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On a Friday night in small-town Smithville, Ohio, practically everyone can be found in the stadium, under the lights, watching the best high school football team in the area. Little kids pick out their favorite players, hoping that someday they can have the same number as a young man out on the field.

For three years in a row, the Smithville Smithies had made it into the state play-offs. So, entering the 2001 season, players were ready to make it into the play-offs again. But this time, they felt they could go all the way to become State champions.

Junior Phil Olsen was ready for the new season to start after he'd been sidelined the year before with two broken bones in his ankle. One night as the season was just about to begin, Phil told his mom, “I’m telling you right now, after every game, I’m thanking the Lord for allowing me to play.” And that is exactly what Phil did.

SEASON ONE—the start of a tradition
During the Smithies' home opener, fans filled the stands and lined the fences. Green and white streamers soared through the air. The Smithies rolled on to a victory, and after the game both teams shook hands and congratulated each other on a good game.
But what happened next was what impressed the audience. As both teams departed for the locker rooms, two players from Smithville took a detour to the 50-yard line. Juniors Phil Olsen and Kyle Kauffman stopped at midfield to give the Lord honor and glory for a well-fought victory. As they were ready to begin their time of prayer, several teammates joined the prayer circle—about eight young men total. Slowly each one took off his helmet and placed it between his feet. The players joined hands, and the prayer began. Fans stood quietly in wonder.

The Smithies continued winning that season, and the prayer circle kept growing. The number of guys grew to 15, then about 30, and by the fourth game, the whole team stopped after each game, to pray and thank the Lord.

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About midway through the season the Smithies lost their first game. In the pouring rain, and freezing cold, the whole team once again stopped to pray. Even in the midst of defeat, they found things to be thankful for: safety, strength, and great teammates.

If the Smithies wanted to be county champs and have a bid in the play-offs, they could not afford another loss in the season. Play-offs started with a victory over the team they had lost to in the regional championship the year before. Excitement boiled out of every player. As they stopped to pray at the end of their game, members of the other team stopped and stared. Fans of the other team realized the Smithies were more than a tough team; they were a team of integrity.

As the Smithies began preparation for the next week, the whole town decorated for the team. The third play-off game, against Monroe-Central, was painful. It was scoreless until the fourth quarter when, in the last seconds, Monroe scored one touchdown. The Smithies' play-off dream was over.

After the celebration from Monroe fans was over, the Smithies gathered together for their last prayer circle. As tears streamed down their faces, the boys thanked the Lord for an unbelievable season.

SEASON TWO—the tradition continues
As the 2002 football season began, the team came into the preseason with a fire in them unlike any other motivation. With a strong class of seniors, the players were ready to begin. Immediately following the first game, the prayer circle formed. Smithie fans smiled as they remembered the circle from the season before. The circle began forming the same way, but this time the whole team stayed. Along with the whole Smithville team, the members of the opposing team placed their helmets between their feet also and joined hands for a time of prayer. Obviously both teams couldn’t pray and thank the Lord for a victory, so neither team did. Instead, prayers were said to thank the Lord for His provision and protection that He showed that day.

The rest of the season continued with the Smithies winning and joining after the game to give honor and glory to God. Friday after Friday, people stopped in their tracks because they knew not every player was a believer. But they did know something powerful was working in this team. The prayer circle isn’t a tradition they kept because of their success; each prayer was genuine and heartfelt. The Lord was shining through these young men.

CAUGHT ON FILM
As the Smithies continued their perfect season of 10-0, they moved on to play-offs as the number one seed. The team made it to the Final Four in the state—the farthest any Wayne County team had ever gone and the longest winning streak in Wayne County. After the team won the Final Four game, a local TV station aired the prayer circle. The announcers were at a loss for words as they saw this group stop and pray in front of nearly 6,000 people. The prayer circle first amazed some Smithville locals. Then it amazed people across the area as the TV crew caught it on film. People began to realize what a stand these boys were taking as they pushed all the credit away from themselves and passed it on to the Lord.

FINAL PRAYER OF THE SEASON
On a brisk Saturday morning in late November, Smithie fans, dressed in their green and white, made their way to the State championship. Tension rose as kickoff drew near. Both teams playing for the title had perfect records of 14-0. One team would stay undefeated, and one team would drop their first loss of the season. In the end, it was Smithville who lost their “undefeated” status.

As the presentation of trophies began, the Smithville boys circled up for the last time. The crowd of 9,000 became silent. Putting the trophy ceremony on hold, a final, tear-filled prayer was said. For the seniors, it was their last high school game. The Smithies' first loss of the season was heartbreaking. The season itself was not as heartbreaking. The boys who are believers took a stand for Christ that thousands of people witnessed.

A small town prayed for a state championship while the team themselves prayed just to thank the Lord for the opportunity to play. Christian players in a public school took a stand for Christ while winning the hearts of the town.

With a new season soon to begin, the town is ready for the Smithies to take the field, and take over midfield immediately following. Amen to that!

Author Bio:
Bekah Olsen

Position: junior at Smithville High School, Smithville, Ohio. Biggest personal excite-ment in the past year: seeing one of my friends become saved. Favorite activities: school musicals, and volleyball and basketball. Best book I’ve read: Proverbs. It’s loaded with inspiration!!