Suddenly, it hit me. What I had been doing nearly every Friday night during football season was slowly but surely drawing to a close. For the past four years of my life, I had been seated in that same student section, cheering on our beloved Indians to what became many hard-fought wins and many heart-breaking losses. The joy I felt every time I walked into that student section was a rush of adrenaline. It’s absolutely something that cannot be described until you’ve experienced it, and even then is something you don’t want to go on description alone. Knowing you’re a part of every Indian victory and loss, knowing you’ve been a part of a legacy, knowing you’ve cheered your Indians on their last ride is something you never want to know is drawing to a close. It all hit me Friday, October 20.

That night I walked into The Reservation not knowing how emotional I would be walking out. The theme was Indian Night, something that was very fitting with the game being the last regular home game of the season. We were all dressed in our Indian pride, our hearts beating with excitement and passion as our beloved Indians were about to take the field. We’ve done this every Friday night during football season for the last four years, what made this one so different?

I don’t know if it was because it was a rivalry game – we played our absolute rival – Byrnes High School, or if it was because we were all joined together, seeming to be louder and prouder than ever. Regardless, that game is truly one I will never forget. We were strong, we were loud, we were proud. Our boys were on the field kicking some Byrnes Rebel tail; why wouldn’t we be? However, as each minute went by, I heard some of the seniors next to me talking about how they couldn’t believe this was really our last regular season home game. Had four years really flown by that quickly? Had we really spent four years already in this place?

My heart started beating faster, the adrenaline rushing through my veins. I suddenly realized: this could’ve been my last time in The Reservation, had we not gotten a home playoff game. That hit hard. The next time I would’ve come to The Reservation, had we not, I would no longer be a student at Gaffney High School. I would no longer be a die-hard fan in the student section, cheering on our boys. I would just be another Gaffney High has-been, so longing and watching all those other students that took my place there on the front row, as it would then be their turn to cheer their boys on to the playoffs. If that isn’t heartbreak, I don’t know what is.

I think Friday nights in The Reservation are something many of us take for granted in high school. Yes, we may participate, we may have the time of our lives, but we never really realize how carefree and young we are until we reach our last – or even when they’re gone. Some of my best memories have been made in The Reservation, as I’m sure many other Seniors and past alumni can say the same. It sounds cliche, but there’s just something about Gaffney Football that sticks with you, I’m sure, for the rest of your life, and definitely something you never want to lose touch with. As we continue our journey to State, I’m so glad that I at least get one more Friday night in The Reservation before we Seniors have to hang up our hats and pass the torch down to the classes that follow in our footsteps. Here’s to our beloved Gaffney Indians and all the memories we’ve made, with the greatest friends in the world, in The Reservation. It’s been a heck of a ride.