Wildcats Defeated in Opener, 27-0

By Don Bachman

MINSTER - Minster’s Wildcats were eager to get their first taste of Tri-County league football play after finding out the hard way that their first bite off the 1955 schedule was more than they could swallow. Sidney Reserves dropped the locals 27-0 in the opening game here Saturday night.

The Wildcats were no match for the Sidney squad that includes six boys who won varsity letters last season. Nine of the visitors’ starting lineup and most substitutes had seen action in Sidney’s first varsity game Friday Night.

A freshman fullback named Bill Bynum completely stole the show offensively. Bynum, who is only the third freshman to make the Sidney varsity under the current coaching regime, scored three touchdowns on runs of 5, 36 and 86 yards.

Minster blew a scoring chance in the opening period after Wetzel recovered White’s fumble on the Sidney eleven. Two running plays moved the ball to the eight and a pass from Frericks to Gudorf fell incomplete. On fourth down Frericks tried a run on a fake field goal attempt but was stopped on the eleven and Sidney took over.

Two plays advanced the pigskin to the 23 and then King hit White with a long pass on the 48. He raced untouched into the end zone. Heimer’s placement made it 7-0.

Sidney recovered a Minster fumble on the Cats’ 43 to set up the second score. With Deal and Bynum doing the bulk of the ball-toting, Sidney moved to the five in seven plays and Bynum smashed over his right tackle. A bad pass from center ruined Heimer’s attempted placement.

With twelve seconds remaining in the half, Bynum smashed between right guard and tackle and outran the secondary for 36 yards and another tally. Heimer’s kick made it 20-0 at intermission.

Bynum was up to his old tricks in the second half as he raced down the sidelines for 86 yards and his third six-pointer. Heimer’s kick made it 27-0.

The Minster defense stiffened and held Sidney in check, but the visitors’ rugged defense proved too much for the locals. A pair of fumbles inside the Sidney 40 and an intercepted pass stopped Minster marches.

Certain to get attention in this week’s practice here will be defense for the passer. Frericks was rushed pitifully on every pass attempt and was thrown for losses almost every time he faded to throw. The Cats’ blocking left much to be desired.

Friday the Wildcats travel to Bradford for a league game. Bradford defeated Ansonia 13-0 in the only league action last week.

Scoring by quarters:

Sidney Reserves 7 13 7 0 — 27

Minster 0 0 0 0 — 0

Team statistics SR MIN

First downs 13 12

Rushing yards 267 116

Passing yards 110 0

Comp - att - int 4-12-1 0-9-0

Punts - average 1-31.0 5-31.6

Penalty yards 85 15