1921 Georgia Tech Golden Tornado football team

File:TechJudyRed.jpg

In 1921, football used a one-platoon system in which players played offense, defense, and special teams. A team which scored a touchdown had the option to kick-off or receive, and the ball was much rounder. Coach William Alexander retained his predecessor John Heisman's scheme, using the pre-snap movement of his jump shift offense.

Gone from the team were greats such as Buck Flowers and Bill Fincher, who graduated in 1920. The Tornado captain was senior fullback Judy Harlan,{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2409609/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=Atlanta Constitution|title=To Judy Harlan, Leader of Tech|date=November 27, 1921|page=19|access-date=May 14, 2015|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{cite book|url=http://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1973_51_4/21|title=Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine|section=Judy Harlan|date=1973|volume = 54|number=4}} called the school's greatest back by some{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2409623/ironwood_daily_globe/|work=Ironwood Daily Globe|date=October 19, 1927|page=7|title=Another Judy Harlan|access-date=May 14, 2015|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} and one of the country's best defensive backs.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2409648/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=Atlanta Constitution|title=Eight Stars of Constitution's All-Southern|date=November 28, 1920|page=3|access-date=May 14, 2015|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Also in the backfield was junior halfback Red Barron, who had just recovered from a broken jaw received the previous season in a game against Vanderbilt. Future Tech fullback Sam Murray said about a strong runner during the 1930s, "He's good. But if I were playing again, I would have one wish – never to see bearing down upon me a more fearsome picture of power than Judy Harlan blocking for Red Barron."{{cite journal|url=http://issuu.com/gtalumni/docs/1973_51_4/20|journal=Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine|volume=51|title=They Walked Away Into Legend...|author=Lynn Hogan|number=4|date=1973|pages=15–19}}

Junior starting quarterback Jack McDonough missed the final four games last year due to an ankle injury caused by Pitt's fullback Orville Hewitt. Another halfback was Jimmy Brewster, known as the "side stepping wonder".

In the line at either end were the brothers John and Al Staton. At guard was Oscar Davis, who (with Barron) was listed on an All-Tech Alexander-era team.{{cite journal|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/HONORS.pdf|page=155|year=2007|title=Georgia Tech's All Era Teams|journal=Georgia Tech Football|access-date=2016-05-07|archive-date=2018-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008073817/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/geot/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/HONORS.pdf|url-status=dead}} At center was sophomore Dad Amis.

{{CFB schedule

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 24

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Wake Forest

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 42–0

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 1

| w/l = w

| opponent = Oglethorpe

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 41–0

| attend = 8,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 8

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Davidson

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 70–0

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 15

| w/l = w

| opponent = Furman

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 69–0

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 22

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Rutgers

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 48–14

| attend = 15,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 29

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| neutral = y

| opponent = Penn State

| site_stadium = Polo Grounds

| site_cityst = New York, NY

| score = 28–7

| attend = 30,000

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 5

| w/l = w

| opponent = Clemson

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 48–7

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 12

| w/l = w

| opponent = Georgetown

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| score = 21–7

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 24

| w/l = w

| opponent = Auburn

| site_stadium = Grant Field

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 14–0

| attend = 25,000

}}

}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/georgia-tech/1921-schedule.html|website=sports-reference.com|access-date=February 4, 2017|title=1921 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Schedule and Results}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Wake Forest at Georgia Tech

| Visitor =Wake

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 14| H2 =14| H3 =7| H4 =7

| Date =September 24

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =Hot

| Referee =Ed Finlay

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

The season opened with a 42–0 shutout of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, who were hold to just one first down.

