For the first time in the season, Crestwood held top position in the league. The players could feel the anticipation everywhere during training sessions, at school, even in town. But words from Coach Warren prior to the home game against Eastfield were stern and straight to the point.
"Don't let the table deceive you. Eastfield might be sitting near the bottom, but they'll be coming with plenty of heart. They know Ethan. They'll want to ruin our streak. Give them respect, and play like champions."
Ethan sat in quiet, cinching his boots. This ritual always did not feel right. It was not another game, it was against his hometown this time at Crestwood's ground. The stadium where he fantasized about opportunities such as this prior was now the stage upon which he had to prove himself once more.
The home fans filled Crestwood's practice center more loudly than ever before. Parents, townspeople, and scouts sat on the brink of their seats, waiting to see how league leaders would perform.
Eastfield, from the beginning, brought a chip on their shoulder into the game against Crestwood. They applied pressure, screaming Ethan's name whenever he touched the ball. "We know your tricks, Matthews!" one of the defenders screamed as he closed him down.
Crestwood nearly scored in the 12th minute. Ethan did a turn in the middle of the field and played Callum in. Callum shot across the goal, but the Eastfield goalkeeper saved it out wide.
Eastfield stunned the crowd in the 19th minute. A long throw caused chaos in the Crestwood box, and their striker pounced on a loose ball to smash it into the net. 1–0 Eastfield.
For a moment, the leaders looked rattled. Mason clapped his hands furiously.
"Wake up! We're not losing at home. Not today!"
It was in the 32nd minute when Crestwood leveled the score. Ethan won the ball in tight space, spun a coin, and played a stunning pass into Callum's run. Callum cut it low into the far corner. 1–1.
Crestwood were sharper at the start of the second half. Mason, in the 51st minute, won a crunching tackle, moved the ball down the field, and played it through to Ethan. Ethan cut inside, beat a defender with a quick step and curled a shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. 2–1 Crestwood.
The crowd erupted, but Ethan held up his hand in respect to Eastfield's bench, as he had done in the away game. Mason tousled him on the back. "Class."
Eastfield pushed forward, but gaps started to open. At the 67th minute, Ethan won possession again and floated a high ball over the defence. Callum ran on to it and chipped the keeper with confidence. 3–1.
Crestwood had the final few minutes of control, Mason falling back further to keep the team intact and Ethan running the ball around. At the referee's whistle, the scoreboard read:
Crestwood 3 Eastfield 1.
The players celebrated another crucial victory, their lead at the top intact. But Ethan's emotions were mixed. Some Eastfield players shook his hand, others walked straight past. He spotted familiar faces from school in the crowd , some cheering, some quiet.
Callum slung an arm around him. "Another goal, another assist. You're carrying us, Eastfield."
Mason smirked, "And still showing respect at the same time. That's what leaders do."
Ethan smiled faintly. He was proud, but at the back of his mind, Eastfield matches would always be more than the others. It was more than football, it was a reminder of where he came from, and how much further he had to go.