Markell Vaughn simply would not be denied. He wouldn't go down. And considering the
Omaha North (Omaha, Neb.) safety and returner is a state wrestling champion – in the great wrestling state of Nebraska – that makes sense.
Still, Vaughn's spectacular 77-yard punt return for touchdown in Friday's 42-14 win at Omaha Westside was one of the most determined and improbable we've seen this season.
"I looked at another coach after he got into the end zone and said, "(Dang), did that just happen?' " assistant Omaha North coach Ryan Koch said.
Watch the three different angles (one in slow motion) of the return, which featured not just seven broken tackles, but four where Vaughn, a 6-foot, 165-pound senior, looks absolutely wrapped up.
"The kids we're going crazy on the sideline,' Koch said. "Words can't describe what It looked like to see it for the first time live. It was just a heck of a play."
Folks around Omaha North (8-0) are getting used to it. A first-year player for the defending state Class A champion after transferring from Omaha Central, Vaughn is considered the hardest hitter on the team.
Last week, Vaughn returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown. He went sideline-to-sideline on that return as well. "Seem liked he went 120 yards on that one," Koch said.
Before Friday's game, Vaughn had been on 33 tackles (4.7 per game) with two interceptions. He also had a 90-yard punt return for touchdown earlier in the year. Though longer, it couldn't have been any more spectacular than the one he pulled off Friday.
Koch said he's much stronger than his frame would indicate.
"He's very well built," Koch said. "There's not any bad weight on that 165-pound body."
