Guts vs Glory

by Jason B. Osoff

  My first chance to improve came in the middle of summer. Every summer, in mid-July, the line coach would put on a linemen camp. The camp was a one week session dedicated to both offensive, and defensive, linemen. The practice sessions were four hours long, with a water break when the sun got too hot. During the days, we would do drills to keep in shape, watch videos of last season so we could critique ourselves, and spend time together to create a stronger bond and better communication.

  All of the hours that Mike and I spent in the gym made the workouts easier for me. I was the only lineman who could do all of the push-ups, all of the sit-ups, and I was usually one of the first to finish our running. What the weight room didn’t prepare me for was the heat. Summers weren’t outrageously hot in Michigan, but they were sure humid. The typical weather for that week was 90°, with 85% humidity and a cloud here or there to give us eight seconds of shade every 30 minutes. The humidity made it feel like 115°. Just being in that weather for four hours is bad, but running, doing push-ups, and doing sit-ups in that weather was torturous. Luckily, we didn’t have to wear pads.

  The linemen camp wasn’t set up for competition, but I couldn’t help myself from trying to figure out who I would have to compete with if I wanted to become a starter. On the first day of camp, it was obvious who my competition was. Trevor was a sophomore who was so good that he was allowed to bypass the junior varsity team. He was stronger, faster, and had better timing than me. I knew for sure that if I didn’t get better, he would take my starting spot.

  I spent the entire week at linemen camp pushing myself to do better than him. By the end of those long days, I felt like I was going to pass out. Meanwhile, Trevor never seemed phased. He was like a machine. The only chance I had against him was the fact that we never had an opportunity to hit. Even though he was stronger, I still had the chance of delivering a better hit than he could.

  Chapter 23

  A few weeks, later my plan seemed to backfire. The summer linemen camp was created just for linemen and only involved the line coach. Two-a-day practices were another beast. After the first day, we realized why the other players resented Mike and I the previous year for missing these workouts. Two-a-days included the whole team, involved the entire coaching staff, and lasted two weeks. The workouts were more intense than lineman camp, and lasted the entire day. I felt I could at least use this as an opportunity to impress the head coach and show him that I really could hit the hardest. Unfortunately, that would have to wait because, just like the linemen camp, there was no hitting allowed.

  Two-a-days involved a lot of working out. It also gave the team a chance to work on new strategies. Our strategy was simple. We had one mission: Win the state championship. We would have to do whatever it took to get there. We almost made it the previous year, so the coaches didn’t want to change much. They knew that Mike would be the focal point for the team, so they tried to build the team around him. They wanted the offensive line to be stronger, and give him more room to run. They wanted our quarterback to start running with the ball, so we could put in some trick plays. They wanted the receivers to improve so we didn’t have to run all the time. Ok, so maybe there were some needed changes, but the strategy for the linemen stayed the same. When on offense, don’t let anyone get by; when on defense, tackle the guy with the ball.

  Just like last year’s regular season practice, the linemen didn’t spend too much time working on plays during the two-a-days. We, instead, used those two weeks to stay in shape. That meant we did even more push-ups, sit-ups, and running than we did during linemen camp. During the camp, Trevor impressed the line coach with his speed, strength, and timing. During the two-a-days, he got a chance to impress the entire coaching staff, and made it even more obvious that the coaches would be foolish if they didn’t start him over me. I knew if I couldn’t start, I wouldn’t be recruited by a major college football team.

  Mike was set to have an even better season than the previous year, but he was aware of my situation. He reminded me that I would get my chance once we were allowed to hit. He also pointed out how obvious my progression had been from the previous season. When I first began, I could hardly do one push-up. This year, I was keeping up with the team and not slowing down at all. Mike was even impressed with how well I was handling the heat. He wasn’t there for linemen camp, so he didn’t get a chance to enjoy that humid Michigan weather.

  Chapter 24

  Finally, the summer of torture was over. It was time to get into season mode. Our season practices started two weeks before the season officially began. That meant the coaches had two weeks to decide on their starters before we played our first game. Those two weeks were my only opportunity to prove to the coaches that I deserved to be a starter. Once those two weeks were up, the line coach would announce the starters on Monday, and we would spend that week getting ready for the game. Again, to be recruited I knew I would have to start every game that season. There was nothing in the world that could’ve motivated me more. I was in the best shape of my life, I had just finished a successful linemen camp, I had just finished a successful two weeks of two-a-day practices and suddenly, the stage was mine. If I was off on the snaps, behind in the running, or if I let the defender get by me even once, my chances at starting would be over. I used that motivation as a weapon, and didn’t waste a minute trying to show the coaches what I could provide the team as a starter.

