By HUNTER O. LYLE
lyleoleanstar@gmail.com
SALAMANCA, NY – Calling his own number, Salamanca quarterback Maddox Isaac snapped the ball and made a line for the sidelines. Bursting through the gaps, he plotted a path to the endzone. The only problem: one last Portville defender between him and the endzone.
Some quarterbacks would slide, avoiding any risk of unnecessary injury. Others would put their shoulders down and brace for impact, hoping to bash their way through. For Isaac, however, he refused to be slowed down, let alone stop. As he made his way to the Panthers’ 20-yard line, an impending collision just a moment away, Isaac lifted off, taking to the air to hurdle the defender. A few seconds later, he was celebrating in the endzone.
“A few plays earlier, I met that same guy in a hole and he kind of put his head straight down. At the time, I was thinking that if I would have just jumped I probably would have been gone,” said Isaac, who noted the last time he hurdled someone was during a Pee Wee practice. “A few plays later, I get another chance and sure enough, I try it out, just wing it.”
Needless to say, scoring in a Sectional Championship game is a memory worth savoring. Doing so while also creating a highlight reel worthy play is straight out of a day dream. To have that clip go viral and earn recognition from the National Football League is something else entire, yet somehow it’s Isaac’s reality.
On Thursday, Isaac was honored for his “outstanding performance during this football season, exemplifying what it means to play hard, play fast, and play safe” as described in a statement released by Salamanca City Central School District. Through the NFL Way To Play Award, powered by Gatorade in partnership with Hudl, Isaac and his fantastic highlight not only gained fame, but also a $3,000 grant for new equipment courtesy of the NFL Foundation and USA Football.
“This award not only rewards proper playing technique but also highlights leadership and commitment at every level of the game,” states the release.
For a team that is heading to the State Championship in just a few days, it’s hard for Isaac to break focus and get lost in the moment. However, the significance of it isn’t lost on him.
“I appreciate everything,” said Isaac. “I appreciate the experience and everyone who helped me get to where I am.”
