ILLUSTRATIONS
| Down the two went in a whirl of legs | Frontispiece |
| PAGE | |
| Durand ... walked deliberately back to the cushioned space | 47 |
| “Pick up that hat, do you hear!” | 118 |
| The pile that covered the ball three yards beyond | 271 |
IN THE LINE
About This Book
This work depicts life at a college-preparatory boarding school where students' daily routines, friendships, and rivalries intertwine with training for and playing American rugby–style football. Episodes follow newcomers adjusting to school life, social events, and the physical and tactical demands of practices and interscholastic contests. Interspersed with action are reflective chapters that weigh the sport's virtues and hazards, arguing for fair matching, proper supervision, and elimination of unsafe play. The narrative balances boyhood comedy and athletic episodes with practical discussion of positions and technique, combining a coming-of-age account with a technical appreciation of the game.