Underdogs

High School Battles For More Than Football Title on NPR's All Things Considered

Listening Date: April 21, 2010

“Katy was ranked No. 3 in a USA Today national poll and was winner of the past two titles in the biggest classification in the toughest state to play football. A 200-member band blasted news of the team's arrival into the stadium Saturday, and 10,000 or so Katy football fans rolled into San Antonio's Alamodome. Katy had only one thing in its way to its third state championship title in a row: the No. 4-ranked Abilene Eagles.”

I support a team (New York Jets) in the NFL that is usually the underdog. This year, they were the underdogs in pretty much every game in the playoffs but came out winning each match. Unfortunately, they lost in the AFC Championship Game. Even after they lost, I was still happy because they exceeded all expectations and they went into the playoffs ranked dead last.

The story of the Abilene Eagles is very similar. They were undersized and inexperienced. Their opponent was heavily favored and were experienced in situations like this one. Regardless of the opponent, the Eagles are supported by the entire town. Tens of thousands of fans come out on game day to support their team. Before the title game, the Eagles received a letter from their fans.

"We are your moms, we are your dads, we're your nanas, we're your granddads," the letter reads.

The reason why I shared this show is because I admire the town for supporting their team even if they are the underdogs (how I support the Jets). I also give props to the Eagles for coming into this game and facing their challenge and defeating it.

“High School Battles For More Than Football Title.” All Things Considered. Narr. Neashal Norris. National Public Radio. 21 Dec. 2009. Npr.org. Web. 21 Apr. 2010.