A New Age? Shorthairs 49, Longhairs 21.
Shorthairs Take Advantage
of Second Half Longhair Collapse
After leading 14-7 at halftime,
the Longhairs made a series of costly mistakes in an already mistake-filled
game, and the Shorthairs made it two in a row with a decisive 49-21 victory.
Longhairs drew first blood,
but the longtime Washington Generals of the Dougbowl answered
as the second quarter began. Good
D (on
both sides),
dropped passes, nuttiness,
and
turnovers characterized
the first half.
In the second half the wheels
came off the (Longhair) cart. After a disputed
call stalled a 3rd quarter Longhair drive deep in Shorthair territory,
the Shorthairs came back to score, and lead by seven. A gift
INT led to another quick Shorthair score, and the lead was 14. And
then, the Longhairs proceeded to turn the ball over on consecutive kickoffs.
One was an unforced blunder,
and one was a sure touchdown ruined
by a loose shirt. Both were followed by Shorthair touchdowns, like
this one.
The Shorthairs, playing with
at least one rookie and without subs (due to some no-shows),
acquitted themselves admirably, and even took a play
or two from the Longhair playbook. Meanwhile, the Longhairs couldn't
make the plays they needed, and even with a sub, just
ran out of steam. Asked for comment, The Douglas replied, "A sweet
thing is that the Shorthairs should, by all rights, be the favorite next
year." He might be right.