STARS TRAVEL TO THE SUN

It's East Coast vs. the West Coast this coming Wednesday, August 7, as Babe Parilli's New York Stars travel to Anaheim, California to take on Tm Fears' Southern California Sun at Anaheim Stadium at 8:05 PM Pacific Time.

Both clubs have had remarkably similar seasons, above and beyond their matching 2-2 records. Their offenses have been fairly even, the Sun registering 82 points to the Stars' 77. Each club's scoring defense is close, too, with the Stars allowing 10 touchdowns to the Sun's nine. Individually, the Stars and the Sun even match up. The Sun's Kermit Johnson is the fourth-leading rusher in the league, with 242 yards for a 3.4 yard average. Right behind him is the Stars Bob Gladieux, with 235 yards for a 3.7 yard average. Gladieux beats Johnson in TD's, though, with three on the ground compared to Johnson's one. And Bob is tied in the league leadership in rushing touchdowns with J. J. Jennings of Memphis, and John Land of Philadelphia.

Each club's passing game is markedly similar also. Southern California's Tony Adams, the rookie from Utah State, and New York's Tom Sherman, a three-year pro, rank back to back in the league's passing stats. Adams has thrown for 708 yards, to Sherman's 608. Sherman, proving his mobility and the effectiveness of New York's offensive line, has been sacked only once this season.

The one big difference that Stars Head Coach Babe Parilli is building his hopes on a third straight victory for his club, is the Stars ranking as the No. 1 club in the WFL in rushing...and their spot as No. 2 in total offense. Gladieux, Andy Huff, Ed White, and even quarterback Tom Sherman himself, have combined to give New York 841 yards on the ground, for a per-game average of 210.3 yards. Southern Cal's front line should have one tough time in front of them, since they rank only seventh in the league against the rush. The Sun has given up an average of 235.8 on the ground.

The trip to the coast will be televised back to New York by Sal Marchiano and Matt Snell on WOR-TV. The Stars will begin a two-game home stand the night of August 14 against the Portland Storm, then face the Houston Texans on August 21 at Downing Stadium.