Democrat and Chronicle from Rochester, New York • Page 6

daily double buffalo raceway Cafl Shadow (3) Gtencoe Joe (3) paid $27 40 amerk leaders koch offers help MCC 104. Villa Maria 76 Eisenhower 72. Alfred 64 Fisher 70. Houghton 65 Murray St. 56, Notre Dame 54 Alabama 69.

SMU 62 Kansas 86. Arizona 57 Purdue 75. Butler 46 Virginia Tech 70. Richmond 68 Texas 68. LSI) 63 13 17 15 11 8 6 A Pis.

18 31 Gilles Hamei Bob Mongram Kai Suikkanen Chris Halyk Dave Gorman Dean Turner New York Mayor Edward Koch says the city is witling to help keep the Knicks and Rangers from leaving for the Meadow! ands. Story, Page 3D. Edward Koch 28 27 25 21 21 0 ROCHESTER. NY- TUESDAY. DECEMEER 8.

1981 Scoraa, standing. 20 colleges jocl buchsbaum heap ills near top of AFC McMahon Buffalo conference mark second best rates with the best By FRANK LaGROTTA DW Sporttwrntr Thanks to Chuck Muncie's fumble with 1:52 remaining in Sunday's game at San Diego, Buffalo Bills fans may get one more chance this season to break out their stadium seat cushions and hip flasks for a football game at Rich Stadium. Buffalo's 28-27 win over San Diego, sealed by Muncie's bobble on the Bills' 26-yard line, put Buffalo in great position to win its second straight AFC Eastern Division title, and virtually assured the Bills of having at least one, and possibly two playoff games at home if they win their remaining two games, at New England and at Miami Buffalo's last home playoff game was at the old War Memorial Stadium on January 1, 1966 a 31-7 loss to the rival AFL. Kansas City Chiefs. There has not been a post-season home-field advantage in the playoffs because of a better conference record.

(The Chargers were 9-3 against AFC teams, the Bills 8-4.) But thus far this season, the Bills have the best record against conference teams (8-2) of any AFC team except Cincinnati (9-2). Thus, if the Bills win their last two games and the AFC East title, the only team they would have to play on the road in the playoffs would be Cincinnati. Of course, the Bengals' playoff hopes suffered a temendous blow in Sunday's 21-3 loss to San Francisco. If the Steelers (8-5 before last night's game) win the AFC Central title (they host the Bengals this Sunday in Pitts-' burgh) it would assure the Bills of the home-field advantage in every playoff game even if Pittsburgh and Buffalo have the same records. That's because the Steelers have a 5-4 record Turn to Page 3D England Sunday (Ch.

8, WBBF-950, 1 p.m.). would be 10-6 and in good shape to get a wildcard berth. If the Bills win their last two, they get the title and an extra week's rest during the first week of the playoffs when the two conference wildcard teams square off. The winner of that game plays the division champion with the best record while the No. 2 division champion hosts the No.

3 titlist Should Buffalo drop its last two games, it would be all but mathematically eliminated from any post-season play. Now, if the Bills win the division, their chances for a home game are excellent compared to last year, when both the Bills and Chargers finished 11-5. San Diego got the game played at Rich Stadium since it opened in 1973. "We're in the driver's seat," said linebacker Isiah Robertson. "The sky's the limit" Compared with a season ago, the Bills are actually in a better position as far as their playoff chances are concerned.

Here's why. Right now, the Bills trail Miami (9-4-1) by a half -game in the AFC East Those two teams meet in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 19 in a game that likely will decide the division title, unless the Dolphins falter at Kansas City or the Bills are upset at New England this week. If the Dolphins win their last two games, they will finish at 11-4-1 and win the division. In that case, the Bills, assuming they beat New WASHINGTON You've seen the rest Now here's the Gannett News Service All-America team for 1981, the year of the running back and quarterback in college football.

Offense QUARTERBACK: Jim McMahon (5-ll34, 185), Brigham Young, senior He may not be quite the pro prospect John Elway, Dan Marino, or Art Schlichter are. However, he has had two of the greatest years a quarterback has ever had. When BYU Ali met Utah to decide the Western Athletic Conference championship, McMahon threw for 565 yards and put 56 points on the board. He was not Can he perform magic in 'Drama in Bahama? intercepted. He has a quick, strong, accurate arm and is a superb field general with great poise and field sense He uses all his receivers and does a marvelous job of picking up the blitz.

RUNNING BACK: Herschel Walker (6-1, 220), Georgia, sophomore He is the most gifted and dominant player in football today. He combines the strength of a fullback with sprinter's speed. If you put Herschel behind USC's line, he might gain 300 yards per game. RUNNING BACK: Marcus Allen (6-1, 205), USC, senior He is a complete, all-purpose back who can run, catch, block and throw. He has great vision, staying power and determination.

