Green Bay Packers (2-2) 24, Dallas Texans (0-4) 14
Saturday October 18th 1952 (at Dallas)
GAME RECAP (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE)
(DALLAS) - “Here’s the ball, Offense! Now go ahead and score…” That’ about what the Green Bay Packer Defense said to the Offense in the Cotton bowl here Saturday night, and the Attack promptly took the hint, producing three touchdowns and a field goal to defeat the Dallas Texans, 24 to 14, before 14,000, including 24 Packer Backers who flew down from Green Bay. The Green Bay offense never was able to score on a sustained drive out of its own territory all night, but once the defense picked up the pigskin on a Texan fumble or an interception in Dallas territory, it was an easy matter to score victory No. 2. John Martinkovic, the gigantic defensive end, went down the chimney, like Santa, to present a shiny new football to the offense early in the game. The offense accepted his fumble recovery on the Texan 45 and seven plays later Green Bay was ahead, 7-0, on Tobin Rote’s 27-yard throw to Bob Mann. After the Texan’s two touchdowns in the last two minutes of the first half gave them a 14-7 lead, Martinkovic played Santa again and the Packers were off and running in the third period. He swiped the ball from Bob Celeri on the statue of liberty play on the Texans’ 34 and four plays later Rote hurled 21 yards to Bill Howton for a tie score. Clarence Self sole a little of Martinkovic’s stuff in the third period, recovering Dick Hoerner’s fumble on the Texas 39. Six plays later, Bill Reichardt kicked a 32-yard field goal to put the Pack in front, 17-14. Bobby Dillon, playing before his Missus, clinched the victory by intercepting George Taliaferro’s pass, deflected by Self, on the Texan 31 in the fourth quarter. And the Packers quickly scored – this time in five plays, with Babe Parilli pitching the last 10 to Howton in the end zone for the TD. Fred Cone converted after each touchdown. The Packer defense, victimized by Los Angeles’ 24-point rally a week ago, was murder all night despite Dallas’ two teedees. The Texans made only 86 yards rushing through the tough Bay line and linebacking corps. Dallas received 146 yards via passing but 78 came on Taliaferro’s 78-yard run off a screen pass from Celeri, leaving but 68 by “normal” passes. The Texans scored twice with uneasy ease and more than half of their yardage for the night was wrapped in the two quick TD swipes. They got life on the Packer 45 when a fourth down try for one yard and a first down failed. Celeri ran 31 yards when a pass attempt failed, and then bolted 11 to the Packer 3, from where Hoerner crashed over to tie the score at 7-7. The Texans got the ball right back after forcing Parilli to punt. On the first play, Bob Forte pitched Celeri for a seven-yard loss to the 22, but on the next, Celeri hurled over the heads of the rushing Packer linesmen into Taliaferro’s hands at the scrimmage line. Taliaferro, behind great downfield blocking, went the distance. Chubby Grigg, the former Packer, kicked both extra points, the second of which ended the Texans’ scoring for the night. While the Packer offense couldn’t work a sustained scoring drive of over 47 yards, the unit came in with a respectable 318 yards – 187 by rushing and 131 on 15 completions in 30 attempts. Rote hit 11 out of 20 tried for 117 yards and two TDs, while Parilli posted four for 10 and one TD.
KEEPS DEFENSE HONEST
Clemson Cone kept the Dallas defense honest with his consistent smashes which figured in the last two touchdown marches. He finished up as the top ground gainer in the game with 79 yards in 15 attempts. Rote came in with 65 in 10 tries, mostly on keepers or runs off pass attempts. The Packers popped a surprise that made the Texans think twice – one Stretch Elliott, who caught four for 40 yards on short jabs up the middle. Howton caught only three for 36 yards but two went for TDs, while Bob Mann nailed his only reception for 28 yards and a six-pointer. Mann later was injured and had to retire from action. While the Packers didn’t run the scorekeeper out of numbers, they gave the Texan trainer a busy night. The Bays were hitting so hard that at least 10 players had to leave at different times for repairs or smelling salts. One may be out for the season – George Robison, a rookie linebacker who suffered a broken ankle. On the play, Elliott blocked out both Robison and Jerry Davis as Parilli made 16 yards on a keeper. The Texans made the first bid. After receiving, they whipped up two first downs and were only three yards from another when Martinkovic recovered Chuck Ortmann’s fumble on the Dallas 47. Bobby Jack Floud made one and Rote made it a first down in two tries on the 37. Elliott went down the middle for 10 on a pitch from Rote and then Rote hurled to Howton for five. After Rote was smashed back five, he hit Mann on the 10 with a well-aimed throw and Bob crawled the last five yards into the end zone.
81-YARD PUNT PLAY
Neither team was able to do much, and Hank Lauricella put the Packers in the hole with a punt out of bounds on the two. The Texans toughened, and Parilli blasted a beautiful 81-yard quick kick on third down but the Packers was offside, nullifying it. The kick was figured from the 12 (the line of scrimmage) and it was downed on the Texan seven. Actually, it went over 90 yards from where he stood. Parilli tried a pass on the new third won but it hit the crossbar and he finally punted. Parilli and Lauricella punted back and forth until midway in the second period when the Packers moved from their own 23 to the Texan 38 on runs by Reichardt, Cone and Parilli and Parilli’s screener to Tony Canadeo. The attack stalled and Cone missed a field goal from the 48. After Celeri quick kicked on second down and the Packers muffed a first down on their own 45, the Texans went on their lone scoring spree. Just before the half, Rote made 15 yards and Parilli nine in two runs off the spread and Reichardt missed a field goal from the 49 with one second left. With Canadeo and Rote running and Rote passing to Elliott and Keane, the Packers moved 20 yards to their own 45 where Rote fumbled and Keever Jankovich recovered for the Texans on the Bay 46. A moment later, Martinkovic stole the ball from Celeri and the Packers were off to the races. Cone started the second TD drive from the 34 with a 12-yard bolt over left guard. The Packers were holding on Canadeo’s four-yard gain, but Rote hurled to Cone for 16 yards and then to Howton for the TD. Bill took the ball on the four and rolled in.
GRIGG MISSES FIELD GOAL
After Reichardt’s FG made it 17-14, the Texans moved from their own 17 to the Packers 22, chiefly on Celeri’s 17-yard pass to Taliaferro and Taliferro’s 31-yard pass to Stan Williams. The attack stalled and Grigg missed a field goal try from the 25. After the Packers lost the ball at midfield, Dillon intercepted a pass intended for Hoerner on the Dallas 40 and returned it to the 31. Cone smashed for 11 yards in two cracks. Canadeo added five and Cone five more before Parilli hurled to Howton in the end zone for the score. Ab Wimberly caught Celeri twice for nine-yard losses to kill the Texans’ first threat. Dom Moselle ended their last by intercepting Taliaferro’s pass on the Packer four-yard line with seconds left.
