Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 244, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 October 1920 — FANS AWAIT INITIAL CLASH [ARTICLE]

FANS AWAIT INITIAL CLASH

... £ % ALL IN READINESS FOR RESUMPTION OF INDEPENDENT FOOTBALL IN RENSSELAER Intense interest reigns along the Rensselaer football rialto and confidence swayi the Parker camp on the eve of the resumption of Independent football In this city. Fans for miles around are eagerly looking forward' to the clash of the heavies Sunday afternoon at Riverside park and are speculating as to the relative merits of the clubs which are to meet, the Hoopeston A. C. and Rensselaer. A record opening day crowd is expected to find its way into the inclosure to watch the struggle which will foretell whether or not Rensselaer is to retain her position near the top of the football ladder or whether she is to be plunged into fooball obscurity by toe sturdy Sucker eleven. Coach Parker’s charges are in tip top shape for the important meeting with the exception of Collins, left end, who is nursing a sprained ankle. Royster, who has been slated for one of the halfback positions, is suffering with a sprained left hand, but it is thought that both he and Collins will be able to take the field at the opening whistle. A final signal drill and timbering up practice' will be held at the park at ten o’dock Sunday morning at which time Coach Parker will give out the line-up for the start of the game. Manager Ross states that the last wrinkle has been ironed out of the gridiron and that the field is in excellent condition. Unless there be rain between now and game time the teams will have the advantage of a fast field, which will be to the liking of the coach’s backfield speed merchants. A small fence has been put up around the playing field and spectators win not be permitted on the playing field proper. In the past the enthusiasm of local fans has caused them to trespass on to the playing field. This will no longer be permitted and all violators will be ejected from the park. A corps of special policemen, under the direction of W. S. Parks, have been assigned to the work of keeping the playing field dear. Tickets will be sold at the grandstand box office only.