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Grit: November 25, 1956 – Undefeated Williamsport High Gridders Capture Central Penn Conference Title

Playing cold, efficient football all season, Williamsport High School’s powerful grid machine ground out a 20-6 victory over Steelton Thanksgiving Day, to finish the season undefeated and win the championship of the strong Central Penn Conference.

Approximately 6,000 shivering fans were on hand in refrigerator-like West Third Street Stadium to see the Millionaires win the conference title for the third year in a row and the fifth time in the last seven seasons. The victory was the ninth against one tie.

Last season Steelton edged the Cherry and White 7-6 in their annual battle and tied the locals for the conference crown

CoachTom Vargo’s brilliant gridders scored in every period in beating the Steamrollers. Two of the touchdowns were scored by Charley Fredericks, senior quarterback, who once again capably directed the Vargo Express. The other two were by Frank Girardi, a senior halfback and Lee Fisher, the only junior in the starting eleven.

The picture play of the contest came early in the third period and sewed the game for the home team. Fredericks tossed a screen pass to Girardi, the husky halfback scampered down the north sideline for 65 yards and that dashed any hopes for a Steelton victory. Center Dick Allen and Jim Bower, threw key blocks to spring Girardi loose.

Fisher scored the fourth Williamsport tally late in the game on a 31-yard wide double reverse to the right crisp blocking setting up the score.

Once again Williamsport’s fine defense and a crushing ground game combined to spell victory and bring another successful season to a close.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger, Jr.

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