'THE JEEP ON 2"

Bobby Joe Snipes

CHS '53

I was watching the high lights of the Texas vs. Texas Tech game and the announcer said that TT was lined up in a “Victory Formation”.   There was about 2.5 to 3 minutes left in the game.   I had never heard of a victory formation but I assumed that it was a kneel down formation to run out the clock.  All players were bunched up with a running back(Grant) setting up close to the center inconspicuously.  When the ball was hiked, the ball went to Grant, he ran left close to the line.   The QB and RB ran to the right leaving the appearance that the play was to the right.  This faked the Texas defense and Grant, who is very fast, ran up the side line (dodging a couple of secondary Texas tacklers) for a touchdown.  Grant later said that the name of the play was “Hook’em” and they just added it this week. 

Now this reminded me of a high school football game between CHS Jr. Varsity and Tucumcari.   Tucumcari had a good team, big linemen and fast backs.   I do not know this for sure but I think the CHS coaches realized that Tucumcari would outclass our Junior Varsity really bad.  Consequently, they decided to send some of the “A” team reserves to kinda even the match and get some experience for the reserves.  

I don’t remember all of the reserves but I do remember that Johnny Hamilton, Dwayne Perry and I were three of the reserves that were to make the trip.  We had not practiced with Jr. Varsity but we were familiar with all of the basic plays.  Dwayne and Johnny were very fast and elusive and I was slow as a snail but would try to run over a truck.  

I don’t remember scores but I think we were behind at the half.  We didn’t have a punter so Dwayne punted when needed.   Dwayne was the QB and we kinda held our own even though our timing was all out of sync. 

At the half Coach Manning went over our short comings both offensively and defensively.   Coach Manning had the will to win and came to CHS from W. Virginia.....I think.   In his effort to pump us up, give us some confidence and assurance to win he said “Now we are going to have a new play this second half”.   He diagramed the play on the chalk board.   He said we call it “THE JEEP”!    He said “Johnny,  you line up right behind the left guard and stay low.....Dwayne, you take the snap from  the center and tuck the ball in Johnny’s gut.  Bobby, you flare right and Dwayne will fake a pitchout to you.  Johnny, you just stay low and look for an opening”.   Coach Manning walked us through the play.....the half was over......time to go and he says “Lets go”.  

All of us guys loved to play football,,,,,we loved to hit as hard as we could and didn’t mind taking a hit.   The second half rocked on and we held our own....they scored and we scored.  We were behind and then Coach Manning sent in the play.....run The Jeep.    Dwayne called the play......”The Jeep on 2”.   We lined up with anticipation and a little doubt.....we were just doing what coach Manning told us to do.   The play was flawless and even though it did not go for a touchdown, we did make a first and 10.   Did we win?????   Yes, we won the game!    CHS  Jr. Varsity defeats Tucumcari.  Long live The Jeep!

Bobby Joe Snipes, CHS '53

For Mil's Place, 12/10/15

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Response by Robert Stebbins, CHS '51

Bob....Enjoyed your Jeep story.  I can still see Coach Manning romping around Wildcat stadium during practice in those old grey sweatpants and sweatshirt that he wore.  Or, him in the Junior High gym with Bill Stockton whipping the guys into shape for another win.  And, I believe you are correct...that he was from West Virginia. Your story is a keeper, and should be on Mil's Place.  Hope all of you had a nice Thanksgiving and didn't run out of turkey.  Robert