AMERICAN FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3761, 1 March 1928, Page 3

AMERICAN FOOTBALL.

HALF-TIME ENTERTAINMENT,

Describing American football, as exemplified in the match between California and South California Universities, Mr. F. N. Brown told members of the Levin Chamber of Commerce last week that this was played in the “Bowl” near Berkeley, a.nd was witnessed by 100,000 people. So keen was the interest in sport, that if a person wished to get a 5-dollar seat for next season’s match he could n6t get it for 20 dollars, because all the accommodation was booked up. The barraekers from the colleges, men and girls, displayed the colours of their respective sides by means of their hats and dresses. On a platform in front of them were the “yell leaders,” and all sang out like one ;man. A band of 118 pieces marched in, and gave about 20 minutes’ of entertainment before the match commenced. The game proceeding according to the American rules, three attempts were made to gain 10 yards, and these were followed by something in the nature of “Sacks on the mill.” The man with the ball had to carry it till he was downed, the “interferer” running along on the weather side of him and knocking opponents out of the road. At half-time a team of little boys lined up and faced half a dozen big men. The latter kicked off, but the ball flew back, being attached to a piece of elastic. The referee was knocked out, and six bearers, one of whom was lame, marched in with a coffin. This was laid down beside the referee, and then came an explosion, the fid came off and out stepped Old 'Nick and chased all the actors off the field. This was an example of a half-time entertainment as provided at a big match, and it was very popular.