Crimson Faces Engineers Today; Rains May Mar Season's Opener

Harvard Stadium sat cold and deserted yesterday afternoon, a light green tarp covering the newly laid turf. Rain-laden winds whipped the colonnade.

Inside nearby Dillon Field House, coach John Yovicsin glanced at the Stadium occasionally, and talked in short phrases. He was obviously beginning to feel the strain and tension of the situation.

In Briggs Cage, coach Mike Cooley sent his Lehigh Engineers through a brief drill, making last minute adjustments in his formations. A policeman guarded the door to prevent Crimson espionage.

Everyone connected with today's football game was as grim as the weather. After a month of practices, the moment for testing had arrived.

Lehigh, still remembering last week's 27-0 humiliation by Delaware, considered itself definite underdogs and prepared for another tough game.

Harvard, which still hasn't forgotten Lehigh's last visit, and uncertain about the health of some key players, felt it couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

Although everyone thought about it, the weather has not forced either coach to make any major changes. Lehigh is predominantly an aerial team (Engineer quarterbacks threw 38 passes in 54 plays last week), and Harvard's main threat is running.

I Don't Know

Theoretically, rain and a soggy field is death to a passing team, but Yovicsin isn't so sure. "Bad weather is an equalizer," Yovvy claimed "Some people say a 'slow' field favors the passing team, because the receiver can get the jump on the secondary. I don't know."

Coach Cooley, however, felt that he would have to stay on the ground if the rain continued, "We'll have to pass some, though," he said. "We can't change our whole philosophy in one day."

The rain is expected to end this morning, but cold winds of 25-30 miles per hour are predicted for the afternoon. In any event, the tarp on the field and the new drainage system should keep the turf firm for at least the first half.

Strong Crimson Backfield

Cooley is primarily worried about Harvard's backfield. 'You have a hard time defensing that (Mike) Bassett boy," he said, "because he can do most anything out there. And (Bill) Grana will keep you honest on those off tackle runs. But you can't just worry about these two," he went on. "(Hobie) Armstrong will kill you coming around end if you're not careful."

Yovicsin is primarily worried about Harvard's line. "Our backs can do things, but the line has to give them time.

All Ivy Possibility

The Crimson will go into the first game with a two unit line, with the five returning letterman linemen almost evenlu split between the two. On the first unit (which Harvard's American history conscious publicist Baaron pittenger has dubbed the Continentals). Yovicsin has placed Captain Dick Diehl and Ed Smith, his two experienced tackles. The second unit (Pittenger's Minute Man) is bolstered by Ernie Zissis and Bill Southmayd, the two letterman guards.

Dave Hudepohl, who may end up the season as an All-Ivy end, is at right end in the first one with Tom Stephenson, a good receiver in the left end slot. Walt Dobrzelecki who was powerful all during pre-seasons drills, and Charlie Kessler, who returns after a year's absence, will be the Continental guards (although Zissfs will start if Harvard kicks-off). Brad Stephens will be at the starting center post.

Pat Young and sophomore Curt Lemkau are the ends for the second unit. Sophomore Frank Eleickas will replace Lemkau on defense, however Jeff Pochop, whi has made impressive progress, will be at one Minute Man tackle slot, with big (64,235 pounds) Neal Curtin at the otner. Joe Minotti is the center.

These lines have some good personnel, and a great deal of individual strength. Whether or not they can work together to make holes for the backs remains to be seen. It could be the crucial factor today.

Quarterback Bassett will direct the team as it seeks to extend its five game winning streak, Bill Taylor, second team All-Ivy last year, will be at right half, and should provide some exciting running and maybe even a pass now and then.

Hobie Armstrong, called by some the most exciting player on the team, is at left half. Equipped with new contact lenses, Hobie should be able to direct his speed in the right directions this year.

Terry Bartolet returns at quarterback this year, and everyone is anxious to see if he can still pass the way he used to. If he can, Harvard will be doubly dangerous.

Dick Beiger is once again the defensive quarterback, and Bob Stringer will replace Grana on the defense.

Lehigh is a little thin for this game (with only 31 players available for duty), but is basically the same squad that stunned stumbling and fumbling Harvard last year.

The Engineers flight plan is executed by two strong-armed quarterbacks--Walt King and John DeNoia. Both operate off a pro-type T, which features flankers, wide ends, slotbacks and men in motion. Cooley explained that "we like to keep things interesting."

King is the more accurate of the two signal callers, but DeNoia excels in long distance efforts. Pat Clark is a breakaway halfback who does most of Lehigh's running, as well as most of the pass catching. He specializes in catching passes in Harvard Stadium. The other halfback, Jim Wilson, is a little more plodding, but has been known to find holes in the line. Mike Noel, a sophomore, is a fullback and is more easily contained.

The line is strengthened with five lettermen, but operates as a single unit, Cooley substitutes with individuals rather than platoons. Dan Berkey at center impressed Harvard scouts with his defensive skill, and tackle Chuck Gibson may be one of the best small college tackles around. Harold Milton is a garrison of strength at end. The big question with the line is whether it can remain tough for an entire game (Gibson fan forced to play 56 minutes last week), and avoid making mistakes.

Coach Yovicain says the winner will be the team "making the lowest blunders." Harvard should be that team