Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The most-anticipated football game of the year – the rivalry match between Spokane’s two high schools – lived up to all expectations.

“There probably has never been a greater high school football game played in Spokane, than the contest Thursday afternoon when the Lewis and Clark eleven downed the North Central aggregation by a score of 3-0,” gushed Chronicle sportwriter George M. Varnell.

3-0?

What made this game so great? Apparently, it was a tense defensive matchup, with a stiff wind making the kicking game exciting. Lewis and Clark won it by booting a “perfect goal from placement,” i.e., a field goal, from 20 yards out.

Varnell said LC played “the better article of ball from start to finish and deserved to win.” Three running backs named Doane, Gardner and Kienholz ran the ball consistently well.

It all took place “before the largest crowd that has ever attended a game in this city,” estimated at 7,000.

It was clearly a huge morale boost for Lewis and Clark. The school was planning an “all-day jubilee” in the upcoming week to celebrate the victory over its rival. School periods would be cut short and an elaborate program would be held in the auditorium.