Michael T. Mondak speaks: Small Battles, Big Victories Chapter 8: The Big Ten Championship - Showdown in Indianapolis

My most recent post told about how Jackson Pryts, inspired by his young fan Cassie, battling cancer at Sharon Regional Medical Center, capped a perfect regular season and earned its trip to the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against the Washington Huskies.  This post tells the story of the conference championship with a spot in the College Football Playoff up for grabs.

The air inside Lucas Oil Stadium crackled with anticipation. Blue and white flags waved in every corner of the stands, and the massive video board above midfield glowed with one word: CHAMPIONSHIP.

The matchup was set — Penn State vs. Washington — the Big Ten Championship. Two powerhouses, two elite defenses, one dream on the line.

As the broadcast opened on FOX, the familiar voices of Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt filled the air.

“It’s championship night in the Big Ten!” Gus thundered.

“And Penn State, led by linebacker Jackson Pryts - they call him the Hermitage Hammer - has been nothing short of sensational this season,” Joel added.

“We will see what offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, the Big Zamboni, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles can cook up tonight!” Gus said.

Back in Sharon Regional Medical Center, Cassie sat upright in her hospital bed, the room dark except for the soft glow of the television. Her blue and white blanket was pulled to her chest, and beside her sat a worn Penn State football that Jackson had signed months earlier:

“Keep fighting, Cassie. You’re our toughest Lion.”

Her mom Brittany smiled as Cassie whispered, “He’s going to do it. I know he is.”

The opening kickoff roared through the air. From the first play, it was a war in the trenches. Washington’s offense came out firing, but Penn State’s defense — anchored by Jackson — refused to yield.

On the second series, Washington’s quarterback dropped back and fired a slant. Jackson read it instantly, stepping in front of the receiver and snagging the interception. He sprinted down the sideline, hearing nothing but the roar of the crowd in his ears.

Touchdown!

Gus Johnson nearly blew out his microphone.

“PRYTS!” he shouted. “PICK-SIX! P-E-N-N STATE!”

Cassie jumped up in bed, clapping wildly. Her IV line tugged gently, but she didn’t care. “That’s my guy!” she yelled.  “I told him he would get a touchdown!”

The game remained tight. Washington tied it before halftime, 14–14, and both teams retreated to the locker room with everything to play for.

In the quiet of the tunnel, Jackson stood beside his coach. “Are you ready for one more half?” the coach asked.

Jackson nodded. “For her,” he said simply.

“For who?” Luke Reynolds wanted to know.

“For Cassie,” was Jackson’s reply.

The second half was a masterpiece of grit and precision. Penn State’s running game chewed the clock, while the defense turned into a wall. Every time Washington crossed midfield, the Lions pushed them back.

With two minutes left and the Nittany Lions clinging to a 27–24 lead, Washington drove deep into Penn State territory. The entire stadium was on edge.

The quarterback dropped back on 3rd-and-5 from the 10. Jackson blitzed off the edge, bursting past the tackle. The quarterback never saw him coming.

BAM!

The ball flew loose. A Penn State lineman named Chaz Coleman scooped it up, rumbling toward midfield as the clock ticked under a minute.

It was over.

When the confetti fell, it was a blur of blue and white. Gus Johnson’s voice cracked with joy as he shouted,

“For the first time in years — the Nittany Lions are Big Ten Champions!”

Jackson fell to one knee at midfield, hands pressed to his helmet. Around him, teammates hugged, coaches wept, fans roared.

On the jumbotron, a message appeared from Sharon Regional:

“Congratulations, Penn State — from Cassie Day and the entire hospital staff!”

Jackson looked up, saw it, and smiled through tears.  He would be named the game’s Most Valuable Player for his efforts.

After the game, the team gathered around the trophy platform. Reporters swarmed, cameras flashed, and when Jackson was handed the microphone, his voice trembled.

“This one’s for a friend back home,” he said, looking straight into the lens. “Cassie — we did it.”

Cassie wiped her tears away as the room filled with applause from nurses and patients alike.

Penn State was back on top of the Big Ten — and bound for Pasadena.

Christmas morning at the Day house in Hermitage felt festive.  Cassie, still in and out of the hospital, jumped downstairs and straight to the Christmas tree.  She saw something special, gift wrapped just for her.

It was a Penn State Big Ten football champions shirt and hat from her friend Jackson.  The card read:

“To my favorite little lion cub Cassie… Merry Christmas from Jackson Pryts and the Big Ten champions.  Onward to Pasadena.”

“Aww,” mused Cassie to herself, “what a beautiful Christmas present!”

Just then, the phone rang.

“Hello?” said Cassie.

“Merry Christmas, kiddo!” said a familiar voice.

“Jackson!” Cassie exclaimed.  “Merry Christmas! Thank you for the thoughtful gifts!”

“My pleasure, thanks to me and my teammates.”

“You are getting so close to glory!”

“We’re going to Pasadena tomorrow afternoon for the Rose Bowl against Arizona.  On New Year’s Day.  The winner plays for the national championship at Jerry World in Texas.”

“You’re going to win it all,” said Cassie.  “I know it.”

“That touchdown I scored in Indianapolis was for you.  You told me I would get a touchdown in a big game.”

“I told you so. Good luck in Pasadena.”

“Thank you.  We’re going to win this for you.  We love you.”

“Right back at you.  Bye.”