Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-28
ARMY-NAvY GAME.
Middies Favorites in New York at
100 to 90

The West t-Annapolis game at
Princeton on Saturday will close the sea-
son. The Middies' victory over the vir-
ginia Polytechnic. In view Of the Army s
previous defeat by the same team has
further encouraged the Annapolis boys At
the same time the victory was not espe-
cially conclusive, and 1t should be borne In
mind that West Point has advanced a lot
since they played the Virgnians While
on the score of their relative records An
papolis should be big favorite for the
game it must be remembered that West
Foiht played a much higher class of op-
ponents than the Navy lads.
Each suffered defeat in the hest games
they played by single point--West Point
against Carlisle and Annapolis against
Swarthmore. The Carlisle and Swarthmore
teams are on a fairly equal basis, and
would indicate that the two governmental
schools are not so far apart in skill. Those
who have studied the two teams carefully
ana analyzed their strength believe the
struggle between them will result much
the contest at Cambridge did last Satur-
day, and that victory will be scored by
single touchdown.
In New York yesterday a broker offered
to bet 500 to 500 that the Navy would win
against the Army.
The Naval Academy foot ball eleven be-
gan its last week of practice before meeting
West Point, with great spirit Yesterday af-
ternoon. There Is no overconfidenca at or
disposition to underrate the Army team be-
cause of its comparatively poor work early
in the season. but 1t is the earnest belief
of the players and almost every one else at
Annapolis that the Navy is the better team
this year, and II 1t plays up to Its mark. it
will win by small score. This belief is
based on the fact that the Navy has played
a strong game in every contest and proved
that 1t is away above the Navy standard
for many years past.
The practice yesterday was directed by
Head Coach Paul Dashell and Coaches Oh
cult. Gould and Chamberlin of Yale all of
whom will be with the team until after Sat-
urday's game. There was no regular line
up but defensive work and some special
ground-gaining plays were tried against the
scrub. the practice being secret. There was
small army Of old navy players present to
help the regular coaches. Piersol, the
stocky tackle, and the surest ground-gainer
among the linemen, was on the field in foot
ball toys, but did not play. His twisted leg
still causes him to limp a little and 1t was
not thought safe TO take any chances. Every
other man on the squad is in the best condi-
ton.
It is thought that Robert Wrenn and Ed
gar Wrghtington. both of Harvard, will
officiate In the game on Saturday as UNI
pire and referee, respectively.
The West Point team had very little prac-
tce yesterday. The cadets had a drill,
which prevented the foot ball men from
coming out until late. and then they sim
ply around the plan and went in. All
the men are in pretty good shape consider
ing the hard game which they had with
Syracuse Saturday. Capt. Gillespie and
Carey are the only cripples, and they will
be well In day or two. The team VIII
practice every afternoon and night this
week. and every effort will be made to have
the meh in tiptop shape for the game with
Annapolis. Every instant of time available
will have to be put in on signal practice, as
the team has now taken the signals to be
used in the final game. Much drill will be
necessary so that the players will be thor
oughly familiar with the new signals. The
army team makes no attempt to have secret
practice because there is no Enclosure at
West Point. All secret work has to be done
in the gymnasium at night. The supporters
of the eleven feel little encouraged about
their eleven. but as yet are unwilling to FISK
any money on the result.