HICKSVILLE -- When Archbold quarterback Tyson Dietrich took the snap from center Lee Klinger in overtime and ran 11 yards into the end zone seemingly effortlessly, the Blue Streaks used what little energy they had left in the tank to celebrate what the quarterback called a "miracle of a comeback."For Hicksville, a team that looked emotionally drained, it was a bitter way to end a game where it had played so well, but could never figure out a way to close the game out.
As players for the Aces took a knee, laid on the field and just looked exhausted, it was easy to see just how bad they wanted that game. And yet, for as well as both teams played, the best part of high school sports was yet to come.
In an age where arrogance and showboating is too often on the "highlight" reel on TV for players from the pros, college and even in high school, everyone on Friday gathered on the big Hicksville "H" at midfield. And this was not just the red and white jerseys, it included the blue and white as well and all of the coaches.
Why?
How could a team that had only a few seconds ago looked so down and another team that was riding the wave of victory quell their emotions? Why would these two combatants, who had just shaken hands as they are required to do, want to spend more time together?
Why?
How?
It's called class.
All game long players were seen helping up the opponent, never showing the other team up, or taking a cheap shot at the other. Maybe this wasn't as surprising, but it was a great sight of what sports SHOULD be about. Not winning or losing, but coming together at the end, win or lose and being grateful for playing a game on Friday night.
Turns out, that was the plan all along.
"Both schools have a FCA program (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and we invite the visiting players and coaches after the game to come and basically have a little talk together, a nice prayer thanking God for the opportunity to play this game, just looking forward to making men out of these young guys as they go through life," said Hicksville mentor Lucas Smith.
Smith, who looked as exhausted and down after the game as anyone on the home side, could have found reason to be upset, could have looked for excuses for the result of the game, but he didn't.
There were certainly calls against the Aces that left even at least some Archbold fans scratching their heads and might have had other head coaches on the field in fury against what the officials called, or missed.
For example, when the Archbold quarterback lost his helmet and by rule the play should have been blown dead immediately. But Smith didn't give in even if he was tempted to give the refs a constant earful. Instead, he focused on his team and the next play during the game and afterward showed true class.
Before getting a chance to speak with his team and console his players, Smith stood in the middle of every player and coach from both squads and delivered a speech, even finding the energy to make a joke here and there, like saying "we had you guys" as he looked at the Archbold players with a grin, but then praising their efforts.
"Coach Smith is a class act through and through, he had e-mailed me during the week and said, 'just so you know we always do a prayer at midfield after the game and wanted to invite you guys.' I said, 'yeah, for sure we'll be there,'" stated Archbold head coach Bryan Miller, noting that they will be doing that at NWOAL games this year. "Whoever lost this game, it was going to be absolutely heartbreaking, and for him and his kids and his staff to have the dignity to do what he did, just speaks volumes for the type of person he is and the program that he has."
Was it a tough speech to give after losing the season and home opener in a game that despite being Week 1, could have playoff implications down the road?
Not as tough as one might think.
"Honestly, I felt good about it because I honestly felt that both teams left basically everything they had out here and I told them that I was proud of each and every one of them. All of the coaches .. I was proud of all of my guys," said Smith. "I told Archbold that 'we had you' and yet they found a way to come back. I'm just proud of everyone for their effort. I prayed (heading into overtime) that I would have the piece of mind at the end of the game, no matter the result, and I think that the good Lord has given it to me."
Perhaps maybe the loss wasn't a loss after all. Perhaps the Aces walk away as much a victor as the Blue Streaks. Sure one team won and the other lost in terms of score, but both looked even more like victors for the way they carried themselves on the gridiron after the game.
"Our FCA is getting bigger and bigger here in Hicksville and it's something we want to branch out with," concluded Smith. "Just to try and make a difference not only on the field, but off the field as well."
For Smith and his Aces and Miller and his Streaks, they certainly did so on Friday night.
From the Defiance Crescent News: