12:30 PM
Tristain flopped onto his hotel bed, still feeling the adrenaline from their dominant victory over Brookfield. His phone buzzed with notifications—social media alerts, text messages, missed calls from numbers he didn't recognize. The attention was both exciting and overwhelming.
Marcus emerged from the bathroom, toweling off his hair. "Yo, check Twitter. We're trending."
"Seriously?"
"Dead serious. #FlightBoys is blowing up. ESPN posted our highlights."
Tristain opened Twitter and scrolled through the notifications. His follower count had jumped by over a thousand in the past hour. The highlights were everywhere—his touchdown pass to Deshawn, Marcus's back-shoulder catch, the entire offensive performance set to dramatic music.
@ESPN_Recruiting:North Bridgeton QB Tristain Dyce throws 5 TDs in 35-0 rout. This kid is SPECIAL. 🚀 #FlightBoys
@247Sports:Flight Boys offense putting on a clinic in Chicago. Chemistry between Dyce and his receivers is off the charts.
@GriddyHighlights:WHO IS TRISTAIN DYCE?? This throw to #11 is INSANE 🔥🔥 (2.3M views)
One highlight in particular had exploded—his deep ball to Deshawn from the first drive. Someone had slowed it down, showing the ball's perfect spiral and Deshawn's catch in the end zone. The comments were filled with college coaches, analysts, and football fans trying to figure out where this quarterback had come from.
Time to check in with home, Tristain thought, pulling up Ayana's contact.
Tristain:Just saw the ESPN highlights. Pretty crazy
The response came almost immediately.
Ayana:TRISTAIN! We all watched online. Dad was jumping around the living room like a teenager. You looked incredible out there.
Tristain:Team effort. Marcus and the receivers made me look good
Ayana:Stop being modest. That throw to Deshawn was perfect. Mom said it looked like you were throwing to a spot before he even got there
Tristain:Your mom knows football?
Ayana:She knows precision when she sees it. How are you feeling? Ready for the next game?
Tristain:Good. Really good. St. Xavier is supposed to be much tougher though
Ayana:You'll be fine. Trust your preparation and your teammates. Also... you looked really focused on TV. Very... quarterback-y
Tristain smiled at his phone. Even through text, he could sense Ayana's teasing tone.
Tristain:Quarterback-y?
Ayana:Professional. In control. Like you belonged out there with all those cameras and scouts
Tristain:Felt natural. Maybe too natural
Ayana:That's a good thing. It means you're exactly where you're supposed to be
The conversation continued for a few more minutes—Ayana filling him in on the watch party at her house, her parents' reactions, even Scarlett's begrudging admission that "the throws were objectively impressive." It felt good to stay connected to home, to remember that there was life beyond the tournament.
Tristain:Better get some food and rest. Next game in 90 minutes
Ayana:Go dominate. We'll be watching. Make Indiana proud
Team Meal - 12:45 PM
The hotel restaurant had been reserved exclusively for tournament teams, creating a unique atmosphere where elite players from across the Midwest shared the same space. Tristain grabbed a turkey sandwich, fruit, and Gatorade—light enough to avoid stomach issues, substantial enough to maintain energy.
The Flight Boys had claimed a corner section, their voices animated as they discussed the morning's performance and prepared for the afternoon challenge.
"Bro, did you see that slow-motion highlight of your throw?" Deshawn asked, holding up his phone. "They got it from like six different angles. Looks like a movie."
"ESPN posted it three times," Jaylen added, scrolling through his own feed. "Comments are going crazy. People asking what college you're committed to."
Tristain felt a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement. The attention was flattering, but it also meant expectations would be higher for every subsequent performance.
"Speaking of which," Marcus said, setting down his sandwich, "St. Xavier's got five D1 commits. For real D1 commits—not just 'getting interest' but actually signed."
Taylor appeared at their table, carrying his usual clipboard and wearing a fresh Flight Boys polo.
"Gentlemen, time for intel briefing," he announced, pulling up a chair. "St. Xavier from Cincinnati. Let me introduce you to your opposition."
He consulted his notes with characteristic dramatic flair.
