I love small school college football.  As a proud D-III alum, there’s always been a bit of a romantic element for me about the type of clip you’ll see below.  In the video, Emory and Henry is leading UVa-Wise in the closing seconds 30-27 and punting the ball away.

(That’s the University of Virginia’s College at Wise to be more specific.  It has been reported several places that both schools are from D-III, but only Emory and Henry is from D-III.  UVa-Wise is from the Mid South Conference of the NAIA, which is a separate organization of smaller universities.  As a small college guy, these details are important!)

UVa-Wise defensive back Marcus Bratton fields the punt and immediately attempts his own replay of DeSean Jackson’s miraculous winning return against the Giants last year.  Bratton gets to the 40 yard line, stumbles, and then somehow accurately flings the ball underhanded to teammate Josh Wright in stride.  Wright then takes it to the house for the dramatic winning touchdown.  This play doesn’t have the number of laterals as Trinity’s incredible winning score against Millsaps from a couple years ago… but wow, this video below may be the single most amazing lateral I’ve ever seen!  

The best part about this clip is the appearances on ESPN and elsewhere that will be unforgettable for these kids.  From our perspective, the announcing is awesome.  The yelling and screaming is completely appropriate and it’s hilarious to hear the analyst take over the play by play midway through the score.  The first play by play guy is just left to chuckle at his broadcast partner going bonkers.  It’s the type of play every announcer dreams of, so why not live it up to the max and go Gus Johnson crazy!

Comments are closed.