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The Save-An-Eye All-Star Game — November 27, 1943

By 1943, the Save-An-Eye All-Star Football Game had become more than a charity contest — it was a Thanksgiving tradition, a community gathering point, and a symbol of continuity during World War II.

Played on Saturday, November 27, 1943, the fifth Save-An-Eye Game demonstrated how deeply rooted the event had become, even as players, coaches, and fans faced the realities of wartime America .

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A Dominant East Performance

After a scoreless first half, the East All-Stars erupted for a 25–0 victory, delivering one of the most decisive performances of the early Save-An-Eye era .

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Turning Point

East coach Lowell Drake made a bold and now-legendary decision: he deployed an offensive unit made up entirely of 11 players from his championship Academy team. The move paid off immediately and changed the momentum of the game.

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Scoring Highlights

• Third Quarter:
  Academy teammates Arthur “Deco” Schwindt and George Hausman connected on a 16-yard touchdown pass.

• Fourth Quarter Surge:

  • Paul Barone (Wesleyville) returned an interception 40 yards for a score

  • Vince Jaworek (Academy) added a rushing touchdown

  • The East closed out the game with another touchdown and extra point

Among the standout performers were Schwindt, Lou Truitt, Al Kline, Jaworek, Jim Coyne, Eugene Brown, Ray Baer, Carl Nemenz, and Jack Schreckengost, along with Barone, Roy Cline, and Art Amendola .

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The Coaches Behind the Game

Lowell C. Drake

East Head Coach | Academy High School

While detailed biographical records are limited, Lowell Drake’s influence on the Save-An-Eye Game is unmistakable. By 1943, he had become the event’s most prominent coaching figure — trusted to lead teams, innovate strategy, and represent the highest level of Erie County football.

His photograph from the 1943 program is one of the most important visual artifacts of the early Save-An-Eye years and deserves prominent placement on the site .

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Sam Kramer

West Head Coach | Strong Vincent

Kramer guided the West squad in 1943, continuing the tradition of respected county coaches leading all-star rosters during wartime .

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The Lion’s Tale: Why This Game Existed

One of the most meaningful pieces of the 1943 program is the “Lion’s Tale” letter, which explains the heart of the Save-An-Eye mission in plain, human terms.

The letter reminds readers that:

• The Lions Club’s “Save-An-Eye” work funded eye exams and glasses

• The need among schoolchildren continued even during wartime

• The game existed not for spectacle, but for service

This piece provides rare, first-person insight into why the game mattered — and still matters — today .

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1943 All-Star Rosters

United Across Erie County

Despite wartime constraints, the 1943 game again brought together athletes from across the region:

• East Team: Academy, North East, Harbor Creek, East, Wesleyville, Union City, Lawrence Park, Waterford

• West Team: Tech, Strong Vincent, Edinboro, Fairview, Millcreek, Albion, Girard, Cathedral Prep

(Complete official rosters preserved from the 1943 Save-An-Eye Game)

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Music, Community, and Pageantry

Newspaper coverage from 1943 highlights that seven school bands performed at the Save-An-Eye Game — reinforcing that this was not just a football contest, but a full community event during one of the most challenging periods in American history .