"Quarterback: Jake Morrison. 6'3", 190 pounds. Committed to Ohio State. Threw for 4,200 yards this spring, 38 touchdowns. Arm like a rocket launcher, but sometimes tries to force throws into coverage."
The table went quiet. An Ohio State commit was serious business.
"Wide Receiver: Derek Thompson. 6'1", 185 pounds. Committed to Michigan. Runs a 4.4 forty, has division one hands, can high-point any ball thrown his way."
"Slot Receiver: Tommy Chen. 5'10", 175 pounds. Committed to Notre Dame. Best route runner in the Midwest. Gets open when nobody else can."
"Safety: Frank Williams. 6'2", 200 pounds. Committed to Wisconsin. Three-year starter, leads the team in interceptions. Smart, physical, and fast."
"Linebacker: Chris Jackson. 6'1", 220 pounds. Committed to Michigan State. Covers everything from sideline to sideline. If you're running underneath routes, you're running into him."
Taylor set down his clipboard and looked around the table.
"Translation: they have more individual talent than anyone we've faced. But—" he held up a finger, "—talent doesn't guarantee chemistry. They're good players, but we're a good team. There's a difference."
Deshawn leaned forward. "What about their defense? Besides Williams and Jackson?"
"Solid but not spectacular. They rely on their commits to make plays, but the other guys are just guys. If we can isolate their weaker links..." Taylor made his characteristic airplane gesture.
"Clear skies ahead," the team finished in unison.
As they finished eating, Tristain felt his confidence building. St. Xavier would be their toughest test yet, but they'd proven they could execute at a high level under pressure. The question was whether they could maintain that standard against elite competition.
"One thing," Marcus said as they prepared to leave. "Morrison's good, but he's not used to getting pressure. Most teams can't get to him because of their talent advantage. Our secondary's different."
Deshawn grinned. "Time to introduce him to the No Fly Zone."
Pre-Game Preparation - 1:15 PM
Back in their hotel room, Tristain and Marcus went through their final preparation routine. Film study, route review, and mental rehearsal of key situations. The process felt natural now, professional.
"Check this out," Marcus said, pulling up St. Xavier highlights on his tablet. "Look at how Thompson releases off the line."
Tristain watched as the Michigan commit demonstrated textbook technique—clean footwork, precise routes, and reliable hands. But he also noticed something else.
"He's not used to getting pressed," Tristain observed. "Most of his catches are against soft coverage."
"Exactly. Their talent advantage means most teams play scared. Give him space, hope he doesn't beat you deep."
"We're not most teams."
"Definitely not."
As they prepared to head back to the complex, Tristain felt a familiar calm settling over him. The nerves were there, but they were good nerves—the kind that came with genuine opportunity rather than desperate hope.
His phone buzzed with a final text from Ayana: Saw your highlights on SportsCenter. Dad says you're "college ready right now." Go show them what Indiana football looks like.
1:45 PM - Back to the Complex
The atmosphere at the sports complex had intensified since the morning. More scouts, more cameras, more attention focused on every detail. Field 4, where they'd play St. Xavier, was surrounded by bleachers packed with observers.
As the Flight Boys took the field for warm-ups, Tristain immediately noticed the difference in their opponents. St. Xavier moved with the confidence of a team that had rarely been challenged. Their warm-up drills were crisp, their throws precise, and their overall demeanor suggested they expected to win.
"They look good," Jaylen observed, running a comeback route past Tristain.
"So do we," Tristain replied, delivering a strike that hit Jaylen perfectly in stride.
On the other side of the field, Jake Morrison was warming up his arm. Even from fifty yards away, Tristain could see the velocity on his throws. The ball made a distinct pop when it hit receivers' hands—the sound of elite arm strength.
Derek Thompson was running routes with the kind of fluidity that suggested years of high-level training. His cuts were sharp, his hands reliable, and his speed evident even during warm-ups.
"Their slot guy's really good too," Marcus noted, watching Tommy Chen work through route combinations. "Clean releases, great hands, finds holes in coverage."
But as the warm-up progressed, Tristain felt his confidence growing rather than diminishing. St. Xavier had talent, but they also looked predictable. Their routes were precise but mechanical, their timing perfect but unimaginative.
"They're used to being better than everyone," Deshawn said, jogging past during a conditioning drill. "Might not know what to do when that's not enough."