The intense heat made for many substitutions, and a number of Tech players starred. Despite the weather, Harlan still smashed into the line. Brewster got the season's first touchdown, a 25-yard run around left end. Barron later got a touchdown on a 60-yard run.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5521437/the_atlanta_constitution/|author=Cliff Wheatley|access-date=June 8, 2016|title=Attack of Alex's Great Outfit Too Much for Wake Forest Team|via=Newspapers.com|page=3|date=September 25, 1921|work=The Atlanta Constitution}} {{Open access}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), McRee (left tackle), McIntyre (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), Hunt (quarterback), Brewster (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Oglethorpe at Georgia Tech

| Visitor =Oglethorpe

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 14| H2 =7| H3 =13| H4 =7

| Date =October 1

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =8,000

| Weather =

| Referee =Ed Finlay

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

In the second week of play, Red Barron starred as the Tornado defeated the neighboring Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels 41–0. Just prior to the game Oglethorpe had lost its star Johnny Knox.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5521471/the_atlanta_constitution/|author=Fuzzy Woodruff|access-date=June 8, 2016|title="Red" Barron Is Brilliant Star As Tornado Sweeps to Victory|via=Newspapers.com|page=3|date=October 2, 1921|work=The Atlanta Constitution|author-link=Fuzzy Woodruff}} {{Open access}}

The Tornado had 363 yards from scrimmage to Oglethorpe's four. The "right side of the Oglethorpe line was a wide open as the gap of Gehenna." A crowd of about 8,000 attended.

Dewey Scarboro scored Tech's first touchdown, and the second came on a 25-yard run by Barron, the star of the contest. In the third quarter, Tech sent in a substitute backfield which was even more successful.

The starting lineup was Nabelle (left end), Johnson (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Frye (center), Davis (right guard), Fincher (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Scarboro (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Davidson at Georgia Tech

| Visitor =Davidson

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 7| H2 =21| H3 =7| H4 =35

| Date =October 8

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =Ed Finlay

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

Tech shut out Davidson 70–0, with 22 first downs; Davidson had none.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5521423/the_charlotte_observer/|page=15|date=October 9, 1921|title=Tech's Golden Tornado Roars Across Field To Victory Over Davidson|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=June 8, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} For the first touchdown, Barron threw a pass and Staton ran 35 yards for the score. The final score came when Barron had a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown,{{Harvnb|Camp|1922|page=26}} and Judy Harlan had four touchdowns.

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), McRee (left tackle), Frye (left guard), Amis (center), Borum (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Ferst (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Furman at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Furman

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 7| H2 =18| H3 =32| H4 =12

| Date =October 15

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =Rip Major

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

The Tech backfield, led by Barron, defeated Billy Laval's Furman Purple Hurricane, 69–0.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5182892/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=The Atlanta Constitution|page=3|title=Golden Tornado Overwhelms Furman, 69-0|date=October 16, 1921|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com|author=Fuzzy Woodruff|author-link=Fuzzy Woodruff}} {{Open access}} Milton McManaway played for Furman.{{refn|group="note"|The previous week, Georgia had defeated Furman 27–7.}}

Barron had a 55-yard touchdown run. A punt return for a touchdown, with Barron reversing field, was disallowed due to an offside penalty. Judy Harlan received praise for his work as a defensive back.

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), McRee (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), Frye (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Ferst (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Rutgers at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Rutgers

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 7| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =7

| H1 = 14| H2 =14| H3 =13| H4 =7

| Date =October 22

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =15,000

| Weather =

| Referee =Frank Birch

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

The Tornado defeated Rutgers in an inter-sectional contest, 48–14. Tech's shift was at its peak,{{Harvnb|Camp|1922|page=57}} and Red Barron was the game's star.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5180968/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=The Atlanta Constitution|page=3|title=Barron Is Star For Tornado|date=October 23, 1921|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The first score was when Barron broke away for a 20-yard touchdown run around end. Rutgers' Carl Waite threw a 30-yard touchdown to Heinie Benkert.{{Harvnb|Camp|1922|page=27}}

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), McRee (left tackle), Frye (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Brewster (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).

