The Harvard freshman gridders hit impressively against big time football power Boston College, but couldn't hold on to a 26-21 lead with less than two minutes to play and lost, 28-26.

The play that gave the Yardlings that lead came on a fourth-and-eleven situation on the Harvard 39-yard line, with two minutes and thirty seconds in the game and Harvard behind, 19-21.

Quarterback Mike Lynch, while being tackled by a huge B.C. lineman, fired a last-ditch pass that hit fullback Larry Conrad perfectly at the 15. Conrad picked up two blocks and scored untouched.

Pandemonium broke loose as it seemed that Lynch's great effort had amazingly won the game for Harvard. But then on the ensuing kickoff, B.C. was given good field position on the Yardling 45-yard line.

From there, the skillful direction and passing of Eagle quarterback Harry Rose enabled teammate Joe Glandorf to struggle into the end some from the 5. With Just 30 seconds remaining. Harvard was doomed even with Lynch at the helm.

B.C. outplayed Harvard in the first half, 14-7, but the Yardlings were fired up for the second half and proceeded to deal the Eagles a much more aggressive performance.

Coach O'Neill

Freshman coach Chet O'Neill was naturally disappointed but still pleased with his team. "We lost a close game and it hurts. But that's football. In a game like this it's really the little things that count, and each player has to ask himself what little extra thing he could have done. But there is nothing to be ashamed of at all... we hit with these guys and they're a tough bunch of cookies. We (the coaching staff) are proud of each and every one of our players."

Many players were outstanding in the game. Offensively, split end Fran Cronin showed both good hands, making a number of catches in heavy traffic, and quarterback Lynch delivered consistently in third down situations. Backs Burrelle Duvachelle and Alan Yates also ran well.

The defense was still against B.C., especially in the second half. They were responsible for one score from a blocked punt and set up the offense for two other scores by giving them good field position. Linemen Bill Harrigan Pete Mee, Bill O'Neill, and Andy Bender all worked well together and produced a very effective pass rush all afternoon.

Coach O'Neill re-emphasized Harvard's season goals in the locker room to his team after the loss. "We've proved that we can hit and that we are a good football team; we're pointing to the Ivy League games and we are going to go 5-1 on the year."