1962 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Game #5/14 – New York Titans at Houston Oilers

Box Office – The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (Laurence Harvey, Claire Bloom) trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiASEIz3qrg Billboard #1 – Sherry – The Four Seasons UK #1 – Telstar – The Tornadoes

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3-1 Head to Head W/L record before game

Titans caught out by Banfield

Tony Banfield’s 3 interceptions in the first quarter were the highlight of a dominant Houston display as the Oilers brushed aside a shell shocked New York with consummate ease. Titan’s QB Johnny Green may have thought Banfield had a magnetic football device in his gloves as 3 of his first 4 passes were picked off by the lurking corner back, the second resulting in a pick six TD for Banfield. Green threw a total of 5 interceptions in the game as the Oilers defense went to work on the hapless QB. When Charley Tolar ran in the 4th TD of the quarter to give Houston a 28-0 the game was effectively over. Houston coach Pop Ivy was afforded the luxury of benching a few starters from the 2nd quarter which may have saved the Titans blushes from a potential record breaking drubbing as the Oilers lost some continuity amongst their inexperienced backups. George Blanda had a career high 45 attempts with the shackles off and even threw 3 interceptions with little detrimental effect as the lead was never put under any serious pressure.

This was Houston’s fifth straight win, putting them squarely in charge of the Eastern Division with a 3 win cushion over their nearest rivals. They next play the Western Division leaders Denver, who alongside Houston and Dallas are the class acts of the first half of the season.

14 Oct 1962 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston TX. Att. 28,910 – Weather – Fair	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
New York Titans	0	3	3	0	6
Houston Oilers	28	3	0	7	38

Real Life New York 17 Houston 56

q1 14:00 – Hou – Bob McLeod TE2 – 12 pass (George Blanda kick)

q1 13:50 – Hou – Tony Banfield LCB – 30 interception (Blanda kick)

q1 13:20 – Hou – Billy Cannon HB2 – 2 run (George Blanda kick)

q1 05:20 – Hou – Charley Tolar FB1 – 3 run (George Blanda kick)

q2 08:15 – Hou – George Blanda QBA4/pk – 27 kick

q2 02:50 – New – Bill Shockley PK – 33 kick

q3 11:55 – New – Bill Shockley PK – 40 kick

q4 01:00 – Hou – Bob McLeod TE2 – 7 pass (George Blanda kick)

Career high 3 interceptions for Banfield today

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA4/PK	45	23	190	51.1%	2	3	0	49.31

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bob McLeod TE2	10	80	8.0	18	2
Billy Cannon HB2	6	52	8.7	13	0
Charley Hennigan WR1	3	26	8.7	13	0
Bill Groman WR3(2)	2	25	12.5	19	0
Charley Tolar FB1	2	7	3.5	5	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Tolar FB1	25	99	4.0	12	1
Dave Smith FB3	5	34	6.8	15	0
Billy Cannon HB2	9	18	2.0	6	1
George Blanda QBA4/PK	2	12	6.0	6	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Eastern Division	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	5	0	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	2	3	0
NEW YORK TITANS	2	4	0
BUFFALO BILLS	1	5	0

Western Division	W	L	T
DENVER BRONCOS	5	1	0
DALLAS TEXANS	4	1	0
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	3	3	0
OAKLAND RAIDERS	0	5	0

1962 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Game #4/14 – Buffalo Bills at Houston Oilers

Playboy Playmate of the Month – Laura Young Box Office – The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (Laurence Harvey, Claire Bloom) trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiASEIz3qrg Billboard #1 – Sherry – The Four Seasons UK #1 – She’s Not You – Elvis Presley

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4-1 Head to Head W/L record before game

Defense’s dominate

Two scores in the first quarter were all that either team could muster in a tense affair at a wet Jeppesen Stadium on Sunday. Houston got off to a perfect start with a 36 yard Bobby Jancik kick off return followed by a 32 yard Groman reception on the first play of the drive. 2 plays later Billy Cannon was in the end zone after he broke through a dazed and confused Bills D line to score from 18 yards out. Buffalo managed to respond when Cookie Gilchrist found the end zone after impressive running from Wray Carlton. The extra point was missed which in the end proved the undoing of the Bills. The remainder of the match was scoreless as neither side could find a way through. Houston had by far more possession and opportunities but again the kicking of Blanda let them down and despite passing for nearly 300 yards and a career high 25 pass completion rate, he came up short when it mattered. Bill Groman’s first outing as a starter this season was one to remember as he recorded over 100 receiving yards on his return to frontline duty

 Houston play New York at home next week.

