Page:The Winning Touchdown.djvu/218

202 "It wasn't the poor playing of any one man, or any two or three men," declared Tom. "It was the fault of the whole team. We're crippled, that's what we are, and we've got to get in shape for the rest of the season, or"

The possibility was not to be mentioned.

"I don't suppose anything like this would happen again in years, that we'd lose so many players," spoke Phil. "We can't always play in luck."

"Kindlings feels it pretty fierce," said Tom. "He couldn't talk when he came off the field."

"Yes, it's got him bad," agreed Phil. "Well, we'll have to do better, that's all. I think Simpson is booked for good on the 'varsity, after the dandy game he put up in the second half."

"Yes," came from Tom. "The Snail means all right, but he's too slow. Frank will help the team a whole lot."

'Tell me about his playing," urged Sid, and they gave it to him, point by point.

There were bitter days for Randall following the Fairview game, and for a time it seemed that the defeat would work havoc with the team. But Mr. Lighton was a wise coach, and he only laughed at the gloomy predictions.

"Oh, we'll come into our own, soon," he declared. "Get right into practice, and keep it up."

Phil was able to be in his old place a couple of days later, and Sid was soon off the sick list, so