The Washington herald., 1917-10-29
West Point Authorities Re.
fuse to Play Because US.
Troops Are in First
Line Trenches.
By JOHN A. DUGAN.

The last hope for a football game
between the Army and Navy this fall
has fiickered out. The proposition
has been turned down definately by
those in control of athletics at West
Point, presumably on the advise OF
the War Department. Until a few
days ago il was though the annual
classic between the two service
branches might be renewed despite
the war.
The fact that the American troops
have moved up into the front line of
the trenches, is believed to be the
cause of the new movement made by
the Army officials, in regards TO this
contest.
1t is a known fact that both the
Army and Navy officials, along with
those in charge of the American Red
Cross, had planned a meeting to be
held in th'- city some time this week
TO settle the question, but now that
the West Pointers have sent definite
word to the Red Cross authorities,
that they do not wish to participate
in this annual battle. there is no likli-
hood Of this meeting being held.
II the withdrawal of the West
Pointers from this big game comes
from the War Department, there is
every reason to believe that the Mid
dies will be uext to send in official
word of not desiring to participate as
the Navy Department Will likely fol-
low the action of the War Depart
ment.
The latest rumor in regards to the
staging of the Georgia Tech-Pitts-
burgh battle for the benefit OF the
American Red Cross leaked through
the sporting sieve yesterday. This
rumor carried a more definite chance
CT these elevens meeting, as it is
claimed that preparations are now
under way to stage this affair on
Franklin Field. the home of the Uni
verSity OF Pennsylvania. in Phia-
delphia, on the Saturday following
Thanksgiving Day.
This would easily be the biggest bat
tie of the season and would overtax
the famous Quaker field with the fol-
lowers CT both teams. Bctn elevens
still have hard schedule before them
and those in charge are no doubt
waiting until little later in the sea-
son before settling definately on the
ma stter.
II Georgetown keeps up its present
stride they will appear To be worthy
candidates for a game with the At
lanta yellow Jackets" and IL Pitts
burgh Hithdraws from this game it
will not be a bit surprising to see
Charlie Cox taking the Southern Filler
to the Dixie city to make some ar
rengements for big post-season
game TO be played either in Atlanta
or in the National Capital.
Except for the absence OF the big
three-Yale. Harvard and Princeton
from the scores, there was little in
the football games played both East
and West Saturday to suggest that
the country was engaged in war. The
contests were just as numerous, the
play as strenuous and the interest as
keen as in a normal season.
Two exceptional games were played.
Pittsburgh's defeat of Pennsylvania
showed that the Pittsburgh players
were not as strong a combination as
last year. while Bob Folwelrs aS-
greGation displayed a grit and power
that indicates it is considerably above
the standard of recent Pennsylvania
teams.
The other game that won general
consideration was that in which
Brown squeezed through to a narrow
7-to-6 victory over Colgate. These
two elevens are generally looked to
this fall to carry the strongest punch
in the East
The result was something Of sur
prise. Colgate lowered Browns colors
last Thanksgiving. This year Brown
faced its old opponents. with a Grip
pied team. Yet it went to its work
Saturday with a savage attack that
held the powerful New York State
eleven.
Cornell displayed much improvement
over its work Of a week ago. Co.
lumbia's hopes were squelched By a
beating from Williams. Syracuse
showed 1t had the makings of a good
average team. Dartmouth played a
mediocre game until its last period
when it uncovered some Of its old
time punch.
In the West, Michigan indicated by
Its decisive beating of Nebraska that
IL has this season an eleven that may
win IT back some OF its former grid
iron glory. Its back field disclosed
considerable power. Chicago, by its
inability to score more than once on
the light Northwestern team, showed
that it is not yet fully developed.
Illinois defeated Purdue so decisively
that 1t may have to be considered
later, while Notre Dame, always
threatening. gave promise by its over
vhelming victory over South Dakota
OF being likely to blossom into a
Western championship contender.
Georgetown sure kept under cover
on its open plays and forward passes
In the game with Virginia Polytech-
mic Institute at the Hilltop Stadium
Saturday afternoon. Rumor floated
over the campus long before game
time that Fordham spies were hover
ing near, but shortly before game
time, information of authority handed
out q report that Gilmour Dobie, the
sensational coach OF the Navy eleven.
was in the east stand.
Coach Albert Exendne and John
O'Reilly, played the foxy act" and
would not allow their charges to use
anything in the line Of open plays and
the few forward passes that were
heaved were only of the regular order.
The Polys proved a brilliant defen-
sive team, but their attack lacked the
Did steam-roller qualities. and the