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Caldwell scores on final play to fuel South

Jan 27, 2008 - 1:30 AM MOBILE, Alabama (Ticker) -- In his first official act as the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, Mike Martz didn't have a problem maintaining his reputation as an innovative play-caller.

Calling the plays for the South, Martz signalled for an end-around on the final play of the game from Andre Caldwell, who ran in from two yards out to power the South to a thrilling 17-16 victory over the North in the 59th Senior Bowl on Saturday.

Martz, fired after two seasons as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, accepted the Niners' offer to run their offense on January 8. Known predominantly as an unpredictable risk-taker who favors the pass, Martz turned to the ground game to secure a win for the South.

On 4th-and-goal with four seconds remaining and the South trailing, 16-10, Caldwell (Florida) came across the left side of the formation and took a handoff from Erik Ainge (Tennessee) around the right side, beating a pair of North defenders to the end zone for the game-tying score.

"I knew it was going to work," Ainge said. "Those guys were collapsing and crashing and I'm glad he called it. It's a credit to him (Martz). I knew it was going to work."

Brandon Coutu (Georgia) converted the extra point, sending the South into a joyous on-field celebration.

The South, which had trailed all game, began the game-winning drive after North coach Lane Kiffin (Oakland Raiders) opted to go for a 4th-and-1 from the South 14. However, Justin Forsett (California) was stopped short, allowing the South one last opportunity to capture its first lead.

With 2:48 remaining, Ainge marched the South down to the North 2 over the next two-plus minutes, setting up a 1st-and-goal with 15 seconds left in the contest.

"I was just trying to get the ball to our athletes in space," Ainge said. "It was an advantage for the offense because the defenses could only play two coverages."

Ainge, who finished 13-of-21 for 160 yards, misfired on the first three passes, leaving the South one last scoring opportunity and Martz the chance to create his creativity.

Matt Forte (Tulane) had an impressive game, registering 88 total yards, including a 13-yard reception on the final drive that led to the South's four chances from the two-yard-line.

Chad Henne (Michigan) finished 5-of-9 for 64 yards and two touchdowns for the North.