I’m sure most of you, like me, went to the state game this past Saturday. The game was by far the most stressful and suspenseful game I’ve ever been to for any sport. Honestly though, the suspense made the win that much sweeter.

When I’m watching sports, I get absorbed into the game, because I’m so competitive and I love sports. I can’t help it, it just happens. During this past state game, I screamed louder than ever and so many emotions were running through my system.

Once overtime hit, I was almost shaking and my anxiety reached another level because I was so nervous. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes when Goddard scored in the second overtime. At this point, I was a legitimate train wreck and there was no stopping it. Once sophomore kicker Jack Matchette kicked the ball, the crowd was silently waiting in anticipation to see if he made it or not. When the ball went through the field goal posts, I don’t think I’ve ever screamed so loud in my entire life. All that stress fled from my body and I was so happy. Hearing the crowd erupt with cheers after that kick was something I will never forget. I ran to the turf and when I heard over the microphone that Goddard was the runner up, it hit me that we were officially two-time state champs and the tears finally left my eyes.

The celebration was the best part. I was walking around in the stench looking for sweaty football players to hug and the joy on everyone’s faces was so pure. When I look through the photo galleries of the game, I can’t help but smile. You see some players laying on the ground, free of the stress and you see others hugging loved ones. Some of the faces I saw after the game are some I’ll never forget.

For any football players reading this, I’m beyond proud of you guys. You all worked so hard and seeing you improve from the first game to state is something I truly enjoy. Winning this game shows how much work you and the coaching staff have put into this season and watching you guys celebrate a big win together is something I don’t want to miss. Coaches, keep being awesome. Seeing you celebrate, bond with and encourage the players is something that truly makes a difference. You don’t realize how much of a difference your praise and encouragement makes, on and off the field.

At the start of the season and ending regular season with a 4-4 record, I don’t think anyone was expecting this outcome. Even I’m in shock that we won. Going to state with an 8-4 record when you’re playing against a team with 11-1 shows that a team’s record doesn’t define how good they are.

Any major win like this makes the biggest difference in school spirit. People get much more involved with the games and it’s so fun. Involvement makes school more enjoyable and it’s amazing to know the kinds of accomplishments some of your classmates have made. The student section really ups its game after a huge win and that affects the students, the entire team and the rest of the crowd too. Having school spirit makes a huge difference in how fun school can be. I’ve never been so proud to be a part of something this astounding. The atmosphere is undeniably something I love being a part of and I hope you all feel the same. I love being a Jaguar and there’s nothing that can happen to change that.