Rare Sports Films


1965 Dodgers Astros

1969 NFL Week 10

"GAME-OF-THE-WEEK"

Sunday November 23, 1969


New Orleans Saints vs San Francisco 49'ers

This Saints vs. 49’ers NFL “Game-Of-The-Week” film, narrated by Jack Whitaker, is another “Lost Game” of NFL Films from the vast Rare Sportsfilms library of lost NFL games not available from any other source – not even NFL Films has this one!

The Saints (2-7) are coming off only their second win of the season, a 1-point triumph over the Giants at New York. The 49’ers are 2-6-1, and both wins were over the Baltimore Colts, including their 20-17 game last week at home. Both teams would be trying to win only their 3rd game of the season, but before this matchup, little did fans know what an exciting game it would be!

The 49’ers use up the first seven minutes of the game on a long 80-yard, 15-play drive, and after three tries from only a yard away, a Ken Willard run puts San Francisco into a 7-0 lead. After a second three-and-out by the Saints, the 49’ers boost their lead to 14-0. On the first play of the second quarter, Doug Cunningham takes a handoff from Brodie, then passes 8 yards to Dick Witcher for a second 49’er TD. San Francisco scores again when another Ken Willard TD plunge from the 1-yard line gives the 49’ers a 21-0 lead! With only two minutes left in the first half, the Saints have only run 13 plays. Finally, Saints QB Billy Kilmer, on two consecutive passes to his fine receiver Dan Abramowicz along with receptions by Ernie Wheelwright and Dave Parks plus a 49’er penalty, has the ball at the 49’er 22-yard line. A strike to Ray Poage for a touchdown just before the half changes the score to 49’ers 21, Saints 7 at intermission.

At first, the Saints again try running the ball to begin the second half, but when Kilmer’s passes begin finding their mark, the game begins a complete reversal. Another drive culminates on a 13-yard draw play to Andy Livingston up the middle and New Orleans starts to climb back closer at 21-14. Not even two minutes later, the Saints have the ball again and this time travel 70 yards in just two plays to tie the game: Livingston gallops 17 yards to midfield, then Kilmer throws a 50-yard TD bomb to Abramowicz tying the score, 21-21! Then Noland Smith fumbles the ensuing kickoff at the 14-yard line and an option play to Livingston, who completes a pass to Abramowicz in the end zone, now gives New Orleans a 28-point comeback! But this New Orleans lead lasts only two minutes. A pass play to Dick Witcher gains 30 yards, then rookie Jimmy Thomas breaks away on another touchdown run, and the game is now tied 28-28! Don Shy returns the kickoff 47 yards to the 50. Now defense begins to assert itself. Mel Phillips smashes Kilmer to the turf, sending him to the sidelines, and young Edd Hargett must take over at QB for New Orleans. The drive stalls and Dempsey is short on a 53-yard FG attempt.

As the fourth quarter opens, 49’ers center Forrest Blue snaps the ball over the head of kicker Jon Kilgore and out of the end zone for a safety (30-28 Saints lead). On the Saints’ next possession, Kilmer is back in the game after having his sore shoulder worked on. Abramowicz picks up 21 yards on a flea-flicker to the 49’er 30. A second unusual play goes from Kilmer to Tom Barrington to Tony Baker, setting up a first and goal for the Saints. But the 49’ers hold and Tom Dempsey extends the narrow Saints lead to 33-28 with his 15-yard field goal.

John Brodie leads the 49’ers back upfield, and in three plays puts the 49’ers back in front for the first time since the half, 35-33. Two of the plays are passes to Jimmy Thomas who hauls in the final 35-yard TD pass with still 12 minutes left in the game. What a thriller! Now it’s the Saints’ turn again. After two first downs, this drive stalls and Dempsey kicks his second field goal – a 43-yarder, and the Saints are back on top, 36-35. Later in the period, the 49’ers punt and get a big break when their kick is fumbled by Gene Howard, and they recover on the New Orleans 14-yard line. But San Francisco cannot pick up a first down, so Momcilo Gavric boots a 23-yard FG making the score 49’ers 38, Saints 36. There are less than 3 minutes left when Kilmer hits Dave Parks with a pass at the 49’er 40. He next throws to Tony Baker who rambles 29 yards down the sideline to the 49’er 15. With just seconds left, Ernie Wheelwright thunders around the right side and into the end zone to score the winning TD in a thrilling 43-38 New Orleans Saints victory!

Throughout this DVD, you’ll see other Saints of the day in action: Jerry Sturm, Doug Atkins, Al Dodd, Johnny Brewer, Dave Rowe, Ollie Cordill, Elijah Nevett, and Bo Burris. Other 49’ers shown include Momcilo Gavric, Skip Vanderbundt, Steve Spurrier, Gene Washington, Woody Peoples, Frank Nunley, Elmer Collett, Cas Banaszek, and Len Rohde.

To order your own DVD of this memorable game, send $29.95 plus $4.60 S&H to: (Illinois residents must add $2.30 state sales tax).

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