the end, it came down to the defense to make a stand on their own 25 and hold Denver on fourth down before a grateful Lee ran out the clock.
Another unconvincing win nevertheless extends the Oilers winning streak to 6 games. They entertain Boston next week in a top two clash and the first ever all ticket match at Jeppesen Stadium.
05 Nov 1961 – At Bears Stadium, Denver CO. Att.15,611 – Weather – Rain
Box Office – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard) Billboard #1 – Runaround Sue – Dion UK #1 – Walkin’ Back to Happiness – Helen Shapiro
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A game of two halves as Houston are forced to dig deep
Houston had to thank their defense for a hard fought single point victory at Buffalo on Sunday. Arriving as clear favourites having shut out their opponents in the home rubber, Houston got off to a perfect start after Buffalo fumbled the kick off. Billy Cannon scored his 8th td of the season on the opening drive setting the tone for the first half as Houston dominated and added to their score to lead at half time 17-0. Buffalo, facing a second blowout had the “riot act” read to them in the dressing room and returned to the field for the second half a different team. While Houston carelessly turned the ball over with three Blanda interceptions, Buffalo began to chip away at the deficit. Bills kicker Joe Hergert was on target three times in the second half and following his 3rd successful kick, the teams were separated by just a single point. Houston captain Orville Trask, as ever strategically aware enforced a “bend don’t break” defense that restricted most of the Bills attacks to field goal attempts. When they held Buffalo on a 4th down play in the last minute, the game was won.
Houston’s winning streak continues. Next they travel to Denver
29 Oct 1961 – At War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo. Att.29,035 – Weather – Fair
q1
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Score
Houston Oilers
7
10
0
0
17
Buffalo Bills
0
0
13
3
16
Real Life Houston 28 Buffalo 16
q1 13:50 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 6 run (George Blanda kick)
q2 07:55 – HO – George Blanda – QBA5/PK 12 kick
q2 05:55 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 15 pass (George Blanda kick)
q3 10:10 – BB – Joe Hergert PK/LB – 37 kick
q3 07:50 – BB – Joe Hergert PK/LB – 23 kick
q3 01:20 – BB – Fred Brown LHB3 – 5 run (Joe Hergert kick)
Box Office – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard) Billboard #1 – Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles UK #1 – Walkin’ Back to Happiness – Helen Shapiro
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FRANK JACKSON NEARLY RUINS OILERS DAY
Frank Jackson scored 3 td’s for Dallas but still left the field on the losing side in a keenly fought contest at Jeppesen Stadium. Dallas were much improved from the previous match between these Texan rivals and with the acquisition of kicker Ben Agajanian looked to have addressed their biggest weakness. The Texans arrived without their talisman Abner Haynes who was unfit. Thus running duties were placed squarely on rookie Frank Jacksons shoulders.
Houston started the stronger, and after two quick fire td’s were well in control. Dallas hit back in the 2nd qtr when Jackson broke free to record a 22 yard rushing td. The game then settled into a period of relative calm until the beginning of the 4th qtr when all hell broke loose. Jackson scored a second breakaway on the first play of the quarter covering 21 yards and thereby handing Dallas a slender 3 point lead. From the next drive George Blanda tied the scores with a 34 yard kick but 2 minutes later Jackson scored his third and most impressive td breaking clear of the Oilers defense covering 46 yards for a score. Calm heads were needed on the Oilers sidelines and when Cannon was slow to get up after a 14 yard gain the nerves may have begun to jangle. Fortunately Houston have a wealth of offensive weapons and it only took a couple of minutes for Blanda to respond when he found Groman for a 10 yard td pass. When the normally reliable Dallas receiver Chris Burford spilled a greasy ball shortly after the restart, Houston had the “in” they needed and Blanda found Groman for his second score of the game to seal victory for the Oilers.
Houston travel to Buffalo next week.
