Week 5 brought close games (4 decided by one score) and blowouts (4 decided by 2 touchdowns or more). Las Vegas kicked off the week with their first win of the year against Arizona Wranglers. Randall Cunningham continued to carry the Ace on his back. New Jersey and Washington both won games on Saturday to keep their playoff chances alive. Yes, we’re already talking playoffs.
Meanwhile on Sunday, the early games brough two close games decided by only 2 points each. New Orleans pulled to 2-2 in a shocker and the Birmingham Stallions stayed unbeaten and in first place in the South division. The other games featured some drama but all ultimately ended in lopsided scores .
Then, on Monday, Los Angeles outlasted Chicago on the strength of two Eric Dickerson touchdowns. All in all, the leagues is starting to take shape and we look forward to another 15 weeks of exciting football this year. Be sure to come with us for the ride.
1986 Week 5 Transactions – Oklahoma Outlaws signed two offensive linemen; Mark Cochran and Wilbur Strozier
Week 5 Games
Friday
Arizona Wranglers 17, Las Vegas Ace 41
Saturday
Pittsburgh Maulers 21, New Jersey Generals 38
Tampa Bay Bandits 24, Washington Federals 27
Sunday
Philadelphia Stars 35, Boston Breakers 62
Birmingham Stallions 33, Jacksonville Bulls 31
New Orleans Brass 30, Memphis Showboats 28
Michigan Panthers 51, San Antonio Gunslingers 37
Oklahoma Outlaws 14, Houston Gamblers 39
Denver Gold 55, Oakland Invaders 27
Monday
Chicago Blitz 21, Los Angeles Express 28
Week 5 Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Randall Cunningham, QB, Las Vegas Ace. Cunningham willed the Ace to their first victory of the season over the Arizona Wranglers. Cunningham completed 21 of 30 passes for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also ran for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Defense: Charles Armstead, San Antonio Gunslingers. In spite of the final score, Armstead kept the Gunslingers in the game until Michigan pulled away late in the 4th quarter. He recorded a game high 7 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 stuff, and 2 interceptions (1 for a touchdown).
Special Teams: George Taylor, KR, Washington Federals. Taylor got the Federals on the board with an 89 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. For the game, he recorded 5 returns for 177 yards and that touchdown that sparked Washington to a win over the Bandits.