Houston Oilers
Vs.
Washington Redskins
August 1, 1968
Oilers Set Back Redskins By 9-3
HOUSTON (AP)- The strong defense that led the Houston Oilers to a
surprising division championship in the American Football League has
made an impressive 1968 debut.
A crowd of 41,865 gave the defensive unit standing ovations last night
as the Oilers, after a three year delay, moved into the Astrodome for
the first time and defeated the National Football League's Washington
Redskins 9-3 in an exhibition game.
While Pete Beathard was sparking the Oilers' offense brilliantly, the
defense limited the Redskins to only three threats as Charlie Gogolak
attempted field goals of 50, 35 and 40 yards. Only the second attempt
was successful. The other two wore blocked by Oiler charges led by Elvin
Bethea and Ronnie Caveness.
The Redskins netted 220 yards in total offense, compared to a 289.2
average the Oilers' defense allowed last season
Beathard, completing 15 of 24 passes for 154 yards, threw a nine-yarder
to rookie Mac Haik for the lone touchdown and connected on four of five
attempts for 51 yards to set up a 27-yard field goal by John Wittenhorn.
The touchdown drive covered 88 yards, counting a 41 yard interference
penalty that put the Oilers on the Washington 35-yard line.
Dick Smith, a Washington cornerback, pushed
Haik and was charged with a interference penalty. Six plays later,
Beathard hit Haik with the touchdown pass.
Houston got two shots at the extra point
because of a Washington penalty. During the exhibition season, pro
teams must run or pass 3 yards for the point. Woodie Campbell, after
missing on a pass, was stopped on a line plunge.
Three heart-transplant survivors were among the 41,868 fans who watched the meeting of the American and National League teams.
Redskins' Bobby Mitchell stopped by Oilers.
Hoyle Granger of the Oilers plows through Redskin defense.
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Redskins | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Oilers | 0 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
Scoring Summary
Second Quarter
HOU- Haik 9 yard pass from Beathard (run failed)
WASH- FG Gogolak 35
Third Quarter
HOU- FG Wittenborn 23
Att- 41,868
