Smith Is Named Top Offensive Man; Rick Berne Outstanding Defensively

Quarterback Dave Smith and defensive tackle Rick Berne received the offensive and defensive player-of-the-game awards from the Harvard football coaches for their contributions to last week's victory over Columbia.

In his first game as a starting quarterback. Smith led the offense which scored Harvard's highest point total in an Ivy League game, and set a Crimson record for rushing in a League game with 383 yards. Smith passed for 85 yards and one touchdown. "He was the big man in revitalizing our offense, and proved he can be a top quarterback." said head coach John Yovicsin.

Berne was part of the Crimson's defensive line whose pass rush produced four interceptions. He made several tackles. "and also pursued well on plays away from his side of the field." said Yovicsin.

The coaching staff gives the award on the basis of its analysis of the game films. The coaches grade each player's performance by a point system, and award the offensive and defensive winners with name-engraved plaques.

So far, six seniors have received this recognition. Offensive guard John Cassis and safety Neil Hurley won it after the Holy Cross game. The coaches picked center Bob Teske and linebacker Dale Neil as players of the week in Harvard's loss to Boston University.