University Missourian., 1914-09-23
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iUtMDlI

The development of a line at Mis-
souri, is the most interesting part of
the preliminary work just now. The
rooters yesterday left the bleachers
and went around to the east end of the
field to watch the line men in a light
scrimmage. And every candidate got
a chance to show what was in him
yesterday.
Usually a defensive line with one
man in the backfield tried to open a
hole or to block the opponents sc the
back would have clear way around
end. The work was strenuous and as
a result Morganthaler lost the gold
from one front tooth and accidentally
another tooth was loosened. Every
man was urged. The coaching of Mr..
Schultz was one of the interesting
things in this line work.
Here there, Kemper, keep 'em off
your legs! Don't let 'em anchor you
down." And Just at that time, Jim
mie" Kemper who towers above ev-
eryone in height but who is scant in
pounds. would disentangle himself
from the pile of men and make up his
mind to get through the line next
time. And he did.
Horace Weltmer was causing some
trouble to the defensive linemeh last
afternoon. Time after time he would
break through and make dive after
the back, usually missing his tackle
However, after an upbraiding from
Schultz, two opponents made it their
point to keep the ''strong man" of 146
pounds from getting through the line.
Who's taking care of weltmer?"
demanded Schultz Nobody answered.
What did you let him get through
for?"
About that time the ball would be
snapped back and the two lines would
lunge at each other the stronger and
more skillful either blocking their
men or breaking their way through
the line.
Peaches you'd make a good We
nus de Milo-that man without any
use for his hands-but you can't play
ball that way!" And Peaches" who
had failed to use his hands when
twisting through the line next time
made good account of himself.
Now and then came the deep order
from Schultz to the centers: "Play
the ball! Don't watch the mani Play
the ball, 1 say, Play the BALI" And
the centers who had been watching
their offensive opponent and not pay
ing particular attention to the ball
buckled down and did better work.
Backfield Worked On
Forward Pass Yesterday.
The backfield did mostly kicking
and forward passing. The entire
squad was divided into two divisions
yesterday for the early punting prac
tice. After running down punts a
while the backfield candidates and the
linemen were tolled off. The backs
were given a good workout in for
ward passing.
The chances are, unless the line at
Missouri is better than the present
outlook indicates, that the forward
pass will have to be relied upon
great deal this season. The best
backfeld in the world can't do it all;
line must be the advance guard.
The necessity of good line is evil
dent even when a good backfield is
to be used. The linemen will neces-
sarily have to hold, and will also have
to open holes for these backs. So this
line question is vital one on the Mis-
souri, football team this season.
There has been much talk about
the little men who have made good in
football. The fact that Chuck Will
son was comparatively light and was
the football center in the Valley does
not mean that another light star is to
be developed in a season. AS mat
ter of fact in all cases where the light
lines were good they were made up of
linemen of exceptional football abil-
ity by which they overcame the handi-
cap of lack of weight. Now just
count on your fingers the number of
exceptional light men on the Missouri
field. They are rather scarce!
Varsity to Play
Freshmen Tuesday.
The first game of the season
for the Varsity team will be
played next Tuesday with the fresh
men. This will be the week of the
first intercollegiate game which is
with Rolla, October 8. The present