Shock The World Week 4

This weeks Shock The World Tour brings us to Putnam City Stadium as we checked out PC North Panthers take on the undefeated Bombers of Midwest City. North was coming off a blowout victory over their neighborhood rival PC West and was looking to pull the upset of the season by beating Midwest City. (MWC) MWC is known for coming out slow and finishing strong in all of their games. This one wasn't any different. The game was evenly matched throughout the whole first quarter as both teams had a bit of trouble moving the ball. By the time the second quarter rolled around, both teams had had gained a little confidence. Everything from long touchdown bombs, to Emmitt Smith type runs, to amazing punt returns was seen during this game. I admit that THIS GAME was THE BEST High school football game that I had ever seen. They went down to the wire and I was there to "Shock The World" with them!

With 1:30 left in the 4th quarter, PC North had scored a go ahead touchdown to lead by 7. Midwest City had never had their backs to the wall this late in any game all season. Sure they were use to starting slow and playing from behind the first half, they were not accustomed to being beat this late in the game. Usually the halftime talk is good enough to put the fire into this team and they come out in the 3rd with a new sense of urgency and an A+ game plan. PC North was putting up a monster fight and they weren't trying to let this one slip through their fingers. The Quarterback from MWC led a John Elway styled 4th quarter comeback. EVerything from 10 yard dump passes, QB scrambles, to screen passes could be seen in this epic down field drive. Just when you thought MWC City would be stopped, the found a way to keep going. Penalties definitely hurt the North Panthers and were key in helping MWC get down the field. With a few seconds left the go in the game, the MWC QB zipped the ball to the back of the endzone to tie the game up and send it in to overtime... WOW!!!

In overtime, the Panthers received the ball first and decided to take the ball. They had drove the ball inside the 5 yard line but were faced with penalties. After a brilliant 3rd and long play, the Panthers were right there on the 1 yard line to go for the win. MWC find the power to stop them in their tracks on the 1 yard line. Now it was MWC's turn to "Shock The World". The first two plays were of positive gain but they were forced with a penalty that provided them with a third and long situation. They gained a few positive yards on 3rd down but were faced with a 4th down play that could win the game. I remember being on the sidelines and speaking with all of the photographers, tv cameramen, and media elites and they were all saying how they wanted the game to end. It was indeed a long game but it was exciting to me because most of the games that I have covered have been blowouts. The chill of October had been starting to fill the air and I was ready with my camera to my face trying to capture what could be the game winning touchdown.

Once the ball was snapped, the QB rolled out to his right and looked for the open man. After about 3 seconds, he found one of his favorite WR targets streaking across the back of the endzone. Without any hesitation, he tossed the ball to a wide open receiver and BAM!!! TOUCHDOWN BOMBERS!!!! The kids celebrated as if they had won the Superbowl or something but they had deserved it. Both teams played extremely hard and it was great to see a tactical yet entertaining game. Here are a few of my favorite images from the game. I learned a few new things while shooting this game. The hardest part about shooting sports is PATIENCE. No matter where you are on the field, you are always going to feel as if you are in the wrong spot. Well at least that is how I feel about 95% of the time. It is hard to just stay still and wait for the action to come to you... but it always will and you just have to be ready when it does. I can't even begin to tell you how many good shots I missed. I just had to pick my head up and just try to get the next good shot. I guess that is the story of life sometimes. "What you THINK is your shot may not be your shot... your shot or breakthrough will come in due time... just keep your faith." <--- You are free to quote that at church or on facebook. lol... Thanks for reading this edition of the Shock The World Tour.