Page:The Winning Touchdown.djvu/50

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38
THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN

arrived. Ed Kerr was not present, as he had to get ready for his trip to Europe, but Bricktop was on hand, and it required all his Irish wit to stand off the many appeals that were made to him not to desert in the face of trouble.

There were tears in the eyes of the big left guard as he announced that his decision was final, and that he must leave for Columbia in two weeks.

"I'd like to stay and play in the first big game against Newkirk College," Bricktop said brokenly, "but it's impossible, me lads."

"Then we'd better get busy and consider how we're going to make up the team," declared Dan Woodhouse, and when the captain thus gave up hope of keeping Bricktop, his fellow players did likewise.

"Yes," said Mr. Lighton, the coach, "we have none too much time to get at our team work in view of the changes. Now, Woodhouse, we'll hear what you have to say."

"Wait until I make out a list, and do some thinking," spoke the captain, and while he retired to a comparatively quiet corner to do this, the coach gave the lads a little informal talk on the science of the game.

Mr. Lighton illustrated several points. He showed how the guards and tackle could best work together to hold the line with the centre, he impressed on the ends the necessity for speed in