1925 Florida Gators football team

1925 Florida Gators football
Conference Southern Conference
1925 record 8–2 (3–2 8th SoCon)
Head coach Harold Sebring
Captain Edgar Jones
Home stadium Fleming Field
Uniform
1925 Southern Conference football standings
Conf     Overall
Team W   L   T     W   L   T
Alabama + 7 0 0     10 0 0
Tulane + 5 0 0     9 0 1
North Carolina 4 0 1     7 1 1
Washington and Lee 5 1 0     5 5 0
Virginia 4 1 1     7 1 1
Georgia Tech 4 1 1     6 2 1
Kentucky 4 2 0     6 3 0
Florida 3 2 0     8 2 0
Auburn 3 2 1     5 3 1
VPI 3 3 1     5 3 2
Vanderbilt 3 3 0     6 3 0
Tennessee 2 2 1     5 2 1
South Carolina 2 2 0     7 3 0
Georgia 2 4 0     4 5 0
VMI 2 4 0     6 4 0
Sewanee 1 4 0     4 4 1
Mississippi A&M 1 4 0     3 4 1
LSU 0 2 1     5 3 1
NC State 0 4 1     3 5 1
Ole Miss 0 4 0     5 5 0
Clemson 0 4 0     1 7 0
Maryland 0 4 0     2 5 1
  • + Conference co-champions

The 1925 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida during the 1925 college football season. This was law student Harold L. "Tom" Sebring's first of three seasons as the head coach of the Florida Gators football team. Sebring's 1925 Florida Gators finished 8–2 overall,[1] and 3–2 in the Southern Conference, placing eighth of twenty-two teams in the conference standings.[2]

The Gators compiled their best win-loss record to date, losing only to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 7–23 in Atlanta, Georgia and coach Wallace Wade's undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide 0–34 in Montgomery, Alabama. The highlights of the season included conference victories over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Clemson Tigers, Mississippi A&M Aggies and Washington & Lee Generals.

Captain and halfback Edgar C. Jones set a Florida single-season scoring record (108 points) that lasted until 1969.

Before the season

Practice began on September 14.[3] Coaches Tom Sebring, A. C. Tipton, Everett Yon, and Herbert Bunker were in charge of the first workout.[4] Though he graduated, Clyde Norton was eligible to return.[5] Despite losing eight players, prospects were bright.[6][7] 1925 saw the south's widespread use of the forward pass.[8] As coach Sebring recalled, quarterback Edgar C. Jones "held back from calling plays for himself the year before. I told him not to hold back."[9]

Schedule and results

Date Opponent Site Result
October 3 Mercer* Fleming FieldGainesville, Florida W 24–0  
October 10 Florida Southern* Fleming Field • Gainesville Florida W 9–0  
October 10 Hampden-Sydney* Fleming Field • Gainesville, Florida W 22–6  
October 17 at Georgia Tech Grant FieldAtlanta, Georgia L 7–23  
October 24 Wake Forest* Fleming Field • Gainesville, Florida (HC) W 24–3  
October 31 Rollins* Fleming Field • Gaineville, Florida W 61–0  
November 7 at Clemson Riggs FieldClemson, South Carolina W 42–0  
November 14 at Alabama Cramton BowlMontgomery, Alabama L 0–34  
November 21 Mississippi State Plant FieldTampa, Florida W 12–0  
November 26 Washington & Lee Barrs Field • Jacksonville, Florida W 17–14  
*Non-conference game.

Primary source: 2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide.[1]

Season Summary

Week 1: Mercer

Week 1: Mercer at Florida
1 234Total
Mercer 0 000 0
Florida 7 0107 24

In the opening contest at Fleming Field in Gainesville on October 3 against coach Stanley L. Robinson's Mercer Bears, Florida won 24 to 0.[10]

Horse Bishop scored in the first five minutes.[10] Dick Brown added the extra point. In the third quarter, Brown added a field goal, and Cy Williams recovered a Mercer fumble in the endzone.[10] Brown again converted the extra point. Cecil Beck ran across the final touchdown; Edgar C. Jones added the extra point.[10]

Week 2: Florida Southern and Hampden-Sydney

Week 2a: Florida Southern

Week 2a: Florida Southern at Florida
1 234Total
Fla. Southern 0 000 0
Florida 0 360 9

In the first game of a doubleheader in Gainesville on October 10, the Gators defeated the Florida Southern Moccasins 9 to 0, using mostly reserves.[10]

Tom Fuller made a field goal, the lone score of the first half. In the third period, Glen Whitaker intercepted a Southern pass and raced 20 yards for a touchdown.[10]

Week 2b: Hampden–Sydney

Week 2b: Hampden–Sydney at Florida
1 234Total
Hamp.–Sydney 0 006 6
Florida 3 766 22

Florida defeated Hampden–Sydney College 22 to 6 in the second game of the doubleheader.[10]

Edgar C. Jones scored first with a field goal. Lamar Sarra once scored after blocking a punt, gathering the ball, and running 10 yards to the endzone.[10] Burnett added the extra point. Tiny Chaplin made the next touchdown; and the final touchdown was a 22-yard run by Jones.[10]

Hampden–Sydney's score came when Atkins picked up a Florida fumble and raced 40 yards for a touchdown.[10]

Week 3: at Georgia Tech

Week 3: Florida at Georgia Tech
1 234Total
Florida 0 070 7
Ga. Tech 7 3130 23

Florida lost big to Bill Alexander's Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 23 to 7. The Gators made just five first downs to Tech's 15.[11]

Tech's Doug Wycoff scored two touchdowns. Wycoff scored first, and Ike Williams added the extra point. In the second period, Williams made a 12-yard field goal. Wycoff and Sam Murray scored in the third period, with one extra point converted by Williams.

