Left Guard Gilbert

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26149

Title

Left Guard Gilbert

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A spirited 1916 football adventure following Don Gilbert, a talented left guard from Kansas who arrives late at Brimfield Academy. Under Coach Robey's rigorous training, Don and his teammates face rival Claflin in a tense match where Don's injury threatens the team's victory, highlighting themes of loyalty, teamwork, and resilience.

Summary up to 500 words

Set at Brimfield Academy in 1916, *Left Guard Gilbert* by Ralph Henry Barbour chronicles the resilience of a high school football team facing adversity. The narrative introduces Don Gilbert, a new left guard from Osawatomie, Kansas, who arrives late after his train is wrecked. Despite a hidden shoulder injury sustained during the accident, Don quickly earns the trust of Coach Robey and secures the starting position previously held by the injured Tom Hall. The story explores the intense camaraderie among players like Tim Otis and Steve Edwards, as well as the social consequences when a prank by Amy Byrd and several seniors lands them on probation, forcing Hall to sit out the season. The plot intensifies during a critical away game against the formidable Southby Academy. Deprived of Hall and facing a rising opponent, the Brimfield team rallies with unity and grit. While Don struggles silently with his pain, the defense holds firm against multiple charges. The climax occurs in the final quarter against the rival Claflin Academy. With key players exhausted and Don's injury worsening, the team faces a desperate situation as Claflin pushes to the goal line. In a dramatic final sequence, the Brimfield defense repels three separate attempts to score, holding the line despite Don's deteriorating condition. Although Claflin eventually gains a first down, the whistle blows before they can score, securing a victory for Brimfield. The novel concludes with Don being carried off the field, his sacrifice proving that collective spirit and determination triumph over individual talent and physical limitation.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26149.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26149.epub

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Categories

• Fiction
• Sports