Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-12-01

The largest crowd that has attend
ed a foot ball game this season saw
Wheeling defeat Bethany College af-
ter as hard fought battle as was eve-
waged on a local gridiron. There were
various estimates of the crowd, the
most conservative being placed at
$500 people In the crowd both teams
had almost an equal percentage of
s'rooters," who Justify cheered their.
favorite team at every opportunity
Bethany's play was snappy both on
offense and defense, but Wheeling was
a little superior. In but one minute of
play Bethany had scored through a
superb run of Curtis, their star full
back, of 100 yards. 1t in itself was the
most magnificent spectacle ever wit
messed on any foot ball field in or about
this city. Notwithstanding the sur
prise sprung upon them, the home
team never wavered, but instead set
tied down to even more steady game.
The battle was hard fought and to
no single player belongs the credit of
the victory. The Wheeling and Beth
any line both held WELL Specht for
Wheeling did some excellent defensive
work in the second half. Sweeney was
again in the game and played with his
usual brilliancy, making greater
part Of the long runs for the home
players.
Hoge, the 16-year-old star High
School half back surpassed even the
sanguine expectations of his admir-
ers, showing both pluck and ability
His work was especially strong on the
offensive play.
Kincheloe, with the exception of his
miss on an open tackle when Curtis
scored, played the game for all that
was in it.
For Bethany, Curtis was a tower
of strength. When any ground was
to be gained Curtis was given the ball
He is. player who, when once well
started is very hard to stop. On the
defensive he played on the right side
of the line and did most of the tack
ling on that side.
The game all through was very clean.
The players, even between plays, joked
with one another.
The decisions of the officials were
never questioned and the visitors ex-
pressed themselves well pleased with
their treatment
THE GAME.
Bethany won the toss and chose the
east goal. Bonnell kicked off to Ma
son on the 15-yard line, who passed
the ball back to Curtis, who was down.
ed by Hoge on the 15-yard line. Beth
any lined UP, playing fast ball. Curtis
hit left tackle for five yards. An in
slant later Curtis was again given the
ball. He dove through right tackle.
There was hole at that point in the
line the size of barn door. With
only Kincheloe between him and
Wheelings goal he was off like shot
down the field. Kincheloe approached
cautiously. Curtis lodged and Kinch-
eloe dived after him. Kincheloe's dive
was an instant too late. 1t served to
swerve Curtis from his course and he
was off down the field with Alexander,
the swift half back, five yards back in
hot pursuit. 1t was a thrilling race.
Not sound was heard from the spec
tators, as with almost a breathless sus-
pense they watched for the result Inch
by inch Alexander made UP the inter
veing distance between them. At the
5-yard line Alexander diyed, striking
Curtis little high for a successful
tackle. Curtis staggered across the
line, shaking Alexander and running
around placed the ball squarely behind