4th & Long: SV JV White domesticates the Timberwolves
Last week’s game wasn't a loss. It was a demolition. The Smithson Valley JV A White team is known as a team of scrappy, disciplined players known for their gritty defense. The Pieper Warriors, however, were a purple blur of athletic dominance, and they exposed every single one of the Rangers’ weaknesses. The final score of 44–0 was more than just a number; it was a scar. The questions mounted throughout the week leading up to their matchup against the Cedar Park Timberwolves. Will the players be able to move past the trauma of the loss? Can the team regain its confidence? Who will earn back their JYD shirt? How will Defensive Coordinator Ted Bryant address the issues that plagued the Rangers on defense a week ago?
The next three practices would result in relentless, focused training. The coach, driven by the same burning anger as his team, pushed them harder than ever before. They drilled on tackling, watched countless hours of game film, and threw out the entire offensive playbook to start anew. The memory of the beatdown was their constant motivation.
The fire in their bellies fueled by the memory of every onside kick and missed tackle. Their bodies ached, but they found a new kind of rhythm, a new understanding of their roles, and a deeper appreciation for each other's strengths. They were no longer just a team; they were a unit forged in the crucible of humiliation.
Then came their Week 3 matchup against the Timberwolves. Jumbo Evans half packed. The air crackling with an almost electric tension. The Timberwolves paraded onto the gridiron, all confidence and flash. The Rangers, in contrast, were all quiet determination, their faces set in grim resolve.
The game began with a jolt. The Timberwolves, expecting an easy win based on the score from the Rangers’ loss last week, were surprised by their ferocity. The defensive wall they had built held strong, and their new offensive scheme, once clumsy and forced, now looked sharp and precise. Every offensive play call was a statement, every tackle a triumph. The scoreboard, once a source of shame, now became a testament to their newfound will.
The Rangers came out and immediately punched Cedar Park in the mouth. Tripp “I Only Sprint For Glory” Shepperd taking snaps in the wildcat and leveling Timberwolves on his way to a slow methodical touchdown that gave the Rangers an early 6-0 lead. A message sent. A new nickname was born. Tripp “Freight Train” Shepperd’s new motivation seemingly to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible, with no regard for the obstacles that impede his travel.
In the fourth quarter, the score still 6-0. The crowd gathering their things, mildly aware of the scenario playing out on the field. With just a few minutes left and the offense facing a 4th and Long, Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Special Teams Coordinator opted to punt it away and rely on the Rangers defense that was playing like there was Icy Hot in their jock strap. Jaxson “Jackie-san” Wiatrek got away a massive punt that traveled 20 yards. The Timberwolves scooped it up, shed a few tackles, and sprinted towards a hole that looked as though the returner would be able to break off a game changing return. Then, all of a sudden, a Rangers defender closed the gap and made an unbelievable play. The entire team, not able to make out a jersey number, looking to see who had made THE play of the game. All they heard was “THEY CALL ME KREEEEEGGGERRR! WOOOOO!”. It was Kolton Krueger. Seemingly showing up out of nowhere to make the play of his career, a potentially game saving tackle that prevented a big return and avoid a Timberwolves comeback.
The defense would make one more stop and give it back to the offense. Coach Shepperd, running the clock out, dialed up a QB keep. Boston French bounced it outside, saw daylight, and hit the edge at full speed. Racing towards the goal line, shedding equipment, and apparently falling just short as the clock expired. But it was over, the Rangers were victorious once again.
The roar of the crowd barely registered on the decibel meter; a wave of joy and relief washed over the Rangers. They had won. Not because of a lucky play or a last-minute miracle, but because they had faced their defeat and used it as fuel. They had turned a brutal, epic beatdown into a triumph of will and teamwork.
Boston “Moolay” French talked about his run to end the game. “We had them defeated, but I wanted to put an exclamation point on the win.” French said of the run. “I got behind the defense and took a quick peek and saw a defender bearing down, so I shed a cleat. I figured it works with bananas in Mario Cart…maybe a cleat in a football makes them spin. I would’ve used my other cleat, but I thought I was gonna make it in. I think the ref got it wrong. I was in.”
Rewarded for potentially the game saving tackle, Kolton “They Call Me KREEGER” Krueger earned himself the coveted JYD belt. “Most people pronounce my last name incorrectly. I wanted to make sure he told his friends.” said Krueger about his war cry after the tackle. “It does get a little confusing with the ‘U’ being silent, but it still gets old. It’s kind of like the ‘P’ in Pflugerville or the ‘H’ in school.” he continued. After a slight pause, he started back “Subtle is one that always gets me. The English language is kind of a mystery. Anyway, good win. Glad I was able to help the team today.”
As they celebrated, Coach Shepperd talked to his team in his post-game speech. "You didn't let the past define you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You decided who you were today. Everyone earned their shirt today!" The Rangers hadn't just won a game; they had won back their pride, regained their confidence, and most importantly earned their JYD shirts.