Chapter 18: Shootout Flight Boys' Final Drive of First Half
1st and 10 from the 20: With excellent field position and 4 minutes remaining in the first half, Tristain felt the opportunity to extend their lead before the break. But as he surveyed St. Xavier's defense, he noticed something different—their body language had changed from frustrated to determined.
They're not giving up. Good. Makes it more interesting.
"Gun trips right. Elijah, corner route at 18. Use that size advantage."
At 6'4", Elijah Foster was a matchup nightmare against most defensive backs. At the line, Tristain could see St. Xavier had made an adjustment—they were playing more aggressive coverage, bringing their safeties closer to the line of scrimmage.
They're gambling now. Elijah's got single coverage.
"Set... hut!"
The snap came clean, but immediately Tristain felt pressure he hadn't experienced all game. St. Xavier was bringing an extra rusher, forcing him to get rid of the ball quickly.
Elijah's route took him to the corner with his long strides eating up ground. At 18 yards, he broke toward the sideline, using his frame to shield the defender.
Trust the big man. He'll make the catch.
Tristain stepped up in the pocket, whipped his arm forward, and fired a bullet pass toward the corner. The ball arrived at Elijah's hands just as the safety closed.
From Elijah's POV:
Ball's coming high. Use my size. This is what I'm here for.
Elijah extended his arms above the defender and felt the ball snap into his hands. His height advantage was decisive—the cornerback couldn't reach the ball, and Elijah secured it cleanly at the 42-yard line.
The 22-yard gain showcased exactly why Elijah was special—a 6'4" receiver with the athleticism to create separation and the hands to make contested catches.
1st and 10 from the 42: The catch had been impressive, but Tristain noticed that St. Xavier's defense was starting to figure out their timing. Time to keep them guessing.
They're reading our routes better now. Time to get Jaylen involved.
"Doubles left. Jaylen, slot fade. Those hands of yours."
Jaylen Washington lined up in the slot, his 5'9" frame compact but his hands legendary among the team. The slot fade would test his concentration against tight coverage.
At the snap, Jaylen released inside before breaking toward the back corner of the end zone. His route was precise, his timing perfect.
Jaylen's got the best hands on the team. Trust them.
Tristain stepped into the throw, whipped his arm in a fluid motion, and delivered a touch pass that arced toward the corner. The coverage was tight, but Jaylen's hands were reliable.
From Jaylen's POV:
Ball's coming into traffic. This is what I do. Concentrate.
Jaylen tracked the ball over his shoulder and felt it settle into his hands despite the defender draped all over him. His concentration was elite—he secured the ball and kept both feet inbounds as he fell into the end zone.
TOUCHDOWN FLIGHT BOYS. 21-0.
The slot fade touchdown was a thing of beauty—perfect ball placement meeting the most reliable hands on the team.
"MONEY HANDS!" Marcus yelled, celebrating with Jaylen as they reached the sideline. "Best hands on the squad!"
St. Xavier's Response - 40 Seconds Remaining
St. Xavier came out of the timeout with a completely different energy. Morrison's body language was confident again, and their receivers were running routes with renewed precision. With 40 seconds and no timeouts, they needed to move quickly.
1st and Goal from the 25: Morrison came out firing, immediately looking deep toward Derek Thompson running a go route. The throw was perfect—high and outside where only Thompson could catch it.
But Deshawn Harris was playing perfect coverage. He stayed with Thompson step for step, arriving at the catch point just as the ball did. The collision was spectacular—both players leaping high, hands battling for the ball.
Thompson's concentration was elite. Despite the contact from Deshawn, he secured the ball at the 5-yard line, making a spectacular contested catch that showed why Michigan had recruited him.
Damn good catch. They're not going away.
The St. Xavier sideline erupted. Finally, one of their playmakers had made the kind of elite play they'd been expecting all game.
1st and Goal from the 5: With 25 seconds remaining, St. Xavier was in prime scoring position. Morrison came to the line with confidence, his receivers spread across the formation.
He took the snap and immediately looked for Tommy Chen on a quick slant—simple execution, but requiring perfect timing under pressure. The throw was accurate, and Chen's hands were reliable.
Chen made the catch at the 2-yard line and immediately dove toward the end zone. The two-hand touch came from Xavier Banks, but not before Chen had crossed the goal line.
