The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-05

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 Slap things up in hurry" Pes- kin grumbled. If it wasn't for the ill-will I'd yank my son Walton of the team and put him in your place here" "Yes, sir" Bill said, edging toward the door. Its 10 o'clock now, MT. Peskin."
 Peskin looked satisfied at having gained his rightful time, even ill talk. "Go ahead" he snapped.
 Bill was on his bicycle before the door slammed. He streaked through the clear autumn night, broad shoulders hunched over the handle bars, legs driving like pistonS Crossing Market street he saw a wide halo of light against the sky He heard distant cheering and his heart leaped in response. The game was still on!
 Bill sliced between parked cars skidded to a stop Inside City Sta dium he could hear the rising chant of a "Yea-a-a, teamp Applause spattered, followed by the abrupt silence that precedes play.
 Running up the ramp, Bill caught a black glimpse of the scoreboard VISITORS, 6; WEST 0!
 Down on the cleat-chewed sward the West boys were in huddle their jerseys making a huge crim- son blossom against the green turf
 Bill, here I am!" Helen Welch ran toward him, waving. Her chestnut curls were windblown and adorned with crimson ribbon to match her short skirt. Slim, eager she said, T was afraid you wouldn't get here"
 Me, too" Bill said with grin "Jeepers, Helen, there goes a pass!'
 It was wobbly, cratic heave from Peskin. A Benton man charg- ed in to bat it aside, but with a desperate lunge the West end grab bed it. He was knocked out of bounds on the Benton 25.
 
 A deafening roar went up from the crowd. The band crashed forth in pagan triumph. Crimson -skirted cheerleaders spun around like der wishes, pounding the air with their firsts, chanting, we want. touch- down"
 "Oh, Bill!' Helen's eyes shone as she joined her voice to the pan demonium. She danced up ano down, grabbed Bill impulsively and kissed him. Bill, Bill, they're go- ing to do it!"
 Gee Bill stared at Helen touching his fingers to his lips You ,. kissed me-"
 "Oh :" Helen's cheeks famed q didn't mean to, Bill. Honestly IT was so excited and ."
 Her voice was lost in wild cheering as Hart, Vests fullback bucked the line for five. The time keeper signaled three minutes to play. The Benton boys locked tired Straight, hard smashes would do it. Bill thought trembling.
 "Drive!" he prayed.
 The mild fall wind struck "icily across his hot forehead. lie could almost feel the hard, taught leather in his big hands. If he could only be down there now, carrying the ball or even running interference Throwing himself into sweet roll block. clearing the way for West man to score. Boy!
 The Benton line held. It was last down with three to go. Landis replaced Peskin with Calvert. Hart took the pass from center, faxed a thrust at the line and gave the bal to Calvert, who Tipped it backward to the left halfback Instead of rac- ing to the right for 8 clear shot at the end, the halfback hurried the pass away and it went straight into the hands of a Benton man.
 A low moan swept the stands, The band was silent, the cheerleader wilted and mute. Boos were heard as Benton froze to the ball for three plays, then punted out of danger A moment later the timekeeper'S pistol exploded.
 As Bill and Helen pushed slowly through the disconsolate crowd they recognized Pat Hurly. sports editor of the Daily Clarion, and heard him grumble, That wouldn't have happened if Buck Mentor'd been coaching. What time for razzle- dazzle!"
 Wheeling his bicycle, Bill walked by Helen's side in silence. He thought of his father, sitting alone by the radio, and it made him un- happy. Why, Buck had forgotten more football than Coach Landis ever knew!
 Helen said shyly, I'm sorry, Bill. '
 About the game"
 She shook her head, blushing About what I did. l"
 Gee, why. Helen? IT if-I mean