The Night Before the Finals

'Twas the Night before the Finals, and all through the town
Not a player was worried--not even one frown.
The cleats were all hung in their lockers with care,
Awaiting these Dragons, whose footsteps they'd share.

The townfolk were nestled all snug in their beds,
As visions of championships danced in their heads.
Moms slept in green jerseys, while zebra-striped refs
were resting their heads upon yellow 'kerchiefs.

When out at the high school there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter!
Away to my minivan I flew like a flash,
Warmed up the old engine and made a mad dash.

The lights of the stadium with their thousand-watt glow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to the field turf below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But eighty-five warriors--all clad in full gear!

With a bright firey leader, so lively and well,
I knew in a moment it must be Coach Bell!
The team couldn't sleep, too amped up for the game,
So he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Branden! Now Marques! Now Nay, Bruce and Lott!
On Charette! And Charles Fleck! On Heath and Knoblock!
To the top of the mountain! To the top, proud and tall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
Coach read from the playbook his plans of attack
for the twelve-and-one heroes he'd flung on his back.

They'll soon face the one foe they couldn't survive--
with a QB who's not old enough yet to drive!
But a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Coach spoke not a word, but went straight to his book,
And filled all their heads up, then turned with a look.
Then pointing his finger to the sky with a pose,
He gave them a nod--toward Rockford they rose!

We've all seen a miracle, and it wasn't St. Nick.
'Twas the spirit that lifted that 49-yard kick
High over the crossbar, between the uprights,
and lifted Lake Orion to unheard-of heights.

Swarming onto the field as the clock showed all zeros
We all celebrated these newly crowned heroes
Win or lose they're immortal, they've made history
Nonetheless, "Here's to you boys, and ONE MORE VICTORY!"