Park City High School - Kalendar Yearbook (Knoxville, TN)

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Oh dear me! I do hope he won 't get kicked, replied his mother feelingly. But look at that big fellow there! what has he got on his nose? That's a nose guard, said Bobby, so he won 't get his nose broken. I guess he plays on the line. Oh! he 's a Fairview ! The game that followed was not under stood by Mrs. Burke and her husband 5 it was partially comprehended by Miss Holden, most of the points were grasped by Mr. Bridgeman, while every move in the struggle, from a field goal or a touchdown to an onside kick or a punt, was taken in by the enthusiastic Bobby. I should think it would be called head ball instead of foot- ball, commented Mrs. Burke, after watching the game for some time. Isn't it a shame how they all fall on a man just because he happens to tumble down with the ball? she added indig- nantly. A player had just been tackled and had promptly dis- appeared under a mass of men. Yes he falls best who falls last in foot-ball, said Mr. Bridgeman. Those fellows who throw themselves on the top have the pleasure of resting for a minute or two without the pressure on them that the others have. Ben's got the ball! cried Bobby, wildly. Miss Holden sat up excitedly and watched the young fellow running like a deer, and dodging with marvelous quickness the opposing players. She was getting wrought up under Bobby 's excitement. Oh dear me, they must have hurt him. There was mother- ly uneasiness in Mrs. Burkes tones, as she saw her beloved son go to the ground, still tightly clutching the ball, under the onset of a burly Fairview man. Miss Holds-n's smooth forehead took on a pucker of anxiety. All those men must be a heavy weight on one man 's back, and Ben was buried under them. A moment later a little scream broke from her, as the writhing teams struggled with each other the legs of one of the players was seen upright in the air, slowly bending backward. Apparently the player was pinned somewhere about his head, while the pressure above was bearing the rest of his body slowly back with his neck as a pivot. Oh, his neck will be broken, gasped Ben 's mother in an agonized tone. Something had happened. For suddenly the play was interrupted. The players stood around, while two or three supported a limp fellow, whose face was ashy pale, while the 45 ,7

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There was a large crowd on the Morrison field. The streets were choked with vehicles, and a rough crowd of men, women and children. The Burkes had not been seated long before a tall, aris- tocratic young fellow with a long tailed coat, came along in front of them. How do you do, Mr. Bridgeman? smiled Miss Holden. Did you ever see such a crowd in your life? Yes, he replied, There's a jolly good crowd. Miss Holden, said Mrs. Burke, beaming with hospitality, just ask your friend to come up in the box and see the game with us. I'm sure there 's plenty or room. i'Thanks awfully, I shall be charmed if I shan't inconven- ience anyone. In a few minutes the young man was seated beside Miss. Holden, congratulating himself on getting to see the game free. Are you fond of foot-ball? he asked Mrs. Burke with elaborate courtesy. Dear me, I can 't say I am, except on account of the child- ren, laughed the stout lady with good humor. This is the first time Mr. Burke and I ever attended a game. But it is fun to see so many people, and all these young folks so interested. There 's that boy there she continued looking at Bobby. I just think he 'll have to take a dose of medicine if Alton don't win. Are you for Alton or Fairview, Mr. Bridgeman? I suppose I'm for Fairview since that is my old school.' ' he replied. There's Ben, exclaimed Bobby, Rah for Alton. He shook his pennant frantically. There was no question about his interest for he could hardly keep still. Miss Holden had already discovered Ben Burke, and thought he looked very handsome in his foot-ball suit. He was a young fellow of medium height, straight eye- brows and 'finely cut lips. His thick hair fell half way down his brow. He certainly was worthy of a pretty girl's attention. He was a ine figure in his white sweater with a big orange A on it. What funny baggy pants they wear. said Mrs. Burke, with interest. I declare they are quilted just like one of mofbher's silk quilts. What makes 'em so bulgy? Why they 're padded. said Bobby with some disgust at the ignorance of his mother. See his shin-guards? That's so, he won't feel a kick so much. 44

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blood was flowing from his nose and right ear. It was Ben Burke. t'Oh I must go to him! he is killed ! exclaimed Mrs. Burke, her' round plump face wearing a look of anguish. All of the trainers, coaches and doctors hurried to the fallen man, and he was well rubbed, while his head was bathed and fixed up. - It is probably only one of the usual little accidents that happen in every game said Bridgman, with an un- fortunate effort at offering consolation. Miss Holden was ir- ritated at his slow easy tone. He staying there safely with two women, and that gallant young athlete, who had battled so gloriously on the field below, perhaps seriously wounded! The young woman felt in that way. It had been a pretty even thing when Leo Bridgeman and Ben Burke were in evening clothes at a dance, or driving her in an auto, but now the young Alton fellow had scored a touch down. You have never played foot-ball, I believe she said coldly Sometimes very serious accidents occur, even to the best of players. Her eyes had not left Ben's form once. It was a great relief to her to see him move even tho he had to be slowly as- sisted from the field a few moments later. ' ' Bobby, said Miss Holden, in her sweetest manner. Don 't you want to go and see if your brother is hurt? You can drop down over the front of the boX.', Bobby was delighted at the thought and rose at once. H Tell him not to try to play again if 'he is hurt she added. Bobby dropped from the box and hurried across the field. 'tYou seem to be awfully interested, said Bridgeman, sarcastically. Well most any one with any heart would be anxious about a friend who has perhaps received a serious injury, she rc- plied, loftily. The play was interrupted for some moments. They were evidently waiting to see if Burke could go on or whether a sub- stitute would have to take his place. A moment later a burst of applause broke from the crowd. It gathered in volume until frantic cries of Alton! Hurrah for Burke! never say die! and the like yells broke in one chorus from the crowd. It was a triumphant moment for Burke. He was going to play again. He still looked pale, but there was a fine set to his lips and he waved his hand encouragingly toward the box where his people were. 46