22 Oct 1961 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston. Att.24,423 – Weather – Rain
Box Office – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard) Billboard #1 – Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles UK #1 – Michael – The Highwaymen
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Oilers on a winning streak
The Oilers came through a tricky road game at a wet and windy B.U. Field to record a third straight win, thus putting the team clear at the top of the Eastern Conference. Taking the difficult weather conditions into account, Houston reverted to a running game with Billy Cannon up to the task despite facing strong opposition. Boston had raced to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter with Houston the slower of the sides to adapt to the conditions, but once the 2nd quarter commenced they quickly found their stride. As the score line suggests, the game was keenly contested although for the most part Houston had a 2 score cushion. When Billy Lott was bundled over the line for the home side in the 4th quarter, the two teams were separated by just one score. Cool heads were required and Houston found it with Dave Smith when he sold the defensive linemen a dummy and ran in a td to restore the Oilers 14 point lead. For the remainder of the quarter, they weathered a Patriots onslaught and managed to restrict Boston to a single late consolation td at the death as time ran out.
The Oilers are next at home against the Texans and can expect a bumper crowd after this fine performance.
13 Oct 1961 – At B.U. Field, Boston. Att.15,824 – Weather – Rain & Wind
q1
q2
q3
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Score
Houston Oilers
0
20
7
7
34
Boston Patriots
10
0
3
14
27
Real Life Houston 31 Boston 31
q1 12:10 – BP – Larry Garron FB – 1 run (Gino Cappelletti kick)
q1 06:05 – BP – Gino Cappelletti LE0/PK – 24 kick
q2 14:40 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 5 run (Charlie Milstead kick)
q2 10:10 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 2 run (George Blanda kick)
q2 01:55 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 17 kick
q2 00:10 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 35 kick
q3 11:35 – BP – Gino Cappelletti LE0/PK – 19 kick
q3 03:00 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 1 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)
q4 11:50 – BP – Billy Lott FB1 – 5 run (Gino Cappelletti kick)
q4 07:20 – HO – Dave Smith FB3 – 1 run (Charlie Milstead kick)
q4 00:10 – BP – Larry Garron FB1 – 2 run (Gino Cappellettiinj kick)
Box Office – The Hustler (Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie) Billboard #1 – Take Good Care of my Baby – Bobby Vee UK #1 – Michael – The Highwaymen
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RECORDS TUMBLE AS OILERS ENJOY BLOW-OUT VICTORY
A supreme first half performance in all three phases of the game ensured a routine victory for the Oilers return to Jeppesen. Houston completely dominated the game and could even afford 3 interceptions as the defense shackled Buffalo and blunted every attack allowing a single field goal attempt from their beleaguered opponents.
George Blanda recorded a career high 22 completions and for the second successive week broke his record for passing yards with 313. The receiving yard record set last week by Bill Groman was also broken when Charley Hennigan made 14 receptions for 196 yards, bettering Groman’s tally by 2. Hennigan has received close attention this season by his markers but this time he managed to get the better of the defense and show his true potential in explosive fashion.
Houston have a shorter than normal rest before their next game at Boston on Friday 13th.
08 Oct 1961 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston. Att.23,800 – Weather – Fair
Playboy Playmate of the Month – Jean Cannon Box Office – Come September – (Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobridgia) Billboard #1 – Take Good Care of my Baby – Bobby Vee UK #1 – Kon-Tiki – The Shadows
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GROMAN SETS FRANCHISE RECORD
Bill Groman set a franchise receiving record of 194 yards at a wet Cotton Bowl to consign to memory the disappointment of the previous weeks defeat to San Diego. Dallas had got off to the perfect start with an opening td drive but Houston were in no mood to capitulate and came back strongly, dominating the rest of the half. George Blanda’s 61 yard td pass to Groman gave Houston a 10 point lead before being pegged back with a short range Dallas FG. Dallas’ kicking weakness was cruelly exposed in this game and the arrival of Ben Agajanian to their roster will be a relief.
Houston continued the second half in the same vein never taking their foot off the gas. Blanda posted 281 yards with 3 passing td’s, and for the first time in almost a year a completion percentage of over 50% as the Oilers ran out comfortable winners.This match was the last for Ken Hall who has joined NFL outfit, the Saint Louis Cardinals. The club wished him well in his new venture and expressed their thanks for this contribution to the team.
Houston play divisional rivals Buffalo at Jeppesen next week.
