Gridiron: High school team looks to NRL for inspiration

A high school gridiron team has looked to the NRL for inspiration after nearly pulling off a miracle play to win the game in the US.

The St. Pius X Panthers needed a moment of inspiration to overcome a three-point deficit against rivals Bishop Dunne in the final minutes of the TAPPS division one semi-final in Texas.

However, what ensued was more like a final tackle improvisation of the NRL grand final then a Hail Mary heave downfield in the Super Bowl.

The quarterback snapped the ball and threw to his wide receiver deep in his own half but from there, any distinguishable gridiron play broke down as the ball was chucked from one player to another in order to keep the play alive.

Some Panthers players even incorporated some rucking tactics from rugby – somehow squeezing the ball out to a waiting teammate after being tackled.

Despite going backwards for most of the play, the back and forth passing eventually lead to a broken field and the Panthers take full advantage, running the ball in for an end-to-end game-winning touchdown.

However, the Panthers’ jubilation was short-lived with the referees spotting an infringement and pulling the players back to try it all again.

But the Panthers couldn’t repeat the heroics and were beaten 21-18.