The tunnel echoed with the sound of studs on concrete. Jack Stones led the Rising Stars forward, his captain's armband bright against the red sleeve. Behind him, twenty-one teammates walked in silence.
The noise grew louder with each step. Drums pounded. Horns blared. The Hastings crowd was ready.
"This is it," Maddox whispered to Teddy as they followed the players.
The tunnel opened into blazing white light. The pitch stretched out before them, perfect green grass under the floodlights. The crowd hit them like a physical force.
[> "Welcome to the Coastal Arena!" <] The stadium announcer's voice boomed over the speakers. [> "Tonight, Hastings Coastal Academy take on Northcastle Rising Stars in the final match of Youth League C!" <]
The home crowd erupted. Blue and white flags waved across the stands. The noise was deafening.
Both teams lined up in the center circle. The referee checked his watch. Nearly kick-off time.
