On a cool, sun-splashed afternoon when USD honored its 18 seniors, it was only apropos that a senior would pull off the biggest play of the game.
With five seconds remaining and Morehead State desperately rallying for a tying score, the Eagles’ DeVonte Adams appeared to grab a touchdown pass along the sideline midway through the end zone.
But Isaac Haney wrestled the ball away while tumbling to the ground, then sprinted off the field with the football, preserving a 10-3 win in front of 1,763 at Torero Stadium on Saturday.
The play was stunning, and to Morehead State, controversial. Adams got up and lofted both arms skyward, signaling touchdown.
Morehead State head coach Rob Tenyer vehemently argued with two officials near the goal line. Morehead State’s visiting fans began chanting, “Bull (expletive),” followed by “Refs you suck!” One fan threw food at a USD player as the Toreros exited the field.
This much was undeniable: Haney pulled off an incredible pick and sales job.
The play started at the USD 12. As the ball was arching down toward Adams, Haney was chasing the receiver with his back to the ball. As Adams put up his hands to make the catch, Haney, still with his back to the play, extended his arms.
“As soon as I saw the ball into my own view, my (left) hand felt the tip of the ball,” said Haney. “After I grabbed it with one hand, I grabbed with the other and just pulled.”
Then the acting took over.
“The biggest thing was selling it,” said Haney. “Once I knew I ripped it out of his hands I was afraid of the ref not getting a good view and think the offense had it. So I got up and sold it, the best acting job you could. I just lifted the ball and started running.”
The play capped a dominating performance by the defense. Morehead State (5-4, 4-2 Pioneer Football League) came in averaging 33.8 points and 432 yards. USD limited the visitors to a field goal and 270 yards.
The defensive effort was highlighted by two goal-line stands. One in the first half started at the USD 1. The Eagles lost three yards on first down, then three threw incomplete passes in the end zone.
The second stand, this one in the third quarter with USD leading 10-3, started on the USD 4. The Eagles lost four yards on first down, threw two incomplete passes then had a 25-yard field goal attempt blocked.
“Those are game-changers,” said head coach Dale Lindsey. “You don’t get anything, that’s heartbreaking and gives the other team a lift.”
The win was significant for multiple reasons. USD started the season 0-4, the first three losses to scholarship programs.
“We could have tanked at any time but didn’t,” said Lindsey.
Instead, the Toreros won their sixth straight (6-4, 6-1 PFL), assuring the program an 11th straight winning season.
“I knew we had it in the bag all the way,” joked Lindsey. “Never a doubt.”
Norcross is a freelance writer.
Up next
Toreros at Stetson
Saturday: 10 a.m., Spec Martin Stadium, Deland, Fla.
Streaming: USDtoreros.com
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November 07, 2021 at 11:54PM
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Toreros run off with ball, game in frantic finish - The San Diego Union-Tribune
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