User:Murphanian777/Interhall football: Mod Interhall

Mod Interhall
"Mod Interhall" the next era of Notre Dame interhall football history, begins with the introduction of a third league to the IFL. Other possible names for the era are "Mod Hall", "Mod Hall Ball", "Mod Ball'', or the IFL Renaissance.

I got the idea for using "Mod" in response to the growth of Mod(ern) construction at Notre Dame and the establishment of Mod Quad in 1962 with the dedication of the Stepan Center.

The following is a list of changes which occurred during the Mod Interhall era


 * First three-league format in 1960


 * Transfer of primary interhall coverage from the Scholastic to the Observer in 1965/67


 * First four-league format and pre-mandated "quad" finals in 1969


 * The co-team movement from 1961 to 1966 (although Fisher-Pangborn fielded a team in 1971 and 1972 seasons)


 * The addition of the first mod quad halls (Flanner and Grace) in 1969

There's an argument that Mod Interhall should be divided into epochs but there is no clear boundary between different major changes so I think it's best to group them all together. The era ends with the University lifting their all-male distinction and joining the co-ed ranks. When exactly the first women's football league formed is unknown at the time so this era may be expanded on the back-end as I've yet to find such a league through the 1973 season.

Other Eras

 * Original Page (1887-1952)


 * The Mythical Period (1890-1902)
 * Formative Years (1903-1921)
 * Rockne Romana (1922-1935)
 * The Leather Age Collapse (1936-1939)
 * The War (1940-1945)
 * The Napolitonic Years (1946-1961)
 * Mod Interhall (1962-1971)
 * Co-ed Era (1972-1990)
 * Era of Aaron (1991-

Other pages

 * List of Interhall football champions
 * List of Dillon Hall quarterbacks

Other teams

 * Preliminary football (1869-1891)
 * Varsity Reserves (1887-1980s)
 * Minim Department (1887-1929)
 * Junior Department (1888-1921)
 * Varsity Frosh (1913-1971)
 * Old-Timers game (1929-1967)
 * Blue-Gold game (1968-present)

1962
The 1962 interhall tackle football season was overseen by Dominic Napolitano and began on October 14 with ten teams.

Interhall championship
The 1962 interhall football championship game was played around late November between Breen-Phillips hall and the consolidated Howard-Lyons team. Breen-Phillips entered as the Freshman division champion with at least a 3–0 record, while Howard-Lyons won the Upper-class division and held a 2–0–1 record. Notable aspects of the matchup was the first amalgamated team to reach the championship game, the Howard-Lyons team.

The Howard-Lyons team defeated the "Big Red" of Breen Phillips 6 to 0 in double overtime, the first overtime game in interhall football history, and any game of football at the University of Notre Dame for that matter. After the regulation contest ended in a scoreless tie, overtimes were introduced in the form of extra quarters, of which two were implemented. The rules appeared to be "sudden death", so the first team to score would be the victor. Howard Lyons' winning drive occurred after stopping a fake-kick pass play by Breen-Phillips which failed to garner the necessary first down. After a few short passes by the "H-Ls", quarterback Tom Borders executed a draw play which saw fullback Dick Bell gain twenty yards. A few rushing plays later, Jim Grace reached the 1-yard line, and Borders jumped over the line on the next play to win the game and the 1962 interhall football championship.

Quarterback Brueckner of Breen-Phillips was noted for his fine play, but was able to gain only fifty net yards against a Bob Metzger-coached line that included Mr. Russel and Knipper. On defense, Dick Bell excelled at linebacker and was a prominent force in quelling B-P's "Oklahoma-style" offense. Howard-Lyons rushed for approximately 170 yards, with an additional 60 yards through the air from Tom Borders, whose favorite receivers were ends Lynyak and Byrne. Fine defense by Breen-Phillips and fumbling by Howard-Lyons were given as prime culprits of the five quarters without a lead change.

Alumni-Dillon team
The Alumni-Dillon team (Alumni in their nineteenth season and Dillon in their twenty-fourth) competed in the Upper-class division of the interhall league and compiled a 0–1–1? record. They were coached by Tom Cerutti.

Breen-Phillips Hall
In their nineteenth season, Breen-Phillips hall competed in the Freshmen division of the interhall league and compiled a 3–1? record.

