The black Escalade pulled up to the Sayana house at exactly 7:00 AM, just as Coach Cignetti had promised. Tristain had been awake since 5:30, too nervous and excited to sleep any longer.
"You ready for this?" Ayana asked, giving him a good luck kiss at the front door.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Tristain replied, adjusting his travel outfit - nice jeans, a polo, and the cleanest Jordan's he owned. "Wish you could come with me."
"This is your moment, babe. Go show them why you're special."
The drive to Bloomington took about two hours, with Indiana's recruiting coordinator, Coach Mike Matthews, keeping him entertained with stories about current players and what to expect.
"Coach Cignetti's been looking forward to this for weeks," Matthews said as they pulled onto campus. "He's convinced you're the missing piece for our program."
Indiana University. The campus was beautiful - red brick buildings, massive trees, and students walking around with that college energy Tristain had only seen in movies.
Memorial Stadium - First Impressions
The first stop was Memorial Stadium, and Tristain's breath caught when he walked through the tunnel onto the field.
"Fifty-two thousand seats," Coach Matthews said, watching Tristain's reaction. "All of them screaming your name on Saturday afternoons."
The field was perfect - pristine grass, crisp yard lines, and the Indiana logo painted at midfield. Tristain could imagine himself dropping back for a pass, 52,000 people on their feet.
"This is where you'd be playing," Coach Cignetti said, appearing behind them. "Every home game, every big moment. Can you see yourself here?"
"Yes sir," Tristain said immediately. "Absolutely."
They walked him through the facilities - the locker room with individual lockers for each player, the players' lounge with massive TVs and comfortable seating, the equipment room stocked with everything a player could need.
"Each scholarship player gets their own locker, their own space," Cignetti explained. "This program is about treating our guys like the elite athletes they are."
---
The academic portion was just as impressive. They toured the Kelley School of Business, which was ranked among the top business schools in the country.
"This is where you'd be taking classes," the academic advisor, Dr. Sarah Chen, explained as they walked through the modern building. "Sports management, marketing, finance - whatever direction interests you."
The classrooms were state-of-the-art, with smart boards, comfortable seating, and that college atmosphere Tristain was eager to experience.
"We have a specific program for student-athletes," Dr. Chen continued. "Academic support, tutoring, study halls - everything to ensure you succeed in the classroom and on the field."
"What's the typical schedule like?" Tristain asked.
"Classes in the morning, practice in the afternoon, study time in the evening. We make sure football enhances your education, not interferes with it."
College. Real college. I can actually see myself here.
Meeting the Players
Lunch was in the team dining hall with several current players, including the starting quarterback, Jake Morrison, a junior who immediately made Tristain feel welcome.
"So you're the tournament MVP everyone's been talking about," Jake said with a grin. "Heard you went perfect in the championship game."
"Yeah, that was a good day," Tristain replied modestly.
"Good day?" laughed Ian Williams, a senior receiver. "Bro, you threw for like 300 yards without an incomplete pass. That's not a good day, that's a legendary day."
"The coaches have been talking about you non-stop," added Zion Carter, a sophomore running back. "Coach Cignetti thinks you're the future of the program."
"No pressure though," Jake said with a laugh. "But seriously, this place is special. Great coaches, great facilities, and we're building something big here."
"What's the team culture like?" Tristain asked.
"Brotherhood," Ian said immediately. "We're all here for each other. Win together, lose together, grow together."
"Sounds familiar," Tristain smiled, thinking about the Flight Boys.
---
The football-specific meetings were the most detailed part of the visit. Coach Cignetti and the offensive coordinator, Coach Williams, broke down their offensive system and how Tristain would fit.
"We run a pro-style offense with RPO elements," Coach Williams explained, showing film on a massive screen. "Perfect for a quarterback with your skill set - strong arm, good mobility, excellent decision-making."
They showed him clips of their current offense, then explained how they'd adapt it for his strengths.
"You'd come in and compete immediately," Cignetti said. "Jake's got one more year, but we need someone ready to take over after that. Based on what we've seen, you could be starting by your sophomore year, maybe sooner."
"Starting by sophomore year?" Tristain's eyes widened.
