Maximum Effort & Maximum Return

(Even though the scoreboard had gone dark, the bittersweet memory of a hard-fought battle still takes its toll on the players.  But it is times like these where real men and real character meet.)  

Martins Ferry 35, Columbus Crusaders 27
September 11, 2010 

On the 9th Anniversary of 9/11, there was a different battle taking place in suburban Columbus.  It was one for honor, for valor and for an Audience of One.  And while emotions ran high afterwards, this team had no reason to hang its head.  They left it all on the field this night, and made an indelible impression on those who attended this game.   

What I witnessed on the field on Saturday was nothing short of amazing.  Down 21-0, with remnants of last year's throttling at the hands of the Purple Riders still fresh in their minds, I saw a group of young men make a game where one was not supposed to be.  They asserted themselves in the trenches, on the sidelines, at skill positions and in the huddle, and began to gnaw away at the lead that the visiting Martins Ferry team had accumulated in the first half.  

They could have given up...but being men of character, they did not. Instead, with a renewed passion for the game, and for their individual and group witness, our Crusaders began to take it to the Purple Riders, frequently silencing the Rider's crowd with explosive plays, including Jack Price's quick slant pass to Micah Harris for an 80 yard touchdown, Dylan Demars gut check down the sideline for a TD and Harold Jones' scramble and juke for another quick score.      

As a looked across the field right after each of those scores, I sensed a degree of uncertainty in the eyes of the Martins Ferry fans.  The seemingly impenetrable wall of support had developed cracks, and each successive score widened them.  After all, taking into account the legendary success of this program, combined with the drubbing we took on their home field last year, this should not have even been a game, right?  After all, they were playing a "club" team, made up of an interesting cross-section of players, who can't earn computer points and won't be going to the playoffs.  Some were probably even wondering why they had even driven to Columbus to see another slaughter.  And yet they they were quiet...eerily quiet, after each of the scores by our Crusaders.    

On our side of the field, our fans were rabid and it was nothing short of an amazing (and sometimes deafening) experience to hear our Crusader faithful rising up in cheers.  Rising to nearly unbearable peaks on critical 3rd down plays, the combined energy on the field, from the sidelines, and in the stands was so incredible, it made me want to strap on a helmet and pads and go hit someone!  

The Crusader Fans were truly the 12th man on the field that night and made their presence known, completely overwhelming our visitors.  As far as I'm concerned, if the choice was mine to make, our fans won their Sword Game that night!    

You see, the outside, unknowing world doesn't understand that a Crusader is a different type of player, followed by a different type of fan.  He plays not only for the love of the game, but out of his love of his Savior.  He does not give up just because the odds seem insurmountable (remember Linsly?)  He buckles up, then hunkers down and gives his all on each and every snap.  And his character and witness grows each time he wears that uniform, win or lose.  And just as Jesus Christ didn't give up and throw in the towel because what was asked of Him seemed like too much, the Crusader leads by example and carries the burden asked of Him.  

I don't know what the rest of the season holds for this team, but just as the teams that have gone on before them, I can say this.  The worth of this program is more than just win-loss records.  In a world where Commitment, Honor, Responsibility, Initiative, Service and Truth can sometimes only be found in the pages of a dictionary, it is lived out on a daily basis by our coaches, volunteers, fans and players in this program.   And the difference is no more obvious than after the game when the teams join hands, Riders and Crusaders, kneeling in prayer, acknowledging Him and thanking Him for the experience.  The prayer this night was that the Riders would have a successful season, and thanks that no one was seriously injured.  God was glorified tonight and properly acknowledged for His provision.  

For a moment, all was right with the world.      

For the true Crusader is on a lifelong journey of growing and maturing in Christ.  Long after the lights get shut off after the final snap of the season, he will carry with him the memories, and life lessons, that his playing time in this program have taught him.  His shared struggles and triumphs as a player, and as a man serve to help guide him as he seeks God's will for his life far beyond this experience.  

I feel very fortunate, as should all the Crusader Faithful, that for 10 weeks in the fall, all of us get to intimately share in this collective experience that we call Crusader Football.  May God continue to lead us through those experiences that He will, to accomplish His will in our lives through this program. 

Good luck Riders...may your encounter here only make you better...and may God bless your program beyond measure as you continue in your season, and in life.