SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.) High School receiver Dorial Green-Beckham isn't one to waste much time on the football field.
But every great receiver -- even the ones Green-Beckham has passed to become national career receiving yards leader -- has to demonstrate a bit of patience. The first half of Thursday night's game against Republic (Mo.) was one of those times for Green-Beckham, who couldn't break free for the 62 yards needed to break the record.
This milestone was well worth the wait, though.
With Hillcrest at its own 19 on first down with just more than a minute left in the first half, Hillcrest quarterback Matt Futrell found Green-Beckham over the middle. The senior wideout burst toward the right, cut back and history was written 81 yards later in the end zone.
That catch-and-run touchdown pushed Green-Beckham past Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.) alum Abram Booty, who set the previous mark in 1996 with 5,867 career yards.
"To break that record, that was the first thing I thought after I caught that pass," Green-Beckham said. "It was like, 'Oh, this could be it right here,' so I just tried the best I could to get into the end zone."
Before that breakthrough, Green-Beckham had three catches for 40 yards. Afterward, there was no holding back the athletic playmaker. Green-Beckham finished with 11 catches for 303 yards and four touchdowns, giving him 6,109 receiving yards with at least one playoff game left in his career.
Hillcrest won, 35-7, to win the district title and will host a postseason game next week.
Of course, just as much hype surrounds the question of where Green-Beckham's college career will take place. Ranked No. 3 in the ESPNU 150, the uncommitted senior has discussed the possibility of visiting Texas on Nov. 19 and Auburn on Nov. 26, according to his dad and coach, John Beckham. But Beckham told ESPNHS on Thursday that no official visits have been set and a lot depends on the availability of his son, who also competes in basketball and track.
For now, though, Green-Beckham is just fine with enjoying the prep football scene and his new place in the record book.
"I'm real excited to have this record stand in my name for however many years," Green-Beckham said. "This is the top moment for me."