Lamoni is being eyed avariciously by the Osceola gridders as they prepare to invade the Demon stronghold in search of the third notch for their victory belt.
The Indians came out of the Bedford game the previous Friday night in good shape physically, although literally plastered…with mud. They lost the services of reserve guard Claypool, who had twisted a knee badly.
Polishing of plays and aerial maneuvers was stressed during the three practice sessions and the coaching staff expressed satisfaction as preparations for the demon tilt drew to a close.
While Lamoni lost a heartbreaker to Bedford and has fallen before Leon and Mt . Ayr, the fans there say the Demon eleven is much better than scores indicate. This we know, that Lamoni reaches its highest points against Osceola and Mt. Ayr, and that the locals will face an aroused host. It should be a good game to watch, although Osceola is favored to cop the tilt.
Garden Grove’s light, but well drilled eleven won a closie from the Osceola Bees on the local field, 6-0.
Weather was ideal for the contest, being clear and cold, although footing was still poor on the muddy field.
Garden Grove took the opening kickoff and raced for a touchdown but the play was called back for a clipping penalty. For the balance of the game action seesawed back and forth within the thirty line stripes except on three occasions.
Garden Grove scored late in the first quarter, failed to convert, and were driving for another touchdown in the fading seconds of the third quarter when a fumble was covered on the Osceola 10 by an Indian lineman.
The other occasion came late in the fourth quarter as Osceola made its only authentic bid for a tally. The ball was on the 16 yard line when on a tricky spread formation Dan Hochstein galloped across the goal. The play was nullified, however, as even the officials were fooled by the play and the ball was declared dead at the point from which it started. This score, if allowed, would have tied up the ball game and perhaps won it, if the locals had been able to convert.
The visitors, however fielded a team which deserved to win on the basis of performance. The backs operated with the T and tossed the ball around with great skill and abandon, breaking loose tiny scat backs on several occasions. The Garden Grove line blocked well and was impressive on defense.
Outstanding defensively for Osceola was Hochstein, while Lutz supplied most of the running power.
The last game of the season will be played here on November 11, an Armistice Day tilt with Lenox as the foe. Provided the Indians come through with a victory at Lamoni this Lenox game will decide whether or not they get a share in the Blue Conference crown. -1947