After lunch, the Flight Boys retreated to Tristain and Marcus's room, but this time the energy was different. The championship game was just four hours away, and the weight of the moment was starting to hit them.
"Bro, look at this shit," Deshawn said, scrolling through Twitter on the couch. "We're trending again."
"What's it saying?" Tristain asked from the bed, trying to stay relaxed while his phone continued buzzing with notifications.
"ESPN just posted: 'Flight Boys perfect tournament run continues - can they complete the fairy tale against Dallas Elite?' And the replies are going crazy."
Terrell was on TikTok, watching compilation videos. "Y'all, there's like fifteen different highlight videos of our tournament run. This one has 3 million views."
"Three million?" Jaylen whistled. "That's insane."
Marcus was deep in the comments of their team Instagram. "Listen to some of these comments on our latest post: 'Flight Boys bout to prove they're the real deal,' 'Tristain's arm is unreal,' 'Best quarterback I've seen at this level.'"
"But also," he continued with a grin, "still got thirsty girls in here. 'Tristain can get it,' 'Fine ass team,' 'I need Marcus's number.' Y'all are getting some serious attention."
"Speaking of attention," Carlos said, looking out the window, "there's already a crowd forming around the field. It's only 3 PM and the game's not till 7."
Tristain walked to the window and looked down. The main field was surrounded by people setting up chairs, ESPN trucks, camera crews, and what looked like hundreds of spectators already claiming spots.
"Damn," he muttered. "This is really happening."
His phone buzzed with a text from Alex back in Texas.
Alex: "Bro the whole city's watching tonight. Everyone's talking about y'all. Local news is covering it!"
Tristain: "That's wild man. Nervous as hell but ready"
Alex: "You got this. Show them Texas boys how it's done"
Another text came in from Coach Peterson at his old school.
Coach Peterson: "Watching tonight, son. Proud of what you've accomplished. Go show them what Southfield taught you."
Tristain stared at the message for a moment. Even his old coach, who'd never given him a real chance, was reaching out.
"You good, T?" Marcus asked, noticing his expression.
"Yeah, just... all this attention is crazy. A couple months ago I was third string, and now..."
"Now you're about to play for a championship on ESPN," Elijah finished. "Embrace that shit, bro."
----
Coach Taylor gathered the team in a conference room for final preparations. The usual relaxed atmosphere was replaced by focused intensity.
"Alright, gentlemen. This is it. Everything we've worked for comes down to the next few hours."
He pulled up film on his laptop, showing Dallas Elite's highlights.
"Dallas Elite is undefeated for a reason. Their quarterback, Jordan Matthews, is committed to Alabama. Their receiver, Chris Johnson, is going to USC. Their defense has three Division I commits. This isn't Warren Central or Phoenix Elite - this is championship-level talent."
The room was dead silent as they watched Dallas execute perfect plays.
"But here's what they haven't faced," Taylor continued. "They haven't faced a quarterback who can go perfect in pressure situations. They haven't faced receivers who can make impossible catches look routine. They haven't faced a team that's been tested in every possible way."
He closed the laptop and looked at each player.
"You've earned your way here through heart, skill, and execution. Now go show the world why the Flight Boys belong at the top."
---
Walking toward the field for warm-ups, the Flight Boys were struck by the significance of the moment. The main field was surrounded by spectators - about 400-500 people, mostly consisting of teams that had stayed to watch the championship, families of players from both teams, and tournament staff.
ESPN had multiple camera crews positioned around the field, with their main broadcast booth set up on the 50-yard line. College scouts filled a section of bleachers, with notepads and stopwatches ready.
"Look at all these teams that stayed to watch," Deshawn said, pointing to sections where Warren Central, Phoenix Elite, and other eliminated teams were sitting. "They want to see who takes it all."
"Even better," Marcus said. "They get to watch us win it all."
As they walked onto the field, the crowd noise was immediate and intense. Flight Boys supporters who had made the trip mixed with Dallas Elite families from Texas. The atmosphere was electric.
----
ESPN's Jenny Williams approached Tristain as he was finishing warm-ups, with cameras rolling and the crowd watching.
"Tristain, we're here with the Flight Boys quarterback who's become the story of this tournament. How are you feeling heading into the championship game?"
Tristain looked directly into the camera, his nerves replaced by calm focus.
"I feel ready. We've prepared for this moment. Dallas Elite is a great team, but we've faced great teams all tournament. We trust our preparation and execution."
"You've gone from relative unknown to viral sensation in just three days. How has that experience been?"
"It's been surreal," Tristain admitted. "But my teammates and coaches have kept me grounded. At the end of the day, it's still just football. Execute your job, trust your teammates, and good things happen."
"Dallas Elite is ranked #1 and undefeated. They're saying this is their championship to lose. Your response?"
Tristain's expression hardened slightly, that competitive edge showing through.
"Rankings don't play the game. Being undefeated doesn't guarantee anything. We've earned our way here just like they have. May the best team win."
"Any final message before kickoff?"
