Raiders Rally to Beat Dallas, 20‑19
Dallas, Oct. 9 — Displaying their finest football of the season, coach Eddie Erdelatz’s Oakland Raiders barely staved off a furious Dallas Texans rally to notch their second American Football League victory, 20‑19, before 21,000 fans at the Cotton Bowl.
The Californians’ defense held the great Cotton Davidson and Abner Haynes scoreless for three quarters, though five minutes before halftime Dave Webster of the Texans intercepted Tom Flores’ pass and rambled 80 yards for a touchdown, giving Dallas a 7‑0 lead at intermission.
Oakland’s offense, which had managed only two yards in the first half, came alive in the third period with a dazzling display of reverses, passes, and end‑around runs. Jetstream Smith opened the fireworks by taking the second‑half kickoff on his own two and streaking 98 yards upfield, dancing along the sideline and crossing the goal in just 18 seconds to tie the score.
Soon after, Johnny Lott and Vito “Babe” Parilli led a 64‑yard drive capped by a reverse pass from Trey Teresa to Alan Goldstein for six points, putting Oakland ahead 14‑7. Joe Cannavino then recovered a Haynes fumble and Parilli hit Goldstein again for another score, stretching the margin to 20‑7. But the Texans weren’t finished. Haynes and Bo Dickinson went wild in the fourth quarter, driving deep into Raider territory. Dickinson’s plunge from the one made it 20‑13, and after a fumble recovery, Davidson’s jump pass to Max Boydston closed the gap to 20‑19.
With two minutes left, Dallas drove to the Raider two‑yard line, but Tom Louderback and Bob Dougherty led a desperate stand that stopped Dickinson inches short. The Raiders held firm as time expired, preserving the narrow victory.
Oakland’s defense, which had been impenetrable early, learned something about grit in the final minutes. It was the kind of game Californians love—wild, nerve‑tightening, and decided by inches.
ProFootballReference.com Boxscore
Courtesy of The San Francisco Chronicle from October 10, 1960 via Newspapers.com
Courtesy of The Oakland Tribune from October 10, 1960 via Newspapers.com