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'Minneapolis Miracle 2.0' named USA TODAY HSSA December Play of the Month

usa today
·3 min read

A high school play being dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle 2.0" has been selected as the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards Play of the Month for December.

During the 2022 Prep Bowl, hosted at the Minnesota Vikings' U.S. Bank Stadium, the New London-Spicer High School football team left undefeated Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton stunned on the final play of the MSHSL Class 3A state game.

The New London-Spicer High School football team celebrates after it won the state Class 3A championship on the final play of the game. The play that included a Hail Mary pass and a perfectly-timed lateral is being dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle 2.0."
The New London-Spicer High School football team celebrates after it won the state Class 3A championship on the final play of the game. The play that included a Hail Mary pass and a perfectly-timed lateral is being dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle 2.0."

The play starts with sophomore quarterback Blake Shultz, who sets his feet at his own 44-yard line and heaves the ball 38 yards in the air to Grant Paffrath, who makes a great catch in traffic.

Paffrath then makes an incredibly instinctive play — pitching the ball to teammate Brycen Christensen as the defender tries to drag him down.

New London-Spicer High School's Grant Paffrath (12) pitches the ball to teammate Brycen Christensen (81) on the final play of the Minnesota Class 3A football state game. Christensen scored the game-winning touchdown on the play.
New London-Spicer High School's Grant Paffrath (12) pitches the ball to teammate Brycen Christensen (81) on the final play of the Minnesota Class 3A football state game. Christensen scored the game-winning touchdown on the play.

Christensen has nothing but green grass in front of him for the game-winning touchdown and a 27-26 win for the state.

Check out the full highlight here:

The play instantly made rounds on social media. New London-Spicer got a shoutout from Minnesota Vikings legend Randy Moss. Vikings fans were toasting to the original "Minneapolis Miracle," when then-Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs hauled in a pass from Case Keenum near the home sideline before sprinting into the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown and a 29-24 win over New Orleans in the Divisional Round of the 2017-18 NFL playoffs.

Now, the "Minneapolis Miracle 2.0" — along with the Play of the Month winners for August, September, October and November — is a nominee for 2022-23 national Play of the Year!

The USA TODAY High School Sports Awards is the largest high school sports recognition program in the country, honoring athletes from all 50 states. Top student-athletes in over 30 sports will be announced in teams of 24 nominees throughout this 2022-23 academic year, culminating with national player of the year announcements in each sport during this summer's big event.

Play of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rising Star, Courage Award and Special Olympics Athlete of the Year will be among this year's many national premiere award categories. Visit the event website for updates leading up to this summer's on-demand event.

And in case you missed it, be sure to check out last year's show with hosts Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis!

Before you go ...

Send us your own national Play of the Month highlights for January

High School Play of the Month suggestions can be submitted to both roleary@usatventures.com and BFontana@usatventures.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY High School Sports Awards December Play of the Month