49er Defense Whips Rams, 13‑9
San Francisco, Oct. 2 — Two of pro football’s most celebrated offenses shared only one touchdown between them yesterday, and that was enough for the San Francisco 49ers.
Before 53,633 fans at Kezar Stadium, the 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13‑9 in a bruising defensive duel that left both sides battered but satisfied.
The 49ers struck first in the second quarter after a scoreless opening period. Quarterback Y. A. Tittle rolled out and fired a 42‑yard “alley‑oop” pass to R. C. Owens, who soared above defender Charlie Britt to make the catch and tumble to the turf. Hugh McElhenny followed with a four‑yard plunge for the touchdown, and Tommy Davis converted for a 7‑0 lead.
The Rams answered with a 21‑yard field goal by Danny Villanueva after Leo Nomellini and George Strugar stopped Ollie Matson on fourth down. Villanueva’s kick made it 3‑0 before the 49ers’ scoring drive.
In the third quarter, Eddie Dove intercepted Del Shofner’s pass and returned it to the 49er 47. Tittle slipped once and was dragged down by Lamar Lundy for a loss, but Davis booted a 27‑yard field goal to extend the lead to 10‑3.
Early in the fourth, Les Richter’s high snap sailed over Del Shofner’s head, and Clancy Osborne pounced for a 15‑yard loss. The 49ers took over, and Davis added another 14‑yard field goal for 13‑3. The Rams rallied late. Lou Michaels kicked a 50‑yard field goal, and after Art Jobko intercepted Tittle, Michaels added another from 36 yards to close the gap to 13‑9. But the 49er defense — anchored by Nomellini, Osborne, Krueger, and Henke — rose up to smother Billy Wade and Matson in the closing minutes.
Tittle completed 12 of 17 passes for 97 yards, while Wade was 10 for 20 for 97. Owens caught three passes for 74 yards, and McElhenny filled in at defensive halfback for the injured Dave Baker, earning the game ball for his relentless pursuit.
The final score — two 49er field goals and one Rams touchdown — was a testament to defense. Coach Red Hickey called it “a juicy victory,” sending the 49ers on their first road trip with a 1‑1 record and a promise: “We won’t finish fifth in our league.”
Courtesy of The San Francisco Chronicle October 3, 1960 via Newspapers.com