Chicago Bears 35

All-Stars 24

January 4, 1942

New York (AP)- The mighty Chicago Bears, professional football champions for two straight years, throttled a win-crazy league All-Star eleven Sunday afternoon at the Polo Grounds, 35-24, in a rough and tough battle before a meager crowd of 17,725 fans,

It was a bruising melee from start to finish, the All-Stars seeking some sort of individual revenge for the treatment handed out by George Halas’ giants during their clubs during the regular season. But a five-touchdown barrage, three in the first half, nullified brilliant solo performances by Slingin' Sammy Baugh, Perry Schwartz and numerous other satellites of the play-for-pay circle.

So rough was the fray that Don Hutson. all-league end from the Green Bay Packers, suffered a broken rib; Frank Pilchock, Washington Redskins back, was nursing two broken ribs today, and Baugh was forced to endure four stitches in his jaw.

The season's football finale, also the last game for many of the stars who are eligible for service in the United States armed forces, was played for the benefit of the Naval Relief Society, with 50 per cent of the gross gate of $50,609 being turned over to the fund which aids all families of navy men lost on the battlefield.

Wind, mud and snow marred the contest yesterday, with thousands preferring to stay at home with the temperature well below freezing.

The Bears' second quarter drive, in which they scored three touchdowns, typical of their parade to the league title, gave them a 21-3 advantage at the half but they needed every bit of it as the All-Stars struck back on the arm of Baugh.

Baugh's heaves, one to Perry Schwartz of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the other to Bill Dewell of Chicago's Cardinals, gave the All-Stars two quick touchdowns in the third.

But when one of Baugh's aerials settled in Dewell's arm and Ward Cuff added the second of this three successful conversions, the Bears led only 21-17. The champions were not long, however, in showing why they are kings of football. Just before the

period ended. Sid Luckman caught Ray McLean in pay-off territory and Bob Snyder's conversion gave the Bears a 28-17 margin going into the final session.

They kept right on traveling until Young Bussey passed to lanky Ken Kavanaugh mid-way of the final quarter for their fifth touchdown. The minutes were ticking away when Baugh again connected with Schwartz on the 6-yard line and the Dodger

end wiggled across for the final score.

The field conditions were far from favorable for play, and the fans shivered in the stands. The champions, rolling to 13 first downs, drove on the ground for 125 yards and through the air for 156 more. The All-Stars piled up 17 first downs, gained 94 yards, rushing, and 161 in the air, chiefly because of Baugh's deadly aim.

Sammy Baugh, #33, of the Redskins fading back to make a long pass to Ward Cuff in the first quarter.

Redskins quarterback Frank Filchock (30) carries against the Bears at the Polo Grounds.

RETURN