A Kickoff Return

A KICKOFF RETURN for touchdown to start the half gives a team a tremendous boost. In 1989, Notre Dame’s Raghib “Rocket” Ismail’s speedy efforts helped upset No. 1 Michigan.

The Fighting Irish faced 105,912 Wolverines fans and a tough Michigan team at Ann Arbor. Following a first-half defensive battle that left Notre Dame leading 7–6, Michigan kicked off to begin the third quarter.

Ismail, a 5-foot-10-inch flanker with 4.28 speed over 40 yards, fielded the ball on his 12-yard line. Following a terrific block by Rodney Culver, the speedy sophomore wide receiver bolted up the middle for an 88-yard touchdown. Rocket’s score represented the first kickoff returned for a touchdown against Michigan since Minnesota’s Ron Engel performed the feat on October 26, 1957.

With sophomore Elvis Grbac subbing for an injured Michael Taylor, Michigan closed to 17–12 on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Walker early in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, however, Ismail collected the ball on the 8. Again following Culver, Rocket blasted straight down the field for a 92-yard score. No other runner had ever blistered Michigan for two kickoff return touchdowns in a single game.

Grbac led the Wolverines to another touchdown, hitting split end Greg McMurtry on a 4-yard pass with just over four minutes remaining. But the Irish held on for a 24–19 win, extending their winning streak to 14 games.

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POINT Rocket Ismail made the difference in the ball game. His quickness gave Notre Dame two touchdowns and a terrific mental advantage. Like it did in the Notre Dame–Michigan contest, speed frequently wins competitions.

After Jesus’ death and burial, some women went early in the morning to his tomb. But when they got there, they were in for a big surprise. Instead of finding a dead friend and teacher, they discovered an empty tomb and an angel with a message: Go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead!

Sometimes in life, we too must move quickly and without hesitation as we follow God’s plan.

GOAL! Think of times when moving quickly made a difference. Ask God to help you move with speed when you should.