The Silver Kewanite - Kewanee Public Library District

The Silver Kewanite
Football Season
BEYOND a doubt the 1931 team was one of the greatest in the history of
Kewanee High School. It played nine of the best teams in this locality and
was defeated only twice, once by fate and once by a better team. Only three
of these nine teams ever crossed our goal line, and two of these crossed it only once,
indeed a record to be proud of. We made a total of 179 points against our opponents'
38 points. In only two games were we held scoreless. These few statistics
show that we excelled in all parts of the game.
For the first time the Big Nine Conference was run on a percentage basis. We
played five Conference games and won four, losing only to Moline, by a score of
6 to o. This record gave us second place in the Conference standing.
By defeating Princeton High this year, Kewanee took the first step toward
permanent possession of the new football trophy offered by The Star-Courier to the
team winning the first two out of three games.
Our football field was equipped with a fine lighting system this year and all
our games were played under the "bright lights". This gave the business men a
chance to see the games. The crowds increased, and the enthusiasm and pep of the
student body showed a very marked contrast to that of previous years. Perhaps the
largest crowd ever to witness a football game in Kewanee turned out to see our
championship game with Moline. It was estimated that there were 3,500 people
there, a fine attendance at a high school game in this city.
This year's team was led by the fighting Harold Strom, who did a great job
in the line at guard. Also at guard we had Robert Chambers, Steve Borota, and
Henry Lowe, who all did their part in breaking up the opponent's line. At end we
had Walter Davidovich and Gauze O'Connor, who were especially apt at snagging
passes and holding out their man. At tackle we could always rely on Francis Euard
and Robert Glidden. Wendell Swain and Chalmer Price held down the center
position in the line and did a very good job of it, too. For ball carriers we had the
fullbacks, Lennart Peterson and Edward Albrecht, who were always good for a
first down when a few yards were needed on a line plunge. Our halfbacks were
Dan Goode, Barney Yanuskus, and the speedy John O'Connor, who made more
long runs than any other man on the team. Warren Rouse called the signals for
the team this year and showed quick thinking in his choice of plays. John Easley
always had plenty of fight and used it to the best advantage in his position at end.
Frank Marzalek, besides being a good tackle, was one of the best punters ever to be
seen on a high school team here. All of these boys worked hard in all kinds of
weather and deserve a great deal of credit for the honor they have brought to
the school.
Great things are expected of the coming football teams at Kewanee High. Next
year they are going to play Peoria Central and many other strong teams, a very
attractive schedule to be played under the lights of the Playground.