GREEN BAY - 7 0 10 7 - 24
DALLAS - 0 14 0 0 - 14
GREEN BAY DALLAS
First Downs 19 12
Rushing-Yards-TD 45-187-0 20-86-1
Att-Comp-Yd-TD-Int 15-30-155-3-1 10-29-194-1-2
Sacked-Yards 3-24 5-48
Net Passing Yards 131 146
Total Yards 318 232
Fumbles-lost 2-2 4-3
Turnovers 3 5
Yards penalized 7-81 4-20
SCORING
1ST - GB - Bob Mann, 28-yard pass from Tobin Rote (Fred Cone kick) GREEN BAY 7-0
2ND - DAL - Dick Hoerner, 3-yard run (Chubby Grigg kick) TIED 7-7
2ND - DAL - George Taliaferro, 72-yard pass from Bob Celeri (Grigg kick) DALLAS 14-7
3RD - GB - Bill Howton, 22-yard pass from Rote (Cone kick) TIED 14-14
3RD - GB - Bill Reichardt, 32-yard field goal GREEN BAY 17-14
4TH - GB - Howton, 10-yard pass from Rote (Cone kick) GREEN BAY 24-14
RUSHING
GREEN BAY - Fred Cone 15-79, Tobin Rote 10-65, Babe Parilli 2-16, Tony Canadeo 7-15, Bobby Jack Floyd 6-6, Bill Robinson 3-4, Bill Reichardt 1-4, Billy Grimes 1-(-2)
DALLAS - Bob Celeri 3-54, Chuck Ortmann 4-21, Dick Hoerner 6-9 1 TD, Buddy Young 3-6, George Taliaferro 4-(-4)
PASSING
GREEN BAY - Tobin Rote 20-11-117 2 TD 1 INT, Babe Parilli 10-4-38 1 TD
DALLAS - Bob Celeri 15-7-147 1 TD, George Taliaferro 7-1-32 2 INT, Chuck Ortmann 6-2-15, Buddy Young 1-0-0
RECEIVING
GREEN BAY - Carl Elliott 4-40, Billy Howton 3-36 2 TD, Tony Canadeo 3-9, Jim Keane 2-22, Fred Cone 2-20, Bob Mann 1-28 1 TD
DALLAS - George Taliaferro 5-129 1 TD, Buddy Young 2-18, Gene Felker 2-15, Stan Williams 1-32
PACKERS CAN HANDLE DETROIT IF THEY CUT ERRORS, PHELAN
OCT 20 (Dallas) - “I think the Packers can handle Detroit if they hustle and don’t make too many mistakes.” That’s the opinion of Jimmy Phelan, head coach of the Dallas Texans, who was asked this question after the Packer-Dallas game Saturday night: “How do the Packers stack up with the teams you’ve played – the Giants, Forty Niners and Bears?” Phelan elaborated thusly: “The Packers are a solid outfit; they’ve got those two threats at quarterback (Tobin Rote and Babe Parilli) and they can throw a lot of strikes; they’ve got two good receivers in Howton and Mann and you can’t discount the others two (Jim Keane and Stretch Elliott); that’s a lot of offense; the line looks like it can play some good ball – yes, the Packers got a chance with any of them but they’ve got to continue hustling and cut down on mistakes.” Phelan agreed that the Lions (the Packers play ‘em in Green Bay next Sunday) were awfully tough but “I think you can handle ‘em.” The Texan coach felt that the Packers were improved “very much” over a year ago. Phelan is facing a tremendous rebuilding task here and his summary of the game indicated that things aren’t going to pick up overnight. “We’ve got a lot of kids hurt and our quarterbacking is spotty now; injuries have bothered us all the way; tonight was a good example; George Robison, a fine linebacking prospect, suffered a broken ankle, and Bob Celeri hurt his collar bone; a number of the others got banged up. I couldn’t use Dan Edwards (the club’s best receiver) because of earlier injuries. Both those clubs were hitting like hell out there, weren’t they?” Packer head coach Gene Ronzani was bubbling with joy after the game. “Those kids showed me that they can come back after going behind. We made a lot of mistakes but they really like to play football. Did you see ‘em get tougher by the minute in that last half?
They were knocking those Texans out of there one after another just by good, hard football. Our blocking in the line was not as sharp as it was against the Rams but they had it when it counted.” After the game, Ronzani helped celebrate the victory with the 24 Green Bayites who made the trip here in a chartered Wisconsin Central Airlines plane. A victory lunch, featuring Wisconsin cheese, was held at the Hotel Adolphus for the Packer coaches and visiting firemen from Green Bay. A number of ex-Packers watched the game, including Joe Spencer, Charley Mitchell, Rusty Russell and Gene Wilson. Spencer, knocked out by a bad knee this season, got down on the Packer bench during the fourth quarter – “I just had to give them some encouragement.” He drove down from Oklahoma. Assistant coaches Chuck Drulis and Ray McLean caught a plan for Detroit shortly after the game to scout the Lion-LA Ram contest. Ronzani and several players got off the Packer plane in Chicago to view the Bear-Forty Niner classic. Russ Thomas, Detroit assistant coach, scouted the Packer-Texan battle and commented later that “we’ll have a tough job on our hands next Sunday.” Alex Agase, Dallas line coach, wanted to be remembered to George Rand and his “long family” – Terry, Tommy and Sally. “We got well acquainted when we all lived in Champaign,” Agase said. Jim Coffeen, the “voice” of the Packers, observed his 65th birthday Sunday and the Packers sang “Happy Birthday” for him as they left Chicago in their chartered Wisconsin Capital Airliner. To make it complete, Capital agent Bill Hughes presented Coffeen with a big birthday cake, compliments of Capital.
FANS GREET PACKERS
OCT 20 (Green Bay) - Several hundred fans were at Austin Straubel field Sunday afternoon to greet the Packers and congratulate them for their 24-14 victory over the Texans in Dallas Saturday night. The Packers left Dallas at 9:15 Sunday morning in their chartered Capital airliner and arrived here at 3:15 after a 30-minute stop in Chicago.
