The Hampton Inn dining area was buzzing with energy as the Flight Boys grabbed breakfast at 7 AM. The tournament didn't start until 10, but Coach Taylor wanted them fueled and ready for their Florida debut.
"This Florida heat is different," Deshawn said, already feeling the humidity through the hotel windows. "It's like 8 AM and it's already 85 degrees."
"Y'all soft," Elijah laughed, loading his plate with eggs and bacon. "This is perfect football weather."
"Perfect for getting heat stroke," Jaylen countered, chugging his second bottle of water.
"Bro, you're drinking water like you're about to run a marathon," Marcus said, watching Jaylen. "It's 7 AM."
"I'm hydrating! Y'all gonna be crying when you're cramping up in this heat."
"The only thing I'm gonna be crying about is how bad we're about to demolish these Florida teams," Terrell said confidently.
"That's some big talk for someone who's never played in 90-degree weather," Carlos pointed out.
"Weather don't matter when you got that dog in you," Deshawn said, flexing dramatically.
"Dog in you?" Elijah nearly choked on his orange juice. "Broski, you got a chihuahua in you at best."
"Chihuahua?!" Deshawn looked offended. "I got a whole pit bull!"
"A pit bull that's scared of thunder," Marcus reminded him, making everyone laugh.
"That was ONE time! And it was loud as hell!"
Tristain was scrolling through his phone while eating, checking social media reactions to their arrival. The Florida football community was definitely paying attention.
"Look at this," he said, showing the team a post from a Florida recruiting account. "'Indiana team thinks they can come to the birthplace of elite football and compete. We'll see.'"
"Birthplace of elite football?" Marcus raised an eyebrow. "That's bold."
"They act like football wasn't invented in Ohio," Jaylen said.
"Football was invented in Ohio?" Carlos asked.
"I don't know, but it sounds better than Florida," Jaylen shrugged.
"Let them talk," Coach Taylor said, joining their table. "By the end of today, they'll know what Indiana football looks like."
"Speaking of which," Terrell said, "y'all see the team buses pulling up outside? That's some serious programs arriving."
Through the hotel windows, they could see custom buses with "Raw Miami," "Chaminade Madonna," and "Miami Central" logos pulling into the parking lot.
"Damn," Carlos said. "They travel in style down here."
"We travel in results," Coach Taylor said simply. "Style doesn't score touchdowns."
"But style does get you on Netflix," Deshawn said with a grin.
"Speaking of Netflix," Elijah said, "y'all think they gonna film us eating breakfast?"
"They better not," Marcus said, "I look like shit in the morning."
"You look like shit all the time," Terrell said.
"Your mom looks like shit all the time," Marcus shot back.
"Y'all are so mature," Tristain said, but he was laughing.
His phone buzzed with a text from Ayana. He smiled immediately.
Ayana: "Good morning babe ❤️ are you Ready to show Florida what you got?"
Tristain: "Always ready. Miss you though 😘"
Ayana: "Miss you too. But go handle business first, then you can miss me properly when you get back"
Tristain: "Handle business then handle you? 😏"
Ayana: "TRISTAIN! Focus on football!"
Tristain: "I am focused. On coming home to you"
Ayana: "You're so cheesy. But I love it. Now go eat and get ready to dominate"
Tristain: "Yes ma'am. Love you"
Ayana: "Love you too. Text me after your game"
"Yo, T's over there smiling at his phone like a teenager in love," Deshawn said loudly.
"I am a teenager in love," Tristain replied.
"Disgusting," Marcus said. "Save that energy for the field."
"I got plenty of energy for both," Tristain said confidently.
"Both what?" Elijah asked innocently.
"Football and... other activities," Tristain said with a grin.
"Other activities?" Coach Taylor raised an eyebrow. "Like studying?"
"Sure, Coach. Studying," Tristain said, making the whole table laugh.
"Y'all are ridiculous," Coach Taylor said, but he was smiling. "Finish eating and let's get to the complex. Time to see what Florida's all about."
