What you take away from them you'll have to win by strategy." So the Gridley boys were drilled again and again in all the special points of field strategy that Coach Morton knew or could invent.
Yet one of the best things that Mr.Morton knew, and one that always characterized Gridley, was the matter of confidence.
Captain Wadleigh's young men were made to feel that they were going to win.

They did not underestimate the enemy, but they were going to win.

That was well understood by them all.
Now, in the games of sheer strategy much depends upon nimble ends.
Dick Prescott, in particular, was coached much in private, as well as on the actual gridiron.
"Keep yourself in keen good shape, Mr.Prescott," Mr.Morton insisted.
"We need your help in scalping Tottenville next Saturday." As the week wore along Mr.Morton and Captain Wadleigh became more and more pleased with themselves and with their associates.
"I don't see how we can fail tomorrow," said Mr.Horton, quietly, to "Hen" Wadleigh, just after the School and the second teams had been dismissed.
It was not much after half-past three.

Practice had been brief, in order that none of the players might be used up.
"Prescott, in especial, is showing up magnificently," replied Wadleigh.

"He and Darrin are certainly wonders at their end of the line." "You must use them all you can tomorrow, and yet don't make them fight the whole battle," replied Coach Morton.