With its slim chance of success, it’s a play that no coach wants to ever have to rely on to win a game in football. However, with only seconds to go and down 24-21, the Hail Mary was the only chance for the Irving MacArthur Cardinals on Friday night. Nimitz was led by a huge game from running back Eric Williams, who rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns on the night.
Despite Williams’ big night, MacArthur got the ball at its own 34 yard line with just over a minute to go only down by three points. The Cardinals advanced it to the Nimitz 38 with just seconds remaining to set up the final, fateful play. Kylale Flye took the snap before pump-faking and escaping a couple of Nimitz defenders as he rolled to his right. Flye then launched a ball down the field towards his receiver Devion Daily. Daily managed to get behind the Nimitz defenders and jumped over his man to secure the catch for a game-winning 38-yard score, sparking wild celebrations for the Cardinals.
This victory is the first one in the Billy Skinner era at MacArthur and is one that the Cardinals will hope bodes well for them moving forward, starting this Thursday when they host Dallas Jesuit in a district showdown.
Daily’s game-winning Hail Mary catch (Courtesy of Hudl): http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXgQU