Vandals Win!!
Friday Night Lights at historic Poinsettia Park – the stage was set for a legendary showdown. The Vandals, led by their fearless team captains Harrison, Gavin, and Mason, were ready to take on their rivals, Montana Grizzlies. What followed was a rollercoaster of a game filled with drama and flag-pulling finesse.
Sawyer, our human lightning bolt, kicked things off with a quick run that would make Usain Bolt jealous. The Vandals were ignited, and spirits were high. Wyatt, possibly part ninja, led the team with three first-quarter flag pulls. The first was like a shot of adrenaline to the Vandals’ collective ego. It was a moment that screamed, “We’re in this game to win, and we’re doing it for each other!”
Harrison, another flag-pulling magician, kept the game close with his defensive wizardry. And then, Luca broke free as if liberating France – scoring a touchdown that sent confidence coursing through the Vandals like a shot of espresso on a Monday morning.
But amid the excitement of the game, there was one player who stood out—Mateo, lovingly known as Mayo. He took the mantel as the Vandal’s morale booster, turning flossing between plays into an art form. It might not have earned us any extra points, but it sure earned our faithful fans a few chuckles.
In the second quarter, Sawyer, who had jet engines for legs, dashed through the defense with a sweep play. Mateo, the Rushing Maestro, kept the momentum going. Gavin, our flag-pulling maestro, pulled off a Herculean flag grab just as the Grizzlies’ best runner came blitzing through with the ball.
The Vandals were stuck in a 6-12 deficit. Could a loss be looming? But fear not, for the Vandals do not back down! In the third quarter, the Vandals offense rallied around Gavin’s determination. Ezra, with the grace of a ballet dancer, scored on a short pass from Wyatt, tying up the score. And then, the moment of glory—Gavin’s toe-tap two-point conversion that gave us a 14-12 lead!!!!
Mason, the conductor of the offensive orchestra, kept the tempo high with a crucial touch towards the goal line. Wyatt, our QB extraordinaire, showed his leadership skills with a precision throw for the most important two-point conversion in Vandals history!
The defense wasn’t slacking either. Harrison and Luca teamed up for a big stop, leaving Montana’s superstar runner with nowhere to go. It was like a scene out of a superhero movie, with our dynamic duo saving the day.
As we entered the fourth quarter, the game took a bizarre turn. Sam called for a pass when all we needed to do was run out the clock. Fans couldn’t help but think of Super Bowl 49 and Malcolm Butler’s miracle interception. Great runs followed, and victory seemed within our grasp, but a pass play on the 5-yard line was picked off with just two minutes to go.
Montana made a desperate drive to mid-field, but time ran out, thanks to a big defensive stop. Harrison, the flag-pulling virtuoso, made two crucial flag pulls to ice the game. 
And then, in a fit of joy, Coach Eric spiked the ball in victory. The Vandals had done it, overcoming adversity, comedy, and some unforgettable flossing to emerge victorious. It was a night to remember, filled with drama, laughter, and triumph under the Friday night lights. The Vandals had proven that when you play for each other, anything is possible!!!
Thank-you Harrison’s mom – Mariette – for the pictures!
Vandals picture day is Saturday 9/16/23 at Holiday Park near the gazebo. Vandals please arrive at 10:30 a.m. in full uniform.
Vandals next practice is Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at Poinsettia Elementary. Practice will be at far end of grass away from playground past the lacrosse practices.