The score is 21-27. Sweat trails down the faces of the players. The stands shake in anticipation. The ball glides through the air, wavering ever so slightly, racing against the clock. The boisterous crowd becomes restless as the clock winds down to its last seconds. With 21 seconds remaining, the New York Giants score an incredible victory over the San Francisco 49ers, finishing the game with a score of 30-27 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 11.

This exhilarating game began with one field goal on each side. Phil Dawson, the kicker for the 49ers, scored a 43 yard field goal while Josh Brown, the kicker for the Giants, scored a 22 yard field goal. Giants running back Shane Vereen completed a 2 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Manning, allowing the team to take the lead with a score of 10-3. 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick then completed a 3 yard pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

With Dawson’s extra point, the 49ers tied the game at 13-13. Playing through the third quarter, Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. successfully received a 17 yard pass from Manning. In the beginning of the fourth quarter, the 49ers seized the lead with Kaepernick’s 5 yard completion to 49ers wide receiver Garret Celek, scoring a touchdown and surging ahead of the Giants with a score of 20-13.

With only 1 minute and 24 seconds remaining, Giants fans at MetLife stadium lost hope of any sort of comeback. After three timeouts, one review of play, and a penalty on the 49ers, the Giants came up on 12 yards to the end zone with 21 seconds left on the clock. Manning threw the ball to tight end Larry Donnell, who completed the 12 yards with the pass, finishing the incredible game with a score of 30-27, Giants. In an exciting display of athleticism, the Giants triumphed over the 49ers after completing an amazing 525 yards in one game.

The Giants’ victory allowed them to take the lead in the NFC East with three wins and two losses in the season so far. With this victory, the Giants continue to compete for a playoff position. Under the guidance of coach Tom Coughlin, the Giants seem to be off to a great start in the 2015 season. However, with the inconsistent wins by the team, doubtful feelings rise up in many Giants fans.

Justin Kransdorf ’16 reflects, “I believe that the Giants can make it to the playoffs if they work on their defense. I feel as though their offensive line can be competitive in some games, but overall the team does have a lot of work to do.” The Giants’ loss against the Cowboys seemed to set the team off to an inauspicious start.

Mr. Marsh, a Ridge High School Physical education teacher, shared his view on his favorite team: “The Giants have potential to be a competitive team, but they have to limit their turnovers and line play both offensive and defensive.” With wins similar to the one against the 49ers and the support from fans, the Giants look to secure a spot in the 2015-16 playoffs, lifting the hopes of Giants fans across the nation.