THAT ONE FINAL KICK

"I'm afraid they're not going to win. They just can not," Debbie said as she straightened her hair.

"They? No longer we? How hilarious," I mused.

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"Whichever one. But there's no chance that they'd win," she said

"And how do you know so?" I inquired.

"The obvious! No team has ever gone up against Champions and won. They're the star team of this region," she said matter-of-factly.

"Oh, please, just shut up. Don't bring your pessimism into this game," I rebuked her.

"I'm just stating facts. But at least, they should be proud that they made it to the finals. It's worth celebrating, right?"

I was no longer listening. What Debbie said was true. Champions football team had never lost a game but I was not ready to think about that. The whole school had gone quiet since the principal made the announcement concerning the games. There were talks among students. Some already believed that our school team had lost. There were only few flickers of hope. I hoped too.

Redeemer college, my school football team had been practicing in anticipation of this game for so long. This was even the first time they made it to the finals. Usually, by their second or third game, they were out. This time, stuff was different, with morals boosted and determination overwhelming everyone.

But even that ball of determination had been deflated when it was announced what team they'd be up against. Football was the highlight of Champions high school. Maybe the star point of the school, even before academics. You think Chsmpions and you think football. How was an unknown-in-the-field-of-play team like my school's team ever going to compete? It sounded ridiculous.

Well, we were up to the finals and there was no backing out. Classes for the players even had to be suspended in order that they focus all the energy into preparations for the game. Students already begun placing bets on which team they believed would win. I was not much of a soccer fan, just a patriot.

On the day of the game, the school field was swarmed with students from across various schools and spectators likewise. This was to be the finals of the State Hugh school championship game. I was so tensed my palm sweated. My best friend was on the team and all I could do was hope that he played smoothly.

Game begun and Champions showed just why they were always leading. By the end of twenty minutes, they had conceeded a goal. Side talks began erupting from every corner. People already begun predicting the end.

The first half ended and when the second begun, Redeemer came with a vengeance. They took the field by a storm. It was an intense game and in no time, they gave their first goal. The field erupted in cheers. After that goal, all they seemed to do thereof was protect their post. And no goal was given till time was up.

Time came for the penalty kicks. First one and Champions gave a goal. Redeemers lost their first kick and the morale from the spectators dampened. Although they had evidently improved in their games by miles, it looked like it was the feeling and consolation of haven improved tremendously that they would go home with.

Second kick for the Champions and it was a miss. Redeemer did theirs and conceded a goal. Two more misses for Champions, one miss and a final kick from my school team that would determine the winners. My best friend took that shot and while the ball left his feet, I bent my face into my palms. I was too scared and nervous to look. Just then, the whole field erupted in celebration. I looked up to see Redeemers, my school team clinging to themselves in celebratiom. Students and teachers alike were jubilating vigorously. I screamed and ran into the field. We had won.

This happened while I was yet in high school and it was just unbelievable. From always getting knocked out in the first few games to flying up and bagging the cup, it was just too good to be true. Who would have believed?

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