Now it was Fardale’s turn to try the mettle of the enemy, and the ball was given to Nunn at the very start. With a mass formation revolving round him, the captain of the Fardale team went into the left wing of the home team, gaining only one yard. It was not much, but it was a gain, and Steve fancied he could do better next time.
Following the policy of Frank Merriwell, persistently drilled into him, Nunn again hammered at the left wing of the enemy, seeking a weak spot. Again a yard was made, but it was the second down, and three yards were needed.
Steve gave a signal for a repetition of the play, and Dana was the objective point in the line when the mass went hurtling at it. This time Dana was so well backed that not an inch was made.
There were still three yards to gain, and it must be made on the very next attempt.
For a moment Steve hesitated. Then, satisfied that a kick would be expected, he signaled for a false play.
Singleton seemed to prepare to kick, and Rivermouth made ready for that kind of a play. But Nunn’s signal called for Merriwell to run with the ball, not to pass it to Singleton.
Then Shannock became nervous, or something happened to him, for he made a wretched pass to Dick, who was bothered in catching the ball, nearly losing it.
By the time Dick had recovered, the Rivermouth players came tearing through and slammed him to the ground.
Fardale had lost on downs.
Both teams had showed themselves strong in defense.