Game Day at Central Hardin
Gino Siller
“Let’s go defense!” echoes from the stands at Central Hardin High School stadium.
You could feel the tension as game day began. Seniors wore their jerseys on campus all day long. They stood out in the hallways. Teachers all wore light- and dark-blue polo shirts with khaki pants. It was game day at Central Hardin High School in Elizabethtown, and you could smell it in the air.
In the moments right before the game, the locker room was silent. Where the environment had been rough and rowdy just days before, now was a room of complete concentration and discipline. Every player had his own way of dealing with the anticipation. Whether it be playing a quick game on a cell phone or a quick mix of music on an iPod, every player had his own comfort food. The moment the coach told them to suit up, players jumped into action, eager for something to take their minds off the task ahead.
The players rushed out to the field as if they had been waiting for this moment all of their lives. They had a new record to set for their high school, and they were not going to let anything get in their way.
Central Hardin High School football players Reese Baumgardner, Will Kemper, Keith Doyle and Austin Campbell watch as their teammates practice for the upcoming district championship game.
Central Hardin senior Tristan Long completes a test in his honors English class prior to the big game on against Meade County.
Signs and posters litter the hallways of Central Hardin High School in the pre-game days.
Brandon Sloughter enjoys a quick ice cream cone with his teammates at the local McDonald's after football practice.
Jerseys hang in the football locker room ready for the next big game day.
Central Hardin's No. 18, Antoine Keys, left, prepares his uniform as a teammate steals a quick drink of soda from his friend, No. 19, Colton Heibert, right, before the game with Meade County.
Players take to the field, but not without a quick slap on the "Bruin Pride Hitter" as part of game-day traditon.
Sophmores Brianna Trombleh and Keri Johnson cheer as the Bruins gain some yards during the district championship against Meade County.
Carlie Griffin, a 6-year-old Junior Bruin, overwhelmed by the attention of the crowd, looks for mommy as the varsity cheerleaders chant for their team.
Sophomores Brandon Shugan and Claire Goodin enjoy a quick flirty moment beneath the Friday night lights at Central Hardin High School as the Bruins take on Meade County for the district championship.