The Miami Times

Bethune And Benedict Ready For Orange Bowl Battle

By CHARLES C. NORTH

Coach Bunky Matthews' Wild Cats are snarling in their Volusia County lair at Bethune-Cookman College as they go into final preparations for a first appearance in Miami's Orange Bowl Saturday night when they face the Benedict College eleven from Orangeburg, S. C.

Friends from both colleges all over the state have promised to come to the game to help make the school appearance impressive in the big bowl. State wide alumni units have sent in for hotel and ticket reservations in blocks and it is predicted by the advance publicists that the game will attract from 10,000 to 15,000 paid customers.

Followers of Negro collegiate football will recall that last year the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats defeated among other fine teams, the Florida Rattlers from FAMU in Tallahassee and won the SIAC football championship after only two years membership in that conference.

Last Saturday, BCC held the Morris Brown Wolverines to a scoreless tie in Jacksonville and it is believed that Coach Bunky Matthews will give his boys the "all out" sign for the big game Saturday.

In the meantime the team from Orangeburg, S. C. fell to the onslaught of the Gaither coached men of the Orange and Green from Tallahassee in a 42 to 0 massacre.

It is no secret that the Florida Negro University has one of its greatest teams in the past seven years and the Gaither policy of taking a sledge hammer to kill a gnat will be much in evidence this year as his power machine rolls on to another Negro National championship.

However, friends and followers of the great American college game of football know that previous scores and other individual and team records mean little when team spirit and school prestige are involved.

With both teams preparing for this game, their initial appearance in the Orange Bowl should produce good football for the fans.

Many after the game social activities are arranged for the many hundreds who are preparing to make the trek to Miami.

The official dance will be held immediately after the game at Harlem Square ballroom. Table reservations may be made by calling North's Travel Bureau 3-0757 and 3-0758. Lovell Richardson, president of BCC alumni

Association is announcing several fraternal and sorority sponsored parties over the weekend.

According to Elliott J. Pieze, chairman of the parade committee, a 12-band parade, headed by the BCC Marching band, will leave the starting point at Booker T. Washington High School building at 12 noon sharp and parade for one hour throughout the main thoroughfares of the Washington Heights community.

Kickoff time for the game is at 8 o'clock. Good seats are still available. Advance tickets are on sale.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN'S HIGH-STEPPING MAJORETTES -- who will be seen performing tonight at Miami's famed Orange Bowl in a football game that is expected to draw 12,000 fans, as the Wildcats will take on the Tigers of Benedict College of Columbia, S. C.