Like most of the old school of Harvard coaches, John Yovicsin tends to the unemotional approach toward competition. He dresses conservatively, rarely if ever ventures beyond either 40 yard line from his mid-field command post, and almost never smiles.

But after Saturday's victory over Holy Cross, Yovvy was almost loquacious with his delight. This win was a tribute to some spectacular individual performances, certainly, especially those of George Lalich and Pete Varney, but above all it was a tribute to a gritty team and to its coach.

We're going to avoid mushiness, but let it go on record now that John Yovicsin, even if the rest of the season doesn't work out for the very best, has performed his own brand of minor miracle. Setting on Lalich from the start, maintaining his confidence even on those days when George seemed to be running scared, and refraining from pulling him out Saturday after a disasterous first period, Yovicsin may have found the quarterback to replace Ric Zimmerman.

Defense

Defensively, Harvard was strong up front, showing its muscle on the game's big play--Holy Cross's unsuccessful bid for a first down on fourth and one at midfield in the last quarter. The defensive backfield showed its inexperience at times, but had it when it needed it: two interceptions by Tom Wynne and one by substitute Rick Frisbee.

The 20,000 fans talked about Lalich when they left the Stadium Saturday, and they talked about his sidekick, a 260 lb. sophomore from Quincy, a bruising, sure-handed end named Pete Varney. No one will say who suggested switching Varney from halfback to end, but as the head coach must accept all blame so too must he accept the praise. The Lalich-Varney combination makes Yovicsin look very good.