After the goal was prettily kicked the teams went at it again, but to all purposes the game was over and the score didn't change again. Twenty-nine to seven were the figures that, later in the day, brought uneasiness to the Kenwood camp. Yet, returning to Warne, it was noticed that Coach Driscoll's countenance did not reflect the satisfaction shown on other faces. After supper that evening he told Jud Mellen why. "You chaps played a rattling game today," he said almost regretfully. "I haven't a criticism to make that's worth the breath it would cost. Even the second and third subs were good, almost without exception. But I sort of wish you hadn't done so well, and that's the truth."
"Afraid of a slump," said Jud, nodding thoughtfully.
"Well, not exactly that. When a team reaches its best two weeks before the big game it doesn't take a slump to queer it. It only needs a return to ordinary playing, if you see what I mean. All you fellows need do to get beaten two weeks from today is to play the sort of football you played last week against Day and Robins. There's just that much difference between fine football and good football, Cap. If it had been Kenwood today instead of Chancellor, we'd have the championship tucked away in our belt this evening. I guess I've made a mistake somewhere: let you fellows come too fast the last week or so. But I didn't have any warning that you were on the last lap. It hasn't shown once. Well, it's up to us now to stay where we are, Cap."
But Mr. Driscoll shook his head. "I'd like to think so, but I'm afraid we reached top-notch today. I'm always scared for a team that hasn't had a slump some time during the season. And we haven't. Not a real, sure-enough slump. There was a tendency after the Phillipsburg game, but it didn't really amount to anything."
"Well, I don't feel like slumping," laughed Jud. "And I haven't noticed any signs of it in the others. Every one's as cocky as you please tonight, and barring a few bruises--and Flay's knee--they're all in fine shape."
"Yes, we came out of it mighty well," agreed the coach. "I hate a wet field, Cap. I hope to goodness this rain doesn't keep on for two or three days. Rainy weather can play hob with a team that's the least bit over-trained."
