I’m sure that you all have heard by now, our Jaguars lost to the Saints 55-21 on Friday, Nov 17. It was a fight and you could tell our boys wanted to win and bring home another state championship trophy. Aside from the loss, there was something other than a football game that happened on that field.

Before the game was over, my eyes caught the sidelines and I saw football players hugging each other. At this time, I could feel the tears welling up. With less than 30 seconds left on the clock, quarterback Brody Flaming walked off the field and hugged head coach Joel Applebee. As this was happening, I looked over and I didn’t see anyone sitting. Everyone was on their feet cheering, and it was amazing to see so many people behind and supporting this team. On the field after the game, it was next to impossible to find a football player that wasn’t crying. Seeing so many of them like this, I couldn’t help but cry for them because I was hurting along with them.

Last night was about more than football. It was about school pride, accomplishments, rivalry, and most importantly, family. This team, as well as the people in the stands, formed a family with each other. Seeing the fans cry along with the players shows this sport and team means so much to everyone involved. Football is much more than a game. It gives people a sense of pride and accomplishment, even when they’re just fans cheering for the team. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t love Mill Valley as much as I do now if I hadn’t started coming to every football game. This team gave me something to look forward to every week and made school so exciting. It increased my school spirit exponentially, and this school means more than anything to me than it ever has. I’m so proud to say I go to Mill Valley High School.

To the football players, be proud of how you competed this season. You all fought as hard as you could and made it so far. The fact that you guys made it to sub-state really shows that you are a force to be reckoned with and can’t be shaken. You guys continued to fight in every game as if it was your last, and the fans and coaches couldn’t have asked for anything more. Be proud of how you finished; you all accomplished so much.

Over the last four years, it’s been an honor to watch these boys grow up and become the men that they are because of football. Getting to cheer them on every Friday in the fall has been one of my favorite things about high school and I’ll never forget the hours I’ve been able to spend at Jaguar Stadium. Thank you to the football team for making my four years of high school so exciting and for helping me to form friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I cannot thank you enough for making my high school experience one that I will hold so close to my heart. Thank you for making my time at Mill Valley a time I’ll never forget.