Cavanaugh Hall
In their twentieth season, Cavanaugh hall competed in the Freshmen division of the interhall league and compiled a 0–2–1? record.

Howard-Lyons team
The Howard-Lyons team (Howard in their twenty-fourth season and Lyons in their twenty-fifth) competed in the Upper-class division of the interhall league and compiled a 3–0–1 record. They were coached by Bob Metzger and J. J. Carberry, along with "spiritual guidance" from Father Frank O'Malley.

Farley Hall
In their sixteenth season, Farley hall competed in the Freshmen division of the interhall league and compiled a 1–2? record.

Keenan Hall
In their six season, Keenan hall competed in the Freshmen division of the interhall league and compiled a 0–2–1? record.

Morrissey Hall
In their twenty-eighth season, Morrissey hall competed in the Upper-class division of the interhall league and compiled a 1–1–1 record. They were coached by Tom Lungo, varsity quarterback.

Off-Campus team
In their twenty-seventh season, the Off-Campus team competed in the Upper-class division of the interhall league and compiled a 0–1–1? record. They were coached by Dick Barber, varsity halfback.

Stanford Hall
In their sixth season, St. Edward's hall competed in the Freshmen division of the interhall league and compiled a 2–1? record.

Zahm Hall
In their nineteenth season, Zahm hall competed in the Freshmen division of the interhall league and compiled a 2–1? record. They were runners-up for the Freshmen division title.

1963
The 1963 interhall tackle football season was overseen by Dominic Napolitano and began on October 13 with over five-hundred participates from fifteen teams.

Interhall championship
The 1963 interhall football championship game, nicknamed "Nappy's Bowl" after league director Dominic Napolitano, was played on November 25 between Morrissey and Stanford halls. Morrissey entered as the western division champion with a 5–1 record, while Stanford won the eastern " freshmen quadrangle", and held a 3–0–2 record.

After the second consecutive championship to go scoreless in regulation, the second overtime game in interhall history was won by Morrissey after the rule of first downs was invoked due to darkness. Morrissey took their second interhall football title, and their first since 1950. Stanford played their third consecutive championship without a victory after winning the game in their inaugural season.

Stanford controlled the first half in regulation, but was unable to score against a stout Morrissey defense. The second half was Morrissey's game as the "Maulers" racked up long yards and would have scored more than once if not for three costly fumbles inside the red-zone. The sudden-death play-off was employed after the game remained at a scoreless tie. Morrissey won the coin toss and elected to receive, but was forced to give the ball back to Stanford. On their second possession, the Maulers gained a first down on the backs of Bill Cragg and Don Toomey. Morrissey Quarterback John Cappacci picked up another in what proved to be the most decisive factor of the game, as Stanford was only able to record a single first down. After the end of the "fifth quarter", the game was called for darkness and the rule of first downs was invoked. Morrissey took the title by a margin of just a single first down, winning two to one.

Alumni-Walsh team
The Alumni-Walsh team competed in the western division and compiled a 3–3 record.

Badin Hall
Badin hall competed in the western division and compiled a 2–2–1? record. They were led by player-coach by Rufus Rodgers.

Breen-Phillips Hall
Breen-Phillips hall competed in the eastern division and compiled a 1–2–2 record.

Cavanaugh Hall
Cavanaugh hall competed in the eastern division and compiled a 0–5 record.

Dillon Hall
Dillon hall competed in the western division and compiled a 3–0–3 record.

Howard-St. Edward's Hall
Howard hall competed in the western division and compiled a 0–3–2? record.

Farley Hall
Farley hall competed in the eastern division and compiled a 2–2–1 record.

Keenan Hall
Keenan hall competed in the eastern division and compiled a 2–0–3 record.

Morrissey Hall
Morrissey hall competed in the western division and compiled a 6–1 record. They were coached by Dick Zasada.

Off-Campus team
The Off-Campus team competed in the western division and compiled a 1–3–2 record.

Sorin Hall
Sorin hall competed in the western division and compiled a 2–4 record.

Stanford Hall
St. Edward's hall competed in the eastern division and compiled a 3–1–2 record.

Zahm Hall
Zahm hall competed in the eastern division and compiled a 2–1–2 record.

1964
The 1964 interhall tackle football season was overseen by Dominic Napolitano and began on October 18 with thirteen teams.

