STORIES FROM THE PAST

50 years ago

Football is a physical game. It takes a lot of physical well being to play football and it takes a lot out of a player physically during the course of a game. A lot of players, especially those in high school, play both offense and defense. This takes even more out of a palyer.

One of those is Willie Robinson of the El Centro Spartans. In the first four Spartan games, Willie did not miss a play.

But a lot of fans wondered what he could do if he only played offense and thus saved all of his energy for offense. They found out last night as the Spartans pounded Palo Verde’s Yellojackets at Spartan Field, 26-6.

The victory raised El Centro to a 4-1 season record and a 1-1 mark in Imperial Valley League play. Palo Verde is 1-4 and 0-2. Robinson only played offense. But what an offense be played!

Willie carried the ball eight times in the first half. He gained 99 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Spartans built up a 19-0 halftime lead. Robinson only had the ball twice in the second half and ended with 104 yards rushing.

40 years ago

CALEXICO — The father of a recent stabbing victim at Calexico High School and other parents confronted the local school board Monday night to see what can be done about what was described as an atmosphere of violence and fear on the campus. The father of the stabbed victim made a brief presentation before the Calexico Unified School District Board of Trustees. He demanded “that you let us know what kind of measures are being taken to protect our children and the whole community’s welfare.”