NEW HAVEN, Nov. 20--For the first time since 1955, Yale beat the Crimson in freshman football, coming from behind to win, 28 to 24. The Yard-lings surprised the unbeaten Bulldog eleven by jumping to a 12-0 lead, but they could not hold on during a seesaw second half in which Yale piled up 19 points.

The disappointing loss marred an outstanding performance by the Crimson quarterback, Charlie Kinney. He threw three touchdown passes during the afternoon and directed the Yardlings to their best offensive display of the season. Completing 17 out of 34 passes and handing off deceptively, the big quarter-back took complete charge every time the Crimson had the ball.

The Yalies were fooled by Kinney's ball-handling, but in the second half they rolled through the previously strong Crimson defenses. Jud Calkins, a doubtful starter because of an injury, almost stole the show from Kinney and piloted Yale back into the game.

For the Crimson '63 eleven, it was a disappointing end to a 2-4 season, especially after the team had jumped to a seemingly safe lead in the first period. The Yardlings opened the scoring then with a beautiful play in which Kinnney handed off to Hobie Armstrong, who headed around right end on a reverse, suddenly stopped, and flipped to end Ron Bonebrake in the end zone. Taking advantage of a few breaks and continuing to move the ball well, the Crimson scored again on a Kinney to Taylor aerial.

But Yale struck back, first with a blocked punt that went behind the end zone for a safety and two points, then with a touchdown. After the half, Kinney continued to play effectively, but the Bullpups began to pass and run through the Yardlings almost at will. They soon closed the gap to 24 to 22 and, minutes later, scored the clincher on a six-yard plunge by Dave Weinstein to remain undefeated.