"To Flight Boys fans watching - we appreciate the support. To our families back home - this one's for you. And to Dallas Elite..." he paused, looking across the field at their team, "we'll see you between the lines."
----
FLIGHT BOYS VS. DALLAS ELITE - TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP
The coin toss took place at midfield with ESPN cameras capturing every moment. Both teams' captains met in the center, the tension palpable.
Dallas Elite won the toss and elected to receive. As both teams took their positions, the crowd noise was deafening.
This was it. Everything they'd worked for came down to the next hour.
Dallas Elite's Opening Drive
Jordan Matthews, Dallas's Alabama-bound quarterback, jogged onto the field with supreme confidence. At 6'3" with a cannon arm, he looked every bit the part of a future SEC starter.
1st and Goal from the 25
Matthews took the snap and immediately showed why he was so highly recruited. His pre-snap read was instant - Flight Boys were in Cover 2, both safeties playing deep.
They're playing scared. Time to test them underneath.
At the snap, Matthews found his slot receiver on a quick crossing route. The throw was crisp, the timing perfect.
COMPLETION. 12 yards to the 37-yard line.
Matthews's POV:Easy read. These guys might be good, but we're championship level.
The crowd noise shifted as Dallas Elite executed their first play flawlessly.
1st and Goal from the 37
Dallas Elite came back to the line with confidence, their receivers already talking to the Flight Boys' defensive backs.
"Y'all ain't ready for this smoke," Chris Johnson said to Devon Carter. "About to cook you all game."
"We'll see," Devon replied calmly.
Matthews took a five-step drop and looked for Johnson on a comeback route at 18 yards. The route was crisp, the separation clean.
COMPLETION. 18 yards to the Flight Boys' 45-yard line.
Johnson's POV: These DBs are good, but not Alabama-level good. Gonna be a long night for them.
1st and Goal from the 45
Red zone territory for Dallas Elite, with their offense humming like a championship machine. Matthews surveyed the Flight Boys' defense with calculating eyes.
They're showing man coverage. Johnson has single coverage on the outside.
"Trips right. Johnson, go route. Show them that USC speed."
At the snap, Johnson exploded off the line with perfect technique. His release was clean, his acceleration immediate. Devon Carter was playing good coverage, but Johnson's route-running was elite level.
Johnson's POV:Good coverage, but I got the speed advantage. Time to show why I'm going to USC.
Matthews's throw was perfect - a 25-yard strike that dropped into Johnson's hands just as he crossed the goal line.
TOUCHDOWN DALLAS ELITE. 7-0.
The Dallas Elite sideline erupted as Johnson spiked the ball in the end zone. They'd drawn first blood against the Flight Boys, and their confidence was sky-high.
First blood to us. Let's see how they respond to adversity.
Flight Boys' First Drive - Championship Response
Tristain jogged onto the field at the 25-yard line with the crowd noise reaching fever pitch. Down 7-0 in the championship game, but his mind was crystal clear.
They struck first. Time to answer back.
1st and Goal from the 25
Dallas Elite was showing aggressive man coverage, clearly wanting to test the Flight Boys' receivers against their elite defensive backs.
Tristain's pre-snap read was immediate: man coverage across the board, safety playing center field.
Man coverage. Marcus has single coverage. Time to see what championship defense looks like.
"Gun trips right. Marcus, comeback at 15. Beat your man."
Marcus lined up against Dallas's top cornerback, a 6'1" speedster committed to LSU. The matchup was elite talent versus elite talent.
Marcus'sPOV: This corner's good. Real good. But I've been cooking elite corners all tournament.
At the snap, Marcus used a perfect diamond release - three quick steps straight at the cornerback before breaking back toward Tristain. The cornerback was playing physical coverage, but Marcus's route was too crisp.
Tristain's throw was surgical, arriving at Marcus's hands the exact moment he turned around.
COMPLETION. 15 yards to the 40-yard line.
Marcus's POV: Championship-level corner, championship-level route. This is what elite competition feels like.
The completion was clean, professional, and sent a message: the Flight Boys belonged on this stage.
1st and Goal from the 40
Dallas Elite called timeout, their defensive coordinator making adjustments. But Tristain just stood on the sideline, completely composed.
Take all the timeouts you want. We're just getting started.
Coming out of the timeout, Dallas had switched to Cover 3 with an extra safety. Tristain's read was instant.
Cover 3. They're trying to take away the deep ball. Time to attack underneath.
"Gun spread formation. Deshawn, quick slant. Attack that leverage."
Deshawn lined up against elite coverage, but his route-running was next level caliber. At the snap, he broke inside with perfect timing.
Deshawn's POV:Good corner, but he's playing off. Time to make him pay for that cushion.
Tristain's throw was a strike - a perfect spiral that arrived before the cornerback could react.
COMPLETION. 12 yards to the 28-yard line.
1st and Goal from the 28
Red zone territory, with both teams executing at championship level. The crowd was on its feet as elite talent faced elite talent.