PACKERS FACE LIONS IN 'GREAT BIG ONE' HERE SUNDAY
OCT 21 (Green Bay) - If the Packer-Ram game in Milwaukee recently was the BIG ONE, then the Packer-Detroit battle in City stadium next Sunday is the GREAT BIG ONE. The Packers and Detroit will enter the collision with identical two-two records and the winner will go into second place in the National conference. The contest here will be one of the two "crucials" scheduled in the NC Sunday. The other sends the Bears, also with a two-two mark, against the Rams (1-3) in Los Angeles. If the Bears lose, the winner in Green Bay will be left alone in the No. 2 spot behind the undefeated San Francisco Forty Niners, who will host Dallas. If the Bears win, the winner will share second. Sunday's match will be Detroit's first sojourn of the west coast element. The Lions' first four games were against San Francisco and Los Angeles. Detroit succumbed twice to the ravaging Forty Niners, 17 to 3 in SF and 28-0 in Detroit. But the Rams, whose 24-point last quarter rally whipped the Packers, 30-28, fell before the Lions twice, 17 to 14 in LA and 24-16 in Detroit last Sunday. The Packers sharpened up for their big event by whipping the Texans in Dallas last Saturday night, 24-14. In earlier games, the Packers lost to the Bears, 24-14; defeated the Washington Redskins, 35-20; and then dropped that heartbreaker to the Rams. Both the Bays and Lions had the weekend well scouted. Watching Detroit come from behind to whip LA were Packer assistant coaches Chuck Drulis and Ray McLean and watching the Packers do the same to whip Dallas was Russ Thomas, Lion coaching aide. Thomas was surprised to find Stretch Elliott back in the catching picture for the Packers. The long, lean end snared four to keep several drives going. Drulis and McLean, besides getting an eyeful of the tough Detroit offense and defense, learned that the Lions' big guns, Doak Walker and Leon Hart, will be in top condition for the Packers. The Doaker didn't play
against San Francisco and played briefly against the Rams, as did Hart. Another injuree to be ready Sunday is fullback Pat Harder. Spelling Walker in the last two games was Jug Girard, the former Packer who was traded to Detroit last summer for Ed Berrang, Steve Dowden and a player to be named later. Girard is anxious to play against his former teammates and likely will be fitted into the attack...Quarter scoring figures for the Packers and Lions indicate that the Packer attack thus far has been "balanced" while that of the Lions is concentrated in the second and third quarters. Detroit has yet to score a point in the first quarter. Here's the scoring by quarters for the two teams' first four games:
DETROIT - 6 24 17 3 - 44
OPPONENTS - 13 28 24 10 - 88
GREEN BAY - 21 28 31 21 - 101
OPPONENTS - 10 20 14 44 - 88
The figures indicate that the Lions must be tough in the last quarter, the opponents getting only 10 points. The Packers have permitted 44 points in the last quarter, but LA got 24 of 'em...The Packers went back to work today, immediately launching plans for an offense against Detroit. The club came out of the rough Dallas game with no serious injuries, although veteran end Bob Mann hurt his leg going after a pass. Bob, however, will be ready to play against Detroit. Mann played three seasons with the Lions and makes his home in Detroit. Packer coach Gene Ronzani had special congratulations for two new fathers today - Bill Howton and Dick Afflis, who, in turn, were passing out cigars in "observance" of the birth of daughters Monday. Mrs. Howton is at St. Mary and Mrs. Afflis is at St. Vincent.
VAINISI ON WAY TO HINES! PACKERS' WIN HEART-WARMING
OCT 21 (Green Bay) - On the way out to the Cotton bowl in Dallas Saturday night, coach Gene Ronzani and the Packers read a "good luck" message from Jack Vainisi, the Packer talent scout and office assistant who was confined to St. Mary's hospital with a recurrence of rheumatic fever. Today, Jack was removed in an ambulance to Hines Veterans' hospital in Chicago, where he'll undergo treatment for approximately two months. Vainisi, a onetime Notre Dame tackle, played Army football in Japan with a number of college and pro stars, including Billy Grimes and Rebel Steiner, and later developed rheumatic fever. He spent considerable time in Army hospitals before his discharge. Vainisi, who came to the Packers in 1950, will need a bit of moral support and the best way to give him a lift is for your fans to drop him a line from time to time...The Packers' 24-14 victory over the Texans was heart-warming for a number of reasons. It proved that the Packers can (1) get off the floor and win and (2) operate their defense to the best advantage of the offense. When the Packers went behind 14-7 at the intermission, it was the first time during the league season that the Packers were able to overcome a deficit and go on to win. In the Bear game, the Packers were behind, 3-0, before taking a 7-3 edge, but they could not hold it. The Bays never went behind in beating Washington, though it was tied up 7-up in the first quarter. The Packers' toughest hurdle in Dallas was the 50-yard line. They couldn't cross it under their own power all night. This might have been alarming if it hadn't been for the rugged Bay defenders who made life so miserable for the Texans that they fumbled three times and had a pass intercepted. The Packer offense quickly turned the "mistakes" (all in Dallas territory) into TDs. Thus, the game also proved that it doesn't pay to make an error against the Packers. They can capitalize quickly!...The Packers still fret about "what might have been". Wash Serini, the big linemen, was studying the scores of the four Packer games on the way home Sunday. "Just think, we could be riding - so easy - with a four-nothing right now; take that blocked kick out of the Bear game and I'm sure we would have won; and all we needed was an extra first down in the fourth quarter of the Ram game," he fumed. The Packers, to a man, feel they have a good team and, judging by their remarks, they aim to prove it right soon!...Stan Williams, rookie defensive back for the Texans who starred as a pass receiver for Baylor, is a wiser defender today. Bob Mann, the Packers' veteran end who is as quick as a cat, faked Williams out of his shoes when he nailed Tobin Rote's TD pass in the first quarter. It was unfortunate that Bob hurt himself a few plays later because we're for sure Williams wanted no more of him. We hope the Texas crowd understood Babe Parilli's strategy in the last few seconds of the first half when the Bay quarterback "passed" the ball out of bounds when he was tackled. Parilli was about seven yards inside the sideline when he hurled the ball into the Dallas bench to stop the clock. The crowd let out a big "whew". Two years ago, a Detroit crowd booed Al Baldwin for stepping out of bounds (trying to stop the clock) after he caught a pass. The Detroit papers next day defended his action, saying that the maneuver gave the Packers two extra plays. Parilli's sideline pitch also gave the Bays a couple of extra chances.
PACKERS TO BATTLE FOR SECOND PLACE
OCT 21 (Green Bay) - The Green Bay Packers will battle for second place in the National Conference when they engage the Detroit Lions in an NFL game at City Stadium at 1:30 Sunday afternoon. A crowd of more than 20,000 is expected for the crucial match, the loser of which will be virtually out of championship contention. The winner could take over undisputed possession of second place, depending on the outcome of the Chicago Bear-Ram game in Los Angeles. Green Bay, Detroit and the Bears are currently knotted with 2-2 records behind San Francisco's 4-0. LA has 1-3. Both the Packers and Lions warmed up for the "big one" with victories over the weekend, Green Bay beating the Texans at Dallas, 24-14, and Detroit stopping Los Angeles, 24-16, in Detroit. The Packers enter the game as the third highest scoring team in the league, with 101 points, against 122 for San Francisco and 116 for Cleveland. Detroit, by comparison, scored only 44. However, the Lions already played two games against powerful Frisco and came out with a total of three points. Packer head coach Gene Ronzani this week is concentrating on offense. The Bay point-makers were unable to score on a sustained drive out of their own territory, and the three touchdowns and field goal were set up by the defense recovering fumbles in Dallas territory. Once inside the Texan 50, the Packer air game worked to perfection. Tobin Rote threw two touchdown passes - one each to Bill Howton and Bob Mann, and Babe Parilli threw the other to Howton. Bill Reichardt added the field goal from 32 yards out. Returning to Green Bay for the first time as an "enemy" will be Jug Girard, the former Marinette and Wisconsin flash, who is now understudy to Doak Walker with the Lions. Girard played four seasons with the Packers before being traded to Detroit for three players last summer. The Lions, bothered by injuries for their last three games, will be in top shape for the Packers. Returning after being sidelined for short spells are Walker, the great halfback; Pat Harder; and Leon Hart, the gigantic end.
