Another imperfect match, but it was a fun one so I felt inclined to include it. It includes several popular (at the time) references to football's violence and danger. Via the Davidson College Magazine, Vol. 21 No. X (December 1904), pp. 124-125.

FOOT BALL ON MT. ARARAT

'Twas autumn on Mt. Ararat,
And all around the creatures sat.
It had been thirty days or more
Since they had left the ark with Noah;
And life was growing dull indeed;
'Twas plain that there was urgent need
Of something to enliven them.
The Lion cleared his throat "ahem!"

"Good friends and comrades," he began,
"I've hit upon a splendid plan--
'Twill make your countenances beam--
We'll organize a football team."
This speech was greeted with applause
That made the Lion lick his jaws;
And straightway everyone began
To carry out this glorious plan.

The day appointed for the game
Was perfect; everybody came
With colors of the side they backed.
The grand-stand very soon was packed.
They chose as umpire the Giraffe,
To use his long neck like a staff
And keep the line of scrimmage straight.
('Twas said that at this he was great.)

When they had tossed they took their stand;
The crowd then yelled to beat the band.
But Noah, who was referee,
Was green at this 'twas plain to see;
He looked about him--helpless man--
Blew his nose and the game began.
All words are lacking to portray
The scenes of that eventful day.

The Elephant received the kick
And brought the ball back down so quick,
It took the Baboon's breath away,
And some declare it cinched the day.
Then followed end runs, bucks and punts,
And many other brilliant stunts.
The Hippo held his center down;
The Bear was great at gaining ground.

Excitement waxed to fervent heat
The Lynx could scarcely keep his seat.
And even for a time forgot
(A thing most rare, I truly wot.)
To wink his ever ready eye
At ladies who were sitting, by.
The Porcupine, though, heeded not,
He looked serene, and said, "What rot!"

The first half ended in a tie.
The crowd’s excitement ran so high
That Noah was afraid to stay;
So, unobserved, he sneaked away.
When once again the play began,
Around a threat'ning rumor ran
That if they could not win by right,
The game must end in bloody fight.

Now, this ignoble fun to start,
Of course it was the Lion's part.
When making a superb end run,
He slugged the Monk a dirty one.
At this they all began to fight
And claw and wrangle, scratch and bite;
The spectators then left their place
And joined in the strife apace.

That night they gathered 'round the fire,
All spattered o'er with clay and mire.
They all declared the game that day
A grand success in every way,
They laughed and talked and stories spun,
Till worn and weary every one
Dropped off to sleep just where he sat,
And quiet reigned on Ararat.