Modern Family: New Life

Chapter 76 - State Championship III

January 25, 2009

[YouTube]

📺 FIRST STATE GAME: I THREW A 75-YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS AND WE BLEW OUT MISSION BAY | QUARTERFINALS (72-20)

👤 Andrew Pritchett-Tucker

📌 70,282 subscribers

👁️ 563,683 views | ⏳ Posted 8 days ago

💬 4,159 Comments

[Comment Section]

@GridironKing23: "Bro, this kid throws like he's got Bill Belichick calling plays from the sideline."

@HawkNation14: "72-20 in the quarterfinals... This team doesn't belong at this level, it's like watching a college team against an average high school squad."

@AndrewFanPage1: "Told you all, Andrew is different. I've been here since the beginning."

@AngryDad32: "My son plays for Mission Bay, and he just told me he's thinking about switching sports. Thanks, Andrew."

@EdPhantom: "We are literally witnessing the birth of a future football star. Mark my words. Date: January 21, 2009. 4:21 AM."

@WhySoEasy: "Did Mission Bay's coaches forget they could cover the receiver? 75 yards and not a single defender nearby. Ridiculous."

@Milkman23: "75 yards in the air... in high school... this isn't normal. Eat more protein, boys."

@NutCrusher: "Mission Bay's defenders should sue for emotional damage after this."

@NotImpressedYet: "Okay, fine, but I want to see him do the same under pressure in the pocket. Way too much time to throw there."

@Kiraman52 (replying to @NotImpressedYet): "Are you blind or did you watch a different video? Andrew literally dodged two defenders before throwing that pass. First, he spun past one, then juked another with a lateral step. If that's not handling pressure, I don't know what is."

@MonicaGR: "Andrew, you have no idea what you've done for me. A few months ago, I weighed 200 lbs and was stuck in an endless cycle. Thanks to your videos, your advice on discipline, diet, and consistency, I've lost 22 lbs! I'm down to 178 lbs, and even though I still have a long way to go, I've never felt this motivated. Thank you for inspiring me! Keep kicking ass🔥!"

@Niceguy777: "The video title is unsportsmanlike. Mission Bay never disrespected anyone; it's not like that other game where the opponents were total jerks. These kids just played and lost—they don't deserve to be humiliated like this."

@Fuckboy69 (replying to @Niceguy777): "welcome to YouTube, little girl."

@QWalter1: "bro, he's only 14 💀"

...

"It's amazing what your video has generated, Andy!" Cameron exclaimed enthusiastically as he read through the comments on Andrew's video while having breakfast at the table with Andrew and Mitchell.

Andrew looked up from his plate and glanced at his father. Dark circles were visible under his eyes. He'd spent the night playing video games with Leonard and Howard over Skype.

He hadn't gone to sleep until after three in the morning. Now it was ten, so he had barely slept a little over six hours.

"Sure..." Andrew responded in a dull voice before refocusing on his breakfast. Not every morning did he wake up with his usual enthusiasm and energy.

There were some days when he needed a little time to fully wake up.

"Listen, listen to this comment," Cam said, oblivious to Andrew's lack of energy. "This girl, Monica, says that thanks to your videos, she lost 22 pounds. You literally changed her life!"

Andrew blinked a few times, processing the information. Finally, a small smile appeared on his face, pulling him out of his sluggish state.

"Whoa... that's great. Though I just provided the information, she's the one who took the step," he said.

Knowing that someone had improved their life thanks to his YouTube videos gave him far greater satisfaction than any viral success.

Mitchell smiled proudly and added, "Don't downplay your role, Andrew. Information is important, but motivation is even more crucial. Sometimes, all someone needs to change their life is a little push in the right direction."

Andrew nodded. What his father said made sense. This girl wouldn't have made the change if she hadn't received that little push—his videos.

"Look at that, Mitchell! Our son is an internet influencer!" Cam said with a big, proud smile.

"Maybe he could use his influence to help someone else at this table adopt healthier habits," Mitchell commented casually, glancing at Cam's breakfast.

