Earlier this month, Mater Dei Prep (NJ) won a state title by using a trick play with just 3 seconds left on the clock to beat Holy Spirit 26-20.
With the score knotted up at 20, Mater Dei had the ball around midfield when they dialed up a hook and ladder that worked to absolute perfection. The video of that special moment came to my attention earlier today.
It's a play that has since been dubbed The Mater Dei Miracle, and it secured the first ever state title for the Mater Dei Prep program. The old hook-and-ladder was something that they practiced every week for situations just like the one they faced in that state title game.
Notice the slight move inside after the receiver caught the ball, the defenders collapsed just enough to give the pitch man enough room to outrun guys to the end zone.
THE MATER DEI MIRACLE! Pearson to Devaney then to Lewis on the hook and lateral for a 50 yard TD with 3 secs left for a 26-20 lead. pic.twitter.com/PzZH6rR2rh
— Scott Stump (@Scott_Stump) December 3, 2016
Kyle Devaney & Eddie Lewis said Mater Dei practices that hook-and-lateral play every week and they nailed it at the biggest time of the year
— Scott Stump (@Scott_Stump) December 3, 2016
" target="_blank">Scott Stump, a reporter with the Today Show, and contributor with NBC News and Shore Sports Net, provided the video of the special moment.
With the game on the line, the coaching staff dialed up a play the players on the field were confident in, and had
Kyle Devaney & Eddie Lewis said Mater Dei practices that hook-and-lateral play every week and they nailed it at the biggest time of the year
— Scott Stump (@Scott_Stump) December 3, 2016
" target="_blank">apparently practiced every week, and it was just crazy enough to actually work, and then they executed it to perfection for the biggest win in school history. Love seeing that.