The pre-match press conference had been a masterclass in psychological warfare.
When asked about facing the giants of Sheffield Wednesday, Ethan had just smiled.
"Every team, no matter how big, has cracks in their armor. We've done our homework. We're confident that we've found a few."
Now, standing in the tunnel of a roaring, hostile Hillsborough stadium, the time for talk was over.
"WELCOME, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO A CAULDRON OF PURE, UNADULTERATED FOOTBALL PASSION!" the commentator's voice exploded, barely audible over the noise of the crowd.
"It's the EFL Trophy Semi-Final! The fallen giant, Sheffield Wednesday, against the impossible dream, the giant-killers, the team that simply refuses to lose, APEX UNITED! A place in the final and a shot at a million pounds is on the line! The home side are the overwhelming favorites, but if we've learned one thing this season, it's to never, ever write off Ethan Couch and his band of teenage miracles! AND WE ARE UNDERWAY!"
