It was a mass-play---a
battering-ram assault.
And Gridley got it over! An inch past the line Winters tripped
and went down, covering the ball.
Touchdown!
Five to five a tie score!
"Kick the goal!" came the hoarse appeal from the east side seats.
"Kick as you never kicked before!"
Gridley fans could fairly hear themselves shake now. Hats were
off and waving. The High School girls stood up, frantically waving
their crimson and gold banners.
Cool, steady, like one without nerves, Thompson went back into
the field and poised himself for the kick.
At the whistle the dull thump of a boot against the pigskin was
heard all over the field. The ball arched and soared. Even before
it came toward earth a wild "hurrah!" went up from the east side.
The ball went straight between the bars!
Score: "Six to five!"
Badger and his young reliables were quietly smiling, now. Captain
Halsey began to look glum.
"Four bars of 'Hot Time' once more!" begged Dick Prescott, in
a voice that sounded as if palsy-touched.
The band blared out while the teams were changing ends.
Once more Cobber got the ball on the kick-off. A massed rush
was made for Gridley's goal, but it didn't get far. With eleven
minutes left to play, and a lead on the score, Badger had resolved
on using up all the reserve strength, if need be. Gridley had
not yet called on any substitutes, and several capable young "subs"
waited just outside the lines, frantic for a call.
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