Times-Advocate from Escondido, California • 44

12 TIMES-ADVOCATE, Saturday, Aug. 30, 1986NORTH COUNTY CONSUMER NEWS, Thursday, Sept 4, 1986 Chargors 86: Prodictions I I AFC West 1. Seattle 2. San Diego 3. Denver 4.

Los Angeles 5. Kansas City AFC Central 1. Cincinnati 2. Pittsburgh 3. Cleveland 4.

Houston AFC East .1. Miami 2. New England 3. N.Y. Jets 4.

Buffalo 5. Indianapolis NFC West 1. San Francisco 2. L.A. Rams 3.

Atlanta 4. New Orleans NFC Central 1. Chicago 2. Detroit 3. Green Bay 4.

Minnesota 5. Tampa Bay NFC East 1. N.Y. Giants 2. St.

Louis 3. Washington 4. Dallas 5. Philadelphia AFC Champion Seattle NFC Champion San Francisco Super Bowl Champion San Francisco Associated Press foe photo KgfrTrmcatt5EeqqTal Charlie Joiner continues to extend his receiving records. AFC East 1.

Miami 2. New York 3. New England 4. Indianapolis 5. Buffalo AFC Central 1 Cincinnati 2.

Pittsburgh 3. Cleveland 4. Houston AFC West 1. Los Angeles 2. Denver 3.

Seattle 4. San Diego 5. Kansas City NFC East 1. New York 2. Philadelphia 3.

Dallas 4. St. Louis 5. Washington NFC Central 1. Chicago 1 2.

Green Bay 3. Minnesota 4. Tampa Bay 5. Detroit NFC West I.San Francisco 2. Los Angeles 3.

New Orleans 4. Atlanta AFC champion Los Angeles NFC champion San Francisco Super Bowl champion San Francisco Joiner keeps bagging those milestones By Bob Gaines limes-Advocate Sportswriter 4 SAN DIEGO Charlie Joiners fondest memory as a Charger is a bit hazy. On Dec. 17, 1979, Joiner played a major role as the Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 17-7 for the clubs first AFC Western Division championship. People tell me I caught a touchdown that won the game, said Joiner.

I took a good beating that night. I had a little concussion. I wasnt remembering things too well. But winning that championship was a big thrill. Joiner, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on October 14, is entering his 18th pro season and 11th with the Chargers.

Bagging yet another milestone, Joiner is now the oldest receiver in the history of the NFL. I realize Im getting up there in age, but I really dont feel old thats the honest truth, said Joiner. As long as people dont remind me, I dont even think about age. I just hate to be reminded because I dont want to be thinking Im old. When you think youre old, youre going to act old.

In 1985, the youngster caught 59 passes for 932 yards and seven touchdowns. Joiner remains the all-time NFL leader with 716 career receptions. And hes closing quickly on yet another record, he needs only 135 yards to break Don Maynards mark of 11,834 yards. The yardage record is just a little ways off, said Joiner. But right now, Im thinking about staying healthy and playing as well as I can to help the team get to the Super Bowl.

Joiner started 14 of 16 games last year. But, as usual, he played sparingly during the preseason. They want to see other people play and that kills me sometimes, he said. I get jealous when I see these guys catching touchdowns and Im not out there. Also during the preseason, Joiner had eight stitches in his hand after being slashed by a football.

But expect him in the lineup when the Miami Dolphins visit San Diego Stadium Sept. 7. I really get excited for the season to start, said Joiner. The team has a very good feeling this year, and I like that. I think we have a little more excitement than last year or the year before.

Our chances are just as good as the Raiders or Seattle or Denver. Were right on par with those teams. Living in Houston during the offseason, Joiner works hard to keep his body in mint condition. I trained most of the time and I think it paid off, he said. I feel in Please see Joiner, page 24.