"If you continue developing the way you have been, absolutely. You've got the arm talent and football IQ to play at this level right now."
They talked about the development program, the strength and conditioning, the mental preparation that went into college football.
"It's a big step up from high school," Cignetti admitted. "But everything we've seen tells us you're ready for that challenge."
---
The afternoon included a tour of the dorms, the student recreation center, and the broader campus. The student tour guide, Ashley, was a junior who played on the women's soccer team.
"The athletic community here is really tight," she explained as they walked past the library. "All the teams support each other, and the regular students love their athletes."
"What's the social scene like?"
"Whatever you want it to be. You can go to parties, join clubs, focus on academics - there's something for everyone. But as a football player, especially a quarterback, you'll have plenty of social opportunities."
They walked past groups of students studying on the lawn, others playing frisbee, and some just hanging out. It felt like the perfect college atmosphere.
"Can you see yourself here?" Ashley asked.
"Definitely," Tristain said, taking in the whole scene. "This feels right."
---
The evening concluded with dinner at a nice restaurant off-campus, with Coach Cignetti and his wife, along with several assistant coaches.
"Tristain," Coach Cignetti said over dinner, "I want to be completely honest with you. You're our top target at quarterback. Not just for this class, but maybe ever since I've been here."
"Really?"
"Really. What you did in that tournament showed us everything we need to know about your character, your skill, and your ability to perform under pressure."
"The NFL scouts I talk to are already asking about you," added the offensive coordinator. "They want to know when you'll be eligible for the draft."
"NFL scouts?" Tristain nearly choked on his water.
"Three years from now, if you develop the way we think you will, you'll have every opportunity to play on Sundays."
Mrs. Cignetti, who had been quiet through most of dinner, leaned forward.
"We've heard wonderful things about your character, your family, and your girlfriend. This program is about developing young men, not just football players."
"Thank you, ma'am. That means a lot."
"Indiana's not just offering you a scholarship," Coach Cignetti said seriously. "We're offering you a family, a future, and a chance to be part of something special."
---
As dinner wound down, Coach Cignetti pulled out an official letter.
"Tristain, it gives me great pleasure to officially offer you a full scholarship to Indiana University. Full ride - tuition, room, board, books, everything."
Tristain's hands shook slightly as he took the letter. "This is... this is incredible."
"You don't have to decide tonight," Cignetti said. "Take your time, talk to your family, consider all your options. But know that we want you here, and we believe you can be something special in an Indiana uniform."
"Thank you, Coach. This is a dream come true."
"You've earned it, son. Everything that's happened to you has been because of your hard work and talent."
----
Back in his hotel room, Tristain couldn't sleep. He kept looking at the official letter, the Indiana gear they'd given him, and thinking about everything he'd seen.
The next morning, the Indiana staff had arranged for an official photoshoot at Memorial Stadium. This wasn't just any picture - this was the kind of shot that would announce to the college football world that Indiana had landed a major recruit.
"We want you to look like the quarterback Indiana deserves," the photographer said, setting up professional lighting equipment on the field.
They'd brought him a complete Indiana uniform - white jersey with the #7, white pants, crimson helmet with the iconic IU logo. But the centerpiece was a custom throne they'd set up at midfield, designed to look like something a king would sit on, covered in Indiana's crimson and cream colors.
"This is for real?" Tristain asked, looking at the elaborate setup.
"This is how we announce to the world that you're a Hoosier," Coach Cignetti said with a grin. "Go big or go home."
Tristain got fully dressed in the Indiana gear, and it felt surreal. The jersey fit perfectly, the helmet felt right, and when he sat on the throne at midfield of Memorial Stadium, he looked every bit the part of a Division I quarterback.
"Perfect," the photographer said, snapping dozens of shots. "You look like you belong here."
They took photos from multiple angles - Tristain holding the helmet, looking confident on the throne, Memorial Stadium's stands stretching out behind him. The shots were incredible, professional-grade images that screamed "elite recruit."
After reviewing the photos, they selected the perfect one: Tristain sitting confidently on the throne, Indiana uniform pristine, with Memorial Stadium as his backdrop. The look in his eyes was pure determination.
