kundiman.

chapter 7.

*3 months later*

"Welcome back folks. We are live at the Carrier Dome for the New York High School Boys' Football State Championships. It's the St. Joseph Eagles versus the Carson Cougars. Jason De Los Santos, the first year freshman for St. Joe, has been absolutely outstanding this game, right partner?"
"That's right Jim, Jason has been absolutely mind-boggling. He has 12 completions out of 19 attempts right now. So far throwing for 265 yards. This kid is as exciting as it gets. The thing that sets him apart from quarterbacks at this level is his maturity, athleticism, and patience. He's able to scramble out of the pocket and remain patient to look down the field, locate a target, and hit it with laser accuracy. To think he's this good as a freshman and already making it to the state championships... it's scary to think about what he's got in store for the next 3 years."
"Absolutely Rod. He sure is special. But Jake Mercer and the Cougars are only one touchdown behind the Eagles. If Jason wants to win this game, the defense for the Eagles has to step it up."
"Yes Jim. Jason can only carry this Eagles team for so long. The defense has to rush the pass more effectively. Jake Mercer is still dangerous given the right opportunities."
"The St. Joseph Eagles lead the Carson Cougars 28-21. We'll be right back with the second half of the New York High School Boys' Football State Championship, don't go anywhere."

Jason runs into the locker room at the Carrier Dome. It's the biggest stadium he's ever been in. It's the home of the Syracuse Orange. His teammates are all giving each other high-fives and celebrating their 7 point lead. Jason goes directly to his locker and sits down.

Kyle, after laughing and celebrating with some teammates, approaches Jason and says, "Yo Jason. What's wrong man?"

Jason looks up and glares at Kyle. He knows exactly what Jason means.

"HEY!" Kyle yells at his team. They all stop and quiet down, sensing the urgency from Kyle's voice. "WE'RE ONLY LEADING BY ONE TOUCHDOWN. Y'ALL HAVE THE GUTS TO LAUGH AROUND IN HERE LIKE WE ALREADY WON."

Jason gets up and calms Kyle down, nodding at him and signaling for him to give the floor. Kyle nods back.

"Receivers. I can't ask for more. You guys have been amazing. Keep that up. Y'all keep running your routes and I'll find y'all. O-Line. Step it up. I had to run out of the pocket too much. Give me some more protection out there. Defense. Come on y'all. I need you guys to show up. Y'all have been monsters this whole season. Give it your all now. We got here through hard work and dedication. Make it worth it. Give me one more half. Two quarters is all I ask. Lock and load boys."

Jason walks to the middle of the locker room and puts his fist up. The rest of the team huddled up to him and put their fist toward his.

"EAGLES ON THREE! ONE TWO THREE!"

"EAGLES!"

Jason hangs back and lets his team run rampant through the corridor out of the locker room. Kyle and Brian wait with him as Jason turns around and looks to his locker. He taped a picture of him with his mom earlier when he arrived to the stadium. Tears well up in his eyes and eventually roll down his cheek. Kyle puts his hand on Jason's helmet and hugs him. Jason puts his head on Kyle's shoulder.

"Tita Jane would be so proud of you. Get this win brother. For Tita," Kyle says.

Jason nods, wiping his tears from his face. Brian joins in and pats Jason on the helmet. They huddle in.

"Lock and load," Jason says with a smirk.

"Lock and load," the two reply.

//////////////

Jason, Kyle, and Brian are the last three to run out of the tunnel and they immediately begin to prepare for the third quarter. The St. Joseph crowd erupts in a roar as they see their star quarterback accompanied by his top offensive linemen. Suddenly, Jason spots someone out of the corner of his eye.