The lone Gator touchdown came after a series of forward passes put them within Tech territory, including one of nearly 20 yards from Edgar C. Jones to Livingston. A 26-yard end run from Jones brought Florida to Tech's 4-yard line. Jones then scored through the line and kicked goal.[11][12]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Georgia Tech: Fisher (left end), Williams (left tackle), Stewart (left guard), Sarra (center), Norton (right guard), Goldstein (right tackle), Todd (right end), Stanley (quarterback), Ihrig (left halfback), Bishop (right halfback), Chaplin (fullback).[13]

Week 4: Wake Forest

Week 4: Wake Forest at Florida
1 234Total
Wake 3 000 3
Florida 0 1077 24

The Gators practiced at night with whitewashed footballs in preparation for the homecoming contest with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.[14] On the back of Edgar C. Jones, who accounted for every point for his squad, Florida won 24 to 3.[15]

A field goal by Wake's Rackley gave the Demon Deacons a 3–0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Jones then scored a touchdown, extra point, and converted a field goal by half's end.[16] A pass from Burnett to Jones made Florida's next touchdown. Jones went through tackle for the final score.

Week 5: Rollins

Florida rolled up a 61 to 0 score on the Rollins Tars, scoring 26 in the first quarter.[17]

Week 6: at Clemson

Week 6: Florida at Clemson
1 234Total
Florida 6 02115 42
Clemson 0 000 0

In the most impressive win of the season, the Gators beat the Clemson Tigers 42–0 on the road.

Edgar C. Jones had a 28-yard run lead to a touchdown and another 30-yard touchdown run. Fullback Horse Bishop accounted for three touchdowns: one a run of 20 yards from scrimmage and two 30-yard interception returns.[18] Capt. Jones was declared the best back to run on a South Carolina gridiron in a number of years.[19]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Clemson: Green (left end), Williams (left tackle), Norton (left guard), Sarra (center), Davis (right guard), Petronis (right tackle), Whitaker (right end), Stanley (quarterback), Brown (left halfback), Jones (right halfback), Bishop (fullback).[18]

Week 7: at Alabama

Week 7: Florida at Alabama
1 234Total
Florida 0 000 0
Alabama 7 6714 34

A large crowd was expected in Montgomery for the game against coach Wallace Wade's Alabama Crimson Tide.[20] The return to the lineup of Tide center Gordon Holmes, injured against Georgia Tech, and the battle between backs Mack Brown and Edgar C. Jones brought intrigue.[20]

Goldy Goldstein.

Mack Brown made two touchdowns; Red Barnes two, and Pooley Hubert one on an interception. Brown's first score came when he caught the ball on a pass from Hubert at the 15-yard line, dodged Jones and scored.[21] A pass from Hubert to Brown in the end zone netted the second score. Florida's Scott returned the kickoff to Alabama's 20-yard line, nearly breaking the tackle there. Two Barnes interceptions set up his touchdowns, one a 16-yard run after catch and another an end run. Jones attempted a drop kick, which was short and returned by Brown for 35 yards. A drive and a pass to Barnes got Alabama to Florida's 3-yard line, and Hubert scored over center.[21]

Goldy Goldstein was the undisputed star for the Gators.[22]

The starting lineup for the Gators against Alabama: Green (left end), Williams (left tackle), Norton (left guard), Sarra (center), Stewart (right guard), Goldstein (right tackle), E. Jones (right end), W. Jones (quarterback), Brown (left halfback), Burnett (right halfback), Bishop (fullback).[23]

Week 8: Mississippi A&M

Week 8: Mississippi A&M at Florida
1 234Total
Miss. A&M 0 000 0
Florida 0 660 12

For the ninth week of play, the Gators met coach Bernie Bierman's Mississippi Aggies in Tampa on Plant Field and won 12–0.

Edgar C. Jones, Lamar Sarra, and Greek Petronis were nursing injuries from the Alabama loss,[24] and the Mississippi Aggies had lost to Alabama by just a touchdown.[25] Despite this, Jones kicked two field goals and scored the only touchdown in a 12–0 victory.

After a bitterly fought first quarter, Jones netted 27-yard and 40-yard field goals for a 6–0 lead at the half. Jones ran off tackle for the game's only touchdown.

