The Debut of 6-Man Football

The Debut of 6-Man Football

at

Coeymans High School [CHS]

&

Ravena High School [RHS]

Seasons 1938 - 1943

Prepared by:

Chuck Friday

September 2008

Dedication

Claude B. Friday

Coeymans High School

Class of 1927


1

Prologue

The introduction of high school football in this community began in 1934 when the Coeymans

High School fielded an 11-man team. One year later, Ravena High School [less than 1 mile away

from Coeymans High School] introduced its 11-man football squad. Both high schools continued

to play 11-man football until the 1938 season. Beginning in 1938 both Coeymans and Ravena

high schools converted to the 6-man football format. Each high school had an independent

football squad and the rivalry between the two schools was intense. In 1944 Coeymans and

Ravena merged their school districts and fielded a single 6-man football team. Local high school

football continued using the 6-man format until the 1958 season, when 8-man football was

introduced. In the 1963 season 11-man football was, once again, reinstated.

This paper attempts to capture some of the early history of 6-man football from the perspective

of those years that Coeymans and Ravena competed against each other (i.e., the 1938-1943

seasons). The first three years of competition between these two schools (1938-1940) was

captured by a young sports journalist named Fred (Doc) Martino. Shortly after the 1940

football season Fred left his journalist position and enlisted in the military. The last three seasons

(1941-1943) that Coeymans and Ravena fielded separate teams are sparsely covered by the local

newspaper.

The organization of this paper follows these early years of 6-man football by segregating each

season into independent sections. For each section (season) articles have been transcribed

(unedited) from the News Herald. Following the News Herald articles are the write-ups found in

each school‟s yearbook for that season. Images of the football teams are also included. These

team pictures were reproduced from the pages of the high school yearbooks. Unfortunately, the

editors of the yearbooks elected not to include the names of the football players along with the

photographs.

The content in the appendix to this paper is taken largely from the 1938 book written by the

putative father of 6-man football – Stephen Epler. The photographs in the appendix are not

pictures of any local players.

Chuck Friday

September 2008


2

1938 Season


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September 16, 1938 “Schedule For School Football League Announced”

The Central Hudson Valley Football League had unanimously adopted the newest form of

football for the coming season. The league has approved the names of officials for the coming

season and adopted a system for selecting the winner of the League. Two points will be given for

a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a defeat. The team having the greatest number of

points at the end of the season under this system will be declared the League Champions.

This is the very wide-spreading and popular 6-man brand of football. The game itself has been

more extensively played in the West within the past few years and now many of the eastern high

schools are following their example. The game is governed by Eleven Man Football Rules but

for a few exceptions. The league this year has been enlarged to include Cambridge and

Castleton.

These schedule released this week by F. R. Furlong of Coeymans, President of the League is as

follows:

SEPTEMBER 24

Ravena at Roeliff Jansen (Hillsdale)

Cambridge at Coeymans

Roessleville at Coxsackie

OCTOBER 1

Coeymans at Roessleville

Castleton at Ravena

Roeliff Jansen at Cambridge

OCTOBER 8

Coeymans at Roeliff Jansen

Cambridge at Coxsackie

Roessleville at Castleton

OCTOBER 15

Cambridge at Ravena

Coxsackie at Coeymans

Castleton at Roeliff Jansen

OCTOBER 22

Coeymans at Castleton

Coxsackie at Ravena

Roeliff Jansen at Roessleville


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OCTOBER 29

Ravena at Coeymans

Coxsackie at Castleton

Roessleville at Cambridge

NOVEMBER 5

Ravena at Roessleville

Roeliff Jansen at Cambridge

Castleton at Cambridge

September 16, 1938 “Coach Kunz Calls Practice for Gridders” By Fred Martino

“Git up,” Git up,” “Git up,” “Come on stop grunting,” etc, goes the voice of Coach Tommy

Kunz of the Coeymans Orange and Maroon gridders.

Approximately 30 lads reported for an early practice on the first day of school to represent the

Coeymans High School, which stands proudly on the banks of the Hudson, facing its great

smiling waters.

The boys have been put through stiff exercises to [loosen] them up and put them in pink of

condition.

“Skully” Kunz is working on the problem of making up for his last year‟s stars. He has lost

Capt. John Romano, Center, Rudolph Frese, guard, Edward Mulligan, backfield, Elliott

Vanderhyden, backfield, Joseph Tiberia, backfield, Dom Biscone, guard, Floyd McMillan,

end.

Due to the fact that six man football has been organized, the line up will not be as greatly

affected as if 11 man football still continued. Kunz has a fast, light and snappy team to depend

on this year.

Younger brothers of former players to participate are: Eugene Mulligan, Carl Tiberia, Francis

Lyons, Christopher Biscone, Vincent Lyons, George Romano. Last years players also are

Eugene Leigh, Henry Johnson, Giles Wagoner and Walter Lyons.

September 16, 1938

Twenty-seven boys are participating under Coach Robert Kingsbury in preparation for the

opening football game with Hillsdale [Roeliff Jansen] on Friday the twenty-third. The boys are

fast mastering the fundamentals of the six-man [variety] of the game, and should go far in

Central Hudson Valley competition. The following comprise the squad: Carmen Albano,

Henry Blenis, Jerome Buckley, John Cary, Kenneth Cary, Harold Conrad, Robert

Gallagher, Milo Houck, Walter Jackson, Kenneth Klenk, George Marcella, James

Marcella, Louis Montelone, James Pebler, Theodore Pebler, Earl Phillips, Dale Setford,


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Carmen Sgroi, Robert Shutter, Barney Reynolds, Donald Richter, William Shutter,

Kenneth Storr, George Swartz, Harold Wells, Elwood Van Alstyne.

September 23, 1938 “Six Man Football Gets Underway” By Fred Martino

The Central Judson Valley football league will give the local fans a glimpse of the newest form

of football, six man team, this Saturday when Coeymans plays Cambridge.

Ravena, however, will have the opportunity to initiate the sport first. Saturday they will journey

to Hillsdale [Roeliff Jansen]. Word comes from Hillsdale that the boys are in good condition and

are anxious to play the first football game ever played for Hillsdale.

Coach Kingsbury, Ravena, has an exceptionally good lot to pick from. He had Red Van

Alstyne, Jim Pebler and Carman Albano for his line, while in the backfield his choice of 3

men will be in Ken Carey, Carmen Sgroi, Jim Brandow, Robert Shutter, Barney Reynolds,

George Swartz and Don Richter.

Tomorrow Coeymans will play the first game of six man football in this locality when they face

the strong Cambridge Sextet.

Kunz has only a few of his last years‟ championship team and therefore centers his hopes around

Eugene Mulligan, Carl Tiberia, Giles Wagoner, Walter Lyons, Rudolph Frese, Eugene

Leigh, Vincent Lyons, Henry Johnson, Clem Rivers, Christopher Biscone.

Many fans were disappointed when it was rumored that six man football would be adopted.

Since watching the local teams in scrimmage many have commented on it. The game is faster,

interesting, open and becoming popular. It gives all athletes a chance as many substitutions must

be made.

Get behind your favorite in town and cheer them into victory.

September 30, 1938 “Gridiron Punts” by Fred Martino

Coeymans‟ Orange and Maroon sextet nosed out Cambridge in the last quarter after 3 hard

fought and scoreless quarters in a 6 man football game at Coeymans on Friday, Sept. 23rd

.

Husky John Barber, left halfback, plowed through right end to gallop over the goal line for the

one tally.

Outstanding highlights of the game were the 165 yards gained by Eugene Mulligan, Coeymans,

and the blocking of Veski, of Cambridge.

Both teams played gallant football. From the opening kickoff to the last second of play, it was

either schools game until a lone touchdown meant victory for Coeymans and defeat for

Cambridge.


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TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! Yelled the frenzied crowd of spectators, who were about to

witness the first game of football to be played for Roeliff Jansen and touchdowns did the

enthusiastic players give them. They won a first victory over Ravena 20-14.

A short stocky player, Hermans, who played left half, amazed fans with his beautiful blocking,

tackling, alertness and broken field running. He scored 2 of three tallies. Sharretts, right half,

carried over another tally as Dingman‟s conversion for 2 points was good. All this scoring was

performed in the first half.

In the second half, however, a more inspired and determined Ravena sextet came on the field.

This fighting spirit enabled them to score 2 touchdowns, 2 [extra] points and hold the Roe Jan

sextet scoreless for this half.

Van Alstyne‟s 40 yard run around right end and Shutter‟s plunge through center accounted for

the tallies as Marcella and Shutter both ran easily over for extra points.

Idealistic sport music was furnished by the Roe Jan High School Band.

Standing of League to date:

W L Pts

Coeymans 1 0 2

Roe Jan 1 0 2

Roessleville 1 0 2

Castleton 0 0 0

Cambridge 0 0 0

Coxsackie 0 0 0

Ravena 0 0 0

The players:

Coeymans POS Cambridge

Leigh LE Blatchley

Frese C Burch

Wagoner RE Clark

Mulligan QB Robinson

Barber LH Veski

Tiberia RH Severgon

Subs for Coeymans: L. Frangella, H. Johnson, W. Lyons


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Roe Jan POS Ravena High

Van Tassel LE Van Alstyne

Ambrose C Pebler

Watson RE Albano

Dingman QB Shutter

Hermans LH Marcella

Sharretts RH Cary

Subs for R.H.S. Sgroi, Setford

October 7, 1938 “Ravena Wins From Castleton” By Fred Martino

A series of touchdowns by Van Alstyne, Sgroi, and Shutter enabled the Ravena‟s Red and

Black to crash through the Castleton Hilltop Sextet by a crushing score of 22 – 6.

Ravena scored 16 points in the early opening quarter when Van Alstyne ran 23 yards around left

end and Shutter returned a punt for a spectacular 55 yard run up the mid-field. Van Alstyne

dropped kicked after both scores.

Sgroi did the final scoring for Ravena when his 35 yard run thru the right side of the line proved

successful.

Castleton‟s lone tally came in the closing minutes of the final quarter when left half back Johnny

Koryn threw a 15 yard pass to Red Comstock who in turn ran 50 yards for a touchdown.

An outstanding feature of the game was the 8 out of 11 passes completed by Castleton.

Ravena POS Castleton

Van Alstyne LE Sultan

J. Pebler C Andrews

Albano RE Comstock

Shutter QB Bolden

Sgroi LH Koryn

Cary RH Schroeder

Substitutes for Ravena: Marcella, J. Pebler, Richter, Klenk, Wells, Setford and Swartz

Substitutes for Castleton: Mutter and Butts

October 7, 1938 “Coeymans Loses by One Point” By Fred Martino

Roessleville nosed out Coeymans by virtue of a single point 14 – 13 in a hard fought football

game last Friday at Beveryck Park, Albany.