LIONS TO EXPLODE AGAINST PACK? THEY'RE OVERDUE!
OCT 22 (Green Bay) - Will the Detroit Lions explode at City stadium Sunday afternoon? Though they're holding a fine 2-2 record, the Lions haven't exactly burned up the NFL with yards and points. The Detroits of 1951 ranked second in scoring and close to the top in total yardage, but the current edition is buried low with only 44 points in four games and an average of 130 yards (rushing and passing). They're due to regain their 1951 pace. The Packers, of course, realize (1) that points and yards don't mean much (it's the won-lost record that really counts) and (2) that the Lions first four matches were against the West Coast powerhouses - the unbeaten San Francisco Forty Niners and the world champion Los Angeles Rams. The Bays are more concerned about what the Lions will do in City stadium Sunday. From experiences in 1951 (the Lions won here 24-17 and in Detroit 52-35), the Packers are convinced that the Detroits are much stronger than the figures indicate. Individual statistics, revealed today by the NFL for the first four games, show that the Lion big guns of 1951 aren't running hog wild, although they have been hampered by injuries...The Lions have no representatives among the league's top 10 ground gainers, while quarterback Bobby Layne is 16th among the passers. Detroit's great end, Cloyce Box, is seventh among the pass catchers and tied for fourth in scoring. The Lions are getting some great punting from Bob Smith, who ranks second in that department with an average of 46.3. In punt returns, Bob Lary and Jack Christiansen rank fourth and fifth. Christiansen, who returned two punts back for TDs against the Packers in Detroit last fall, is third in the league in kickoff returns. By comparison, the Packers have a good hold on the offensive statistics. They have two of their number among the top 10 ground gainers. Quarterback Tobin Rote is fifth behind three fullbacks and a halfback, with an average 5.9 yards on 196 stripes in 33 tries. Bay halfback Fred Cone, who
gained 79 yards against the Texans, broke into ninth place with 173 yards in 31 carries for an average of 5.6. In passing, Rote held the league lead for the second consecutive week. Based on average gain per pass attempted, Rote hurled 48 times for 428 yards and an average of 8.92. He completed 26 and five went for TDs. His completion percentage is 54.2. Layne, on the other hand, completed 45 out of 97 for 530 yards and three TDs for an average gain per attempt of 5.46 yards...Bill Howton, the promising pass catcher for the Bays, ranks sixth among the league's pass receivers, with 14 catches for 392 yards and five TDs. Box is 11th with 12 catches for 177 yards and four TDs. Howton is tied with two other players for second place in scoring with 30 points. Lou Groza of Cleveland is leading with 14 extra points and six field goals. The Packers have no representatives among the leading punters, punt returners and pass interceptionists. Clarence Self is fifth among kickoff returners, with an average of 28.3 yards. The Lions' three big statistical figures of 1951 have been used sparingly in the last two games because of injuries. Leon Hart, the big end who caught 12 TD passes last year, has been handicapped by hurts. So have Doak Walker, the great left halfback, and fullback Pat Harder. Walker finished third in scoring last year with 97 points. But they'll all be ready Sunday!...The Packers continued offensive practice in the secrecy of Bluejay baseball park today. Taking it easy because of injuries were end Bob Mann, who hurt himself in the Dallas game, halfback Tony Canadeo, who is still sporting an injury from the Los Angeles game, and guard Ray Bray, who developed an injury in the Dallas game. All three likely will be ready for Detroit but they may be handicapped. The Packers were guests of the YMCA for a turkey dinner at the "Y" last night. The film of the Packer-Ram game was shown.
ONE GOOD MAN MAKES BIG DIFFERENCE, LIONS FIND
OCT 22 (Detroit) - How much difference does one ball player mean to a football team? That question has been getting overworked since the Detroit Lions played three game without the services of Doak Walker and part of two others without Pat Harder and Leon Hart. Those who saw the Lions roar from behind to beat the Los Angeles Rams know how much difference Pat Harder meant to the club. It just wasn't the same team that had stumbled and stuttered before Harder came on the scene. Would Walker have meant an even greater difference? Coaches and scouts who watched the Walkerless Lions for the last three weeks think so. The Doaker is a serious threat, even when he's standing still. As one scout put it: "When Walker's on that field, you have to assign double coverage when he goes out as a flanker, or a man in motion. You also have to do the same thing when Cloyce Box is in the game. If both of them are playing at the same time, the defense is bound to be weakened at some point if you adequately cover Box and Walker." With Walker operating at full speed and with Harder blocking in the backfield, the Lions ran for 166 yards against the Rams on the Coast. Without Walker to worry about in the flat, the Rams held the Lions to 80 yards rushing. "The difference," according to the scouts, "is the fact that the Rams were confident that they could cover Jug Girard with only one man or use a zone against him." Walter Halas, the chief scout for the Chicago Bears, summed it up this way: "If you take Joe Perry, Hugh McElhenny and Gordon Soltau away from the San Francisco 49ers at one time, they are just another ball club. That's what happened to the Lions when they lost Walker, Harder and Hart at the same time." Take the Los Angeles Rams, who have now lost three of four games this year. They have been playing without the services of Elroy Hirsch in three of the contests. Hirsch caught 66 passes and led the league in touchdowns scores, passing and yardage gained. Because the opposition had to use multiple coverage on him, other pass receivers also had good years. This year, without Hirsch, the mental hazard of Crazy Legs scampering for long touchdowns was removed and the defense has been able to cover the other players better. That is backed up by the fact that the Rams have scored only two touchdowns so far this year by passing. This strategy works in reverse, too. A pair of just average ends can make all-star status if there is a terrific running threat up the middle. Steve Van Buren was one of these and Marion Motley, the Cleveland Browns huge fullback is another. Van Buren kept the Eagles' opponents honest on defense against running plays, and, as a result, the ends and scat backs could come up with great days with Tommy Thompson passing. The Browns have a pair of great ends in Mac Speedie and Dante Lavelli and a peerless pitcher in Otto Graham, but it's Motley's threat up the middle that helps them roll up big yardage.
