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Fan of the Week (Billy Jordan)

Billy’s Take: We’re winning the South, and Kemp’s going for 2,000 yards. Luther? He’ll prove the haters wrong—just wait

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What do the Bulls need to do to get into the playoffs this year?

BULLS ON PARADE
The Official Jacksonville Bulls Fan Newsletter – 1986 Preseason Edition

PRESEASON WRAP-UP: BULLS GO 2-2, SHOW PROMISE

The Jacksonville Bulls enter the 1986 USFL season with momentum after a 2-2 preseason, showcasing a reloaded offense and an aggressive defense that tallied 10 sacks and 5 INTs. While questions remain at QB, the pieces are in place for a playoff push.

OFFENSE: FAMILIAR FACES, NEW WEAPONS

QB Ed Luther takes the reins. Early signs are mixed—he’s still a gunslinger, but preseason chemistry with new WR Alton Alexis looks promising.

Key Returning Stars:

  • RB Cedric Jones (1,095 yards in ’85) is healthy and explosive.
  • WR Perry Kemp (1,445 yards) remains Luther’s safety blanket.
  • FB Larry Mason (582 rush yards, 61 catches) is the ultimate Swiss Army knife.

Big Question: Can Luther cut down the turnovers? If not, expect backup Jeff van Raaphorst to get a look.

DEFENSE: ATTACK MODE ACTIVATED

The Bulls’ D dominated flashes of the preseason, led by:

  • DE Keith Millard: A sack artist who’s poised for a monster year.
  • LB Vaughan Johnson: Tackling machine (99 in ’85) and blitz threat.
  • CB Derek Batiste: Ballhawk (led team in INTs last year).

Preseason Stats to Love:

  • 10 sacks: The pass rush looks ferocious.
  • 5 INTs: The secondary is playing with swagger.

X-Factor: If the defense can sustain this pressure, they’ll keep the Bulls in every game.

SPECIAL TEAMS: STEADY AS EVER

  • K Brian Franco (90.5% FG in ’85) remains automatic.
  • KR Aubrey Matthews (27.1 avg, 1 TD last year) is a threat to house it every return.

FAN ZONE: THE HERD’S BUZZ

“This D is NASTY!” – Dave Duerston
“Luther needs to stop throwing to the other team!” – Jackson Reed
“Kemp for MVP!” – Victoria Kempshire

UP NEXT: REGULAR SEASON PREVIEW

The Bulls open at home vs. the New Jersey Generals. Key matchups:

  • Millard vs. Generals’ O-Line: Can he wreck the game early?
  • Kemp/Alexis vs. Generals secondary: Advantage: Bulls.
  • Can they stop Walker and Carthon? If so, what about Flutie?

Prediction: 10-6 and a playoff berth—if Luther plays smart.

BULLS CHARGE OF THE WEEK:

“We’re not almost-there anymore. This is our year.”
—LB Vaughan Johnson