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Quarterback Red Hutton, of Roessleville plunged for the first score while his mate right halfback

Diegley made a brilliant run of 93 yards for the second touchdown. Both scores and extra points

were made in the first half – Roessleville 14, Coeymans 0.

The second half saw a stubborn Coeymans sextet march upon the [field] and helped Eugene

Mulligan, Quarterback, score 2 touchdowns and an extra point for a total of 13. Henry Johnson

made the lone point.

Coeymans POS Roessleville

Leigh LE Debstist

Frese C Brown

Wagoner RE Winnie

Mulligan QB Hutton

Tiberia LH Prussier

Barber RH Diegley

[CHS] Substitutes: Frangella, Johnson, Biscone and Lyons.

October 14, 1938 “Gridiron Punts” By Fred Martino

The Coeymans High School team lost to the Roeliff-Jansen High School team last week. The

score was 14 – 7.

Ravena journeyed to Albany and crushed a Philip Schuyler High School six man football team

by a score of 27 – 7 in Lincoln Park.

Passes from Kenneth Carey to Red Van Alstyne netted in three touchdowns while passes from

Red to Kenneth were good for extra points. A touchdown by Sgroi added to the score but try for

extra point failed.

Red‟s ability to get away from his man and snatch the passes from a decided spot was the cause

of the big score. The linemen were fast and seemed to click better than in previous games.

Games this week will Coeymans – Coxsackie, here; Ravena – Cambridge.

October 21, 1938 “Coeymans Defeats Coxsackie Team” By Fred Martino

The Coeymans High School team took Coxsackie into camp last Friday when they trimmed the

down the river boys in a football game 32 – 13.

Mulligan, Barber, Wagner and Tiberia accounted for all of Coeymans scores while Vincent

carried lone honors for Coxsackie.

A 10 yard run around right end by Mulligan brought Coeymans their first score. Husky John

Barber scored 2 touchdowns on line bucks to increase the lead. In the second and third quarter


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Vincent of Coxsackie made two spectacular runs of 50 and 55 yards to score Coxsackie‟s only

touch down. He also plunged for extra point.

Wagoner intercepted a pass in the third quarter and ran 15 yards for Coeymans 4th

tally. Tiberia

on an end run, galloped 13 yards to conclude the scoring of touchdowns. Extra points were made

by Barber and Mulligan.

Coeymans POS Coxsackie

Wagner LE Collier

Frese C Panteleo

Leigh RE Dixon

Biscone RH Palmer

Barber LH Helbert

Mulligan QB Vatalaro

Subs for CHS: Tiberia, Frangella, W. Lyons, V. Lyons, Johnson, Jacomini [sic] and Rivers.

Subs for Coxsackie: Vincent, Linsey.

October 21, 1938 “Ravena Wins Final Home Game – Coxsackie Subdued 26-7” By Forman

On October 12th

, Ravena played its last home football game. The Ravena team returned to its

best from of playing by setting Coxsackie back, giving the team its second league victory.

Starting line-ups:

Ravena POS Coxsackie

Van Alstyne LE Collier

J. Pebler C Pantaleo

Blenis RE Dixon

Sgroi QB Palmer

Cary HB Holbert

Brandow FB Vatalaro

Ravena subs: Hotaling, Setford, T. Pebler, Shutter, Swartz, Richter and Klenk

Very early in the first period Brandow plunged through the line for Ravena‟s first score. The

extra point was garnered by a pass from Van Alstyne to Cary. Shortly after this Cary

intercepted a Coxsackie pass and ran 40 yards for the second touchdown. Van Alstyne‟s drop

kick for extra point went wide of the goal post.

Coxsackie‟s lone touchdown was scored in the first quarter after the Ravena second team had

been put in. Palmer threw a short pass to Collier who ran 50 yards for a touchdown. They scored

the point after touchdown by a pass from Palmer to Panteleo.


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The Ravena High School team began its drive again in the last quarter using passes as their best

offense. They scored two more touchdowns. The first was made on a 7 yard run by Sgroi around

right end. In the closing minutes, Cary faded back and heaved a 50 yard pass over the goal line

to Hotaling who caught it. The point after touchdown was given to Ravena because of off-sides

by Coxsackie. -- Forman

October 28, 1938 “Local Sextets Clash Today” By Fred Martino

A large crowd is expected to witness the six-man football game between the local schools when

they meet on the Coeymans field at 2 o‟clock today.

1935 Coeymans 24 Ravena 6





1938 Coeymans … Ravena …

Former ex-grid stars who participated in these clashes mentioned above are Art Mulligan,

Anthony Pape, George Floyd, Dom Aluise, Dan Moore, Carmen De Matteo, George

Martino, Henry Rauche, Jim Tiberia, Hank Stephany, Gene Frese, Joe Clouse, Dom

Biscone, Henry Pritchard, John Romano, Jim Reynolds, Ed Mulligan and Elliott

Vanderheyden for Coeymans. A glimpse at those who carried honors for Ravena we would say

Jim Scalzo, Willard Jackson, Louis Amedio, Guy Persico, and Kenneth Cary.

Ravena and Coeymans had three coaches apiece, Mr. Murray, Mr. Smith and Mr. Kingsbury

while Coeymans has had Mr. Furlong, Mr. Pitkin and Mr. Kunz. Kingsbury and Kunz are yet

coaching the local squads.

Concerning today‟s game, there is not much to say except that my opinion of the game is this:

the standing of the league shows Coeymans 3 wins, 2 losses, and Ravena 2 wins and 2 losses.

Coeymans was nosed out by Rossleville 14-13 and topped by Roe Jan 14-7 while they went on

to beat Cambridge [6-0], crush Coxsackie 32-13 and swamp Castleton 25-0. Two teams failed to

score on Coeymans.

Ravena was topped by Roe Jan 20-14 and swamped [by] Cambridge [?-?] but went on to punish

Coxsackie 26-7 and Castleton 22-6. All 4 teams have scored points.

Very good music will be furnished by the school band.

November 4, 1938 “Coeymans Defeats Ravena High 21 – 6” By Fred Martino

A home day crowd of approximately 1000 spectators saw the Coeymans Orange and Maroon

from downtown defeat the Ravena Red and Black from uptown by the score of 21 – 6 on the

Coeymans gridiron last Friday afternoon. This annual clash was the 6th

game played since 1935.


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Coeymans handled the ball mostly in the first quarter but Ravena evened up on yardage by better

kicking. There was no score and both teams ended the quarter evenly.

Taking advantage of a Ravena fumble on the 4 yard line, John Barber, Coeymans left halfback,

recovered and stepped across the line for a first score.

Extra point to bring the total to 7 was made by Carl Tiberia to Giles Wagoner.

Immediately after the kick-off John Barber scored again, this time he intercepted a Ravena

lateral and easily galloped 35 yards for a second touchdown. He also plunged for extra point,

bringing the total to 14. Something very extraordinary about these 14 points is this, they were

scored in about 2 minutes.

Late in the second half Ravena retaliated with a first and only score on a 20 yard pass from

Kenneth Cary to Carmen Albano. Van Alstyne‟s attempt to kick for extra point was blocked.

Ravena took to the air in the second half and made up for their losses of gain in the first two

periods. Passes that went for yardage were thrown and caught by Cary to Albano, Brandow to

Cary and Van Alstyne to Cary. The play that Ravena profited most by was a pass off of a fake

kick.

Toward the latter part of the 3rd

quarter husky John Barber added 6 more points to the Maroon‟s

score by powerful twisting and averting tacklers and ran about 28 yards to step over the last

white line. Eugene Mulligan plunged over for extra point.

Many comments of admiration were made on both sides of the field on the wonderful exhibition

of kick-offs performed by Giles Wagoner. Every kick averaged at least 35 or 40 yards.

Rudolph Frese, Coeymans center, a veteran, played his last game of football for Coeymans. He

displayed an act of a real bang up game. Every play saw him spilling [sic] and taking out

interference.

The bands both clad in school colors, did what I think, displayed and played at their best. They

took turns at marching across the field to salute and greet each other with ideal music.

Coeymans POS Ravena

Leigh LE Van Alstyne

Frese C Pebler

Wagoner RE Albano

Mulligan QB Sgroi

Tiberia LH Brandow

Barber RH Cary

Subs for Coeymans: Frangella, Biscone, Johnson, Lyons


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Subs for Ravena: Setford, Shutter, Hotaling, Richter

First Downs: Coeymans 9 Ravena 5

Penalties: Coeymans 30 Ravena 15

Passes: Coeymans 5-9 Ravena 1-13

Referee: Frigolotto, Umpire: Rinkus

Head Lineman: Ed Mulligan, Linesmen: Romano, Montalone

November 11, 1938 “Ravena Loses to Roesselville 25 – 13” By Fred Martino

The last game of the season, for 6 man football in the Central Hudson Valley League, was played

last Friday on the Albany Soccer Field where Ravena lost to Roessleville by a score of 25-13.

Roessleville scored the first touchdown after Reg Diegal ran 35 yards and then Red Hutton threw

a pass to John Brown, who took it over. A series of line plunges enabled Lefty Prevsseur, to add

a second score. Brown shone again by scoring twice in succession and also adding an extra point.

Brandow and Hotaling both scored a touchdown for Ravena in the second and fourth quarter on

short runs. Sgroi on a plunge, made the only extra point.

Roe Jan High of Hillsdale, under coaching of Mr. Thompson, are the winners of the trophy.


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COEYMANS HIGH SCHOOL

1938 Football Season

Class of 1939 Yearbook [Echo]

Last fall the game of six-man football was inaugurated in the Central Hudson Valley League.

This was necessary because the few boys who reported for practice were not sufficient for

eleven-man football.

The Coeymans Sextette [sic], under the guidance of Coach Kunz, played an important role in

this new game. Although we did not win the league, we won four out of the six league games

and outscored our opponents one hundred four to forty-seven points.

We also gave the game a dramatic tinge of our open style of playing before enthusiastic and

large crowds. Ideal weather and keen competition kept interest at a high pitch.

We wish to thank Mr. Kunz for his assistance and guidance.

Coeymans High School 6-Man Football Team

1938 Season


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RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL


Class of 1939 Yearbook [Cap & Gown]

Six-man football, introduced into Ravena High School athletics this year, proved to be as

exciting as the customary eleven-man game. Competing against Castleton, Cambridge,

Coeymans, Coxsackie, Hillsdale [Roeliff Jansen], and Roessleville, the Ravena team, playing as

good a game as was possible, had two [league] victories.

The season‟s team, under Coach Kingsbury, consisted of Carmen Albano, left end; James

Marcella, fullback; Kenneth Cary, halfback; James Pebler, center; Carmen Sgroi,

quarterback; and Captain Elwood (Red) Van Alstyne, right end.

It is with regret that the football men, past and present, relinquish Mr. Kingsbury to another

school at the conclusion of this year.

The first year of football was under the direction of Mr. Robert Murray and Mr. Bertrand

Smith. In 1937 Mr. Kingsbury assumed charge and has since then earned the admiration of the

men whom he has trained.

