Speedy Backfield, Clayton Make Dartmouth a Threat

If Holy Cross gave a surprisingly polished performance in tying Dartmouth, 21-all, at Hanover on Saturday, the Big Green was only slightly less imposing than everybody had been led to believe.

Dartmouth still has the gifted Johnny Calyton to throw passes and, as usual, a number of fleet backs to run the ball. This means that the Indians will score--and score fairly often--this season; their opponents' strength will lie, to a great extent, in Dartmouth's weaknesses, which on Saturday were mainly the defensive left and the pass defense.

Clayton Still Good

Clayton is still the fine passer and play-caller he was last year, but he no longer has Tom Rowe and Dave Beeman to grab his passed and go. He throws mostly to John McDonald, who is of more than average height (6-4) and thus can usually grab a pass; but neither he nor the other end, Vince Marriott, could advance very far after they had caught the ball, which probably made Clayton look less spectacular by comparison with his performances last year.

Clayton also possessed the knack for calling the wonderful surprise play at the right moment. With Dartmouth on the Holy Cross 15-yard line, fourth down and five to go and the Big Green trailing by one touchdown, Clayton took the ball from center, bootlegged to his right, then throw to his left. John Foster, a reserve back, was standing all alone on the two-yard line.

The Dartmouth pass defense was deficient not only in interrupting the flight of the ball but also in tacking a receiver once he caught a pass. Many times, a Holy Cross back or end was able to elude or pull himself away from one or more Indian defenders.

The green's left end on defense was Donald Myers, and Holy Cross gained considerable yardage around his flank. He seemed to be quite susceptible to the deceptive ball-handling of Charles Maloy, the Crusader quarterback (as were most of the Dartmouth linemen at one point or another), and was often drawn well out of position.

Line Looks So-So

Dartmouth's tackles looked only fair--considering they are both seniors with a good deal of varsity experience--because they were being outcharged the greater part of the afternoon. The guards seemed better, and Paul Staley, one of four men who goes both ways, may well be the best center in the Ivy League.

As for running backs, Dartmouth has Bill Roberts, who led the League in rushing last year, at fullback and four halfbacks who have speed to burn--Bob Tyler, Charles Curtis, and Ed Williams at left half; Ed Isbey at right half. Williams has suffered a broken neck and a broken leg since he started playing football at Hanover; he appears quite fit now.