The 1947 Football Team
Episcopal’s 1947 varsity football team ended their season as state champions, with an impressive record of 9-0. The team outscored its opponents 322 points to 38, and its dominant defense had five shut-outs, including three in a row against Randolph-Macon Academy, Virginia Episcopal School, and Gonzaga College High School.
The first game of the season would be the team’s closest, culminating in a 14-13 victory led by two EHS Athletics Hall of Fame members. Tommy Birge ’48 (inducted in 1993) returned an interception for a touchdown, scored on a 13-yard run, and kicked both extra points, while Bailey Dixon ’49 (inducted in 2007) had three interceptions and several tackles.
The team ended its season with a decisive 41-13 win over Woodberry Forest School, led by two other Hall of Famers. Quarterback Rufus Barkley ’48 (inducted in 2000) threw for four touchdowns and 233 yards; Jack Dilweg ’49 (inducted in 1993), the team’s end, caught one of those touchdown passes.
Birge captained the team, and Miles Gregory ’48 was alternate captain. “Bus” Male served as the head coach, assisted by coaches Lee McLaughlin (inducted in 2005) and William Ravenel.