Letters were awarded at Moving Up Day on May 26 to those members of the football squad who

were deserving of them.

Ravena High School 6-Man Football Team

1938 Season


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1938 Season Statistics


Coeymans 6 Cambridge 0

Coeymans 13 Rossleville 14

Coeymans 7 Roeliff Jansen (Hillsdale) 14

Coeymans 32 Coxsackie 13

Coeymans 25 Castleton 0

Coeymans 21 Ravena 6

RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL

Ravena 14 Roeliff Jansen (Hillsdale) 20

Ravena 22 Castleton 6

Ravena 27 Philip Schuyler 7 (Nonleague)

Ravena ?? Cambridge ??

Ravena 26 Coxsackie 7

Ravena 6 Coeymans 21

Ravena 13 Roessleville 25

Note: A letter of inquiry was sent to the Cambridge Historical Society requesting any

information they might have regarding the game between Ravena and Cambridge. No response

was ever received.


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1939 Season


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September 8, 1939, Gridiron Punts, Fred Martino

As all sport columnists say “Pig skins fill the air and football starts another successful year.”

This year it is understood that the Central Hudson Valley Six Man Football League has added

another school to its schedule and hopes for a better season than that of ‟38.

Ravena has a new grid-iron mentor this year. He hails from Cornell [sic]. Watch next week‟s

column for more news abut him. Reliable Tom Kunz has returned to Coeymans to take over the

coaching duties for the Orange and Maroon.

September 15, 1939, “Grid Iron Punts”, Fred Martino

The familiar sounds of grunts and groans have been heard all week in practice drills from the

gridders who are out to do or die on the field.

Thirty contestants have answered the call of Tom Kunz and likewise 19 for Cliff Clinton,

coaches of Coeymans and Ravena respectively.

While looking over the material that has reported for the hog skin call the same remark was

made by different observers, not very enthusiastic spectators, on both fields referring to the size

of players on the field. One said, “What can that coach do with those small kids, all this time

wasted in trying to coach them.” Well, you guys who say that are just the ones who haven‟t the

gumption enough to:

Grab your books when the last bell rings;

Rush to the locker rooms and put on things;

Jog to the field; Run about ½ mile for a warm-up;

Run through some drills;

Tackle, block, catch passes, hit the line, block the dummy, run through plays; get criticized for

every little mistake, refrain from sweets, etc. Then have to go home and do chores and home

work doing this same routine four and sometimes five days a week regardless of the weather is

one who deserves a pat on the back. Please remember that football not only builds you up

physically but also mentally. If referring to the size of them as being small, just realize that many

a half-pint has turned out to be the most brittle [sic] and scrappy hero.


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Coach Clifford Clinton, Ravena hails from Colgate [sic]. Although he has never participated in

football at college, he did play regular in basketball and baseball. A short, muscular and brawny

little fellow, he has the following boys working with him: Backfield: Sgroi, Jim Brandow,

Hotaling, Richter, Montelone, Klenk, Seeberger, Gombel and Jackson. Linemen: Storr, Bill

and Bob Gallagher, Setford, Swartz, Thayer, Wells, Blenis and Pemberton. Carmen Albano,

a last year veteran, has not as yet reported, as he is caring for brother‟s barber shop in Coxsackie.

Manager Floyd Tompkins has the able assistance of Herbert Hamlin Jr., Buster Makely and

Glen Townsend.

(See Coeymans page for Coeymans line-up of players.)

Football will probably get underway on Sept. 29th

or 30th

.

Sept 29th

Roeliff Jansen vs. Ravena at home; Milne High vs. Coeymans at home (Pending).

September 15, 1939 “Twenty Five Boys Playing Football” [Coeymans Column]

The following twenty-five boys of Coeymans High School are playing football: Eugene

Mulligan, Carl Tiberia, Anthony Biscone, Giles Wagoner, Robert Korn, Reno Giacomini,

Louis Frangella, George Romano, Vincent Lyons, Robert McCabe, Burton Bruno, Joseph

Dean, Bernard Mulligan, Charles Ray, Leonard Wagoner, Guy Hazelton, Henry Berence,

Donald Wheat, James Ferraro, Everett Barber, Edward Stevens, Joseph Pape, William

Griffin, Robert Wright, James Smith.

Below is the tentative football schedule:

Sept 29-30 Coeymans at Averill Park

Oct 6-7 Roessleville at Coeymans

Oct 12-13-14 Roeliff Jansen at Coeymans

Oct 20-21 Coeymans at Coxsackie

Oct 27-28 Castleton at Coeymans

Nov 3-4 Coeymans at Ravena

September 22, 1939 “C.H.S. Notes” [Coeymans column]

The second season for six-man football at Coeymans High School has begun with 25 men

answering Coach Thomas J. Kunz‟s call for practice. The absence of such stellar players at

John Barber, Rudy Frese and Eugene Leigh is noted. This is the last year of service for

Eugene Mulligan, Carl Tiberia and Giles Wagoner, all of whom have played Varsity football

three years.

The football schedule is a week later because of the fact that Averill Park dropped from the

league. The following is a tentative schedule of games.

Oct 6 – Roessleville at Coeymans

Oct (12-13-14) Roeliff Jansen at Coeymans


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Oct 20 Coeymans at Coxsackie

Oct 27 Castleton at Coeymans

Nov (3-4) Coeymans at Ravena

September 22, 1939 [Sports Column]

Ravena‟s football sextet will clash with Roeliff Jansen of Hillsdale Friday afternoon on the local

field. This will give us our first glimpse of gridiron action for the year. Let‟s have a good crowd

to cheer our local boys on to victory.

The starting lineup is at yet doubtful due to the short time given for practice. However a good

squad has reported to Coach Clinton and he should have a good starting line-up.

September 29, 1939 “Opening Football Game in Ravena This Afternoon”

The Ravena High School football team will entertain Roeliff Jansen Central School on Mosher

Field this afternoon at 3:30. The visitors are defending champions of the Central Hudson Valley

League and will bring a strong aggregation to Ravena.

It will be the opening contest for the locals in their quest for valley honors and will mark

Clifford Clinton‟s debut as the Ravena mentor. The former Colgate [sic] athlete will field a

team of veterans with the probable lineup featuring Gallagher, Setford, Storr, Swartz and

Blenis with Albano and Klenk alternating at center. The backs will be chosen from Sgroi,

Montelone, Marcella, Richter, Hotaling, Seeberger and Gombel.

September 29, 1939 “Coeymans High Seniors Sponsor Football Prom”

The annual drive for funds for the Senior Class has begun with a Football Prom scheduled for

Oct 6th

. This is the first time that such an event has been sponsored in the school.

According to the chairman Eugene Mulligan, the affair is semi-formal. The following have been

appointed to assist: Audrey Tracey, chairman of decorations, Giles Wagoner heads the

orchestra committee, while Donald Wheat is chairman of advertising.

It is expected that a Halloween dance will follow the Prom. The orchestra which will play at the

October dance is Sammy Bruno‟s.

October 6, 1939 “Ravena Drubs Roe-Jan 34 – 0” Fred Martino

Six man football made its debut of the year to Ravena last Friday afternoon when the Ravena

sextet drubbed Roeliff Jansen in a league tilt on a muddy field and in the rain by a shut out score

of 34 – 0.

All the scores were piled in the first half of the game when the local Red and Black aggregation

held on the pig skin practically the whole period.


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In the first quarter Louis Montelone ran about 30 yards from the left side to touchdown the

leather for 6 points. Plunging Jim Brandow added an extra point.

Hardly had play started when Carmen Albano recovered a fumble behind the goal line for

another score. Brandow again enlisted for a plunge and added another extra point, 14–0.

A few minutes before the first period was over Bob Gallagher made a neat recovery of a fumble

behind the goal line for 6 points. Mel Hotaling added an extra point.

In the second quarter Carmen Sgroi ran 20 yards for one and 10 yards on another to score 2

touchdowns. He dropped kick for 2 extra points. Richter attempted for extra point but failed.

Kenneth Storr, who was captain for the game, initiated the game by catching the first kick-off

and with good interference carried it near scoring territory.

Today Ravena journeys to Castleton and Coeymans will be the host to Roessleville on the

Coeymans field.

P W L

Ravena 1 1 0

Roessleville 1 1 0

Roe Jan 1 0 1

Coxsackie 1 0 1

Coeymans 0 0 0

Castleton 0 0 0

October 13, 1939 “Ravena, Coeymans Score Heavily on the Gridiron” Fred Martino

Before the season of football got underway, an article was sent in to yours truly requesting the

banishment of the sports column because neither one of the local schools would be able to do

any scoring or fit to write about. Well, fellow whoever you are, you didn‟t go to see what

material either sextette [sic] had on the field, nor did you have any faith in your home school.

Ravena‟s Red and Black raiders tommy-hawked the Hill Castletonians [sic] by a scalloping total

of 48 to 0. The game was called, no not because of rain, but merely because a rule states after a

total of 45-0 the game is automatically stopped and naturally won.

On the other hand the Maroonians [sic] gave a 14-0 defeat to Roessleville and came back to

trample a Roeliff Jansen representation of Hillsdale by a total of 40-0.

The spectacular incidents of the games are 75 and 70 yard runs for touchdowns by Gene

Mulligan, C.H.S., and a touchdown safety and two placement kicks by Carmen Sgroi, R.H.S.

All nationalities celebrated as one unit for the following are responsible for scores: Richter,

Marcella, Mulligan, Klenk, Sgroi, Gallagher, Tiberia, Hotaling and Lyons.


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The fact that how the scores made were sent in by two different individuals is appreciated very

much. Fred Martino.

October 13, 1939 “R.H.S. Plays Roessleville Wed.”

Ravena High School‟s Red Raiders will oppose Roessleville on Wednesday afternoon in what

may prove to be the decisive game for the Central Hudson Valley title. Neither team has lost a

game.

The locals took their opener against Roeliff Jansen and went on to take Castleton last Friday, 47

to 0 in only 16 minutes of play. A rule in six-man football ends a contest when one team scores

45 points. Ravena held Castleton within its own 20 yard line while the R.H.S. backs ripped off

consistent gains through the line and around the ends or passed for touchdowns.

Roessleville has defeated Coxsackie 18-6 and Coeymans 13-0 to bring to Mosher Field an

untarnished record.

Coach Clifford Clinton will probably use Gallagher and Storr at ends with Albano as center.

Montelone, Marcella, Richter or Sgroi make up the backfield.

Roessleville has met the stronger clubs of the circuit, while Ravena has met the weaker. It will be

Ravena‟s acid test.

October 20, 1939 “Coxsackie Defeats Coeymans 20 – 19”

Coeymans scores on a pass. Tiberia to Mulligan on first few minutes of game. Later Coeymans

scored again. Tiberia to Lyons. Coeymans scored on another pass to Lyons.