Although Marcus gained more than 2,000 yards as a senior, he is not a spectacular breakaway runner. All he does is bleed yardage; by game's end he has 38 carries and 220 yards. TIGHT END: Jamie Williams (6-5, 225), Nebraska, junior No tight end had an All-American-type year. However, Williams probably was the I flTT' HF 1 I )f Clay as Olympic fM I AH in July' 1980 champ, 1960 ffj i htSESi Wl IP1 1 tSf0: -1 imf 4m AKs-r- 1 Tig I if Vsff II irfir iTMBTi 1 '-T i 1 JIM i ii I best of a mediocre lot. He has height, split receivers' speed, good hands and above-average blocking skills.

WIDE RECEIVER: Anthony Carter (5-10, 157), Michigan, junior This mini-Johnny Rodgers is the most explosive player in college football. Just get him the ball and watch him go. By GEORGE VECSEY New York Tim NASSAU, the Bahamas His religion prohibits magic. Muhammad Ali mentions this as he performs some sleight of hand in his hotel room while waiting for a fight some people say he shouldn't attempt, and others suspect may never come off. While waiting it out, Ali takes three unequal ropes and makes them the same length without being detected.

He stuffs a handkerchief into his huge fist and makes it disappear. He turns a half dollar into a nickel with a flick of his hand. But after that trick, he deliberately exposes the device that allows him to switch the coins. He says in the hoarse voice that worries his friends: "Muslims dont believe in magic. That's why I've got to explain what I do.

I believe in God, and I believe in knowledge, in education. No magic, no voodoo." He is wearing a chocolate brown suit with a clean shirt and tie at 8 in the morning. He is all dressed up with nowhere to go, because he is mostly killing time until he gets into the ring with Trevor Berbick this Friday. If he gets into the ring. Three times in an hour, Ali uses the phrase "if the fight comes off." Network television in the States wouldn't touch a fight by the most recognized athlete perhaps the most recognized human being in the world.

He has gone to another country, where the local promoters finally got around to making tickets available, in a supermarket, just a couple of weeks ago. Ali's somber behavior reflects the shaky financial status, as well as his own poor physical shape. He promises no magic in the ring Friday just a tired man, nearly 40 years of age, trying to defy the fears of his admirers. His friends say he has taken too many punches since he began boxing as a skinny 12-year-old in Louisville, nearly 28 years ago. He admits his mother and his wife don't want him to box again.

He dismissed Dr. Ferdie Pacheco for saying brain damage was evident in his speech. Ali admits "I couldn't win a round" in his clumsy battle with Larry Holmes in October 1980. And he hds, heard that George Foreman, whom he beat seven years ago, has said: "All the people who cheered him will be embarrassed for him now." But Ali is beyond embarrassment. As he shifts from his repertoire of sleight-of-hand into his repertoire of rhetoric, he says, "I see the overall picture," He looks a visitor in the eye and he says: "Write this down.

The price of certainty of being the greatest is a constant assault on my own personality and ability." Why is he fighting again? He leans back on a couch in his chocolate brown suit, seemingly exhausted from running two miles that morning, and whispers: "Not because I'm broke. Not because I miss the limelight. Not because anybody makes me. It's just the idea. Four times a champ.

I remember when Floyd Patterson regained his championship." Here Ali imitates the oohs and ahs of millions of astonished boxing fans, as heard over the static of a radio in a 1960 bout against Ingemar Johansson. Ali is his own sound-effects man. "Everybody said it was amazing that a man won the heavyweight title back," says Ali. Patterson won the title two times, "but I'm going to do it four times," Ali says. "Nobody will ever do it five times because you know as well as I do that people get old too fast.

I used to run six miles a day but now I got to make an effort for three. I can still do everything I want but I got to make appointments. Can't do things on the spur of the moment like when you're 20. Not even Muhammad Ali could win the title five times. Ali has not fought since Holmes peppered him 14 months ago.

Because he could not get backing in the United States, Ali has allowed some associates to arrange a so-called "Drama in Bahama." For the past eight weeks or so he has been a bigger attraction than the captured dolphins and barracudas in the lagoon behind the hotel He is big enough to drag people out of the casino just to gape at him, which may not be exactly what management had in mind when it made Ali a guest at the hotel. "Everybody knows me," Ali says. "Not just in the West, but in China, in Russia, in Morocco, in Libya. They know me all over the world. I set up a goalf or myself, to demonstrate to other people Turn to Page 3D RECEIVER: Lindsay Scott (6-0, 185), Georgia, senior After a disappointing junior year, he finally lived up to his freshman promise.

