Trick plays don’t get much sweeter than this.

During Saturday’s South Dakota State-North Dakota State FCS quarterfinal matchup, the SD Jackrabbits pulled off a creative stick play, which confused Bison players, ESPN cameras and the audience watching at home.

In the first quarter on a first and goal, the Jackrabbits stacked up at the line of scrimmage. When the offense got into a set formation, running back Brady Mengarelli ducked behind the offensive line, out of the view of Bison players. With North Dakota State scrambling and/or confused about what was going on, South Dakota State quickly handed the ball to quarterback Taron Christion, who handed it to Mengarelli and ran behind the line in the opposite way of the Jackrabbits’ fake sweep. Mengarelli entered the end zone untouched, as the Bison defense looked defeated and confused.

The play was very reminiscent of a trick pulled off by the Bison in 2012. Former Bison QB Carson Wentz shared a very similar play run during the two rival states’ 2012 playoff game. While it’s not exactly the same, the call features a hidden running back and a misdirection sweep.

Regardless of the plays origins, it was a bold play call that paid off big time, giving South Dakota State an early 7-0 lead. It unfortunately wasn’t enough to stay ahead as South Dakota State lost to their northern neighbors. Regardless of the score, Mengarelli and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits created a highlight that will be shown for years to come.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com