He posted it on Instagram with the caption:
"Hometown hero? 🏠👑 Blessed to receive my first Division I offer from Indiana University! What an incredible visit and opportunity. Thank you to Coach Cignetti and the entire Hoosier family for believing in me! #GoHoosiers #Blessed #DecisionTime 🔴⚪️"
The post exploded immediately. Within an hour, it had 800K likes and 75K comments.
Comments:@MarcusWalker_1: "MY BOY!!! 👑👑👑"
@DeshawnHarris: "King T sitting on his throne! 🔥"
@ElijahFoster: "That's my quarterback right there!"
@JaylenWashington: "Indiana just got the best QB in the country"
@CarlosRod23: "Flight Boys QB looking presidential 💯"
@TerrellJ: "Hometown hero for real! 👑"
Flight Boys Reposts: Marcus reposted the picture on his story with: "Indiana got a KING 👑" Deshawn reposted with: "My QB sitting pretty! Tampa bout to be WILD" Elijah reposted with: "Future NFL quarterback right here"
Fan Comments:"Welcome to the Hoosier family!"
"This is HUGE for IU!"
"The best QB in the country staying home!"
"Indiana just got a steal!"
"Future NFL quarterback right there!""That throne setup is INSANE!""He looks like he was born to wear that uniform!"
---
By the time Tristain returned from Bloomington, it was clear that the school year was rapidly coming to an end. Finals were just two weeks away, and there was that familiar feeling in the air of students ready for summer break.
"How was Indiana?" Ayana asked the moment he walked through the door.
"Incredible," he said, pulling her into a hug. "Absolutely incredible. But I missed you."
"I missed you too. Tell me everything."
They spent the next hour going through every detail - the facilities, the coaches, the campus, the offer.
"So you're really considering it?" she asked.
"I'm considering it seriously. Coach Cignetti was the first to believe in me, the campus is beautiful, and it's close to home. Close to you."
"That's not why you should make the decision," Ayana said seriously. "You should pick what's best for your football career."
"What if what's best for my football career is also what keeps me close to you?"
"Then that's a bonus," she smiled. "But promise me you'll consider all your options."
"I promise. But Indiana feels special."
----
Finals week hit North Bridgeton like a freight train. Despite all the football fame and attention, Tristain still had to maintain his grades to stay eligible for both the summer tournaments and college.
"Mr. Dyce," his AP History teacher, Mrs. Patterson, said as he sat down for the final exam, "I trust you've been studying between all those interviews and photo shoots."
"Yes ma'am," Tristain replied. "Football's temporary, but education's forever."
"Good answer."
The exam was challenging, covering everything from the Revolutionary War to World War II, but Tristain felt confident. The academic support structure he'd developed helped him balance athletics and academics.
In AP Chemistry with Dr. Rodriguez, the final was even more intense.
"Remember," Dr. Rodriguez announced to the class, "this exam counts for 30% of your final grade. Even you, Mr. Celebrity Quarterback, need to know your molecular structures."
The class laughed, but Tristain just focused on the test. Balancing equations, calculating molarity, identifying compounds - it was a different kind of pressure than football, but pressure nonetheless.
"How'd you do?" Ayana asked after his last final - AP English Literature.
"Good, I think. Mrs. Thompson's essay questions were tough, but I felt prepared."
"Good. Can't have my boyfriend failing classes because he's too busy being famous."
"Your boyfriend's got his priorities straight," Tristain said, kissing her forehead. "Grades first, football second."
"Liar," she laughed. "Football's definitely first."
"Okay, football first, but grades are a close second."
---
As the school year ended, Coach Taylor announced that incoming freshmen could try out for the team during spring practice. Word had spread about the Flight Boys' success, and suddenly North Bridgeton football was attracting unprecedented interest.
"We got sixty-eight freshmen signed up," Coach Taylor announced to the team during their final practice of the school year. "Sixty-eight kids who want to be part of what we're building."
"Sixty-eight?!" Marcus's jaw dropped. "That's ... nuts."
"That's more than some colleges get," Elijah said in amazement.