Interhall championship
The 1964 championship game was never recorded. It produced the first unknown winner in interhall football history. It is worth noting that Dillon was considered the favorite should they defeat Off-Campus in the de-facto west division championship, but if Off-Campus won Stanford would be favored. The game was to occur on November 22 at 2:00 p.m.

Anecdotal testimony given by Off-Campus receiver Paul Jackson asserted that the Off-Campus team was the western division winner and the game against Stanford was ruled "no-decision" due to heavy snow. The Off-Campus players unilaterally claimed the championship (Stanford would have had the same right) and purchased varsity jackets which were seen as the award at the time.

Anecdotal testimony given by Stanford receiver Marty O'Hagan provided that the game was to be played at Cartier Field under the lights but was cancelled due to the heavy blizzard. Both teams were named co-champions. He also asserted that the eastern and western divisions were called the Freshman and Main Quad respectively.

Alumni-Walsh team
The Alumni-Walsh team competed in the western division of the interhall league and compiled a 1–3–1 record.

Badin-Fisher team
The Badin-Fisher team competed in the western division of the interhall league and compiled a 0–3–1? record.

Breen-Phillips Hall
Breen-Phillips hall competed in the eastern division of the interhall league and compiled a 0–5 record.

Cavanaugh Hall
Cavanaugh hall competed in the eastern division of the interhall league and compiled a 3–2 record.

Dillon Hall
Dillon hall competed in the western division of the interhall league and compiled a 3–1? record.

Farley Hall
Farley hall competed in the eastern division of the interhall league and compiled a 2–3 record.

Keenan Hall
Keenan hall competed in the eastern division of the interhall league and compiled a 2–1–2 record.

Morrissey Hall
Morrissey hall competed in the western division of the interhall league and compiled a 1–3 record.

Off-Campus team
The Off-Campus team competed in the western division of the interhall league and compiled a 5–0 record. They were coached by Dave Humenik and Jim Rakers.

Sorin-St. Edward's team
The Sorin-St. Edward's team competed in the western division of the interhall league and compiled a 2–1? record.

Stanford Hall
Stanford hall competed in the eastern division of the interhall league and compiled a 4–0–1 record.

Zahm Hall
Zahm hall competed in the eastern division of the interhall league and compiled a 2–2–1 record.

1965
The 1965 interhall tackle football season began on October 24 with twelve teams.

Interhall championship
The 1965 interhall football championship game was played between the Farley-Stanford and Howard-St. Edward's teams. Farley-Stanford entered as the champion of their division with a 3–0 record, while Howard-St. Edward's won their division and held a 1–0–2 record.

The 1965 game was the second consecutive championship to be left unrecorded in all Notre Dame publications.

Campus sportswriter Thomas Bettag gave anecdotal evidence that he vaguely recalled the Howard-St. Edward's team winning the championship, but he could not confirm he remembered correctly.

Alumni Hall
Alumni hall compiled a 1–1–1 record.

Breen-Phillips Hall
Breen-Phillips hall compiled a 1–1–1 record.

Cavanaugh Hall
Cavanaugh hall compiled a 1–1–1 record. They finished ranked #5.

Dillon Hall
Dillon hall compiled a 0–1–1? record.

Howard Hall
Howard hall compiled a 1–0–2? record as part of the amalgamated Howard-St. Edward's team. They finished ranked #4

Farley Hall
Farley hall compiled a 3–0? record as part of the amalgamated Farley-Stanford team. Their final ranking was #1 prior to the championship game.

Keenan Hall
Keenan hall compiled a 0–3 record.

Lyons Hall
Lyons hall compiled a 2–0–1 record, the tie coming after consolidating their team with Morrissey. They finished ranked #3.

Morrissey Hall
Morrissey hall compiled a 0–1–1? record, the loss coming as part of the amalgamated Morrissey-Sorin-Walsh team, and the tie coming as part of the amalgamated Morrissey-Lyons team. They finished ranked #3.

Off-Campus 1
The Off-Campus 1 team compiled a 2–1 record. They finished ranked #2, but their loss to Lyons meant they would not be invited to the championship game.

Off-Campus 2
The Off-Campus 2 team compiled a 0–1–2 record.

