The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-12-23

weight, his knack in keeping always close
to the bail and frequently securing it on
FUN bles or by stealing it, constitute points
that after the disadvantages OF his light
ness are deducted a balance remains In
his favor that makes him more valuable
TO team than a heavier tackler, as was
shown especially by his record in the
THANKSGIVING game when opposed 10 a
tackle thirty-four pounds heavier than
himself.
Thomas showed himself the match OF
Simpson, man to man, in the ThanksglV-
ing game, and in addition to that he re-
peatedlv figured more prominently IN
play elsewhere on the field. He used his
weight we'll in smashing up heavy inter
ference, though much CT his tackllng, be-
cause too high, was not so good as that OF
many of the other tackles. That men
who played against and behind both
Thomas and Rice ranked Rice as the bet
ter tackle would indicate that Simpson,
though possessed of considerable reputa-
ton as n dangerous opponent, ala not
show such valuable form as to dlsplace
either of these men for place on the ALI
California team.
Fickert's general and unfailing reliable
ity, In other seasons and In this season
especially, in being just where he was
needed at the proper time, and always
taking good care of his man without starr
ing one moment and relaxing in vigilance
ana skill the next, mark him as a most
valuable but not brilliant guard. Not
nearly the equal in interference alone of
the formidable Oliver. nor near the equal
of Sheehy in running with the ball, the
big Stanford captain displayed other and
more all-round qualifications for the posi-
ton, and proved himself greater factor
in team than is Smith, the Olympic
guard.
Code did better work this season than in
anv of the four years he played quarter
for Stanford. His clean passing, his hard,
dashing, demon-like playing IN con-
tinually breaking through the line to spoil
the pass, his interfering for the runner.
his kicking from the quarterback's posi-
ton, and even his tackling all combined
to make the Olympic quarter as quarter
probably the best man in the position.
Murphy, the Stanford quarter, demon
strated that in football generalship he
probably has no equal on the coast ex-
cepting, perhaps, Stickney. His punting
and running with the ball were admirable,
but with no disparagementt to his brilliant
showing as a freshman yet undeveloped
by Varsity coaching TO his possibilities, it
must be said that simply as quarter
Murphy was not the equal of Code. Ken
nedy, Mcintosh, and perhaps Arlett, be-
cause he rarely tackled, seldom got into
the crush, and was outclassed by the
Others III interference.
But without Ransome to kick Murphy
would, because of his kicking and gener-
ip, undoubtedly be more valua bic
man than Code to the ALL California team.
He is however, like Stickney, who is
probably the best all-round player on the
coast. not so we'll fitted for particular
position as some other men of less versa
tility.
Halls fast end-running, his interference
and ability to take advantage of interior
ence, his weight, his sureness in handling
the ball and his effective advances through
a scattered held should give him place
as one OF the two most valuable halfbacks
that the State could offer this season for a
all his games was admirable and in the
Thanksgiving match appeared to be the
best in the California team.
He and Cotton would make pair of big,
heavy, fairly speedy and most reliable
ground-gaining and defensive halfbacks.
Neither would be so speedy as Walton,
but both would probably be more reliable
in tackling. in catching punts and IN in
terfering. Both would outweigh Stickney
by from about twenty-five to thirty-fve
pounds, and would be proportionately val
liable in line bucking and heavy interior
ence on end runs. Were either of these
halls less valuable, experie need at the
game and relia bic, Stickney would get the
place, and his accurate and scientific kick
ing might be of sufficient value in game
TO equal or discount great weight and
~ ore specific qualihcat lions for the primary
duties of the haIfback.
This, then, is an All-California eleven