Boller Throws Texas for a Loss

CERRITOS —  Who’s up for one more minor miracle from Kyle Boller?

Texas high school football fans surely weren’t, but Boller didn’t seem to care, shrugging off an injured jaw and throwing a last-play touchdown pass that gave California a 28-25 victory over Texas in the 48th Shrine All-Star Football Classic on Saturday night at Cerritos College.

The final play began on the Texas 37-yard line and, after Boller heaved a pass into heavy traffic in the end zone, ended with receiver Keenan Howry fighting defensive back Jason Frederick for possession of the ball.

The play was ruled a touchdown.

As if Boller’s high school resume needed padding.

“A miracle happened,” Boller said.

One of his teammates would disagree.

“I’ve never been in a game where something like that happened,” said tight end Mike Seidman, from Westlake High, who had five catches for 48 yards. “I didn’t think we were going to pull it off. What a way to end the game.”

The exuberance of California, which won for the fifth consecutive year, was not shared by Texas.

“I won’t know until we look at the TV tape whether [Howry] caught it,” Coach Randy Rodgers of Texas said. “Our kids are of the opinion that he didn’t. That’s why they’re so upset.”

It appeared California would lose, trailing by 10 with less than two minutes left. But California pulled to within 25-22 on a one-yard touchdown run by Onterrio Smith with 1:47 left.

California regained possession when quarterback Colby Freeman of Texas tried to run out the clock on fourth down but was forced to a knee with two seconds left, giving Boller time for one play.

Boller, who quarterbacked Hart to the Southern Section Division III championship, had a torrid first half, completing six of seven passes for 81 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown pass to Kareem Kelly.

The California offensive line, without a true center, began to break down in the second half, forcing Boller into several scrambles and hurried passes.

Before his final throw, he had completed two of 11 passes for minus-13 yards in the second half.

He took a shot to the jaw after throwing incomplete on the first play of the fourth quarter and received medical treatment on the sideline.

“That’s part of the game, getting hit,” Boller said afterward. “It’s no big deal.”

Defensive end Anthony Foli, who played inside linebacker in high school, finished with three tackles, including one for a three-yard loss.