Sorin Hall
Sorin hall compiled a 0–2? record, one loss coming as part of the amalgamated Morrissey-Sorin-Walsh team, and another loss coming after Morrissey left the group to join with Lyons. They were coached by Sorin hall president Gus Wines.

Stanford Hall
Stanford hall compiled a 3–0? record as part of the amalgamated Farley-Stanford team.

St. Edward's Hall
St. Edward's hall compiled a 1–0–2? record as part of the amalgamated Howard-St. Edward's team. They finished ranked #4.

Walsh Hall
Walsh hall compiled a 0–2? record, one loss coming as part of the amalgamated Morrissey-Sorin-Walsh team, and another loss coming after Morrissey left the group to join with Lyons.

Zahm Hall
Zahm hall compiled a 2–0–1 record.

Touch football
A touch football league existed in some capacity during the 1965 season.

The Ink Bowl
The "Ink Bowl", a touch football game, was played between the writers of two of Notre Dame's leading publications, The Voice and the Notre Dame Scholastic. It was played 3:00 p.m. on November 18 on the field behind the Stepan Center, and was between the VOICE and the Scholastic Touch Athletic Team (STATE). The writers made sure to make note of the attendance, which was composed of just two people. The Voice scored first with just under a minute remaining in the first half when quarterback Bill Dwyer completed a short pass to Bob Schuemble, who evaded two STATE defenders en route to a 50-yard touchdown. Schuemble scored again in the second half before another Voice touchdown sealed the game. The VOICE won 18–0.

1966
The 1966 interhall tackle football season began on October 23 with twelve teams.

Interhall championship
The 1966 interhall football championship game was played between Keenan Hall and the Lyons-Morrissey team. Keenan entered as the Division I champion and compiled a 3–0 record, while the Lyons-Morrissey team won Division III, defeated Cavanaugh in the semi-finals, and held a 4–0 record.

The 1966 championship was the third consecutively to go unmentioned in all Notre Dame publications during the season. However, the Dome yearbook for the following schoolyear mentions Lyons as the defending interhall champion, which assumes they were the victors against Keenan.

Anecdotal testimony by Lawrence Kazmerski of the Lyons team provided the 19–6 score and the site of the game.

Alumni Hall
Alumni hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as a part of the Alumni-Carroll team and compiled a 0–1–1? record.

Breen-Phillips Hall
Breen-Phillips hall competed in Division I of the interhall league and compiled a 2–1 record.

Carroll Hall
Carroll hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Alumni-Carroll team and compiled a 0–1–1? record.

Cavanaugh Hall
Cavanaugh hall competed in Division II of the interhall league and compiled a 3–1 record. They were coached by Mike Giannone.

Dillon Hall
Dillon hall competed in Division II of the interhall league and compiled a 1–2 record.

Howard Hall
Howard hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Howard-St. Edward's team and compiled a 0–1–1? record.

Farley Hall
Farley hall competed in Division I of the interhall league and compiled a 0–3 record.

Keenan Hall
Keenan hall competed in Division I of the interhall league and compiled a 3–0? record.

Lyons Hall
Lyons hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Lyons-Morrissey team and compiled a 4–0? record.

Morrissey Hall
Morrissey hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Lyons-Morrissey team and compiled a 4–0? record. Larry-Kazmerski was a co-captain.

Off-Campus team
The Off-Campus team competed in Division II of the interhall league and compiled a 2–1 record. They were coached by Ed Hooper.

Pangborn Hall
Pangborn hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Pangborn-Sorin team and compiled a 0–1–2 record.

Sorin Hall
Sorin hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Pangborn-Sorin team and compiled a 0–1–2 record.

Stanford Hall
Stanford hall competed in Division I of the interhall league and compiled a 1–2 record.

St. Edward's Hall
St. Edward's hall competed in Division III of the interhall league as part of the Howard-St. Edward's team and compiled a 0–1–1? record.

Zahm Hall
Zahm hall competed in Division II of the interhall league and compiled a 0–3 record.

Touch football
A touch football league for the Sophomores and one for the Seniors existed in some capacity during the 1966 season.

Freshmen team
The Notre Dame Freshmen team played a game against another opponent for the first time in decades (to my knowledge). I should research them further. They were coached by Wally Moore.

1967
The 1967 interhall tackle football season was overseen by Dominic Napolitano and began on October 22 with fourteen teams. The season was initially composed of two divisions, but after bad weather postponed every game in week one, the league was divided into three so as to finish before the November 19 end date.

