November 20, 1971 – Haveford Defeated Swarthmore, 22-21
The Fords went out in style, topping Swarthmore 22-21 in the final game of a storied rivalry, one that dated back to 1879. Only 10 years earlier, the very first college football game (Rutgers vs. Princeton) was played.
By 1916, The New York Times was reporting that Haverford had defeated its “Ancient Rival, Swarthmore, by 10-7.” The Times wrote –
The contest was attended by the usual display of color, pretty girls, flowers, flags, and bands which makes this annual fray between these Quaker colleges resemble a big football game. Even in the miniature it made the contest thrilling and picturesque. Philadelphia and main line society were out in force, and the temporary stands which virtually surrounded the field gave the impression of a game between big elevens.
New York Times, September 15, 1972