3. Plays of the Day:
It seemed the defense was going to deny all three quarterbacks their opportunity to give their team the lead. Situationally starting at their own 40-yard line, 1:40 left in the fourth quarter, trailing 24-20. Spencer Rattler drove the team down to the plus-30 after eight plays but clocked the ball with three seconds left and no Hail Mary’s were allowed. Shough’s drive ended unceremoniously with a sack by defensive end Chris Rumph II (his second of the day) and a fumble which he receovered. Then it was Jake Haener‘s turn. After a controversial non sack (described earlier) Haener completed a tough throw and better catch by Dante Pettis down to the 40. Eventually the ball would rest at the 13-yard line with two seconds left, setting up the thrilling conclusion. One play for the win for either side. Haener took the snap, avoided pressure, and rolled to his right. As he neared the sideline he threw one toward the back of the end zone where receiver Mason Tipton was coming across, guarded tightly by cornerback Rejzohn Wright. The throw fell incomplete, and the defense celebrated. Unfortunately for them, however, the side judge threw a pass interference flag on Wright, drawing the ire of the defense and setting the offense up at the 1-yard line for an untimed down to practice. Haener again rolled to his right, and in a beautiful timing pattern, found Tipton at the back right pylon of the end zone for the winning score, igniting an offensive celebration and total disgust from the defense. It was a fun way to end the day as the team heads to a day off Friday.