Coxsackie scored 70 yard run, kicked extra point, making score 19-8.

In the second half of the game and largely due to fumbles and poor ball handling, Coeymans

offense bogged down. Coxsackie came through completely outplaying Coeymans in the second

half. Game was played into total darkness. Carl Tiberia‟s excellent passing and Eugene

Mulligan‟s distant runs were the outstanding features of the game. Coeymans line was

completely outplayed. Coeymans was very over confident in the second half of the game.

Coxsackie scored 20 points in all to Coeymans 19. Final score Coxsackie 20, Coeymans 19.

October 20, 1939 “Ravena Still Undefeated, Crushes Roessleville 49 – 20” Fred Martino

An undefeated Red and Black sic man football squad kept their slate clean by trouncing and

smearing a representation from Roessleville by a top-notch total of 49-20.

No doubt the scoring that Ravena has done in their past few tussles is a lot more and almost the

same as the total of all the other teams.


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The boys probably knew that no practice again until Monday would make piggy lonesome. You

can [see] the effects of it on the pig skin. They pounced on it on the ground and over the goal

post enough times to have made it look like a grunting speckled trout in a pickle jar.

Although he did score two touchdowns, galloping Bill Gallagher played the star role in

Wednesday‟s contest. He ran, blocked and caught passes like a bird does mosquitos.

Co-captain Kenny Storr rallied for 3 touchdowns, Gallagher 2, Richter 1 and Hotaling the

same.

Besides a touchdown Hotaling was credited with 4 extra points, Sgroi 2 and Montelone 1.

Penalties: Ravena 4, Roessleville 1

First downs: Ravena 9, Roessleville 4

November 3, 1939 “Ravena Ready for Grid Game with Coeymans”

Ravena High School‟s unbeaten Red Raiders will engage Coeymans High School‟s football team

at Mosher Field this afternoon at two o‟clock. A victory will give Ravena the undisputed

championship of the Central Hudson Valley league and will keep them in the unbeaten class. A

loss will throw them into a tie with Roessleville for the title.

The locals will probably present the same lineup which Coach Clinton has used in previous

games with Albano at center, and Gallagher and Storr at ends, making up the rest of the line.

Montelone and Sgroi will call signals with Richter, Marcella and Hotaling comprising the rest

of the backfield.

Ravena maintained its pace last Friday when it defeated Coxsackie 25-0 at Coxsackie. The

Raiders scored all their points in the first half as a fine running attack coupled with Gallagher‟s

pass snatching ability swept them to four touchdowns. Rain and darkness set in the second half

to dull the game.

In this afternoon‟s contest, Coach Kunz brings a team which has been beaten by both

Roessleville and Coxsackie, but which will be at its peak for this traditional game. The officials

will be Milano and Frigoletti.

November 10, 1939 “RHS Football Champions”

The students and friends of the Ravena High School conducted the first snake dance in this

village as the result of the clean record of the Ravena High School football team. The folks

started on lower Main Street and snaked up to the school. The dance took place after the Ravena-

Coeymans game when Ravena won the last of the games on their schedule with a 22 to 6 victory.

The game was witnessed by a large number of fans who kept warm over the contest until the sun

went down and then they got chilly. The Coeymans team played a wonderful defensive game and


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did their best to keep Ravena boys from scoring. During the middle of the game they put up a

great fight to keep the Ravena lads out of their goal and were quite successful.

One goal was a gift when a fumble gave Gallagher a chance to lay on the ball for a touchdown.

The Ravena boys all played the usual fine game and feel proud of the record made by the team

this season.


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The Coeymans High School Football Team, a member of the Hudson Valley League, played

Roessleville, Hillsdale, Castleton, Coxsackie and Ravena this season. The team won two of their

five games, defeating Hillsdale and Castleton, losing to Roessleville, Coxsackie and Ravena.

The team‟s lack of experience and the loss in the line affected them defensively. The inability of

Giles Wagoner to play, because of an injury sustained at practice in the very beginning of the

season, was also a great loss.

Those players who will graduate or will be unable to play next year are: Captain Eugene

Mulligan, an outstanding player last season, Carl Tiberia, Louis Frangella, Anthony Biscone,

Robert Korn, Donald Wheat, and Geno Giacomini.

Mr. Kunz is to be thanked for his guidance and assistance and the team is to be complimented for

its sportsmanship shown during the entire season.


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RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL


Ravena‟s 1939 football season under the direction of Coach Clifford Clinton proved to be the

most successful in its history. The squad was fast, alert, shifty and never showed signs of letting

up. They overpowered all their opponents and ended the season with five victories and no

defeats. The regular team consisted of Kenny Storr, right end; Bill Gallagher, left end;

Carmen Albano, center; Louis Montelone, quarter back; James Marcella, full back; Carmen

Sgroi, quarter back; Don Richter, half back, and Melvin Hotaling, half back.

Ravena had some excellent reserves in Henry Blenis, Louis Caracciolo, Robert Gallagher,

John Gombel, John Ginter, Neil Hallenbeck, Kenny Klenk, George Marcella, Dale Setford,

and Harold Wells.

The scores of the games were Ravena 35, Roeliff Jansen 0; Ravena 48, Castleton 0; Ravena 48,

Roessleville 20; Ravena 25, Coxsackie 0; and Ravena 22, Coeymans 6.

Although the squad will lose a number of players by graduation and age, next year‟s team is

expected to be as strong as this year‟s.


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1940 Season


27

September 13, 1940 “R.H.S. Football Gets Underway”

The Red Raiders of Ravena High School, [defending] champions of the Central Hudson Valley

League have begun practice at Mosher Park. Coach Clifford Clinton has had about 25 boys out

only about six of whom saw regular service last year.

The local sextet opens against Roeliff Jansen at Hillsdale on September 27. The next week after

is an open date. Oct. 11 finds them visiting Delmar, which is entering a team for the first time

this year. On Oct. 18 the locals entertain Castleton at home. Roessleville plays here also the

following week, Oct 25. Nov 1 will mark the close of the home stand when Coxsackie is to

furnish the opposition. The season closes as Ravena visits Coeymans.

Practice this week found Bill Gallagher, veteran end back at his post with a running mate

Kenny Klenk at center, Francis Shader and Harold Wells alternated at the other wing. Don

Richter played a lot of backfield with John Gombel, Bob Gallagher, George Marcella and

Walter Jackson also being used. Other boys who have practiced are Don Gombel, Neil

Hallenbeck, Louis Caraciolla, Sam and Carmen Pomellito, Don Sgroi, Frank Nunziato.

September 20, 1940 “Ravena High School Football Schedule”

Sept. 27 – Roeliff Jansen at Hillsdale

Oct. 12 – Bethlehem Central at Delmar

Oct. 18 – Castleton at Ravena

Oct. 25 – Roessleville at Ravena

Nov. 1 – Coxsackie at Ravena

Nov. – Ravena at Coeymans (date to be announced)

September 20, 1940 “Coach Kunz Reports Enthusiastic Group Out for His Squad”

Doc Martino

Coach Tom Kunz did not behave like a doubting Thomas when asked about his material for the

football team. Instead he gave a quick reply as to splendid cooperation of the boys. He stressed

mainly that the moral [sic] and spirit of the squad is the best showed in years.

The loss of last years stars, Capt. Eugene Mulligan, Carl Tiberia and Louis Frangella are the

only dents to be straightened out.

However the following gridders have reported for action: Achillo Dottino, Capt. Vincent

Lyons, George Romano, Edward Stevens, Robert McCabe, Joseph Pape Jr., William


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Wolfe, Hoseph Dean, Henry Biernack, Lawrence Tiberia, Everett Barber, Joseph Biscone,

Randall Winnie, Leonard Wagoner, Phillip Taylor, Lansing Syckles, Wm. Seers, Guy

Hazelton, LeRoy Griffin, Peter Cahill and George W. Fiel.

September 27, 1940 “Ravena & Coeymans Open Grid Seasons This Afternoon” Doc Martino

After what has seemed to be an endless wait the audience of sport fans will finally see how the

stage looks and its players act when the curtains rises on two hair raising performances this

afternoon when the Ravena Red Raiders journey to Roeliff Jansen to attempt to conquer their

pigskin guardsmen [sic] and Coeymans Lions to open up the gates of their cage to come out a

group of about 25 against a strong organized train [sic] of sixty Delmar Tigers on the downtown

field.

Coach Clinton of Ravena and Coach Kunz of Coeymans have no doubt by this time sorted out

their starting players but since no definite comment has been made we would much rather let the

audience be surprised as to who will be in the leading roles and also as to who will prompt the

cues – S-I-G-N-A-L-S.

On the other hand Coeymans has prepared a very interesting gals [sic] affair to keep the spirit of

the players and spectators up to the usual par.

Luciano Polverelli, Maroons Band Director has organized a Drum Corps a marching cheer

leaders group and the usual well known members of the band players for this enthusiastic

performance.

Many have asked what may be what – so here goes – after viewing 3 of 4 teams, Delmar over

Coeymans; and a toss up of a close decision for Ravena over Roeliff Jansen.

October 4,1940 “R.H.S. Gridmen Win Opener 20 – 0”

Bill Gallagher gained the opening kickoff and ran 70 yards for a touchdown thus starting off the

1940 six man football season for Ravena High Friday afternoon at Hillsdale.

Like last year‟s opener against Roeliff Jansen most of the scoring was done early in the game. A

few plays after the opening runback, Johnny Perrine took the ball around end for forty yards

and six more points. Don Richter adding the extra points in both cases by clean drop kicks.

Ravena‟s final score which brought the total to 20, was made late in the second quarter when

Bill Gallagher grabbed a Roeliff Jansen pass that had carromed [sic] off Wells‟ arm and stepped

over for the score.

Like last year‟s opener against the mud on the local field with Ravena winning 34 to 0. If the 20

to 0 score of their opener this year is any indication the local six will have a tough season on

their hands to come off with the championship. Coach Clinton has a good squad which has a lot

of fight so we can look for some very excellent games during the coming fall days.


29

The line sounds good when you hear that they held the Jansen boys for four downs within the

five yard line. The punting showed up well with Gallagher doing most of the work in that

department and the boys can handle the ball when you realize that only one fumble was reported

in their opening game. In all, it looks like a good season ahead.

October 4, 1940 “Sports in the News – Football” Fred Martino

The Central Hudson Valley Six Man Football League was initiated last Friday afternoon and the

following scores were recorded: Ravena 20 Roeliff Jansen 0, Coeymans 12 Delmar 12,

Coxsackie 16 Roessleville 12.

In a no-league tilt Castleton outscored St. John‟s of Rensselaer by a triumphant score of 20 – 13.

Many fans who had been reading the city papers were surprised to see a small courageous and

highly spirited Coeymans sextet battle the Delmar Tigers, who were predicted an easy winner, to

a deadlock score of 12 –12. It was the Coeymans squad that had the advantage of leading the

score after tieing [sic] it up until the last few minutes of playing time.