Tristain found Elijah on a seam route, threading the ball between two defenders with surgical precision.
COMPLETION. 15 yards to the 13-yard line.
Elijah's POV:Perfect ball placement. That's a winning quarterbacking right there.
1st and Goal from the 13
Goal line territory, where games were won and lost. Tristain took a quick drop and found Jaylen on a slant route.
TOUCHDOWN. FLIGHT BOYS TIE IT 7-7.
Jaylen caught the ball and crossed the goal line, then simply handed it to the referee. Professional execution in the biggest moment.
Answered right back. Our team don't stay down.
---
Matthews came back onto the field knowing he needed to respond to the Flight Boys' scoring drive. The championship game was living up to its billing.
1st and Goal from the 25
Dallas Elite came out in a different formation, showing they had multiple ways to attack. Matthews's pre-snap read showed Flight Boys in nickel defense.
They brought an extra DB. Time to attack with our tight end.
Matthews found his tight end on a crossing route, using his size advantage against the smaller defensive back.
COMPLETION. 15 yards to the 40-yard line.
1st and Goal from the 40
The drive continued with championship-level execution. Matthews to Johnson on a comeback route for 12 yards. Then to their running back on a wheel route for another 18.
1st and Goal from the 30
Red zone again, with Dallas Elite showing they could move the ball against the Flight Boys' defense.
Matthews took a quick drop and found their slot receiver on a crossing route.
COMPLETION. 18 yards to the 12-yard line.
1st and Goal from the 12
Goal line territory. Matthews took the snap and immediately looked for Johnson on a fade route to the corner.
The throw was perfect, the catch was spectacular.
TOUCHDOWN DALLAS ELITE. 14-7.
Johnson made the catch over tight coverage, showing why he was USC-bound. Dallas Elite had answered the Flight Boys' touchdown with one of their own.
Back and forth. This is what championship football looks like.
----
Tristain took the field down 14-7, but there was no panic. This was championship football at its finest - two elite teams trading blows.
1st and Goal from the 25
They answered our score. Time to answer theirs.
Dallas Elite was showing different coverage now, clearly respecting the Flight Boys' ability to execute.
Tristain found Marcus on a deep comeback for 20 yards. Then Deshawn on a post route for 25 more.
1st and Goal from the 30
The drive was methodical, championship-level execution against elite defense.
Tristain found Terrell on a wheel route out of the backfield, the linebacker unable to match his speed in coverage.
COMPLETION. 20 yards to the 10-yard line.
1st and Goal from the 10
Goal line territory again. Tristain took a quick drop and found Elijah on a corner route.
TOUCHDOWN. FLIGHT BOYS TIE IT 14-14.
Another touchdown, another answer. The championship game was everything it was supposed to be.
---
Matthews came back with 3:47 left in the half, knowing they needed to score again to maintain momentum.
The drive was a thing of beauty - 12-yard completion to Johnson, 15-yard strike to their tight end, 18-yard bullet to their slot receiver.
With 1:23 left in the half, Dallas Elite was at the Flight Boys' 15-yard line.
1st and Goal from the 15
Matthews took the snap and found Johnson on a quick slant.
TOUCHDOWN. DALLAS ELITE 21-14.
Johnson caught the ball and immediately looked toward the Flight Boys' sideline, flexing as he crossed the goal line.
Three touchdowns in the first half. Championship-level offense.
----
Tristain took the field with 1:09 left in the half, down 21-14. This was championship football - elite execution under maximum pressure.
1st and Goal from the 25
One minute left. Time to show what championship quarterbacks do.
Dallas Elite was in prevent defense, but Tristain's execution was flawless. Quick strike to Marcus for 15 yards. Bullet pass to Deshawn for 20 more.
1st and Goal from the 40
Thirty-seven seconds left. Tristain found Elijah on a seam route for 25 yards.
1st and Goal from the 15
Twenty-one seconds left. Tristain took the snap and found Jaylen on a quick slant.
TOUCHDOWN. FLIGHT BOYS TIE IT 21-21.
With 0:08 left in the half, the Flight Boys had answered again. The championship game was tied at halftime.
Halftime
As both teams jogged to their respective locker rooms, the crowd was on its feet. The first half had been everything a championship game should be - elite talent, perfect execution, and non-stop action.
HALFTIME SCORE: FLIGHT BOYS 21 - DALLAS ELITE 21
The statistics showed just how evenly matched these teams were:
Flight Boys:
Tristain: 12/14, 185 yards, 3 TDs Total offense: 185 yards (all passing)
Dallas Elite:
Matthews: 11/13, 198 yards, 3 TDs Total offense: 198 yards (all passing)
In the ESPN booth, analysts were calling it one of the best halves of football they'd seen at any level.
"This is championship football at its absolute finest," the lead analyst said. "Two undefeated teams, elite quarterbacks, perfect execution. The second half is going to be special."
Both teams knew they were in for a battle. The first half had been a thriller worthy of the championship stage.
21-21 at halftime. football at its finest. Time to see who wants it more.