07 Oct 1962 – At Jeppesen Stadium, Houston TX. Att. 34,255 – Weather – Rain	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Buffalo Bills	6	0	0	0	6
Houston Oilers	7	0	0	0	7

Real Life Buffalo 14 Houston 17

q1 13:40 – Hou – Billy Cannon HB2 – 18 run (George Blanda kick)

q1 06:10 – Buf – Cookie Gilchrist FB1/PK – 4 run (kick missed)

Cannon breaks free to score

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA4/PK	41	25	291	61.0%	0	2	0	62.14

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bill Groman WR3(2)	8	123	15.4	32	0
Bob McLeod TE2	7	80	11.4	18	0
Charley Hennigan WR1	6	54	9.0	15	0
Billy Cannon HB2	1	23	23.0	23	0
Charley Frazier WR4	1	8	8.0	8	0
Charley Tolar FB1	2	3	1.5	2	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Tolar FB1	26	123	4.7	12	0
Billy Cannon HB2	12	44	3.7	18	1
Dave Smith FB3	6	26	4.3	10	0
George Blanda QBA4/PK	1	0	0.0	0	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Eastern Division	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	4	0	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	2	2	0
NEW YORK TITANS	2	3	0
BUFFALO BILLS	0	5	0

Western Division	W	L	T
DENVER BRONCOS	4	1	0
DALLAS TEXANS	3	1	0
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	3	2	0
OAKLAND RAIDERS	0	4	0

1962 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Game #3/14 – Houston Oilers at San Diego

Box Office – The Music Man (Robert Preston, Shirley Jones) trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74V0nEEOIY Billboard #1 – Sherry – The Four Seasons UK #1 – She’s Not You – Elvis Presley

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1-4 Head to Head W/L record before game

Oilers come through third straight stern test

Houston were forced to come from behind twice in order to break the hoodoo San Diego have had over them since 1960. Despite being unbeaten in the first two games, Houston have struggled against San Diego in previous encounters and even though the Chargers ’62 team has not yet impressed, Houston needed to be on their best to win a competitive encounter. AFL champions San Diego were clearly in no mood to make it easy for Houston and came out of the blocks with all guns firing. 2 TD’s either side of q1 gave them a 13 point lead before Houston sparked into life. Blanda elected to use the diminutive 5’6″ Charley Tolar as his main rushing weapon while passing to any option when the opportunity arose.

With the score 14-13 in Houston’s favour at half time, the tide appeared to have turned and when Blanda scored from a sneak to extend the Oilers lead, they looked well in control. It took San Diego just 3 minutes to respond when Keith Lincoln burst through the Oilers defense to score a 33 yard rushing TD. San Diego then pulled ahead 23-21 half way into the final quarter from a 40 yard George Blair FG. At times like these the team needs a calm head at the helm and so it was that Blanda put in a masterful display keeping his opponents on the back foot as he drove towards the Chargers end zone setting up Tolar’s 2nd TD of the game. When Oilers captain Ed Husmann marshalled his troops to hold the Chargers on their next drive, it allowed Blanda to put the game almost out of reach with a 24 yard FG. Even then San Diego refused to lie down coming back strongly before a Don Floyd sack finally put the game out of reach. The result was a personal triumph for George Blanda who posted his best career completion percentage in this game.

23 Sep 1962 – At Balboa Stadium, San Diego CA. Att. 33,673 – Weather – Fair	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Houston Oilers	0	14	7	10	31
San Diego Chargers	7	6	7	3	23

Real Life Houston 42 San Diego 17

q1 08:30 – SD – Don Norton SE1 – 10 pass (George Blair kick)

q2 13:10 – SD – Don Norton SE1 – 16 pass (kick missed)

q2 09:10 – HO – Charley Tolar FB1 – 7 run (George Blanda kick)

q2 01:20 – HO – Dave Smith FB3 – 2 run (George Blanda kick)

q3 07:40 – HO – George Blanda QBA4/PK – 1 sneak (George Blanda12 kick

q3 04:00 – SD – Keith Lincoln HB2 – 33 run (George Blair kick)

q4 07:30 – SD – George Blair PK/DB – 40 kick

q4 02:50 – HO – Charley Tolar FB1 – 7 run (George Blanda kick)

q4 01:05 – HO – George Blanda QBA4/PK – 24 kick

Don Floyd registered the crucial sack to end the game

Fred Glick homes in

Cannon shackled

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA4/PK	32	21	224	65.5%	0	1	1	72.92

