Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The Mathews Boys of Fall are having a crisis of faith. Our faith in them as fans is not shaken—we know what they can do and what excellent young men and athletes they are. Their faith in themselves is shaken.

When they are defeated in spirit, beat down and put down, it is hard to get back up and subject yourself to that again. I know, I have watched my beloved boys all year. My son asked me once what he should do when he felt he had to make a choice, and I said "you can run for the rest of your life, but you only have four years to play football."

It has proven to be a driving message to him. His hard work and sacrifices may prove costly to his future, but worth every moment to be able to put on that uniform and stand with his "brothers." He and most of his fellow seniors have been playing together since they were small, and this Friday will be their last game playing together. Not theirs, his. He will miss their last game against Middlesex on Nov. 12 since he will be pursuing a place at the cross country state championships the following day.

I want to ask the other players to hang on, hold on to each other, and play for yourselves. Don’t cheat yourself out of the memory of stepping onto that field together. The bond you have forged together will last for the rest of your lives. You are all precious, wonderful and tough. Make these last games count, and leave it all on the field.

I hauled many of you to GYFL as little guys, or watched you play yard ball when G-ma was all-time quarterback and Buford made the best tackles. Make it count, and make it last forever.

Lori Ward

Onemo, Va.