Quarterback Problem Will Hurt J.V. Eleven Against Tufts Today

A slightly augmented junior varsity football team will face what was reported to be the second and third string Tufts varsity in its opening contest at Soldiers Field today at 3 p.m. Although the regular j.v. eleven will probably start the game, Coach Norman Shepard said that 11 varsity men will be on hand as the Crimson seeks to avenge last year's 42-6 trouncing by Tufts.

The backfield crisis still looms as the major problem facing the junior varsity. Gordon Marlow, ordinarily a varsity halfback, will step into the shoes vacated by Ted Marmor, j.v. quarterback who moved up to help fill the injured Walt Stahura's spot. Backing him up will be the inexperienced John Righter, who joined the squad only last week.

Varsity members stepping down to the j.v. are quarterback Ron Johnson, halfbacks Charlie Leamy and Al Cullen, full-back Stan Merkel, ends Warren Huff and John Soucek, tackle Ted Robbins, guards Carl Framke and George Waterman and centers Pete Eliades and Spike Browne.

The probable starting lineup will include Dalton Avery, in his third j.v. year, center; Bob Snodgrass at right guard; Henry Abbott at right tackle; Paul Kirk at right end; Spike Browne at left guard; Joe George, third year j.v., left tackle; Frank Bachinski at left end; Marlow, quarterback; Bill Pescosolido, left halfback; Frank Newell at right halfback; and Dave Capiello at fullback.

Coach Shepard conceded that "It should be a very interesting game, very evenly matched," although he refused to predict that the Crimson would come out on the long end of the scoring.

The coach said that last year's poor 0-5 record was due, in part, to a lack of depth. In addition, j.v. team members were more or less bound to their squad, because the different styles of play of the two teams (the varsity used a single wing attack) made it hard for them to move up.

This season both the varsity and the junior varsity operate from a T-formation. The j.v. promises to be a better "farm team," while varsity men may see action in junior varsity contests.