Ford wasn’t going to miss playing in the championship game. Doctors told Ford and the coaching staff they weren’t going to keep him from playing, even though he would need surgery. But no matter how badly he wanted to play, Ford wouldn’t get many snaps. To stay ready for that moment, he kept biking on the sideline.
Then with the game close, Ford entered like a closer in the ninth inning of the World Series.
He stayed in for about six or eight plays, Barnard estimated. Over that stint, Ford made some key blocks to spring a few runs en route to the go-ahead touchdown and the 26-21 victory over Choctaw. Stillwater completed an undefeated season and the program’s first state title in 55 years.
“I was just so happy I got to contribute just a little bit,” Ford said.
The quarterback’s dad saw it all. A guy named Mike Gundy.
Then Oklahoma State’s head coach called Barnard soon thereafter.
The next day, Gundy offered Ford his first, and only, Power Four scholarship.
