Kicker saves the day with game-winning chase down tackle

This play by St. Francis de Sales (OH) was two-yards short of being one of the greatest game-winning kick returns this season, but not on Cole Mericle's watch. Mericle, the kicker for Lima Senior (OH), pulls off a miracle tackle to end the ball game and secure the victory.

[alexh]

The player that first hugs the kicker, was actually running faster to go celebrate, than he was when trying to chase down the opponent

[youtubetv]

Kicker: "Do I have to do EVERYTHING around here?"

[codyryan]

Announcer: “This could go all the way!”
Kicker: And I took that personally.

[noahmcdaniel]

I’ve never felt so bad for someone not scoring a touchdown. That was awesomest play ever or the most heartbreaking play ever depending on who you’re rooting for.

[robynhowell]

In 20 yrs the ball carrier will be sitting in bar throwing back doubles,
"I had it man, I had the game winner. Then the kicker showed up."

[Ella-mewe]

Can we just take a moment to respect the guys who went over to his teammate and comforted him after.

[lambro]

The kicker literally won them the game two plays in a row. Savage

[dooeytee]

Don't forget, he said the kicker made the go ahead field goal to just put them up by 1.
GOAT 🐐

[princeforehead]

Image stumbling and getting tackled by the kicker on your way to the game winning kickoff return

[sparte]

SFS: scores 24 points and loses game at the one yard line

Seahawks: first time?

[jadenjackson]

i’m just glad the teammates for the guy that got tackled didn’t get mad at him or complain they just comforted him instead of bringing him down, that’s a brotherhood right there.

[hfr]

The team was literally too tired to celebrate, hard earned victory

[pumanation]

The kicker’s last name is “Miracle” go figure

[SamCooke]

Kicker: *I’m about to ruin this man’s whole career*

[syndicate]

If I was the dude running with the ball I prolly never play football in my life again

[iprincecharmbp]

And this is why the pursuit drill in practice is so important. He adjusted himself to be able to catch him and make that tackle..The dude was already running full speed so that kicker had to make a hell of an angle to catch him..

[onefatstratcat]

"I got chased down by a kicker'.. will be on his headstone

[EDG]

DK Metcalf said in an interview that this was his motivation when he chased down Budda Baker.

[shodanodor]

Rumor has it the returner is still laying on the field to this day.

[ontop]

I feel bad for the guy who got tackled, probably thought he let his team down but it was just the great effort from the kicker