The Central Catholic soccer team couldn't have been more ready - or excited - for Tuesday's state semi-final game, which they won.
"We've been practicing for this for, I don't know how long. Since this summer, we practiced every night. We're prepared," said one player.
The Central Catholic Buttons played Dallas' Bishop Lynch high school. The winner advances to the state championship this weekend. There are high expectations for the team, which stem from their winning record. In the last 11 years, they have won five state championships - including one last year.
Tuesday's 80 minutes of play reflected training that began shortly after last year's championship game.
"All the sacrifices we put into the offseason, the weight room, morning practices and late practices," said Rob, the team's captain.
But training can only get you so far. The Central Catholic Buttons say they have one thing that sets them apart from any team they'll face on the field.
"I think it's the chemistry we have," said Christopher, a sophomore on the team.
A newcomer to the team, Jacob, agrees. While he was nervous about finding his place on the team, his worries went away after playing a couple games with the group.
"We have a lot of team chemistry. There's a lot of good guys on the team, I like every one of them," he said.
The drive to Waco is three hours long, giving the team time to focus on their challenge ahead, and remember what - or in this case, who - they're playing for.
"We all genuinely love to be around each other. When we're playing, we all play for each other," said Rob. "I think that's what gives us the edge in our games."