| SONNY TACKLES DONALD FOR A LOSS!! REPORTED BY DON HENDERSON RETURN TO 1955 FOOTBALL |
| Sonny Humphries, better known as "Fingers" (which is another story) was known for his "never give up" attitude, and though Sonny was not very big, he made up for it with his tenacious play on the gridiron. In 1955 Malakoff's backfield consisted of quarterback Neil W, a Soph, Ken A a Junior, Royce S, a Senior, and Donald Jordan, a Senior. In 1955 they were the fastest backfield in Henderson County and perhaps in the state. The talents of Donald and Royce were rewarded with college football scholarships; Royce to Texas A&M and Donald to Rice. The setting of this story today was during one hot 1955 afternoon when we were having an organized, but not too serious a scrimmage.....at least for everyone except Sonny. The play began with Neil handing off to Donald and Donald made some yardage and was heading back to the huddle, very nonchalantly. Meantime, Sonny had been blocked down and had gotten up and was lending chase, Again Sonny was knocked down, but he got up again and like a heat seeking bullet, he was still in pursuit of Donald. As Donald sauntered back to the huddle, Sonny laid a vicious tackle on him from behind, taking Donald by complete surprise!! Given that Donald weighed 170 and Sonny weighed......it was listed as 115 lbs soaking wet, there should have been no contest. The victory went to Sonny and down Donald went. Everyone but Sonny heard the whistle and had stopped and started back to their positions. As I said Sonny never ever gave up and poor Donald; still smarting from his way-lay, was first stunned and then mad. He contained himself as the gentleman he always was and did not kill Sonny, which he could have easily done. After we saw that Donald was OK, we were all dying laughing, but Donald never saw the humor and Sonny was oblivious!! |
| WOW!! WHAT A TACKLE!!! |
