After Dave Carruth booted a 41-yard field goal to give El Dorado a 23-21 lead in the third quarter, Magnolia’s offense began a retaliatory drive. The Panthers used nine plays to march to the Wildcats’ 33-yard line, where they lined up to go for it on fourth-and-5.
What followed was a rare pass attempt, but linebacker Javin Steward was ready. The junior blitzed through the line unblocked and threw forearms and a shoulder into the chest of the Panther quarterback, who was launched five yards into the air for a crunching sack that reverberated throughout the stadium.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, Magnolia would score the game-winning touchdown in the waning seconds Friday for a 27-23 win. But Steward’s hit left an impression on more than just the quarterback.
“Javin had a big play for us on a big down,” said El Dorado defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw. “We were playing a team that does not throw the ball very much. So, we told them all week, you have to play the run and you have to be patient, be patient, be patient. And whenever you get a certain key, we want you to trigger it and go make a play. He did that. He did exactly what we asked him to do and he made a big play for the defense.”
Magnolia’s QB, Tanner Nelson, bounced up after the play but, after a visceral reaction from the Panthers’ sideline, the referee dropped his flag.
“Whenever they threw the flag, we thought it was after because our guys were pumped. It was kind of an unusual flag. Typically, if you celebrate as a team and it’s not in a way of showing up your opponent, you’re showing excitement and energy, you’re not going to get a flag,” said Outlaw. “Our guys, rightfully so, were pumped and they were jumping on top of each other. I saw there was a flag and I was a little upset at first. I thought, there’s no way this is going to be an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. I started talking to the guy on the sideline. The guy on their sideline said it was targeting. I was like, there is no way it’s targeting. Sure enough, they waved it off.”
As big hits go, Outlaw said Steward’s tackle couldn’t get much cleaner.
“We went back and watched film (Friday) night on it. Clearly, his head, he did not lead with his head. He led with his hands. He took his head out of the play. His head did not make contact with the quarterback,” said Outlaw. “He did what our position coaches teach them to do. He turned his head and he used his shoulder and he used his body. It was a very safe and clean hit. I think it was more of a reaction from the referee of seeing a big hit. Well I guess I need to throw a flag here because, surely, that was a targeting foul. But it wasn’t.
“I was very proud of Javin for making the play. I was more proud of Javin for tackling the correct way and the safe way to protect himself and protect the quarterback on the other team.”
With rules designed to protect players, especially in the head area, hits like the one Steward made don’t happen on the gridiron as often. When they do occur, they can lift an entire team.
“I think it gives you some energy and gives you some life,” said Outlaw. “Not that I felt like our defense needed it. But anytime you get a big hit like that, it sparks you even more.”