Denver Gold’s Remarkable Late-Season Surge Ends in Western Finals

The 1985 Denver Gold season was a rollercoaster, but it ended with a thrilling playoff run that few saw coming. After stumbling to a dismal 4-8-1 record through Week 13, the Gold caught fire, winning their final five regular-season games to sneak into the playoffs at 9-8-1. Quarterback Bob Gagliano was the catalyst, throwing for 5,940 yards and 42 touchdowns while spreading the ball to a deep receiving corps led by Leonard Harris (1,364 yards, 15 TDs) and Marc Lewis (1,348 yards). The ground game also thrived, with Bill Johns rushing for 1,432 yards and 13 scores. The defense, anchored by linebacker Mike Nevens (131 tackles, 4 INTs) and defensive end Dennis Turner (13 sacks, 26 hurries), found its rhythm just in time for a postseason push.

Denver’s playoff run was nothing short of spectacular. They avenged a Week 12 loss by demolishing the Oakland Invaders 49-17 in the wild-card round, then stunned the high-powered Houston Gamblers 35-32 in a thrilling upset. Gagliano’s clutch throws and Johns’ hard running kept Denver alive, while the defense forced key turnovers, including three interceptions from safety Nate Miller. However, the magic ran out in the Western Championship against the eventual champion Chicago Blitz, who overpowered the Gold 52-35. Despite the loss, Denver’s late-season resurgence turned heads and proved their resilience.

While the season ended short of a title, the Gold established themselves as a dangerous, balanced team. Gagliano’s emergence as a franchise QB, Johns’ breakout year, and a defense that ranked among the league’s best in sacks (51) and interceptions (27) provide optimism for 1986. If Denver can carry this momentum into next season—and avoid another midyear slump—they could be serious title contenders. For now, the 1985 campaign will be remembered as the year the Gold refused to quit, turning a lost season into an unforgettable playoff ride.

1985 Denver Gold Roster

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (QB)

• Steve Bono
• Bob Gagliano

Running Backs (RB)

• Bill Johnson
• Todd Gerhart
• Vince White (RB/WR)

Wide Receivers (WR)

• Leonard Harris (PR)
• Kelley Johnson
• Marc Lewis
• Gill Stegall
• Lonnie Turner (KR)

Tight Ends (TE)

• Mark Boyer
• Bill Earthman
• Wheeler

Offensive Line

• Centers (C)
  • Tom Davis
  • Frank Kalil (C/G)
• Guards (G)
  • Walt Downing
  • Greg Loberg
  • Mike Nease
  • Mark Traynowicz (C/G)
• Tackles (T)
  • Feasal
  • George Wagner
  • George Yarno

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DEFENSE

Defensive Line

• Defensive Ends (DE)
  • Calvin Turner
  • Bill Weber
  • Bruce Thornton
• Defensive Tackles (DT)
  • Mike Buben
  • Dave Dean
  • Doug Mikolas
  • Mike Taliferro
  • Pat Ogrin
  • Ray Woodard

Linebackers (LB)

• Stan Blinka
• Mark Daum (OLB)
• Neil Hope
• Tom Kilkenny
• John Nevens
• Ken Graeber (ILB)
• Tom Polley

Defensive Backs

• Cornerbacks (CB)
  • Kerry Baird (KR)
  • Bob Gunderman
  • Nate Miller
• Safeties (S)
  • Ernie Carswell (KR)
  • Calvin Loveall (PR)
  • Nate Harris (PR)
  • Steve Trimble
  • Earl Johnson
  • Duane Galloway

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SPECIAL TEAMS

• Kicker/Punter (K/P)
  • Jim Asmus
• Return Specialists (KR/PR)
  • Vince White (PR)
  • Leonard Harris (PR)
  • Lonnie Turner (KR)
  • Kerry Baird (KR)
  • Ernie Carswell (KR)
  • Nate Harris (PR)