The Flight Boys jogged back onto Field 6 with the confidence of a team that had completely dominated the first half. The scoreboard still glowed 21-0, and the energy from their sideline was electric. College scouts had moved closer to the field during halftime, clipboards and phones ready to capture every moment of the second half.
Taylor gathered his offense in a tight circle before they took the field.
"Aviators, they're going to throw everything they have at us," he said, his aviator sunglasses reflecting the afternoon sun. "Desperation makes teams dangerous, but it also makes them predictable. Stay disciplined, execute our game plan, and let's put this thing to bed early."
Tristain nodded, feeling the familiar pre-drive calm settling over him. The System integration felt seamless now—not like enhanced abilities, but like his natural talent had simply found its perfect expression.
"Defense showed them out in the first half," Marcus said, adjusting his gloves. "Our turn to finish what we started."
Brookfield's Fourth Possession
Brookfield came out of halftime with noticeable changes. Their formations were more exotic, their tempo faster, and their body language more urgent. Kowalski had clearly received an earful from his coaches during the break.
1st and Goal from the 25: Brookfield opened with a formation Tristain hadn't seen on film—empty backfield with receivers bunched in tight clusters on both sides. It was clearly designed to create confusion and pick situations against man coverage.
Kowalski took the snap and immediately looked toward a crossing route combination. His slot receiver broke free momentarily, but North Bridgeton's coverage was ready for the adjustment.
Jamal Williams closed on the receiver just as the ball arrived, applying a perfect two-hand touch that stopped the play after a 6-yard gain. Clean execution, but nothing that threatened the Flight Boys' dominance.
"They're getting desperate," Deshawn observed from the sideline, having rotated off defense for this series. "Trying stuff they've never practiced."
2nd and 4 from the 19: Brookfield shifted to no-huddle tempo, clearly trying to prevent North Bridgeton from making adjustments. This time they ran a pick play—two receivers crossing at the same depth, trying to create interference for the defense.
But North Bridgeton's secondary was too disciplined. Devon Carter fought through the pick cleanly and stayed with his receiver, while Marcus Thompson provided help over the top. The pass fell incomplete under pressure.
3rd and 4 from the 19: The critical third down that could determine whether Brookfield had any chance of making this competitive. They lined up in trips formation, but added motion and shifting that created a completely different look at the snap.
Kowalski took the snap and rolled to his right, buying time while his receivers worked to find soft spots in coverage. He eventually found his tight end on a short crossing route at the 15-yard line.
But Xavier Banks read the play perfectly, arriving just as the receiver made the catch and applying a firm two-hand touch that prevented any additional yardage. The ball was spotted at the 15—a 4-yard gain and a first down, but North Bridgeton had made them work for every yard.
"Good coverage," Taylor called from the sideline. "Make them earn everything!"
1st and Goal from the 15: Brookfield was now in the red zone for the first time in the game, and their sideline showed signs of life. They came out in a tight formation with multiple receiver options, clearly planning to target the end zone.
Kowalski took the snap and looked for his primary receiver on a fade route. The throw was well-placed, but Malik Johnson was in perfect position, getting his hands between the receiver and the ball to break up the pass.
2nd and Goal from the 15: Brookfield tried a different approach—a quick slant combination designed to get their most reliable receiver in space. The timing was good, but Devon Carter had studied the tendency and jumped the route.
The collision was clean but decisive. Incomplete pass, and Brookfield faced another third-and-long situation.
3rd and Goal from the 15: Do or die time for Brookfield. They spread five receivers across the formation, giving Kowalski maximum options and putting pressure on North Bridgeton's coverage.
Kowalski had plenty of time to scan the field, but every receiver was covered. Finally, under pressure from a delayed blitz, he forced a throw toward the end zone that sailed over everyone's head.
4th and Goal from the 15: Brookfield had no choice but to go for it. They lined up in an empty backfield with their best players on the field, knowing this might be their only real scoring opportunity.
Kowalski took the snap and looked for his primary receiver on a comeback route. The throw was accurate, but Marcus Thompson had anticipated the route perfectly. He stepped in front of the receiver and intercepted the pass at the 12-yard line.
Turnover. Flight Boys' ball at the 12-yard line.
The North Bridgeton sideline erupted in celebration. Brookfield's best drive of the game had ended with nothing to show for it.
"Defense is locked in," Tristain said as his offense took the field. "Let's reward them with points."
Flight Boys' Fourth Possession
1st and 10 from the 12: With excellent field position and the defense playing at an elite level, Tristain felt the game firmly in their control. This drive was about adding to their lead and making a statement to everyone watching.
