Seniors Last Game

"Come on guys! What is going on?" screams coach. "We are only down eleven points! Do you want to quit?" He knew we did not want to quit. He was just trying to get us excited or motivated or what ever coaches do. We really did not care if we won the game, lost the game or somehow tied the game. It just did not matter. All we wanted to do was play the game. Coach could yell all he wanted; it was not going to change our attitudes.

Most of us setting in this semi circle were seniors. In fact eight of the ten of us were seniors and here we are sitting in the locker room listing to a coach yell at us at halftime of our last game ever. Not that we don't respect coach, he is a great guy. But, he is our fifth coach in four years of high school. Every coach that took the job left at the end of the season. Then along came a new coach the next year with a new plan and a new attitude.

One coach came in with a drinking problem. He was asked to leave twenty-three days into the season. The next day here came a new coach, new plan and a new attitude. I will give it to this guy however, I kind of think he may be for real. Coach graduated from this school and I think he really cares about this program. I kind of feel sorry for him right now. He put in a lot of time on us this year and we are all going to graduate in a couple of months and be gone.

Coach knew that coming in. He told us early in the year that he did not believe in the rebuilding year and that we would play. We were all sure that he would cut us and bring the juniors up to play. But he kept his word. The juniors stayed on junior varsity and we played. It would have been nice to win a game or two this season, but hey I got to play some.

I know coach would like us to end the season with a win, but I just don't see it happening. This team we are playing is great and we just don't seem to care. In fact there is a big party tonight right after the game and, well I should think about that later. What did coach just say? He asked me a question. I wished I was paying attention.

"Answer me!" coached yelled again. "Do you want to win?" Thank god, "Yes Sir!" I yelled back. I did want to win, but if not, no big deal. I can see in coaches eyes that he wants to win. He is the first coach we have had that has that look. I think the he just may be back next year. He tells us he will, but we have been told that before. I'm a senior, I don't really care about next year. Where are we going? Right, the game.

Man this team is good. They are bigger, quicker and they have better uniforms. Look at their cheerleaders, why don't our cheerleaders look like that? What just happened? Wow, we are within one point. I wished I knew how that happened. Back to coach, I don't think he likes me. I don't get as much playing time as everybody else dose. I know I've missed a couple of practices here and there, but I know I am better than two or three of the guys out there right now. My dad thinks so to.

Timeout? Why would he take a time out? Let's just get this game over with so I can get to the party. Wait, were in a tie ball game. What is going on? We have never been this close all season. How is this possible? I wish I could hear what coach said in the timeout. I haven't played yet and I know he will put me in anytime. Look we are up four. Wow look at that cheerleader, she is really cute.

Why hasn't coach put me in yet? There is only a few minutes left to go and I have not got to play. It's my last game of the year. It's my last game ever. I don't understand I am better than those guys. Hey, were up by eight points. Who cares, why is he not playing me? That cheerleader keeps looking at me. If I don't get to play soon she is going to think I am just a bench warmer. What did coach just say?

That is just great. The game is over and I did not get to play. Why is everybody so happy? Wow, we won. Big deal, coach is a jerk. I am so glad this horrible season is over. Great, here he comes. I wonder what positive uplifting comment he will have for me tonight.

"I wish you would have been paying attention when I called your name tonight. It would have been great if you would have been able to play. I guess you just had more important things on your mind" said coach. What is he talking about? I was paying attention. I didn't catch everything he said. He's a jerk, he doesn't like me. Where did that cheerleader go?