'87 USFL: Sailing Away

Event Date: March 29th, 1987

Event Description: ‘Boats Sink Outlaws

Source: League Office

Walter Lewis engineered two key touchdown drives, and Roger Ruzek connected on a record six field goals as the Memphis Showboats dominated Arizona in the USFL championship game by a score of 39-13.

The Showboats were clearly the superior team as they dominated the Arizona offense led by Doug Williams. Williams was intercepted three times, sacked three times and had a fumble returned for a touchdown early in the second quarter.

Memphis controlled the game early with three Ruzek field goals and a Bill Roe 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown as the ‘Boats took a an early16-0 lead.

The Outlaws cut the lead to 16-7 after an eight-play 82-yard drive culminated with a Williams to Eric Truvillion 15-yard touchdown pass.

Memphis responded with a four play, 80-yard drive of its own, finishing with a 52-yard strike from Lewis to Sam Bowers and a fourth Roger Ruzek field goal just before the half. 

The teams exchanged field goals in the second half with the only touchdown coming at the five minute mark of the final frame. Lewis found Derrick Crawford in the end zone for a 15-yard score as the Showboats sealed the victory, their 18th of the season.

Notes-Sam Bowers was named the Most Valuable Player of the game finishing with five receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown….Barney Bussey led the Memphis defense with eight tackles, a forced fumble and one interception.