This isn’t the typical underdog story, where we defeated all odds, putting ourselves on the map, but instead is our unfortunate reality.  With the final games of the season, against Mater Academy and Hallandale, ending both games in a loss, it marked the end of what once seemed like such a promising season for the Jagboyz. 

Although we didn’t finish it out as strongly as we had wanted, that wouldn’t stop us from celebrating our senior night, shining a spotlight on their last moments on the field.

 Every athlete knows what that drive home feels like after a bad game or loss; the silence that for some reason is now so loud as you sit replaying the whole game through your head, thinking about all the things you could’ve done differently. 

This was how the bus ride felt on the way back to school after our loss to the Hallandale Chargers ending in a 34-27 defeat for the Jags. We couldn’t find a way to close out the game, and it ended in an upsetting loss kicking us out of playoff contention.

We couldn’t afford to sulk in the loss, our attention immediately shifting  onto Mater Academy for senior night, and the final game of the season. 

Emotions were flying high as the seniors were honored before the game, being embraced by their loved ones, and congratulated for their accomplishments on the field.

 I felt the love and appreciation in the air firsthand, and I’ve honestly felt nothing like it before. Being recognized for our hard work and commitment to not only the team, but each other is something that I’ll always cherish. 

Coming into this game there were still high stakes: an opportunity to have the best record in Pines Charter history, 7-3, with a win against Mater. 

So now it was game time; after being honored along with the other seniors, the last thing we wanted to remember about our time in the football program was a win, but again we weren’t able to pull through with a victory, the game ending in a painful 49-7  defeat. 

 Although these losses took away our playoff dreams and a record that could’ve gone down in the history books, what it will never take away is the memories that were made on and off the field. It can never take away the lifetime bonds made amongst the ‘25 senior class, nor our love for the game that brought us all together on and off the field.