The crowd cheers in celebration of one small victory. Whether it’s an intercept, another first down, or even a touchdown, there is no telling how this will play out. Each victory is only a stepping stone to which they hope will more laid down to pave the way towards the win.
In between plays hip-hop music stirs a different kind of movement. Football player break into dance on the sidelines — balancing playfulness amid the seriousness of playoffs. Some may frown at this but I find it refreshing. After all, they are just kids.
Meanwhile, YaYa and his teammates are in the locker room weighing in with the Pop Warner officials policing the process. With yet 1 1/2 hours until kickoff, they’ll warm up and do a final run through of a few their plain-vanilla plays. They’ll be careful not to reveal the “secret sauce” with the opponent so close at hand.
Since playoffs are single-elimination, it’s do-or-die today. I avoid biting my saids and say a few prayers — not for a win (God has better things to focus on) but for everyone’s safety.