Ohio State commit Jaelen Gill, a five-star running back from Westerville South, has agreed to give Eleven Warriors exclusive access into his senior season with the Wildcats.
He'll join us every Friday with a notebook entry sharing everything from his thoughts on his play to who he's recruiting on behalf of the Buckeyes.
Gill's latest entry comes just hours before the Westerville South's regular-season finale against five-star defensive end Zach Harrison and Olentangy Orange. A win on Senior Night means the Wildcats will be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
This is it.
We needed a win over Westerville Central. Unfortunately we fell short.
I knew pregame that it would be a battle for me in the game. My leg felt tight. I would spend most of the night trying to keep my muscles warm on the sideline by riding the bike, stretching or pacing. On a scale of 1-to-10, my leg pain was at about an eight. I knew I wasn't going to be close to 100 percent on the field, but I was going to give whatever I had in me.
We were down at halftime and wound up at a 21-point deficit. Not having our starting outside linebacker in the game hurt, as well as bad tackling.
We fought though. We came back and tied the game at 35-all. But we weren't able to close out the game and lost 42-35.
Winning that would gave gotten us into playoffs. We have one more shot against Olentangy Orange. That is going to be a tougher battle. They were undefeated until last week when they lost to Liberty. Orange has a solid defense and has been running the ball well all season.
I cannot wait to get to the 'Shoe for the game. I'm hoping to see a full blackout in the stands and complete crowd participation for the whole game. Up until last year's rivalry game against That Team Up North, the loudest game I had been to before was at Penn State. I'm hoping the fans bring it again on Saturday.
I'm looking forward to seeing how we try to contain Saquon Barkley and use our own offensive weapons. This is the Buckeyes' biggest test so far this season, and I'm looking forward to it.
It hasn't really hit me yet that this is my last home game, possibly my last high school game for my school.
I love all sports, but football has meant more to me than anything else. It has given me so many memories and opportunities. I've met great people from all over the country. It's taught me about team, brotherhood, patience, adversity and sacrifice. I've given my all to this game and have so much more to give, but the game has given me even more in return.
I thank my coaches for their passion, committment and advice. My trainers for helping me when I'm not 100 percent, and making me rest, even though I don't like it. My friends and family who have always supported me.
Most of all, I thank my teammates both past and present. I couldn't have asked for a better group of brothers. Even though our hopes might not have translated on the field, there's no other group I would rather have battle with me in a game. We've had so many ups and downs, and we've fought hard together. I want us to go out and have fun, make another night of great memories.
I'm proud of us, and I am proud to be a Wildcat for life.
Go Cats! Go Bucks!
