The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-11-21

/ EQlLOIS NOLGs - MT. E1OTn6T
probably is one Of the closest
followers of football in Fargo,
If not in the northwest, and was
himself an All-State man at
Fargo college in 1909. Mr..
Horner also played football at
| the University of Wisconsin,
| graduated from its law school,
and is now a member OF the law
firm of Lowell & Homer Fargo.
t5y II. F. HornerO
The selection of an All-State foot
ball team for the 1917 season is not
an easy task. Contrary to the pre-
diction of many fans that the alb
sence of the stars OF last season
would prevent the development of
| teams of excellent caliber, the seas
on brought forth football machines
and players Of ability second to none
| in the history of state football.
Such an array of football talent
renders the selection OF an AH-State
football team a difficult one. The
writer has had an opportunity Of
witnessing a large part of the seas
on's contests and having been more
or less a performer and student of
games, in by-gone days, takes the
liberty of selecting a mythical first
and second All-State eleven.
One must keep in mind the fact
that real football machine is
well balanced one, with every de-
partment properly protected. There
must be a stubborn defense as we'll
as a powerful offense. We are so
apt to commend the brilliant work
of a baclxfield star on the offense,
and fail to notice the fighting quail
tiles Of q star lineman stopping ev-
cry play directed against him, and
ably defending his position. In or
der to have a we'll balanced football
team it is necessary to have a team
capable of putting up stubborn de-
Tense, a powerful offense, men of
football knowledge and experience
directing the team play, speedy
backs and ends, at least two good
forward passers, although the more
the better, two punters and a good
drop or place kicker. The writer has
endeavored to keep these essentials
in mind in picking an All-State
team.
Helmkay of the University, is
placed at quarter back. He is a
veteran of many football battles and
an excellent football general. His
selection of plays should be excel
y
ence in college football In addi-
ton he is a good open field runner
and strong on defensive play.
Van Els OF the Aggies, and GRADER
of Fargo college, are placed at the
halves. Although playing his first
year of college football, Van Els per-
formed like a veteran. He is one
of the speediest backs seen in ac-
ton in this state for many years.
His strides are long, and he steps
high, making it rather difficult to
tackle him. With good interference
such as was given him by his team
mates this year he has continually
swept around the ends for long
gains. In addition he is a good Sec
ondary defense performer.
Although playing on a much /
weaker team, GRADER showed his |
worth throughout. He is a natural |
back, plenty of speed, picks his holes |
well and keeps his feet. His defen- |
sive play was always good, and he
Is capable running mate for Van
Els.
Ericsson Of jamestown college, is
easily the class of the state full /
backs. He has a powerful physique, i
can smash into the line play after /
play for gains. His interference is
excellent and he always takes his |
man. He can back up a line to per-
lection, and is in the thick of every |
play. He has been coaching his 4
team during a large part OF the i
season, and knows the game from ,
Heidner and Ellingson of the Ag-
gies and the University, have the |
call for the ends. Both are new men
at the game, but are also basket
ball players, and appear to have the
knack OF receiving forward passes
and hanging on 70 them. Heidner's
work in the Aggie- University game +
was excellent, receiving a number of T
difficult passes Both ends are fast I
In getting dowp the field and good
tacklers
Nemzek and Elliott Tackles.
In Nemzek and Elliott of the Az +
gies, we have an exceptional pair Of +
tackles. Both are aggressive, fast on
their feet and not easily blocked. 4
Their defensive play has been a feat +
ure Of every game ana they nave +
frequently broken through the In 4
reference. and downed the runner /
behind the line. In addition, Mem
eek Is a brilliant open field runner,
and his long runs have featured the /
season. He carries the ball well and +
can forward pass 40 to so yards
without difficulty. His real value to
the Aggies Is difhcult to estimate.
Peterson of the University, and
Murrie of Fargo college, would make
excellent guards for any team. Al
though both players were tackles on
their respective teams they are not
Is large physically. as Nemzek and
Elliott and are placed at guards
Both are veteran performers, ag-
gressive. and know how to use their
hands on defense. The present game
shifty guards Of preferably
medium size, and Peterson and
Murie should fiIl the bill.
Nicholson of Wahpeton Science
school is 8 big fellow, playing as
1ullback on his team He is hardly
last enough for q baclIield man, but
should make an excellent pivot man.
He is green, but anxious to learn,
ana is capable Of a very good de-
Gensive game. With practice in
passing the ball his position would
1e wei taken care of.
This team has three good forward
passers. Nemzeks Helmkay and