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan WR1	3	46	15.3	16	0
Bill Groman WR3(2)	5	45	9.0	19	0
Willard Dewveall WR2	2	32	16.0	20	0
Charley Tolar FB1	1	32	32.0	32	0
Bob McLeod TE2	3	30	10.0	17	0
Billy Cannon HB2	4	25	6.3	9	0
Charley Frazier WR4	1	9	9.0	9	0
Dave Smith FB3	2	5	2.5	5	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Tolar FB1	29	138	4.8	16	2
Dave Smith FB3	5	39	7.8	15	1
Billy Cannon HB2	7	26	3.7	9	0
George Blanda QBA4/PK	1	1	1.0	1	1

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Eastern Division	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	3	0	0
NEW YORK TITANS	2	1	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	1	2	0
BUFFALO BILLS	0	3	0

Western Division	W	L	T
DALLAS TEXANS	2	0	0
DENVER BRONCOS	2	1	0
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	1	2	0
OAKLAND RAIDERS	0	2	0

1962 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Game #2/14 – Houston Oilers at Boston Patriots

Box Office – The Music Man (Robert Preston, Shirley Jones) trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74V0nEEOIY Billboard #1 – Sherry – The Four Seasons UK #1 – She’s Not You – Elvis Presley

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2-2 Head to Head W/L record before game

Dominant defense dash Patriots hopes

For the second game running Houston’s defense were the difference in a game where the score line did not reflect the reality of the Oilers dominant display. Patriots QB Babe Parilli was picked three times in the game, twice by Jim Norton and once by Mark Johnston as the Oilers defense hit their stride. The highlight of a polished performance was holding the Patriots on 4th and 3 in their own red zone and it only took a redirected pass to finally get the Patriots over the line when the game was almost out of reach. Offensively, Blanda had another good passing game with what felt like a telepathic connection with flanker Charley Hennigan racking up 144 yards for his 11 receptions. The only negative part of Houston’s game was their failure to fully take advantage of the offensive opportunities presented to them whether Blanda’s careless field goal attempts or converting big 3rd downs when in opposition territory. Nevertheless, Pop Ivy will be satisfied to see his team top of the pile this early on.

The Oilers remain on the road next week for a visit to San Diego’s Balboa stadium.

Sunday, 16 Sep 1962 – At Harvard Stadium, Cambridge MA. Att. 35,503 – Weather – Fair	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Houston Oilers	3	3	10	0	16
Boston Patriots	0	3	0	7	10

Real Life Houston 21 Boston 34

q1 03:00 – HO – George Blanda QBA4/PK – 30 kick

q2 14:45 – BP – Gino Cappelletti WR2/PK – 34 kick

q2 01:45 – HO – George Blanda QBA4/PK – 46 kick

q3 08:20 – HO – Charley Hennigan WR1 – 5 pass (George Blanda kick)

q3 04:15 – HO – George Blanda QBA4/PK – 14 kick

q4 01:20 – BP – Jim Crawford HB2 – 34 pass (Gino Cappelletti kick)

Jim Norton – 2 interceptions in this game

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA4/PK	28	17	198	60.7%	1	1	1	79.17
Jacky Lee QBB4	1	0	0	0.0%	0	0	0	39.58

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan WR1	11	144	13.1	51	1
Willard Dewveall WR2	1	17	17.0	17	0
Charley Frazier WR4	1	8	8.0	8	0
Dave Smith FB3	1	8	8.0	8	0
Billy Cannon HB2	1	8	8.0	8	0
Bob McLeod TE2	1	7	7.0	7	0
Bill Groman WR3	1	6	6.0	6	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Tolar FB1	26	66	2.5	11	0
Billy Cannon HB2	10	47	4.7	34	0
Dave Smith FB3	5	10	2.0	4	0
George Blanda QBA4/PK	3	3	1.0	2	0
Jacky Lee QBB4	1	-3	-3.0	-3	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Eastern Division	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	2	0	0
NEW YORK TITANS	1	1	0
BUFFALO BILLS	0	2	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	0	2	0

Western Division	W	L	T
DENVER BRONCOS	2	0	0
DALLAS TEXANS	1	0	0
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	1	1	0
OAKLAND RAIDERS	0	1	0

