The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-03

When Alan Shapley failed to
maintain a scholastic standing suf-
ficient for him to take part in
competitions, the Naval Academy
lost the only player who appeared
to have the marks Of a real dan.
gerous ground gamer. Weighing
1876 pounds and very fast and spirit
ed, Shapley was surely rounding
into a back Of real parts and was
threat to any team. No other
Navy back has shown any notable
ability as a groundgainer this year.
Shapley viii probably be avail
able for the last week Of the sea-
son and eligible to take part in the
Army game II he can be Of any
use. His deficiency was slight
one in one subject. mathematics,
and II is thought that he will be
able to make It up this scholastic
month, which ends November %.
known by the oath. which is Mon
day, and, IL they are successful. he
win be able to resume his work
ineligibles have a good chance Of
being restored at the same time.
I'm the meantime, the disquali-
| fled players have not left the
squad. though they cannot de-
vote the whole practice period to
| football. They viii not be able,
/ however. to take part in either
| the Vermont or Bucknell games.
| to be Dlayed next Saturday and )
the following Saturday, so that
it VIII be necessary for the
coaches to devote most Of their
time to players that have a
greater certainty Of being avail
able for the final game.
However, the banned players are
showing the finest sort of spirit.
| and are not only trying to get their
/ scholastic work in satisfactory
shape. but are working hard on the
field in the time allotted for them
and intend to be Of any service to
the team that they can possibly
be. They are getting sufficient
work to keep them in fine physical
condition, but are, Of course, losing
much from not getting into the
scrimmages.
| 1t is quite possible that FolweIl
and his assistants will build up a
strong attack, largely along lines
Of open play, and will hold Shapley,
| Flippin and others, assuming they
\ will be restored to their positions
on the squad, for some desperate
effort at a crucial point in the
| game. 1t Is possible that the Navy
may hold the Army attack, and a
| point may arise in the game where
q supreme effort may bring about
a Navy score.
Folwell, It is admitted, has a
tremendous task In front OF him
to construct an attack which will
make his team, have even a re-
mote chance against an Army team
which has just played on even
| terms with Yale. With Shapley
out, the straight line attack Of the
Navy lacks dash and force, and IL
has not yet shown anything like a
consistent passing offense.
Against q team which numbers
such stars as Harry Wilson, Bill
Wood, Tiny Hewitt, YeOmans aud
Harding in its baclxfield, the Navy
cannot produce one back. unless
it Is Shapley, whose presence is
doubtful, who appears to have the
ability to bepa real threat to any
strong opposition. In addition to
this fundamental weakness, the
bacl1fieId is not at all free from
fumbling, and there have been
several exhibitions Of mighty poor
headwOrk.
Hamilton, who is largely taking
Shapley's place, is young player
his chief experience being on the
plebe team last year. He passes
well, but has little power as q
runner, and he has not yet dem
onstrated any particular Judgment
in handling the team. Wellings, g
varsity substitute last year, who
plays safety, generally manages tc
tumble once or twice in a game
He did his best groundgaining
against Princeton. Banks plays q
strong defensive game and Is a
hopeful prospect, while HI. Caldwell
the fourth man in the backfield, as
now arranged, is another young
player who has shown no great
strength UP to this time.
The same blow which deprived
the Naval team Of several Ct its
most valuable regulars, took away
a number of those who would nat
Iurally have taken their places, %