" observed a spectator as the
half ended. "If it is, it's going to be hard on Mack Carver! He
hasn't shown much so far ... but no one has--except Dizzy Fox who made
the only score. That fellow sums up as the best back on the field!"
In the locker room a dejected Mack Carver rightfully expected a
reprimand from his coach. Instead, Coach Edward announced to his
squad: "Boys, you'll be glad to know that the man who stole our signals
and plays has been caught. He's a small time gambler who'd placed bets
on Pomeroy to win. We owe his capture to Mack's brother, Coach Carl
Carver. And I want to again apologize to Mack for the embarrassment
I've caused him and his brother."
"That's all right, Coach," replied Grinnell's substitute back who had
played in the starting line-up for the first time. "I'm darn sorry
about that fumble."
"Go out after 'em this half!" was Coach Edward's retort. "You can get
that touchdown back!"
Mack could have no quarrel now about not being given the proper chance
to show what he could do. Coach was keeping him in, was giving him the
benefit of every doubt, was finding no fault even when his fumble might
be costing Coach Edward an opportunity to take over the coaching reins
at Pomeroy ... and at the same time help Coach Carver to hold his
position.
"This touchdown mustn't be what decides the game!" Mack told himself,
fervently. "If Pomeroy wins, I mustn't be held accountable for it!"
The third quarter began as though to continue the close defensive
struggle but, along toward the end of the quarter, Grinnell suddenly
came to life as left half Frank Meade, behind the frenzied interference
of Mack Carver, broke away for a thirty-nine yard run which placed the
ball on Pomeroy's twenty-one yard mark.
"Great work, Mack!" shouted a delighted Dave Morgan from the Grinnell
bench. Then, turning to the Grinnell subs, Dave grinningly declared:
"Say--he looked just like _me_ out there on that one! Did you see him
block those tacklers out of the way?... Now he's got going ... look
out, Pomeroy--here we come!"
Pomeroy's defense tightened. An end run failed to gain. A lateral
pass was good for four yards. Third down and seven to go.
Quarterback Bert Henley, calling signals in the huddle, nominated one
of Coach Edward's new plays--the lateral pass opening into a forward.
On this play, Mack was to take the pass from Bert and lateral to Frank
who was to fade back while Mack screened the
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