Interhall championship
The 1967 interhall football championship game was played on December 2 between Keenan and Stanford halls. Keenan entered as the Division I champion with at least a 4–0 record, while Sorin won Division II and held a 3–0–1 record. Keenan defeated Division III champion Zahm to grant them a position in the title game.

Sorin defeated Keen 14–0 for their first outright championship since 1914, a record fifty-three years! The Sorinites were green jerseys as Rocky Bleier oversaw the team. A marching band performed acted as half-time entertainment on a foggy and overcast day. Bill "Wheels" Kenealy initiated Sorin's scoring in the first quarter with a 60-yard jaunt to the endzone after a pass from Tim Sweeney. Sorin kept up their barrage of interceptions and scored again in the fourth quarter to seal their victory.

Sorin Hall
Sorin hall was captained by Dave Paul, and coached by Rocky Bleier.

Freshmen team
The Big Ten Conference voted to permit intercollegiate football games for their respective freshmen teams for the first time in decades. Athletic Administrator Edward "Moose" Krause claimed it was the first non-varsity football game at Notre Dame in more than fifteen years. The frosh were coached by Wally Moore.

1968
The 1968 interhall tackle football season was overseen by Dominic "Nappy" Napolitano and began at 1:00 p.m. on October 6 with sixteen teams. Approximately 650 students partipated in the tackle league, up from 434 the year before, and the touch league rose from 353 to 500 members.

Interhall championship
The 1968 interhall football championship game was played between Keenan Hall and the Off-Campus team. The game was set for Sunday, November 24, at 2:00 p.m. on the field behind the Athletic and Convocation Center. Keenan entered as the League III champion and with a 5–0–1 record, while Off-Campus won League II and held a 4–1–1 record. In the IFL playoffs, Keenan handily defeated Off-Campus, who then had to League I champion St. Edward's to earn their appearance in the title game. Keenan was unscored upon in six contests and had outscored their opponents by a total of 66 points.

Keenan defeated the Off-Campus team 6–0 in overtime to capture their first IFL championship since their establishment in 1957. It was the third championship to invoke an overtime and the eighth to be undecided at the end of regulation. The first four quarters were highlighted by stringent defenses as neither team made any serious scoring threats in the entire game. In fact, the closest either team got to either endzone was when Off-Campus blocked a punt and took it back to the 34-yard line. Overtime rules in 1967 stipulated that an extra twelve-minute period be given after the end of a title game, and if the teams were still tied, the rule of first downs would be invoked.

Keenan controlled the overtime period and quickly gained momentum. The Off-Campus team had the ball for just three plays in the entire quarter, and fumbled it away (their fourth of the day) to set of Keenan's final drive. Keenan safety Joe Simpson recovered the ball and took it down to the OC 12. Fullback Carl Rak ran the remaining twelve yards to snare Keenan's championship.

Freshmen team
The frosh of 1968 were coached by Wally Moore. They compiled a 2–0–1 record, bringing the total under Wally's tenure to 5–0–1.

1969
The 1969 interhall tackle football season began on October 12 with eighteen teams. A few major records and changes distinguished the 1969 season from prior years. A turnout of 700 individuals and twenty teams prompted the addition of a fourth division, finally establishing a distinctive quarterfinals. Another major change was the removal of kickoffs from interhall play due to injuries. Players would now start on their own 35-yard line after a score. Punts were still fair considered fair game.

Interhall championship
The 1969 interhall football championship game was played on November 23 between Grace-St. Edward's and the Off-Campus team in Notre Dame Stadium. Grace-St. Edward's entered as the League IV and Section B champion with a 4–0–1 record, while Off-Campus won League II, Section A, and held a 5–0 record. In the semi-finals, Off-Campus defeated League I champion Pangborn 8–0, while Grace-St. Edward's passed the League III champion Zahm 12–6. Off-Campus was slightky favored due to their superior record.

The 1969 title game was decided in sudden death overtime, as Grace-St. Edward's pulled away to win 12–6. Grace became the first hall to win the interhall championship in their inaugural season since Stanford in 1957, and St. Edward's broke their historic drought by winning the title after twenty-nine years and five appearances without a victory.

