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The season of 1915 marks the second year in the history of the Woodlawn High School Football Team. Considering the difficulties which had to be encountered, the events of the season are well worthy of our notice.
One of the very first obstacles which hampered the progress of the gridiron volunteers, was the lack of a suitable field for practice. After several days of consultation, a portion of Plan 12 was selected, but it was soon discovered that this location was inconvenient. Finally, by permission of the Land Company, the tract of "wilderness" between the Paff Building and the Gas Company Building was selected for the football grounds. Many hours of strenuous labor were spent in removing several tons of brickbats, stone, tile, etc., by means of such articles as tubs or wheelbarrows. Some of the portly candidates displayed their superior ability by removing telegraph poles by hand. "Knightly" showed his; knowledge of farm implements by breaking a scythe or two in trying to mow the field before the stubbles were tramped down, so that the boys might participate in some real football practice. On account of such drawbacks, it was practically the first of October before the season was well started.
Considering the size of our High School, a large squad reported. But yet we were handicapped because this number was insufficient to afford a scrimmage. If a football team cannot have this practice, practically every night, its progress is bound to be limited and its efficiency decreased. However, we had several nights' scrimmage with a "scrub" team. We wish to express our thanks to those outside enthusiasts who thus aided in the development of our men.
Probably the greatest difficulty which the Woodlawn High School Team has met in its two years of existence is "inexperience." Experience is the essential quality which a team must have in order to be successful. This year we had only five men who had played a full season. The remaining six and the substitutes were new men. Now who would expect that a team so handicapped would witness anything but severe defeat? We think we can truly be proud of our success this year.
Sixteen candidates reported for football practice. Even though some did not make the "Varsity," yet they were in no way offended, but constantly toiled to aid those who had make the team to achieve greater success. Did not this show a remarkable spirit? Although the team suffered several severe defeats, yet the boys were not discouraged, but came out faithfully night after night, rain or shine, to practice.
Aside from the praise given to the players, our faithful coach, Mr. Reed, deserves commendation. During the whole season he did not miss a night, but strove by word and deed to help the team to attain success. We are sure the boys admire a coach who not only instructs them how to do, but actually shows them "how" to tackle 'em low. The team wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. Reed.
Several of the games we played this year were rather discouraging. Part of this may be due to the fact that many of them were scheduled with teams from larger High Schools.
The season was opened by the game with the fast New Brighton team, played at Junction Park. 'Me boys had only about two weeks' practice preparatory to this game. It was also the first game many of them had played. These, together with other reasons, caused us to be defeated by a score of 41-0.
The next Saturday the team took a joy ride to Sewickley, where, to their surprise, they encountered a stronger team. Space will not permit to tell of this Waterloo. However, we had good scrimmage, and discovered a few of our weak points.
The next one was in our league, Monaca, on our own grounds. The Monaca "tots" put it over on us this year, by a score of 12-0.
The Freedom game, played abroad, was the next on the list. This was hard fought, resulting in a score of 13-12 in favor of Woodlawn. Celona and Kratzert each made a touchdown, the latter scoring in the last quarter of the game. The point which made this game our first victory, we owe to Kratzert, who kicked a goal after making a touchdown.
Another contest worthy of mention, was the last one of the season, Woodlawn-Freedom, at home. This was a decided victory for Woodlawn, the score being 25-0. There were several striking incidents which made this game interesting - namely Baker's recovery of a fumble on the five-yard line for a touchdown; Gilmore's fifty-yard sprint for a touchdown and Prosser's interception of a forward pass on which he gained about twenty-five yards on it. Not once did Kratzert fail to take the ball over when it was near the goal. In connection with the game we might also mention Knightly's "stonewall" tackle.
The season was marked by two social events, one at Freedom and the other at Franklin Hotel.
Through the generosity of Prof. Pitzer, the boys were not allowed to go home from the Freedom game hungry. We were treated to a most delicious and refreshing supper, served at the "Rest House." Words are powerless to express our gratitude to Mr. Pitzer for the interest which he has shown in the football team. We are sure that it was an occasion which we shall never forget.
The other delightful event took place when Mr. Locke completed the season by giving the football squad an excellent banquet at the Franklin. A splendid dinner was served, during which songs were sung. Mr. Locke acted as toastmaster and every one present gave a toast. After this the company adjourned to one of the parlors. Here the lettermen received their "W's" and Mr. Kratzert was elected captain for the season of 1916. After the business was over we were entertained by music and jokes of all descriptions. We certainly appreciated this delightful evening which was made possible by Mr. Locke.
From the 1916 "Condor," Yearbook of Woodlawn High School (Now Aliquippa)