Yovicsin's Gridders Open Season

Two untested varsity football squads will have an opportunity to prove themselves today at 2 p.m. in Harvard Stadium when the Crimson opens its 95th season against Holy Cross.

The game, rated a tossup, will pit the Crusaders' dangerous backfield against Harvard's solid defense but questionable offense.

For Harvard, one major question will be how competently senior George Lalich can fill the quarterback vacancy left by Ric Zimmerman. Lalich is regarded as a good passer and a better runner, but he comes into the game with only 12 minutes of varsity experience.

Lalich will be directing an offensive unit that has been riddled by pre-season injuries. One of Lalich's prime targets, sophomore and Bruce Freeman, has been plagued by a persistent virus and may not be able to start. Senior guard Tom Jones and All-Ivy halfback Vic Gatto suffered injuries in Saturday's intra-squad scrimmage but both are healthy enough to start.

Gatto's presence in the lineup gives Harvard an explosive scoring threat. The 5-6 captain ranked second in the Ivy League in scoring (42) and rushing (581 yards) last season when Harvard compiled a 4-3 record. His 1,452 yards rushing in two varsity campaigns makes him the fourth leading rusher in Crimson history. He needs only 374 yards to replace Dick Clasby '53 as the all-time leader.

Along with Gatto and Lalich in the backfield are junior Ray Hornblower, Harvard's second leading ground-gainer last year, and fullback Ken O'Connell.

Another offensive threat for Harvard is sophomore end Pete Varney, who is one of the brightest prospects in the League.

One of Coach John Yovicsin's biggest headaches will be how to contain Holy Cross' topnotch quarterback, Phil O'Neil. O'Neil ranks 11th in the nation among returning major college passers this year, having completed 97 of 218 passes for 1,378 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall.

Second QB

If O'Neil cannot move the Crusaders, Holy Cross Coach Tom Boisture will call on sophomore Mark Mowatt, who is known for coming up with the big play. Mowatt scored four touchdowns and passed for five more in only four games on the Crusader's freshman squad.

Holy Cross will probably go to the air early in the game to exploit Harvard's inexperience in the defensive backfield.

Cornerbacks Jim Higgins, who is replacing the injured Mike Ananis, and Neal Hurley have almost no varsity playing time between them.

However, Harvard's front five looks like it has the makings of being a typically tough Crimson defense. Seniors Steve Zebal. Alex MacLean, Pete Hall and Steve Ranere should harrass O'Neil and Mowatt all afternoon, with junior Ed Sadler or senior Lon Kaplan adding their big hands.

The regionally-televised game is the 30th encounter of Harvard and Holy Cross. The Crimson has captured 19 to the Crusader's nine with one tie.