The kick off was a long one by Bert Bruno of Coeymans and caught by Harry Moore of Delmar

who after advancing from the 10 yd stripe up to the 35 was hit hard by Dottino and Lyons of

Coeymans. From then on raged a battle that played back and forth with the ball passing from one

side to the other enabling each sextet the opportunity to handle the pig skin.

Joe Dean, Coeymans and Jack Adams, Delmar, tallied one touchdown apiece to end the half

with a tieing [sic] score of 6 – 6. Both conversions for extra points failed.

Coeymans scored again in the 3rd

period when Husky Guy Hazelton plunged through the center

of the line for another score.

In the last 4 minutes of the game Romano intercepted a pass but lost it on the next play by

fumbling with Van Zandt, Delmar recovering. Bucking against a stubborn Coeymans wall, Harry

Swarthout, Delmar‟s 200 lb. Tiger, pounded the line twice on the third try finally penetrated the

defensive line for a tally.

Coeymans Pos Delmar

McCabe RE Moore

Bernacki LE Erving

Lyons C Young

Dean QB Adams

Bruno FB Swarthout

Dottino HB Van Zandt

Hazelton, Barber, Wagoner, Grant, Lorace


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This Friday the Raiders have an open date while Coeymans journeys to Roessleville; Castleton to

Coxsackie. Saturday; Roe Jan of Hillsdale comes up state to play Delmar at Delmar.

October 11, 1940 “Ravena – Delmar Meet To-Morrow” Doc Martino

In their first meet, on the gridiron, since the history of football, Ravena and Delmar will exhibit

some of that old time rivalry that spectators used to witness in basketball games of the

yesterdays, when the two clubs meet on Delmar‟s field to-morrow at 2 o‟clock.

Both squads are unbeaten and not far from being evenly matched. Neither team should be classed

as the under-dog.

After reviewing from a spectators observation, both squads it seems that the local boys have

much more hustle and bustle but the mood of seriousness is deeply expressed on the faces of the

Delmarites [sic]. My choice is Ravena by 2 touch-downs.

The local boys have added strength with new players. Louie Montelone and Reid Carey.

Lou has been kept on the sidelines because of a tricky knee and he is a fast and cagey field

runner. If Carey has the rush his brothers had he may be a valuable asset as a lineman.

On the other hand the Red Raiders have Chubby Klenk, Dooley Shader, Wheels Wells, Sparky

Richter, Porky Brandow, Bill “Ed” Gallagher and a score of good substitutes.

These boys mentioned above have a stubborn group to contend with in the following Delmarites:

Dick Lynch, Arnold Moore, Harry Swarthout, Ed Young, Bill Stewart, Ed Van Zandt and others.

There is no doubt that Ravena has a fast and smooth team but the fact remains that sideline spirit

is also needed to mend their minds. To know that a home team cheering crowd is also fighting

for you gives a team that extra push. Let‟s have the local sport followers attend the outside game

also.

October 18, 1940 “Ravena’s Air Attack Raids Delmar 32 – 6” Fred Martino

Lou Montelone‟s zip passes and the timely playing of his team-mates enabled the Ravena Red

Raiders to bombard a Delmar ground attack by a score of 32-6 at Delmar last Saturday before a

crowd of about 500. Both teams ended the first half with a score of 6 – 6. An air attack steered

by Lou Montelone, beautiful broken field running by John Perrine and an effective pass from

“Sparky” Richter to “Dooley” Shader in the second half gave the Raiders 26 more points to

crumble the hopes of the Delmarites [sic].

The first half was closely played in which both teams tried to outclass one another. Ravena

scored first on a line plunge by Richter. A kick after touchdown by Montelone was good but an

offside by one of his teammates nullified the extra points. In the second period Don McGuirk,

Delmar ran 22 yards around his own left end with timely blocking by Sterwart and Dieter to tie

the score. The kick for extra point was low. Although Ravena advanced by air, Delmar gained on


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the ground with Husky Harry Swartout‟s line plunge through center on several continual line

bucks but when too close to scoring territory Lanky Bill Gallagher was there to spill [sic] the

interference.

Ravena looked like the “Undefeated Champs of 39-40” in the second half. Lou Montelone with

his spitfire passes that fell where-ever his receivers were excelled for Ravena by passing twice

more for scores to Bob Gallagher and “Chub” Klenk. John Perrine, who after being hit twice,

pivoted his way for a third score. All kicks for extra points were low or wide. A 15 yard pass

from “Sparky” Richter to “Smiling Jack” Shader and an added run of 12 yards accounted for

the final tally. Richter kicked for the final points.

A spectacular run of 50 yards with snake hipping [sic] pivots and shaking off tacklers along the

sideline was made by Lou Montelone in the second half that went for a touchdown but an illegal

use of hands by one of his team mates nullified his chances for scoring once again.

Although Montelone along brilliantly in his passing as did Bill Gallagher in interference, we

must give credit to the rest of the squad. A team must work in harmony as did these boys in the

second half of the tilt. Those who also shared honors and did their part are: Richter, Shader,

Wells, Klenk, Perrine, Marcella, Nunziato, Bob Gallagher, Carey and Jackson.

Passes attempted: Ravena 20, Delmar 11.

Passes completed: Ravena 12, Delmar 4

Penalties: Ravena 35 yards, Delmar 43 yards.

Time Outs: Ravena 8, Delmar 5

First Downs: Ravena 7, Delmar 5

Referee: Bill Jones Umpire: LeRoy Whiter, Head Linesman: Don Maybe

October 18, 1940 “Red Raiders Jr Varsity Triumph Over Castleton 27-7”

“Jackie” Jackson captained an unfed [sic] pack of Ravena Raiders to an easily earned victory,

same as the varsity, over what was left of the Castleton Varsity by a triumphant score of 27-7.

Pomellitto scored in the first few minutes of the game on a 5 yard plunge after a sustained drive

of about 45 yards. Jackie Jackson scored 3 touchdowns all end runs. One of the tallies was

nullified because one of his team mates used his hand illegally in that particular play.

Sgroi and Carey were important factors in the winning of the game as well as Nunziato,

Gombel and Bennett.

October 18, 1940 “Coxsackie Swamps Coeymans 32 – 0”

Led by Dardni and Smizen, the Coxsackie Sextet easily defeated the Coeymans Maroonians [sic]

by a triumphant score of 32 – 0 last Friday afternoon on the Coeymans gridiron before a crowd

of about 200 spectators. The school band and drum corps added a very colorful sight to the

event.


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The game was mostly a one sided affair and Coxsackie handled the ball on most plays.

Dardni and Cary of Coxsackie both featured in the game with 40 yard runs. The formers run

accounted for a touch down. Another team mate E. Steele, performed a sleeper that went for a

score.

Although the Maroonians lost by a score of 32 – 0, they certainly must be praised on their “never

to die” spirit and their display of interest in the game from start to finish.

Capt. Vincent Lyons and Henry Bernacki were the outstanding players of the Maroonians. The

team is without the services of three of the regulars: Joseph Dean, Achillo Dottino and Guy

Hazelton.

Coxsackie Pos Coeymans

Steele End Bernacki

Dardni Center Lyons

Smizen End McCabe

Knox HB Wagoner

Cary QB Mulligan

Kellam Full Back Bruno

Subs: Sportman, Selmar, Quigley

Subs: Wolfe, Barber, Romano, Feil and Cahill

Referee: Bill Jones, Umpire: LeRoy Whiter

October 25, 1940 “Rockne Memorial”

“Knute Rockne your name will die when football is forgotten and that will never be.” Fred

Martino.

Since the month of October has been set aside as “Knute Rockne” month, in honor of that grand

man of football coach of Notre Dame who cam to an untimely death in an airplane crash, schools

throughout the United States are dedicating one home game as a memorial to this great man so

therefore Coeymans High School is also going to do its bit.

Under the guidance of Coach Tom Kunz, the Coeymans Maroonians [sic] will clash with St.

John‟s of Rensselaer on the local field Saturday, October 26th

at 2:30. The winning team will be

awarded a Rockne Football Scroll.

Before the game there will be one minute of silence for Knute Rockne. The high school band

will also play several Notre Dame songs. Let‟s all who admired this great phantom [sic] of the

grid iron be on hand to pay respect due him by us.


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October 25, 1940 “Red Raiders Ready for Roessleville”

Ravena‟s Red Raiders are all prepared to stage a galloping tramping act over the Roessleville

Huskies when they meet in a Valley League air-man [sic] football game this afternoon on the

Ravena Park gridiron.

Regardless of the fact that the Raiders have thus far gone undefeated, it must also be

remembered that Roessleville also has an enviable record. They lost a heartbreaker to Coxsackie

16-12, but whitewashed Delmar 49-0.

However, after balancing statistics in both hands the dials point to Montelone, Shader, Wm.

Gallagher, Perrine, Richter, Nunziato, Klenk, G. Brandow, E. Brandow, R. Gallagher,

Cary and a host of others. These boys have what it takes and should come out a winner by 2 or 3

touchdowns.

Since this is the first opportunity you local fans have to see the Raiders Varsity now is when they

need your support.

November 1, 1940 “Coeymans Awarded “Rockne” Plaque in Victory over St John’s”

Coeymans won its first victory of the season in six man football by crushing St. John‟s of

Rensselaer, 30-12 in a “Knute Rockne Memorial” contest on the downtown field last Saturday

afternoon. The team was awarded a plaque with Jim Crowley‟s signature on it. Incidently [sic]

Mr. Crowley is football coach at Fordham and at one time a member of the 4 horsemen of Notre

Dame when Knute Rockne was football coach.

The team pulled many Rockne stunts out of no where and “Presto” won powerful plunges and

end sweeps that lacked much power in previous contests. An excellent record of 15 out of 19

passes were completed that were vary advantageous to the honor [sic].

Little Douglas Barber, Coeymans just simply plowed and steered his way consistently for what

ever yardage the team needed at any event. His runs netted him a total yardage of 171 yards. He

also plunged twice for the first 2 tallies. A lateral from Mulligan to “Romy” Romano was the

result of a third score. A basketball pass from “Romy” to Bob McCabe plus a run of 8 yards

netted another tally. The most sensational score of the game was a 35 yard run by Achillo

Dottino who practically toe danced on the side line marker pivoted and slashed his way when

not on the marker, for the final touchdown. A drop kick by Romano and passes caught by

Bernacki and McCabe accounted for the odd points after touchdowns.

A plunge by Pete Wiedeman and a 15 yard run by Jackie Ryan accounted for the scores recorded

by St. John‟s of Rensselaer. Ryan threw some will aimed passes but there were never [any]

receivers there to get them. When ever there were they were dropped. A triple [threat] man Ryan

played and executed a lone hand [sic] throughout the entire contest.


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November 1, 1940 “Roessleville Fails to Avert Red Drive”

The Roessleville sextet on Friday last tried hard but unsuccessfully to stop the Red Raiders and

were the victims in Ravena‟s fourth straight triumph by a score of 34-26.

