CHAMPLAIN — To some it was watching a present being unwrapped, that joy that builds up as you wait to see their reaction. Christmas was months ago, but for one afternoon on the soccer field at Northeastern Clinton, it felt like it again.
“Because it’s such a big deal, and we have a big team, we didn’t want to tell everybody because there would be a crack in the scene somewhere, something could get back to Kristen (Patnode) and spoil it,” NCCS assistant flag football coach Mike Boyea said. “We have to be very secretive about it, everyone has to wear their jerseys and captains knew but didn’t tell anyone, not even their parents.