One of the toughest things in the world is to be so close to a milestone and fall just short it. It hurts because you know you have the ability and you put in the work to get it done, but sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be.
Friday’s loss to the Lorena Leopards was a tough one to witness. From the start, it was evident that both teams were evenly matched. Despite Lorena leading by three scores in the second half, the Tigers continued to fight as they have done all season.
As I watched the Lorena players celebrate their championship win on Tiger Field, I could see the frustration and disappointment on the faces of the Rockdale players. When things looked ugly early on, the Tigers clawed their way back. After playing their hearts out, falling just a touchdown short of a great comeback victory had to be a tough pill to swallow.
As a person who’s lost a championship game by one point before, I know the feeling all too well. It hurts even more because you know the other team isn’t better than yours. They just made a few more key plays that turned out to be the deciding factor.
Knowing it would be the last time the seniors would play on Tiger Field pierced like a spear. They have dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity this season, including COVID-19, injuries and tough losses. However, they still managed to put themselves in a position to win a championship and for that, they should be commended. It would have been a storybook ending for those guys to win a district championship, but life had other plans.
As the senior class took the field, locked arms and made their final walk, it was evident that the adjustment of this being their last home game had become a reality. With the music playing and some of the kids shedding tears, I struggled to avoid becoming emotional myself. It made me flash back to my time as a high school senior in 2014. It seemed like yesterday when our teacher Mr. Cobb began crying and told us how much he loved us. I still remember hugging my friend, Sam and becoming emotional during our last game as Shaw Raiders. I still reflect on those great memories and I treasure them to this day. The years go by fast and you cherish every second of them. Next thing you know, you and your friends are adults and have to decide your own paths in life.
There is no way to sugarcoat it. Friday’s loss stings. There isn’t much anyone can say to make the guys feel better.
However, there is no time to sulk or feel sorry for yourself because the state playoffs begin this Friday. The guys must take their anger and disappointment and channel it into giving their all on every single play.
No matter what sport you play, it is proven that the playoffs are where legends are made. The playoff spotlight is bigger and the crowd will be louder. This squad must show the Columbus Cardinals that the heart of a Tiger remains in them.
Everything the Tigers did this season will have to be done at a higher degree. They’ll have to be faster, jump higher and hit harder. There is no time for excuses because one mistake can be the end of their season.
Although the district championship ended in disappointment, the 2020- 2021 season is not over for the Rockdale Tigers football team. If they possess the right mindset and prepare as they should, I can see this team achieving something much greater. This talented team can go far if everyone plays to the best of their abilities.
For the seniors, they must decide what legacy they want to leave here in Rockdale. Columbus will be a stiff test, but I believe they have what it takes to get the job done. The Tigers will have to return to being that team I saw in October. That team dominated on both offense and defense.
It’s time for the Tigers to prove how good they really are. Each game represents a do-or-die contest, so the time has come for them to reveal that Tiger tenacity. See you all in Conroe on Friday. Go Tigers!
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