---
The ride to the tournament complex was filled with the usual teenage energy, but there was also a sense of excitement about experiencing something new.
"Bro, look at these palm trees," Carlos said, staring out the bus window. "We're really in Florida."
"Palm trees don't win football games," Marcus said.
"Neither does your attitude," Deshawn shot back.
"My attitude is championship-level, thank you very much."
"Your attitude is trash-level," Elijah said.
"Y'all are just jealous of my mental fortitude," Marcus said dramatically.
"Mental fortitude?" Jaylen laughed. "Boy, you cried when we ran out of chicken nuggets yesterday."
"Those were good nuggets!" Marcus defended himself.
"They were hotel nuggets," Terrell pointed out.
"Hotel nuggets can be good too!"
"This conversation is proof that y'all need to touch grass," Tristain said, shaking his head.
"We're about to touch grass," Carlos said. "Florida grass."
"Florida grass hits different," Deshawn said in a fake deep voice.
"Everything hits different when you're about to get your ass kicked," Elijah said.
"Who's getting their ass kicked?" Marcus asked.
"Whoever we're playing," Elijah clarified.
"Facts," the whole team said in unison.
Tournament Atmosphere
The Tampa Elite 7v7 Championship complex was unlike anything the Flight Boys had experienced. Six pristine fields spread across the facility, with each field featuring professional-grade turf, stadium lighting, and bleacher seating for hundreds of spectators.
"This is nice as hell," Deshawn said, looking around at the facilities.
"Nicer than our high school," Jaylen added.
"Everything's nicer than our high school," Carlos said.
"Hey, don't talk shit about North Bridgeton," Marcus said. "That's our house."
"Our house with leaky ceilings and inconsistent air conditioning," Terrell said.
"Character building," Tristain said. "Makes you appreciate places like this."
But what struck them most was the sheer presence of Florida football culture. Everywhere they looked, there were teams representing the state's legendary programs - Chaminade Madonna, Miami Central, Cam Newton's C1N Academy, Geno Smith's South Florida Elite, Teddy Bridgewater's Miami squad, and Raw Miami.
"Damn," Deshawn said, looking at the team banners. "Florida really brought everyone."
"That's because this is our backyard," said a voice behind them.
The Flight Boys turned to see a tall receiver from Miami Central warming up nearby. His jersey read "WASHINGTON" on the back.
"Y'all the Flight Boys, right?" he continued. "I'm Kendrick Washington. Heard y'all think Indiana can play football."
"We don't think," Marcus replied calmly. "We know."
"We'll see," Kendrick said with a smile that wasn't entirely friendly. "Florida different, bro. This ain't the Midwest."
"Different how?" Deshawn asked. "Y'all got extra arms and legs down here?"
"Nah, just more speed, more talent, more championships," Kendrick said.
"We got championships too," Elijah said. "Just won one in Chicago."
"Chicago ain't Florida," Kendrick said. "Y'all about to see what real competition looks like."
"Can't wait," Tristain said calmly. "Always enjoy playing against confident teams."
As Kendrick walked away, the Flight Boys looked at each other.
"That dude's gonna be real quiet after we play," Marcus said.
"Facts," Terrell agreed. "Florida confidence about to meet Indiana execution."
"Y'all notice how he said 'real competition' like we ain't just demolish everyone we played?" Deshawn said.
"Let them sleep," Tristain said. "Better to be underestimated than overestimated."
As they continued exploring the complex, Tristain noticed the college scouts in the stands. The presence was overwhelming - Miami, Florida State, Florida, USF, FAU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, and dozens more programs had representatives with notepads and stopwatches.
"Look at all these scouts," Elijah said, pointing toward the stands.
"They're not just here for us," Coach Taylor reminded them. "Half these Florida teams got Division I talent on every position."
"Good," Tristain said. "We want to play against the best."
"And we want them to see us dominate the best," Marcus added.
He was right. As they walked past the other teams warming up, the talent was obvious. These weren't just good high school players - these were future college stars, many already committed to major programs.