"Sorry for enjoying life! Since when is it a crime to appreciate a good breakfast?" Cam said dramatically as he grabbed his buttered croissant and took a big bite.

Then he looked at Andrew's plate, and his expression shifted from indignation to horror. "You want me to eat that, Mitch? That would be a punishment," he said, grimacing as he pointed at Andrew's breakfast.

"Hey, show some respect... It's oatmeal with banana, three boiled eggs, and a protein shake. Simple and nutritious," Andrew said.

"Exactly," Cam said dramatically. "Where's the pleasure? Where's the good taste? Where's the crispy bacon, the melted butter, the freshly baked bread?"

"You can eat healthy and tasty, but it takes a lot of time to cook. And honestly, I prefer something quick, simple, and nutritious. That way, I don't waste time," Andrew shrugged.

"So you don't enjoy your breakfast?" Mitchell asked.

"Well, it's not that I dislike it, but... no. Since my breakfast is always the same, I barely pay attention to the taste," Andrew replied honestly.

"How sad, Mitchell. Our son lives like a monk. All discipline and efficiency, but without the slightest culinary pleasure," Cam said, shaking his head with mock sorrow.

"Well, at least he's responsible with his diet. Which is more than I can say for a certain man who thinks butter is a food group," Mitchell said with a slight smile.

"Honestly, it would be great to have a chef who prepares delicious and nutritious meals... but that's way too expensive," Andrew commented.

"Or what about a girlfriend who wants to specialize in cooking and spoils you with healthy and delicious dishes? You wouldn't have to spend any money," Cam said, snapping his fingers excitedly.

"Now that does sound like a great solution. What about Pippa? Does she have a talent for cooking?" Mitchell asked.

"Pippa knows the basics, like me. She's not a chef and doesn't have a passion for cooking. Just enough to not starve, but don't expect a gourmet feast," Andrew replied.

"Well, there goes one hope for you, son," Cam sighed.

"Besides, assigning the task of cooking to my girlfriend could get me labeled as a backward chauvinist. You know, it's a very thin line between 'how sweet, she cooks for her boyfriend' and 'oppressive patriarchal culture,'" Andrew said seriously.

"Hmm... good point. Maybe the best solution is for you to learn to cook yourself," Mitchell nodded.

"Are you uploading the video today?" Cam asked, changing the subject.

Yesterday was Friday, and Palisades played the semifinal at an away game. They secured a comfortable victory with a final score of 23-64.

They had officially reached the State Championship Final of the CIF 5D division—a huge milestone for the Palisades High School community, as it was the first time in the school's history that they had made it this far.

What was initially seen as an inexperienced team, the easy pick for anyone in the tournament, had turned into everyone's worst nightmare. Palisades didn't just win—they humiliated their opponents.

"Yeah, but I still need to edit it," Andrew replied.

"You have to upload it! I can't wait to see how everyone reacts and the comments about your 68-yard pass!" Cam exclaimed excitedly. Lately, reading the comments on Andrew's videos had become his favorite pastime.

Andrew finished his shake in one go, placed the glass on the table, and stood up.

"I will, but first, I'm going for a run. Then I'll take a shower and use that time to edit and upload it. After that, I'll head to Grandpa's, then Pippa's. When I get home around eight, I'll have some time to play video games or watch a movie," Andrew said, more to himself than to the others, organizing his day.

"Not even a moment to rest?" Mitchell asked, raising an eyebrow.

Andrew shrugged, not really knowing how to respond, then said goodbye to his parents and headed out for his run.

"Definitely a monk," Cam sighed.

...

Around four in the afternoon, Andrew was in Jay's backyard, throwing passes back and forth with him.

"So... the big championship final is next Friday. No one expected your school to make it to the final for the first time in history," Jay said, catching the pass firmly before throwing it back.

Palisades High School would be facing Woodlake High School from the CIF Central Valley Section in the state final.

"That's what makes it more exciting," Andrew replied with a slight smile. "At first, everyone thought we were the weakest team. Now, we're just one game away from being state champions."

