Monte Lipman as Johnny U

THE NEW JOHNNY U: Do you remember when Johnny Unitas stepped in for Earl Morrall at QB for the then-Baltimore Colts during Super Bowl III against the Jets and Joe Namath, almost leading them to victory? Well, the only reason we do is because it’s the last time Gang Green won the NFL title, and it’s the way Republic head Monte Lipman describes coming off the bench: to take over for the departed Joel Klaiman to lead his label promo team into the all-important fourth quarter. Sure, it’s a stretch, but that’s nothing compared to how we usually bend over backwards here at HITS, your home for three yards and a cloud of dust, then punting on third down. (11/14a)