The lights were bright, and the air was crisp but cold, like a typical fall night. I looked around and couldn't help but notice the intensity of the Players, coaches, and fans. It felt like the stadium was about to explode, but I stopped scanning the crowd when I got to you—standing there on the track just to the left of the endzone, cheering on the defense with signs in hand saying as much. That black and gold uniform shining brightly under those stadium lights, but you catch me looking at you, and we lock eyes. That soft smile can warm your soul, and those eyes take me back to the first time I got lost in them almost a year ago.

Set.. Hut. I return to reality just in time to jump off the ball and run my route. The ball is in the air, heading towards the sideline. I break back towards the endzone, grab the ball, and reach just as I get tackled. The official raises his hand to signal a touchdown. I stand up to celebrate. We lock eyes again, and you mouth “see you at the spot” and you smile; it is the last thing I see before getting tackled by my teammates in excitement. I had just scored the game-winning touchdown to beat out rivals and win the conference.