1962 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Game #1/14 – Houston Oilers at Buffalo Bills

Playboy Playmate of the Month – Mickey Winters Box Office – The Music Man (Robert Preston, Shirley Jones) trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74V0nEEOIY Billboard #1 – Sheila – Tommy Roe UK #1 – I remember You – Frank Ifield

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3-1 Head to Head W/L record before game

Houston forced to work hard for opening season win

New Houston head coach, Pop Ivy got his team off to a perfect winning start at a wet and wild War Memorial Stadium in upstate New York. His side had to work hard for every inch of ground gained and even harder defensively in order to contain a determined Bills side hoping to end their sojourn as also-rans. Houston were impressive from the beginning, forcing a turnover and then moving the ball into field goal range on all of their q1 drives. George Blanda though struggling with the conditions failed to take the advantage missing both kicks. Thankfully his throwing arm was far more deadly and after a Tolar rushing td, Blanda found Willard Dewveall for a pinpoint 24 yard pass for Dewveall’s first AFL career td. In the second half, Houston’s offense went to sleep allowing Buffalo to fight their way back into the game by piling on relentless pressure. With Houston leading 14-10 in q4, Buffalo fumbled but the Oilers RB pairing of Tolar and Smith (after an injury to Cannon) could not find their way through, leaving it to Blanda on his sixth attempt to finally score a field goal from 12 yds out and give the Oilers a 7 point lead. Despite Buffalo coming back strongly, the clock was against them and Houston hung on for the win.

 Houston remain on the road, making the relatively short trip into Massachusetts next week when they take on Boston.

09 Sep 1962 – At War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo NY. Att. 31,236 – Weather – Rain/Wind	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Houston Oilers	0	14	0	3	17
Buffalo Bills	0	0	3	7	10

Real Life Houston 28 Buffalo 23

q2 13:40 – HO – Charley Tolar FB1 – 11 run (George Blanda kick)

q2 00:05 – HO – Willard Dewveall WR2 – 24 pass (George Blanda kick)

q3 06:25 – BB – Cookie Gilchrist FB1/PK – 34 kick

q4 12:35 – BB – Wayne Crow RB2/P – 4 run (Mack Yoho kick)

q4 02:30 – HO – George Blanda QBA4/PK – 12 kick

Tolar – scorer of Houston’s first points this season

BUNDLE! – Billy Cannon tries to go over the Bills defense

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA4/PK	29	15	177	51.7%	1	0	0	82.11

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan WR1	8	106	13.3	20	0
Willard Dewveall WR2	3	37	12.3	24	1
Charley Frazier WR4	1	11	11.0	11	0
Charley Tolar FB1	1	11	11.0	11	0
Bob McLeod TE2	1	7	7.0	7	0
Dave Smith FB3(2)	1	5	5.0	5	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best, italic = debutant

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Tolar FB1	25	98	3.9	15	1
Dave Smith FB3(2)	11	60	5.5	20	0
Billy Cannon HB2	5	21	4.2	13	0
George Blanda QBA4/PK	3	-4	-1.3	0	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Eastern Division	W	L	T
NEW YORK TITANS	1	0	0
HOUSTON OILERS	1	0	0
BUFFALO BILLS	0	1	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	0	1	0

Western Division	W	L	T
DALLAS TEXANS	1	0	0
DENVER BRONCOS	1	0	0
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	0	1	0
OAKLAND RAIDERS	0	1	0

1962 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Pre-Season preparations

The headline news undoubtedly is the departure of head coach Wally Lemm. Brought in to replace Lou Rymkus part way through last season, Lemm took the team to its first AFL Championship appearance last year. His tactical knowledge and success did not go unnoticed and perhaps it is no surprise that he was tempted away to the big money of the NFL and one of the oldest teams in the league, the St Louis Cardinals. Coming the other way is Cardinals coach and ex-player Frank “Pop” Ivy. Another significant change is that the Active Player limit is to be reduced from 35 to 33 players on match day.

“Oiler Twin” Joan (or is it Jane?) Ryba adds a touch of glamour to pre season training

In other AFL news, Buffalo and Denver have dispensed with their plain helmet designs and adopted logos akin to some of the other AFL teams. Denver have taken the more radical approach while Oakland have also made a minor cosmetic change to their helmet colour scheme.

