Ex-Trojan Willard Scott Dies

Willard “Bubba” Scott, a member of the famed 1969 USC defensive line nicknamed the “Wild Bunch,” died Friday at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 53.

Scott was a part of arguably the most prosperous period in USC football history. In 1969, he teamed with All-Americans Al Cowlings and Jimmy Gunn, Charlie Weaver and the late Tody Smith to form a defensive front that powered the Trojans to a 10-0-1 record and a win over Michigan in the 1970 Rose Bowl.

As a sophomore, Scott was a member of the 1967 national championship team that went 10-1 and defeated Indiana in the 1968 Rose Bowl. In his three years at USC, the Trojans went 29-2-2.

Cowlings called Scott the “centerpiece” of that unit.

“He was a hell of a ballplayer,” Cowlings said. “He was the nose guard and everything started with him. It’s sad considering that we also lost Tody Smith last year.”

Before attending USC, Scott was an All-City tackle at Manual Arts High. In 1964, he was the Southern League player of the year. Scott also played at Los Angeles City College in 1965.

After college, Scott worked for Southern Pacific Railroad and most recently was a probation officer. An avid golfer, he also attended many USC football games.

“He was one of the finest persons I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Cowlings said. “I don’t think there was ever a bad thing said about him. He was very warm and generous. He made everybody around him feel comfortable.”

Funeral services are Saturday at Holman Methodist Church in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in Scott’s name to the Parker Hughes Institute, 2665 Long Lake Road, Suite 330, Roseville, Minn., 55113.

Scott, a life-long Los Angeles resident, is survived by his wife, Terrie, and daughters Nikki, 21, and Rena, 20.

Scott is the second member of that defensive group to die at a young age. Smith died at 50 in July 1999.