Roll Zeebs

We opened the year defending the Circle, playing on our historic home field. To win this game meant to set a precedent that the Zebras would not be intimidated on our home turf. Our opponent: the reigning New England Prep School Champions. They were the sure favorite, and Groton was the underdog. 

Time to play football. All pregame jitters, nerves, and butterflies were swept away by the sound of the opening kickoff. I rushed out on defense, ready to put my body on the line. But on the first play of the game, we were stunned. They broke off a touchdown run, and we found ourselves down 7-0. It would have been easy, at that point, to lay back and accept that gut-punch as defeat. But if football were easy, everyone would be playing. On our next drive we rallied the offense, and as a unit we marched down the field. I found the ball in my hands often, through the air or from a handoff, and I willed my way through the sea of bodies and grass. We were finally able to punch the ball into the endzone, pulling the score to 7-6. After scoreless back and forth action, we found ourselves down again, but we were finally able to break through and take the lead 14-13. An impressive defensive stand at the end of the half allowed us to maintain our lead going into the third quarter.

As the second half began, no one dared mention the probability of a win in fear of jinxing our chances. In football, it is easier to move one play at a time. After more back and forth with no change on the scoreboard, we suddenly found ourselves pressed against our own one-yard line. From essentially our own goal line, the offense and I marched all the way down the field, taking seven valuable minutes off the clock, where we finally took a knee to cement our victory. 

There is no feeling more rewarding than winning a football game. Bringing pride to your school and sharing the joy of victory with your teammates makes up for everything your body went through. Our resilience set the tone for an impressive season still to come.