LIONS TAKING SHAPE
OCT 22 (Detroit) - It looks very much as through the football team Coach Buddy Parker planned for his 1952 Detroit Lions will shape next Sunday when the Motor City eleven meets the Packers at Green Bay's City Stadium. The Lions are deadlocked with Green Bay and Chicago Bears for second place in the NFL's National Conference. Detroit brushed aside Los Angeles, 24-16, while the Packers dissolved Dallas, 24-14, last week. The Lions won because fullback Pat Harder refused to sit on the bench any longer. End Leon Hart endured extra leg pains to aid the cause, but halfback Doak Walker failed to get into the game at all. It looks now as if Doak might return to his left halfback spot against the Packers. For the past two Sundays, his position has been filled by Jug Girard, a journeyman pro well-geared in the knowledge of Packerland football. When the Lions obtained the Jugger from Green Bay in a trade last August, rumor was that Detroit feared the freak arm injury suffered by Walker would handicap his effectiveness. Truth is the injured flipper has healed completely. It is a leg injury that has restrained him from competition. Therefore, Parker feels he can bank on his originally-planned backfield of Bob Layne at quarterback, Walker and Bobby Hoernschemeyer at the halves and Harder at fullback.
will be thoroughly educated and the team will be improved...Checks for $12,000 each have been sent to Shrine hospitals for crippled children in Chicago and the Twin Cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis). The total represents the major portion of profit from the third annual Shrine sponsored Packer-Giant benefit game in Milwaukee Aug. 16. By agreement with the hospitals, another $2,500 was left in the revolving fund to cover preliminary expenses in connection with next year's renewal of the series...Stan Williams, the Dallas rookie defensive back, played a one-man game of defense against the Packers last Saturday night. He was credited with 10 unassisted tackles. Bob Forte led the Packers with four, while Bobby Dillon had three. The Texans' George Taliaferro, the great Negro back from Indiana, played virtually 60 minutes against the Packers. About the only thing George didn't do was punt. He threw and caught passes, batted 'em up on defense and made a lot of tackles.
PLENTY OF THORNS IN LIONS' PAWS
OCT 23 (Detroit) - Things didn’t look bright for Coach Buddy Parker’s Detroit Lions when they went through an offensive drill in Briggs Stadium Wednesday morning. Doak Walker, missing in the least three games, was not running well. Leon Hart, who was back in action last week for the first time in two weeks, wasn’t running at all. Both are hampered by leg injuries. Don Doll, veteran safety man, will most likely miss the Green Bay game next Sunday. He has an elbow injury, suffered against the Rams last Sunday. Bob Miller, rookie tackle, is also nursing an injury but is expected to be back in action – at least part time next week. Only Pat Harder, the old pro, was running well. He is expected to take his regular turn against Green Bay. In an effort to strengthen his injury-riddled crew, Parker picked up halfback Clyde (Smackover) Scot from the Philadelphia Eagles for the $100 waiver price. Scott, hampered by injuries through most of his three-year pro career, has been playing primarily on defense for the Eagles. He is rated as one of the fastest men in pro football, specializing in punt and kickoff returns and pass receiving. He was a star for both the Naval Academy and Arkansas University before he came to the pro ranks. Scott also was a member of the United States Olympic team in 1948, finishing second in the 110-meter hurdles. Last year for the Eagles, he picked up 161 yards in 45 carries and added another 212 yards on 10 passes he caught. Three of his receptions resulted in touchdowns. To make room for Scott, Parker asked waivers on Pete D’Alonzo, second-yard fullback from Villanova. It appeared likely that another Lion would be released later this week to make room for Ollie Cline, veteran fullback who will be eligible for reinstatement to the active list Friday. Scott will arrive in Detroit in time to work out with the club Thursday morning. He will be available for duty against the Packers Sunday in Green Bay. It appeared that Parker would use Jug Girard at left half in the starting lineup against the Packers. He will play with Bob Hoernschemyere and Harder and Bobby Layne. Walker was expected to play only in spots behind Girard, who will be making his first start against his old teammates at Green Bay. The Lions will be facing the third highest scoring team the league when they engage the Packers. Green Bay has scored 101 points so far in four games. The Lions have picked up only 44. Reports from Green Bay indicate that the Packers are concentrating on offense this week. Despite their scoring record, the Packers have been unable to get a long scoring drive underway. An alert defensive unit, however, has recovered fumbles in enemy territory and the Packers’ offensive unit has turned those breaks in points. In Tobin Rote, the Lions will be defending against the No. 1 passer in the NFL. He has completed 26 of 48 passes for 428 yards and five touchdowns.
PACKERS' TOBIN ROTE IS NO. 1 PRO PASSER
OCT 23 (Philadelphia) - Tobin Rote of the Green Bay Packers is the leading passer in the NFL, statistics revealed Thursday. The former Rice star has competed 26 of 48 passes for a .542 percentage and 428 yards. He has averaged 8.92 yards per try, slightly more than half a yard more than the runnerup, Frankie Albert of the 49ers. In addition, the versatile Rote ranks fifth in rushing with 196 yards in 33 attempts. In addition to Rote, Bill Howton of Green Bay, also a Rice alumnus, lead the pass receivers in yards gained with 392 despite the fact that he ranks sixth in number of catches with 14. And Howton shares second place in scoring with Joe Perry of the 49ers and Elbie Nickel of the Steelers, each with 30 points. Lou Groza of the Cleveland Browns has 32 points, all on place kicks. The Packers as a team have one of the best offensive records in the league. They rank third in total yards gained, with 1,356; third in yards by rushing with 664; third in yards by passing with 692; fourth in first downs with 66; third in points scored with 101; second in pass completion percentage with .519 and have had the fewest passes intercepted. Fred Cone of the Packers ranks ninth in rushing with 173 yards and Clarence Self of the Packers fifth in returning kickoffs with a 28.3-yard average.
DETROIT LIONS OBTAIN SCOTT
OCT 23 (Detroit) - The Detroit Lions, who meet the Packers Sunday at Green Bay, Thursday bolstered their defensive backfield by obtaining veteran halfback Clyde (Smackover) Scott from the Philadelphia Eagles on waivers. Scott, 28, a former Arkansas star, will join the club in time for Sunday's game. At the same time, the Detroit pros released fullback Pete D'Alonzo, former Villanova player, who had filled in for the injured Pat Harder. The Lions also expect to re-sign fullback Ollie Cline, whom they released last month, but he will not be eligible until 30 days have elapsed.
CARDS WAIVER HECKER
OCT 23 (Chicago) - The Chicago Cardinals Thursday claimed defensive halfback Bob Hecker on waivers from the Los Angeles Rams, at the same time asking waivers on halfback Ray Pelfrey. The Cardinals two weeks ago claimed Pelfrey from the Green Bay Packers. Coach Joe Kuharich, meanwhile, named halfback Joe Geri as starting Cardinal left halfback against Geri's former club, the Pittsburgh Steelers, at Comiskey Park Sunday.
GIRARD TO CAVOR AGAINST PACK HERE! BUT WHERE?
