PLAINFIELD, Ind. — Friday nights in Plainfield are filled with bright lights, roaring crowds and the anticipation of another football game.

But for two Plainfield football players, this season has become about much more than what happens on the field.

Quarterback Bryce Sabanc and wide receiver Zander Nattam have etched their names into the program’s history books. Sabanc has broken nearly every passing record at the school, while Nattam, his favorite target, has rewritten the receiving record books.

Still, when asked about their accomplishments, neither player was quick to focus on the numbers.

“The records? I feel like those came themselves,” Sabanc said. “We put in the work in the offseason, but that comes with the pass-and-catch stuff we do all the time.”

Nattam gave credit to the person throwing him the football.

“I have to give it to Bryce because he hits where I need to be, and he just gets me the ball and lets me do my thing,” he said.

The record-breaking season was the result of years of hard work, early mornings, late practices and countless hours spent building chemistry.

That chemistry dates back well before their high school careers. The two played on the same Little League and All-Star teams, building a friendship that has continued to grow alongside their success on the football field.

“We played on the same teams in Little League and All-Stars,” Nattam said. “I didn’t play wide receiver back then, but being on the team with him and being best friends…”

For Nattam, this season has also provided an opportunity to leave his mark on a Plainfield program that has already made history. The team is preparing to face Cathedral in the regional round Friday after becoming just the third team in school history to win a sectional championship.

“We’re the third team to win a sectional, but we have more to do,” Nattam said.

For Sabanc, however, the meaning behind this season goes much deeper than football.

In December 2018, when he was just 10 years old, Sabanc lost his mother, Heather, to cancer.

Eight years later, her presence remains an important part of his life and his journey as a football player.

“She was my best friend, the reason I do a lot of things today,” Sabanc said.

Though the years have passed, Sabanc said his connection with his mother remains strong. He carries her memory with him onto the field, finding comfort in knowing she is still part of every Friday night.

Before each game, he takes a moment to pray and think about her.

“I like to pray before the game, and I ask that God gives her a front-row seat for my games on Fridays,” Sabanc said. “Just knowing that she’s there taking care of me and keeping me safe, it’s been a very big deal for me.”

For Sabanc, every snap, touchdown and record carries a meaning that can’t be measured on a stat sheet.

And while the numbers will forever be part of the story of this historic season, the memories will likely mean even more.

Two teammates. Two friends. One shared journey.

When the Friday night lights eventually go dark and the cheers fade away, Sabanc and Nattam will have more than records to look back on. They’ll have a season defined by friendship, perseverance and moments that will last a lifetime.