As the clock hit all zeros at Buddy Moorhead Stadium in Conroe, the roller coaster season of the Rockdale Tiger football team was over. I watched kids cry and coaches hug one another. It started to hit me that my first season of covering Rockdale football was a wrap.
During the two-hour drive back to Rockdale, I reminisced about the entire season. I recalled the tough moments like Jace Robinson’s injury in the first game, the tough loss at Lexington and the Tigers coming one touchdown short of winning a district championship.
Woven among the disappointments were the great moments in RHS football that I had witnessed. Some of those include: watching the joy on the faces of Tiger fans as the bell was reclaimed with a defeat of Cameron, absorbing the emotion of Cam’ron Valdez as he broke the touchdown record, observing Anthony Dansby’s celebration after catching a touchdown pass against Taylor and rejoicing as Cedric Mitchell made a huge catch against Caldwell after the UIL cleared him to play in his first varsity game.
Although saddened that the season was over, I couldn’t help but be grateful for having this opportunity. It’s amazing to me that this time last year I was stocking shelves in a Publix grocery store and praying for a chance to go into journalism full-time. Who would have ever thought I’d leave Atlanta, Georgia for Rockdale, Texas and get paid to cover my favorite sport? Seems like it turned out be one of the best decisions I ever made.
This season might not have ended the way we wanted, but no one on the team should hang his head. This team fought through so much adversity and that in itself is commendable. Even when the season was in doubt due to COVID-19, I watched the guys practice in 108-degree weather to prepare themselves for battle. A storybook ending of those guys winning a championship would have been nice, but it wasn’t meant to be.
I’ll remember this group of seniors. This was a talented group and it brought me joy t0 watch them play every Friday night. I appreciate each one of them for giving their all in every game for their team and the community.
I know the frustration of losing in the first round hurts, but this group should still be proud of themselves. Despite all the adversity they faced, they still played with heart. I look forward to seeing guys like Cam’ron Valdez and Kesean Raven becoming collegiate athletes. Both are gifted and hard-working young men and I’m excited to see them make plays at Texas Tech and Sam Houston State.
I look forward to seeing Jace Robinson return to doing what he loved to do on the field. I remember how he conducted himself with such class and maturity despite not being able to play. Even as a high school student, he’s earned my respect for life. I’ll miss guys like Ty Mayberry striking fear in the hearts of offensive lineman. Two guys that epitomized what Rockdale football is all about were Bruce and Chase Mayfield. While many would consider them undersized for their respective positions, they gave their all each and every play. Whether it was an injury or blood on their jersey, they never slowed down.
Now that the season is over and PlayStation 5’s are sold out everywhere, I’m not sure how I’ll spend my Friday nights in Rockdale. However, I hope that basketball and soccer will have the same energy and excitement that football brought me. To all the players, coaches and fans thank you for allowing me to be a part of the 2020 season. This is by far the most fun I’ve had working a job and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to watching the Tigers get back on the field in 2021.
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