Impact Football

In November my high school guys small group decided they wanted to go to the Impact football tournament at Florida Christian College. They would lead the charge to put together a team and we could begin preparing for the big weekend in February.
For over 2 months we practiced. We saw many players come and go during this time. God molded us through numerous trials - like I have never seen a team endure. Like I have never endured. Personal issues, last-minute injuries, sinful acts, and cold, cold weather. Through the Lord's strength we were able to pull together and go to Impact, in spite of the trials.

Then the weekend came - 25 of us loaded up and headed to FCC.
After a great trip, Friday night program and message (dry bones!), it was time to play some football.
Placed in perhaps the toughest division in the tourney, CCW faced a great opponent from Leesburg on a cold, muddy field. We lost our first game; 12-6 in overtime. Just one more trial.
But then, something wonderful happened.
Team "CC-DUBBB" came together.
With heart, determination, teamwork, and great plays -one after another - we won 3 straight games....and...with a dramatic 4th & goal touchdown, CC Dub won their divisional championship game and a playoff birth.

In the playoffs, things only got better. CC Dub won against powerhouse squads from Ocala & St. Pete; landing a spot in the Sun Bowl Championship game.
For the title, they would face 9 time ?(ok a dynasty) champ Safeharbor CC.
In a historic defensive battle, CCW would lose the championship 6-0 to finish 2nd overall in the 50-team tournament.
The team left it all on the field. They could have won at any moment.
Unfortunately, that moment will have to wait - until next year.

It was a fantastic season.
I thank God for all He did - from beginning to end - and with the lives that He touched along the way.
Here's a list the players and coaches that made it happen.
But make no mistake - it was God that brought us through.

Congratulations, CC-DUBB!
Head "Coach Kup" Dustin Kupcik, Defensive coach Blake Manzow, Assistant coach Jeff Jacobs, head cheerleader & chaperone Debbie Crocker, photographer Mike Paugh, and... The players: Seniors Trevor (bemerb) Campbell, Sean SphMurphy, Mike Flores, Candice Catalano,Emily Clark; Juniors Mike Bailey (sportsmanship award winner), Zach Merrill, Nick Kroner, Josh Colon, Cory Barone, Tori Helmuth, Freshmen Logan Caputo, Stephen Murphy, Jack Merrill, and adults Kaley Caputo, Jacklyn Diaz, Jesse Flowers.
Thanks also to all the fans and family that drove 2 hours to support the team.Thanks to those who donated T-shirt money, drinks, and more. Thanks to Zach Rice and Pat Suarez, who practiced all season but got hurt and couldn't go.

I believe this group was the best team at Impact.
They might have been runner-up, but they came out of nowhere in just their 3rd year and played better together than anyone I saw all day - falling one play short of a title. I am so proud of they way they played, encouraged each other, huddled up, laughed, cared, and kept a great attitude all day long.

Praise God for all He did.
Praise Him for all He is going to do with this great team in the future.