The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-11-27
WILL THORNTON PLAY Us?
Portland Football Team TRYING to
Arrange a Game.
THERE ARE MANY OBSTACLES IN
THE WAY OF A MEETING.

Anxiety to Play Portland-There is
Little Chance of Game Here ut Any
Rate-A Little Football Gossip.
Manager Hannaford Of the Portland
football team went to Saco yesterday, &C
companied by Mr.. Weber of the team to
try and induce the Thornton Academy
team to play the Portland boys today.
Manager Hannaford met with very little
success in his efforts and the chances for
Portland and Thornton to meet this
season seem very poor. Thornton has so
far had an unbroken record OF games
won. They have played nowhere except
ing in Saco, and in truth do not seem
disposed to play anywhere else. Then
Thornton was somewhat startled by the
Portland victory over Hebron on Thurs,
day, and in the face of it are not too
anxious to meet Portland.
Manager Hannaford told PRESS re-
porter last night that he met at Snco the
principal of Thornton academy, member
of the advisory board and one or two
other gentlemen. They said that Thorn
ton was not in condition to play another
game today, and that idea was altogether
out of the question. AS to the two teams
meeting noxt Saturday these gentlemen
said they would consider the matter hut
frankly admitted that the Thornton team
was all broken up and had several men
who were in no condition at present to
play another game.
Before game can be arranged in any
event Portland must pay Thornton
Slo9. so, which is the amount that last
years football team owed Thornton. If
this sum can be raised and guaranteed
then Thornton Is willing to meet Port
land, providing a game is thought ad-
visable either at Portland or at Saco.
If Thornton plays here it Ill be
necessary to give her one-third of the gate
receipts and her expenses. If Portland
plays at Saoo she will be given her ex-
penses and half the gate receipts. The
Thornton team is to inform Manager
Hannaford on Wednesday of their de-
cision.
| The Portland team, almost to man, Is
anxious to meet Thornton. They question
Thornton's claim to the championship
and are willing to settle the matter for
all time in game. But Thornton Is not
quite so hot for game with Portland as
the Biddoford papers would lead the pub
lie to believe. The Thornton team de-
i foo tad
score of 10 to Q, and had to fight to do it,,
while Hebron, whom Portland defeated
Thursday by a score of too easily won
from the Coburn Classical team by score
of 26 to 0. If Thornton had the courage
to come out of their own back yard and
play Portland their claims TO the cham :
pionship might not be so loudly vaupted
There is little hope of Thornton playing
in Portland In the first place the
grounds at Deering will be unfit for use
after today and then Thornton will not
be anxious to come to Portland. The
chances for game at Saco are not very
bright, but should Thornton muster up
enough pluck to meet Portland there the
fortunate people of the twin cities would
have chance of seeing the best of foot.
ball games, for 1t is certain to be close
game at any rate.
| Mr.. Hannaford, who has been the
manager of the Portland team for this
season and whose excellent Judgment
and business ability have been at the ser.
vice of the Portland team from the be-
ginning, deserves a great amount Of
praise for the work he has done. Few
people realize the amount of labor which
devolves on manager of a football team
or the responsibility which goes with tn.
position Mr.. Hannaford has ably fulfilled
the duties of his position and deserves the
thanks of every lover OF football for hi.
earnest and praiseworthy efforts to carry
out the plans for the season. All Is sale
when remark often heard is repeated
"The management of the football team
this season was undoubtedly in the righ
hands, and the High school should feel
grateful for the services rendered by Mr.
Hannaford.'
The finances of the High school football
team have been we'll handled, but tn,
games at home have been poorly ATTENDED
and the expenses have been heavy. TIL,
season closes with debt of $500 hanging
over the head of the High school assooia
tion. This debt must be raised and 1t il
proposed to raise it by means of sub
scription papers. After the showing mad,
by the High school boys these sub
soription papers will undoubtedly fine
many signers. There is feeling that th,
sl09. 50 owed Thornton should also be pais
whether Portland plays that team agair
or not.
Coach Warren returns home tonight
he has labored hard with the Portland
team and after meeting with two dis.
astrous defeats got the team into ;
position where it could defeat TIL,
strongest aggregation in the state. Mr.
Warren has made many friends in tbi,
city and his success with tho football
team is greatly appreciated.