All Spanish Fork (Utah) High School quarterback Jason Money had to do was waste four seconds against Maple Mountain (Spanish Fork, Utah) High School and then either go down or throw the ball away to send his team to the state tournament.
However, the signal-caller apparently didn't know how the clock works in football.
With 3.7 seconds left in the Class 4A state play-in game, Spanish Fork held a 14-11 lead over Maple Mountain and was faced with a fourth down. Instead of punting, the Dons elected to try to waste time to end the game. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the call, but it didn't work out the way the coaches drew it up.
Money ran until he saw the clock hit zero, then gave up on the play. The only problem with that is that this wasn't basketball. Football plays don't stop once time runs out in a quarter; the ball has to be ruled dead. The Golden Eagles were able to strip Money and return the fumble for the game-winning touchdown.
That is why you play until you hear the whistle, kids.
One of Money's coaches has come to his defense on Facebook, saying that the loss is on the coaching staff.
via Facebook
via Facebook
After having lined up in victory formation just moments before, Spanish Fork's (6-6) season had suddenly come to an end. Maple Mountain (4-7) advanced to the first round of the state tournament.
[YouTube, KSL.com; h/t The Big Lead]