×

A look back at Scuttle Bu(r)t 1978

The Norway/Kingsford grid tie

Former Sports Editor Burt Angeli’s Scuttle Bu(r)t was a staple in The Daily News sports section for decades. Today The Daily News takes a look back at a column that originally ran on the week of Sept. 10, 1978:

Scuttle Bu(r)t…

Football officials have been heavily criticized lately and the crew that worked the Saturday, Sept. 9, Norway-Kingsford contest didn’t endear the profession any. . . The stripe-shirted foursome, headed by Bob Krysiak of Menominee, provided their customary competent work for four quarters. . . I thought Krysiak’s team was outstanding in 1977. . . After the final gun sounded and Norway pulled off its 8-8 upset tie, Kingsford head coach Rex Terwilliger and Norway head coach Bob Giannunzio were ready to leave the field. . . In past years, the two schools have agreed not to enter into overtime sessions in the event of a tie.

While Terwilliger and Giannunzio were almost in the post-game procedure of shaking hands, the officials gave the signal for overtime ceremonies to begin. . . Both coaches tried to explain the long-standing pact of not playing overtime, but the officials insisted otherwise. . . Finally, Norway athletic director Gene Melchori and Krysiak consulted the rulebook. . . An overtime in a non-conference game must be decided before the start of the game. . . Neither coach made a formal pre-game acknowledgment to the officials, so an overtime session couldn’t be played.

The officials’ job is not an easy one; I know from experience . . . I wear a black-and-white shirt during the basketball season. . . I presently work the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools Basketball League and have no aspirations of prep basketball until I have a perfect understanding of the rules. . . The misinterpretation of the rules in Norway Saturday, left a good size crowd sitting around and wondering what was going on for at least 30 minutes. It took that long from the end of regulation, to the time Krysiak finally saw the rule. . . What burns me is an official not knowing a rule. . . Krysiak’s crew made a rare error and here’s to hoping they’re perfect going forward.

Kingsford was charged with a pair of penalties that probably confused (it did to me) most everyone. . . The Flivvers knotted the game at 8-8, but on the following kickoff, they lined up at the 25-yard line. . . Kingsford’s Greg Mack scored the touchdown and followed with a jubilant dance. . . An official promptly dropped a flag . . . Basic reasoning: excessive celebration. . . In another situation, Kingsford was supposedly taking a timeout. . . However, many folks were shocked to see the delay of game penalty called on the third-and-short situation. . . The Flivvers were making an equipment repair with the officials temporarily halting play. . . While the equipment work was still in progress, the officials started the clock again.

More tidbits from a game that Kingsford likely would have won if the fourth quarter had been two minutes longer. . . Giannunzio thought stopping Kingsford end Kevin French, who only caught one pass, was a primary factor. . . The Flivvers wanted to play overtime, but stood by their agreement from past seasons. . . I’m surprised Norway assistant coach Don Anderson didn’t have Dean Miksa, Chuck Melchori, John Ostermann and John Korpi suit up in the second half? All four Knight standouts were on Norway’s sidelines Saturday. . . Kingsford was four of eight on fourth-down situations. . . Larry Rose (71 yards) seems to be a capable replacement for the injured Flivver Bill Johns. . . Kingsford’s Bill Rice, questionable for Friday’s game at Menominee, had three punt returns for 13 yards. . . Give Dean Norlin of Kingsford credit for blocking a Norway quick-kick. . . Norway played on “heart” for four quarters Saturday, and Drew Brown exemplified that desire. . . Why would Kingsford have won in overtime or with an extra two minutes?? The Knights were on their last leg and I had a notion that the Flivvers were due. . . Sound reasoning??

The last time Kingsford and Norway played to a tie was 1952 when the schools battled to a 6-6 deadlock. . . They were also knotted at 0-0 in 1948. . . Tackle Fred Spanton, end Tom Ehlers, center Jack Payant and back George Rousseau were some of the 1952 Flivver stars, while Robert Carlson, Dick Temple and Ernest Mattia shined for Norway. . .

The records of Frank Kangas and Joe Polomis brought about the above information.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today