Week 9: Washington & Lee

Week 9: Washington & Lee at Florida
1 234Total
W&L 0 770 14
Florida 3 077 17

The annual Thanksgiving game in Jacksonville with coach James DeHart's Washington & Lee Generals was marked by both teams' use of the forward pass and brought the highlight of the season. Once behind by a 14–3 deficit, Florida came back and won 17 to 14.[26]

The yearbook remarked: "Not since the 1923 Alabama game has Florida participated in a more brilliant, thrilling, and colorful football game." Edgar C. Jones made a 29-yard field goal in the first quarter, but the Generals responded with a touchdown from Palmer in the second. A 25-yard finger-tip touchdown catch by Spotts put the Gators behind 14–3. Jones ran in a touchdown; 14–10. Then in the fourth quarter Cy Williams blocked a Generals' punt. On fourth down, Jones caught the winning touchdown from Horse Bishop.[26]

Postseason

For the third year in a row, Goldy Goldstein made composite All-Southern. Captain Edgar C. Jones played in a charity game.[27]

Players

Line

Player Position Games
started
Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
W. F. "Stonebruise" Anderson guard
Ralph Champlain tackle
Clyde Davis guard
Goldy Goldstein guard Duval High6'3"21021
Tom Green end
Cadillac Harry tackle
Clyde Norton guard
Frank Oosterhoudt end
Greek Petronis tackle
Ralph Proctor center
Lamar Sarra center
Jack Stewart guard
Edgar Todd end
Glen Whitaker end
Cy Williams tackle 6'0"200

Backfield

Edgar C. Jones
Player Position Games
started
Hometown Prep school Height Weight Age
Cecil Beck halfback
Horse Bishop fullback
Dick Brown halfback
Tiny Chaplin fullback
Tom Fuller fullback
Elmer Ihrig fullback
Edgar C. Jones halfback/quarterback
Spic Stanley halfback

[28]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 2012 Florida Football Media Guide, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 107–116 (2012). Retrieved September 16, 2012.
  2. 2009 Southern Conference Football Media Guide, Year-by-Year Standings, Southern Conference, Spartanburg, South Carolina, p. 74 (2009). Retrieved August 30, 2010.
  3. "'Gator Fans Look For A Real Football Season At Gainesville This Year". The Evening Independent. September 1, 1925.
  4. D. L. Graham, Jr. (September 9, 1925). "Gator Outfit Will Be A Real Fighting Aggregation". The Evening Independent.
  5. "Star To Take Extra Course During Season". The Miami News. September 5, 1925.
  6. "Florida Loses Many Grid Stars But Followers In Hopes For Real Contest". The Evening Independent. August 31, 1925.
  7. D. L. Graham, Jr. (September 14, 1925). "Rat Team Of 1924 Expected To Help 'Gators This Year". The Evening Independent.
  8. "Shaping College Football". google.com.
  9. {{Harvnb|Carlson|page=33}
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 University of Florida, pp. 114-117
  11. 1 2 "Florida 'Gators Lose Hard Battle". The Index-Journal. October 18, 1925. p. 7. Retrieved September 4, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  12. Universal Service (October 18, 1925). "Florida Beaten In Great Battle By Gold Tornado". St. Petersburg Times.
  13. "Two Year Deadlock With Florida 'Gators Broken By Georgia Tech, 23 to 7". The Anniston Star. October 18, 1925. p. 8. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  14. "[No title]". Anniston Star. October 22, 1925. p. 12. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  15. "Jones Plays Whole Game". Florence Morning News. October 25, 1925. p. 10. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  16. "Florida Gators Sweep To Victory Over Deacon Clan". Anniston Star. October 25, 1925. p. 10. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  17. University of Florida, p. 118
  18. 1 2 "Clemson Loses To 'Gator Team". Florence Morning News. November 8, 1925. p. 14. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  19. "Gators Return After Victory". St. Petersburg Times. November 10, 1925.
  20. 1 2 "Crimson Tide Rushing Upon Gator Eleven". Anniston Star. November 14, 1925. p. 6. Retrieved September 4, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  21. 1 2 http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/alab/graphics/docs/25-m-footbl-recaps.pdf
  22. "Crimson Tide Overcomes Gators; Goldstein Stars For Losing Aggregation". The Anniston Star. November 15, 1925. p. 8. Retrieved September 4, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  23. "Alabama Machine Crushes Florida". The Index-Journal. November 15, 1925. p. 7. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  24. "'Gator Squad Meets Aggies In Poor Trim". Anniston Star. November 18, 1925. p. 9. Retrieved September 4, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  25. "Aggies To Give Florida 'Gators Hard Run, Claim". Anniston Star. November 19, 1925. p. 12. Retrieved September 4, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  26. 1 2 Associated Press (November 27, 1925). "Thanksgiving Games in Old Dominion Reviewed". p. 16. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  27. "Gator Captain To Play Game In California". New Smyrna Daily News. December 22, 1925. p. 3. Retrieved September 5, 2015 via Newspapers.com.
  28. "Gators Awarded Varsity Letters Include Manager". December 5, 1925.

Bibliography

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