SITUATION DESCRIPTION:

The annual Ely Tigers versus Dillard Panthers football game was played Friday night. Due to family commitments I was unable to attend the game. The game was decided when Donnell Wilson caught a touchdown pass on the last play of the 4th quarter giving Ely a 14-10 victory. Monday morning when I arrived at school "everyone" was talking about the "catch" and the victory. What I want to know is what REALLY happened and just how great of a play this catch actually was. Throughout the day I spoke to the following people in an attempt to obtain the truth. As I review each source I must constantly ask myself "what is the validity of each person's comment and what is their particular expertise in the area of high school football.

Write an essay that:

• Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with evidence from the documents. –In your opening or closing paragraph, write a sentence that directly answers the prompt. In the case of this essay, in one sentence summarize what took place on the final play of the football game. 1 point

• Uses all of the documents. – Read through all of the documents and identify what information is fact (valid) and what information is fluff, or not important (invalid). Then, in writing your essay, use the information that you found was valid, mentioning the source from which you got the information. (Example: The referee who officiated at the game said ….”) - 2 points possible (Use 7-8 = 2; 6 = 1; 5 or less = 0)

• Analyzes the documents by grouping them in as many appropriate ways as possible. Does not simply summarize the documents individually. – Group documents together that are similar to each other. In this essay, group together the documents that are valid (trustworthy) and those that are not valid (exaggerated or lies).- 1 point

• Takes into account the sources of the documents and analyzes the authors’ points of view. – Read the background of each person quoted in the documents and use that information to help you decide whether or not each document is valid. (Same as grouping) Explain why each document is valid or not valid. - 1 point

• Identifies and explains the need for at least one additional type of document. – What other type of person who was present during the game would you like to hear from to help you better understand what happened? (Example: Head Coach, Team Players, Fans, etc.) Why would that type of person’s opinion of what happened be valid. (True) – 1 point

Prompt: Using the documents below, describe the final play of the Ely-Dillard football game from the perspective of Ely fans and Dillard fans. Then summarize in your own words what you believe actually took place. Identify and explain one additional type of document and explain how it would help your analysis of the events of the game.

DOCUMENT 1

Tom Robard, Newspaper Reporter, The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
The annual Ely--Dillard football game ended in dramatic fashion when Donnell Wilson caught the game winning touchdown pass as time expired. Wilson made a leaping catch and landed safely in the end zone capping an improbable come from behind win for the Tigers.
(note: most high school game results are phoned into the newspaper sports desk)

DOCUMENT 2

Donnell Wilson, Ely Wide Receiver who caught the winning pass
Did you see that catch?! I mean it was great! Man I knew I had it! That D-back was nothing! I ran right by him and just reached out and pulled it in. Focus, real focus!! We're number 1!!

DOCUMENT 3

Clayton Sheffield, Offensive Coach, Ely High School
Great catch! Unbelievable! Donnell has heart and no quit in him. When it mattered I knew he would come through. He's tough, a real gamer! I had the team focused. We were ready to play. Never a doubt!

DOCUMENT 4

Jasmine McNeil, Ely Cheerleader Captain
It was a totally awesome catch! We won the game and, like totally disgraced that other team. I knew we would win after our half-time show, and we did! We rock! Go Ely! Those Dillard guys had no chance. And you should have seen those Dillard girls! Their cheers were sloppy and screechy. No wonder we won!!! We're number 1!!

DOCUMENT 5

Mary Griffin, Ely teacher who attended the game to watch her son play
Ely played real hard. The boys were great. It was a great catch that won a hard fought game. The noise in the stands after the game was unbelievable. Everyone was hugging each other and screaming.

DOCUMENT 6

Demetrius Johnson, Defensive back who covered Donnell, Dillard High School
We were robbed. That guy never caught the ball, he was lying there on the ground and the ball fell in his hands. He pushed me and the ref never saw nothing. Ely is nothing but a bunch of cheats!

DOCUMENT 7

Mark Burton, Defensive Coach, Dillard High School
What can I say? Demetrius played him real tight. Ely ended up on the ground with the ball and the touchdown. Some nights you just aren't lucky, some you are.

DOCUMENT 8

Owen Dyson, Football Referee, excerpt from his game report to the Florida High School Activities Association
It was a clean and simple catch resulting in a touchdown. No penalty was involved.

DOCUMENT 9

Robert Benson, Assistant Football Coach, University of Nebraska. Excerpt from his scouting report.
#83 Donnell Wilson, Senior. Position: Wide Receiver. Height: 5'6". Weight: 155. Comment: Has poor hands and only average speed.