Tristain gathered the huddle, looking at each receiver individually.
"Gun trips right. 'Stealth Fighter.' Carlos, angle route underneath. Marcus, deep post. If they're playing zone, Carlos is open immediately."
The snap came clean. Tristain took a three-step drop and scanned Brookfield's coverage. They were indeed playing zone, trying to prevent any more big plays. Carlos broke open on his angle route at the 18-yard line with plenty of separation.
Zone coverage. Carlos has the window.
Tristain shifted his hips, opened his shoulders, and whipped his arm forward in a compact motion. The ball flew like a laser, arriving at Carlos's hands with perfect timing. Carlos secured the catch and immediately turned upfield, using his body to shield the ball from the pursuing defender.
From Carlos's POV:
Dyce makes this look so easy. Ball's right where it needs to be, exactly when I need it.
Carlos fought for extra yardage, finally being brought down by a two-hand touch at the 28-yard line. 16-yard gain and another first down.
1st and 10 from the 28: The rhythm was building now. Tristain could feel his receivers getting more confident with each completion, and Brookfield's defense was starting to show signs of fatigue.
"Doubles left. Terrell, option route. Read the coverage and find the soft spot."
Terrell nodded, understanding exactly what Tristain wanted. At the snap, he released from his position and read the linebacker's coverage. When the defender dropped too deep, Terrell settled into the hole at the 35-yard line.
'Linebacker's dropping too deep. Terrell sees it too.'
Tristain planted his back foot, rotated his hips, and fired a bullet pass—low enough that only Terrell could catch it, but with enough velocity to get there before the coverage could recover.
Terrell made the catch and immediately looked upfield. The safety was late arriving, giving Terrell a clear lane to the sideline. He accelerated through the gap, using his speed to reach the 45-yard line before being forced out of bounds.
17-yard gain. The Flight Boys were moving at will.
1st and 10 from the 45: Tristain felt the defense starting to panic. Brookfield was playing more aggressively, trying to make something happen, but that aggressiveness was creating opportunities.
"Gun spread right. Marcus, comeback at 18. Be ready for the back-shoulder if he's playing over the top."
At the line, Tristain could see Brookfield's cornerback playing with outside leverage, clearly worried about getting beaten deep again. That positioning made the comeback route almost unstoppable.
'He's playing outside leverage. Comeback's wide open.'
Marcus ran his route with precision, creating separation at exactly the right moment. Tristain stepped up in the pocket, shifted his weight, and delivered a strike just as Marcus made his break. The ball hit him in the chest at the 27-yard line like it was shot from a cannon.
Marcus secured the catch and turned upfield, gaining an additional 5 yards before being touched down at the 22.
1st and Goal from the 22: The red zone beckoned again, and Tristain felt the familiar confidence that came from operating in short-field situations. Brookfield's defense was playing tighter coverage now, but that just meant more precision was required.
"Trips left. Jaylen, wheel route up the sideline. Trust the timing."
Jaylen lined up in the slot and nodded. At the snap, he released inside before breaking toward the sideline, creating separation from the linebacker trying to cover him.
Perfect timing. Just like we practiced.
Tristain waited for the perfect moment, feeling the rhythm in his bones. He stepped into the throw, whipped his arm in a fluid motion, and delivered a touch pass that arced gracefully over the linebacker and into Jaylen's hands at the 8-yard line. Jaylen secured the catch and immediately dove toward the end zone, stretching the ball across the goal line before being touched.
TOUCHDOWN FLIGHT BOYS. 28-0.
Celebration and Momentum
The Flight Boys' celebration was more controlled this time—they knew they were in complete command, but they also respected the game situation. As they jogged toward the sideline, the crowd noise was noticeably different. Even neutral observers were acknowledging the quality of football they were watching.
"That wheel route was perfect," Marcus said, meeting Jaylen as they reached the sideline. "Timing, placement, execution—everything."
Tristain nodded, but his attention was already shifting to the defensive series ahead. Brookfield would be forced to throw on every down now, which played right into North Bridgeton's strengths.
"Defense, they're going to get desperate," Taylor called as the secondary prepared to take the field. "Stay disciplined, don't bite on any tricks, and let's get the ball back quickly."
Brookfield's Fifth Possession - Desperation Mode
With the deficit now at four touchdowns, Brookfield was officially in desperation mode. They came out in formations that clearly prioritized speed over sustainability—five-wide sets, no-huddle tempo, and routes designed to get their fastest players in space quickly.
