Part 32 (1/2)

CHAPTER XX

THE GREAT GAME WITH ROCKVILLE

”Dave, I think I see a chance of catching Rockville napping,” said Roger, just before the practice began.

”You mean, if they try to take advantage of our signals?”

”Yes. If they feel sure we are going to do one thing and we do another, they'll get left.”

”Well, they'll deserve to get left--if they try to profit by any such work.”

”Maybe the eleven won't stand for it.”

”Oh, I don't know. Rockville is hungry for a victory over us, and they may think all is fair in love and war and football,” broke in Phil.

As each eleven came on the gridiron it was roundly cheered. The Rockville supporters at once commenced their well-known slogan:

”Rockville!

Rockville!

You'll get your fill Of Rockville!”

And immediately Oak Hall replied with its own well-known cry:

”Baseball!

Football!

Oak Hall Has the call!

Biff! Boom! Bang! Whoop!”

And then from both sides arose a great din of horns and rattles. In the rear of the field were several automobiles and they, too, let off their horns and screech whistles, adding to the noise.

The practice at an end, the toss-up followed, and this was won by Rockville, and they elected to take the ball. Out on the gridiron spread the two elevens, each player eager to do his best. Then the whistle blew, there came a kicking of the pigskin, and the great game was on.

The play was fast and furious from the start, and in a very few minutes Dave and his chums understood that to gain a victory was going to be no easy thing. Rockville had the advantage in weight, and long practice had put every man in the pink of condition.

But the trick that Nat Poole had tried to play bore unexpected results.

The kick-off was a good one, but the pigskin was caught by Phil and he brought it back almost to the center of the gridiron, being aided by clever interference on the part of Roger and Plum. Then the signal was given to carry the ball through the center. The Rockville players thought it was a signal to run around the left end, and moved accordingly. Up the field came the pigskin, and before Rockville could recover from the error made, Plum had the ball within four yards of the goal line. Here, however, he was downed so heavily that the wind was knocked completely out of him.

”That's the way to do it! Hurrah for Oak Hall!”

”Now, shove it over, fellows!”

”They didn't follow their signals at all!” whispered one player to the Rockville captain.

”I know it,” was the low answer. ”Don't depend on the signals after this.”

But the damage had been done, and two minutes later Oak Hall obtained a touchdown, Roger carrying the ball over the line. Dave made the kick, and the pigskin sailed neatly between the posts. Then what a cheering went up, and what a noise from the horns and rattles!