The Roessleville boys were off at the starting gun and broke the ice with an early score. This

margin was not enough however as before the first quarter had ended Bill Gallagher took one of

Montelone‟s passes and scored. Montelone then booted the extra points and Ravena led 8 – 6.

From that moment Ravena stayed in front until the end of the game although Roessleville pushed

them all the way.

Another Montelone to Gallagher pass resulted in the second score and Richter recovered a

Roessleville bobble and ran twenty yards for another sixer [sic]. Walls carried the fourth six

pointer across as another pass clicked. Richter repeated his earlier feat when he recovered

another fumble and went over for number five. Montelone booted another one between the

uprights for two points bringing the total to thirty four.

Roessleville was [in the] game all the way through and scoring two touchdowns in the last five

minutes they came close to hanging the Red Raider‟s scalp to the door.

Roessleville‟s hard running attack clicked splendidly registering long gains through the middle

of the line and around end. Their passing attack however was not effective as Ravena intercepted

or knocked down most of their passes.

Ravena featured a passing attack which was mostly short, fast passes and moved along the

ground fairly well after becoming accustomed to Roessleville's defensive set up.

November 1, 1940 “Coxsackie Here Today”

On Friday, November 1, the Red Raiders of Ravena High School will take the field at Mosher

Park against the Indians of Coxsackie High and both teams will be seeking their fifth straight

win. The victor of Friday‟s battle will very possibly become the Central Hudson Valley League

football champions for the 1940 season.

Coxsackie boasts victories over Roessleville, Coeymans, Castleton and Roeliff Jansen. Ravena

holds victories over all of these except Coeymans but is credited with an impressive 32 – 6

victory over Bethlehem the remain[ing] team on Coxsackie‟s schedule. On the other hand,

Coxsackie can show its impressive 32 – 0 victory over the Coeymans sextet who will meet

Ravena in their final game. Both teams hold victories over their nearest competitor Roessleville.

Coxsackie defeated Roessleville 18-12 in their opening game and last Friday Ravena took the

same team into camp 34-26.

There is not much to compare the two teams on except these scores for nothing much has come

out of the Indians camp as to their offensive and defensive strengths. One rumor has it that the

Blues [sic] have a good running attack but nothing further has been gained from the camp.


35

Ravena will have its aerial attack which showed well in both the Roessleville and Bethlehem

games plus its ground attack which has also proved to be a good point. Defensively the Raider

are a good pass defense team and can usually control a ground attack.

The game with Coxsackie starts at 2:45 p.m. A victory for the local team will assure them a tie

and make possible the winning of the championship if they defeated Coeymans also the

following week.

November 8, 1940 “Raiders Trounce Coxsackie 36 -14” Fred Martino

A determined and rough aggregation representing Coxsackie were amazed at the attacks [led] up

by the Ravena Raiders that gave them a severe trouncing by a score of 36 – 14. This game

practically clinched the Six Man Football Honors for the local Sextet.

The calm and cool Raiders scored again and again to win.

[A] pass from “Zip” Montelone to Bill Gallagher and a 60 yard run gave the Raiders their first

tally a few seconds after the first kick off.

[Hellam] of Coxsackie averaged the first score and raced 18 yards to tie it. A drop kick by

Quigley gave them the lead 8 – 6.

Two very nice exhibitions of field running by “Sparky” Richter gave the Raiders a head on lead

that kept them ahead throughout the rest of the game. Richter not only ran these two tallies but

his display of blocking and tackling was something remarked upon by many.

A 42 yard pass by Montelone to Bob Gallagher in the end zone was such a fast one that three of

the opponents were amazed. They stayed in the Raiders backfield waiting for a fake lateral or

end run.

John Perrine scored an easy one on a “Doubtful Thomas Play” for the Raiders. Coxsackie has

been trying to call it an ineligible score but time will heal this wound.

Lou Montelone drop kicked 3 times out of 5 to add 6 extra points to the 5 tallies.

Don Corbin of Coxsackie interrupted [sic] a pass from the Raiders J.V. [sic] and raced 55 yards

without any interference for Coxsackie‟s second tally.

November 8, 1940 “Local Sextets Clash Today with Seniors” Fred Martino

Local rivalry will resolve this afternoon to initiate the 1940-41 sports schedule when the Ravena

Raiders and the Coeymans Maroonians [sic] clash on the downtown gridiron.

Seniors will see action for the last time for football and will endeavor to do all they can for deal

old “Alma Mater.”


36

From uptown comes word that Bill Gallagher may not see action. Bill injured his right arm and

shoulder in the Coxsackie game. Bill was indeed an aggressive player and was a very fast runner

and pass snatcher.

Don “Sparky” Richter, flashy little all around man has exhibited quite a few exciting moments

in his long runs and blocking and tackling.

Ken “Chubby” Klenk, the center who is never dry [sic], certainly played a sparkling game of

the spark plug.

John Perrine may be ineligible next year but he certainly left a [blazing] trail of broken field

running and tackling for the team.

On the other hand from Coeymans we find that Vinnie Lyons is going to play his last game.

Vinnie is rated on the two best centers in the league and certainly is the whole team. Vinnie is a

veteran and showed a lot of interest in both eleven and six man football.

Barber, Dottino and Romano a trio of go-getters will certainly be missed from the squad next

year. “Dougie” Barber and Dottino are the plow gainers [sic] while Romano advances thru the

air.

The game will no doubt be an unforgetable remembrance so don‟t forget to be there.

November 15, 1940 “Ravena Undefeated Champions Again” Fred Martino

Coeymans imbued with a surprising surge of spirit that [carried] them to the top, tied Ravena last

Friday afternoon by a tying score of 14 – 14 before a crowd of frozen spectators on the

Maroonians gridiron.

The game maybe literally summed up in the following: Ravena did little but fumble the ball for

the first quarter, and Coeymans out-played them for all but e minutes of the game in which

Ravena scored 14 points. This spectacular display of football was performed by the champions

and they tied the score 14-14 as a result. The tie saved their undefeated record in any sport for 2

years and the tie enabled them to become the Champions.

[A] 32 yard kick off by Romano of Coeymans started the game. It was caught by Richter and

was tackled by Lyons and Bernacki after advancing it to the 27. Richter ran the first play for 3

yards. Ravena lost 13 yards on the next play on a lateral from Montelone to Richter as McCabe

fumbled a pass from Wells but Perrine recovered. Wells kicked 35 yards for a punt out of

danger. Coeymans ball – Dottino plunged 7 yards. Dottino plunged 6 yards. Romano passed to

Bernacki and then Romano kicked a 30 yard punt. Richter caught it and carried it back 15

yards. Montelone passed to Richter incomplete. Montelone passed to Klenk – caught and

fumbled. Montelone passed to Klenk – caught and fumbled. It was in this same manner that the

game was played. The above plays are in the original order from the kickoff.


37

“Ike” Dottino‟s line plunging, Romano‟s 9 out of 14 passes to Bernacki and the amazing power

of the line was very consistent throughout the contest.

Lou “Zip” Montelone‟s passes were as accurate as they have been all season but although

passed in the hands of receivers only 7 out of 15 were completed in 35 minutes of playing time.

It may have been over confidence because Klenk dropped 7 of them. This lad generally hangs on

to them. In their last 5 minutes of playing time Lou passed beautiful completed passes to Richter

and [Bob] Gallagher and 5 others to Klenk. Seven out of 9 passes tell the whole story of

Ravena‟s amazing comeback to tie a score and win [the] championship.

Coeymans capitalized on a fumble in the first quarter on a fake kick and run, by Romano‟s

downing the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. A pass over center from Romano to Bernacki

totaled the score Coeymans 7 -- Ravena 0.

Montelone passed to Klenk, 6 points.

Montelone passed to Richter, 6 points.

Montelone passed to [Bob] Gallagher, 1 point.

Montelone passed to Klenk, 1 point.

The game was a spectacular one for a few minutes. As eight boys walked off the field many

thoughts ran thru their minds and it certainly will be a long time before they ever become

participants of a more enthusiastic [contest]. Bill Gallagher could not play because of an injury.

The players who graduate or will be ineligible are:

Coeymans: Vincent Lyons. Achillo Dottino, Everett Barber, George Romano and Henry

Bernacki.

Ravena: Bill Gallagher, Don Richter, Ken Klenk and John Perrine.

Ravena Pos Coeymans

Nunziato LE McCabe

Klenk C Lyons

Wells RE Bernacki

Montelone FB [sic] Romano

Perrine LH Barber

Richter RH Dottino

Ravena: Hallenbeck, Cary and Bob Gallagher

Coeymans: Bruno, Mulligan

November 22, 1940 “Happy Thanksgiving Fans!” Fred Martino

I‟ve often times considered just what constitutes a justified training table of rules. After looking

over a set of training laws set up by different coaches, it sort of struck me funny that even though


38

several coaches turn out wonderful teams, one method, of training were jestingly [sic]

contradicted by his players. The same can be said jokingly, about the undefeated Red Raiders of

Ravena.

So from listening in on several corner discussions, I learned many many new things.

Ravena‟s Romeos (Don „Juan‟ Richter and Ken „Lopez‟ Klenk) have a habit of walking several

miles after supper. The trip is made on foot both ways. Their reason – well, to get exercise and

keep in shape. But this exercise has a cause … they must see ??? tonight, for tomorrow we need

inspiration to fight.

Ralph “Wheels” Wells had his nose in the conversation also in different games, as he will tell

you and said, “I gain my confidence by being nosey. My method is to smell the foe and go after

the enemy like a real American.”

I‟ve heard Bill Gallagher, but in all instances he was singing. Did you say singing? I most

certainly did. The song – well, it hardly seems fair to mention the name, because Richter had a

monopoly on it. The name is “How I Love To Be Near You.” We don‟t know whether he means

a football or a lady.

John “Dog” Perrine had his chance to bark, so he howled out the following: “I keep my spirits

up by practicing with the trumpet. Yep, they say at school I‟m the King of Swing. Well, that‟s

the way I feel on the football field, too. I‟m the daddy of “Sugar Blues” and I like to bowl them

over.”

Our last hero is the only modest one of the group. As yet I haven‟t been able to find any queer

characteristics about Lou “Zip” Montelone. Can it be his leadership in school clubs? No? I

know. It‟s that tricky knee of his. Naturally. The blood around his knee must have caught up with

his grey matter and has become contagious in his brain. That would no doubt be the reason for

his cool headedness in tight spots.

We will know after Thanksgiving how many have broken training for it they stuff themselves

like that turkey on the table, they certainly won‟t feel spry for a week or so.

Note: Next week Court Glimpses will take the place of football. Both schools have called the roll

for basketeers [sic] but let‟s let the coaches not be bothered until after Thanksgiving.


