The behind-the-back flag football Hail Mary already has a challenger for objectively unimportant but amazing football play of the year.
To set the scene, here’s Cameron Smith at Prep Rally:
The action unfolded in Washington State, where Tumwater High was facing off against highly-ranked Olympia (Wash.) Capital High. In a tight game, Tumwater quarterback Jayden Croft connected with tight end Jamie Bryant on a 4-yard touchdown grab with just under 3:00 remaining. The grab brought Tumwater within two-points at 21-19, setting up a two-point conversion to tie the game or, in all likelihood, seal a loss.
This is the play they called: Croft would turn around and throw the football over his head like he’s throwing a bouquet at a wedding and hope 6-foot-5 Bryant could just jump and grab it before anybody else. It’s the gutsiest, most insane-to-call-with-the-game-on-the-line play I’ve seen in years, at least since that time the Dolphins called “let Leon Lett f**k up” back in 1993. It was real play, it worked, and Tumwater tied the game. After a double overtime, possibly featuring a play where Croft pretended to take off somebody’s garter only to throw a touchdown pass, Tumwater outlasted Capital for a 35-28 win.
I’m definitely giving this one and the flag football pass a try during my next pick-up football game. Fun fact: I will also try those shots the next time I’m playing basketball.
