MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – The ball, which had been launched deep down the middle of the field, bounced up in the air after hitting a mishmosh of outstretched hands and arms before rebounding into the arms of the intended target who fell backward onto the ground and somehow held on. Touchdown.
Those scattered in the stands watching the 7-on-7 game at Mira Costa High School made the same sound at once – “OOOHHHHHH” – as they witnessed arguably the best play of Saturday’s action. Others who’d finished playing on the field behind the school and were walking back to the main field started screaming with glee.