The Final Countdown

Dead silence. Tension in the air is so thick it’s almost tangible. The fans’ anticipation hangs by a thread. On the football field, the players’ heartbeats seem to resonate throughout the arena. Their thoughts are racing as they glare steadily ahead. Nervous eyes in the stands dart excitedly back and forth between the field and the scoreboard. Overwhelming quiet fills the crowd. Suddenly, one of the players’ booming voices is heard calling the play. The staccato chirp of the ref’s whistle slices through the still air, and the center of the field turns into a frenzy of tackling bodies. Soon, one individual breaks free, bolting toward the goalpost, with a cluster close behind in hot pursuit. With each yard he gains, the suspense in the stadium rises. Anxious, intense shouts from the bleachers push him forward. The endzone draws nearer and nearer as his feet thud against the solid turf. His breath comes in quick, short gasps. 20 more yards. 10 more yards. The second he crosses the threshold, the entire stadium abruptly explodes in ecstatic cheers as the fans jump to their feet. Over the speakers, the thrilled announcer loudly proclaims, “Touchdown!” as the referees throw their arms in the air. In the stands, the crowd celebrates with cries of victory and claps along as the band breaks out into school song. On the sidelines, the cheerleaders yell joyful praises and congratulations to the team. On the field, the players have swarmed the boy in the endzone, where they roar with triumph. Teary-eyed seniors hug and commend each other, as the coach smiles and shakes his head, chuckling. He quietly mutters to himself, “What a great way to end the season”, before receiving an icy blast as he is showered in a waterfall of Gatorade, compliments of his undefeated football team.

Author's Note

This is based on my high school football team which hasn't been league champs in over forty years and their winning seasons are few and far between. I didn't bother to format it much because it's such a short story and about such a short, condensed period of time.

Reviews

[FicWriter]

I've come to notice that only some story writers can write good poetry, but anyone who can write good poetry can write good stories, such as this one you've written. It is very short and concerns a very short period of time, but in it is everything that makes a good story - great descriptions, well-planned pace, striking word use and an overall mood. I was almost in the crowd myself, holding my breath. Excellent job! I look forward to reading more of your work.