When Andrew joined the team with the strong reputation he had built in Middle School, people saw a bright future for Palisades, but not this soon. Most assumed it would take him a year or two before he could become a starter and lead the team to a state final.

But no. He did it in his first year, and with dominant results.

Jay nodded proudly but then lowered the ball slightly and gave him a thoughtful look.

"But tell me something, kid. You know that after this game, regardless of the outcome, you'll get offers from schools in higher divisions. Are you sure you don't want to consider playing in first Division or two?" Jay asked seriously.

Jay was certain that Andrew would receive much better offers than he had in the past, before entering High School—thanks to his performance throughout the season, in the regional playoffs, and now in the state tournament. Not to mention the records he was breaking and the visibility he had gained through his YouTube channel.

"Besides, you must be aware that winning the state championship doesn't guarantee a promotion. CIF doesn't base their decision on that alone," Jay added.

The CIF had several factors in play when considering promoting a team to a higher division: a team's consistency over the years, the structure of the school's athletic program, the size of the school, its infrastructure, and even its financial resources.

"I know. But this year, we're getting promoted. From Division V to Division IV, at least. That, I'm sure of," Andrew replied confidently, tossing the ball.

Jay raised an eyebrow. "You're that sure?"

"Let's just say I have a little plan," Andrew answered with a mysterious smile.

"A plan, huh? And can I know what kind of plan?" Jay asked, letting out a low chuckle.

"After we win the state championship, I'm going to upload a video on YouTube. A direct message to CIF, explaining why they should promote us," Andrew replied, already speaking as if they were guaranteed to be state champions.

Jay blinked in surprise. "A video? And what exactly do you plan to say?"

Andrew spun the ball between his hands as he explained, "The results we've achieved this season have been overwhelming. Not only did we win every single game, but we dominated. We've proven that we're way above Division five's level. But if CIF still has doubts... well, a video with hundreds of thousands of views putting pressure on them might help convince them. Who knows? Maybe the video even hits a million views."

Jay let out a laugh and shook his head. "So now you're also using your channel to put pressure on the governing body for all sports in California."

"Gotta take advantage of every tool available, right? I'll be respectful, I promise," Andrew said with a grin, but then his expression suddenly turned serious.

"Still, CIF's system in football sucks. In other sports, like soccer, if you win the championship, you move up. Period. Doesn't matter if your school is big or small, rich or not."

Jay nodded slowly, acknowledging that Andrew had a point.

"The only thing CIF achieves with this system is forcing teams from smaller schools to spend years trying to move up a division—or worse, making their best players leave for bigger schools," Andrew continued.

Jay let out a sigh and tossed the ball back. "You're not wrong. But I doubt CIF will change the way they do things just because you upload a video."

"I know. They won't change the whole system because of my video. But when they see our results and the gap in level between us and the other teams, they'll look ridiculous if they keep us in Division V," Andrew admitted.

Jay let out a low whistle and returned the ball with a smile. "You've got guts. I guess we'll see if your plan works."

"And after that? Maybe this year you do get promoted. But moving up every year is tough. In Division IV, the competition will get tougher, even if just a little, and the results won't be as humiliating for your opponents. That'll give CIF a reason not to promote you instantly, even if you win the championship," Jay said.

Andrew sighed. He knew the road ahead would only get steeper, and getting promoted year after year would be nearly impossible.

"When they stop promoting us, I'll transfer to a top-tier school. Probably in my junior or senior year," he said, realistically analyzing the situation.

Jay nodded slowly. This conversation reassured him. His grandson had a clear vision of his future and wasn't gambling with his football career.

He knew CIF wouldn't promote them year after year, that eventually, they would hit an impossible barrier no matter how good they were on the field. But that didn't mean these years at Palisades would be a waste of time.

Taking a Division V team to Division IV, and maybe even to Division III if everything went well, was already an impressive achievement. Andrew wasn't just proving his talent—he was rewriting his school's history. When he left, Palisades would be in a much better position.

After spending time at his grandfather's house, Andrew's day continued. The days passed, and finally, the big day arrived.

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