The Ninth and final week of the regular season for football brought a lesson in things that are bigger than the game itself.
For a second year, the Lyons Lions and the Hoisington Cardinals faced off with heavy hearts. Last year, Lyons lost a player in a tragic fire. This year, a Hoisington player and his manager brother lost their father just days before the match up.
The Cardinals took control of the game from the start and did not let go until the final moments when Lyons recorded their first points. A 62 to 3 final score stood on the scoreboard, but a bigger gesture commanded notice.
As the teams filed past and shook hands, Lyons players would give an extra moment to #60 Jeremy Breit. They would express condolences and give encouragement, remembering their own grief and sadness from a year earlier.
Then both teams met up and joined hands in prayer. Just minutes earlier they fought each other, now they kneeled united as teammates and brothers to comfort someone in need.
Below are some of the pictures I took at the game:
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The Hoisington Cardinal Seniors comfort the Breit Family. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Seniors and their Parents stand on the field for recognition prior to the game. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Balloons are released in memory of John Breit before the game started. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hoisington Cardinals run on to the field prior to the start of the game. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Sean Urban (#23) hands the ball to a referee after recovering it on the opening kickoff. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Jeremy Breit (#60) lines up to get the ball one yard from the end zone. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Teammates congratulate Hoisington Cardinal Jeremy Breit (#60) on scoring the opening touchdown of the game. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Jeremy Breit (#60) hands the ball to a referee after scoring a touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Inigo Barrena Carpio (#8) waits to kick a Point After Touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Cameron Davis (#5) drives through a hole in the Lyons Lions defense. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Cameron Davis (#5) dashes down the field towards the end zone. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Hunter Hanzlick (#27) tackles Lyons Lion Terek Smith (#19) for a loss. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinals Grant Dolechek (#55) and Hunter Hanzlick (#27) swallow up a Lyons Lion runner. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Jordan Cedeno (#3) punts the ball. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Hunter Hanzlick (#27) carries the ball to the end zone on a rush that gave him the Hoisington High School career rushing record. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Tyler Specht (#1) holds the ball as Inigo Barrena Carpio (#8) kicks a Point After Touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Brenner Donovan (#80) catches a pass. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Tyler Specht (#1) rolls out looking for a receiver to throws a pass to. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Chris Gonzalez (#31) tackles Hoisington Cardinal Ben Schneider (#65) after he scooped up a loose ball. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Tyler Specht (#1) throws a pass. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Sean Urban (#23) tries to hold on to his helmet as he carries the ball. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Head Coach Zach Baird gives the next play to Tyler Specht (#1). The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Connor Crawford (#60) holds the jersey of Hoisington Cardinal Jeremy Breit (#60) as he comes through the line. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Cameron Davis (#5) protects the ball as he nears a Lyons Lion defender. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Teammates congratulate Hoisington Cardinal Jake Curtis (#42) on scoring a touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Inigo Barrena Carpio (#8) kicks a Point After Touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Inigo Barrena Carpio (#8) kicks a Point After Touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Alejandro Pena (#50) tries to block Hoisington Cardinal Justin Bradley (#69) downfield. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Tyler Edwards (#15) tries to tackle Hoisington Cardinal Jake Curtis (#42). The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Cameron Davis (#5) carries the ball towards the end zone. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Hunter Hanzlick (#27) lead blocks for Cameron Davis (#5). The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Jordan Cedeno (#3) pursues Hoisington Cardinal Sean Urban (#23) as he scores a touchdown. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hoisington High School Crimson Dance Line performs during Halftime. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hoisington Cardinal Girls Tennis Doubles team is recognized for their high finish at State. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hoisington Cardinal Ladies Golf Team hold their Third Place Trophy from the State Tournament. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal State Qualifiers to the State Cross Country Meet are recognized at Halftime. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Members of the Hoisington Cardinals and Lyons Lions shake hands following the game. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lion Head Coach James Johnston shakes the hands of Hoisington Cardinal players after the game. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Lyons Lions console Hoisington Cardinal Jeremy Breit (#60) on the loss of his father this week. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Both teams gather to pray following the game in memory of John Breit. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Hoisington Cardinal Derek Boxberger (#9) and Lyons Lion Will Pray (#58) hold hands in prayer after the game. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
The Hoisington Cardinals take a picture with the District 15 Champion Trophy infant of John Briet’s semi-truck. The Hoisington Cardinals defeated the Lyons Lions to win the KSHSAA Class 3A District 15 Championship at Elton Brown Field in Hoisington, Kansas on October 27, 2016. (Photo: Joey Bahr, www.joeybahr.com)
Click here to purchase prints or downloads of these pictures.
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