Evening star., 1912-10-03
BY n. c. BYRD.

The greatest problem which is confront
ing the foot ball coaches at present Is
the building of defense capable OF meet
ing two kinds of attack after the ball
has been rushed down to within few
feet of the goal line. The development
of defense adequate to the attack un-
der such conditions is presenting diff
fculty which is by no means easy to
overcome.
Under present rules, which allow the
ball to be passed across the line. the de-
fense must of a necessity keep two men
playing for that variety OF attack. VI
course, it is probable that the onense Will
narly always attempt to rush the ball
when 1t gets within reach OF the goal, Dut
there is always the chance OF the for-
ward pass, which must be guarded
against 1t might be that an eleven would
rush the ball repeatedly all during
game, and as soon as it got down within
scoring distance would attempt just the
be poor generalship by long ways to
do just that.
In years past, since the 1ntroduction OF
the forward pass, it has not proved q
difficult matter for the several teams 10
make ground on straight plays IN the
middle of the field while the defense was
kept open because of the imminent dan
ger of the forward pass. 1t was not
however, hard to prevent an advance ait
er the ball had been worked down IL INTO
forward pass was eliminated and the sec
ondary defense could come close In De-
hind the forwards.
The secondary defense will not be able
to close up under present conditions. ana
the forward defense will be just as weak
now right under the goal as 1t formerly
was in the center of the field. This being
the case coaches are racktng their brains
plunge down under the goal-line will be
less effective and the danger or touch
down rendered less imminent.
Judging by the enthusiasm shown at
the mass meeting held at the Catholic
University last night, there Is going to be
a great deal more support given TO attn
letics at the university this year by the
previous instances. Lack Of real student
support has always been one OF the main
things against which those who have tried
to develop an athletic system have been
compelled to contend. This year that
seems to have been overcome In a great
measure.
About 400 students were present at the
meeting last night and all pledged their
support to any branch OF athletics which
might be fostered.
The most difficult problem confronting
the Georgetown coaches regarding the
formation of the eleven seems to be the
selection Of the best back1led material
available. Fury and Costello are both
undoubtedly better this year than last
and yet. to give the reports coming from
the Hilltop full credepce. they are being
pushed to the limit for their places. Per-
haps 1t Is to make the two men work
even harder than they have been doing
that it is said that several OF the other
| o.. NI,~ %~ sNI~,n
jobs, but at any rate 1t must be that
Murray and Van Dyne are showing ex-
ceptional form. These two youngsters,
who have been doing some excellent work
high by everybody who has seen them in
action. It is certain that the Blue and
Gray will not lack for capable substi-
tute material when it meets the other
elevens In its class.
1t Is certainly very pleasing to followers
of Central High to know that one Of the
MEMBERS Of last years eleven at that
school is making good on a college eleven.
Van Dyne has shown such form in the
practice games already played at George
town that there are those who predict he
will be a brilliant performer before he
leaves school. There is little doubt that
he has the sand. speed and natural abil-
| ity to make a very capable halfback. Van
Dyne also has q disposition which would
entitle him to recognition from coaches
above many men VINO mgnt De fully as
creditaible individual players as he In
other words he is the kind OF fellow who
generally makes good in anything they
undertake.
Besides Van Dyne. there is another
man who played on a high school eleven
| last year who bids fair to make g. star
in college ranks. The other is Country
Morris. There is not a doubt that Morris
| is going to be a brilliant performer at the
MARYLAND Agricultural College this fall
| He has shown such ability in practice
| that 1t is practically certain he will &C.
complish great deal before the end Of
| the year. While the Farmers have yet