It only took a prayer, a miracle and 9.5 seconds to change the outcome of the football game last Friday night.
With a minute left, the Grens were down 33-26.
Time ticked on, and the boys had one last chance to turn it around. 9.5 seconds on the clock. A one in a million play happened as quarterback senior Adam O’Malley threw a 52 yard “Hail Mary” pass originally intended for junior wide receiver Alex Manahilov. The pass tipped off Manahilov’s hands into those of wide receiver/linebacker senior Michael Bishoff, resulting in a touchdown by Bishoff stretching his arm so that the ball could barely cross in the end zone.
With the score at 33-32 (Rolling Meadows), a field goal was the only thing standing in the way of a win.
Running back senior Travon Royal kicked the field goal too far to the left, but the tables were turned as the referees called a penalty on Rolling Meadows for having too many players on the field. With one last chance, coach Larry Calhoun decided to have the team run the ball in instead.
O’Malley handed the ball to wide receiver/cornerback senior John Pass and the Grens walked away with a win, 34-33.
“We knew that we had to have a prayer…and it was answered,” Pass said. “We got lucky.”
This play has gained nearly instantaneous recognition with over 35,000 views online. It was shown on WGN news, Fox News. Additionally, the clip was featured on the ESPN website. Professional NFL player Golden Tate even acknowledged the play on twitter.
Pass was the leading scorer of the game with two touchdowns. Manahilov, Bishoff and junior wide receiver/linebacker Matt Wary also scored, helping the Grens gain the win. Pass was also named the Johnson Insurance Player of the Game.
“When I’m running and hearing the fans and all of them cheering, it’s unbelievable,” Pass said. “And knowing that you just scored to put your team ahead – it’s a good feeling.”
Being the homecoming game, the players feel a larger amount of pressure to play well.
Not only does this game affect their record, but alumni, family members, and a large portion of the student body come to watch.
“Almost everyone in the school comes out to the game and if we lose, it just puts a damper on the whole entire weekend,” wide receiver/linebacker senior Mark Lahtinen said. “It’s a kick off to the weekend.”
With new coaches and a new nation behind them, the team also faces the battle of filling high expectations.
“It’s our last year and we want to go out strong and not let the all coaches down with what we have expectations for,” Pass said.
It has been a long time since the varsity football team has lost a homecoming game, and this year was no different. This team did not give up.
“No one wants to go out on a losing note,” Lahtinen said. “We always want to go out winning.”
By Codi Oehlerking