TOUCHDOWN ST. XAVIER. 21-7.
The crowd erupted as St. Xavier finally got on the scoreboard. More importantly, they'd proven they could execute against North Bridgeton's defense when it mattered most.
Halftime - 21-7
As both teams jogged toward their respective sidelines, the atmosphere was electric. The first half had been dominated by the Flight Boys, but St. Xavier's late score suggested the second half would be more competitive.
"Outstanding first half, aviators," Taylor said as they gathered around him. "Twenty-one points, excellent execution, perfect chemistry."
But then his expression grew more serious. "However, they just showed us what they're capable of when they execute. That Thompson catch was elite level, and their offense is starting to find rhythm."
Flight Boys' Third Possession - Second Half
1st and 10 from the 25: Coming out of halftime with a two-touchdown lead, Tristain felt the familiar calm that came with controlling a game. But he also sensed that St. Xavier's defense would be more aggressive.
Time to get everyone involved. Keep them guessing.
"Gun spread right. Carlos, comeback at 15. Show them those reliable hands."
Carlos Rodriguez was the steadiest receiver on the team—not flashy, but always where he needed to be. Against St. Xavier's aggressive coverage, reliability would be crucial.
At the snap, Carlos released from the line and ran his route with textbook precision. The break at 15 yards was clean, creating separation against the cornerback.
Carlos never drops passes. Money in the bank.
Tristain fired a bullet pass, trusting Carlos to be exactly where expected. The ball arrived at Carlos's hands just as he completed his break.
From Carlos's POV:
Right on time. Clean catch, turn upfield. Do my job.
Carlos made the catch look routine, securing the ball with soft hands before turning toward the sideline. The two-hand touch came at the 42-yard line—a solid 17-yard gain from the most consistent receiver on the team.
1st and 10 from the 42: The completion had been workmanlike but effective. Tristain felt the offense settling into rhythm, each receiver contributing their unique skills.
Time to test Terrell's shiftiness.
"Trips left. Terrell, zig route from the slot. Make them miss."
Terrell Jenkins was the utility player—not the biggest or fastest, but shifty and smart. The zig route would let him use his change-of-direction ability.
At the snap, Terrell released from the slot and ran straight for 8 yards before making his first cut inside. The linebacker bit on the fake, opening up space for the second cut outside.
Terrell's got him fooled. This should be good yardage.
Tristain delivered the ball just as Terrell made his outside cut. The timing was perfect, hitting Terrell in stride as he broke into open space.
From Terrell's POV:
Got him leaning. Now accelerate through the cut.
Terrell caught the ball and immediately used his quickness to avoid the converging defenders. He weaved through traffic, showing the elusiveness that made him valuable, before being touched down at the 22-yard line.
20-yard gain. The zig route had worked perfectly.
1st and Goal from the 22: Red zone territory, with St. Xavier's defense playing more aggressively. Time to use the full arsenal of receivers.
Marcus has been quiet this drive. Time to get him back involved.
"Gun doubles right. Marcus, deep comeback at 18. Trust the timing."
Marcus had been watching patiently as his teammates made plays. Now it was his turn to remind everyone why he was WR1.
At the snap, Marcus released from the line and ran his route with precision. The break at 18 yards was sharp, creating immediate separation.
Marcus is locked in. This should be automatic.
Tristain fired a laser pass, the ball cutting through the air with perfect velocity. It arrived at Marcus's hands just as he completed his break.
Marcus made the catch look effortless, but the concentration required in traffic was elite. He secured the ball at the 4-yard line, setting up a goal-line situation.
1st and Goal from the 4: Goal line territory against an aggressive defense. Time for power.
Get it to the big man in traffic.
"Gun spread left. Elijah, fade route. Use that frame."
Elijah's size advantage was most pronounced in tight quarters. At 6'4", he could high-point balls that other receivers couldn't reach.
At the snap, Elijah released from the line and ran straight at the cornerback. At the goal line, he turned toward the corner, using his body to shield the defender.
High and outside. Let Elijah go get it.
Tristain stepped into the throw, whipping his arm upward, and delivered a fade pass toward the corner. The ball arced high, giving Elijah time to track it.
From Elijah's POV:
High ball. Use my size. This is my territory.
