The stands were teeming with fans clad in fur coats, fuzzy mittens, Crimson scarves and Bulldog sweatshirts as far as the eye could see. And in Section 41, that's about all the eye could see. This fine section was reserved exclusively for freshmen and alumni who didn't contribute enough money.

The Crimson-blooded fans of Section 41 were honored with a superb view of the goal post, the Yale band and, if they stood on their tip-toes, a glance at the actual game.

But no one seemed to care about the actual game.

From the first moment they realized the good fortune of having the band directly in front of them the Harvard fans declared war. They would defend Crimson honor against the band until the end.

The fans got the first licks with a chorus of "Yale band sucks," which they quickly reduced to just plain "Yale sucks" when the Crimson helped their cause with a touchdown and field goal.

Hand Signals

The Harvardites exploited the advantage, starting up a rousing round of "safety school." The band rallied with hand-to-hand combat, holding up four fingers--Harvard finished fourth in a U.S. News and World Report poll ranking the best colleges in America--and performing other motions that we'll leave to the imagination.

The battle continued, both sides weary but hungry for victory. Stung by the Elis' strong play, Harvard grabbed the attack once again, steaming ahead with "New Haven is a pit." The band lost some ground with its unoriginal retort: "Harvard is a pit."

Both sides then retreated to lick their wounds and take in some of The Game. While the fans were diverted by the flurry of blue and white to their left and the Crimson penants a-flying on the right, the band went on a sneak attack.

Eli band members lined up horizontally, with their backs spelling out in shining electrical tape, "Harvard Sux Dead Goats." It was truly a stunning blow for the fans.

The fans fought relentlessly, though, and gained back ground with their trusty stand-by, "Yale sucks."

Halftime came. The band left for the field, the fans for some hot chocolate. The fans returned, ready to wage battle, but the band had retreated to home-ground, surrounded by their own set of fans. The band abandoned the fight and tacitly surrendered.

The fans rejoiced.

Now killing time, the fans pooled their enthusiasm, but only managed a few failed waves and weak cheers.

The Game was finished, and the taste of victory was sweet, at least for the warriors in Section 41.