The Town Talk from Alexandria, Louisiana • Page 9

SECTION APAGE NINE Ma nsDoin ALEXANDRIA DAILY TOWN TALK, ALEXANDRIA-PINEVILLE, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1969 Denies Causing Dropouts vy Midshipmen Have Lost 18, Including 5 Lettermen Sports with Bill Carter It Pays to Move Franchise By John Woodfield ANNAPOLIS (AP) Despite rumors to the contrary, Navy football coach Rick Forzano insisted today that the recent rash of drop-outs from his team does not indicate dissension or dissatisfaction with his coaching. "There's absolutely nothing to those dropouts that I know of," he said emphatically. Navy has lost 18 men five of them lettermen since practice began. Latest to quit the squad was letterman George Rodgers, an offensive center. Also on the list was linebacker Ray DeCario, a mainstay in the Navy defense; second-string quarterback John Lowry, and tackle Dick Wilkes.

Kicking specialist Tim Cocoz-za was slashed from the squad for being overweight. The rash of dropouts leaves Navy, which could only muster a 2-8 record last year with just 11 returning lettermen. "Rodgers quit in the spring and then said he wanted to come back. Like an idiot I let him," Forzano said, smacking a table in disgust. "Then he came to me the other day and said 'Coach, I don't have it right here and he pointed to right under his heart.

"They make it too easy for kids to quit things today," said the slightly built Forzano. The Navy coach admitted that he couldn't explain DeCario. "There was no indication, no nothing to tell us that's going on," he said. DeCario has refused to divulge his reasons for quitting the squad saying they were personal But he has insisted they had nothing to do with Forzano or other squad members. Lowry, Forzano said, was not only quitting football but the Academy as well.

"The thing that bothers me about this whole situation is that it makes a bad impression on the Naval Academy," Forzano said. "There has never been since I've been here and there isn't to this day, any dissension in our football team," he continued. "Any time you toughen a program up and work them a little harder, you get some guys that quit." Co-captain Dan Pike admitted that Forzano works his team harder that his predecessor, Bill Elias, but said there was absolutely no dissension within the squad. "He works us harder on the football field," Pike said. "Some coaches have different philosophies and that's his." Pike said the sudden reduction in strength has "brought us together more." As for DeCario, Pike was obviously somewhat bitter.

"He wasn't part of the team and we'll get along without him," he said. Just how well Navy can get along without DeCario and the others will not be known until Sept. 20, when the Midshipmen open their football season here against Penn State. World Series of Golf on Weekend met-1. Mi 1 1 'M I said.

"I've only played a couple of exhibitions since the PGA. I've been in England the whole time. We're buying a house, our first house, in the north of England and it takes a lot of time to get moved in." Although he missed the cut last week, Floyd may be the favorite. The 26-year-old bachelor set a course record 268 at the American Golf Classic here earlier this year. All four are making their first appearance in this 36-hole event that matches the winners of the world's four major titles.

Single rounds are scheduled Saturday and Sunday. Both rounds will be televised nationally by NBC. The course, called by the pros By Bob Green AKRON, Ohio (AP)-Orville Moody is the only one of the four participants in the World Series of Golf who will admit that he's playing well but none of them can be counted out of the chase for the first prize. "I'm playing pretty good," the U.S. Open champion said Thursday for a practice round at the 7,180 yard par 70 Firestone Country Club course.

"I shot a 64 at Chicasha last week and that's not too bad." The exhibition was one of two that Moody played in Oklahoma last week, during the course of which the governor proclaimed an Orville Moody Day in the state. Tony Jacklin, the British Open champ, hasn't played competitively since the PGA championship three weeks ago and the other two entrants Masters title holder George Archer and PGA champion Ray Floyd had their difficulties in last week's Greater Hartford Open. Both missed out on the final two rounds. "It's just been ridiculous the way I've been playing," the 6-foot six Archer said, then contradicted himself. "I really didn't play that bad last week, played pretty good in fact, but I just didn't score well." "Well," the laconic Archer said, "maybe this week I can play bad and score good." "I can't say how I'm playing," the 25-year-old Jacklin much success in New York.