OCT 23 (Green Bay) - Jug Girard, the former Packer footballer and Bluejay baseballer, comes to Green Bay as an "enemy" Sunday. And the question circulating the coffee joints is this: Where will the Detroit Lions play the Jugger? The consensus, when Girard played with the Packers, was that he could be another Doak Walker. Presently, Girard is getting close "instruction" on Walkerism; he's playing behind the real Walker, himself, at left halfback. Girard, who was traded by the Packers to the Lions for end Ed Berrang, tackle Steve Dowden, and another player to be named later, filled the left half hole during the last two games due to injuries to Walker. But Walker will be ready for next Sunday's test, which means that Girard may not get much chance to play. However, Girard will be anxious particularly to play on that familiar City stadium turf and Lion head coach Buddy Parker likely will find a spot for him. During his stay with the Packers, Girard played at four different posts. When he came up in '48, the former Marinette High and Wisconsin ace worked at left half. In 1949, he was at quarterback. The following season, Girard toiled at left and right halfback and at end. Last fall, Girard worked mostly as a defensive halfback...CLYDE SCOTT ADDED: Thus, Parker can feel free to spot him at right half when Bob Hoernschmeyer, at quarterback with Bobby Layne, and Jim Hardy, at end with such as Cloyce Box and Leon Hart, or on defense. The Lion backfield situation, however, was complicated some today by the addition of Clyde (Smackover) Smith who was claimed on waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. Scott plays both left and right halfback. The Lions' regular right half is Hoernschmeyer, their leading ground gainer last year, although Bob also has been spelling Pat Harder at fullback. Incidentally, the trade that sent Girard to Detroit has been paying off each Sunday - as Dowden improves. The rookie from Baylor, a quiet, efficient workman, is the Packers' regular offensive right tackle...The Lions will arrive in Austin Straubel field at 4:15 Saturday afternoon and then headquarter at the Hotel Northland. They'll return by plane, leaving the field at 6 o'clock Sunday evening...Jug Earp, the Packers' publicity chief, uncovered this interesting fact yesterday: Babe Parilli, Packers' freshman QB, has the top average gain per pass attempted in the league. A check with Joe Labrum, NFL public relations boss, verified the discovery but Labrum explained that Parilli wasn't listed among the first seventeen passers in the league because of his number of attempts. The league's 17th highest passer is Sammy Baugh with 33 attempts for an average yardage gain of 4.41. Labrum said that "we cut it off at 33." Baugh completed 20 for 152 yards. Parilli attempted one less - 32 - but completed 15 for 358 yards for an average gain of 11.2. He hurled three touchdown passes...ROTE LEADS LEAGUE: Thus, the Packers will enter Sunday's fray with the league's two top passers. Veteran Tobin Rote leads the circuit with 26 completions in 48 attempts for 428 yards, five touchdowns and an average gain per attempt of 8.92. Frankie Albert of San Francisco is second with 8.34 and Otto Graham of Cleveland has 8.26. The passing championship is based on average gain per pass attempted. Two Packers have completed the longest pass of the early league season, Parilli and Bill Howton working out a 90-yarder in the Washington contest. Bobby Layne, the Lions' ace quarterback, ranks 16th among the pitchers. He attempted 97 passes (third highest in the league) and completed 45 (second highest) for 530 yards and three touchdowns and an average gain of 5.46.
QUICK TOO QUICK WITH DALLAS PREDICTION?
OCT 23 (Green Bay) - Quick, one of the many "tabloid" magazines makes this quick prediction: "The Dallas professional football team will be moved to another city - possibly Houston or New Orleans - unless attendance increases soon." The item doesn't say when, and that's the key. We think pro football will go in Dallas after two full seasons. By 1954, Dallas
LIONS' INJURY 'PLIGHT' CONFUSING
OCT 24 (Green Bay) - The Detroit Lions’ injury situation appeared on the confusing side today. The weekly publicity release from Detroit this morning didn’t jibe with an Associated Press dispatch from the same community. Lookee: The mimeographed publicity dope reads in part: “For the first time in three weeks, the Lions should be near peak condition. Fullback Pat Harder and end Leon Hart saw limited service in the Lions’ victory over Los Angeles and figure to be set for fulltime duty Sunday. Doak Walker, sidelined for two weeks by a leg injury, also will be on hand against Green Bay was will be Don Doll, who was injured in the Ram game.” The information, as transmitted from Lion headquarters by the AP, is this: “Several mainstays of the Detroit team have now been slowed by injuries. Doak Walker, the stellar left half, has missed the last two games and won’t start Sunday against Green Bay. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Jug Girard, who came to the Lions this year from Green Bay. Leon Hart, the bear-shaped end, has been slowed by a pulled leg muscle and may see limited service. Finally, Don Doll, veteran safetyman, is not expected to go into action Sunday.” The Packers, however, are not worrying or wondering about the Lion injuries. They’re preparing for the toughest game of their 1952 schedule. Incidentally, the Packers will enter the game with three injured players – end Bob Mann, halfback Tony Canadeo and guard Ray Bray. Several others are ailing but the Packers, like the Lions, will be ready for each other come Sunday. Lion coach Buddy Parker, in an effort to juice up his squad, made two more player switches today, following the addition of halfback Clyde (Smackover) Scott and the release of fullback Pete D’Alonzo. The Detroits cut rookie center and linebacker Keith Flowers from TCU and veteran halfback Lindell Pearson, who was in his third season. Called back into action were Ollie Cline, a former Lion fullback who was released earlier his year, and halfback Byron Bailey, a promising Washington State prospect who was dropped before the start of regular play. Parker apparently figures the three additions will give the Lions the tonic they need to remain the championship race. The Lions split even in their four-game “murder” schedule against the Rams and Forty Niners, beating the Los Angeles club twice and losing two to the strong San Francisco team. In the four tests, the Lions scored 44 points, all but three against the Rams…The statistical comparison of the Packers and Lions is interesting. The team figures show the Packers well in front of the Lions on offense, 1,356 yards to 956. The Packers made 664 yards rushing against the Lions’ 384 and 692 passing against Detroit’s 562. On defense, however, the Lions hold the advantage over Green Bay, despite the fact that the Detroits played two games against the offense-minded Forty Niners. Detroit permitted 1,070 yards against the Packers 1,193. Opponents rushed for 469 yards through the Detroit line while the Bay foes picked up 601 yards, while Packer foes made 655 through the air…The Lions will fly into Green Bay Saturday, arriving at Austin Straubel field at 4:15 in the afternoon. They’ll leave by plane shortly after the game. Detroit will headquarter at the Northland hotel. After Sunday’s game, the Lions will return home to prepare for the Cleveland Browns, while the Packers will ready for the Philadelphia Eagles in Milwaukee.
