Texas 4A Quarter Finals Controversy - Longview 43 Waco Midway 42

[Blue Moon]

The crowd at Texas Stadium witnessed an outstanding Quarter Final match up between Longview and Waco Midway. It was a hard fought battle that ended in a 35-35 tie as the gun sounded to end the fourth quarter sending the game into OT.

Midway scored a touchdown on their possession and added an extra point putting Longview in a must score position with the score 42-35 in favor of Midway. Tyler McCray scored for Longview putting the Lobos within 1 point for a tie or two points for the win.

Longview rolled the dice and went for all or nothing with an attempt at a 2 point conversion. Longview QB Aaron Johnson carried the ball on a quarterback draw that resulted in one of the most controversial wins in Texas high school playoff history.

Waco Midway fans likely wish instant replay was an option. Maybe I can help out in that regard as I shot the playoff games at Texas Stadium that weekend. For the final play I was positioned at the goal post with my Canon focused on the final seconds as they unfolded.

My camera shoots approximately 6 frames per second so this series captured the last 1.5 seconds of the game.

Frame 1: Time: 10:47:25 PM

Important points captured in frame 1 –

Longview QB Aaron Johnson has the ball and is running toward the goal line. Behind him and in the left frame you can see that Charles Kelly (41) Midway has his right hand on Johnson’s right leg (see the black, white and gray glove). The white and red gloved left hand appears to be from a second Midway player, (9) Shakiel Randolfthat. Pay attention to where everyone’s feet are in the image as it helps to show motion. The ref is starting to move backwards as the action comes his way.

The QB is clearly running in this frame pushing off with his right leg with left knee on the rise. The highly recruited QB is 6’ 1” and accounted for 22 points and has a nose for the goal line. Based on where his feet are he can just about fall forward at this point and reach the goal line so he has to be stopped for Midway to win the game.

Frame 2 – 10:47:25 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot

Longview’s QB’s left foot is now coming down and his hips turn toward the pull of Midway’s Kelly but the QB also starts to lean his shoulders toward the goal line. His forward foot is close to the 2 yard line.

The ref has moved half a step backwards with his heel in the air

Frame 3 – 10:47:25 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot



The QB’s right knee is coming up and his foot is clearly visible in the air indicating that he is still moving but Midway’s 41 is trying to secure that foot while Midway (9) has his hands around the QB’s left leg

The ref is still moving backwards with heel now planted

Frame 4- .17 second ahead of the last shot



Other Midway players start to close in on the QB while (41) and (9) attempt to secure his legs. The ref continues to move backwards. This is usually a clear sign that the momentum is still heading his way. Take a look at his feet as his left foot takes another step backwards.

This is the vital last split second where you have to decide if he makes it or not. The QB is clearly moving forward and at 6’1” all he had to do is get the ball to break the plane of the goal line before his knee is down. Notice the QB’s leg muscles are exploding in this frame as he goes for the goal line pushing off on Midway (41) and moving past Midway (9).

Frame 5 – 10:47:25 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot



While only 1/17 of a second has taken place from the last frame the QB is now fully extended with the ball clearly across the plane of the goal line. Most people would likely agree that the QB is also down at this point.

The following frames are only 1/17 second apart and show another Midway player Dustin Bumgner hit the QB a moment too late to help Midway. The QB’s other hand is still reaching forward to secure the ball right before the force of Bumgner hit rolls the QB from his side over on his back. The ball stays in the end zone and in control of the QB.

Frame 6 – 10:47:25 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot


Frame 7 – 10:47:26 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot


Frame 8 – 10:47:26 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot


Frame 9 – 10:47:26 PM, .17 second ahead of the last shot

Had I been shooting the 10 frames per second 1DMIII instead of the 6 frame per second 50D perhaps the last second would be a bit more conclusive. As it stands Midway can hang on to their belief that they should have won while Longview has no doubt that they won.

Geryl

[CaptainTom]

Super series.

Touchdown !!

[GUER03]

Great series but those dang refs always seem to do that. I have a bunch just like that but the ref's big fat butt seems to get in the way! Thanx for sharing.

[Blue Moon]

Thanks for the comments. Now I know why all you sport shooters love 10 frame per second bodies. When I shoot BIF since I compose for the first shot regarding wing position and eye focus. Nearly always my first shot of any burst is my wall hanger. For historic sports plays like this one it’s all about the sequence of events.

BTW, I shot most of the game for the first time with my 500 f/4 but shot these with a 70-200 f/2.8 since the action was only about 12 yards away.