Mandarin- In sports, a must win battle determines your season’s fate. In life, a must win battle determines your personal fate. Although both are extremely different in terms of importance, they do however share similarities in the attributes they illuminate. Toughness, concentration, and determination are just a few properties that a must win battle produces. So when Christ’s Church faced playoff elimination versus Duval Charter on their annual Catie Carter night ( for Cancer Awareness), it was no surprise that these elements were on full display in front of a packed and pinked out home crowd.
Toughness; Christ’s Church dominated every phase of the game from start to finish. They imposed their will against Duval Charter early on by running the ball. Running back Josh Dennie kicked off the scoring with a 14 yd touchdown run on the Eagle’s first possession. On the play, the offensive line opened gaping holes for Dennie. He would add another rushing touchdown in the first quarter showing his tough running and the team’s tough attitude from the start. That toughness extended to his teammates who ran hard all night. Running back Johnny Gullett was a prodigy of power rumbling in for a 1 yd touchdowns as well.
Concentration; Christ’s Church suffered a loss to Bishop Snyder three weeks ago, putting them in a very precarious position. By losing to a divisional opponent, and with the new High School football strength of schedule rules, Christ’s Church could not afford to lose a game to the (1-4) Panthers. 
The players seemed to know this as they played with poise and concentration completing difficult plays with ease. Quarterback DJ Lampp connected with several receivers including Brett Fowler on a 53 yard catch and run for an early touchdown. Lampp closed out the first quarter with a 30 yard touchdown pass to Ethan Powell proving that the big play was in play against Duval Charter.
Determination; At the end of the first quarter the score was 28-0 with the Eagles advantage. At halftime, Christ’s Church had 56 points on the score board, in route to a 62-0 drubbing of Duval Charter. A determined team took the mentality of it’s determined Head Coach Jim Stomps. Stomps has led the Eagles to a winning record each year he has been at the helm. And two playoff appearances has Stomps and the Eagles expecting playoffs every year. They took a big step in achieving their goal toward that Friday night.
At halftime, Christ’s Church acknowledged cancer survivors, those battling cancer currently and those who have passed due to the disease. The Catie Clark committee presented pink roses to persons and family members of those affected by cancer. It made for a very special night, honoring those individuals who have engaged in the ultimate battle. A battle that was won the moment they decided to stand up to it.