Here is the full list of Houston playing personnel changes

The following players have left the club:

Offense starters:

Nil

Offense Squad:

Byron Beams OT – retired

Buzz Guy OG – retired

Claude King HB4 – Boston AFL

John White RE3 – Oakland AFL

Leo Reed OT – retired

Defense starters:

Dalva Allen LDE – Oakland AFL

Orville Trask LDT – Oakland AFL

Dennit Morris MLB – retired

Defense Squad:

Willis Perkins DE – free agent

George Shirkey DT – Oakland AFL

Dick Frey DE – retired

Ron Botchan LB – retired

Jack Laraway LB – retired

Gene Jones LB – retired

Hugh Pitts LB – retired

John Guzik LB – retired

Julian Spence DB – retired

Charlie Milstead DB/P – retired

Chuck Kendall DB – retired

Gary Wisener DB – retired

The following new signings/aquisitions have been made:

Offense:

John Frongillo OC/G – rookie

Tom Goode OC – rookie

Walt Suggs OT/C – rookie

Bucky Wegener OG – rookie

Charley Frazier WR4 – rookie

Defense:

Gary Cutsinger LDE – rookie

Ed Culpepper LDT – Minnesota NFL

Bill Herchman DT – Dallas NFL

Ron McDole DE/T – St Louis NFL

Bill Miller DT – rookie

Dan Lanphear DE – free agent

Gene Babb MLB – Dallas NFL

Larry Onesti LB – rookie

Bob Suci DB – rookie

Bobby Jancik DB – rookie

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – AFL Championship match – Houston Oilers at San Diego Chargers

Box Office – West Side Story (Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, George Chakiris) Billboard #1 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens UK #1 – Tower of Strength – Frankie Vaughn Sport Personality of the Year – Stirling Moss – Formula 1 International Sport Personality – Valeriy Brumel USSR – Athletics, High Jump

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Cannon’s 225 yd haul not enough to stop Chargers

Billy Cannon’s combined rushing and receiving haul of 225yds in the AFL Championship was still not enough to earn the Oilers a victory at Balboa Stadium. Fans of both sides hoping for some festive cheer with a high scoring game may have been disappointed with the fare on offer as both teams defenses put in strong performances managing to stifle their opponents drives when it mattered, a classic case of “bend not break“. Oilers half-back Billy Cannon and Chargers RB’s Bo Roberson and Paul Lowe were busiest trying to find a weakness in their opponents line. Although racking up impressive personal yardage tallies, more often than not the drives ended shy of scoring opportunity through a turnover or inability to make the requisite 10 yards on crucial 3rd downs. The Chargers in the end won by making the most of the slim pickings on offer while the Oilers were more wasteful. Blanda’s 3 missed field goals added to the pressure as the game went on and a San Diego hold on 4th down proved decisive in the 4th quarter. At the final whistle, the Chargers probably just deserved the victory.

Houston will still reflect on what has been an excellent season and despite falling short at the last hurdle, the players can hold their heads high when they return to Texas. The future bodes well for the team and fans should to look forward to 1962 with confidence.

24 Dec 1961 – At Balboa Stadium, San Diego. Att. 34,000 – Weather – Fair	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Houston Oilers	0	7	0	0	7
San Diego Chargers	7	3	7	0	17

Real Life Houston 10 San Diego 3

q1 12:10 – SD – Bo Roberson HB2 – 4 run (George Blair kick)

q2 13:45 – HO – Charley Tolar FB1 – 8 run (George Blanda kick)

q2 00:45 – SD – George Blair PK/DB – 43 kick

q3 08:20 – SD – Paul Lowe HB0 – 1 run (George Blair kick)

Above – Billy Cannon Houston’s record breaking Half-Back
Below – Action from the game at Balboa Stadium

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA5/PK	34	20	202	58.8%	0	2	0	51.40

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan FL0	5	80	16.0	26	0
Billy Cannon HB0	8	78	9.8	19	0
Charley Tolar FB1	3	21	7.0	12	0
Bob McLeod RE3(2)	2	12	6.0	6	0
Willard Dewveall RE4(3)	2	11	5.5	6	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	31	147	4.7	14	0
Charley Tolar FB1	3	10	3.3	8	1
Claude King HB4	1	2	2.0	2	0
George Blanda QBA5/PK	3	-1	-0.3	2	0

numbers in bold indicate personal best

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Season – End of Season stats

