SPEED, SIZE GIVE VETERAN LAUREL 1ST UNBEATEN YEAR

       
      That was the headline from the Marshalltown Times Republican at the end of the football season in 1961. The following article was written by Larry Dennis T.R. Sports Editor

SPEED, SIZE GIVE VETERAN  LAUREL

FIRST UNBEATEN YEAR

HORNETS AVERAGE 44(points) A GAME

IN WINNING SECOND LOOP TITLE 

      A "Friday night" ball club which wasn't impressive in practice but turned it on for games brought Laurel its first undefeated football campaign in history in 1961. The Hornets smashed through seven opponents to win their second straight Ta-Ma-Ja Conference title, and there never was much doubt about the outcome of any game. 

       Although they played only seven games, their official record was 8-0. Mingo suffered injuries which cut its squad level to nine and was forced to forfeit its final contest to Laurel.

       Laurel coach Leighton Betz, who won the Ta-Ma-Ja crown with a 7-0 mark and a 7-1 over all record in his first season last year, reports that the Hornets attitude on Friday nights was "always real good." "We were a little disappointed in them during the week" he states, "but they were always ready for the games."

       A veteran ball club with 11 lettermen and seven all-conference players returning from 1960. Laurel rolled up 310 points to just 33 for its opponents, averaging 44.3 per game on offence. The Hornets piled up 2,789 yards, 2,549 by rushing, while holding their foes to 557 by running and 328 by passing, a total of 885.  

       Averaging 10.1 yards per offensive play,the Hornets piled up 75 first downs to 44 for opponents. A big line bulwarked by tackle Mike Stineman, guards Tom Schollenburger and Ben Wunn, center Jerry Roberts and end Tracy Miiller gave Laurel the forward wall it needed for its steam-roller tactics. And, scat-backs Gary Campbell and Dennis Laverty spearheaded the Hornets' flashing attack.

        Campbell, a two-time first team member of the Times-Republican's all-territory squad, averaged 14.8 yards per carrying in rolling up 1,257 yards rushing. He also scored 152 points during the campaign, braking the old record of 136, and finished second to Gladbrook's  brilliant Mark Beichley in the point parade. Laverty who carried the ball less, averaged 10.5 yards each time as he gained 695 rushing and scored 91 points. 

----------------------------to be continued