Sometimes a big play needs a little help along the way. And sometimes a botched play ends up being the best thing that could happen to a team in need of a spark. That was certainly the case with Gilbert (Ariz.) Perry High on Friday, as the video below powerfully attests.
In the midst of a tough loss against Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral, one of the state's top teams, Perry called for a flea flicker, the kind of trick play that will usually throw an opposing defense off its footing. Unfortunately for Perry, like a number of the team's other calls during the course of the game, the Chaparral defense read the play perfectly.
As a result, Perry quarterback Taylor Parson, lined up as a wide receiver, found himself scrambling wildly in the backfield, looking for somewhere to throw the ball to avoid a crushing sack. He did so, and heaved the ball down the field in the general vicinity to wide receiver Brad Nightengale.
In fairness, Nightengale had no right to pull in the catch. Yet somehow he did, with the aid of a Chaparral defensive back who made a valiant attempt at an interception, only to tip the ball right into Nightengale's hands in the process.
From there the wide receiver was off to the races, streaking down the sideline for the lone touchdown -- and lone bright spot -- of a season-ending 45-7 loss in the Division II state playoffs.
While Perry fans might have hoped for more highlights, they can head into the offseason knowing that the one that they did see was about as bright — and unique -- as any could hope for.
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