HOUSTON OILERS 1961 SEASON SUMMARY

Date	Team	Team	Score	Att.
09-Sep-61	Oakland	at Houston	Won 55-7	16,231
24-Sep-61	Houston	at San Diego	Lost 9-17	32,455
04-Oct-61	Houston	at Dallas	Won 38-17	28,000
08-Oct-61	Buffalo	at Houston	Won 20-0	25,037
13-Oct-61	Houston	at Boston	Won 34-27	17,330
22-Oct-61	Dallas	at Houston	Won 34-27	26,546
29-Oct-61	Houston	at Buffalo	Won 17-16	31,358
05-Nov-61	Houston	at Denver	Won 24-20	16,767
12-Nov-61	Boston	at Houston	Lost 7-20	37,845
19-Nov-61	New York	at Houston	Won 17-10	37,845
26-Nov-61	Denver	at Houston	Won 61-7	37,845
03-Dec-61	San Diego	at Houston	Won 23-20	37,845
10-Dec-61	Houston	at New York	Won 21-14	16,559
17-Dec-61	Houston	at Oakland	Won 34-14	8,437

W 12 L 2 PCT .857 PF 394 PA 216 (+178) Attendance home 218,994 Average 31,285

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA5/K	404	197	2494	48.8%	21	33	3	51.73
Jacky Lee QBB5	15	10	109	66.7%	1	2	0	70.56

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bill Groman LE2	56	891	15.9	61	11
Charley Hennigan FL0	61	737	12.1	24	5
John White RE3	25	333	13.3	21	1
Billy Cannon HB0	23	235	10.2	18	1
Willard Dewveall SE4(3)	15	172	11.5	20	0
Claude King HB4	6	104	17.3	21	0
Charley Tolar FB1	11	53	4.8	13	2
Bob McLeod RE3(2)	7	50	7.1	16	2
Dave Smith FB3	3	28	9.3	12	0

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	310	1662	5.4	61	13
Charley Tolar FB1	177	758	4.3	16	3
Dave Smith FB3	61	266	4.4	14	4
Claude King HB4	23	115	5.0	14	2
George Blanda QBA5/K	12	21	1.8	6	0
Ken Hall HB4/P	4	5	1.3	4	0

SCORING	TD	TD R	TD P	TD Rt	PAT	FG	2PT	SAF	TP
George Blanda QBA5/K	0	0	0	0	29	24	0	0	101
Billy Cannon HB0	14	13	1	0	0	0	0	0	84
Bill Groman LE2	11	0	11	0	0	0	0	0	66
Charley Hennigan FL0	5	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	30
Charley Tolar FB1	5	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	30
Dave Smith FB1	4	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	24
Charlie Milstead DB-PK	0	0	0	0	17	0	0	0	17
Jim Norton DB-P	2	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	12
Claude King HB4	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	12
Bob McLeod RE3(2)	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	12
John White RE3	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	6

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #14/14 – Houston Oilers at Oakland Raiders

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 Fleming^inj kick)

q2 12:25 – Hou – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 19 kick

q2 07:15 – Hou – Billy Cannon HB0 – 4 run (Charlie Milstead kick)

q2 00:30 – Hou – Billy Cannon HB0 – 5 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)

q3 10:00 – Hou – Charley Hennigan FL0 – 7 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)

q4 14:00 – Oak – Terry Burch WR3/P – 5 pass (George Fleming kick)

q4 10:00 – Hou – Charley Tolar FB1 – 3 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)

Touchdown!

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA5/PK	21	13	156	61.90%	3	1	0	104.37

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bill Groman LE2	2	36	18.0	31	0
Charley Hennigan FL0	2	31	15.5	24	1
Willard Dewveall SE4(3)	2	26	13.0	15	0
Claude King HB4	1	21	21.0	21	0
Bob McLeod RE3(2)	2	15	7.5	12	0
Dave Smith FB3	1	12	12.0	12	0
Billy Cannon HB0	2	12	6.0	7	1
Charley Tolar FB1	1	3	3.0	3	1

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	15	108	7.2	14	1
Charley Tolar FB1	17	92	5.4	10	0
Dave Smith FB3	4	26	6.5	8	0
Claude King HB4	2	11	5.5	9	0

Eastern Division	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	12	2	0
x – BOSTON PATRIOTS	10	4	0
x – NEW YORK TITANS	7	7	0
x- BUFFALO BILLS	5	9	0

x = eliminated from Championship final contention

Western Division	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	12	2	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	5	9	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	11	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	12	0

x = eliminated from Championship game contention

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #13/14 – Houston Oilers at New York Titans

