Heartbreaking Finish

Tonight marked the end of the regular season of play for high school football teams around here. Assumption hosted Owen-Withee and both teams were looking for their first win of the season.

You could say they were evenly matched. The script of the game followed one team scoring then the other answering and so on. Right up to the end when Assumption was down by 8 with less than a minute to go. The Royals scored to tie it 28-28 and with some tough final defense, forced it into overtime.

Our seniors (above) took to the field for the coin flip. They knew that regardless of the final score, this would be their last game. Neither team was headed to the playoffs – but a final, single win would mean the world.

As it turned out, Owen-Withee scored first in OT and made their 2-point conversion. The Royals had their turn but couldn't answer with a score this time. Game over. 

Thank you, seniors, for playing with heart all season long. Even with losses, you didn't give up. You still had fun. You still respected each other. That's what makes a great team no matter what the record book says.

And that's what makes great young men. Thank you.