From the sideline, Taylor called for final preparations.
"Flight Boys, gather up! Time for takeoff!"
2:00 PM - Game Time
FLIGHT BOYS VS. ST. XAVIER ACADEMY - GROUP C SHOWDOWN
The coin toss took place at midfield, with both teams sending their captains. Tristain, Marcus, and Jaylen represented the Flight Boys, while St. Xavier sent Morrison, Thompson, and Williams.
The referee flipped the coin high into the afternoon air.
"Heads," Morrison called with the confidence of someone accustomed to winning.
The coin landed tails. The Flight Boys elected to receive, giving themselves the first opportunity to set the tone.
"Defense, let's see what the commits can do," Taylor called from the sideline with a slight smile.
As St. Xavier lined up for the opening kickoff, Tristain studied their formation one final time. Morrison moved with smooth confidence, Thompson and Chen spaced themselves with precision, and their defense looked ready for business.
But looking around at his own teammates—Marcus adjusting his gloves, Deshawn bouncing on his toes, Jaylen reviewing route concepts—Tristain felt completely confident.
The morning had been about making a statement. This afternoon would be about proving they belonged among the elite.
St. Xavier's First Possession
St. Xavier came out in a formation that immediately announced their intentions—spread offense with four receivers, designed to get their playmakers in space quickly. Morrison took his position behind center with the casual confidence of an Ohio State commit.
1st and Goal from the 25: Morrison took the snap from shotgun and immediately looked toward Derek Thompson running a comeback route. The timing was perfect—ball out in 2.8 seconds, exactly as their film study had shown.
But North Bridgeton's secondary was ready. Jamal Williams jumped the route aggressively, arriving at the catch point just as the ball did. The collision was clean but decisive—Thompson made the catch but was immediately touched down after just a 5-yard gain.
"They're good," Deshawn observed from the offensive sideline, "but they're not used to getting hit immediately after the catch."
2nd and 5 from the 20: St. Xavier shifted into trips formation, putting three receivers to one side and creating potential confusion for the defense. Morrison rolled to his right, extending the play while his receivers worked to find soft spots.
He eventually found Tommy Chen on a short crossing route—clean execution, perfect timing. But Marcus Thompson had read the play perfectly, applying a firm two-hand touch that limited the gain to just 6 yards and a first down.
"Good coverage," Taylor called from the sideline. "Make them work for everything!"
1st and Goal from the 14: Now approaching the red zone, St. Xavier showed their first exotic formation—empty backfield with receivers spread across the entire width of the field. Maximum stress on the defense.
Morrison took the snap and had plenty of time to scan. His eyes found Thompson running a fade route against single coverage—exactly the kind of matchup St. Xavier had been exploiting all season.
The throw was perfect—high and outside where only Thompson could catch it. But Devon Carter had studied the tendency and timed his jump perfectly. He got his hand between receiver and ball, breaking up the pass cleanly.
2nd and Goal from the 14: St. Xavier tried a different approach—quick timing routes designed to get their most reliable receiver in space. Chen ran a sharp slant from the slot, his release clean and his hands ready.
Morrison's throw was accurate, but Malik Johnson had anticipated the route. He closed fast and applied a two-hand touch immediately after the catch, stopping Chen at the 10-yard line for a 4-yard gain.
3rd and Goal from the 10: The critical down. St. Xavier lined up in a tight formation, clearly planning to target the end zone. Morrison had all his weapons available and plenty of time to find the right matchup.
He rolled to his left while his receivers ran a combination of routes designed to create confusion. Thompson broke open on a corner route, Chen found space on a crossing pattern, and their tight end leaked into the flat.
Morrison chose Thompson, delivering a strike toward the corner of the end zone. The throw was well-placed, but Xavier Banks had read Morrison's eyes perfectly. He stepped in front of the route and broke up the pass at the last second.
4th and Goal from the 10: St. Xavier faced a critical decision. They were too far for a comfortable conversion, but they also needed to establish some offensive rhythm early in the game.
They chose to go for it.
Morrison lined up in shotgun with four receivers spread wide. At the snap, he looked for his primary option—Thompson on a quick out route at the goal line. The throw was accurate and the route crisp.
But Deshawn Harris, playing defense, had diagnosed the play perfectly. He closed on Thompson just as the ball arrived, applying a perfect two-hand touch that prevented any chance of reaching the end zone.
Turnover on downs. Flight Boys' ball at the 10-yard line.
"No Fly Zone!" Deshawn yelled as the defense jogged off the field. "Welcome to North Bridgeton!"
The St. Xavier sideline looked surprised. They'd moved the ball effectively but had nothing to show for it—exactly the kind of result that could affect confidence early in a game.
"Outstanding defense," Taylor called as the offense took the field. "Now let's reward them with points."
Flight Boys' First Possession
1st and 10 from the 10: With 90 yards of field ahead of them and momentum clearly on their side, Tristain felt the familiar calm that preceded his best performances. St. Xavier's defense would be talented and motivated—exactly the kind of test that would show what the Flight Boys were really made of.
Tristain gathered the huddle, looking at each receiver individually.
Time to set the tone. Show them we're not intimidated.
"Gun trips right. 'Lightning Strike.' Marcus, deep dig at 18. Carlos, clear out with a post. If their safety bites on the trips, Marcus is one-on-one."
Marcus nodded, understanding the read perfectly. "Money."
At the line, Tristain scanned St. Xavier's defensive alignment. They were showing Cover 2 with the safeties splitting deep zones—exactly what he'd hoped to see.
Safety's cheating toward trips. Marcus has single coverage.
"Set... hut!"
The snap came clean. Tristain took a five-step drop, his footwork crisp and mechanical. Marcus released from the line with perfect precision, running straight at the cornerback before making his break at exactly 18 yards.
There's the window. Right now.
Tristain planted his left foot, torqued his hips, and unleashed a laser. The ball cut through the air with perfect spiral, arriving at Marcus's hands just as he completed his break.
From Marcus's POV:
Dyce sees it before I do. Ball's coming hot.
Marcus extended his arms and felt the ball slam into his hands. The velocity was tremendous, but the placement was perfect—right in his chest where only he could catch it. He secured it immediately and turned upfield.
The cornerback had been beaten cleanly on the route, leaving Marcus with open field ahead of him. He accelerated through the gap, using his size advantage to fight off the pursuing safety. The two-hand touch finally came at the 28-yard line, but not before an 18-yard gain and a statement completion.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Taylor yelled from the sideline. "Perfect read, perfect execution!"
1st and 10 from the 28: The rhythm was building now. Tristain could feel his receivers getting more confident with each completion, and St. Xavier's defense was starting to show signs of frustration.
They're playing more aggressive now. Time to make them pay.
"Doubles left. Deshawn, comeback at 15. Sell the go route first."
Deshawn flashed his characteristic grin. "About to cook this corner."
At the line, Tristain could see St. Xavier's cornerback playing 8 yards off Deshawn, clearly worried about getting beaten deep. That cushion would create opportunities if they executed properly.
He's scared of the speed. Perfect.
"Set... hut!"
Tristain dropped back as Deshawn released from the line. The route was a thing of beauty—Deshawn sold the go route perfectly, getting the cornerback to turn his hips and run vertically. Then, at exactly 15 yards, Deshawn planted his foot and pivoted back toward the quarterback.
Window's wide open.
Tristain stepped up in the pocket, shifted his weight forward, and fired a bullet pass. The ball arrived at Deshawn's hands with perfect timing, hitting him in the chest just as he completed his break.
Deshawn secured the catch and immediately looked upfield. The safety was late arriving, giving Deshawn a clear lane toward the sideline. He accelerated through the gap, showing the speed that made him dangerous, before being touched down at the 45-yard line.
17-yard gain. The Flight Boys were moving at will against St. Xavier's vaunted defense.
1st and 10 from the 45: Tristain felt the defense starting to panic. St. Xavier was playing more aggressively, bringing extra pressure, but that aggressiveness was creating the very opportunities the Flight Boys knew how to exploit.
They're loading up to stop the pass. Time for something different.
"Gun spread right. Marcus, post-corner combination. Read the safety and find the soft spot."
Marcus nodded, understanding the concept perfectly. The route would require precise timing and communication, but they'd practiced it hundreds of times.
At the snap, Marcus released from the line and ran straight at the safety. At 12 yards, he faked the post route, getting the safety to bite inside. Then he broke toward the corner of the end zone, creating separation just as Tristain released the ball.
Perfect timing. Like we drew it up.
Tristain stepped into the throw, whipped his arm in a fluid motion, and delivered a touch pass that arced gracefully over the linebacker and toward the corner. The ball hung in the air for what seemed like forever, giving Marcus time to track it over his shoulder.
From Marcus's POV:
This is going to be close. Corner's coming hard.
Marcus extended his arms and felt the ball settle into his hands just as he reached the goal line. But the cornerback was arriving at the same moment, creating a collision that sent both players tumbling.
Marcus hit the ground hard but held onto the ball, rolling into the end zone with the cornerback draped all over him. He popped up immediately, ball held high, as the referee signaled touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN FLIGHT BOYS. 7-0.
The celebration was immediate and electric. Marcus pointed toward Tristain as he jogged toward the end zone, acknowledging the perfect throw that had made the score possible.
"That's how we start!" Deshawn yelled, chest-bumping Marcus as they reached the sideline. "Beautiful throw, beautiful catch!"
From the bleachers, college scouts were making notes furiously. The drive had been a masterpiece of precision and timing against legitimate Division I talent.
"One drive, three completions, touchdown," Taylor said as they gathered around him. "That's championship-level execution, aviators!"
St. Xavier's Second Possession - Adjustments
St. Xavier came back onto the field with noticeable changes in their approach. Their tempo was faster, their formations more exotic, and their overall demeanor more urgent. Morrison's body language suggested he'd received clear instructions during the break.
1st and Goal from the 25: St. Xavier opened with a formation Tristain hadn't seen on film—bunch receivers on both sides, designed to create picks and confusion in coverage. Morrison took the snap and immediately looked toward a crossing route combination.
But North Bridgeton's secondary had studied the adjustment and was ready. Jamal Williams fought through the pick cleanly while Marcus Thompson provided help over the top. The pass fell incomplete under pressure.
"They're trying new stuff," Deshawn observed from the sideline. "Means we got them rattled."
2nd and Goal from the 25: St. Xavier shifted to no-huddle tempo, clearly trying to prevent North Bridgeton from making adjustments. This time they targeted Derek Thompson on a comeback route—the kind of bread-and-butter play that had been working all season.
But Devon Carter had anticipated the route perfectly. He jumped it aggressively, arriving at the catch point just as the ball did. Thompson made the catch, but Carter applied an immediate two-hand touch that limited the gain to just 6 yards.
3rd and 4 from the 19: Another critical third down. St. Xavier lined up in trips formation with motion, clearly trying to create confusion in the secondary. Morrison had all his weapons available and needed just 4 yards to keep the drive alive.
He took the snap and rolled to his right, buying time while his receivers worked to find soft spots in coverage. Tommy Chen broke open on a short crossing route, exactly where he needed to be for the first down.
But Deshawn Harris, playing safety on this down, had read Morrison's eyes perfectly. He closed on Chen just as the ball arrived, creating a collision that jarred the ball loose. Incomplete pass.
4th and 4 from the 19: St. Xavier faced another critical fourth-down decision. This time they were in manageable field position, but they also desperately needed to answer the Flight Boys' opening score.
They chose to go for it again.
Morrison lined up in shotgun with his best receivers on the field. At the snap, he looked for Thompson running a quick slant—simple execution, but requiring perfect timing under pressure.
The throw was accurate, but Xavier Banks had diagnosed the play perfectly. He stepped up just as Thompson made his catch, applying a crushing two-hand touch that sent the receiver stumbling backward. The ball was spotted well short of the first-down marker.
Turnover on downs. Flight Boys' ball at the 19-yard line.
"Defense is locked in!" Taylor yelled as the secondary jogged off the field. "Two drives, zero points! That's how you handle commits!"
The momentum was clearly with the Flight Boys now. St. Xavier's talented offense had moved the ball effectively on both drives but had nothing to show for it. Meanwhile, the Flight Boys had looked effortless in their scoring drive.
"Let's step on their throats," Marcus said as the offense took the field. "No mercy."
Flight Boys' Second Possession - Marcus Takes Over
1st and 10 from the 19: With excellent field position and clear momentum, Tristain felt the game beginning to open up. St. Xavier's defense was playing more aggressively now, trying to generate turnovers, but that desperation was creating exactly the kinds of opportunities the Flight Boys knew how to exploit.
They're pressing. Time to make them pay.
"Gun doubles right. Marcus, deep comeback at 18. Be ready for the back-shoulder if he's playing over."
Marcus cracked his neck, his eyes locked with intensity. "Feed me."
At the line, Tristain could see St. Xavier's cornerback playing with outside leverage, clearly worried about getting beaten deep again. That positioning made the comeback route almost unstoppable.
He's playing scared. Marcus is about to feast.
"Set... hut!"
The snap came clean. Tristain took a five-step drop while Marcus released from the line with textbook precision. The route was poetry in motion—Marcus ran straight at the cornerback for 18 yards before planting his foot and pivoting back toward the quarterback.
Perfect separation. Right on time.
Tristain planted his back foot, rotated his hips, and fired a bullet pass. The ball cut through the air with laser precision, arriving at Marcus's hands just as he completed his break.
From Marcus's POV:
Money ball. Perfect placement.
Marcus extended his arms and felt the ball snap into his hands with tremendous velocity. The placement was perfect—right in his chest where the cornerback couldn't reach it. He secured it immediately and turned upfield.
But what happened next was pure instinct and athleticism. The cornerback had recovered quickly and was closing fast, while the safety was arriving from the other side. Marcus was about to be caught in a vice.
Instead of going down, Marcus leaped.
Can't let them touch me. Gotta elevate.
He launched himself parallel to the ground, extending his body vertically while clutching the ball to his chest. For a moment, he seemed to hang in the air, suspended above the reaching hands of both defenders who crouched low.
Marcus crashed to the turf at the 35-yard line, having gained 16 yards after the catch flying across the sideline. The crowd erupted in disbelief.
"OH MY GOD!" Deshawn screamed from the sideline. "MARCUS JUST WENT FULL SUPERMAN!"
College scouts were on their feet, phones out, capturing video of a catch that would be replayed for years. Even St. Xavier's players were staring in amazement.
1st and 10 from the 35: The sideline was electric now. Marcus's parallel catch had energized everyone and clearly rattled St. Xavier's defense. Tristain felt the momentum building to an unstoppable level.
They're shook. Time to pour it on.
"Trips left. Marcus, post route. They're going to double you, but trust the timing."
Marcus was still grinning from his previous catch. "Keep feeding me, Dyce. I'm locked in."
At the snap, Marcus released from trips formation and ran straight at the safety. St. Xavier was indeed bringing double coverage, but Marcus's route-running was too precise. He found the seam between defenders at exactly 20 yards.
Right between them. Perfect timing.
Tristain stepped up in the pocket, whipped his arm forward, and delivered a strike that split the double coverage perfectly. The ball arrived at Marcus's hands just as he reached the soft spot.
Marcus made the catch look routine, but it required tremendous concentration and hands to secure the ball with two defenders closing. He pulled it in at the 15-yard line and immediately turned toward the end zone.
The safety arrived for the two-hand touch, but not before Marcus had gained 20 more yards and put the Flight Boys in prime scoring position.
1st and Goal from the 15: Red zone territory again, with Marcus clearly in a zone that few receivers ever reach. Tristain felt like every throw would be completed, every route would be perfect.
Marcus is feeling it. Let's get him his second touchdown.
"Gun spread right. Marcus, corner route. High and outside."
The formation was designed to isolate Marcus against single coverage in the corner of the end zone—exactly where his size and hands gave him the biggest advantage.
At the snap, Marcus released from the line and ran straight at the cornerback. At 8 yards, he broke toward the corner, creating just enough separation for Tristain to fit the ball in.
Trust Marcus. High and outside where only he can get it.
Tristain stepped into the throw, whipped his arm in a fluid motion, and delivered a perfectly placed fade pass. The ball arced high toward the corner of the end zone, giving Marcus time to track it over his shoulder.
From Marcus's POV:
High ball. Gotta go get it.
