1933 NCFL Championship Game
The 1933 NCFL Championship Playoff, was the third scheduled National Central Football League (NCFL) championship game. Played at the Veracruz Memorial Field in Boston on December 17. The game featured the two winners of the Eastern (New York Dragons), and Western divisions (Cincinnati Senators).
The Dragons reached their 3rd straight Championship game, facing a rematch of the first championship game in 1931 against the Cincinnati Senators.
The game ended 38-28, with the Senators winning their second championship. The Dragons lost their third straight championship.
The Veracruz Memorial Field which had opened that year, had been selected to host the Championship Game for 2 years, regardless of if the tenant Meerkats made the game. This started the tradition of playing the championship game in pre selected locations. It was the coldest championship game up to that point in NCFL history, with a kickoff temperature recorded "just about freezing" by the Boston Memorial Times.
Background
The Veracruz Memorial Field had been built between the city and federal government, as they sought to build a stadium to honor veterans of the Battle of Veracruz during world war one. The NCFL feared that the stadium might serve as the home of a rival Boston team, from which a new competitor league could emerge. The Meerkats quickly became the primary tenants of the stadium, while the NCFL entered into a contract to host its championship game in the field, for the 1933 and 1934 championships.
The New York Dragons reached their straight 3rd Championship game, off another MVP season from quarterback Marcus Schrage his fourth in a row. The Dragons again were at the top of the league with one of its best offenses and defenses. Despite yet another successful season from the team, players and fans felt that playing the game in a division rivals field, was a "bad omen".
The Senators returned to the championship game, after a disappointing title defense season the year prior. Led by quarterback R.J. Barron, and defensive back Aaron Carroll which had led the league in interceptions with 7.
The Dragons were favored to win the game, which was expected to be the coldest championship game up to that point, with the temperature just above freezing. Reporter for the Boston Memorial Times and future U.S. senator Stanley Pearson, stated in the lead-up to the game:
"The ground was wet from rain a few days prior, the temperature was just about freezing. The ground was hard to walk in, yet the stands were mostly full."
The US military had given hundreds of veterans tickets to the game. While many believed that it would not rain during the day. Max occupancy was not achieved and the attendance figures expected of the game, were disappointing to the NCFL.
Game Summary
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senators | 14 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 38 |
| Dragons | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
at Veracruz Memorial Field, Boston, Massachusetts
- Date: Sunday, December 17, 1933
- Game time: 2:45 p.m. EST
- Game attendance: "approximately 21,000" to 26,000
- Referee: Leonardo Williams
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Scoring
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The game started with 3 quick touchdowns, with the Senators leading 14-7, following a 66 yard {{wp|interception"" by Kristopher Williams to grant the Senators an early lead. Clouds had begun to form around the stadium, and it began pouring at the end of the first quarter. It was decided to delay the game for 10 minutes, then for an additional 15 minutes. Although the ground was still wet, both teams opted to play as current rules would grant a tie to both teams, should the game be cancelled.
Both teams suffered a near collapse of their pass game. Most prominently the Senators who had suffered an interception and a lost Barron fumble. Opting instead to run during the quarter. A Schrage dash for 18 yards, tied the game up. Senators kicker Jesse Munford attempted a 25 yard field goal in the now almost freezing conditions, striking a kick that hit a goal post before entering. It was deemed the "hardest kick in history" by Stanley Pearson.
After halftime, the Dragons continued their rushing game which was successful until Louie Kelly fumbled a crucial ball following a 15 yard rush. Barron quickly capitalized regaining the lead. The following play Marcus Schrage connected with David Moreau for a 75 yard touchdown, which returned the lead to the Dragons. It would be their last points.
In the fourth quarter Barron connected with Vincent Barnes and Sean Moore to regain the lead, following careful methodical drives down an exhausted Dragons defense. With the Dragons unable to drive down the field to tie up the game. With the Senators winning the game.
Afterwards
Following the game, conditions were lamented by both fans and players. Several players likewise were injured in the game, including Senators receiver Gary Peters which after developing an infection from a bruised calf, nearly sued the NCFL.