39



After a rather unsuccessful season, due chiefly to injuries to veterans of the squad, an inspired

team rose to new heights and completely outplayed and out classed the highly touted, league

champions, undefeated Ravena team. Having a 7 to 0 lead at end of the first half, Coeymans

quickly pushed over a touchdown at [the] beginning of the third quarter to lead 14 to 0 only to

see hard earned victory fade into a tie by a desperate aerial attack in the closing minutes.

Season‟s Record

Coeymans 12 Bethlehem Central 12

Coeymans 0 Coxsackie 32

Coeymans 7 Castleton 0

Coeymans 38 St. John‟s 12

Coeymans 0 Roeliff Jansen 21

Coeymans 14 Ravena 14

Coeymans 0 Roessleville 32


40

RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL


Blockin‟ and tacklin‟ … The Red Raiders … Central Hudson Valley League football champs …

Won four, lost none, tied one … “Copped” opener from Hillsdale, 21 – 0 … Topped Bethlehem,

32 – 6 in Saturday show … stopped Roessleville rally to win, 34 – 26 … Beat second place

Coxsackie, 36 – 14 … And then barely eked out 14 – 14 tie with Coeymans, supposedly weak, to

clinch title … the band playing “Notre Dame Victory March” … Long, cold nights of practice …

the new sweaters … bus trip to Hillsdale … luncheon at Coeymans after the Coeymans game …

“Sparky” Richter running wild, one eye on game, other on Jeanie … “Zip” Montelone, slingin‟

passes … “Bill” Gallagher‟s gazelle-like gallops … “Bronco” Klenk, workin‟ the pivot slot …

“Rollin‟ “ Wells, stellar defensive and … “Johnnie” Perrine, the gallopin‟ ghost … “Bosh”

Brandow, hard hitting back … “Crusher” Shader, the utility man … Coach Clinton askin‟

“Sparky” and “Bronco” to get in from “South of the Border” early … dog tired but gotta keep

pluggin‟ … Coach Clinton and new “coat” under shower after Coxsackie game … the last three

minutes of the Coeymans game … the “movie story” finish that saved the day and the title.


41

1941 Season


42

September 12, 1941 “Football Season Opens Next Friday”

The Red Raiders of Ravena High School, 1940 football champions of the Central Hudson Valley

League are hard at work in preparation for the 1941 campaign. A large squad reported to Coach

Clifford Clinton with several letter men available.

The Raiders open against Roeliff Jansen Central school of Hillsdale at Mosher Park next Friday

afternoon at three o‟clock. The remainder of the schedule is as follows: Sept. 26 Ravena at

Averill Park; Oct 3 Bethlehem Central at Ravena; Oct. 10 Ravena at Castleton; Oct 15 Ravena at

Roessleville; Oct 24 Ravena at Coxsackie; Oct 31 Coeymans at Ravena, two o‟clock. The time

of all games except the Coeymans contest is three o‟clock.

The starting lineup for the opener will be chosen from the following squad: Dick Bennet, Louis

Caracciola, Richard Cole, Chris Diacetis, Bob Gallagher, Don Gombel, Herb Hamlin,

Jackie Jackson, Ed Marcella, George Marcella, Lou Montelone, Frank Nunziato, Sam

Pomellitto, Grancis Shader, Harold Wells, Ray Wilsey, Bill Yager, Sam Zolner, Lynn

Arcenaux, Bill Furst, Charles Schirmer, Perry Picarazzi, [Don] Hotaling.

September 19, 1941 “PEP Fest & Dance at RHS”

As a prelude to the Roeliff Jansen contest, which will open the football season today, Ravena

High School students last night gathered in the gym for a pep rally and dance. The affair was

sponsored by the Student Council and guests were welcomed by its president Louis Montelone.

President Montelone then introduced Miss Eleanor Chase, who coaches the cheerleaders.

Miss Chase‟s squad of Audrey Fiescher, Josephine Shader, Frances Wilsey, Ruth Klenk,

and Sophie Kalla then conducted cheers. The program continued with the following student and

faculty members giving pep talks, Bob Gallagher, Miss Phylis Arnold, Frank Nunziato, Miss

Virginia Mitchell, Bob Ruxton, William Hopke, Chris Diacetis, George Marcella, Mr.

Clifford Clinton and Mr. John Deisseroth.

The party concluded with dancing to the music of the Stardust Serenaders.

Although the relative strength of the team cannot be determined at this early date, the Raiders

will be weakened by the loss of Bill Gallagher, Don Richter, John Perrine and Ken Dlenk of

last year‟s championship team, and Lou Montelone, who will see little or no action due to a

knee injury, and will have to “go” to beat the Hillsdale team. Ravena will look for a victory from


43

veterans Nunziato, Wells, Bob Gallagher, Shader, George Marcella aided by newcomers

Chris Diacetis, Don Gombel and Ed Marcella.

September 26, 1941 “Local Teams Win & Lose in Football”

The local high schools opened their six man football season last week with Ravena taking the

measure of the Hillsdale team in a thrilling last two minute finish with the score 14 to 12. The

ability to make the points after touch down gave Ravena their victory.

The Coeymans team did not fare so well against Bethlehem Central high school on the

Bethlehem field. They lost 24 to 0.

This week end Ravena will go to Averill Park to play the team from that school and Roesselville

will come to Coeymans field to play C.H.S.

October 3, 1941 “Both Local High School Teams Win”

The Coeymans High School football team took the measure of the Roesselville team last

Saturday afternoon on the local field defeating them 12 to eight. Coeymans took the lead in the

first quarter and held it throught (sic) the game. The Ravena team easily defeated the Averill

Park school getting the limit of scoring of 45 points in about half the game.

October 10, 1941 Hillsdale plays Coeymans on Friday. After the game the C.H.S. boys are

planning a reception for the Hillsdale boys. The football game with Averill Park scheduled for

October 10 has been indefinitely postponed because the school is closed on account of an

infantile paralysis scare.

November 7, 1941 The final game of C.H.S. football will be played Friday, November 7, with

Averill Park.

November 14, 1941

The league football season wound up with a tie between Ravena and Roeliff Jansen. Winner of

the football sportsmanship trophy will be determined at the league meeting when referee votes

are opened and tabulated.


44



The 1941 football season marked Coach Guner‟s debut as a coach and the boys rewarded him

with a fairly successful season. The season ended with four victories and four defeats.

Next year‟s team will be handicapped by the loss of four regulars. Captain Joe Pape, Bob

McCabe, Alfonso Marcelle and Randall Carhart, but even so, the team will have that “Old

Coeymans Spirit” once again.

Season‟s Record

Opponents We They

Bethlehem Central 0 24

Roessleville 14 7

Coxsackie 6 40

Roeliff-Jansen 13 60

St John‟s 34 6

Castleton 49 6

Ravena 13 44

Averill Park 20 13

Totals 149 200


45

RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL


Passing and kicking the pigskin … co-champions of Central Hudson Valley League … won

seven, lost one … third straight championship for Coach Clinton … trimmed Hillsdale 16 – 14

in opener … swamped newly admitted Averill Park 45 – 0 … topped Bethlehem 32 – 6 … beat

Roessleville by forfeit … lost to Coxsackie 16 – 31 in thriller … stopped Coeymans 44 – 13 in

traditional game … the band playing between halves … the long cold nights of practice and a

cold supper again … “Zip” Montelone, slinging and kicking the pigskin … “Bosh” Marcella,

hard hitting back … “Chris” Diacetis, sweeping the ends and running wild … “Dooley” Shader,

bucking the line … “Frank” Nunziato, stellar defense man … “Lover” Gombel, playing center

and end … “Bob” Gallagher, bruising line man … “Reid” Cary, protecting the end … “Lynn”

Arceneaux, blocking back … learning the new formation … Coach Clinton getting his coat wet

for the second year in a row … thinking you‟re dog tired and then running the length of the field

… hard practice final victory and league champs.


46

1942 Season


47

September 25, 1942

The Coeymans High School squad will open its season against Bethlehem Central High today,

Friday the 25th

at Coeymans. The school is showing a fine spirit and they predict that this will be

their first victory. The only other definite scheduled games are Coxsackie and then Ravena, both

at Coeymans.

The Ravena High School football team will not open its season until a week from today, Friday,

October 2, when it will meet Averill Park at Ravena.

October 9, 1942 “RHS Football Team Wins Opening Game”

Ravena High School Football team won its opening game last Friday afternoon by the score of

25 to 0. The game was played at the local park against Averill Park. The team showed up very

good and it looks as if the local team is headed for a very successful season.

They travel to Delmar this Saturday afternoon to take on Bethlehem Central six. Any persons

who are planning to attend and who have room in their car are requested to call the school as

transportation is needed for some of the players.

October 16, 1942 “Ravena Defeats Delmar 13 to 12”

In a story book finish with the final touchdown being scored in the last minute of play, Ravena

High School six man football team kept their record clean by defeating a strong Bethlehem

Central six at Delmar on Saturday afternoon 13 to 12.

This was a very hard fought game with Ravena scoring on a pass in the last sixty seconds of

play.

The local six play their third game this afternoon.

October 30, 1942 Ravena High School‟s undefeated six-man football team takes on one of its

strongest opponents on the local gridiron this afternoon when Coxsackie High comes to town.

November 6, 1942. Ravena plays Coeymans at Coeymans in football Friday afternoon.


48

November 13, 1942. “RHS Football Team Remains Undefeated”

By virtue of their win over Coeymans High School on the CHS gridiron last Friday afternoon,

Ravena‟s sixman football team kept their slate clean and tucked another championship into the

trophy case.

The dame was disrupted by penalties, several touchdowns being called back, but the final score

gave Ravena more than a 25 point margin.

December 4, 1942. “Student Council Honors Champs”

The victorious Ravena High School football team was honored at a luncheon given by the

Student Council in the High School Auditorium on Thursday noon with Coach Emmet J.

Dowling of Albany High as the principal speaker.

The luncheon consisting of cream chicken, sweet potatoes, buttered beets, corn, cinnamon apples

and milk was prepared by the homemaking department under the supervision of Miss Marie

Jabaut and was served by that department.

The program was opened by the invocation given by Rev. George M. Murray. Songs were then

sung led by Miss Irene Sherrock, head of the music department, both before and after the

luncheon.

Principal John Deisseroth introduced Mr. Dowling who spoke briefly to the group. Samuel

Zolner, team Captain then spoke briefly and he was followed by Coach Ernest Ascherman who

also commented on the very successful season. The benediction was then given by Rev. G. A.

Cole.

Students of the seventh and eighth grades as well as the high school attended the luncheon while

classes continued as usual for the rest of the school.

Very attractive programs were made by the Commercial department consisting of a football

placed in the top of a letter "V”.


49



Since football originated in Coeymans High, a great effort has been made to develop fair play

and good sportsmanship.

After a rather unsuccessful season the team was awarded the sportsmanship cup, which was well

deserved.