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.16,559 – Weather – Fair	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Houston Oilers	0	14	7	0	21
New York Titans	0	0	0	14	14

Real Life Houston 48 New York 21

q2 03:30 – Hou – Bob McLeod RE3 – 1 pass (George Blanda kick)

q2 00:10 – Hou – Bill Groman LE2 – 1 pass (George Blanda kick)

q3 03:55 – Hou – Charley Tolar FB1 – 7 run (George Blanda kick)

q4 13:10 – New – Bill Brooks FB4 – 3 run (Dick Guesman^inj kick)

q4 04:50 – New – Bill Mathis FB0 – 8 run (Dick Guesman^inj kick)

Titans cheerleader still finds something to smile about

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck	Rating
George Blanda QBA5/PK	24	12	134	50.0%	2	2	0	60.07

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bill Groman LE2	4	52	13.0	24	1
Billy Cannon HB0	2	18	9.0	14	0
Willard Dewveall SE4(3)	1	17	17.0	17	0
Charley Hennigan FL0	2	17	8.5	9	0
Bob McLeod RE3	2	17	8.5	16	1
Charley Tolar FB1	1	13	13.0	13	0

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Tolar FB1	26	133	5.1	12	1
Billy Cannon HB0	13	67	5.2	14	0
Dave Smith FB3	8	62	7.8	14	0
Claude King HB4	4	33	8.3	14	0

Eastern Conference	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	11	2	0
x – BOSTON PATRIOTS	9	4	0
x – NEW YORK TITANS	7	6	0
x- BUFFALO BILLS	5	9	0

x = eliminated from Championship final contention

Western Conference	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	12	1	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	4	9	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	11	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	11	0

x = eliminated from Championship game contention

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #12/14 – San Diego Chargers at Houston Oilers

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	q1	q2	q3	q4	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)

q1 04:25 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 30 kick

q2 08:05 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 11 kick

q2 05:05 – SD – Bob Zeman LSB – 28 interception (George Blair kick)

q3 12:40 – SD – Bo Roberson HB2 – 40 run (kick missed)

q3 07:10 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 3 run (Charlie Milstead kick)

q3 06:40 – HO – Charlie Tolar FB1 – 2 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)

q4 09:55 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 33 kick

Blanda forced to take evasive action

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck
George Blanda QBA5/PK	30	12	142	40.0%	1	3	0

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan FL0	4	46	11.5	19	0
Bill Groman LE0	1	24	24.0	24	0
Claude King HB4	1	21	21.0	21	0
Willard Dewveall SE4(3)	1	20	20.0	20	0
Billy Cannon FL0	1	16	16.0	16	0
Charley Tolar FB1	4	15	3.8	5	1

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	30	187	6.2	61	1
Dave Smith FB3	2	9	4.5	5	0
Charley Tolar FB1	4	8	2.0	12	0
Claude King HB4	1	5	5.0	5	0

Eastern Conference	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	10	2	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	8	4	0
x – NEW YORK TITANS	7	5	0
x – BUFFALO BILLS	5	8	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

Western Conference	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	11	1	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	3	9	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	10	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	10	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #11/14 – Denver Broncos at Houston Oilers

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	q4	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)

q2 08:00 – HO – Charley Hennigan FL0 – 9 pass (George Blanda kick)

q2 02:20 – HO – Charley Tolar FB1 – 2 run (George Blanda kick)

q3 14:10 – HO – Jim Norton DSB/P – 29 interception (George Blanda kick)

q3 07:10 – HO – Dave Smith FB3 – 4 run (George Blanda kick)

q3 03:05 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 35 kick

q4 12:50 – HO – Bob McLeod RE3 – 3 pass (George Blanda kick)

q4 02:35 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 26 kick

q4 00:05 – HO – George Blanda QBA5/PK – 49 kick

Houston’s defense closes in

Record Breaking RB

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck
George Blanda QBA5/PK	35	18	175	51.4%	2	3	0

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan FL0	7	72	10.3	20	1
Bill Groman LE0	2	33	16.5	19	0
Billy Cannon FL0	3	30	10.0	17	0
Claude King HB4	2	26	13.0	18	0
Charley Tolar FB1	2	11	5.5	7	0
Bob McLeod RE3	2	10	5.0	7	1

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	27	162	6.0	16	1
Charley Tolar FB1	25	141	5.6	16	1
Dave Smith FB3	6	38	6.3	11	2
Claude King HB4	3	10	3.3	6	0

