Blaine Bierley, you are a remarkable Portsmouth historian! Thanks good friend!
I missed the game but I was born 14 months too late. I wonder what the tickets cost.
SamKat
Chicago Cards Play Spartans Wednesday Night
First Night Game in National League of Season to be Played at Portsmouth.
The first night football game of the National League season, will be played at Portsmouth, Wednesday at 8 p.m., when the Portsmouth Spartans play the Chicago Cardinals. The Spartans defeated the Cardinals on the home lot last season, but lost when they went to the Windy City to play the second game.
Concerning the game, Pete Minego, of the Portsmouth Times, says:
When Ernie Nevers leads his Chicago Cardinals against the Spartans, the clock-like maneuvering of his backfield and their magician-like handling of the ball will be a tribute to Nevers' coaching ability. Three stars who are most likely to appear in the starting backfield of the visitors will be Gene Rose of Wisconsin; Walt Homer of Northwestern, and Irvin Hill of Texas. Neither of this trio has played under the Warner system until they joined the Cards. Nevers, himself, played for three years under "Pop" Warner, the originator of the system, which has been extensively plagiarized.
This year Lee Andrews is coaching the Cards with the assistance of Nevers. Their solid front trench line consists of Kassell and Rogge, at ends, Cobb and Tinsley at tackles, Erickson at center, and Dahl and Kiesling at guards. The line averages about 215 pounds and is one of the beefiest in the National loop. It is much heavier than the Spartans forward wall, but not so speedy or as shifty and these attributes may play a conspicuous part in Wednesday's nocturnal engagement.
Lineup Uncertain
Coach Clark's lineup is a bit uncertain, owing to an injury here and there. Bodenger, one of the guards, has a slight shoulder injury. He may not be in condition for this game and if not Roberts will take his place. Randolph will, of course, be at center and Christiansen and Armstrong may get the call to go to the tackle posts with Douds and Schleusner in reserve. Armstrong has been coming along rapidly and he conditions himself more speedily than Douds, but of course, the latter may get the call as he is recognized as one of the outstanding tackles in the Carr circuit. Peterson and Ebding will go to the wing posts. They are fast and aggressive and rush the passers and the Cards are expected to try to win via the aerial route. Long and McKalip will be ready to relieve Peterson and Ebding at any time.
Backfield Changes
It is probable that Coach Clark will start Lumpkin at fullback, Cavosie at the blocking half and with Clark and Stennett as their running mates. This is a strong pass defense quartet and it may get the call. Potsy Clark is well fortified here as Clark and Glenn can pass, kick, carry the ball and are especially cool under fire. The league doesn't boast of a better pair of quarterbacks. If Presnell starts, Clark will be ready to relieve him at any time and Holm, Schwartz, McClain and Shelley will be ready to be inserted into the game at the call of the coach.
Record Crowd Expected
The advance sale is larger than for the opening game with Brooklyn and it is expected that the local and out-of-town attendance will set a new mark inasmuch as it will be Ironton night in honor of Presnell, Alford, Wager and Mitchell, who formerly played with the Tanks. Potsy has been using Mitchell at guard and "Buster" has been showing up well in the line. A big block of seats has been sent to Ironton and inasmuch as it is the first night game of the season the big pavilion is expected to be filled.
The Spartan squad at present includes 24 men. It is possible that the squad will continue this way for a few days. If the Spartans can turn back the Cardinals and then smack down the Giants, there will be about 30,000 fans around southern Ohio ready for the bug house.
Source: Ironton News September 21, 1931
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