In August, Luke Nesler’s Impact Creative Marketing & Branding released a “Title Town” football video that pumped up the Bridgeport community for several weeks under the Friday night lights.

 

After three consecutive Class AA state football championships, the Tribe – which had since the last state win lost key players, Dante Bonamico, Dylan Tonkery and Elijah Drummond, to name a few - had big shoes to fill.

 

But in the video – which drew thousands of views on YouTube, the Indians certainly seemed to be up for that challenge, appearing bold and ready for action. Many of these boys have grown up with my son so I’ve known them since they were quite little. I remember watching that video for the first time and realizing how grown up they were and being proud of them – and every one of their teammates – for being willing to represent their school and community under that kind of pressure.

It was surreal, as they say, that these kids were now the football team of my alma mater; a team that I - and thousands of others through the years - have claimed as our own. 

 

So the season got under way in the heat of late-August. Fanning ourselves with our programs, hundreds of fans watched them win their debut face-off. And the wins continued - game after game; home and on the road.

 

The weather turned colder and sometimes it was pouring the rain. Huddled under gear and water dripping off the tips of umbrellas onto stadium seats - or sometimes wrapped in blankets - fans continued to cheer on the Indians as the victories continued.

 

After every touchdown, there were high fives and hugs; even fireworks. Then the crowd chanted for the extra point and in most cases, the congratulatory interaction continued. It was a lot of fun watching these boys, not only meeting the athletic challenge set before them, but plunging through it.

 

It was a thrilling ride as the Indians continued their winning streak into the post-season. It was beginning to look like they were going to have a fourth opportunity to bring home the state title. Who would have thought so at the beginning of the year, when so many young guns were stepping into positions previously held by Tribe veterans.

 

So we know how this story ended. In double overtime in the semifinal game, Bridgeport was outscored by a single point, ending their year. Following a game which had extreme highs and extreme lows – laughter and elation, followed by silence and tears – fans left the stadium quietly as these boys came to terms with what had just happened.

 

There were many posts on social media in the hours and days to follow. It was clear that this community thought the Indians should hold their heads up high and be proud for a phenomenal season.

 

As the video says, “Be phenomenal or be forgotten.”

 

This team will never be forgotten. It’s a team which stepped up in a big way.

 

One of my friends - a mom of one of the players - made a comment that she was hoping the Title Town video could have been played following Friday night’s semifinal.

 

Well guess what? Here you go. I think it’s still very appropriate.

 

A few short months ago, the makers of this video challenged these kids, building them up for the task at hand. It said they would be champions if they endured the road ahead and that they had to make a decision that nobody in the league, in their position, would outwork them. It said that nobody was going to hand their wins to them; that they had to practice for permanence.

 

On every account, they did that.

 

They are still our champions. Chant it out: “Be phenomenal or be forgotten.” Thanks Tribe for rolling for us. Thanks for the heart and soul you put into your season.

 

I can’t wait to see what you guys will do next year.

 

I believe Indian fans will join me wishing Fairmont Senior the best in Friday night’s championship game at Wheeling Island. Bring the title back to North Central West Virginia. 

 

Editor's Note: All photos by Ben Queen Photography.