‘“One of the things that’s the most special about high school football is the kids you grew up with,” Phillips said. “Some of my teammates, I went to elementary school with. Those are the people who I was with when I was introduced to the game and then started chasing this dream. In your brain, at that time, you think that’s the end-all, be-all. It’s hard to see into the future at that time. Every day is the most important day ever. To have that goal of trying to win a state championship, build that camaraderie with the guys, it was a fun ride.”’