Anything can happen under the Friday night lights.
In a matchup between two West Virginia high school programs Friday night, Wheeling Park defensive lineman Akeem Davis rumbled ahead for one of the best big man interception returns you’ll ever see.
Early in the second quarter with the John Marshall Monarchs driving down the field, Davis perfectly read a screen play and stepped in front of the intended receiver to nab the interception. He caught the football at Wheeling Park’s 41-yard line—and somehow, some way, would not be denied of the end zone.
dark. FREE NEWSLETTER. SI BTN Newsletter. Start off your day with SI:CYMI
Listed as 6’1”, 320 pounds on the team’s official roster, Davis powered through a couple of early tackle attempts. And when there was a big pileup of bodies from both teams around the John Marshall 45-yard line, Davis fought his way through and finished off the interception return into the end zone.
Wow, wow, wow!!!
In what might be the best HSFB play of the season, @WPFOOTBALLTWBAI’s Akeem Davis picks off the pass, AND WOULD NOT BE DENIED! #wvprepfb
Pick six. Patriots win 63-40. @WTOV9 @OVAC_One @OhioValleyPreps @espn @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/VHY9gTFd98
— Jack Hillgrove (@Jack_Hillgrove) November 8, 2025
The incredible highlight was first shared on social media by Jack Hillgrove of WTOV News and 93.7 The Fan.
Aside from Davis’s big play, there wasn’t much defense played Friday night, as Wheeling Park won 63–40 to improve to 6–4 on the season.
Davis’s big moment made its way onto college football’s top show Saturday morning.
On Saturday’s episode of ESPN’s College GameDay, which is streaming live from Pat McAfee’s X account as the network’s feud continues with YouTube TV, Nick Saban and the crew watched Davis’s return and couldn’t believe their eyes.
“Get him the ball more,” McAfee said after watching the highlight. “We’re in playoff season. Let’s get him at fullback.”
THE BIG MAN IS RUMBLING
HE’S GOT THE ENTIRE TEAM ON HIS BACK
TOUCHDAHN #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/xhsY48mERU
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 8, 2025
What a special moment for the Wheeling Park junior.
More College Football on Sports Illustrated
Listen to SI’s new college sports podcast, Others Receiving Votes, below or on Apple andSpotify. Watch the show on SI’s YouTube channel.