File:Barronvs.PennState.jpg

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Georgia Tech vs. Penn State

| Visitor = Ga. Tech

| Host = Penn State

| V1 = 7| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 7| H2 =7| H3 =7| H4 =7

| Date =October 29

| Location = Polo Grounds
New York, NY

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =C. J. McCarty (Germantown)

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

On October 29, the Penn State Nittany Lions' undefeated "Mystery Team" defeated Georgia Tech 28–7 at the Polo Grounds.{{Harvnb|Prato|2015|page=335}}{{cite web|url=http://www.luckyshow.org/football/pg.htm|title=Football games played at The Polo Grounds, New York|website=luckyshow.org|access-date=February 4, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://joepasdoghouse.com/?p=1166|title=Penn State in the Polo Grounds – Part 2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611010718/http://joepasdoghouse.com/?p=1166|archive-date=June 11, 2016|website=joepasdoghouse.com}} Both teams used a shift.{{Harvnb|Camp|1922|page=51}}

Tech started strong, and Red Barron scored Tech's only touchdown.{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|pages=126–127}} The game's star play immediately followed: an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Glenn Killinger. Penn State's defense stiffened after that.

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), McRee (left tackle), Frye (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Barron (left halfback), Brewster (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5180865/pittsburgh_daily_post/|work=Pittsburgh Daily Post|page=20|date=October 30, 1921|title=Penn State Tears Georgia Techites' Line Into Shreds|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Clemson at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Clemson

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 7| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 7| H2 =7| H3 =14| H4 =20

| Date = November 5

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =W. R. Tichenor

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

"Just as we used to bring in a load of stove wood at nightfall, feed the pigs and milk the cows, so do football teams of note have their chores to perform year in and year out. Georgia Tech performed one of its accustomed tasks Saturday afternoon, when Clemson was decidedly thrashed, but the task was not performed in the usual manner, for Clemson scored a touchdown. The score was 48 to 7."{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5182809/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=Atlanta Constitution|title=Clemson Rushes Over Touchdown Against Tech, But Is Swamped|access-date=May 6, 2016|date=November 6, 1921|page=3|via=Newspapers.com|author=Paul Warwick}}

Tech started the game with a second-string backfield. Clemson scored first, with Burton running in a touchdown. Tech's first score came six seconds before the end of the first quarter, when Red Barron went around the tackle for a touchdown. The second touchdown came after a 20-yard Barron run. Pinkey Hunt got the first score of the second half. The fourth touchdown came when Jimmy Brewster gained 28 yards down field and almost 100 yards in all. Brewster also scored the next touchdown on a 15-yard run after completing an 18-yard pass. Barron and Harlan returned to the lineup late, scoring an additional touchdown apiece.

The starting lineup was Cornell (left end), Johnson (left tackle), Barnett (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), Lyman (right tackle), A. Staton (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Ferst (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Farnsworth (fullback).

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Georgetown at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Georgetown

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =7

| H1 = 0| H2 =7| H3 =14| H4 =0

| Date = November 24

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =

| Weather =

| Referee =

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

The Tornado defeated the Georgetown Blue and Gray, 21–7. Tech's first score came from Judy Harlan on a two-yard run behind right tackle. The second score was in the second half, when Red Barron skirted the left end for 20 yards and a touchdown. Barron made his team's final touchdown on a two-yard run behind left guard. Georgetown scored on a 95-yard return after DuFour recovered a Jack McDonough fumble.{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5181134/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=Atlanta Constitution|page=4|date=November 13, 1921|title=Tech-Georgetown Play by Detail|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

File:Georgia Tech Auburn football game Thanksgiving 1921.jpg

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Johnson (left tackle), Frye (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Mitchell (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Ferst (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5181194/the_atlanta_constitution/|work=Atlanta Constitution|page=4|date=November 13, 1921|title=Georgetown Defense Smashed By Tech|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Auburn at Georgia Tech

| Visitor = Auburn

| Host = Ga. Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 0| H2 =0| H3 =0| H4 =14

| Date = November 24

| Location = Grant Field
Atlanta, GA

| StartTime =

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance =25,000

| Weather =

| Referee = Ed Finlay

}}

• Sources:

