The Oregonian

August 12, 1974

By John Hahn

Veterans dot Stars' stingy defense


There are no breathers in the World Football League and the Portland Storm's offensive line will go against an even tougher defense this week when it meets the New York Stars.

The Wednesday game at Downing Stadium on New York's Randall Island, will be the first of four road games in 3½ weeks for the Storm.

The Stars, under Coach Babe Parilli - a pro quarterback for 16 years - features one of the strongest defensive lines in the WFL with the likes of veterans John Elliott, Gerry Philbin and Lloyd Voss.

"They are much more active than Houston," Storm Coach Dick Coury said in comparing the Stars with the Texans, a team Portland tied, 15-15, last week at Civic Stadium.

"Houston is good, but not as mobile as New York," Coury continued. "It will be another difficult game for the offensive line."

Philbin, an 11-year vet who played eight years with the New York Jets of the National Football League, will be at one defensive end on the same side with Elliott, who also played eight seasons with the Jets.

Voss is the defensive tackle and has 10 years experience, playing with Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Denver. Jerry Ellison, a rookie out of North Texas State, is the other end, but is a doubtful starter after suffering a leg injury last week against Southern California.

"They are well poised and well coached," added Coury, "They also have experience. Their other strength is in the running backs."

Two running backs from Notre Dame have given the Stars punch long with Ed White, picked up from Calgary of the Canadian loop after the second game of the season. The former Irish stars are four-year pro Bob Gladieux and rookie Andy Huff.

Gladieux (5-10,195) has chalked up 283 yards and Huff (5-11,210) has added 163. White, playing in only three contests, has totaled 139 yards.

"Our defense bailed us out and saved the game," Parilli said of the game at Anaheim, California, which the Stars won, 11-8.