Chip Mullen (right) scored a TD on his final play as a high school senior.
The Myrtle Beach Seahawks already garnered national attention in 2011 when it upset the Byrnes Rebels in double overtime earning them a spot in the USA Today National Top 25. But, it was an ultimate act of sportsmanship that earned Myrtle Beach even more time in the national spotlight.
The game was out of reach. The Myrtle Beach Seahawks were leading by 54 points. As the final seconds ticked off in their Class 3A first round football playoff game against Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach head coach Mickey Wilson decided to allow an opposing player to score a touchdown.
As time expired, Hilton Head's Chip Mullen, who has down syndrome, scored on a 75 yard run as time expired. The Myrtle Beach defensive players stood and watched Mullen race to the end zone. Following the score, both Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach players hugged and congratulated Mullen who is a senior. It was his final high school football game. Both Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head share the same nickname, Seahawks, and they teamed up to make the finish to Mullen's high school career memorable.
The Myrtle Beach Seahawks were featured on ESPN's SportsCenter with the #9 Top Play of the Weekend.
Myrtle Beach won the contest 64-16. The Seahawks advance to round two of the playoffs to face Airport High at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach.