RAM LOSS GAVE PACKERS 'A NEW SPIRIT', COACH TELLS QB'ERS
OCT 24 (Green Bay) - The Packers came out of the heart-breaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Milwaukee recently with “a great team spirit”. That’s what Packer head coach Gene Ronzani told over
1,000 members of the Men’s Quarterback club at Washington Junior High school auditorium Thursday night. Commenting on the spectacular game for the first time (the Packers were in Dallas during last week’s meeting), Ronzani said that “just about everybody, including players who had seen war service and the coaches, cried like babies after that loss. It was just too much to take after the way the boys played their hearts out.” The Rams had scored 24 points in the last quarter to edge the Packers, 30-28. “That game,” Ronzani said, “helped make us a better team and gave us a new spirit.” The mentor said that “there was not too much second guessing after the game,” indicating that the Rams could do no wrong in that last quarter regardless of what the Packers did. He smiled, “that game will be used by high school, college and pro coaches for many, many years as a shining example of what can happen in football.” A QB wanted to know the toughest team the Packers played thus far this year. Ronzani replied, “The Redskins in our (exhibition) game in Kansas City; they were really murder that day – the line and backs.” The coach added, however, that “we fell that we’ve got our toughest game coming up Sunday against the Lions.” In answer to a question on whether the Packers had a chance to grab Clyde (Smackover) Scott on waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles, Ronzani said, “yes, we were in front of Detroit (the club that finally picked him up) but we realize that he played only two or outstanding games in his three years with the Eagles; we would want more consistency in a back before claiming him. A change may so Scott some good, but we all hope it doesn’t happen next Sunday.” In answer to the other questions, Ronzani said (1) that the Packers’ Arnie Herber was the longest passer in the history of pro football – “he could throw ‘em short, high and long. I ought to know;” (2) the Packer Lumberjack band is the best in the business and “I certainly would want them to play at our games in Milwaukee and Chicago;” (3) footballs cost $14.95 wholesale and “we lost 10 of them in the Ram game. That’s why we’d like the fans to return them;” (4) defensive halfback Ace Loomis could be used on offense and may be used there soon. Ronzani warned the quarterbacks that “there is often a hushed feeling after the Packers go behind” and added that “I’m sure our young boys will snap back as you’d want them to if they received some encouragement from the fans in the stands.” The program closed with an excellent program of music and humor acts by the Packer Lumberjack band, directed by Wilner Burker, and showing of the Packer Texan victory, with narration by Ted Fritsch, chief quarterback. Fritsch announced that next week’s meeting will be held on Wednesday night because of the East-West game Thursday night.
PACKERS HOPE FOR LAW OF AVERAGES
OCT 24 (Green Bay) - The Packers hope the law of averages will be on their side when they battle the Detroit Lions before more than 24,000 in City Stadium here Sunday afternoon. With good weather, there's hope of a complete sellout. Detroit holds five consecutive victories over the Packers, who figure it's about time the "law" takes a hand. In the overall series, however, the Packers still hold a commanding edge, winning 26 games and losing 11. The clubs have never played a tie.
DOAK MAY START AGAINST PACKERS
OCT 24 (Detroit) - Detroit Lions backfield ace, Doak Walker, was hospitalized Friday for treatment of a leg injury. Walker, sidelined with the injury since October 3, will miss the Lions-Packer game at Green Bay Sunday. Without Walker in the lineup, the Lions have been hard put to win in NFL competition. Coach Buddy Parker said he will start Jug Girard, Bob Hoernschemeyer, Pat Harder and Clyde Scott in the Lions backfield against the Packers.
LIONS SHIFT EARLY FOR PACKERS
OCT 24 (Detroit) - Two more Detroit Lions felt the ax Thursday and two new players were signed in time for Sunday’s battle with the Green Bay Packers at Green Bay. Waivers were asked on Keith Flowers, first-year linebacker from Texas Christian University, and halfback Lindell Pearson, a product of the University of Oklahoma playing his third season here. The additions were two former Lions – fullback Ollie Cline and halfback Byron Bailey. Both were released just before the season opened.
Cline, onetime Ohio State star, was with the Lions two seasons after two with Buffalo of the defunct All-America Conference. A free agent since his release by the Lions in September, he had been working out here for more than a week. Bailey is a rookie from Washington State. He was given a summer trial but placed on the reserve list because of an injury. Later, he was released and he rejoins the Lions as a free agent. Coach Buddy Parker already had asked for waivers on fullback Pete D’Alonzo, second-year man from Villanova, and signed Clyde (Smackover) Scott, veteran halfback who was released by Philadelphia. Pearson also was obtained from the Eagles in 1950. He was a part-time offensive performer the last two seasons, carrying the ball 22 times in 1951 for an 88-yard total. Flowers was a Lion draft choice, but played infrequently. Between players deal, Parker was studying the NFL statistics to see what happened to the Lions’ offensive punch since the 1951 campaign. Last year, the Lions’ Big Four – Doak Walker, Pat Harder, Leon Hart and Bob Hoernschemeyer – had a total of 256 points scored in the 12-game schedule. Bob Layne had 26 touchdown passes. What is the touchdown production of those four stars this year? Walker, Harder, Hunchy not Hart has collected a touchdown. Layne, who had seven TD passes in the first four games of 1951, has only three so far this year in four games. Walker, who scored 97 points in 1951, has kicked two field goals and two points after touchdowns in the two games he’s played so far. Harder has three conversions and a field goal. The others have been blanked completely. Big Cloyce Box, who was to the crowning touch to Detroit’s high-octane offense, lived up to his advance notice to a certain extent. Box has scored four touchdowns in four games, clicking twice in each of the two contests against the Los Angeles Rams. Collectively, the Lions might just as well miss the first period of their games. In the four contests played to date, the Lions have failed to produce a point in the first 15 minutes of any ball game. The line score for the Lions and the opposition reads like this:
DETROIT – 0 24 17 3 - 44
OPP. – 13 28 24 10 - 75
Not hard to see what the team is 2-2 after four games.
2ND PLACE AT STAKE IN PACKER-LION TILT HERE SUNDAY
OCT 25 (Green Bay) - The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions put their championship hopes smack on the block at City stadium Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1:30 and more than 24,000 fans are expected to watch the two NFL belligerents battle for second place in the National conference – undisputed if the Rams whip the Chicago Bears in Los Angeles. The Packers and Lions will enter the fray with identical two-two records and the experts favor the Detroits to emerge with three-two. They’ve nominated the Lions a one-touchdown favorite. Detroit presently holds two victories over the Rams, 24-16 and 17-14, and two losses to the unbeaten Forty Niners, 17-3 and 28-0. Green Bay lost to the Rams and the Bears, 24-14, but whipped Washington, 35-20, and Dallas, 24-14. Both teams will enter the match with key players hampered by injuries. In fact, Doak Walker, the Lions’ great halfback, will miss the game. The Doaker was hospitalized in Detroit Friday for treatment of a leg injury. Reportedly handicapped by hurts are end Leon Hart and defensive halfback Don Doll, but fullback Pat Harder, who was hurt two weeks ago, will be at full speed. The Packers have three promising figures on the injured list, although all will play – end Bob Mann, halfback Tony Canadeo and guard Ray Bray. Jug Girard, the former Packer traded to Detroit last summer, will start at offensive left half in place of Walker. Working behind Jug will be Clyde Scott, the former Philadelphia Eagle who was obtained this week. The contest shapes up as a gigantic battle between the Packers’ high-scoring offense and the Lions’ tough defense. The Packers, with 101 points under their belts in four games,
allowed their foes 88 markers, while the Lions counted 44 and permitted 77. The Lions held the high-counting Rams to 30 points in two games, while the Rams counted 30 against the Pack in one contest – to give you an idea of Detroit’s defense. The Packers, seeking their first win over the Lions since the opener in 1949, are expected to rely on their razor-sharp passing attack with quarterbacks Tobin Rote and Babe Parilli pitching to ends Mann, Bill Howton, Jim Keane and Stretch Elliott and a host of backs. To keep ‘em honest, Coach Gene Ronzani’s Packers have been banking on the fullbacking of Fred Cone – the club’s second-highest ground gainer behind Rote. Returning at full speed after an injury in the Washington game will be halfback Floyd Reid and possibly fullback Bobby Jack Floyd, who was hurt in the Ram contest. Coach Buddy Parker of the Lions likely will place his attack in in the hands of veteran quarterback Bobby Layne, the plunging of Harder and Bob Hoernschemeyer and the scat running and pass catching of Girard, who will be playing the first time against the Packers. Detroit's passing machine is led by Cloyce Box and big Hart, the two tall ends, Box presently leads the club with 12 catches, four of which went for touchdowns. Other hot receivers are Bill Swiacki, the end, and Girard. While the backs and ends carry the glory, the big gents up front may control the game. Can the Packer line handles giant Lions Les Bingaman, Lou Creekmur, Thurman McGraw, John Prchlick, Vince Baronis, Dick Stanfel and others? It will be up to Bay linemen Dick Afflis, Jay Rhodemyre, Ray Bray, Dave Hanner, Steve Dowden, Bob Dees, Steve Ruzich and others. The Packers' defensive ends, Ab Wimberly and big John Martinkovic, will be depended upon to keep Layne and aides Jim Hardy and Tom Dublinski busy. The Lions were due in this afternoon at Austin Straubel field at 4:15. They'll fly back to Detroit after the game. The team is headquartering at the Northland hotel.
