September 1, 2017–Working my way north through Chicago’s pre-holiday-Friday-rush-hour traffic to photograph the second ranked Lincoln-Way East Griffins as they played top ranked—and defending 8A state champion—Maine South gave me plenty of time to listen to the radio. Yes, the radio. When the car you’re driving is older than any of the players in the game, you’re just thankful the FM dial has ten presets.
Prepping my gear in the parking lot, a number of songs were bouncing around in my head as one jet after another flew overhead. How do people not lose their minds with sixty jets an hour flying over? Cameras in hand, I made my way to the field. Soon the stands were packed, the two teams were ready to play, I wasn’t hearing each jet any more, and after the kickoff, I only had one line from a song still in my head: “Pleased to meet you. Hope you guessed my name.” The two teams started hitting on the first play and they never let up.
The Griffins did what a road team must do to win: Remember where you’re from—East side. Remember who you play for—the guy next to you. Tighten your chin strap an extra click. Stuff the run like a six year old stuffs his face on Halloween. And howl at the moon when you knock off the number one team.
AC photo 22 