CONTENTS

WHAT A DOWNER 16
Why have so many NFL quarterbacks been knocked out of action so far this season? Dr. Z has a theory
by Paul Zimmerman

DESTINY'S BOYS 32
The Los Angeles Dodgers miraculously beat the Oakland Athletics four games to only one in the World Series
by Steve Wulf

A KING IN EDMONTON 40
Wayne Gretzky, now with the Los Angeles Kings, returned to his old city and was cheered boisterously
by Austin Murphy

THEY REIGN IN SPAIN 48
The Boston Celtics beat two international opponents to get the title in the McDonald's Open in Madrid
by Jack McCallum

NOTHING BUT LUMPS 54
For Donny Lalonde of Canada, who will fight Sugar Ray Leonard in Las Vegas, life has hardly been sweet
by William Nack

WINNERSVILLE U.S.A. 68
When it comes to high school football teams, the Valdosta (Ga.) Wildcats are as good as they get
by Geoffrey Norman

DEPARTMENTS

Letters 8
Scorecard 11
College Football 63
Television 85
For The Record 87
Point After 88

Cover Photograph by Ronald C. Modra

PHOTO

DAVID E. KLUTHO

DON'T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE: Wayne Gretzky zipping behind the Oiler net was a familiar sight. Now that he's a King, such occasions will be rare. This one occurred during his Edmonton homecoming (page 40).