Elijah extended his arms above the defender and felt the ball settle into his hands. His height advantage was decisive—he secured the catch while the cornerback could only watch.
TOUCHDOWN FLIGHT BOYS. 28-7.
The fade touchdown showcased Elijah's unique skill set perfectly—size, hands, and the ability to make catches other receivers simply couldn't.
"Big man in the red zone!" Terrell yelled, celebrating with Elijah. "That's why you're special!"
St. Xavier Strikes Back - Elite Talent Emerges
St. Xavier's response was immediate and spectacular. Morrison came out firing, his arm strength on full display as their receivers began making the kind of plays that had earned them Division I scholarships.
Two-drive sequence: 28-21
Morrison to Thompson on a spectacular one-handed catch in traffic, followed by Chen with a diving grab between three defenders. St. Xavier's talent was finally showing.
The Shootout Intensifies
What followed was a masterclass in offensive football, with both teams showcasing their full arsenals.
---
St. Xavier's sideline was still buzzing from their last touchdown, but Tristain jogged onto the field, eyes burning with focus.
Marcus clapped him on the back.
"Time to spread the love, bro."
Tristain nodded, sweat running into his eyes.
Let's keep 'em guessing. Everybody eats.
1st and 10 from the 25
Tristain called it in the huddle:
"Trips right. 'Thunderstorm Y.' Jaylen, your out route if the corner's soft."
Snap. The corner backpedaled. Tristain zipped a missile to Jaylen on a 10-yard out. Jaylen planted his feet, twisted inside the defender, and fought forward for the first down.
From Jaylen's POV:
Just hands, baby. Just hands.
Sideline roared.
"LET'S GO, 1-3!"
1st and 10 from the 35
"Spread left. 'Lightning Wheel.' Terrell, it's yours."
Terrell flashed a grin.
"Say less."
Snap. Tristain faked a slant, then dumped it off to Terrell leaking out of the backfield on a wheel. Terrell caught it in stride and exploded up the sideline.
From Terrell's POV:
I'm gone. I'm GONE.
He juked a linebacker, turning him around, and surged ahead for 18 yards before being shoved out at the St. Xavier 17. The Flight Boys sideline erupted, helmets slamming together.
1st and 10 from the 17
Tristain sucked in air, eyes scanning the secondary.
They're keying on Terrell and Jaylen. Time for the kill shot.
"Doubles right. Marcus, post-corner. High-point it."
Marcus licked his lips.
"Mmmm… barbecue chicken."
Snap. Tristain dropped back, pump-faked the slant, then lobbed a gorgeous spiral toward the corner.
From Marcus's POV:
That's Dyce saying, 'Go get it.' Say less.
Marcus planted, broke outside, leapt between two defenders, and snagged the ball high above their helmets. He crashed down inside the end zone, ball still secure.
TOUCHDOWN.
Marcus popped up, screaming.
"FOUR HEADS! I JUST MOSS'D FOUR HEADS!"
Flight Boys 35 — St. Xavier 21
ST. XAVIER RESPONSE
St. Xavier came roaring back. Morrison, calm as ice, sliced the Flight Boys defense with laser throws. He hit Thompson on a post, then Chen on a skinny seam, driving down the field in four plays.
Morrison dropped back on 2nd and 5 at the 14. He flicked his wrist, hitting Thompson on a crossing route. Thompson stiff-armed a defender and dove across the goal line.
TOUCHDOWN.
Sideline buzzed.
"We got ourselves a dogfight," murmured a Michigan scout.
Flight Boys 35 — St. Xavier 28
Tristain gathered the huddle, eyes fierce.
"Let's show 'em depth."
Carlos slapped his chest.
"Feed me, bro."
1st and 10 from the 25
Tristain called the play.
"Gun right. 'Blackhawk 8.' Carlos, comeback."
Snap. Carlos sprinted upfield, sold the deep route, then snapped back. Tristain fired a frozen rope. Carlos secured it at the sticks and fell forward for 12 yards.
From Carlos's POV:
Money. Just hands, all day.
Sideline hyped.
"CARLOS, LETS GO UNC!"
1st and 10 from the 37
"Doubles left. Elijah, crossing route. Show 'em the wingspan."
Elijah cracked his neck.
"Throw it high."
