RUSSELL JACOWAY STADIUM — Sand Rock and Spring Garden football players knelt midfield in prayer after the last regular season game of the year.

A crisp, cold gust of wind — the foreshadowing of an upcoming front — swept over them. Afterwards bystanders probably noticed the sentimentality of some senior players and cheerleaders, their high school careers disappearing like the passing breeze.

It was Senior Night at Sand Rock. An old song seems to capture the sentiment:

“Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road. Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.”

Sand Rock won the game 48-6. The fact that will endure over the years is that the game may be the last at home for Sand Rock's seniors. For Spring Garden's seniors it was their last football game, forever.

Those Panther players are a special group to coach John McKay.

“They're one of the most fun groups that I've coached,” he said. “I had them in junior high way back in the day, 7th grade all the way up through. Great kids, good leaders. This group of seniors is just such a class act.”

Sand Rock coach Russell Jacoway also complimented his parting players.

“It's been a real good group of seniors,” Jacoway said. “Every one of them has improved, not just playing-wise. They've become leaders as the year's gone along. That's something I really look for in my seniors.”

“So make the best of this test, and don't ask why. It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time.”

In the game, Sand Rock scored touchdowns early and often. Wildcat senior Chad Thompson found paydirt twice in the first quarter, on a 39-yard reception and a 77-yard run. At the end of the first, the Wildcats led their cross-county foes 14-0.

The second quarter also belonged to the Cats. Senior Matt Graham hauled in a 12-yard touchdown and senior Tyler Garmany added a 26-yard score. Sophomore Dylan Mackey not only threw three touchdown passes, he kicked all four extra points. The Wildcats took a 28-0 lead into halftime.

Jacoway gave credit to his men in the trenches: junior Justin Brown, senior Andrew Cole, junior Drake Wilbanks, senior Chris Terrell, and senior Hunter Brisendine.

“The offensive line had a good night,” he said. “We had some kids running ten yards before they got touched.”

In the third quarter Sand Rock added three more touchdowns.

Freshman Dustin Chambers and junior Justin Little scored on runs of 25 and 60 yards, respectively. Junior Stethan Chandler also got in on the act, recovering a fumble and returning it 31 yards for a score. Andrew Cole tacked on two point-after kicks.

Going into the final quarter, Sand Rock still held the shutout at 48-0.

“Our down people have really improved,” said Jacoway. “Our front four on defense is as good as there is in our region.”

Spring Garden tallied the game's final score when senior Ryan Messer scored on a late two-yard plunge.

Sand Rock (6-4) travels to play unbeaten, No. 3-ranked Tanner in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs. Spring Garden ends the season at 2-8.

After the teams prayed, some seniors players huddled with their girlfriends or family. Others just strolled solemnly off the field. Eventually, the lights of the stadium were turned off, and a new chapter began.

“It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right. I hope you had the time of your life.”