The day before our game each week, Coach Atkins holds a senior dinner, usually at his house, to talk about senior leadership and college. During warm-ups, we all clap in unison after an exercise, and during our second set of jumping jacks, we stay silent until we reach the number we’re supposed to, so we can all say it together. Our game-winning celebration can only be described as the “Super Breakdown.” I’ve played football for many years, starting at the Pop Warner level, but our high school team is truly united. Even after winning our final game on Thanksgiving, in the classic Chelsea High Red Devil, “fight-for-respect” fashion, everyone was in tears. And it wasn’t because the season was over, but because we were over. The coaches, who are more like older brothers than men we fear, are part of the unified team. We all had one common goal, which was to fight for respect.

Daniel Cortes
Chelsea High School
Chelsea, Mass.

Before every home game, the players’ parents put together a huge pasta dinner; it drives us to work hard so we can get out of practice early. The dinners are always a blast, and we love them. At the end of each one, Mr. Ballard, a player’s dad, gives a great inspirational speech that gets everyone hyped for the game.

Darius Lipsey
James Whitcomb Riley High School
South Bend, Ind.

How does your team come together before a game? What about after victory, defeat or deep in the off-season? Is there a prayer or chant you say together before the game? A meal you share? A movie you watch? Bring it to us at letters@stackmag.com. If we like what you got, we’ll feature your team story.

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