"Check this out," Jaylen said, reading from his phone. "Miami Central's got three five-star recruits. Chaminade Madonna's QB is already committed to Clemson. And Raw Miami's got that receiver who broke every state record last year."
"What records?" Tristain asked.
"Receiving yards, touchdowns, catches in a season. Dude's name is Cameron Williams - and he's going to Ohio State."
"Ohio State?" Deshawn made a face. "We don't like Ohio State."
"We don't like anybody," Marcus said. "That's why we beat everybody."
"I can respect that mentality," said a new voice.
The Flight Boys turned to see a tall, athletic young man approaching them. He looked familiar, but it took a moment to place him.
"Holy shit," Elijah whispered. "That's JoJo Trader."
Sure enough, it was the Miami Hurricanes wide receiver, looking relaxed in a Miami practice jersey and shorts.
"JoJo Trader," he said, extending his hand to Tristain. "I've been hearing about y'all since Chicago."
"Appreciate that," Tristain said, shaking his hand. "Big fan of your game."
"Likewise. That comeback against Warren Central was special. I actually played with some of those guys in 7v7 a few years back."
"You played 7v7 here?" Carlos asked.
"Right here in Tampa, actually. This tournament's where I really made my name before college. Y'all remind me of my team back then - confident, talented, and ready to prove something."
"What was your team like?" Tristain asked, genuinely curious.
"We had that same energy y'all got. Came from Chaminade Madonna thinking we were the shit, ready to show the world. Had to prove we belonged with the big boys."
"Did you win?" Deshawn asked.
"Yeah, we won. But more importantly, we showed everyone that we weren't just hype. Sounds familiar?"
"Definitely," Marcus said. "That's exactly what we're trying to do."
"Well, I'll be watching today," JoJo said. "My little cousin's on the Raw Miami team, so I'm here to support him. But I'm curious to see what y'all can do."
"We won't disappoint," Tristain said confidently.
"I believe that. Y'all got that look in your eyes. Same look I had when I was trying to prove I belonged at this level."
"Any advice?" Jaylen asked.
"Just be yourselves. Don't try to be extra because you're in Florida. Y'all got here by being who you are. Trust that."
"Appreciate that," Tristain said.
"No doubt. Now go show these Florida boys what Indiana looks like."
As JoJo walked away, the Flight Boys looked at each other with increased confidence.
"JoJo Trader just gave us advice," Terrell said in amazement.
"And he said we remind him of his championship team," Carlos added.
"That's because we are a championship team," Marcus said.
"Facts," Tristain agreed. "Time to prove it."
---
As they continued their walk-through, they started noticing more familiar faces in the crowd. Former players from these Florida programs who'd made it to the NFL were scattered throughout the complex, watching their old teams compete.
"Yo, is that Jeremiah Smith?" Carlos pointed toward the Chaminade Madonna sideline.
Sure enough, the Ohio State wide receiver and former Chaminade Madonna star was talking to the current team, sharing advice and encouragement.
"And that's Lawqayne McCoy," Terrell added, spotting the Florida State wide receiver near both the Miami Central and Raw Miami areas.
"McCoy played for both teams?" Tristain asked.
"Yeah, went to Miami Central but played for Raw Miami during 7v7 season," Elijah explained, reading from his phone. "That's pretty common down here."
"Damn, that's like playing for Flight Boys and also playing for some Chicago team," Deshawn said.
"Would never happen," Marcus said. "Flight Boys for life."
"Flight Boys or die," Jaylen agreed.
"Y'all are so dramatic," Tristain laughed.
"We're passionate," Terrell corrected.
"Same thing," Carlos said.
"Definitely not the same thing," Elijah said.
"And there's Keon Coleman," Jaylen pointed toward another group. The former Florida State receiver was talking to multiple teams.
"Anthony Richardson too," Carlos added, spotting the Indianapolis Colts quarterback near the South Florida Elite area.
"Richardson's in the NFL now, right?" Deshawn asked.
"Yeah, plays for the Colts," Tristain said. "He's from Florida too."
