Page:The secret play (1915).djvu/146

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
  • play, tricks that are second nature to a seasoned

guard or tackle or center, but, realizing his ignorance, he didn't pretend knowledge. Quite frankly he asked information, solicited advice, even from the boys he was coaching. When he made a mistake he acknowledged the fact. One day when he was watching Squad A practice against Squad B, and Chester Cottrell had sent a split-tandem play at the opposing line for a loss of several yards, Dick found fault.

"You were wrong, Tupper," he said. "You should have put out your man and let Captain White clear up the hole. Try that again, Cottrell."

Cottrell, on the impulse, started to answer sharply. "No, he shouldn't, Coach! That play—" Then he stopped as quickly, clapped his hands and cried, "A Formation! Signals!" The others, returning to their places, were silent, Lanny casting a doubtful look at Dick as he fell in behind George Tupper again. Dick, however, had read the signs.

"One moment," he said. "Am I wrong, Captain White?"

"I think you are," replied Lanny frankly. "That play sends fullback against tackle, with the ball. Tupper's play is to engage the center and fake an