"Down!" he gasped, and then they lined up for the first scrimmage.
It was hot, fierce and fast work. After a couple of tries at the line, Captain Jack saw that it was going to be heavy work, so he began the kicking tactics that had been agreed upon. Here the wind favored Riverview very much, and though Waterside sent the ball back time and again, the net result at the end of five minutes' play was decidedly with our heroes.
"Now we've got to rush it over for a touchdown!" said Frank, as they lined up two yards from the Waterside goal line. It was a desperate try, but it was successful, and Andy was shoved over the necessary distance.
"Touchdown! Touchdown!" yelled the frantic and enthusiastic supporters of Riverview. "Now get another!"
The goal was kicked, and then began the fierce playing again. It was more than a mere game. Riverview was actually fighting for life—or at least recognition among her fellows. With grim despair her boys hugged the ball when they had it, and dashed into the line like young battering rams. And when it came their turn to stop a rush they did it with such fierceness that several of the Waterside players were put out temporarily.
In good stead did the grueling practice our heroes had had on their rough gridiron stand them now. Of course the game went against them at times, and once, just before the end of the second quarter, it looked as if Waterside would get another touchdown in addition to the one she had already made, which would have put her well ahead. But Frank saved the day by a brilliant tackle almost on the goal line and the welcome whistle blew. So far the score was a tie.
There was no let up in the fierce playing when the third period started. Frank, Andy, Jack and Ward were "playing their heads off," as the coach said. But it was needed.
For Waterside was smarting at the manner in which her players were being hurled back.
"We've just got to win!" said Frank fiercely.
In the third period neither side scored, though Riverview came close to it, and would have done so but for a most unfair decision. There was a howl of protest, but Captain Jack silenced it among his lads.