CROWD SUNDAY MAY BE RECORD FOR HOME PACKER-LION CONTEST
OCT 25 (Green Bay) - The largest crowd ever to witness a Green Bay-Detroit game was 45,139 in Detroit in 1938 and the second highest was 41,463 there in '43. Top gate for a Packer-Lion test in Green Bay was 23,100 in 1947. A new record for a Bay-Detroit game in City stadium may be established Sunday; over 24,000 are expected. The smallest crowd ever to watch the two rivals collide was 6,177 in Milwaukee in '49. Incidentally, the Packers won the two top-gate games in Detroit, 28-7 and 27-6; the high in Green Bay, 34-17; and the all-time low in Milwaukee, 16-14. That 1949 affair in Milwaukee, by the way, was the last time the Packers defeated Detroit. Since then, the Lions won five straight and will be going after No. 6 tomorrow. Detroit won the nightcap in '49 by 21-7; took both games in 1950 by 45-7 and 24-21; and both games last fall, 24-17, in that snow edition in Green Bay and 52-35 in the televised Thanksgiving day classic in Detroit. The 87 markers scored in that event was the fourth highest total by both teams in a single game in the history of the league. The record is 98, compiled in the Cardinals' 63-35 victory over the Giants in '48; other high totals were 97 and 89. While the Lions have a winning streak going over the Packers, the Green Bays still hold a healthy edge in the 37-game series - 26 victories against 11 losses. The two clubs never played a tie game and only one contest was decided by one point - 14 to 13 for the Packers in '37. In total points, the Packers have scored an even 800 points against the Lions' 506. The 800th marker was scored by Fred Cone when he booted the extra point after the Packers' fifth TD in Detroit last fall. The Lions hold a record that may never fall in these days of high scoring football - most consecutive games won by shutouts. The 1934 Lions, led by Glenn Presnell and Dutch Clark, opened the season with seven straight "blank" wins, including a 3-0 job over the Packers in City stadium on Presnell's 54-yard field goal - a record that still stands. The Packers returned the shutout compliment in Detroit later in the season by a 3-0 score on Clarke Hinkle's 50-yard field goal. The Packers' Bob Mann still holds two Detroit records. Mann, the former Michigan great who started with the Lions in '48 and came to Green Bay late in the '50 season, established the Lion mark for most passes received, 66 in 1949, and the record for most yards on passes received, 1014 in '49. The Lions' Cloyce Box ranks second to Mann in both departments with 50 catches and 1009 yards. Mann and Box will be opponents Sunday.
INJURED LEG FINALLY HOSPITALIZES DOAK
OCT 25 (Detroit) - Doak Walker, sidelined with a leg injury since the second game of the season Oct. 3, was hospitalized Friday by the Detroit Lions' team physician, Dr. Frank Purcell. Walker suffered what was supposedly a pulled muscle in the Ram game. The injury was not responded to treatment. Dr. Purcell reported that there was a slight hemorrhage indicated, but nothing serious. Plans are to have Walker completely off his feet over the weekend and to supply therapy. X-rays will be taken while Walker is in Grace Hospital to determine if there had been any damage to tissue or to the muscles in his leg. Dr. Purcell said that rest for three days of treatment might bring the Doaker around in time to face Cleveland. However, he wouldn't definitely say when the star back would return to action according to Lion spokesmen. All this week Coach Buddy Parker has been hoping that his No. 1 offensive threat would be available for the tough Green Bay Packers Sunday. Winning without Walker in the lineup has been a tough job for Detroit. In fact, they have won only twice in five games the Doaker hasn't been able to play. As a result of Walker's disability, Clyde (Smackover) Scott will get to see more action with the offensive unit against the Packers. Scott will be used only in spots, since he has not had time to learn the Lion offense. Jug Girard will start at left half for the Lions, with Bob Hoernschemeyer and Pat Harder rounding out the backfield with Bobby Layne. Leon Hart, who is a doubtful starter, was fitted with a new brace for his injured leg and steemed to be able to move better. The medical help may permit him to play at least part time. He will not be at his usual efficiency, however.
LIONS FIGHT FOR LIFE AT GREEN BAY
OCT 26 (Green Bay - Detroit Free Press) - A capacity crowd of 24,000 fans is expected to jam City Stadium here Sunday afternoon to see a battle for survival between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. Since each has won two and lost two in the first four weeks of the season, the loser Sunday will virtually lose all but a mathematical chance at the National Division title. The Lions hold a pair of victories over the Los Angeles Rams while the Packers have scored their triumphs over the Dallas Texans and the Washington Redskins. The Rams and the Chicago Bears beat Green Bay. The Lions will go into the game seeking their sixth straight victory over the Packers. The last time the Packers won from Detroit was Oct. 10, 1949, and the margin was two points, 16 to 14. Detroit will be handicapped again by the absence of Doak Walker, but both Pat Harder and Leon Hart are expected to be in action. Harder has recovered from his leg injury and will start, but Hart might see only limited duty. Jug Girard, ex-Packer star, will start at left halfback in his first appearance against his old mates. He will share that spot with newly acquired Clyde Scott. Otherwise, the Lions' lineup will be the same as the one which started the season. Bobby Layne will be at quarter, Bob Hoernschemeyer at right half and Harder at fullback. At the ends, Cloyce Box and Bill Swiacki will probably get the starting call. Lou Creekmur and Gus Cifelli will work the tackles with Dick Stanfel and Jim Martin slated for the guard posts. Vince Banonis rounds out the lineup at center. The Green Bay lineup will feature Babe Parilli, the rookie from Kentucky, and Tobin Rote, the league's No. 1 passer, at quarterback. Their passes will be aimed at Bob Mann, former Michigan and Lions' star, and Bill Howton, a sensational recruit from Rice. The game will not be televised, but WJR will carry the broadcast starting at 2:30 p.m., Detroit time.
