The game was over and they cried. Two young men drenched in sweat and tears knelled on the football field -- perhaps for the final time, competitively. Maybe not. College, the pros? Who knows? But on this windy, Friday night under the bright lights and a full moon, these seniors cleansed their souls and went out winners.
Such is the purity of high school football. The atmosphere of pride, cheers and glory. But the 'Cudas players weren't the only ones to shed tears after the big win over playoff-bound DeLand, 21-13. Cheerleaders, Showdolls and the band rocked the night at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Stadium in front of the home faithful.
Take my word for it: Quite a few parents had tears as well.
Nobody understands this better than NSB football coach Rocky Yocam, who thanked his seniors for their dedication. He not only instilled discipline, but self respect and respect of others.
He helped build the character of young men.
"I couldn't be happier for these kids," Yocam said after the post-game huddle with several reporters. "We had a good team meeting at lunch today when we had our pre-game meal and each senior talked about what it meant to play the last couple of years here and it brought tears to my eyes."
With 8 seconds left and the two teams congratulating each other at midfield, two seniors pulled off their jerseys and shoulder pads, got down on one knee and openly wept -- emerging as young men who left their innocence on the gridiron, perhaps for the last time, but with memories of camaraderie and a love of the game that will follow them the rest of their lives.
In time, the scores will fade, schedules will be forgotten, but battling in the trenches, sacking the quarterback or scampering into the end zone never will. And, oh yes, those high fives and jumping hip bumps.
This is why the game is played.