Sometimes heroes don't wear capes.
Sometimes they come dressed as an ordinary class of high school senior football players, donning orange and black uniforms for the very last time.
But what all heroes have in common is their grace, their class and their ability to hold their heads up high even when there are challenges that they can never surmount because they are out of their control.
Carter and the Spuds finished a historic run last night, beating Alexandria 63 to 7 in what should have been a section semifinal, but instead will serve as the Spuds last game.
That win gave the Spuds a 7-0 record, with the incredible stat that they outscored their opponents this year 313 to 38. And that schedule included two teams that were ranked in the Top 5 of the state at the time they played them.
What a bittersweet way to end such a magical journey that started 10 years ago for a lot of these boys. I should know; I got the honor of coaching a lot of them in fourth, fifth and sixth grade alongside Carter. And so it has been like watching a whole team of sons get out there and after each week.
So many memories flood back about Carter's football journey, but none will be more memorable than the season he just put in. Last season was a tough one for him. He unexpectedly sat on the sidelines nearly the entire season, and he was not going to let that happen this year. And so he spent months of early mornings and late nights to bulk up and prepare for this season. Literally hundreds of hours of work over the past 12 months.
And then March came. ... Regardless, this group of seniors banded together to defy the odds. When the order came to close gyms, the kids worked out elsewhere. During speed and strength this summer, they worked in mini-groups and staggered reporting throughout the morning so as not to exceed the allowed numbers in the room at the same time. Then there came the order that football was moved to the spring, and the frustration that came with that. And then there was the order saying that they would play, but only a shortened season without state playoffs. And then mid-season their lockers rooms were declared off limits so they dressed for practice in their cards. Literally. And then it was declared they could no longer ride buses together. So parents stepped up and drove their football athletes up and down the state for weeks. ... And then finally in the last week, the kids found out they won't even get their section championship. ... Last night's game will be their last.
So many setbacks. ... But never did these kids rebel or get pissy or let down their effort. ... Oh sure, there was your usual teenage grumbling and frustration, but instead of getting angry they poured their frustration out on the field. And gave us all a season that will be talked about for many years.
They will remember being ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 5A, and for a couple of weeks even the No. 1 team in all classes. They will remember getting a video highlight on Sport Center's Top 10. And they will remember that there wasn't a team in the state that could hang with them.
They say that championships aren't played on paper; they're played on the field. But this group of seniors needs no state championship game and trophy to define them. They are a class act, and they have inspired so many this season with their selflessness, their joy and their loyalty to each other. They've already earned their state championship in so many ways that matter.
Yes, there are far more important things taking place in the world, but for a few magical nights this fall, a group of Moorhead senior football players transported us to a different realm where the good guys really do come out on top, where hard work pays off, where decency counts and where love of faith, family and football is all that matters.
No, these kids last night did not don capes to win their last game. But the played like heroes even when by no fault of their own their last game ever was not much more than one last time to put on a uniform and step onto a football field together.
These kids will go on to do incredible things. They've all overcome mountains in their own way, and the lessons they've learned from this football season will carry them a long ways.
And as for Carter, well, he joined his brother in the pantheon of great stories about Spuds football. The boys happen to share the bond of being on the Spuds' last two statebound teams. And both boys' dreams didn't materialize in the way we all thought they would. But, I dare say, this will give those two proud brothers something to talk about for years to come!
I am so grateful to the Moorhead football coaches over the past decade that have played such a big part in our boys' lives. ... It just goes to show you that you don't have to have your name in the headlines to make a difference in a child's life. You just have to care, and these men that have coached our kids have certainly done that.
Congratulations Spuds Football Class of 2020! ... What more is there to say other than you've given us all a very special gift. Thank you from a grateful dad. #OnceASpudAlwaysASpud #moorheadspudsfootball
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