Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 44

60 DETROIT FREE PRESSSUNDAY, SEPT. 20, 1981 Playing for blood Lions-Vikings rivalry shows signs of heating up Meet a Pro at JCPenney Eastland J) By CURT SYLVESTER Free Press Sports Writer BL00MINGT0N, Minn. There are at least three good, sound and logical reasons why the Lions would like a victory over the Minnesota Vikings here Sunday: It would put the Lions over .500 and guarantee them at least a share of first place in the NFC's Central Division. It's a division game, which is the yardstick for measuring all Super Bowl playoff hopes. It's a conference game, and, in case of division ties, conference records are used in tie-breaking procedures.

And there is one good, sound and emotional reason Lions vd. Uihinns What to watch: When the Vikings have the ball: If Kramer is back at quarterback, as the Lions expect, the Vikings will be ready with their mi if for wanting a victory the simple matter of beating the Vikings. The Lions get their chance beginning at 1 p.m. (Detroit time) at Metropolitan Stadium in the renewal of a long-simmering rivalry that lately has shown signs of a new intensity. The Lions are slight (one-to-three point) favorites.

THE EMOTIONS apparently began warming when the Lions beat Minnesota, 27-7, in the fourth game of the 1980 season. Viking coach Bud Grant, who has dominated the division with II titles in 14 seasons, did not like in general the idea of losing, and his players didn't like listening to "Another One Bites the Dust" as they left the Silverdome. So when the Lions arrived in Bloomington six weeks later, they got the same treatment. Quarterback Tommy Kramer, who had been listed as a questionable starter because of an injury to his throwing hand, completed 22 of 32 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota crushed Detroit, 34-0, and the Lions were taunted by their own "Another One Bites the Dust" comments all afternoon.

"That's the worst we played all year, probably," Lions coach Monte Clark said. As it turned out, the Vikings and Lions had matching 9-7 records when the season ended. But Minnesota went to the playoffs on the basis of a better National Conference record. Which brings us to 1981. THE LIONS are going into the game with a 1-1 record, coming off a strong showing in last Sunday's 28-23 loss at San Diego.

The Vikings are 0-2 after losses to Tampa Bay and Oakland, but Clark isn't deceiving himself or his football players. "They're the same team that won the division last year," he said. "They've been in this situation before and done well, so I don't assume anything Just as last year, Kramer is recovering from an injury this time a sprained knee and Grant has indicated he will wait until game time to decide whether Kramer will play. The Lions expect to see Kramer; if he's not healthy enough, the Minnesota quarterbacking will be done by rookie Wade Wilson, an eighth-round draft choice who was forced into duty last Monday night when No. 2 quarterback Steve Dils suffered a shoulder separation.

Lion fullback Dexter Bussey will be shooting for Altie Taylor's all-time Lion career rushing record of 4,298 yards. Bussey needs just 52 yards for his own record. No. 2 tight end Ulysses Norris, who missed most of last week's practice with a stomach disorder, underwent an appendectomy Friday night and did not make the trip to Minnnesota. ban-control passing game.

They don mind throwing 50 or 60 passes a game occasion ally to their outstanding deep threats at wide receiver, Ahmad Rashad and Sammy White, but more often to their running backs or tight ends for short, consistent gains. Fullback Rickey Young is the best receiver among the n.0- JA DacKS, although Ted Brown and recently acquired Tony Gaibreath also catch it well. When the Lions have the ball: When the Lions are moving the ball the way they did against San Diego last week, they have as strong a balanced offense as Clark could "Tom Skladany" place kicker for the Detroit Lions. Boys and girls come in and meet star place kicker Tom Skladany in person at JCPenney Eastland, Monday, Sept: 21st from 7 to 9 p.m. He will' be on hand in, our boy's department and will sign autographs.

Don't miss him. want. Billy Sims, who gained just 21 yards in nine carries in the second game against Minnesota last year, will probably get a chance to redeem himself. Quarterback Gary Danieison goes Into the game as the third- best passer in the NFC. And, with rookie Mark Nichols making his NFL regular-season debut after recovering from a fractured shoulder blade, the passing game will be close to peak efficiency.

Other factors: The Vikings are coming off an embarrassing 36-10 loss to Oakland Mon JCPenney Eastland Only Monday, Sept. 21. 7-9 p.m. day night, and the Lions remember their disappointing 28-23 loss to San Diego last Sunday. In a rivalry as strong as this one In which there is respect, but no love lost neither team should have a great deal of trouble getting "up" for the game.

But it will be to see how well they both come D3CK. Kay matchups: Ltmtes amdl nil cUramge Scott vs. Williams Scott Williams Lion wide receiver Freddie ScottVlk- Most cars and light trucks 88 This inexpensive but valuable service is recommended every 4,000 to 7,000 miles for most vehicles. Included are up to five quarts of oil and professional chassis lubrication Please Ing cornerback Walt Williams: These two played against each other on the practice rail fnr an only field for three years before Williams was appointment. waived this summer.

Williams can be beat, but will be emotionally charged for a rematch against the Lions. mr. rfi? nnn mx i A V.V' Cm i 1 1. Air conditioning service Front-end alignment I Baldlschwllsr vs. Martin Parts, additional materials, and maior repairs extra.

American cars plus Toyota. Oatsun, VW. Honda and light trucks. All American cars. Chevettes set toe only.

Compacts with front wheel drive andor Mac-Pherson suspension, set all adjustable angles. $22 mm Martin Baldischwiler We'll check your system including pressure and leak tests; discharge, evacuate and recharge the system. If needed, refrigerant oil and DELCO PARTS are extra. We'll set caster, camber and toe-in to manufacturer's original specifications. No extra charge for cars with factory air or torsion bars.

Parts extra, if needed. Call for your appointment. Lion left tackle Karl BaldlschwllerVlk-Ing defensive end Doug Martin: Martin, a second-year player, is one of the few Vikings the Lions don't know from past years. He is strongest against the run, so if the Lions are Firestone "36" battery going to run Sims to the left side, Baldischwiler will have to get him out of the way. Warranted UA0NR0E7 shocks Each Installed Domestic cars plus Datsun.

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Great for normal service use In moderate weather. Price includes installation. Huntsr vs. Vhlta 1 1 Front disc brake service for IMPORTS White Hunter Electronic ignition tune-up $00 4-cyinder American cars. Toyota, Dai-VM sun, VW and Honda.

$39 $49 6-Cyllnder 8-Cylinder We'll install new resistor spark plugs; adjust idle speed; set timing; test battery and charging system; inspect rotor, distributor cap, PCV valve, ignition cables, air filter, crank-case vent filter and vapor canister filter. Lion cornerback James HunterVlklna Single piston system. Available (or most Datsun. Toyota VW We'll replace tront disc pads and machine both front rotors $5 wide receiver Sammy White: Should be an Interesting matchup between a couple of IMPORTANT; Rebuilding of calipers, which is often required on disc brake overhauls, is extra. Ask for a written estimate, as price depends on availability of parts.

former Grambling teammates. White has a way of hurting the Lions; Hunter is coming off a neck injury but playing well. YOUR HOME 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH on revolving charge al Firestone stores and many Firestone dealers ANYMORE Wr also honor: Visa Mastercard Diners Club Carte Blanche American Express NO CHARGE FOR MOl'NTINC Firestone tire purchase Jj Minimum monthly payment required. Murray All finance charges refunded, when paid as agreed. Firrstonr national rri'dtt card hontiri'd at asorr than 2.500 locations vs.

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