Snap. Tristain rolled left, squared his shoulders, and lofted it over the linebacker. Elijah laid out horizontally, arms fully extended, snatching the ball inches off the turf at the 50.
Crowd gasped. Elijah popped up, ball held high.
"I GOT HOPS TOO!"
1st and 10 from midfield
Tristain called it:
"Trips right. 'Meteor Shower.' Deshawn, corner route."
Deshawn nodded.
"Time to break ankles."
Snap. Tristain dropped back. The safety shaded inside. Tristain floated it to the back corner.
From Deshawn's POV:
One… two… drag.
Deshawn hauled it in, toes tapping the chalk. Sideline ERUPTED.
TOUCHDOWN.
Flight Boys 42 — St. Xavier 28
Morrison responded like a machine. On 3rd and 8 at midfield, he dropped a back-shoulder dime to Thompson between three defenders. Thompson twisted, extended, and reeled it in for a 32-yard touchdown.
Scouts were buzzing.
"That's next-level," muttered a Purdue coach.
Flight Boys 42 — St. Xavier 35
Tristain jogged out, adrenaline flooding his veins.
Time to slam the door.
1st and 10 from the 25
"Gun spread left. Jaylen, slot fade."
Snap. Tristain held the safety inside, then rifled a dart to Jaylen in traffic.
From Jaylen's POV:
Hands. Always hands.
He secured it, twisting mid-air, dragged down at the 45 for 20 yards.
1st and 10 from the 45
"Trips right. Marcus, one-hand special."
Marcus grinned.
"Say less."
Snap. Tristain lofted a jump ball. Marcus leapt, snared it one-handed while falling backward.
From Marcus's POV:
Just a day at the office.
Sideline went ballistic.
1st and 10 from the 25
"Gun right. Terrell, zig route. Cook 'em."
Snap. Tristain looked deep, then dumped it short. Terrell cut right, left three defenders reaching for ghosts, and cruised into the end zone.
TOUCHDOWN.
Flight Boys 49 — St. Xavier 35
FOURTH QUARTER FIREWORKS
Morrison hit Chen on a perfect back-shoulder fade at the Flight Boys 6. Next play, he rifled a slant for the score.
Flight Boys 49 — St. Xavier 42
Tristain wiped sweat, voice sharp in the huddle.
"Everyone eats."
1st and 10 from the 25
"Carlos, possession route."
Snap. Carlos ran a sharp pivot, caught it at 8 yards, leaned forward for 12.
1st and 10 from the 37
"Elijah, jump ball."
Snap. Tristain lobbed it high. Elijah out-leapt the DB, hauling it in at the 15.
From Elijah's POV:
Sky's mine. This stuff is easy
1st and 10 from the 15
"Marcus, post."
Snap. Tristain stepped up, zipped a bullet between two defenders. Marcus caught it mid-stride, glided into the end zone.
TOUCHDOWN.
Flight Boys 56 — St. Xavier 42
Morrison and Thompson connected again. Thompson split two DBs, diving into the corner of the end zone.
Scouts were murmuring:
"That's a D1 duo, right there."
Flight Boys 56 - St. Xavier 49
ST. XAVIER'S FINAL DRIVE
2 minutes left. Morrison commanded his offense, throwing lasers all over the field.
They reached the 11-yard line. Morrison dropped back, eyes scanning. He lofted a fade to Thompson, who outjumped two defenders, snaring it in the corner.
TOUCHDOWN.
Flight Boys 56 — St. Xavier 56
As regulation time expired, both teams had showcased elite talent and execution. The Flight Boys had proven their receiving corps had depth beyond just Marcus, while St. Xavier had shown why their commits were so highly regarded.
"Overtime, aviators," Taylor said as they huddled around him. "Seven-on-seven sudden death. First team to score wins."
Tristain looked around at his teammates—each receiver had contributed in their own way:
Marcus with his elite route-running and four touchdowns
Jaylen with those reliable hands in crucial moments
Elijah providing mismatches with his size at receiver
Terrell showing versatility on zig routes and wheels
Carlos being the steady possession target
Deshawn contributing on both sides of the ball
They had played the game of their lives, but it wasn't over yet.
This is what we came here for. Championship moments.
The coin toss would determine who got the ball first in overtime. Everything they had worked for would come down to one final drive.
Time to find out what champions are made of.