1st and Goal from the 25: Brookfield opened with a four-vertical concept—all receivers running go routes, hoping to create one-on-one matchups they could exploit. It was high-risk, high-reward football.
Kowalski took the snap and immediately looked deep. But North Bridgeton's coverage was perfect. Each receiver was covered by a defensive back who had studied the tendencies and knew exactly what to expect.
Under pressure from Deshawn coming on a blitz, Kowalski was forced to scramble to his right. He eventually threw the ball away rather than risk an interception.
2nd and Goal from the 25: Brookfield tried a different approach—a quick bubble screen to their slot receiver, hoping to get their most dynamic player in space with room to operate.
But Marcus Thompson had read the formation perfectly. He jumped the route and applied a two-hand touch immediately after the catch, limiting the gain to just 3 yards.
3rd and 7 from the 22: Another critical third down, but this time with the added pressure of a four-touchdown deficit. Brookfield lined up in an empty backfield, spreading five receivers and giving Kowalski maximum options.
He took the snap and scanned the field desperately, looking for any receiver who might have found separation. Finally, he spotted his tight end running a crossing route and fired the ball.
But Jamal Williams had been reading Kowalski's eyes perfectly. He stepped in front of the route and intercepted the pass cleanly at the 18-yard line.
INTERCEPTION. Flight Boys' ball at the 18-yard line.
The North Bridgeton sideline exploded again. Their third takeaway of the game, and Brookfield's offense was completely demoralized.
"Pick six opportunity!" Deshawn yelled from the sideline, though Williams had been touched down immediately after the interception.
Flight Boys' Fifth Possession - Statement Drive
1st and 10 from the 18: With excellent field position once again, Tristain felt the opportunity to really put the game away. This drive could effectively end any remaining hope Brookfield might have.
"Gun doubles right. Marcus, deep dig. Let's see if they've learned anything."
At the line, Tristain could see that Brookfield was playing more aggressive coverage, trying to jump routes and create turnovers. That aggressiveness would create opportunities if he was patient.
He's tired. Corner's a step slow.
The snap came clean, and Tristain took a five-step drop, his footwork crisp and mechanical. Marcus ran his route with precision, creating separation at the 12-yard line against a cornerback who was clearly tired and frustrated.
There's the window.
Tristain planted his left foot, torqued his hips, and unleashed a laser that hit Marcus in stride. The ball arrived with such velocity that Marcus barely had time to secure it before turning upfield. He finally went down at the 4-yard line after a 14-yard gain.
1st and Goal from the 4: Goal line territory, with a chance to extend the lead to five touchdowns. Tristain felt the weight of the moment—not pressure, but opportunity.
"Trips right. Terrell, shallow crossing route. Trust the timing."
The formation was designed to create congestion in the middle of the field, making it difficult for Brookfield's defense to cover all the crossing routes cleanly.
Linebacker's late. Terrell's got the timing down perfect.
At the snap, Terrell released from his position and ran a perfect shallow cross. The linebacker responsible for covering him was a step slow, creating a window of opportunity that Tristain exploited immediately.
Right there. Now.
Tristain shifted his weight forward, whipped his arm in a compact motion, and fired a dart—fast, accurate, and placed exactly where only Terrell could catch it. The ball shot across the field like a bullet, arriving at Terrell's hands at the precise moment he reached the 2-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN FLIGHT BOYS. 35-0.
Game Management
The scoreboard now showed a five-touchdown lead with less than 8 minutes remaining in the game. The result was no longer in question—this was now about managing the victory and preparing for the next round.
Taylor gathered his players during the celebration.
"Outstanding execution, aviators," he said, his typical theatrical energy replaced by professional satisfaction. "But we're not done yet. Finish this game the right way, show respect for our opponents, and keep building toward the next challenge."
As Brookfield prepared for what would likely be their final meaningful possession, Tristain found himself thinking ahead to their next opponent. St. Xavier from Cincinnati—five Division I commits, undefeated in 7-on-7 play, and a reputation for never backing down from anyone.
This game had been a statement. The next one would be a test.
Brookfield's Final Possessions
Brookfield's remaining drives were exercises in futility. Facing a five-touchdown deficit with limited time, they were forced into increasingly desperate situations that played right into North Bridgeton's defensive strengths.
Their first drive ended with another interception—this time by Devon Carter, who jumped a comeback route and returned it to midfield. Their second drive managed to reach the red zone before stalling on fourth down, turned away by perfect coverage from the secondary.
With three minutes remaining, Taylor began substituting liberally, giving younger players experience while maintaining the intensity that had characterized the entire game.