Eastern Conference	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	9	2	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	7	4	0
NEW YORK TITANS	6	5	0
x – BUFFALO BILLS	4	8	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

Western Conference	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	11	0	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	3	8	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	9	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	9	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #10/14 – New York Titans at Houston Oilers

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	q4	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

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck
George Blanda QBA5/PK	24	11	107	45.8%	1	3	0

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bill Groman LE0	5	66	13.2	17td	1
Charley Hennigan FL0	3	18	6.0	7	0
John White RE3	1	11	11.0	11	0
Willard Dewveall SE4	1	7	7.0	7	0
Billy Cannon FL0	1	5	5.0	0	0

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	30	139	4.6	17td	1
Charley Tolar FB1	9	23	2.6	6	0
Dave Smith FB3	4	12	3.0	8	0
Claude King HB4	2	5	2.5	5	0

Eastern Conference	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	8	2	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	7	4	0
NEW YORK TITANS	5	5	0
x – BUFFALO BILLS	4	7	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

Western Conference	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	11	0	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	8	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	2	8	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	8	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #9/14 – Boston Patriots at Houston Oilers

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	q2	q3	q4	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

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck
George Blanda QBA5/PK	27	12	121	44.4%	1	0	1

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Bill Groman LE0	5	60	12.0	16	1
John White RE3	1	21	21.0	21	0
Dave Smith FB3	2	16	8.0	9	0
Billy Cannon FL0	2	11	5.5	6	0
Bob McLeod SE3	1	8	8.0	8	0
Charley Hennigan FL0	1	5	5.0	5	0

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	12	41	3.4	12	0
Charley Tolar FB1	8	31	3.9	12	0
Dave Smith FB3	4	14	3.5	12	0
Claude King HB4	1	3	3.0	3	0
George Blanda QBA5/PK	3	2	0.7	2	0

Eastern Conference	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	7	2	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	6	4	0
NEW YORK TITANS	5	4	0
BUFFALO BILLS	3	7	0

Western Conference	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	10	0	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	7	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	2	7	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	7	0

x = Eliminated from Championship contention

1961 HOUSTON OILERS – Statis Pro Football – Match #8/14 – Houston Oilers at Denver Broncos

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.16,767 – Weather – Rain	q1	q2	q3	q4	Score
Houston Oilers	0	14	10	0	24
Denver Broncos	10	0	3	7	20

Real Life Houston 55 Denver 14

q1 12:15 – DB – Gene Mingo PK/HB4 – 32 kick

q1 02:20 – DB – Gene Mingo PK/HB4 – 7 pass (Gene Mingo kick)

q2 12:20 – HO – Billy Cannon HB0 – 4 run (George Blanda kick)

q2 08:50 – HO – Charley Hennigan FL0 – 5 pass (George Blanda kick)

q3 10:55 – DB – Gene Mingo PK/HB4 – 26 kick

q3 07:10 – HO – George Blanda^inj QBA5/PK – 30 kick

q3 01:40 – HO – Bill Groman LE2 – 7 pass (Charlie Milstead kick)

q4 10:10 – DB – Donnie Stone LHB0 – 8 run (Gene Mingo kick)

Mark Johnston (#41) picks off a wayward Denver pass thereby registering his 2nd interception of the game

Player PASSING	Att.	Comp.	Yds.	Pct.	TD	Int.	Sck
George Blanda QBA5/PK	16	9	83	56.3%	1	2	0
Jacky Lee QBB5	14	10	109	71.4%	1	2	0

Player RECEIVING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Charley Hennigan FL0	13	124	9.5	24	1
Bill Groman LE2	3	33	11.0	19	1
John White RE3	2	19	9.5	12	0
Willard Dewveall SE4	1	16	16.0	16	0

Player RUSHING	No.	Yds	Ave	Lg	TD
Billy Cannon HB0	26	132	5.2	13	1
Charley Tolar FB1	12	69	5.8	14	0
Claude King HB4	2	23	11.5	13	0
Dave Smith FB3	1	2	2.0	2	0

Eastern Conference	W	L	T
HOUSTON OILERS	7	1	0
BOSTON PATRIOTS	5	4	0
NEW YORK TITANS	4	4	0
BUFFALO BILLS	2	7	0

Western Conference	W	L	T
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS	9	0	0
x- DENVER BRONCOS	3	6	0
x- DALLAS TEXANS	2	6	0
x- OAKLAND RAIDERS	2	6	0

x = eliminated from Championship game contention