Dateline: Friday, February 28, 1986. On a warm February evening in late February at Sam Boyd Stadium, the Las Vegas Ace defeated the Arizona Wranglers to get their first win of the 1986 season. After losing three close games primarily due to their run game, coach Harvey Hyde decided to take a chance on rookie Lavale Thomas. While Cunningham, the game’s MVP, still led the team in rushing, Thomas took pressure off the quarterback with 77 yards on 11 carries. Cunningham also added 3 passing touchdowns, displaying the brilliance that Las Vegas saw when they nabbed the QB from the NFL by hiring Hyde.

Arizona looked to take a 10-7 lead into the half before the wheels fell off. Thomas scored a 2 yard touchdown. Arizona fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Cunningham made them pay with a 10 yard touchdown run. After that, the Cunningham show was on full display. Arizona managed a touchdown in the early minutes of the fourth quarter, but Las Vegas took their foot off the gas pedal and let their defense force two punts and a turnover on downs in the final three Arizona possessions.

Arizona looks to rebound against another tough opponent in Boston.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas hopes to continue their momentum against Tampa Bay