Macalester parties in the end zone

As Macalester embarks on its new experiment in building competitive football, we bring you a weekly look inside the program from one of the 37 student-athletes in uniform.

By Adam Johnson 
(posted Sept. 30, 2002)

It's not everyday that a Division III football player gets the chance to invite a former NFL All-Pro to a party. On Saturday afternoon I couldn't let the chance slip away.

As I walked out on the field to stretch and punt some balls for pregame I ran into athletic director Irv Cross standing on the sidelines. He asked me what I thought of Colorado College's defense and I told him that if we could pick up their crazy blitzes, we'd have a chance to throw the ball against them.

He agreed, "We gotta get you in the end zone a couple times AJ." With this boost to my confidence I replied, "Hey Irv, I'm throwing a party in the end zone today and you're invited." He laughed and wished me luck.

The game started and it appeared as though it would be anything but a party. We opened the game trying to throw short patterns but when quarterback Adam Denny's pass flew 10 feet over my head on a 5-yard route, I knew something was wrong. Back in the huddle, his blood-soaked thumb was evidence that something obviously was. He had split it open on a defender's helmet and would need to get it cleaned up before the next series. Never one to miss a party, Denny didn't miss a play.

We were outplayed throughout the first half and appeared uninspired and unfocused-like Barry Manilow was providing the tunes. Trailing 7-6 going into the locker room Coach Czech had seen enough of our lackadaisical play. He laid into us at the half with a rant you won't hear on Minnesota Public Radio anytime soon.

As a member of the only other Macalester football team to play Colorado College back in the '80s, he came into Saturday's game with a 1-0 record against them. He wasn't about to let us tarnish that record.

We came out in the second half and couldn't produce anything through the third quarter. For the second week in a row we started the fourth quarter trailing by five points or more. After last week's 12-point come-from-behind victory, we knew we were well within reach. We just didn't know if it would be the offense or the defense that would step up.

If there's been one downside to our season so far it's been the inability to feed off the other side of the ball. When the defense gets an interception or recovers a fumble, we seem to come on the field and go three-and-out or give it right back. When we put together a long drive and score, the defense seems to let the other team back in the game by giving up a huge play.

In Saturday's fourth quarter, the offense and defense came together and in the span of 18 seconds took over the game. With steady rain falling and six minutes to play we were looking to punch it in from the Tigers 1-yard line.

After being denied on three straight running plays we found ourselves stuck with a fourth and goal from the 3. It was like a house full of partygoers and a broken stereo — you find a way to play music or everyone leaves.

The quick pass pattern that was called got botched and it became a mad scramble. As quarterback Adam Denny rolled out right, I just looked for some open space in the end zone. He spotted me deep in the end zone under the goal post with a rainbow pass just out of the defender's reach. We found a way to play music. As my teammates rushed to the end zone and the fans went nuts, it was obvious that the party I invited Irv to had just started.

After completing the two-point conversion we were up 17-14 with five minutes to play. Eighteen seconds later, Gray Herzberg jumped a quick curl route by the Colorado College receiver and returned it 18 yards to the end zone. His "Deion" dance steps towards the end zone were rewarded with a 15-yard penalty but it left no doubt that we were now in control.

In just 18 seconds we had put 15 points on the board and turned a five-point deficit into a comfortable ten-point cushion. Our defense closed out the game strong by accepting every present the Tigers' quarterback threw at them, intercepting his last three passes.

For the first time all season the defense and offense fed off each other and won the game together. Defensive lineman congratulated receivers and running backs congratulated cornerbacks as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Both sides of the ball did their part to secure the victory and increase the outscoring of our opponents to 50-6 in the fourth quarter of our four games.

The sweet sound of the victory bell rang through the wet, cold air. Our fans cheered wildly from under their umbrellas and raincoats. As I walked to the locker room after the game I spotted Irv Cross talking to a fan. "How'd you like the party," I asked him as I walked by. "Way to go, AJ," he said with a huge smile, "way to go."

When you mix a crowd full of cheering fans, players giving their all, a little rain, some great plays, a lot of heart and a victory, it makes for a great party-just ask Irv Cross.

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