He is an acrobatic receiver who can make the great catch and run. CENTER: Dave Rimington (6-3, 275), Nebraska, junior When Big 8 coaches were asked who the best player in the conference was, they didn't name a runner receiver or passer. Instead, they voted for this man. Rimington is very quick and explosive, intense and consistent. He has awesome strength and the ideal build to combat GUARD: Sean Farrell (6-2 lA, 260), Penn State, senior He is the best lineman in college football.

He's stronger than three bulls and quicker than two cats. He runs the 40 in 4.78, bench-presses 520 pounds and never blows an assignment. GUARD: Kurt Becker (6-5 Vi, 260), Michigan, senior He is an excellent pulling guard who runs well and uses his leverage brilliantly. TACKLE: Dan Mosebar (6-6, 270), Clay wins 1st world title, 1964 Ali after 1980 loss to Larry Holmes USC, junior Many pro scouts feel he is the best pro prospect on the USC team. He excels as both a run and pass SREEE Democrat and Chronict graphic blocker.

TACKLE: John Meyer (6-6, 255), Arizona State, senior This junior college basketball player switched sports and developed by leaps and Yanks expected to name Michael again bounds. He's an improving run blocker and superb pass protector. Defense NOSEGUARD: George Achica (6-4, 260), USC, junior He is a dominant defensive player who often is double- and triple-teamed. He has the strength to stuff the center back into the backfield and the mobility to sack scrambling quarterbacks. TACKLE: Kenneth Sims (6-5, 268), annual winter meeting concludes.

Schneider said Guidry's price to rejoin the Yankees remains $7.5 million for five years higher than it would be to sign with any other club. "The other offers in no way approach what we are asking of the Yankees," he said. Schneider based his different price scale on three factors. "One is the gross net revenue of the Yankees. Two is the club's salary structure and three are the past, present and future value of Ron to the club." Steinbrenner has been unhappy with the higher price tag the Yankees would have to pay for Guidry, but Schneider said the Yankees are in a different situation.

"Kansas City gets $500,000 for its TV rights. The Yankees get $5 million," he said. Schneider said Guidry still would prefer to remain with the Yankees. quarters hotel lobby here. Michael, still under contract through 1982, is present at the meetings.

He paid his own way here. He has made no comment on the report However, sources close to the Yankee front office insist that the move is imminent It was learned that Michael has a meeting scheduled with Steinbrenner either tomorrow or Thursday when the Yankees' owner arrives. Michael was replaced this past season the day before Labor Day by Bob Lemon, veteran skipper who previously had replaced the fiery Billy Martin after one of Billy's many tiffs with the boss. "I am a company man, I will do what the boss wants," Lemon has said repeatedly when the question of his being replaced was broached. Lemon, during the period he wasn't managing, served as Steinbrenner's representative on the West Coast, Turn to Page 2D Traders are cautious as meetings begin Associated Press HOLLYWOOD, Fla.

The agent for free agent pitcher Ron Guidry said yester-' day the left-hander will decide on his new contract by the end of this week. Attorney John Schneider said three of the 17 baseball teams that drafted Guidry last month are out of the running in the sweepstakes for the pitcher who has been ace of the New York Yankees' staff since 1977. "Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Texas have ruled themselves out," Schneider said. "I've talked with San Francisco, Baltimore and Cincinnati today and received their initial offers. I'm seeing Toronto and Oakland tomorrow morn-ing.

Schneider said he would talk with George Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, either tomorrow or Thursday and expected a decision by the end of the week when baseball's George's 'favorite son' may get a 2nd chance By WILL GRIMSLEY Auociattd Pr HOLLYWOOD, Fla. Gene Michael will be named manager of the New York Yankees a second time around- before the end of the baseball winter meetings here this week, The Associated Press learned yesterday. Thus the man that George Steinbrenner groomed for executive stardom would resume the position he held for most of the 1981 season after succeeding Dick Howser. Howser managed one year in 1980, winning 103 games for the American League division title only to be fired after losing the playoffs to Kansas City. It's part of Steinbrenner's renowned game of managerial "musical chairs." The return of Michael, who had been acclaimed George's "favorite son," is one of the hottest rumors circulating around the head- Texas, senior Until he broke his fibula in the TCU game, Sims was the dominant defensive down lineman in college football.

He looked like a man toying with children despite constant double teaming. TACKLE: Rick Bryan (6-4, 245), Oklahoma, sophomore He is the Sooners' best defensive lineman since LeRoy Selmon. He has incredible range, good strength and is a big-play man. Turn to Page 4D Turn to Page 2D 1".