The exact truth was that he really did not realize what he had done until it was too late to avoid the foul.

He had meant to stop Darrin, somehow.
"Pull that scrimmage off again," directed Coach Havens dryly.
The ball was placed, the whistle sounded, and again Dave received the ball and tried to break through.

With the Rustlers prepared for the move, it was blocked and the ball was "down." Jetson felt his face burning.

He knew, well enough, that many of the players regarded him with suspicion.
"I suppose that suspicion will stick, and my chances of making the Navy eleven are now scantier than ever," muttered the unfortunate midshipman to himself.
The whistle blew before any further advantage had been gained.

Coach and Midshipman Hepson had gained considerable insight into the work of the team.
"Mr.Hepson," said coach aside, in the interval that followed, "you have done well, I think, to place two such men as Darrin and Dalzell on the provisional team." "I am glad you think so, sir," replied the Navy football captain, "for that is the way it strikes me." "If you keep them at the left flank you'll have something like dynamite there," smiled coach.