Last play of the game. Offense at the five going in and trailing by four points. Halfback goes off the end and is met at the half yard line by the linebacker. The collision jars the halfback and the linebacker falls to the ground. The halfback is staggered and is clearly in trouble, but is on the goal line, ball has not penetrated the plane. I waited until he staggered one more time, taking the ball across the line, I blew the whistle and then ran out, wrapped my arms around him and took the hit from the defensive back closing in. The player was out on his feet and I never saw his eyes until I closed in and grabbed him. Both coaches thanked me for keeping him from getting hit, but I really felt as if I had crossed that line just a little.