  My time to hit came three days into practice. The head coach got us together to run some plays as a team. He wanted to show us a new play, and wanted to make sure we all understood it. After spending so much time trying to impress the line coach, it was time to impress the head coach. It was a play designed for Mike. I was asked to play on the right side of the line. I couldn’t have been more proud at that moment because, in front of the whole team, the coach let me be part of the first play run during that season. That proud moment vanished quickly when I looked over and saw Trevor on the opposite side of the offensive line. We ran the same play 10 times. In those 10 times, neither of us let the defender through. He and I were equals and my time to impress was running out.

  I got another chance to stand out when I was asked to play defense. I was excited because I would finally get a chance to hit someone, and hitting was what I did best. With all the momentum and pressure on my side, I knew I delivered my best hit based on the way the team reacted. Not only was I the one to tackle the running back, but Trevor couldn’t even get past the offensive lineman. Mike was watching the whole thing and told me that Trevor was fast and quick, but couldn’t figure out the technique of getting past the lineman. He guessed that his lack of experience was probably a factor.

  After two weeks of great hits and heavy competition, Monday finally came. Announcement day was finally here. I was very excited, and yet very nervous. This decision would be my one and only shot at furthering my career as a football player. That moment would tell if Mike and I would continue to play together after high school, or go off on our separate ways. Finally, the list. The coach read off the names of the five offensive starters; mine wasn’t one of them…Trevor’s was. In my mind my career was over, and our dream had been cancelled. That young kid wasn’t even part of our team last year, yet he was given the right to take my starting spot. The line coach continued talking, but I was so upset that I tuned him out. I was actually fighting tears.

  Suddenly I was being congratulated by some of my friends. They said they knew how hard I had been working, and knew I deserved what I got. In my desperation, I had forgotten that we also had four defensive starters, which gave me four additional chances to start. Three of those spots went to starting offensive linemen, the fourth went to me. I was so obsessed with beating my competitor that I forgot we were all fighting for more than one starting role. I finally had my chance to start. More importantly, I would finally have a chance to show my new talents to major college football scouts.

  Chapter 25

  Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better,
Mike and I were called into the coach’s office. On the first Monday of the first week of the regular season, Mike and I had a private conversation with the coach for the second year in a row. The previous year, we had been accepted onto the team as long as we kept our grades in line. At that time, we were out of shape kids ordered by the court to find a second chance to better ourselves and hopefully stay out of jail. Exactly one year later, Mike was the running back that carried our team to the state finals. I was in the best shape of my life and was declared one of the two best linemen on the East Whitaker varsity football team. Just a few moments ago, we were both named starters; a few minutes later, we were both declared team captains!

  The coach made it clear that captains were the leaders of the team. We would be the ones that would represent the team, and would have to display the personality of leaders. Although we didn’t have much experience in leadership, our dedication and commitment to the team was inspiring the rest of the team to put forth effort at our level. Playing for the team took more than skill and ability; it took drive and hard work. Because of our drive and hard work, we were trusted to the leadership roles.

  Being a captain came with a lot of reward and recognition, but it also came with a lot of responsibility. Our first responsibility was to lead the team in stretches and warm ups during practices. We also had to speak to the team in smaller groups to motivate them. Mike would talk to the offense, being the offensive captain, and I would talk to the defense. We had to make sure that the team played at our level of determination and continued to increase their speed and strength at practice. It was our job to make them look good, and it was their job not to make us look bad.

  On game day, it was a fun job. It was up to us to lead the team out of the locker room. Behind us stood nearly 60 players, in front of us was a sold out crowd. As we exited the locker room, I noticed two sections of bleachers on our side of the field filled with students, all wearing aqua and dark purple, with a large sign that read “EAST WHITAKER HORNET’S NEST”. The student section had come into their own. Once we were out of the locker room, we marched in unison towards the cheerleader tunnel. When our team was introduced, it was our responsibility to lead the pack crashing through the cheerleaders’ banner at the end of the tunnel. For only a second, I flashed on being the last ones through the tunnel the previous season.

  As the game was getting ready to start, Mike and I were called out to the middle of the field. It was up to us to decide if we wanted to call heads or tails during the coin flip. If we won the toss, it was for us to announce if our team wanted to kick off or receive the ball. After the coin flip, it was back to the sidelines to get the team ready for an exciting 48 minutes of play.

  The first game of the season was turning into a blowout. Instead of getting a chance to relieve the starters half way through the 3rd quarter, we were the ones being relieved. As we ran off the field, we knew we were going to do well that season. Not only were we up by 48 points; we had just produced the best statistical game of both our careers. He carried the ball 6 times across the goal line and ran for over 200 yards. I tackled the running back 4 times behind the line of scrimmage and took out the quarterback twice. I also caused a fumble that led to another touchdown. We knew that if we continued to play like that, we would be playing together in college for sure.

  Chapter 26

  After a weekend of celebrating an awesome Friday night game, it was time to get back to business. The coaches were very pleased with us as a team, but reminded us that we still had eight games to go. The team that we had just beaten didn’t have the skill level remotely comparable to the team we would be playing in the second week. We couldn’t look past the upcoming game. We would have to look at that game, and every game that followed, as a playoff game if we wanted to be champions.