{{AFB game box end}}

Georgia Tech defeated Auburn, 14–0. More than 21,000 fans, the largest crowd of the Southern football season, watched the game.{{Harvnb|Camp|1922|page=85}}

After a scoreless first half, Tech opened a drive to start the second half with runs from Barron, Harlan, and Ferst. As Barron was about to score, he fumbled and McDonough recovered the ball in the end zone. Barron later scored the second touchdown.

The starting lineup was J. Staton (left end), Johnson (left tackle), Lebey (left guard), Amis (center), Davis (right guard), A. Staton (right tackle), Mitchell (right end), McDonough (quarterback), Ferst (left halfback), Barron (right halfback), and Harlan (fullback).{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5180749/greensboro_daily_news/|work=Greensboro Daily News|page=12|date=November 25, 1921|title=Techs Beat Alabama In Final 14 To 0|access-date=May 6, 2016|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Barron rushed for 1,459 yards during the season, and led the team in scoring with 90 points.{{Harvnb|Camp|1922|page=165}} Harlan, Barron, and Al Staton were composite All-Southerns, and Davis and John Staton made some All-Southern teams.{{Closed access}} {{cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/?p_product=EANX&p_theme=ahnp&p_nbid=H4FY52QIMTQxMDAyMDYwMi44NTUwNzE6MToxMzoxMzIuMTk4LjUwLjEz&p_action=doc&s_lastnonissuequeryname=9&d_viewref=search&p_queryname=9&p_docnum=7&p_docref=v2:11260DC9BB798E30@EANX-115836CCEE0B46F8@2423028-115836D42B0D29F8@32-115836E305E0E9D0@All-Southern%20Football%20Team|title=All-Southern Football Team|newspaper=Charlotte Observer|date=December 4, 1921}} Harlan made Walter Camp's third All-America team,{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1921/12/21/107038291.pdf|title=Walter Camp's All-America Selections for 1921|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 21, 1921|access-date=March 6, 2013}} and Barron made Jack Veiock's third team.{{cite news|title=Players from Coast to Coast Put on All-American Team by Veiock|work=Tulsa Daily World|date=December 4, 1921}}

For yet another season, neither Tech nor the Bulldogs of Georgia lost to a Southern team. Tech tied with independent Centre, Georgia, and Vanderbilt for claims of the SIAA title. For Georgia coach Herman Stegeman, the contest for the mythical title of greatest Southern team was between Centre, Georgia Tech, and Georgia. Sportswriter Fuzzy Woodruff in his History of Southern Football explained Tech was picked as champion "through force of habit";{{Harvnb|Woodruff|1928|page=183}} though "no championship was ever won with less effort or achievement."

The following chart depicts Tech's lineup during the 1921 season, with games started at the position in parentheses. It mimics the offense after the jump shift.

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The following is an incomplete list of statistics and scores, largely dependent on newspaper summaries.

• 1921 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association football season
• 1921 College Football All-America Team

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book|last=Camp|first=Walter|url=https://archive.org/details/officialnational07nation|title=National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Rules: Official Intercollegiate Football Guide|location=New York|year=1922|publisher=Spalding's Athletic Library}}
• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gCKCgAAQBAJ|title=100 Things Penn State Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die|last=Prato|first=Lou|year=2015|isbn=9781633193635}}
• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfMjFXHLfZwC&pg=PT147|title=100 Things Yellow Jackets Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die|last1=Van Brimmer | first1=Adam | last2=Rice | first2=Homer |date=2011|location=Chicago|publisher=Triumph Books|isbn=978-1-61749-703-2}}
• {{cite book|title=A History of Southern Football 1890–1928|last=Woodruff|first=Fuzzy|year=1928|volume=2}}

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Category:1920s in Atlanta