August 7, 1974
By Gavin Dance
ANAHEIM, California - The New York Stars feel a lot like the irresistible force.
The immovable object they must overcome are the Southern California Sun, tonight at 11:05 p.m. (Channel 9) at Anaheim Stadium.
The Stars (2-2) have produced the best ground game in the infant World Football League, powering to 210.3 yards a game and eight touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Sun (2-2) shares the lead with Houston Texans in the West Division and are tough to move - the biggest team in the WFL.
The heart of the Stars' rushing game, running back Bob Gladieux, is nursing an assortment of bruises, including a slight hip pointer but is expected to start.
Gladieux, a 5-10, 195-pounder from Notre Dame, scored once last week in the 24-16 win over the Jacksonville Sharks and picked up 67 yards.
Both defensive ends instrumental in shelving two Sharks' quarterbacks last week are ailing but also are expected to start.
Left end Gerry Philbin, ex-Jets star pulled a hamstring on the final play of the game.
And right end Jerry Ellison hurt his knee when it connected with the helmet of Sharks' quarterback Kim Hammond. Hammond went out with a slight concussion.
"Offensively we must control the football and score more points than we have been," says Stars' coach Babe Parilli.
Despite their potent offense, the Stars don't have many of the individual leaders in the WFL.
This brings a slight smile to Parilli's face.
"It's okay with me. We have been working as a unit and I and I think it's sorta good," he said. "I'd like to think we're like the Celtics. We are a team, not a bunch of individuals."
Parilli is also pleased with the way the Stars have come back the last two games - both resulting in victories.
"If we can continue this pattern, we will be okay," he added.
The Sun are also one of the youngest teams in the WFL.
"Tom Fears feels he wants to go with the young players and has built his team that way," Parilli said. "They signed a lot of their top draft choices."
Southern California's backfield has a distinct UCLA flavor - with both James McAlister and Kermit Johnson from that school. McAlister and Johnson were drafted one-two respectively.
But the Sun should have trouble running on the Stars. The Stars have only allowed 108 yards a game on the ground, surrendering just two touchdowns by rushing.
The Stars also expect a lot of running from the Sun quarterback Tony Adams.
"He's the running type," says Parilli. "If we don't contain him we could be in trouble. In fact, we have to contain all three of them."
It's too early in the season for this one to be labeled crucial because there are still 16 games to play but it is "an important ball game" to Parilli.
Despite the nagging injuries, Parilli figures to go with his normal starting offensive lineup.
Gladieux will be at running back along with fullback Ed White. Quarterback Tom Sherman, who tied Gladieux for rushing honors last week, getting his 67 yards in just eight carries, will call the shots.
Al Young gets the call at flanker with Ray Parson handling tight end and George Sauer at split end.
Bob Kuziel will be at center, Dick Hart at left guard and Larry Butler on the right side. Rich Sharp gets the nod at right tackle and Matt Herkenhoff at left tackle.
The Sun is listed as a five point favorite.