I wake up to the annoying sound of the alarm clock yelling at me to get up. The flashing red numbers staring back at me. A wave of teenage boys flood the halls of the hotel. Wanting to be the first in line for breakfast. We scarf down plates of waffles and sausage before we head back to our rooms and rest before the biggest game of our lives.
We step out the sliding doors of the hotel into the surprisingly warm winter air. Cloudy skies shaded the city of Lexington, and a light rainfall showered over us. The breathtaking sight of Kroger Field flowed through me as I peered out the window of the bus. Pensive rap music drifted through my ears as I zeroed in on the game.
Arriving at the stadium, we were greeted by a wave of hometown fans. Showering us with love and praise. Getting ready, the tape vigorously grips my skin as it is being wrapped around my wrist. As I stare at the “Franklin-Simpson” printed across the chest of my jersey, I am constantly reminded of what we represent. Not just a game, not just a team, but a whole city. That same city who is waiting in the stands above us for their boys to run out onto the field. I throw my pads over my head and strap up.
There is not much of a pre-game speech needed to increase the hype. Coach knows we are focused and knows how ready and prepared we are for this game. This isn’t anything new for our seniority. This is just another game on another field. The mission is the same and our mindsets are the same. We have done nothing but pour our hearts out week in week out. We have endured the pain and tasted the glory. It is our time once again to achieve the title of champion.
As I walked through the tunnel with my team, we watched as the game before us ended. Watching the winning team celebrate, we knew we had to make that a reality for us. Running out onto the field, the scent of turf feels my lungs. The towering college lights smiled down on us and the eruption of applauds rained down us.
“Ahhhhh, BOOM!” The kick is off and the game is underway. A back and forth stalemate was the story of the game. Both defenses containing the most high-powered offenses in the state. Two game changing touchdowns from Tre Bass are what separated us. A tornado of emotions swept over everyone for 48 straight minutes. However, a game clenching stop by our defense calmed the storm and sealed us the victory.
A rush of happiness and relief rushed through my body as I took the final knee. All of the work and time put in had finally payed off. We were Champions! Even as the storm roared on, this was a memory the rain couldn’t wash away.
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