I assume the usual position (bad choice of words? ;P) at fullback. Left hand in the dirt, right hand cocked and ready, the whistle blows. I look up at the scoreboard...it's crude condition and size make it hard to read from my angle. I believe that the seconds ticking off the clock will be my last. One play left. One last time to blast off from my stance and inflict enough force on the nearest opponent to throw him off. But, I've misread the scoreboard. It was in fact just the end of the 3rd quarter. I let out a sigh of relief and I'm aware of the tremendous melancholy feeling that's overwhelming my being. The past three years seem to flash through my mind as I approach the sideline with my hand raised (giving that typical four-finger hand gesture...as if this is the only way everyone else will know). One quick drink of water...*blah*...in any other circumstances I would complain, but the waters familiar plastic taste is welcomed. But, I digress. That immediate feeling of relief I had as the seconds ran out quickly faded. The game wasn't over. But, having played a few games by this time...I knew a 20-48 score (in favor of our opponent) was going to be a tough deficit to overcome. Nevertheless...this was it. All the blood, sweat, and tears poured into the past three years come down to this. Would we win? Unfortunately, no we wouldn't. Would I regret the time spent and the lessons learned? Never, never in a million years. No doubt, you're wondering what this is all about. And, hopefully you've picked up on the fact that I'm referring to a game. A football game. Particularly, my last 
game which was yesterday afternoon. Let me give some context to what I've rambling about thus far.Near the end of Summer 2007 my friend Daniel approached me and asked if I would be interested in playing for his school's football team. He explained that it was a first year program and that they were allowing homeschool students (like myself) to participate. At first, I almost turned him down. Honestly, I had never played football and thought starting my sophomore year of high school would be silly (yeah, I said silly...do something). But, I thought it over and decided I would give it a try. Well, what I didn't know then was I was opening the chapter to one of the greatest experiences of my life. The bonds made with my teammates I will never take for granted. The life lessons learned through the hard work I will not soon forget. The experience and wisdom passed down through the coaches will always be a part of who I am. But mostly, it's what I've found out about myself that has had the biggest impact. Football is a great sport. No doubt, many of you would agree. But, when it comes down to it...it's just a sport (don't hurt me, please). It's what you learn through doing something like a team sport that holds the real value. It pushes you to your limits and then beyond. When you feel like you can't go one more minute...you look over and see your teammate...pushing through. And, you think to yourself, "Hey, I'm not goin' to let him down"). That's pretty cool stuff when you think about it. I have thought about it a while now. So, back to my little game story.
It's nearing the end of the 4th quarter when I realize
that it's really near the end. No mistakes on my part this time...this is legit. No matter how much I want to deny it the last 3 years of high school ball are rapidly coming to a close as the seconds tick off the "crude" scoreboard. I join my teammates on the field for one last stand on defense. Ahh defense. It always has been my favorite of the two sides of the field. I could write a post just on how much I enjoy playing "D" and why. But, I'll spare you that. 1, 2, 3, 4 downs go by. Turnover on downs...offense takes the field (I stay put...actually most of us played both ways). 1, 2 downs go by. Coach signals for me to head off the field. He grabs my hand to shake it as I walk towards the sideline. That was the last snap I would play in high school football. That snap's significance would be lost in all the others if not for that little fact. I walk over to Daniel (my friend I mentioned that recruited me to the team back in '07) and we just stand there. Watching as our teammates give'em one last run as the time expires. Daniel tears up. I stand there...trying to go over what we could have done better in my head. Then I realize...it doesn't matter. What mattered in that moment Daniel had already come to terms with. That we had had some great years playin' ball. Now, we would only be able to remember. So, I am remembering. And, it's very bittersweet.
Ohh, Sweet Son, that you could see this from my side. But then, you will, your game has actually only just begun.