Garmore was a Yale man, and soon became as favorably known as Strong, so the pupils had nothing more to find fault with, so far as their instructors went.

As has been noted before, there were several baseball teams among the boys.  As it grew too cold for baseball, these teams gave up this sport, and a good number of the lads took up football.

In this sport, Sam, being a good runner, felt very much at home, and soon he was at the head of one of the teams, playing center.  Tom was also on the team, playing quarterback.

Not far from Putnam Hall was another academy kept by a certain gentleman named Pornell.  The pupils at Pornell’s were also great football players, and one day they sent over a challenge that the Putnams, as they were dubbed, should play them a match for the championship of the township in which both seats of learning were located.

The challenge was brought, by Peleg Snuggers, who had gone over to Pornell’s on an errand for Captain Putnam.

“It’s for you,” said Snuggers, handing the communication to Sam.  “The youthful captain of the eleven broke open the letter and read it aloud: 

“Pornell academy, November 18, 189-

“To the Putnam Hall Football Team:  We hereby challenge you to a game of football for the championship of the township of Cedarville, the game to be, played Thanksgiving afternoon next at two o’clock, at our grounds or at your own, as you may elect.  We would prefer to play on our grounds, as we have a grandstand, one-half of which will be reserved for your friends, if you will come over.

“Pornell football team,

“Per Harry Ackerson, Capt. and Secy.”

“They certainly mean business,” said Tom, who was in the crowd, listening to the reading of the challenge.  “I go in for accepting it.”

“So do I,” said Larry, who played halfback.

“And I,” put in Fred, who was on the right end.

The members of the football team were all at hand, and it did not take long to find out each was in favor of the game, and then the matter was laid before Captain Putnam.

“Want to play football with Mr. Pornell’s lads, eh?” smiled the captain.  “All right, I know of no healthier sport, rightly conducted.  You shall play them, and on their grounds if you wish.  But, mind you, no neglecting lessons for the sake of practicing between now and Thanksgiving!”

The pupils promised to neglect nothing, and went off with a hurrah.

Soon Peleg Snuggers was on his way to the rival academy with the following answer to the challenge: 

“Putnam hall, November 19, 189-

“Pornell Football Team:  We hereby accept your challenge to play a game of football for the championship of the township on Thanksgiving afternoon next at two o’clock.  As you have a grandstand we will play on your grounds.  In return for the use of half of your stand on this occasion the senior class of our academy will put up a silver cup as a trophy, said trophy to go to the club winning the game, and to belong to that club which shall during matches to be arranged in the future win the cup three times.