Shelbyville Dragons Pull Off Amazing 'Miracle Minute' Victory

District 12-2, Division I, is called the 'District of Doom'. Garrison, San Augustine, Timpson, Shelbyville, and Joaquin are all good enough to make deep runs in the playoffs this year. Last year, Joaquin finished as the state runner-up. District play started Thursday night with the 5th-ranked Joaquin Rams traveling to Shelbyville to take on the 23rd-ranked Dragons. The Rams use an 'old-style' Slot-T offense that has averaged over 45 points per game, and with a 19-point lead with less than a minute to play, it appeared that Joaquin was about to start district play with a convincing win.

Shelbyville's 'Miracle Minute' Timeline

With 53 seconds to play in the game, Gavid McDonald threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Williams. The two-point conversion pass to Bryant Scarborough was successful, making the score 39-28.
The ensuing kickoff by Scarborough was a thing of beauty as it squibbed along the sidelines and was recovered by Hunter Harvey at the Joaquin 7-yard line.
On the next play, McDonald found Scarborough in the end zone for another touchdown. The try for two was intercepted and almost returned for 2 points for Joaquin. The clock was at 45 seconds.
An onside kick was recovered by Andy Johnson at the 50-yard line. Several plays later, Shelbyville faced 4th and 19 from their own 41. After several laterals, Joaquin recovered the ball at the Dragon 33, but a penalty gave Shelbyville a 1st down and time for just one more play.
With 4 ticks left on the clock. McDonald took the snap, rolled left, and let a fly a Hail Mary to Scarborough, who caught the ball at the 3-yard line. The senior was able to muscle his way into the end zone for the touchdown.
Final Score - Shelbyville 40, Joaquin 39.

Photos Used With Permission/Mickenzie Murry and Mick's Pics

Here's the link for the video of the game broadcast. Skip ahead to the 3-hour and 35-minute mark for the 'miracle minute'.

The Future Looks Bright For Shelbyville and Joaquin

This one stings for the Rams, but it's not a loss that will keep them out of the playoffs. I believe that both these teams will eventually make the postseason and make deep runs toward a state title. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see these two teams play again in the Regional Finals.

A special thanks to Mick's Pics for these amazing photos