But they still weren't making the money that the rich fields of California offered. It wasn't absolutely necessary that they move, but both are glad they did. All the other transfer teams were losing money because they weren't winning enough to attract the fans who had been around major league baseball all their lives and weren't impressed by losers. The Browns in St. Louis, the Senators in Washington, the Athletics in Philadelphia and the Braves in Boston were on or near the bottom most every year.

The hardened fans grew weary of watching them lose, and switched their interest to such competitors as the Red Sox, Phillies and Cardinals. SOME EAGER FANS Ah, but there were areas such as Milwaukee, Minnesota, Kansas City and even Baltimore where fans were eager for any kind of major league baseball, even the losing kind. So, when major league ball came to town, these starved fans got excited and came out in droves. The players, long accustomed to small, bored crowds, got caught up in the enthusiasm and suddenly began to play better baseball. Everyone was happy, particularly the owner.

The Twins and Braves won pennants almost immediately. Before long, Baltimore was a power. The Athletics were just beginning to jell when Charles 0. Finley decided the Oakland grass was greener than that in Kansas City. So, Oakland got an overnight winner, if not a division Now, the Bay Area is looking to the day when the Giants and Athletics meet in the World Series.

Support by the fans not only en-counaged the players to put out a little more effort, but also made the owners take a bit more pride in their product. They began to trade for personnel that would reward the confidence of the spectators. When attendance increased and the record improved player salaries were hiked. Still, some of the players whose much bigger salaries are traced directly to the fans occasionally are heard to say that they owe nothing to the fan, not even an autograph. The shortness of some memories.

Major league baseball's particular races this year are producing: much support for the fad of tranf erring franchises. Chances are that three of the four teams in the league playoffs will be clubs that shifted franchises from one city to another. This, of course, is an indication that moving leads to success. Baltimore, in the American League East, is the only cinch. And the Orioles started all the tranferring, taking over the old St.

Louis Browns 'franchise. Winner of the American League West is certain to be a transfer team. Minnesota looks like the champion. If not, then Oakland. The, Twins were born when the Washington franchise moved to St.

Paul-Minneapolis. They were not called the Senators because Washington was given an expansion team. The Athletics became estab- lished in Philadelphia, moved to Kan-- sas City, and now are based at Oakland. Except for Cincinnati, all of the contenders in the National League West have shifted home bases. The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers fled to the West from New York and Brooklyn respectively.

The Braves are in Atlanta now, but origi-: nated in Boston and first moved to Milwaukee before heading South. The Cubs, favorites in the National League East, have always been in Chicago, which makes them a con's tender of distinction, along with Cincinnati. The Mets, only team with a reasonable chance of beating out the Cubs, have always been in New York, too. But they are a young expansion team. SHIFTING NECESSARY? If the Braves win the National League West title they may not be in Atlanta too long.

Transferring has been too successful. Except for the miracle year of 1914 and the pennant in 1948, the Braves experienced little but disaster in Boston. They became almost an overnight success in Mil- waukee. When the new wore off there and the flags ended, they switched to Atlanta, and suddenly success may be just around the corner. If the Braves win this year, they might feel that oc-: casional shifting is necessary.

The Dodgers won regularly in Brooklyn and the Giants realized TONY JACKLIN GEORGE ARCHER one of the toughest they play, took a terrible pounding from a violent thunderstorm Tuesday damage Thursday when a light plane which was being flown in Tigers Lose Perry, which washed out all the traps and flooded several fairways. Two trees were struck by light as an exhibit hit the 17th tee box, lost the left landing gear, ning. "We're still working on it," dug a furrow up the fairway and host pro Bobby Nichols said. But Mac Impressed skidded to a crash landing in "It should be in shape by Saturday." The course took a little more the rough. The pilot, the only occupant, was not injured.

