Not so fast: Defense shuts down ‘wrong ball’ play before it can begin

By Joe Frollo | Posted 10/2/2015

The wrong ball play was all the rage in 2010 with millions of views and a spot in the ESPN Top 10.

All for what is an illegal play.

Well, it turns out defensive players watch YouTube as well.

A Texas youth football team recently tried to pull off the illegal deception in which the quarterback takes an over-the-shoulder snap from the center and walks toward an official claiming either it’s the other team’s ball or the spot was wrong.

Once clear of defenders, the quarterback makes a break for the end zone.

This time, however, young linebacker Troy Hatton was having one of it.

SEE ALSO: Trick play flooding the internet is an illegal deception

Prepped by his father about the play, Hatton recognized it and met the quarterback with a solid tackle five yards behind the line of scrimmage.

The playshould have been blown dead as soon as officials recognized it. USA Football and National Federation of State High School Association rules prohibit plays that are designed to confuse the defense into believing a snap is not imminent. The penalty is unsportsmanlike conduct and a 15-yard spot foul.

“As adults, you are not only teaching kids the Xs and Os, but they also watch you every day,” USA Football rules editor and former Big Ten referee Bill LeMonnier said. “Plays and approaches like this are not the things we want emulated. Coaches should teach players how to do things right rather than glorifying these plays.”

Turns out young Troy had it taken care of.

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