Grace-St. Edward's inaugurated the days scoring on their first set of downs with a "perfect pass" from GE quarterback Jim Griffin to receiver Mike Carmichael. On the next series, Off-Campus back John Drow beat his way down to the 29-yard line, but came up short on downs and the half ended with Grace-St. Edward's ahead 6–0. OC's game-tying drive began with an interception by Rich Bolini that he ran down to the 35-yard marker. Off-Campus quarterback Bill Hasbrook through a completion to veteran receiver Dan Valentino to reach the red zone for the first time, but the play came back after a holding penalty. Hasbrook would end up four inches short of the first down on the 14, allowing Grace-St. Edward's to briefly halt the drive. However, GE fumbled on the very next play, and after a few more short gains, Denny Kerrigan bounded over for the tie with only little time left in regulation. Off-Campus made two more interceptions through the remainder of the game but was unable to convert the opportunities into points. Regulation ended with a 6–6 tie.

Rules for overtime in 1969 stipulated that an additional six-minute quarter be added at the end of a tied championship, and if time ran out before the tie was broken, the rule of first downs woyuld be invoked. Off-Campus led 4–2 in first downs after the end of regulation. O-C won the coin flip and elected to receive. The drive stalled immediately and the ball was punted to the GE 24-yard line. Jim Griffin lined up a few plays later and drilled "Junior" Freeman, who managed to run sixty yards to seal the historic victory.

Freshmen team
The frosh of 1969 were coached by Mike Stock. They compiled a 1–2 record.

1970
The 1970 interhall tackle football season began on October 4 with twenty teams. Zahm dropped out of the league after the first week, becoming the first team to do so since

Interhall championship
The 1970 interhall football championship game was played at Notre Dame Stadium on November 22 between Dillon and Keenan halls. Dillon entered as the Division II and South Quad champion with a 4–0–2 record, while Keenan won Division IV, North Quad, and held a 4–0–2 record. Dillon rushed for over 100 yards, and passed for over 50 per game, along with forcing their opponents to an average of -5 rushing yards. A Dillon sportswriter credited their success to the implementation of the two-platoon system, in which the team was divided into a separate offensive and defensive unit with eleven men each. The extra men and specific tasks of the two units allowed for better communication and significantly less fatigue compared to teams with less available players.

Keenan's storybook season, fueled by the infamous Win One for the Glinner article written by J. W. Findling, ended anti-climatically as Dillon cruised to an 8–0 victory. Keenan didn't so much as threaten to score until late in the fourth quarter. With their eighth title, Dillon tied Corby Hall for the most undisputed championships in interhall history.

At the beginning of the game both teams were assigned to opposite tunnels, with Keenan running through the north end, while Dillon charged out of the eastern tunnel. Dillon's tally came in the second quarter after an interception by Bob Galgan sparked a 7-play, 55-yard drive, that ended with a touchdown by running back Steve Isling. The two-point conversion was a success as John Amatao connected with Dick Biro. Punts by Dillon punter Ski Webb were given due credit for holding Keenan in their own territory. He kicked four punts which averaged half the field, the longest flying seventy yards. Halftime entertainment was plentiful as the Keenan Band performed and Dillon students spelled out the letters of their team.

Win One for the Ginner
An article in Issue 51 of the Observer, written by J. W. Findling gave a rousing an unprecedented history of interhall football in Keenan Hall, from their first championship loss against Sorin in 1967 to the current season. (This is more of a mental note than anything so I remember to include this article in the Interhall Moments section of my website).

Another article on the exact same page complains about the rule of first downs after watching their undefeated and unscored upon team (Morrissey) lose 5F to 9F to Dillon, and advocated for its abolition. The writer was none other than Vince Meconi, a Morrissey hall resident who would become one of the two founders of Bookstore Basketball.

Another article was published next day after South Quad fans thought Dillon should get some attention too.

Zahm Hall
Although Zahm was unable to field a team through most of the season, the Zahmbies were able to play against a team from the Mundelein College of Chicago, which was reported as a "traditional rivalry" indicating the programs had met before.

The Media Bowl
The first annual "Media Bowl", a touch football competition that echoed the Ink Bowl of 1965, was played between the Observer and the WSND (We Serve Notre Dame/Wiznid) radio station. The game was played on windy and overcast November day. Mike Murphy of WSND caught an interception in the fourth quarter and returned it sixty yards for the only score of the game. It was reportedly (possibly as a joke) that the winners received an Old Oaken Little Brown Typewriter and the losers got a barrel full of sour apples.

