There comes a time in every kids life when he feels that he grew a little inside. This may happen at different times to different people but for me that moment happened just this year. It was a time when nobody would give me a chance and I felt like I didn’t belong in the almost family-like atmosphere that I accumulated over the many weeks of playing together. I finally got that chance and when I did, I didn’t let a single bit of it slip through my fingers.
It began as soon as I got my gear at the very beginning of football season. My mom wanted me to play one more year. That’s what she said the past two years. She also said that this year would be different since it wasn’t middle school football anymore. I knew it would be the same though. Sports, no matter what level, are all about who you knew and who your friends are. I apparently wasn’t friends with the right people because for the past two years I was a benchwarmer. I only played when the so called “all star” needed a break. That’s the way it was and that's the way it always would be I thought.
The season started just as I predicted it, I was an A team benchwarmer. I played at practice and watched during the game. I wasn’t to upset about this because I had prepared myself for it. I never got my hopes up when Coach needed someone for my position, that way, I was never let down when he choose someone else. This went on until almost the end of the season.
My time to shine was almost here. We had only three games left. This week’s game was up against North Crowley. They were a good team with some great players. We knew this not going to be an easy victory. The game started with me, once again, on the sideline, watching. The air was chilly and the wind fierce. As I stood in the cold, I looked for my position. I found him just as I saw him get knocked on his back and then let the ball carrier go by for a 20 yard gain. The coach scanned the sideline for a replacement. I knew not to get my hopes up but the cold air only fueled my wanting to play. Coach glanced to me; he knew I wanted in the game. After a few more moments of doubt, I heard the coach half-heartily say my name. I ran in the game. This was my chance and I wasn’t going to mess it up. The defense got the call” GZend GZend” the linebacker screamed. This was my favorite defense. I lined up on the left side and waited. It was do or die time. The ball was snapped. I ran as fast as I could towards the quarterback. He had the ball in his hand and was about to throw it just as my facemask went into his pads. I remembered my practice and began to push him back. We both fell, the whistle blew and the crowd cheered wildly. I lay there stunned and unaware of what’s just happened. I snapped out of when I heard my name over the loud speaker for the very first time.
SPECIAL NOTE FROM HIS MOM AND DAD: In Luke's senior year, he played Outside Linebacker as a starter for Granbury Pirates. It was a FANASTIC football year for him. Luke heard his name numerous times over the loud speaker that year and even intercepted the ball and made a touchdown.