Evening star., 1948-10-05
Veteran Todd Big Help
To Skins With His PLAY
Limited 10 0ffense
By Lewis F. Atchison


and let's have a more lively piece
about Dick Todd. That requiem
we've been moaning about Lii Ole
Boys pro football career being ended
after q couple Of Chicago Cardinals
mistook his head for q cocoanut
and put the squeeze on 1t are pre-
mature. judging by his performance
last Sunday against the New York
Giants.
Way back in August Coach Turk
Edwards said he thought Todd
would be q right valuable piece of
property to the Skins on offensive
this season and Sammy Baugh, an
astute judge Of football talent, said
Dick would 60 well If used only on
ofIense. Playing offense and de-
fense was piling 1t on too heavy, for
rambling Richard is getting along
in his football years.
Maybe Todd can't outrun the pack
as in the old days. but that he can
give the Skins 4 Lift was eloquently
demonstrated against the Giants
when he entered the game at the
start of the second period and
touched Of the first touchdown
It was Todd through the
line for 8 yards, Todd taking q pass
from Baugh for IA. Todd OF tackle
for Z yards, and Todd taking more
passes from Baugh for 8, 10 and II
yards that sent the Skins on their
way. The Texan carried on like any
thing but an old. washed up grid
man with fallen arches and aching
head. He was more like . rookie
feeling his oats and trying to knock
some vet out of a job.
Another bit of strategy that almost
paid of in a long touchdown run
was Tom Farmers use In the safety
position. Farmer ran back the first
two kickoffs total of 58 yards and
almost went the distance the Sec
ond time. He was particularly ef-
fective on eriss-crossing to Sandifer.
II saw pictures of the game last
night" Sandifer was telling us, "and
If had been q little more to the
I could have gone the
A..
We mentioned liking the idea Of
Farmer and sandifer teaming up
on punts.
II like the idea of Tom being
there" the rookie replied. He's a
lot Of football player all by him
self"
The Tribe, meanwhile. Is getting
another rifle in an effort to starch
1t up for the long, hard drive ahead.
Henry Harris, a good lineman who
just, missed measuring up to the
high standard Edwards has set this
year, was released yesterday. reduc-
ing the roster to 50 players.
Carl Butkus, former George
tackle who was dropped
by the New York Yankees of the
All-American Conference, was sign
ed for . trial. Butkus weighs 235
pounds, has q world of confidence
IN himself and told Edwards they
could talk terms after he satisfied
the coach he'd make the grade.
Butkus was Skip Stahley's prize
lineman during the latter's tenure
at the downtown school.
But the former Colonial has a.
man sized job ahead if he expects
to cut in on the present lineup.
Not only are Veterans Sanchez,
Adams and Koniszewski Johnnics
on the spot at tackle, but Rookie
Mike Roussos is doing nicely, thank
you. and Ed Stacco apparently has
settled down for . long stay iuI
Washington.
The line play against the Giants
was, As they said about Alexander,
great, and was one big reason why
Todd got through and picked up the
yards that put the holes in the
Giants hide. But It's nice, too, to-
have . seasoned runner who can
pick the holes and make 1t worth
the linemen's while to open them.