Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license.
Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat.
We can research this topic together.
Hopes were high as the 49er's returned 15 starters heading into the 1985 season. They were once again led by senior quarterback Doug Gaynor who passed for 3563 yards a 71.2% completion percentage and 19 TD's. He returned his entire receiving corps from the previous season including Charles Lockett 69 catches, 949 yards and 10 TD's, Troy Ory (46-554-5), tight end Greg Locy (38-502-0) and running back Mark Templeton (62-500-1). The rushing attack was led by Martin Sartin who ran for 441 yards and scored 13 total TD's. The Niners also received a strong contribution from Sheldon Gaines who gained a combined 514 yards rushing and receiving along with leading the team as a kick-returner. The defense was led by a strong pass rush from ends Tom Hensley and Chuck Meierbachtol. Val James led the secondary with 5 interceptions.
The Niners were a "streaky" team in 1985. They lost their first two games, then reeled off three wins, two losses, three wins and finally two losses. The highlight of the season was a showdown with Fresno St. The 49er's were only one game behind the Bulldogs in the PCAA standings for this late-season matchup. The game was an exciting one, as the 49ers drove down the field in the waning seconds. A 54-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right and Fresno prevailed 33-31, clinching the conference championship.
