“Just Once” by Thomas J. Dygard is a story that follows a football player named Bryan but more known as Moose, a boy in high school who is eager to gain honor by racing down the field with the ball to the end zone while everybody in the bleachers screamed his name. Bryan is a tall and powerful high school football player, serving as the left tackle. He’s one of the top athletes in his team. Moose, however, sought additional honor, so he approached his coach with a request to run the ball himself. But his coach rejected the request due to the harm it could bring to his career. Although many other tackles, like Moose, dreamed of running the ball, they eventually let go of the idea, knowing they might not run as fast, and their talents are best used elsewhere. In the sixth game, Moose made a crucial block that helped secure the win. It was uncheered and anonymous. This moment fueled his determination to run the ball himself. Finally, in a later game, the coach agreed for Moose to run the ball. After scoring the winning point for the team, Moose declared he would never do that again.
The main reason Moose is hesitant to run the ball is the intense targeting he faces from opposing players. There are usually one or two running backs on the field for a given play, depending on the offensive formation. Running backs are offensive players, typically a halfback, who specialize in carrying the ball. As the Moose scored, half a dozen players in red jerseys, all shared one target- him. Given there is only one running back they all zeroed in on him, alone. This shows how much negativity a running back receives from the opposing team. This highlights the extreme pressure and physical toll running backs endure, as they often find themselves the primary target for the opposition’s defense.
The lack of physical training may have also contributed to Mooses’ change of mind on running the ball. As a left tackle, his training mainly focuses on protecting the quarterback from defenders and clear blocks for a running back. The goal of a running back is to rush the ball to the sideline. Running fast isn’t an aspect most tackles have. When Moose was tempted to rush the ball, he experienced great pain, at first something hit his left thigh. Then something pounded his hip, then his shoulder. Somebody was hanging on to him and was a terrible drag. Although Moose scored he came in puffing, on his knees and one hand. Moose's lack of physical conditioning significantly influenced his decision to run the ball, resulting in considerable pain and exhaustion despite ultimately scoring. This highlights the challenges faced by players in positions that do not typically emphasize speed and endurance.
The contrast to the image Moose had imagined, had made him surrender. He had visualized running the ball to be an empowering, exciting experience, especially with the crowd cheering his name. However, when he got the ball, he was immediately swarmed by a wave of defenders from the opposing team. His size and strength weren’t enough to dodge the intense hits and tackles. He found himself overwhelmed and injured by the sheer force of the tackles, realizing how much harder and more painful it was to carry the ball than to block for someone else. In conclusion, Moose’s give-in is partly because of the contrast he experienced running the ball. “Glory always has a price”
In conclusion, the text “Just Once” by Thomas J. Dygard explores the journey of a high school footballer named Bryan, as he pursues his dream of more glory, showing extreme determination and resilience. The text captures multiple challenges he faces due to his dreams of running the ball. Although accomplishing his dream, he receives intensive targeting of the opposing team, the lack of physical training, and contrast from his imagination. Ultimately, it emphasizes the disparity between his aspirations and the actual experiences he encounters on the field.
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