Freshmen team
The frosh of 1970 were coached by Denny Murphy. They compiled a 1–2 record.

1971
The 1971 interhall tackle football season was overseen by Dominick Napolitano and began on October 3 with seventeen teams.

Interhall championship
The 1971 interhall football championship game was played at Cartier Field on November 21 between the Big Red of Dillon and the Morrissey Marauders. Dillon entered as the League I champion with a 4–1 record, while Morrissey won League II and held the only undefeated record in the league at 5–0. Both defenses were highly touted, with Morrissey's squad allowing just twelve points in the past two seasons, while Dillon was able to defeat Morrissey the previous year due to a strong defensive line which limited the Maulers to four fewer first downs in the controversial semi-final. Morrissey also had the help of coach Vince Meconi, who would gain fame for his role in establishing Bookstore Basketball.

Dillon repeated as interhall champions with a rousing 20–12 victory over the Marauders in special overtime on a snow-covered field. The bad conditions of the field were cited as the reason for a loss in production of Morrissey's Power I and triple-option oriented gameplay, generalled by Kirk Miller. Dillon's defense also held Morrissey to just 63 offensive yards, seven less than their average. The win gave the Big Red their tenth title since 1940, and secured their position as the most dominant team in modern interhall history. The 1971 title game was the first modern championship in which both squads scored at least ten points.

Morrissey quarterback Kirk Miller started scoring in the first quarter with a 13-play, 56-yard drive that included a fourth down completion to Fran Finnigan for twenty yards and a run-play by the quarterback himself to reach the endzone. Dillon tied the game after a fumble in the third quarter let Randy Stasik lead his team to the eight, allowing Eddy Carney to sneak over on fourth-and-one. Morrissey made one last attempt to break the stalemate in regulation with a drive that took up nineteen plays and forty-two yards but was marred by penalties. The fourth quarter ended with the score at 6–6.

A standard "fifth quarter" overtime, where teams continued to play on a specified number of extra minutes was carried out, but neither team gained any traction. In prior years, the notorious "rule of first downs" would be invoked to determine the champion, but a new system was implemented to remove the controversy of the old tie-breaker. Each team would be given the ball at their opponents ten-yard line, and had four plays to score. If neither team was able to break the tie in an eight down series, the process would be repeated until a champion was found.

Dillon was the first to go in the special period and was immediately aided by a pass-interference call on Jim Fister that gave them first-and-goal on the 1-yard line. Eddy Carney ran in for the touchdown, but Fister redeemed himself by intercepting the conversion attempt. Morrissey took three plays to score their tying touchdown, with quarterback Miller tallying his second on the day. The conversion by Pat Casey was stopped by a powerful Dillon defensive line. The first series ended with the two teams remaining tied at 12–12. The second series was scoreless as both defensives bolted down and held their own. Dillon kicked off the final series with Eddy Carney carrying the ball down to the two-yard line in two plays. The third play proved to be crucial as Big Red running-back Mike Harrington took the ball but fumbled into the endzone. His teammate Tim "Animal" Cunningham lunged on the rogue ball for the deciding tally. Bill Hoy completed the two-point conversion, dimming any chance of a Morrissey comeback. Joe Holzmer gained four yards on two plays and Pat Casey brought the Marauders as close as they would come with a four-yard sweep to set up 4th and goal on the two-yard line. On the last play, Miller shot the ball to split-end Tony Oppegard, but cornerback Marc Brammar blocked the attempt to cap Dillon's victory.

Season scoring leaders
After years of sporadic mentions, the Observer finally published a weekly ranking of the IFL's leadings scorers. The standings below are from the "Final Standings" conducted before the beginning of the playoffs on November 14. Fred Ruekert, a receiver for Flanner Hall, became the first season scoring leader.

Media Bowl
The second annual "Media Bowl", a touch football game between WSND radio station of South Bend and the Observer, was played on November 14 on the interhall field. The radio station team won 18–0. Numerous interhall football players participated including "Redman" Tyrrell, Fran Finnegan, and Joe Garagiola.

Freshmen team
The frosh of 1971 were coached by Denny Murphy. They compiled a 2–2 record.