The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-12-10

Western Football Supremacy.
MADISON, Wis, Dec. 9.-The Western
football championship goes to Chicago
Before at least p 600 persons the eleven Of
the University of Chicago today defeated
the University of Wisconsin by a score Of
II to Q, in a game that for desperate
playing, for clean, scientific football, has,
probably, never been eQualed on a West
ern grldiron. No 1ukes marred the vic
tory of the sturdy Chicago players, and
tonight, for the first time in years, the
maroons can lay claim to an undisputed
title to the championship.
It was a game between a team which,
in offensive playing, was perfect, with
weather and wind in its favor, and an
eleven whose defensive playing, up to to-
day, has been compact enough to protect
their goal from all offensive elevens except
Yale, but Chicagos mass plays were ir
resistible, and although the Badgers
fought until they could fight no more,
twice in the first half and once in the
second half did the Chicago backs plunge
through the lines until they secured
touch-downs
Only once did Wisconsin have a chance
to score, and they failed to avail them
selves of the opportunity With the ball
on their own ten-yard line, Chicago for
wards braced so effectively that on four
downs the ball was only showed forward
three yards. In this respect the Chicago
players surprised their supporters. Their
defensive play was far stronger than ex-
pected, and even when Wisconsin had
compelled to kick in most instances.
Throughout the whole game the Badg-
ers were on the defensive most of the
time with the ball we'll into their terri
tory. Chicago quickly located the weak
spots in the Badgers defense. They were
on the left end of the line, and in the first
half Shaker, Fell, HamiH and Henry, be-
hind interference that was apparently I'M
breakable, tore through tackle and guard
positions for gains that were almost ir-
resistibIe.
On the right difficulty was experienced.
Curtiss, the Wisconsin right tackle, play
ed a whirlwind game, and he tore through
Fell again and again. He was easily the
star of the Wisconsin eleven. The play
of Chicago was often directed against
him, but 1t never netted more than three
yards, and frequently Curtiss blocked a
play before it was really started.
On the other side Of the line it came
easier. Flanagan, Weber and Eldredge
held their men safe, and when Shaker and
Fell were sent against the line it was
blocked before the play was started.
WISCONSIN OUT OF IT.
In the second half Comstock exhausted
and lmping, retired in favor of Locum.
and little Trait also went out, Wilmarth
taking his place. But it made little diff
ference The game had already been
Won, and although Locum made Flana-
gems life a burden to him for he balance
of the game, the rest Of the team was
too exhausted to make effective head
way.
During the latter part of the second
half Chicago played to keep Wisconsin
from scoring, and once Kennedy adopted
the tactics Of Capt Mcbride, Of Yale
and dropped back twenty yards to hol6
the ball.
Chicago's Interference was far superio,
to Wisconsin's, and to this fact, more
than any other, must be ascribed the vic.
tory. Once the ball was put in plav. ev.
cry man on the team was pushing, pull.
ing or helping the runner to Keep his
Ieet until the whistle was blown for q
down. Even when tackled, the Chicago
packs and tackles, Webb and Fell beina
frequently used, frequently went dowr
beneath a mass Of players.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, was more
easily broken up, and in no case was the
baII advanced more than ten yards.
For two hours before the game oo,a
drizzling rain fell, and during +ha soro,
frequent showers fell. The rain did mo-
nave much effect on the field, but it mad.
the ball wet and slippery, and f1mhle,
Were frequent on both sides. When ~,
referees whistle blew, at the end of N,
game nearly LOCO Chicago rooters burs