As if catching a punt is hard. That was basically a free pass to leave a day early.
If they just left early, what fun would that be? Got to add a little intrigue and stakes.
It's like the local HS kid kicking a 30 yard FG at AT&T Stadium under pressure. If he makes it, he and his teammates get a free pass to a Cowboys game. If he misses it? Well, he's expelled from the school, not allowed to play organized sports again in the state, and his entire family (him included) must leave the county. God, I love Texas HS football....It's exciting and fun!