  We all ran fast, hit hard, and exploded off the line at practice that week. In our small groups, I kept watching my former competitor, Trevor. He was young and didn’t have much athletic skill, but was big and strong and used that to his advantage. As an offensive lineman, it took strength to keep the defender out of our backfield. Because of that, he was our best offensive lineman. On the defensive line, however, it took skill and talent to find a way to elude the offender, which made him one of our worst defensive linemen. As a competitor, I would’ve laughed at his misfortunes, but as a captain, I knew it was up to me to help him.

  After practice, I took Trevor to the side. I remembered how embarrassed I was when the coach pointed out my flaws in front of the whole team the previous season, so I wanted to help him privately. I began by explaining how competitive he forced me to be during the off-season. As teammates, though, I was happy to have him be part of the team. I told him it was too bad that he could only contribute on the offensive side because of his defensive limitations. I then told him how powerful it would be if he could be on the defensive line with me. At that point, he admitted that he needed help. I wasn’t sure how to tell him he was struggling, so I was relieved when he did it for me.

  After working with him for nearly an hour, our hard work would pay off the following day during practice. Trevor wasn’t the best defensive lineman, but he didn’t seem to struggle as much. I knew with a little bit of practice, he could be used as a defensive substitute when our guys got tired. Once, when we were practicing with the second team defense, he was put in as a defensive lineman. While watching him get past the offender, I felt like I was watching myself from the previous season. He had the same reaction; he was shocked that he had achieved the small victory and didn’t know what to do afterwards. That was the first time I was able to be proud of someone other than myself.

  His improvement in practice allowed him to get some time on the field during our second game. It wasn’t quite like the first game, but we were definitely ahead by a wide margin. The coaches wanted Trevor to get some rest as an offensive lineman, but wanted to see what he could do as a defender. After a couple of plays, he was able to record his first tackle. The competitor in me knew that his 1 tackle didn’t stand up to my stats, but the captain in me knew that his 1 tackle meant more than my 6.

  Chapter 27

  The third week started off like a normal week. We started our Monday practice with good stretching. We ended the practice with the coach announcing that we were to remain starters and captains. Our offensive weapons were looking sharp, and our defenders were looking crisp. We were looking like a team that was going to remain undefeated at the end of the week. On Thursday, even our special teams were looking like they couldn’t be beat. Mike continued to be our kick returner, and showed us during practice why he earned that role. Things were going smooth until Friday. Like sickness or an injury, I never saw it coming and I couldn’t do anything about it.

  We were playing our first conference game and were ready to start our conference championship run. We were defending the crown and the target was on our back. After two really good tune-up games, we knew we had a sound strategy and a complete team. We even started the game scoring a touchdown. After that, it all fell apart.

  I went in the game to play my usual spot. I lined up against the offensive tackle like usual. As soon as the ball was snapped, I stood up and tried getting past the line. That time, however, there were two linemen blocking me. The next few plays had the same result. Even though we were stopping their running back, I couldn’t get in to the backfield at all.

  When I got back to the sideline, the line coach explained their strategy to me. They saw the way I played the first two games and knew that I was our defensive leader. They also knew that the other guys on the defensive line were decent, but weren’t as talented as I was. They knew that they would get more success by putting two guys on me, even though it left another one of our defenders wide open.

  I went back in for the next drive and still couldn’t get through. At halftime, after numerous times of being shut down, I asked the coach if it would be better to bench me. He said there was no way they would bench me because I made a
great decoy. From the coach’s point of view, having two guys on me left one of our guys able to get into the backfield every time. Even though our guy wasn’t talented enough to make a tackle, he was able to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. If I was benched, they would be at full strength and we ran the risk of nobody getting into the backfield.

  We ended up winning that game. I had 0 tackles, but the rest of the defensive line made up for it. Mike scored 3 touchdowns, while our receivers did the rest. For me, a player looking to get recruited, that game plan would not be conducive. How would I get anybody’s attention without any tackles the rest of the season? As a captain, however, it was a great plan. We were getting into the opponent’s backfield almost every time. When the quarterback was rushed, he would do foolish things, like throw interceptions. The only time we struggled to get into the backfield was during the plays that I was on the sidelines. I found myself involved in an internal emotional battle between the competitor in me and the captain in me.

  Chapter 28

  For the next five weeks, I was stuck in the same rut. As a starter, I was constantly held up. I wasn’t getting the statistics I knew I needed to even be considered by a major college recruiter. Recruiters were constantly coming to our games, but they were always there for Mike. The table was pretty much set for me; I was a starter, I was a captain, recruits were coming to our games, but I couldn’t even produce 1 tackle in a five game span. Knowing that nothing would change no matter what I did, I tried something new.