Always a Tiger

South Panola Tigers was up big; therefore, the coach put in the second team defense. They were getting beat up badly until the Eagles got down to the one yard line after a big passing play that put them down the field. Horn Lake Eagles decided to run the ball on the first play and lost five yards. Second down with six yards to go the Eagles ran the ball again gaining three yards. It was third down with three yards to, so South Panola coach decides to does an outside linebacker blitz to stop the running play on third down. It was a success but still gained two yards. It was time to go hard or go home one yard to go on fourth down; therefore, you have to go for it to put your team back into the game. The Horn Lake Eagles went for it and got stopped on the one yard line. South Panola Tigers showed the Horn Lake Eagles who was the better team.

As the second team offense approach the huddle, the coach told The Tigers to prevent a safety. Most coaches would have run the ball to get some room. South Panola Tigers was known for running the ball, but our coach decided not to run the ball. Instead, he called a play action play and told the wide receiver to go deep. The wide receiver was happy but the lineman did not want to pick up a safety. As I approached the ball and got into my stance, the rest of the team came to get into their stance. Down, set, hut, I snapped the ball to the quarter back. I helped the guard beside me until the middle linebacker seen a hole and decided to blitz but soon as he blitz I seen it and blocked him out of the play. Tevis Flowers then seen a man down the field and threw it deep to Deandrea Harris for a ninety nine yard touchdown. South Panola Tigers did not waste any time to score as the score increased again.

The score was thirty five to zero at the end of the third quarter. As fourth quarter approaching the Horn Lake Eagles did not see a comeback in their forecast. As the South Panola Tigers’ defense kept shutting out the Eagles it was clear as water this was an easy game for the Tigers. It took the eagles three and half quarters to score three points against our second team defense. The game goes on with the South Panola Tigers winning the game 56 to three. After the game, the coach gave us a speech about how proud he was of us because we did not let the score get into our heads which means we played a fair game. Yeah we shouted and gave each other high fives, but we still played the game fair. Since we were in Horn Lake, we had to travel back to Batesville, Mississippi; therefore, some of the guys and me went to go get some food at Chili’s Grill and Bar; however, they were closed. So we had to settle with McDonalds at Loves’ Gas Station. I went in and ordered three hot’ n’ spicy sandwich with medium fry and large drink because I had worked up an appetite. As most football players after a big win meet up and talk about the game or wait until Monday and discuss it with the school. We discussed it at McDonalds and we bought up the play we thought we were going to get a safety. Our quarterback was there and he said he seen the middle linebacker blitz was hoping I seen it to pick him up. I told him, “of course I seen him we just glad you did not over throw the ball like in practice” and everyone started laughing. It was one of the best nights for me as an football player because we kept the winning streak going, and I was hanging out with good friends, who I called my family because of the bond we had. I would not change that night because it was the start of my football career. I had more games and big blocks against teams all over the state. The team and I won every game that year including playoffs and nationals which we became National and State championship. As the high school came to an end, I had to make a decision which was to play college football or get my bachelor degree in Real Estate. Of course, I choose Real Estate because I thought it was better for me. Eventually, I changed my major to coach sports because when I left sports I did not feel like the kid when I played the Eagles which were so happy to be a part of something. I hope soon I can earn my degree in Sports Studies at Mississippi State University.