We regret to say that Captain Joe Biscone, Joe Pape, John Pape and Bill Wolfe will not return

next year.


50

RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL


Wet, muddy scrimmages pay dividends … Raiders go unbeaten in six contests … give them

fourth consecutive football cups … first for new coach, Ernie Ascherman … the season‟s

climax game came early with the eking out of a 13 – 12 score over Delmar … Captain Zolner‟s

touchdown and extra-point pass in the game‟s closing thirty seconds culminates bitter “blood-

battle” with the powerful B.C.H.S. squad … 35 – 6 win over determined Coeyman‟s sextet and

eighteen-point last quarter rally to take Coxsackie and the title are other highlights …

“Guernsey” Cary, Frank Nunziato, “Crusher” Shader compose one of the best “forward walls”

of the league … break through time and again to throw opponents for large losses … downfield

blockers … Chris streaking into the clear, outguessing the safety man … “Rush” booting and

heaving the pigskin, calling the right play at the right time … “Lover” hitting the line … “Arce”

intercepting a toss, setting out for “pay-dirt” …. pads … tape … oranges … car trips … the

good, old “X” play coming through again … a refreshing shower … the locker-room full of

bedlam or heavy silence … eating doughnuts and “dunking” the Coach.


51

1943 Season


52

November 12, 1943 “CHS To Play In Championship Game”

The Coeymans High School football team will play Roessleville High School this Friday, Nov.

12 at 2:30 p.m. on the Bethlehem Central field at Delmar. This game will determine the

champion of the Central Hudson Valley League. Both teams are strong and the game should be a

good one.

The local team is winner of the Southern Division of the league having won three of its four

league games. In addition, it has beaten Voorheesville, a Northern division team, twice. Neil

Sutton captain, Al Schermerhorn and Anthony Martino have been the regulars in the line with

Ray Throne and Mitchell Stevens substituting. The line has been backed up by John Morell,

Richard Slater and Dick Schermerhorn with Roger Gallup finding frequent action. Other

backfield substitutes are Peter Clouse, LeRoy Van Alstyne and Ben Ferriere. The team has

been coached by Jimmy Marcella.

A resume of the Coeymans games follows:

Coeymans 31, Voorheesville 6

Coeymans 44, Ravena 29

Coeymans 46, Coxsackie 0

Coeymans 47, Voorheesville 0

Coeymans 16, Ravena 19

Coeymans 40, Coxsackie 6

December 10, 1943. “Football Dinner at Coeymans High School”

In recognition of the most successful football season in some years, a public dinner will be

tendered the members of the squad and the coach of the Coeymans High School football team.

The team this year won the district championship.

The dinner will be in the high school auditorium on Tuesday evening, Dec. 14th

at 6:30 o‟clock.

The players and coach will be guests. Student tickets will be 75 cents and adults $1.00.

Frangella‟s Hotel will be the caterers.

The speaker of the evening will be J. Emmett Dowling, Athletic Director at Albany High

School and widely known coach and official for football and basketball. During his school days,

Mr. Dowling popularly known as “Flip” played on the Cohoes team of the State Basketball

League, at that time the fastest professional league in the country. The awards to the players will


53

be made by the Principal of the school, Mr. Donald S. Ray and a member of the Board of

Education. Mr. Clements, President of the Board, will preside. Music will be furnished through

the courtesy of Mrs. Edwin Slater.

It is hoped that a large public response will be had in honor of these young men.

December 17, 1943. A banquet was tendered to the championship foot ball team of Coeymans

High School in the School auditorium on Tuesday evening, December 14th

. A delicious spaghetti

and meat ball super was served, which the team as well as others present enjoyed very much. Mr.

A. J. Clements, president of the Board of Education acted as toastmaster and introduced the

fitting remarks, the speaker of the evening, Mr. Emmet Dowling, Assistant Physical Director

and Coach of Football at Albany High School. Mr. Dowling in an interesting way described the

history of the game known as football and held the close attention of all during his remarks.

Community singing was enjoyed by the gathering, with the cheerleaders of the team taking part

both by song and action. Mrs. Edwin R. Slater presided at the piano and added pep to the

songs: “White Christmas”, “Pigskin Heroes”, “Anchors Aweigh”, “Marine Hymn”, and “Army

Air Corps”. Mr. Clements announced that through voluntary contributions of friends of the

school and those interested in the sport, enough money had been raised to present a trophy to the

team and give to each player a gold football, beside leaving a balance on hand. He made the

presentations. After the singing of the National Anthem, a very enjoyable evening came to an

end.


54



The Coeymans football team this year won the championship of the Southern division with three

victories and only one defeat. Their only loss was a 19 –16 defeat at the hands of Ravena. The

team also won two non-league games from Voorheesville by a large margin.

In the play-off with Roessleville, the Northern division champions, our team lost by a score of 16

– 12 in a very hard-fought battle. However, they received the Southern division trophy, and each

of the boys got his sweater and gold football. It was a very satisfying season, and the boys

deserve sincere gratitude.


55

RAVENA HIGH SCHOOL


First practice … not weather …Coach Gallagher on job … losing close one to Coxsackie in

opener … making it two in a row by losing to Coeymans … swamp Coxsackie for first win …

nights getting colder … practice in rain … bruises … Arceneaux and Gombel, co-captains …

Rosato, on of hardest fighters on team … Speed Hummer left R.H.S. at end of season … Mert

Travis, center, future star … biggest thriller of year beating Coeymans … tenacity and fighting

spirit of boys held Coeymans at one-yard line to prevent scoring … victorious with 18 – 16 tally

… Spoor and Wilbur substituting for each other in games … second place … two wins, two

losses.


56

Acknowledgement

Fred “Doc” Martino [1918-1994]

For all practical purposes this paper would not have been undertaken if it were not for the

enthusiastic writing of Fred “Doc” Martino (Coeymans High School, Class of 1938). Fred‟s

unique and descriptive style provides a level of entertainment that is largely missing from the

reporting of local high school sports for this period.

For the final years that Coeymans High School and Ravena High School banged heads on the

gridiron, little is left that documents this intense rivalry. The absence of Fred‟s column from the

sports page of the News Herald for the 1941, 1942 and 1943 football seasons leaves a vacuum

that will probably never be recaptured.

Thanks Fred for providing a vivid and colorful look into local history with your rare flair for

sports journalism.

One of Fred’s Logos from his News Herald sports column


57

Resource Media

Barber, A. (Director), Six-Man, Texas, 2008 (Film)

Coeymans High School, Yearbooks 1939-1944

Duncan, R.O., Six-Man Football, 1940

Epler, S.E., Six-Man Football, 1938

News Herald, September-November, 1938-1943 (Microfilm)

Ravena High School, Yearbooks 1939-1944

Riedl, H.C. (Director), The Seventh Man, 2003 (Film)

Smith, A. & A. Smith (Directors), The Slaughter Rule, 2002 (Film)

Stowers, C., Where Dreams Die Hard, 2005

Underwood, C.H., Six-Man Football, 2005

Wilson, L., Grit & Glory – Six-Man Football, 2003


58

Appendix


59


60

The First 6-Man Football Game

The world‟s first organized game of six-man football was played under the lights of Hebron

College (Hebron, Nebraska) field the evening of September 26, 1934. Of course, six-man teams

as well as every size from two-man teams to ten-man teams had been used before on the sand lot

and the practice field. This time, however, it was not just a makeshift arrangement to use until an

eleven-man team could be found; it was a distinct and separate game with rules of its own.

Two six-man games were played at Hebron on September 26, 1934. One of the games was

played by two teams composed of boys from four small Nebraska high schools. The Belvidere

and Alexandria schools combined to make the “Belalex” team, while Hardy and Chester

amalgamated to form the “Hardchests.” The teams were evenly matched and the lead switched

back and forth. With about five minutes of the last half to play and the Hardchests leading 19 to

13, Jack Sloey of the Belalexes dodged, wiggled, and wove his way through the Hardchests to

the goal line some forty yards away to tie the score and complete the scoring for the evening.

Twelve inexperienced farm boys, playing their first game of football, had given the world a

convincing demonstration that football, the real thing, with blocking and tackling, could be

played as an organized, official game with only six players to a team.

Another game that received little notice in most of the accounts that have been written about the

beginnings of six-man football was played on the field by two other schools the same evening.

This was the game between Hebron Academy, the high school division of Hebron College, and

the reserve team from Beatrice High School. These teams played only a short game between

halves of the feature game. This abbreviated game ended in a scoreless tie. The Hebron-Beatrice

game was finished, however, before the other game and thus the Hebron and Beatrice players

had the distinction of completing first the world‟s initial game of six-man football.

The success of these demonstration games which gave six-man football such a good start was

due to the cooperative efforts of the superintendents, coaches, and students from the schools

involved. Coach William H. Roselius of Hebrun College made the game possible by lending

suits and equipment to the players from the four high schools and providing the field and lights

for the game. The coaches accomplished the almost impossible task of molding teams out of

boys who had never played football before, some of whom had never even seen a game.

The coaches were also handicapped by not having football suits and equipment for the players.

The game was at that time an untried experiment. Six-man football might work and it might not.

None of the schools had football equipment and none could afford to pay several hundred dollars

just to experiment. Since the players had to practice in overalls and old clothes without protective

equipment, few bodily contact drills could be used. Four days before the game the players came

to Hebron College for a joint practice session and put on football equipment for the first time.

Getting into the equipment was a novel experience for the boys: Here was Paul wearing a hemet

and struggling to pull a jersey over it; Jay had his shoulder pads inside his jersey and backwards;

Carl was clutching a pair of hip pads and wondering what the contraption was for; while Bill

thought he had solved it when he put his hip pads outside his pants. Jack put on his basketball

shoes before slipping on his pants (canvas shoes with soft rubber soles were required) and was

desperately struggling to get his number ten shoes through the narrow opening of the leg.


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Fortunately the coaches remembered how they used to put on equipment in college, and by

helping each boy individually they got them ready for practice. The coaches had to devise their

own formations and plays since none existed for six-man football. The boys took to football like

ducks to water and began to look like football players at the end of the practice session.

For their willingness to try the untried, these schools and their personnel deserve the highest

praise. They launched the game that was to give thousands of boys the opportunity to play

football.


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The Drop Kick

1. Making the drop kick. The kicker has released the ball but is watching it closely. He has bent

forward to drop the ball.

2. Now the ball has reached the ground. The kicker still watches it closely. The ball is directly

in front of the right foot and even with the toe of the left foot.

3. The ball has just left the drop kicker‟s foot but the eyes are still focused on the ball.

The kicker is standing almost straight as the foot contacts the ball.


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Sample Offensive Playbook

Note: While Epler‟s book illustrates over 90 offensive plays, he states: “the number of plays

should be kept at a minimum. Ten plays are enough for even an experienced team. It is better to

have ten well-learned plays than forty half-learned.”


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Defensive

Alignments


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Documents

The Debut of 6-Man Football