Marcus extended his arms above his head and felt the ball settle into his hands at the peak of his jump. But the cornerback was right there, creating contact just as Marcus secured the catch.
Instead of fighting the contact, Marcus used it to his advantage. He absorbed the collision while maintaining possession, then dragged his right foot along the sideline as he fell. His toe stayed inbounds by inches as he crashed into the end zone.
TOUCHDOWN FLIGHT BOYS. 14-0.
The toe-drag touchdown was a thing of beauty—perfect hand-eye coordination, tremendous body control, and the kind of awareness that separated elite receivers from good ones.
"THAT'S MY RECEIVER!" Tristain yelled, pointing toward Marcus as he celebrated in the end zone.
"Toe drag swag!" Deshawn screamed, diving into the celebration pile. "Marcus is cooking!"
College scouts were frantically taking notes, recognizing they were watching a receiver who was clearly playing at the next level. The combination of size, hands, and route-running was exactly what major programs coveted.
As they jogged back to the sideline, Marcus grabbed Tristain's shoulder.
"Keep coming to me," he said, eyes still locked with competitive fire. "I'm seeing everything in slow motion right now."
"I'm going to keep feeding you until they stop you," Tristain replied. "Which might be never."
The scoreboard showed 14-0, but more importantly, it showed that the Flight Boys could execute at an elite level against legitimate Division I talent. St. Xavier's five commits had been neutralized, while North Bridgeton's chemistry was reaching unstoppable levels.
"Two drives, two touchdowns," Taylor said as they gathered around him. "That's championship-level execution against championship-level talent!"
St. Xavier's Third Possession - Desperation Time
With the deficit now at two touchdowns and their reputation on the line, St. Xavier came out with noticeable desperation. Their formations were more exotic, their tempo faster, and Morrison's body language suggested he'd been given clear instructions to start taking risks.
1st and Goal from the 25: St. Xavier opened with their most aggressive formation yet—empty backfield with all five receivers spread across the entire width of the field. Maximum stress on the defense, maximum options for Morrison.
Morrison took the snap and had plenty of time to scan, but North Bridgeton's coverage was perfect. Every receiver was accounted for, every route covered with disciplined technique.
Finally, under pressure from a delayed blitz, Morrison forced a throw toward Derek Thompson. But the ball was slightly underthrown, and Deshawn Harris was in perfect position.
Ball's coming to me. Time to make a play.
Deshawn had been reading Morrison's eyes perfectly throughout the drive. He broke on the route just as the ball was released, arriving at the catch point ahead of Thompson.
The interception was clean and decisive. Deshawn secured the ball at the 20-yard line and immediately looked upfield, but the two-hand touch came quickly from Thompson.
INTERCEPTION. Flight Boys' ball at the 20-yard line.
The North Bridgeton sideline erupted in celebration. Their third takeaway of the half, and St. Xavier's offense was looking increasingly frustrated.
"NO FLY ZONE!" Deshawn yelled, holding the ball above his head. "Welcome to our house!"
The momentum had shifted completely. St. Xavier's talent advantage meant nothing if they couldn't execute under pressure, while the Flight Boys were playing with the kind of confidence that made everything look easy.
"Defense is dominating," Taylor said as the offense took the field again. "Let's reward them with more points!"
End of First Half Setup
As the Flight Boys prepared for what could be their final drive of the first half, the atmosphere was electric. College scouts were making calls, ESPN cameras were capturing every angle, and even players from other teams had gathered to watch.
St. Xavier's five Division I commits had been completely neutralized by North Bridgeton's teamwork and chemistry. Morrison looked frustrated, Thompson was dropping passes, and their vaunted defense had no answer for Marcus's route-running excellence.
"One more drive," Marcus said as they huddled near the sideline. "Let's put this thing away before halftime."
Tristain nodded, feeling the familiar calm that came with complete control of a game. The System integration felt seamless now—not like enhanced abilities, but like his natural talent had found its perfect expression.
Time to show them what elite looks like.
As they prepared to take the field with excellent field position and unstoppable momentum, Tristain felt ready to put on a clinic that would be remembered long after the tournament ended.
The first half had been about proving they belonged. Now it was time to prove they were special.