"A Greater Love, Part 7- Teammates"
3 Weeks Later...
Soon enough, the day of the final home game arrived. That morning and the team gathered in their meeting room. Kasey was also invited to the meeting along with Kendall. The coach spoke to the assembled group.
"Well gentlemen, today is a big day. You have all worked your butts off and I am proud of you all. But there are a few individuals I would like to recognize." he turned towards Jake and Kasey. "Come on up, guys."
The boys stepped up and came forward. The coach continued.
"As you all know, these boys have been through a lot over the last year. However, with the support of others, they have persevered." He turned to Jake and Kasey. "Boys, you have been through hell, and suffered a tremendous loss. But this family has had your back. And so we'd like to give you guys a little gift." the assistant coach handed him a small jersey.
Kendall smiled. She had a feeling what was coming up next. The coach knelt down to Kasey's level.
"Kasey, the team would like to make you an honorary member." He handed Kasey a small team jersey with the name "Kasey" on the back along with the number ½.
"We would also like you to join us on the sidelines for the game and also lead us out onto the field tonight."
Kasey shook the coach's hand as the entire room applauded.
Later, the team was ready to take the field. As planned, Kasey led them out. On the sideline, the team got into a big huddle and let Kasey join them. The coaches led them in a prayer and then the main team captain, Antwon, stood up.
"Okay guys, this is our last home game together. This is the big one, so let's make it one to remember." He went behind Jake and Putu and put his arms on their shoulders. "Especially for these guys."
The team worked hard in the first half, leading the opposing team by a score of 35-18. Soon, the moment everybody was anticipating came. The halftime ceremony for the seniors. One by one the seniors were introduced. Finally, the moment came. The announcer began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we now come to a special moment. We would like to introduce two special Seniors. Jake Hansen and Putu Tranafu. They are accompanied to the field by a friend of their family, Miss Kendall Morgan and Jake's younger brother Kasey."
As the boys and Kendall emerged from the tunnel, the crowd stood on their feet and applauded loudly. Kendall was given a bouquet of flowers by the coach. The announcer continued.
"At the end of last year, Jake's parents were sadly killed in a car accident. Jake and Kasey have been supported by Kendall and other members of the community. Putu is an exchange student from Bali, Indonesia. We would like to thank these two young men for their contributions to their community and their school."
The crowd erupted in applause. Jake and Putu hugged Kendall and Kasey before heading to the tunnel. Kendall took Kasey back to the sideline as Putu and Jake were soon joined by their teammates.
The second half of the game soon began. By the time the 4th quarter came around, the score was 42-35. The defense managed to keep the other team from tying the game up. With less than 10 seconds to go, the score was 49-35. The coach called a time out and pulled Jake aside and whispered something to him. Jake nodded in reply then headed over to Putu. Lawrence went over to the head ref and requested a joint conference with the other coach. After almost a minute, everybody went back to their sidelines. Lawrence nodded to Jake. Jake put his hands on Putu's shoulders.
"This is it, bro. The last play of the game. We're going to let you kick a field goal."
"What if I miss or get blocked? The team will be upset."
Jake shook his head. "Putu, we've already won the game. Just go out there and have fun."
Putu nodded. Jake explained the distance and gave him some tips. As the Indonesian stepped from the bench towards the sideline, the rest of the team patted him on the shoulder and gave him words of encouragement. Finally he got to his coach, who nodded. Putu and Jake put their helmets on and took their positions at 67 yards from the goal as the rest of the team on the sidelines took a knee and locked their arms. Putu looked at Jake, who nodded.
"You got this."
Putu nodded and took a few breaths. Then he rushed forward and kicked the ball with all his strength. Everybody in the stadium watched silently as the ball soared in the air. Jake got up quickly and stood next to Putu. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the ball sailed right through the middle of the uprights as time ran out on the game clock.
The stadium erupted in deafening cheers and applause as Putu fell to his knees with emotion. The rest of the team rushed the field and raised Putu on their shoulders. Jake stepped back and removed his helmet, fighting back tears himself.
Finally the group got back to the locker room where the celebration continued. Jake and Putu were finally able to sit together and talk. Jake put his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I told you you could do it."
Finally, Coach Lawrence entered the locker room.
"OK, gentlemen. This was the best game this team has ever played. And it's one that will be talked about for a long time. In fact, it's already being talked about all over the country." he smiled, holding in his excitement. He held up a football.
"Now, as you all know, it's a tradition for the coach to give the game ball to the outstanding player of the game. Putu, come up here."
Putu walked forward and the coach handed the ball to him.
"Congratulations."
"Thanks, coach."
The entire locker room let out loud cheers and applause. The coach motioned for quiet.
"Now, there's one more reason to celebrate. As I was heading back here. I got stopped by the school athletic director..." he paused for a minute and smiled. "And a representative from the NFL. Putu's field goal at the end not only broke the record for longest field goal at the high school level, but it also was longer than the current NFL record of 63 yards. Congratulations, Putu."
The whole locker room erupted in excitement. Putu shook hands with his teammates as they congratulated him. In the back, Jake waited until the rest of the team had finished congratulating Putu then he went up.
"I'm so proud of you."
The two hugged tight, Putu fighting back tears. After getting changed, they headed out to the field where the rangers and Kasey were waiting midfield for them. As soon as they emerged, the group clapped and cheered loudly for them. Putu smiled and exchanged handshakes and hugs down the line.
Jake smiled as he let his friend have his moment. Kasey rushed over towards his big brother and the two hugged tight. After they let go, Jake looked at the little guy.
"So what did you think of that kick?"
"It was amazing!"
Jake smiled and ruffled Kasey's hair, then looked up at the stars.
"It sure was!"