“I always said I was a dual-threat,” Dyson said. “I always think I’m Lamar Jackson, so I just do what I can, and I always just put trust in my coach, and I know he knows what he’s doing.”
Dyson had been familiar with the play call for only a few days before the Captains (3-3) executed it to perfection. Loudoun County Coach Matt Reidenbaugh integrated the play into the offense Monday after watching film of running back Darren McFadden tossing a touchdown for the Oakland Raiders against the Denver Broncos in an NFL game in 2012.
With Dyson playing the role of McFadden, the Captains tried out the play three times during practice. Each time, Reidenbaugh said, Dyson threw a perfect pass.
“What’s up, QB1?” Reidenbaugh joked to Dyson as the pair ran off the field following the win.
As effortless as the play looked, Dyson said he felt a bundle of nerves when the pitch hit his gloves. He let the pass go and recoiled, thinking he underthrew the ball. Relief came when Clarey made the crucial catch.
“I was thinking all the words, and then he caught it, and I was filled up with excitement,” Dyson said. “I can’t even put it into words.”
Minutes later, Dyson could rejoice completely with his teammates. The Captains surrendered the ball back to the Rams on their ensuing offensive possession but put the game away after a last-gasp Riverside toss toward the end zone fell harmlessly to the ground.
With Dyson playing the unlikely hero, the Captains sprinted toward the sideline and celebrated with a large homecoming crowd. Dyson and the Captains have plenty of season left as they will attempt to make a playoff run, but Friday gave him a memorable moment.
“Great catch, great play, great play call — and it was just a great team win today,” Dyson said.