Birmingham Linebacker Ross Bruphbacher attempting to corral Fire quarterback Virg Carter.

Americans Singe Chicago

George Mira threw for one touchdown and directed long drives for two more to lead the unbeaten Birmingham Americans over the Chicago Fire, 22-8, Thursday night and tighten their grip on first place in the central division of the World Football League.

Mira, coming back from an ankle injury, completed 12 of 28 passes for 139 yards and was voted the game’s outstanding player by sportswriters covering the nationally televised game.

The Americans, now 8-0, and the only undefeated team in the fledgling pro football loop, handed Chicago its second setback in eight games.

Birmingham dominated the first half, scoring its first touchdown on a two-yard plunge by Jimmy Edwards after a 57-yard drive in the first period.

Mira hit Paul Robinson with a 19-yard pass to end a 69-yard push in the second period and give the Americans a 14-0 edge.

But, the Fire rebounded after Harry Howard intercepted a Birmingham pass on the Chicago 28, with only 27 seconds left in the first half.

Fire quarterback Virgil Carter connected on three consecutive throws, hitting Jim Scott with only two seconds left before intermission. Jack Dolbin scored the “action point” on a pass from Carter.

After a scoreless third period, Mira masterminded his team on a 66 yard-drive in the fourth period to clinch the victory. Art Cantrelle plunged over from three yards to cap the nine-play drive, which was highlighted by Mira’s passing with three completions for 58 yards to end Alfred Jenkins.

The Americans’ defense throttled the Fire, holding it to a season low total of 70 yards on the ground and became the first team to hold Chicago to one touchdown. Mark Kellar was held to 59 yards on 11 rushes. He picked up 54 yards on passes.

Carter passed for 263 yards on 18 completions, but three of his throws were intercepted. The Fire never got beyond Birmingham’s 38 yard line in the second half.