slobber-knocker n. especially in American football, a powerful collision or a match featuring unusual phsyical violence or intense play; (hence) also in other sports, an exciting game; an exciting or emotional event. Also v., slobber-knock, to hit with extreme force; to decleat; also figurative. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In 1916, a small-town newspaper in Pennsylvania printed a fanciful item about a local gathering with a guest list that included, among others, Miss Ella Vader, Mr. Ray Zor, and other punny names. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Jim in Columbia, South Carolina, has noticed sportscasters’ use of the phrase on the season with reference to a period of time. This construction shows up in the sports pages as early as the 1880s, first referring to a team’s revenue and later to...