Evening star., 1939-09-22
BY ROBERT HENRY.

Mike Kelley is faced with the diff
cult task of trying to bring Eastern
High Schools football team from
sixth place to the top of the inter-
high heap, a position it held for the
first time two years ago, but whether
he succeeds he at least will bring
out the teams best.
This was shown clearly yesterday
as he directed his Lincoln Parkers
through stiff workout in prepara-
ton for their opening game Satur-
day against Episcopal High at Alex
andria. Although the squad of As
husky boys looked fairly formidable,
Kelley substituted sharp comment
for praise.
Once a member of Knute Rockne's
coaching school, he reminded on
lockers keenly of the late Notre
Dame mentor as he barked instruc-
tions. Although there are eight let
termen back from last years team,
he says that few OF the positions are
definitely filed.
Line Material Hefty.
Il don't know this team at all. he
said while watching the boys 60
through strenuous setting-up exer-
cises. Il haven't done any coaching
for the past six years and I've paid
little attention to the inter-high
series. I've. got big. husky bunch
here, but so far they seem too slow
for the Notre Dame system l intend
using"
The boys are good sized, alright,
especially the line, which will aver
age close to l80 pounds.
Yes, the line looks pretty fair"
Kelley said as two teams formed out
of the mass of boys before him.
I've got a pair of nice tackles in
Bob Pieri, 200 FOUNDER, and Wiggy
kidWen. who's no midget. At the
ends, therere Bob Woolwine and
Bob Beyers, tall chap who can
haul down passes. The guards are
not certain yet, but I think Puddin
Lovett, Bob Kirk and Harry Bordow
will battle it out for those two spots.
Paul De Meglio is a center prospect,
although he's newcomer"
Backs Not So Speedy.
The backfeld is badly in need of
speed, however. With a system call
ing for swiftness, timing and block
ing, Kelley would give a lot to find
a fleet-footed ball toter or two, but
so far he's seen no sign of one.
The fastest man on the squad is
Francis Hallama and he's in the
hospital with a stomach ailment," !"
moaned the sandy-haired veteran.
He did plenty of running last year,
but I'm not sure just how much aid
he'll be this fall. That's the way it
goes, though. This football job will
make an old man of you before you
know it."
However, the situation could be
worse, for back in harness from last
year are Buddy Yocum, quarterback;
Eddie league and Paul Colwill,
halfbacks, and Ray 500, hard
charging fullback. They may not be
fast, but they do display plenty of
drive.
The boys lined up. Yocum at
tempted to kick goals while the re-
serves tried to break through.
Blocking Practice Needed.
Blocking practice, that's what this
bunch needs" explained Kelley.
Like Hardy Pearce of Central, Mike
says this Is the hardest thing to
teach high schol players. "They al
way leave their feet, and that's not
the way to take a man out. You've
got to stay up and keep him out"
If Kelley was satisfied as Yocum
kicked several goals unmolested, he
failed to show it. On every scrim-
mage he had some comment, maybe
to guard, tackle or back. How
ever, the boys paid strict attention
and appeared to be learning fast,
which is contrary to Kelley's thought
that most youngsters need about
three years before they really begin
to catch on.
Assisting Kelley with his job is