Isaiah Gray knew he’d get some playtime against Western Heights on Friday night, but even he didn’t expect to etch his name in the MacArthur record books.
However, that’s exactly what the freshman quarterback did, taking his third rush of the game 99 yards for a touchdown in the Highlanders’ 55-13 thumping of the Jets at Cameron Stadium.
The run tied the school record for longest touchdown run, joining Rod Fisher atop the prestigious list. Fisher set the milestone against Chickasha in 1985.
Gray’s historic scramble came only a play after the defense stuffed Western Heights at the goal line on fourth down.
When Gray and the offense took over with 1:14 remaining in the game, the only thing on his mind was avoiding a safety. When he took the snap about 5 yards deep in the end zone, he immediately saw a gaping hole to his left and sprinted toward it.
Jets safety Carlos Lewis met him at the 5-yard line, but Gray was prepared and made a hard cut back to his right, causing Lewis to overshoot the freshman.
It was a foot race from there, but no one on the Western Heights defense had the necessary speed to catch Gray. He was gone.
It took him only 14 seconds to cover the distance.
“I’m feeling really good, and I was actually surprised,” Gray said. “I thank my linemen for blocking for me — I love them. I was scared, but at the same time I knew I had it. I saw the open gap, and I trusted my team.”
The 99-yarder helped Gray lead the team with 128 yards rushing on three carries, and he also completed a pass for a 30-yard gain to fellow freshman “Man-Man” Dallas.
Mac coach Brett Manning said Gray’s threat level isn’t exclusive to just his legs.
“He’s an athlete,” Manning said. “Racer (Felter) was really wanting to see him. He was asking me if Isaiah was going to play. He said he loves watching him, and he’s excited.
“He’s been in the last two weeks at points in the game where we weren’t really throwing the ball, but he can throw it, too. We’re excited about him, and he has a bright future.”
Felter, who completed 12 of 13 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns to go along with two rushing scores, said his excitement for Gray’s success stems from the bond the two made during the summer.
“I took him under my wing, and we talk a lot about the game and everything,” Felter said. “I want to see him on the field because he’s exciting. He’s a really fun kid.”
Felter and most of the starters played only one half thanks to the Highlanders’ 41-13 halftime lead, but he said he didn’t mind taking a backseat in the second half and letting the younger players like Gray get valuable game experience.
“It’s always great to see the freshman class and how good they are this year and how they’ll help us out next year,” Felter said.
Devin Bush, also a freshman, scored on a 5-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
Elsewhere, running back Nasir Kemper finished with 117 yards rushing and two touchdowns on only six carries. His scores came on runs of 44 and 54 yards.
Aeron Woodson led Mac in receiving yards with 84 on three receptions, and Michelle Artzberger followed up his three-touchdown performance last week with five catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns.
Mac (3-3, 2-1) outgained Western Heights, 505 yards to 225. The loss dropped the Jets to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in District 5A-1.
“We were worried about us and wanted to perform well, regardless of who we were playing,” Manning said. “I think we did that. Our goal was no turnovers, and we didn’t have any. I was happy with the way we went out and executed.”
Manning said he likes where his team is as the Highlanders now prepare for No. 5 Altus. The Bulldogs (6-0, 3-0) defeated Noble on Friday night, 34-7.
“We’re in the best spot we can possibly be, both mentally and emotionally,” Manning said. “I think our confidence is back, and we’re ready to go see what we can do in Altus.”
Although he isn’t sure what the rest of this season holds for the Highlanders, Gray is undoubtedly optimistic about the future of Mac football.
“I think we can win state,” Gray said.