The Flight Boys' final drive was a masterpiece of game management. Short, controlled passes that moved the chains while running time off the clock. Tristain completed five straight throws, each one placed with surgical precision, before taking a knee to end the drive as time expired.
Final Whistle
FINAL SCORE: FLIGHT BOYS 35, BROOKFIELD ACADEMY 0
As the teams met at midfield for the traditional handshake line, the mutual respect was evident despite the lopsided score. Brookfield's players were disappointed but gracious, acknowledging the superior performance they'd witnessed.
"Hell of a game," Kowalski said to Tristain during the handshake. "You guys are special. That chemistry between you and your receivers is something else."
"Thanks. You guys fought hard."
"Good luck the rest of the tournament. Seriously—go win this thing."
The compliment was genuine, and Tristain felt a surge of confidence mixed with responsibility. Brookfield had been a quality opponent, and they'd been completely dominated. That level of performance would be expected in every subsequent game.
As the teams gathered their equipment, the attention from college scouts was immediate and intense. Clipboards filled with notes, phones recording video, and business cards being exchanged with Coach Taylor.
"Tristain," called a voice from the sideline. A man in Indiana University gear approached with a confident stride. "Coach Davidson, IU recruiting coordinator. Could we chat for a minute?"
"Of course."
"That was an exceptional performance. The accuracy, the decision-making, the leadership—all at a very high level. We'd like to know more about your academic situation and college interests."
Similar conversations were happening around the field. Marcus was talking with a Purdue scout about his plans for the future. Deshawn had attracted attention from several programs interested in his versatility as a two-way player.
But what struck Tristain most was the attention being paid to the entire unit. Scouts weren't just evaluating individual players—they were analyzing the chemistry, the system, the way the Flight Boys elevated each other's performance.
"Team chemistry like that is rare," he overheard one coach saying to another. "Usually takes years to develop that kind of trust and timing."
----
As they boarded the bus for the short ride back to the hotel, the mood was celebratory but focused. One game down, potentially four more to go if they wanted to win the tournament.
"St. Xavier's up next," Marcus said, settling into the seat beside Tristain. "2 PM kickoff. They just beat their first opponent 28-14."
"Good team?"
"Really good. Their quarterback threw for four touchdowns, and their receivers are all legitimate D1 prospects. Plus they've been playing together since middle school."
Tristain nodded, already shifting his mental focus to the next challenge. The Brookfield game had been about making a statement. The St. Xavier game would be about proving they could maintain that level against elite competition.
"How do you feel?" Marcus asked as the bus pulled away from the complex.
"Good. Really good." Tristain looked out the window at the Chicago skyline. "Like we're just getting started."
His phone buzzed with texts—congratulations from Ayana, proud messages from Tom and Lisa Sayana, even encouragement from Scarlett. The support felt good, but it also reminded him of the expectations that were building with each successful performance.
"One game at a time," he murmured to himself.
But deep down, he was starting to believe that the Flight Boys might actually be capable of something special. Not just winning games, but winning everything.
---
Back at the hotel, the Flight Boys had two hours to rest, refuel, and prepare for their second group stage game. The atmosphere was confident but professional—the kind of focused preparation that championship teams develop.
Tristain lay on his hotel bed, reviewing film of St. Xavier on his tablet while Marcus studied route combinations at the desk. The routine felt natural now, like they'd been doing this for years rather than months.
"Their safety is really good," Marcus observed, scrolling through defensive coverages. "Fast, smart, great instincts. He's going to make some plays."
"Everyone's good at this level," Tristain replied. "That's why we're here."
But as he watched St. Xavier's highlights, Tristain felt no anxiety. The Brookfield game had confirmed what he'd suspected for weeks—the Flight Boys were operating at a different level now. The chemistry was real, the execution was consistent, and the confidence was building with each drive.
His phone buzzed with a text from Taylor: Team meeting at 1:15. Final prep for Game 2. Great work today, aviators.
As Tristain closed his eyes for a brief rest, he reflected on how much had changed since arriving in Indiana. The athletic success was gratifying, but the relationships—with Marcus, with the team, with the Sayana family—felt like the foundation for something lasting.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he felt ready for whatever came next. The Flight Boys had announced themselves with authority.
Now it was time to prove it wasn't a fluke.
----
Jamal Williams - Cornerback
Devon Carter - Cornerback
Xavier Banks - Safety
Marcus Thompson - Free Safety
Malik Johnson - Strong Safety
Deshawn Harris - Two-way player (offense and defense)