By The Associated Press Some Southeastern Conference places where the crying towel gets nearly as much work as the football players were sounding like Happy Valley Thursday. The hitting must have been fierce. Even toacn Faui "Bear" Bry Mailer Ford's USED CAR DON McCALL Saints Get 1967 FORD GALAXIE 500, 2 door hardtop, V-8 engine, Cruisamatic factory air, vinyl roof, power steering fr brakes, 51 OQC 4 new tires Otftf. mage had just gotten started when a downpour washed them off the field. Mississippi Coach Johnny Caught had praise for Bo Bowen, a 185-pound senior fullback, and Gerald Havard, a junior fullback.

Vaught said Havard is "coming along." Vaught sent the Rebels through a 25-minute scrimmage with emphasis on pass offense and defense. Louisiana State was one of the happy places. "We have a lot to accomplish in a short time, but I'm pleased with the way our kids have worked thus far," Coach Charlie McClendon said. McClendon altered his two-a-day practice routine by holding only an afternoon scrimmage. Shy, Kortas ForMcCall Gun Safety Course Set The Rapides Wildlife Feder ation will sponsor a gun safe ty course Saturday morning at the rifle range located en Buhlow Lake.

The safety course will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and all youngsters In the area are urged to attend. Louis Meadows will give in strvctions, Jim Stotts of Winchester Arms will be present to give a pre shooting exhibition, and members of the Wildlife and Fishing Commission will be available for talks during the event. A brief presentation en "how to identify various types of ducks with emphasis en Teal," will also be made. A dove hunt has been arranged after the completion of the course, and everyone in attendance can make it.

Any youngster participating must be accompanied by a parent. As a special attraction, some lucky youngster will win a complete hunting outfit which was donated by the local sporting good stores. The outfit will include a gun, hunting jacket, pants and boots. Dallas Off-Broadway Show? Namath May Not Play Against 'Pokes NEW ORLEANS (AP) The 1966 CHEVROLET BEL AIR, 4 door sedan, V-8 with automatic factory air, power steering and brakes, $1 QEfl like new tires wwU. New Orleans Saints of the National Football League said Thursday running back Don Mc-Call and an undisclosed draft choice were traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ter a dazzling career with South sore elbow, but is expected to be ready for the Rams. ern Cal, prompt cheers for the other team? The Rams' 24-21 decision over He said LSU has lost sophomore In return, the Saints will re The Heisman Trophy-winning linebacker Boyd Perry of Or San Diego snapped a two-game losing streak to Cleveland and 1 964 CHEVROLET BEL AIR, 4 door sedan, 6 cylinder, standard transmission, radio, heater, extra clean, must $QQC be seen wUU. halfback, the most prized rookie ceive running back Don Shy and defensive tackle Ken Kortas. ange, who underwent surgery on an injured knee. Kansas City after victory over in pro football history, started McCall led the Saints in rush running with the Bills' first unit Kentucky held a full scrim Dallas.

Tight end Bill Truaz and offensive tackle Bob Brown are ing last year getting 637 yards in 155 carries. The three-year veteran also caught 26 passes mage and Coach John Ray called it dull. "We didn't have the spark and pepper," Ray said. ant of Alabama, who seldom sounds very happy, was pleased. He said his Tidesmen were making noise that means hitting and "some people were acting like they were enjoying it." Bryant called it "by far our best practice" and said the cooler weather must be responsible.

Mississippi State Coach Charlie Shira said his Maroons "got after it real good" during a spirited 20-minute running drill. At Auburn, Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan put his charges through their first full scrimmage and said it was "not too bad." But he complained, "The line blocking was too inconsistent to tell if we can protect our passers." Good Ruth Georgia Coach Vince Dooley worked the Bulldogs on pass defense and said the defense rushed the passers well. "However," he added, "that could possibly be because the offense wasn't putting up very good protection." Dooley had some bad news for Georgia fans. He said promising sophomores Jack White of West Point, a safety, and offensive end Andy Know of Thorn son, must undergo surgery and probably will miss the 1969 season. White has a congenital back defect and Knox has torn knee ligaments.

The news from Gainesville, Fla. was mixed for Florida followers. The Gators got back the services of fullback Gary Walker only to see offensive tackle Rick Schmidt hit the sidelines with a shoulder injury. Walker had been out for several practices with a pulled thigh muscle. Coach Ray Graves complained that the Gators looked ragged and missed blocks.

