The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-25


Stanfords play. 1t will differ somewhat
from that OF Thanksgiving. but to what ex-
tent will be determined by the condition of
the grounds and the tactics of the Chi
Cages. Soggy weather will undoubtedly
favor Stan ord; a heavy team has the ad-
vantage in the mud, as tleetfooted half
backs are handicapped. Chicago depends
largely upon her backs. and it is conceded
they are expected to do some brilliant
work Tackles back" or the turtle
back" wedge ls another OF their favorite
PLAYS, and has been used all the season
with great success. They drive it through
the guards and tackles. The Stanford men
also use The play; they know how it is
made and how it is unmade. Cochran and
Fickert are particularly clever at the latter
trick. 1t was creation of Camps fertile
brain, and he taught it to the Stanford
boys for all it was worth.
A great deal of interest and speculation
is growing among the enthusiasts in re-
gard to the fearful battle that is bound to
be fought at the center. 1t is admitted by
those who have seen both teams that SIX
splendid athletes will be pitted against
each other and the progress of this conflict
is bound to be Interesting. The points for
and against seem TO be weight in favor OF
the Stanford centers, experience in favor
of the ChicagoS, with hon0rS divided on
courage and endurance. Fiekert has in
buck against. Possibly the latter will try
to worry and fatigue the Stanford guard,
but he will find it fruitless ask. FickeIt
is a peculiar man to play against-heavy.
rawboned, with arms almost like mans
limb, he exerts strength from several direc-
tions all at tine same time, and il is difficult
for an opponent 10 determine where it all
comes from and how to counterfeit it. The
contest in the center will be critical. If
Stanford breaks Chicago's center Stanford
will win, and the prospects apparently are
encouraging. Hazard is bound t. 90
through his opposing center, Wyant The
latter weighs forty pounds less than the
Pal0 Alto man, and furthermore, is built
too high to oppose man like Hazard.
VINO is built like bull. from the ground
up. Ii Stanford should open up Chicago's
center to this extent the latter's halves
will not be able to run the formers ends
fast enough so make up for the loss
Stagg declares he will win. Certainty
he is taking mastery care OF his men.
Manager Hicks wanted him to bring the
team down 10 the university to-day for a
short pleasure trip, but Stage politely de-
rlined. He wants TO go back East with a
clean record of victories, and will hazard
not the slightest change that might pre-
JUDGE his purposes
Walter Camp, when asked his opinion in
regard TO the game. replied with some
emphasis, Chicago will have to play
mighty hard ball to win."
DR.. Jordan. before leaving for Mexico
last week, expressed the belief tina. his
team would be victorious. This was no
mere expression of patriotism, but conclu-
sion based upon an accurate and detailed
knowledge Of ali the great teams in the
country The doctor is in no sense a
crank. but he has football and footballers
at his fnger-tips.
Last night at midnight Manager Hicks
sat in his coy quarters in the "mysterious
Frenchman's" chalet and i'll his breezy