BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio – Tavien St. Clair’s high school football journey came to an end as Bellefontaine High School and their star quarterback, a five-star recruit committed to Ohio State, fell to Chaminade Julienne, 44-28, in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs.
The atmosphere at AcuSport Stadium was filled with emotion as St. Clair and his fellow Bellefontaine seniors bid farewell to high school football, sharing the moment with teammates, coaches, family, and fans.
In line with Bellefontaine tradition, the underclassmen gathered in the end zone as the seniors took their final walk, exchanging hugs and handshakes with younger teammates. Although St. Clair had watched this tradition unfold in past seasons, experiencing it as a senior was profoundly different.
“I was definitely dreading it,” St. Clair admitted about the end zone walk. “You know the end is coming, but when it does, it’s surreal and heartbreaking. The tears and emotions really hit from this side of it.”
The moment became especially poignant when St. Clair reached his younger brother, Reign, a freshman quarterback for Bellefontaine. Seeing Reign develop throughout the season was a highlight for Tavien, and sharing the night with him and the rest of his family made it deeply meaningful.
“The support I’ve had from my family is incredible,” St. Clair said. “They’re always proud of me, always there for me, and I know I can lean on them no matter what.”
As the seniors completed their walk, the Bellefontaine community looked on, cheering as the team huddled together one last time, shouting “One, Two, Three, Family!” The crowd responded with applause, honoring the moment.
St. Clair expressed his gratitude to the community for the unwavering support shown to him and his teammates over the years, leaving a heartfelt message to all who had been part of their journey.