That didn't stop teams from wanting a shot at them. High schools across the country requested games, certain they were the ones to end the streak. They became links in it. De La Salle’s players took on superhero status.
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Superman called a meeting, and a challenge was issued. If De La Salle beat the real Caped Crusaders in a football game they'd be anointed Superheroes. If they lost, they'd have to register as 'Villains', and 'Bad Guys'. They agreed. Superman assembled his roster.
ROSTER:
- Batman
- Spiderman (Spidey)
- Hulk
- The Thing
- Thor
- Captain America
Now, here's the thing: You don't win 151 games in a row based on talent, when that talent ends, and begins again, every four years. Something unseen is happening. There's a mutation taking place in the souls of those boys, and it's happening long before they are freshman. A covenant has been written, and entered. If you don't want to be the one who ends the legacy, you better pay attention to the people who built it. If you want to pass the legacy on to others, forget your name. You're De La Salle now. Take your place on the Team.
On Game Day, De La Salle took an early lead. They worked methodically. Each player had a unique talent, and used that talent to fulfill a role that helped the team. Mental discipline provided an exacting focus on a singular objective. No one engaged in any action to distract from
it. Individual accolades weren't sought, or accepted. They played to protect what other boys, boys they never met, had built. The opportunity they had today was created by the selfless sacrifice of others. That deserved to be protected, and they were honored to be the ones to do it.
On Game Day, De La Salle took an early lead. They worked methodically. Each player had a unique talent, and used that talent to fulfill a role that helped the team. Mental discipline provided an exacting focus on a singular objective. No one engaged in any action to distract from
The Superheroes stumbled from the start, and never regained footing. Plastic Man played quarterback, but couldn't find his receiver, Flash.
"Dude, I'm open every time", Flash said.
"I'm sure you are'" the QB responded, "But if you don't slow down, I can't see you."
"Flash doesn't slow his roll for anyone," the receiver said. "If I did, I wouldn't be FLASH."
The Hulk struggled to make a single tackle because he had to stay angry to stay green. His anger required attention. He re-visited every memory of being teased, or misunderstood, to fuel his Linebacker rage. He built his rage to thundering levels, but kept asking the Ref who those people are, the ones over there, that kept running by. Self-absorption doesn't hold much space for anything else.
Spiderman had six interceptions, but they were all overturned because 'stickum' is illegal.
"They're webs," he pleaded, but the Ref ignored him.
"Yeah?!" Spidey yelled at the Ref. "How many kids dress like a Zebra on Halloween?! None!SPIDEY..."
He was ejected.
De La Salle recorded their 152nd win, but agreed to keep it off the books, out of respect for their opponent. They beat a group of superior individuals by dismissing their own ego's. When it was over they collected autographs, and took pictures with their boyhood Heroes. And refused to sign any of their own.
Discipline. Focus. Selflessness. Execution. Preparation. Teamwork. Legacy.
Those things mean a lot when attained as a unit.
Capes. Masks. Movie deals. Figurines. Halloween costumes.
Those things are temporary, and superficial.
A legacy can't be sold, or packaged.
Only preserved.
You're part of one now.
Two years in a row,
undefeated in the
SCCAL (Varsity).
Up, up, and away........
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