"There were only a few players that I could credit with doing their jobs," he said. Vanderbilt had weather problems. Coach Bill Pace said the Commodores' first game scrim- Wednesday, and although Coach John Rauch hasn't said he was goint to start for the Rams, Simpson said mere's a chance he might. 1967 MERCURY COMET, 2 door, 6 cylinder, standard for 270 yards and scored six touchdowns in 1968. radio and (1095.

heater, real nice Shy, a second-round Steeler questionable starters for Los Angeles because of injuries. The Giants, looking for their first preseason victory, will offer the Vikings a bolstered running game, with the return of Tucker Frederickson and Joe Morrison. Frederickson gained 47 yards on 11 carries and Mor Simpson has already carried Kell Injured Tennessee offensive guard draft choice in 1967, will be tried 12 times for 52 yards in games Chip Kell suffered a rib injury with the Lions, Colts and Bears. 1967 FORD Mustang, 2 door hardtop, 6 cylinder, standard air condi- $1QQv tioning, real clean I 00 in the Vols first scrimmage of In other games Saturday, the at wide receiver; the Saints are hoping to bolster their passing game. Kortas was the first-round the fall and was hospitalized overnight for observation.

New York Giants, 0-3, are at Minnesota, 3-1; Pittsburgh, 1-2 rison was three for 33 in last draft choice of St. Louis in 1964. is at Green Bay, 2-2: Houston, 2-2, is at New Orleans, 2-2; At 1966 CHEVROLET, Chevy II Nova, 4 door, 6 cylinder, automatic $QQk) radio and heater 3 J. week's 24-17 loss to Philadelphia. The Vikings registered their first loss to the Jets after beating Miami, Denver and St.

lanta, 2-2, at Kansas City, 5-0; Cleveland, 2-1-1, at Washington, 2-2; Detroit, 3-1, meets Philadelphia 2-1, at Raleigh, N.C.; Bos By Sheila Moran (Associated Pren Sport Writer) A sellout crowd of 73,000 counting on witnessing Joe Na-math's debut in the Cotton Bowl might go away mad Saturday night. Namath said Thursday night he might not play in the New York Jets interleague game with the Dallas Cowboys because of an injured left leg. "I hurt my leg against Minnesota last week and I haven't practiced all week," the be-whiskered Super Bowl hero said after he blew Into Dallas. "I mgiht not play at all." The flamboyant quarterback said he'll decide on Saturday night if he'll play. "We've got to go for next week," he said.

"That's when the season starts against Buffa-lo-not Dallas." While Dallas Coach Tom Landry praised Namath's speed, accuracy and timing with the Jets' secondary, Namath said he wasn't all that impressed with the Cowboys front four, its famed Doomsday Defense. Lilly Exception "The Cowboys' front four doesn't even compare with Minnesota," Namath said. "But Bob Lilly, defensive taclde, is the exception. He's fabulous." The Jets, 3-2, edged the Vikings 24-21 last weekend. Namath completed 13 of 24 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cowboys, 3-1, nipped the Houston Oilers 14-11. While Dallas fans wait for Louis. Gary Cuozzo will start at quarterback although Joe Kapp is expected to see some action ton, 2-2, travels to Miami, 0-5; and Cincinnati, 2-2, hosts Denver, 1-3. San Francisco, entertains 1966 FORD FAIRLANE, 4 door sedan, 6 cylinder, standard radio $QQR and heater 03 J. 1967 FORD FALCON, 4 door sedan, 6 cylinder, automatic factory air, $1fQC like new tires Www.

after missing two games because of an injured knee. The Pittsburgh-Green Bay game will match the quarter- Japan Honors Horace Stoneham TOKYO (AP) -The Japanese government today decided to decorate Horace C. Stoneham, president of the San Francisco Giants, for his contribution to the technical improvement of Japanese professional baseball. Premier Eisaku Sato's cabinet decided at a regular weekly meeting to confer the third class order of the sacred treasure to Stoneham. The 66-year-old major league leader has brought the Giants to Japan twice on postseason trips and had once invited the Yomiu-ri Giants to Florida for spring training.

Stoneham and his club will visit Japan next spring on a nine-game exhibition tour. St. Louis, 2-2, in Sunday's only game. He went to Pittsburgh in 1965 in a trade for quarterback Terry Nofsinger. New Orleans also anounced the acquisition of linebacker Bill Saul from the Dallas Cowboys in return for cash.

The Saints also said Thursday they are taking back Jerry Jones, an offensive tackle traded to the Atlanta Falcons this summer. Jones was claimed when the Falcons put him on waivers. To make room for the new players, New Orleans asked waivers on wide receivers Ken Hebert and Billy Waller. Hebert was claimed recently from Minnesota and Waller was drafted by the Saints in the 15th round of the 1969 draft. Waller played at Xavier of Ohio.

backing of Steelers' rookie Ter The Bills, 1-4, are making Coach Doug Dickey said he wasn't overly pleased with the workout. "We lacked sharpness in our attack, on offense as well as defense," he said. Elsewhere in the Southeast, Charlie Dudish, Georgia Tech's sophomore quarterback, was demoted to the team for disciplinary reasons. Coach Bud Carson said Dudish, who was one of the nation's most sought-after high school players, "definitely is still in our quarterback picture if he takes this discipline as he should." Florida State Coach Bill Peterson said Bill Lohse, a 221-pound junior from St. Petersburg, is "showing potential to be the best linebacker ever" at FSU.

Coach Charlie Tate of Miami said his Hurricanes had "the finest hitting I've seen in a long time. It gets better day by day." Rain hampered Memphis their first appearance in Los Angeles since their 1960 victory ry Hanratty and the Packers' Bart Starr. Hanratty completed four of seven passes for 88 yards in Pittsburgh's loss to over the Chargers In the first year of the American Football League. Jack Kemp, who quar- Cincinnati and Starr hit on 12 of 1967 FORD GALAXY 500, 4 door, 6 cylinder, standard radio $1AQR and heater terbacked the Chargers in that 22 passes to wipe out a 0-14 defi cit in Green Bay's victory over game, missed the game with the Bears last week because of a Cleveland. 1965 FORD FAIRLANE 500.

2 door, V-8 enqine, automatic vinyl interior, radio heater M095. Cubs Will Gambleon Gamble State practice and Tulane pitching. He is swift-footed and Coach Jim Pittman shifted soph strong-armed and is 6-for-18 at word on Namath, a sellout crowd omores Joe Bullard, a defensive back, and Carl Richardson, a the plate with five runs scored and three RBI's. of 65,000 in Los Angeles might be faced with the temptation of tight end, to first team status. NOTICE! Menard Central Athletic Assn.

Members FREE ANNUAL BAR Saturday, Sept. 6th 7:30 p.m. HAROLD MILES PARK Be There! Gamble comes from a Ramer, farm family, attended an centerfield. He might be the answer to what is considered the Cubs' only real weakness, an incomplete outfield. Billy Williams, of course, is a fixture out there.

But the other spots have been an omulette of Al Spangler, Willie Smith, Don Young, Jimmy Quails. The southpaw-swining Oscar presently is being platooned CHICAGO (AP) Ever hear of a team in the midst of a pennant chase bringing up a teenager to fill a regular job? The Chicago Cubs have done it with Oscar Gamble, 19. Tre name fits, although the slender Negro youth has that electrifying quality that doesn't seem to make the move seem that daring. Oscar has been installed in MARLER FORD CO. Colfax, Louisiana Phone 445-1277 divided allegiance when O.

J. Simpson returns to the scene of TORONTO, 4-2 all-black high school in Montgomery, played in an all-black is college exploits. sandlot league and was signed Will they root for the Rams Saturday nieht? Or will the by the Cubs' Negro scout, Buck TORONTO (AP) An all-star Toronto team defeated a touring Bermuda team 4-2 in an exhibition soccer game Thursday night. sieht of Simpson, a hometown with Young, against righthanded (Turn to Page All) boy who signed with Buffalo af.