"Everyone's from Florida," Marcus said. "Except us."
"That's what makes us special," Terrell said. "We're the outsiders."
"Outsiders who bout to crash the party," Elijah added.
"And Ricky Pearsall," Jaylen said, seeing the former Florida receiver chatting with Raw Miami players.
The message was clear - Florida 7v7 football had produced legitimate NFL talent, and these current players were following in those footsteps.
"Now I understand why this tournament is so competitive," Tristain said, watching the former pros interact with high school players. "These guys are trying to be the next Jeremiah Smith or JoJo Trader."
"And we're trying to prove we belong with them," Marcus added.
"Not trying," Elijah corrected. "We do belong with them. We're about to prove it."
"Facts," Deshawn said. "Time to show these Florida boys what Midwest football looks like."
"Midwest football?" Tristain asked.
"Yeah, hard-working, no-nonsense, get-the-job-done football," Deshawn said.
"That's actually a good way to put it," Carlos said.
"I have my moments," Deshawn said proudly.
"Very rare moments," Marcus said.
"Y'all are haters," Deshawn said.
"We're truth-tellers," Jaylen said.
"Same thing," Terrell added.
"Definitely not the same thing," Elijah said, completing the cycle.
Tristain's phone buzzed again. Another text from Ayana.
Ayana: "How's Florida treating you? Seen any alligators yet? 🐊"
Tristain: "No alligators, but plenty of trash talkers. About to handle business though"
Ayana: "I love confident Tristain. Go show them why you're the best quarterback in the country"
Tristain: "Yes ma'am. About to make you proud"
Ayana: "You always make me proud. Now go get em tiger 🐅"
Tristain: "Love you babe"
Ayana: "Love you too. Can't wait to celebrate with you when you get back 😘"
"Yo, T's smiling at his phone again," Marcus said. "Ayana really got you wrapped around her finger."
"I'm wrapped around her finger and she's wrapped around mine," Tristain said. "Perfect relationship."
"That's actually sweet," Elijah said.
"Don't get all soft on us," Deshawn said.
"I'm not soft, I'm motivated," Tristain said. "About to play the best football of my life so I can get home to my girl."
"That's what I like to hear," Coach Taylor said, appearing behind them. "Motivation is good. Channel it into execution."
"Yes sir," Tristain said.
----
Group C
Their first opponent was Charlotte Thunder, a well-regarded program from North Carolina that had made the trip to Florida specifically for this tournament.
"Charlotte's got some talent," Coach Taylor said during the pre-game huddle. "Their quarterback's committed to NC State, and their top receiver's going to Wake Forest. Don't sleep on them because they're not from Florida."
"We're not sleeping on anybody," Tristain said. "But we're also not intimidated by anybody."
"That's the attitude," Coach Taylor nodded. "Now go show Florida what Indiana football looks like."
The crowd for their 10 AM game was surprisingly large. Word had spread about the defending champions' arrival, and people wanted to see if the Flight Boys could back up their Chicago performance.
"Flight Boys! Flight Boys!" a section of fans chanted - somehow they'd already acquired supporters in Florida.
"Looks like we got fans down here too," Marcus said, grinning at the crowd support.
"Flight Boys travel everywhere," Deshawn said proudly.
"Or maybe people just like watching good football," Jaylen suggested.
"Same thing," Terrell said.
"Definitely not the same thing," Elijah said automatically.
"Y'all need to stop with that," Carlos said, but he was laughing.
As they took the field, Tristain could feel the intensity. This wasn't just another game - this was their introduction to Florida football, and everyone was watching to see if they belonged.
"Y'all ready?" he asked his teammates as they huddled up one final time.
"Been ready," Marcus said.
"Let's fucking go," Deshawn said.
"Language," Coach Taylor called from the sideline.
"Sorry Coach!" Deshawn yelled back.
"No you're not," Tristain said with a grin.
"Not even a little bit," Deshawn confirmed.
"Time to show them what Flight Boys football looks like," Tristain said.
Time to show them what my football looks like.