Emmett Graybill

A double header was offered to Tiger fans to wrap up spring practice in 1953. In a preliminary to the varsity game, the freshmen defeated the sophomores 6-0. The varsity/senior game ended in a 6-6 tie. After the games, the Tiger Booster Club was host to coaches and newsmen at the annual “Spring Stag” at the American Legion home.

The Tigers, in winning their sixth consecutive state title, unleashed the most explosive offense in Tiger history. They averaged 31.4 yards per scoring play – 27 yds. per rushing TD and 41.4 yds. per passing TD. They gained a total of 4,324 yards for the season. Two examples of this awesome offense were the 40-7 defeat of Fremont Ross (9-1-0) who had allowed only 42 points in the 8 games prior to playing the Tigers and the 48-7 win over Canton McKinley when the Tigers scored 6 TDS in the first 13 offensive plays.

The Booster Club departed from the usual “Beat McKinley” parade and bon fire by holding a gigantic pep rally in Tiger Stadium. Between 4,000 and 5,000 Tiger fans attended this rally. After several skits and speakers, the evening closed with fireworks followed by a snake dance on the gridiron by the students. The annual banquet was held at the American Legion home to a capacity crowd including members of the team, band, parents, coaches, school officials, newsmen and persons closest to the program. For the first time, there was no paid public audience in attendance. Once again Supt. L. J, Smith served as master of ceremonies.