Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-11-26

athletic lines, no enthusiastic alumni. no
reputation, no outside encouragement, no
nucleus of experienced players to bu Id on
and to give confidence to the team. Its
victories have been won from teams of es-
tablished regulations, composed of players
trained by long experience. Its players
have been light and usually largely out
weighed, and there has often been an anus
ing disproportion between its light line and
the heavy teams which it has met and van
pushed.
But these were not difficulties to damp
en- the zest or daunt the courage of the
sturdy defenders of the honor of Brattle-
boro academy. With resolute determine
tion and loyalty to alma mater that go so
far to make foot ball teams, they set logged
ly to work. A style of play was settled
upon that was best suited to the playing
abilities of the team. The eleven was soon
playing together like unit. Each player
learned that he was depended upon for his
part in each play. The interference of the
team in end plays was developed to the
highest point which the weight of its players
would admit. Every available man was in
the interference which started quickly,
kept closely massed, and was at top speed
by the third step. AS consequence it
usually overbore any defence that was pre-
sented to it, for good gain. Often has
runner been taken along behind this COM
pact formation from 20 to 40 yards and
even one S0-yard run is down to its credit,
and that, too, against the strong Brattleboro
team.
The line bucking of the team has been,
on the whole, superior to its end plays. All
hon hit tho limo q and keen
their footing well. They are resourceful
and alert, quick to take advantage of every
chance and their opponents mistakes and
never give up till the last possible inch has
been gained.
Perhaps the most brilliant work of the
season has been that of the half-backs and
ends on defensive play. They are quick in
starting and go at the interferences SO
fercely and tackle so low that they have Of
ten proved a very disconcerting factor in
their opponents reckoning.
With the exception of Eddy the line has
been too light to play an aggressive game
On the defensive they keep well to the
ground and have prevented any consider
able gains, except in the first Hinsdale
game. When Mather has been at left
tackle his work has added largely to the
effectiveness of the line.
The eleven was so fortunate as to have
the services of l.. Mason Beeman, former
| ly one of the crack players of Wesleyan, as
coach during the early part OF the season
The eleven's success is the logical out
come of the brilliant and patient work OF
its members. 1t has scored GO points &c
its opponents 80. 1t has suffered only one
defeat in seven games. Its playing has
| been uniformly free from unnecessary
roughness and unfair tactics. It's victories
are vindication of straightforward gen
tlemanlness in foot ball. Following is
criticism of the playing qualities OF the IN
diyidual members of the team:
Leslie j. Fisher, height, . feet, Z.
| inches: weight, 1872 pounds; age, II
PLAYED quarter back two years and this sea
| son went to left end. This is his SECOND
wear as captain of the eleven. AS captain
he has had the confidence of his men ant
has shown excellent judgment in handling
the team. His work at end is fully up tC
the high standard which he set at quarter
He is fierce tackler, strong runner anC
a hard man to handle in the interference
Geo. f.. Mather, height, feet, 9 inches
weight 1873 pounds; age, 20, played lei
tac9Ie n mart of the season. His playing
ia surnerb in form and shows the result o
onick. cool head work. He follows tn
game closely and never lets the slightes
advantage slip. In line breaking ant
blocking plays behind the line he ha
shown up unexpectedly strong and neVe
fails To make holes for the backs. lie en-
ters the Massachusetts Institute OF Iech
nology next year where he VIII make
strong bid for the, varsity.
Herm on E. Eddy, height, 6 feet, inch
weight, 1916 pounds; age, II, whose greS
WEIGHT and strength have made him val
nable man in the line, has played a
left guard throughout the season. Play
aimed at him have generally fallen bac
without gain. In offensive play he tosse
aside his man with ease and helps pus
the runner This is his first year on IN
gridiron and he promises to be one OF III
stars. s,o4 : ircbes
weiobt $50 pounds; age, 2l, has playe
centre in two games. lie plays oiI =
to the ground, is sturdy and uhmoVaol
on defensive play.
Robert e. Dunklee, height, feet, l.
inches; weight, 135 pounds; age 10, ma
nvnerience in the line last year and ma
6Iied centre most acceptably this season
His light weight is more than balanced
his crit and determination. He senus III
hall back well to the quarter and plays 10
on defensive. II
Leonard F. Taylor, height, ieet' II /,
inches. weight, 1872 pounds; age, Is, wa
initiated into the mysteries ol 'oo' y"