01 Oct 1961 – At The Cotton Bowl, Dallas. Att.23,800 – Weather – Rain
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Score
Houston Oilers
7
10
14
7
38
Dallas Texans
7
3
0
7
17
real life Houston 21, Dallas 26
q1 13:00 – DT – Frank Jackson HB2(1) – 16 run (Cotton Davidson kick)
q1 04:20 – HO – John White RE3 – 12 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)
q2 13:55 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 26 kick
q2 01:40 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 61 pass (George Blanda kick)
q2 00:05 – DT – Jack Spikes FB4/P/PK – 18 kick
q3 10:30 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 3 run (George Blanda kick)
q3 00:50 – HO – Claude King RB4 – 4 run (Charlie Milstead kick)
q4 08:50 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 9 pass (George Blanda kick)
q4 02:30 – DT – Jack Spikes FB4/P/PK – 7 Run (Cotton Daviddson kick)
Box Office – Come September (Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobridgia) Billboard #1 – Take Good Care of My Baby – Bobby Vee UK #1 – Reach for the Stars/Climb Ev’ry Mountain – Shirley Bassey
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San Diego prove too strong for Houston
The San Diego Chargers remain THE team in the AFL and the only unbeaten side as they came through a bruising encounter against Houston. The Oilers fresh from their bye week had fancied a first ever win against San Diego after thrashing of the pitiful Raiders but this encounter was an all together different affair. The game was one for the defensive purists despite large yardage figures being racked up by some players, but ultimately it came down to the San Diego defense and their ability to be in the right place at the right time. George Blanda was picked a career record 6 times which proved to be the difference between the two teams.
San Diego capitalised on 2 interceptions in the first quarter to run up a 14-3 lead that they seldom looked like giving up. Despite heroic Houston defense for the rest of the game limiting their opponents to a single field goal success, the offensive unit rarely threatened apart from a 61 yard draw play by Billy Cannon who racked up a record haul for the second game in succession. The Oilers, struggling to drive out of their own territory had to settle more often than not for speculative long range field goal attempts. In this discipline at least Blanda did excel but his passing was wayward, particularly early in the game. He ended the day on a career high 217 yards as well as registering an enormous record breaking 55 yard field goal but these records will be scant consolation for the veteran QB.
Houston travel next week to Dallas for the crunch Texas derby game.
24 Sep 1961 – At Balboa Stadium, San Diego. Att.27.750 – Weather – Fair
q1
q2
q3
q4
Score
Houston Oilers
3
0
3
3
9
San Diego Chargers
14
0
3
0
17
Real Life Houston 24 San Diego 34
q1 12:10 – SD – Paul Lowe HB0 – 3 run (George Blair kick)
Playboy Playmate of the Month – Christa Speck Box Office – Come September (Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida) Billboard #1 – Michael – The Highwaymen UK #1 – Johnny Remember Me – Johnny Leyton
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WOEFUL RAIDERS NO MATCH FOR NEW LOOK OILERS
Houston put last season’s disappointment firmly behind them routing a dire Oakland team in front of a meagre home crowd down 25% on last seasons average. Those who did pay for their ticket certainly got their money’s worth and then some. The result was perhaps more down to the Raiders inability to compete in all three phases of the game. When they did begin to find some sort of rhythm, they gave away sloppy and costly penalties over and over.
That shouldn’t detract from a polished Houston performance nonetheless. Offensively Billy Cannon was pick of the team with 3 td’s. Cannon, clearly relishing his new role as the #1 RB rushed for a career high 139 yards. He was ably supported by Charley Tolar who also managed a 100 yard haul as well as Dave Smith who although relegated to 3rd string RB showed he has lost little of his ability when given the chance also scoring a td. Bill Groman carried on where he left off last season and was also on the score sheet for the receivers although a minor injury in the 4th quarter curtailed any chance to add to his tally.
The defense collectively played exceptionally well stifling the Oakland attack with ease and it was a measure of their total dominance that coach Rymkus managed to blood almost the entire team of back up players mid way through the final quarter.
The side will not be able to rest on their laurels as they’ll need to be on their mettle against expected firmer opposition in the next game at San Diego. Before that they have a bye week and a chance to fully prepare against the reigning AFL champions