“I can 't hear you Royals fans! Get on your feet and cheer on your Royaltonnnnn Royallllssss!” the announcer bellowed over the speaker system. Two minutes remained in the fourth quarter of my senior homecoming football game and we were on top of the Patriots 28-22.
Ten yards back from the line of scrimmage, I stood tall at the safety position with the perfect field view of twenty-one players ready for the center to snap the ball. This was my first game back since I injured my knee last year and nothing was going to stop me. Offense or defense, I was in game mode. Reading the offensive side of the ball, it became clear there were three different receivers I would need to defend in result of a pass play. Because of our dominant …show more content…
To most, Friday night lights sounded like a bunch of boys playing with a football under the lights. However, to me, it meant so much more than just a game. Week after week, I showed up to practice every single day to work my butt off, meanwhile, sacrificing homework time and hanging out with friends just so I could play with my brothers once a week. The lights may have blinded in big moments, but they taught even greater life lessons.
The homecoming game was a huge wake up call for me. Everything changed the day I injured my knee and I realized everything I loved can be taken away in a split second. Bad things happen. I may not have known it at the time, but my time off was a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to come back stronger than ever.
Unfortunately, one day reality will set in and the smells, adrenaline, nervousness, and love before, during and after the game will come to a close. The brisk Friday Autumn nights will turn into cheering on the next generation from the stands. It is hard to face, but I will go on to find bigger and better things as life continues. Now, realizing every second could be my last, I keep faith in God and myself. In the meantime, I will continue to put forth my best effort into every game, every quarter, and every play. I will not look back and strive to be a