Page:The Winning Touchdown.djvu/60

48 The piled-up players slowly emerged from the heap, and Kindlings whispered to his new man:

"Good work, old fellow. That's the way to tear through them."

Phil was already calling off the next signal. He had found that quick, snappy work in beginning the signal, even though it was not quite yet time for the play, had the effect of somewhat demoralizing the other players, and also hastened the actions of his own men. Once more the ball went to the Grasshopper, but he failed to gain, and was thrown for a slight loss, for the scrub players were eager in breaking through.

"That won't do," objected the captain, gloomily.

"I—I didn't know he was going to give it to me so soon again," spoke Pete, pantingly.

"You must always be ready," was the comment.

Phil was calling for a kick now, on the last down, and Joe Jackson dropped back for it. The ball was sent out of danger, but coach and captain shook their heads. The 'varsity had not gained as much ground as they should have done.

"Better luck next time," said Kindlings hopefully.

"Your men need it," responded Mr. Lighton.

It was now the turn of the scrub to see what they could do, and they quickly formed over the pigskin, while their quarter-back called off the