Freshman Gridders Defeat Yale, 21-7; Baggot's Interception Snaps Deadlock

Crimson adjuster back Bob Baggott picked off an errant fourth quarter pass from the hands of Yale quarterback John Nubani and ran it back 40 yards to spark the freshmen to a 21-7 triumph over the Elis in yesterday's home contest.

Baggott's key interception at 10:00 of the final quarter snapped a 7-7 deadlock in a battle that was characterized by inspired defensive play from both freshman squads.

There were many individuals who had the impression that the freshman contest was The Game, as hundreds of alumni filled the sidelines, braving the cold, and reminiscing of the good 'ole days when they sang Ten Thousand Men of Harvard.

Yale grabbed an early lead after an Eli lineman pounced on a Harvard fumble on the Crimson's 19 yardline on the first play from scrimmage. Five plays later, Eli quarterback John Nubani ran a keeper from two yards out to score, and with the conversion kick, Yale led, 7-0.

Equally Ineffective

But that would be the last time that the Elis would hit paydirt as the secret to the Crimson win was the defense. Yale could only muster 34 yards rushing in 34 attempts, and the Elis' passing attack was equally ineffective against a stubborn Harvard unit.

"We just didn't get any momentum going in the game," Eli coach Harry Jacunski said. "We couldn't cope with Harvard's defenses, and our only offense came on that quick score," added Jacunski.

Following the Eli score, both teams struggled in vain to mount a sustained drive, as the cold weather and muddy field gave the running backs fits.

Halfway through the second period, the Crimson offense got untracked and the momentum began to swing in Harvard's favor.

With five minutes remaining in the period, Crimson quarterback Tim Davenport directed his squad 70 yards for a touchdown. The drive was sustained by the clutch receiving of split end Jim Ossyra and the bruising running of running backs, Chris Doherty and Larry Schember.

Plunge

Schember capped the drive with a one-yard plunge and the conversion kicked knotted the score at 7-7.

Harvard got the ball right back with one minute to play before intermission. Davenport connected on three consecutive aerials to split end Jim Ossyra, which brought the Crimson down to the Yale 13 yardline with 16 seconds on the clock.

The drive sputtered to a halt there as the Crimson managed three more plays to no avail.

Ossyra was the offensive standout of the game as the Crimson end had five receptions for a total of 111 yards.

The third quarter was strictly defense as neither team could mount a serious threat. The stalemate continued through the final period until Baggott's interception broke the tie.

Ice

Trailing, 14-7, with three minutes remaining in the game, Yale was forced to pass. Crimson defensive back Dan McMullen anticipated a pass from Yale's Nubani, and returned the interception 30 yards to ice the Crimson win, 21-7.

Crimson coach Chet O'Neill praised the fine performance of both the offensive and defensive units. "I am very proud of this team," O'Neill said. "They were down and out just four weeks ago, and they have a helluva lot to be proud about. They deserved to win."