Rush... "What sport would you like to be good at?"

Adrenaline.  Coursing through my veins, pounding beneath my skin.    The field is lush and green, the glowing white lines reflecting in the bright lights that are raised high into the air as painted fans scream in anticipation, fear, and excitement.  But their screams appear silent to my pounding ears.  I hear nothing but my own heart, synchronized with the rhythm of my heavy breathing, cheering for me as I stretch for the finish line.  I am surrounded by both friends and foes, all hidden by the same protective armor that is the only thing slowing me in this fervent race.  The entire world is on my side on this night.  With each heavy leap, my body sends bursts of renewed energy, and I steadily begin to leave my enemies in the growing darkness behind me.  Out of the nothingness,two rocky figures appear, crashing into either of my sides, smashing me into the sturdy ground below and knocking bright stars into my eyes.  Shaking my head, I slowly attempt to lift it from the ground, overwhelmed by nausea as the world twirls around me.  I feel a cold trickle running across my cheek, and reach up to smear away a thick trail of blood.  As a few teamates and a coach hurry towards me, I am given my two options.  I can sit out, and be treated for the wound which is now heavily oosing from my head and the harsh ache that pierces my right arm, or continue in the game, offering all I can to the unlikely victory of my team.  Looking to the scoreboard through slightly blurred vision... two touch-downs behind, and only 3 minutes left of this fourth quarter.  Weighing the positive, I recognize how close I made it to the end of the field, a touchdown only yards away.  With reckless hope, I hop up from the ground, unbothered by the slimy mud that covers my body, and shake myselft to prepare for the fight.  As they recognize my decision, some shake their heads unconvinced, but excited smiles creap onto the faces of my closest teamates and myself.  We are ready to win.  This is the state championship, and we will not leave defeated.  Without closing my eyes, I offer a quick prayer, simply in the hope that we may be a team.... of one spirit and one mission, ready to win this prize.  The whistle blows, and we take off running.  It is difficult as I cope with the pain I've encountered, but nothing will stop me now.  Clutching the ball firmly, an unrecognizeable teamate rushes toward a touchdown, dodging in and out of view, but gained on every second by the approaching enemies.  Just as the army of figures clad in blue jump in attempt to smother him, the red fighter smashes on his own, sprawling across the field, the muddy football landing in perfect proximity with the goal line.  The entire world screams in anticipation as our score bumps up, scooting closer to that which we fight against.  Two of our precious three minutes were spent making that goal, and we now have another field to cover.  Seizing the ball immediately, I prepare to accomplish what I previously failed.  My head pounds in agony, as my right arm, though bruised and probably broken clutches the prized football.  I ignore these cries from my body, focusing only on the rush that I feel so strongly inside of me.  Determinedly, I make long, leaping strides to the end of the field, this time sure to remain far from all opponents.  As I run speedily, time slows, as the timer seems to tick away at a normal pace.  Rather than fighting my opponents, I find myself in a race with time, praying that I will reach my goal in time.  A ticking countdown from the fans in our stand resonates in the air, full of nerve and fright.  3- I see the line, only a few yards away, 2-the distance is still notable, but I cannot wait any longer.  As the final second emerges, I leap with all the energy left inside of me, flying through the air, then crashing to the ground as the final buzzer slices through the chilly nightime air.  Cautiously, I pry open one eye, then the next, finding the line to be nearly at my feet, with the football safely past its border.  I hop up as a boisterous yell erupts from the stands, the team, and myself.  We have won! The rush I have felt tonight overides any pains or ache I could ever feel, having been replaced by complete and overwhelming joy.