The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
NAVY DEFEATED BY
ARMY ELEVEN BY A
SCORE OF 70 TO 0
Middies Outclassed by the
Cadets in Fiercely Fought
Game-Official Wash
ington Sees Battle

Philadelphia, November 2S-The United
States Military academy defeated the
Navy academy, 90 to 0, in their annual
football game today.
The superiority of the cadets was as
marked as the score indicates. Once the
powerful army machine started its march
for the initial touchdown the ultimate
outcome never was in doubt. The mid
shipmen were outplayed and outclassed
In every department and but for their
splendid fighting spirit In the face of GER
tain defeat the score would have been
even larger.
Although the game lacked the closeness
and thrill that has featured Army-Navy
battles of other years, it furnished the
splendid scenic picture which distinguished
it from all other games of the season.
The University of Pennsylvania athletic
amphitheatre was thronged with $1,000
spectators Every available foot of space
in both permanent and temporary stands
was occupied. The colors of the compel
ing academies were everywhere, and as
supporters of both the Army and Navy
followed every cue given by the cheering
squars of sailors and soldiers, the long
oval shaped stand surrounding the field
was constantly a ripple with the hues of
either West Point or Annapolis.
The touch of militarism given by the
uniformed and marching wards of Uncle
Sam before and after the game set the
hearts of thousands flutter. Even the
weather man entered into the spirit of the
occasion, preparing a perfect Indian sum-
mer afternoon.
Middies Weak
The ball scarcely had been put in play
when it became evident the middies could
not stop the smashing attack of their
rivals. Each team in turn tried out the
opponents defense, but at first there was
no continuity In the play of either eleven.
As a result punting was resorted to and
the Armys first score came as a result
of these exchanges. Coffin kicked from
the cadets 4O-yard line and the ball rolled
to the Nays 5-yard line, where Blodgett
fell on it. His attempt to put from be-
hind his own goal line was blocked and
he fell on the ball for a safety.
The second period opened with the ball
in possession of the mddies. They could
make little progress through or around
every exchange of punts and when Blod-
gett fumbled one of Coffin's kicks Mer-
rilat fell on the ball on Nays 15-yard
line. Army secured its first touchdown
when Prichard made perfect forward
pass to Merrilat, who ran across the line
without opposition.
The trial for goal failed.
Second Touchdown
The second touchdown was made on a
repetition of these plays. The Navy kicked
off and Army booted the ball back. Blod-
gett again fumbled and again an alert
cadet player fell on the ball on the mid
dies 36-yard mark. Line plunges failing
to gain, Prichard shot the ball overhead
to Merrilat, who was downed on the
Nays 1-yard line. Hodgson plunged over
for touchdown. McEwan failed to kick
goal.
The middies fought desperately in the
third period and although they never
threatened the army goal, they kept their
own reasonably safe.
In the final quarter punting duel
quickly developed, working the ball with
in striking distance of the middies goal.
The soldiers uncovered an old-fashioned
attack which proved irresistible. BY
short line plunges and end runs the ball
was carried a few yards at time. Ths
quarterback, Prichard, switched his tao
rilat, who crossed the last five-yard line
before he was downed. From here Benz
6ict carried the leather over in two
plunges. Again the army failed at goal
As result of today's victory the Army
Navy series, which began In 1890 stands
a tie. Each academy has won nine games
of the 10 played. The 1905 contest ended
with the score, TO 6.
The result today also rounded out u
triumphant season for the Army. which
now takes its place as one of the very
few eastern institutes to complete the 1914
campaign without being either defeated
or tied.
Much of the Army's superiority was due
to Its heavy and veteran squad of play
ers. Football experts who followed the
play were almost unanimous in declaring
the Army team one of the best teams
which has carried the Black, Gold and
Gray to victory. The soldiers outshone
the sailors in every department except
in fighting spirit.
Here the honors were the even, AMI
they both fought desperately and the
extreme limit of ability. This spirit re-
suited in several penalties a number of
minor bruises The Navy officers deny,
however, that their center, Perry, was