"Winning changes everything," Coach Taylor said with a grin. "Success attracts success, and these kids want to be Flight Boys."
The numbers were staggering compared to previous years. Normally, North Bridgeton would get 25-30 freshman tryouts total. Now they had enough for three full freshman teams.
"We're gonna need a whole separate field just for freshman practice," Deshawn observed.
Coach Taylor had already thought of that. "It's fine we have a Freshman team, JV team, and varsity. Three levels of Flight Boys football."
Among the standouts were Devon Washington, a 6'2" receiver who'd been all-conference in middle school; Tony Martinez, a linebacker whose older brother had played Division II football; and Kevin Thompson, a quarterback who'd been following Tristain's story since the tournament.
"I want to be like Tristain," Devon said when asked why he chose North Bridgeton. "I want to be part of a championship program."
"The Flight Boys are legends now," Tony added. "Everyone knows what happened in Chicago. I want to be part of the next chapter."
"My dad drove me past the school every day just so I could see where Tristain went," Kevin said. "If I can be half as good as him someday, I'll be happy."
"You hear that?" Deshawn said to the veterans. "We're legends. Kids are choosing schools because of us."
"Don't let it go to your head," Coach Taylor warned. "Legends are made by continuing to work, not by resting on past success."
But privately, Coach Taylor was thrilled. Elite programs attracted elite talent, and elite talent bred more success. The Flight Boys had put North Bridgeton on the map in a way he'd never imagined possible.
"These freshmen represent our future," he told the coaching staff. "With this kind of talent pool, we could be dominant for the next four years."
"Sixty-eight kids," Coach Reeves shook his head. "I've never seen anything like it."
"Tristain changed everything," Coach Lawson added. "These kids see what's possible now."
----
The Indianapolis airport was buzzing with early morning activity as the Flight Boys assembled for their flight to Tampa. Unlike their trip to Chicago, this time they were traveling with expectations and attention.
"Yo, there's already reporters here," Deshawn observed, pointing to a small group of media personnel near their gate.
"Of course there are," Marcus said. "We're not the unknown underdogs anymore."
ESPN had sent a crew to document their departure, and several local news stations were covering the team's trip to what was being called "the most competitive 7-on-7 tournament in the country."
"Flight Boys, how are you feeling about Tampa?" a reporter asked as they approached the gate.
"Confident," Tristain answered for the team. "We've put in the work, we've proven we can compete at the highest level, and we're ready for whatever Tampa has to offer."
"You're no longer flying under the radar. Does that change your approach?"
"It changes the expectations, but not our preparation," Coach Taylor interjected. "These young men know what it takes to win, and they're ready to prove it again."
The attention was different this time. Other travelers recognized them, asking for pictures and autographs. Little kids wearing North Bridgeton gear, adults asking about college commitments, teenagers trying to get social media content.
"This is wild," Jaylen said as they waited to board. "Three months ago, nobody knew who we were."
"Three months ago, we were just another team," Terrell pointed out. "Now we're the defending champions."
"Defending champions with targets on our backs," Elijah added.
"Good," Tristain said, his competitive edge showing. "Let them come for us. We'll be ready."
As they prepared to board the plane, Tristain's phone buzzed with a text from Ayana.
Ayana: "Go show Tampa why you're the best team in the country ❤️"
Tristain: "Always. Love you"
Ayana: "Love you too. Bring home another trophy"
Tristain: "That's the plan"
"Flight 1247 to Tampa, now boarding Group A," the gate agent announced.
"That's us," Coach Taylor said. "Flight Boys, let's go defend our title."
As they walked down the jet bridge, Tristain thought about everything that had led to this moment. The Indiana offer, the academic success, the relationship with Ayana, the team chemistry that had made them champions.
Tampa's going to be different. Harder competition, higher stakes, more pressure. But we're ready.
"Y'all ready for this?" Marcus asked as they found their seats.
"Been ready," the team responded in unison.
Flight Boys versus the world. Let's see what Tampa's got.
The plane taxied toward the runway, carrying the defending champions toward their next challenge. In a few hours, they'd be in Florida, ready to prove that Chicago wasn't a fluke.
The Flight Boys were coming for another title.