It wasn't simply that Shepard rushed for 311 yards, passed for 225 and accounted for six touchdowns (three rushing, three passing) in a wild 55-48 finish. It was the way he handled himself after the game.

"I've coached against a lot of great football players, " Welch said. "But if their attitude and sportsmanship did not equal their playing ability, I wouldn't give them the time of day. But that young man was a quality young man, a sportsman. He hurt because his team got beat but was gracious in congratulating our players and coaches. I just thought, 'This young man is special.' "