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

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- 10:47:25 PM, .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 .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 .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


Frame 7 – 10:47:26 PM


Frame 8 – 10:47:26 PM


Frame 9 – 10:47:26 PM


Had I been shooting the 10 frames per second Canon 1DMIII instead of the 6 frame per second camera that I was shooting 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

Wow, that's close! At full speed, this play usually gets called based upon where the ball ends up - touchdown in this case, with the ball across and then touching the goal line. But of course, where is the ball when the knee is down? You couldn't even catch it with a fast camera - - I just don't think the human brain can handle it at full speed - - replay would be the only way. I feel for Midway - - that's a tough way to lose - - but congratulations Longview.

Time to move on.

It's Good!!!!!

I have no dog in this, not from either place. but from what I see it is without a doubt a score, all the ball has to do is touch the "front" edge of the goal line. The goal line is 4" wide and his hand and ball has went across the back edge. With the lundge he made in the photo prior to the goal line shot, he was fully extended and probably hit the ground in this full extention.

I think it would be a harder argument proving he didn't score than did. It pretty much looks more like a "fact" that he did score, than an "opinion" that he didn't.

I saw it live and in person. I was on the Goalline and it was on the sideline and it was a definite score. I have no dog in the fight, but it would be hard to admit it if I was a Midway fan. The ref on Midway's sideline did not hesitate and called it a touchdown right away. He had the best view and made the right call. Just how I see it.

Touchdown or no touchdown, that is some outstanding photography.

Looks good to me.

Nice pictures and sounds like it was a good game.

I say its a score, and one heck of a block, that #19 put out..except for the hold..

As a coach at Midway, it was a tough call. However, its time to move on and our kids have done that. Its been a good teachable moment. I'm proud of our kids and how they have handled it all. Life's not always fair and this is a good lesson. Our kids will succeed in life and this will only make them stronger. Longview, just like us, played a great game and I wish them luck this week in their game against Guyer. They have a heck of a team.

Great focus.

I like the camera. I have season tickets to the cowboys but only get a few nice pictures a game. I ahave point and shoot kodak. What camare do you use? I was looking at Best buy and Circuit city store closings but i have no idea. They wanted to sell me a Cannon for 1200 and then a $800 lense. Is that what it cost to take great pictures like that?

Cool shots what a game that must have been.

Sorry Rbadley. Midway got screwed on that one.

rbadley, what a classy post. I am proud of you and your team. They did respond well after the game and that is a tribute to you and the other coaches leading by example. As a coach I am proud to have men like y'all in the business. May God Bless you and your team. JJ

Great photos!!!! Looks like a score to me!!!!!

Based on the pics I think the runner made it. But as kingdad101 pointed out, it sure looks like Longview was
holding-and right in front of an official. What does the rulebook say about holding? Can anyone cite a section?

TD all the way, but yes for us it was a easy call to EVERY FAN that saw it not so easy, I'm sure the QB got up fast, and made it tough on the fans.

Great job to the official catching all of that though.

way to much money for the crud best buy and circut city will sell you. look online, e-bay, camera shops. do research, i'll suggest for a starter camera a canon rebel xsi or the cheaper xti, 600$. add an extra zoom lens for maybe 200 bucks. also take a look at the nikons, they have some great starter cameras around the same.

great pictures, great story, great game, 1.5seconds of pictures of a guy sticking another guy being called a hold, i cannot comment, cause it could have been longer, or shorter. good job to all the HS teams, my team lost in the semis in austin, sad sad.

My team is still in it - Go Allen Eagles!

Tough that it had to end that way after working so hard this season.