MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. --- Moravian College seniors running back Chris Negron and quarterback Mike Hayes participated in the 2016 D3 Senior Classic at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on December 17 and helped the North team to a 15-14 win.
The duo were instrumental in the fourth quarter for the victory with Negron picking up a first down on a third-and-seven play, and Hayes throwing the winning touchdown. Negron also completed a 15-yard pass on a running back option during the contest.
"The D3 Senior Classic game was a tremendous experience," stated Negron. "It was great to be able to put on the pads one more time with Mike and represent Moravian College football. The game was very competitive as we played with and against some of the best at the Division III level. In a matter of only three days, we created friendships and came together as one team to get the win.
"I am thankful for all of those who supported me and made this game possible. Between Mike and I, we definitely put Moravian College on the map down in Myrtle Beach," Negron finished.
Hayes ended up being the only quarterback on the North team's roster and played the entire game.
"Luckily we had good weather in game day it was 65 and sunny, perfect football weather," noted Hayes. "Just the day before, we practice in 25-degree weather. I couldn't grip the ball it was so cold. So on game day in the first half our offense didn't do too well. We fell down 14-3 after the first half and the coach we had was calling the offense and it was the first time I huddled up since high school.
"So the second half he told us to go no huddle," continued Hayes. "It was a great call by him. I got the entire offense together, and we created hand signals for them so that we could all be on the same page. So each time we went no huddle, which was almost the entire second half other then when we wanted to slow the game down, I was calling each play. On each drive that we had, we were gaining a lot of yardage. Our kicker was really good so we only really had to get it to the 30-yard line and it was almost a guaranteed three points. He hit three field goals all over 50 yards.
"The third quarter ended and the score was 14-9. We drove down the field once and punted. We got the ball back with about 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter and once again we were driving. We get down to their 35-yard line, and I saw an opportunity down the sidelines so I signaled to the wide receiver to run a go route. I dropped back, and heaved the ball to the side of the end zone. The ball dropped right into the receiver's arms and we went up 15-14 with 7:30 left. We went for two-point conversion and didn't convert it.
"The South team drove a down the field after a nice kickoff return to their own 40-yard line. They got a first down and then it was third down and long on the next set of downs. They called a pass play and the South quarterback threw it down field to about the 5-yard line where it got tipped and one of our defensive backs intercepted it near the ground. It was a great play by them. We needed a couple first downs to seal the win.
"Chris had an amazing run for a first down. I called a run play to the left and he didn't see a hole there so he reversed field (something he is known for doing), made one guy miss, and lowered his shoulder on the sideline to pick up the first down. That first down sealed the game. I had a lot of fun being there and playing in the game. The comradery of the North team was amazing. It was like we had been playing with each other for years. I couldn't believe it. I think that really helped us in the end. I got to meet a lot of good guys from a lot of different places. Overall it was a great experience," finished Hayes.
