What Is 1917 Boston College Eagles football

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1917 Boston College Eagles football team finished with a 5–2–1 record under head coach Charles Brickley, playing as an independent. They outscored opponents 112–53 during the season, with notable wins over Tufts and Maine.

Key Facts

The 1917 Boston College Eagles compiled a 5–2–1 overall record
Charles Brickley served as head coach in his first season
The team played as an independent with no conference affiliation
Boston College scored 112 points and allowed 53 points
Notable victories included wins over Tufts (13–0) and Maine (14–0)

Overview

The 1917 Boston College Eagles football team represented Boston College during the 1917 college football season. Competing as an independent, the team was led by head coach Charles Brickley, who was in his first year at the helm. Despite the challenges of World War I affecting college athletics, the Eagles fielded a competitive squad.

The season showcased resilience and emerging talent, with the Eagles playing a balanced schedule against regional opponents. Games were held at Alumni Field in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the team’s home ground at the time. Though not part of a formal conference, Boston College maintained a rigorous non-conference slate.

Record: The 1917 Boston College Eagles finished with a 5–2–1 overall record, demonstrating consistent performance across the season.
Head Coach:Charles Brickley, a former Harvard All-American, served as head coach in his inaugural season, bringing professional-level experience.
Scoring: The team scored 112 total points while allowing 53, indicating a strong offensive and defensive balance.
Home Field: Games were played at Alumni Field in Chestnut Hill, a modest venue that hosted BC football through the 1940s.
Independence: Boston College competed as an independent, not affiliated with any conference, a common status for northeastern schools at the time.

How It Works

Understanding the 1917 Boston College Eagles football season requires examining the structure of college football at the time, including scheduling, coaching, and team organization during wartime.

Season Structure:The 1917 season consisted of eight games, typical for the era, with no postseason or formal rankings influencing play.
Coaching Role:Charles Brickley not only coached but also contributed strategic play design, drawing from his Ivy League playing background.
Player Eligibility:Many college athletes faced draft pressures due to U.S. involvement in World War I, leading to roster instability across the nation.
Gameplay Rules:The 1917 rules included a 10-yard first down requirement and a slightly rounder football, affecting passing strategies.
Travel & Logistics:Teams traveled by train over short distances, limiting opponents to regional schools like Tufts, Maine, and Norwich.
Scoring System:Touchdowns were worth 5 points until 1918, so the Eagles’ 112 points reflected a mix of touchdowns, field goals, and safeties.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1917 Boston College Eagles compared to other northeastern independents of the same season:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
Boston College	5–2–1	112	53	Charles Brickley
Tufts	6–2–1	98	34	Harvey Clark
Maine	5–2–0	89	35	Donald Grant
Norwich	6–1–0	136	37	Walter Gordon
St. Lawrence	4–2–1	74	48	Walter Hamlin

The table highlights that Boston College’s performance was competitive within its peer group. While not the most dominant, the Eagles ranked in the middle tier of northeastern independents. Their defense allowed fewer points than most, and their win over Maine proved pivotal. The era emphasized regional rivalries and minimal national oversight, making comparisons informal but insightful.

Why It Matters

The 1917 season is a snapshot of college football during a transformative period in American history, reflecting both athletic and societal shifts.

Historical Context:World War I impacted college sports, with many players enlisting, making the continuation of seasons significant for morale.
Program Development:BC’s 1917 campaign helped establish football as a core part of campus culture, laying groundwork for future success.
Coaching Legacy:Charles Brickley’s tenure, though short, introduced modern tactics and elevated BC’s athletic profile.
Regional Identity:Independent status allowed BC to build rivalries with nearby schools, shaping its early football identity.
Statistical Record:Archived scores and standings from 1917 contribute to the official history tracked by the NCAA and sports historians.
Educational Value:Studying early teams like the 1917 Eagles provides insight into the evolution of college athletics and American society.

The 1917 Boston College Eagles may not have won a national title, but their season reflects perseverance, regional competition, and the enduring role of college sports during times of national crisis.