Caldwell scores on final play to fuel SouthSOUTH 17, NORTH 16
editor1 |Jan 26,2008
|
|
|
MOBILE, Alabama (Ticker) -- In his first official act as the
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, Mike Martz didn't
have a problem maintaining his reputation as an innovative
play-caller.
Calling the plays for the South, Martz signalled for an
end-around on the final play of the game from Andre Caldwell,
who ran in from two yards out to power the South to a thrilling
17-16 victory over the North in the 59th Senior Bowl on
Saturday.
Martz, fired after two seasons as the Detroit Lions' offensive
coordinator, accepted the Niners' offer to run their offense on
January 8. Known predominantly as an unpredictable risk-taker
who favors the pass, Martz turned to the ground game to secure a
win for the South.
On 4th-and-goal with four seconds remaining and the South
trailing, 16-10, Caldwell (Florida) came across the left side of
the formation and took a handoff from Erik Ainge (Tennessee)
around the right side, beating a pair of North defenders to the
end zone for the game-tying score.
Brandon Coutu (Georgia) converted the extra point, sending the
South into a joyous on-field celebration.
The South, which had trailed all game, began the game-winning
drive after North coach Lane Kiffin (Oakland Raiders) opted to
go for a 4th-and-1 from the South 14. However, Justin Forsett
(California) was stopped short, allowing the South one last
opportunity to capture its first lead.
With 2:48 remaining, Ainge marched the South down to the North 2
over the next two-plus minutes, setting up a 1st-and-goal with
15 seconds left in the contest.
Ainge, who finished 13-of-21 for 160 yards, misfired on the
first three passes, leaving the South one last scoring
opportunity and Martz the chance to create his creativity.
Matt Forte (Tulane) had an impressive game, registering 88 total
yards, including a 13-yard reception on the final drive that
led to the South's four chances from the two-yard-line.
Chad Henne (Michigan) finished 5-of-9 for 64 yards and two
touchdowns for the North.
|
|
Print
E-mail
Del.icio.us
Digg
