Cash Layman🦈

Saturday in Rapid City, we finished the last of the trips we'd committed to this season. There were times I wasn't sure we'd be able to pull it off, and I've been thinking about that a lot while editing Part 2 of our Black Hills Brawl coverage. When our original account was hacked and suspended in April, we already had several visits planned. Between starting over and the cost of traveling, I wasn't sure how we'd make everything happen. But I'd made commitments to those programs, and I wanted to keep my word. Looking back over these past two seasons, it's hard to believe how much I've gotten to experience. More than 5,000 miles traveled. The sidelines of an MLS stadium for Northwest and Pitt State, the beautiful natural grass in Mankato, Dacotah Bank Stadium in Aberdeen, a Saturday in Wayne, America, two trips to Tahlequah and the Black Hills Brawl from the ramps at O'Harra Stadium. I never imagined I'd get to see so much of Division II football up close, and the best part has been sharing it with the people closest to me. My brother Dan has been part of several visits, and working on these videos together has become something I really enjoy. He has a great eye for moments I might otherwise miss. When I wasn't sure how we'd make Rapid City happen, Dan and his company @SWIowaLand sponsored the trip. He even drove the entire way there and back so I could edit. I'm lucky to have a brother who believes in what I'm doing and has been such a big part of these experiences. My best friend @BIGPJ71 has been along for several trips, too. We've made a lot of memories over the years, but I never would've guessed we'd be traveling around the country covering college football together. He's always willing to grab a camera and help wherever he can. It's been pretty special getting to do this with him. And @Kels_8675309 has been there through all of it. She's helped film, driven me home while I edited and watched these videos come together more times than I can count. Somehow, she still watches every finished version all the way through and gives it a like. I've taken over our shared office with football helmets, spent countless nights working on this project and talked about Division II football more than anyone should ever have to listen to. Through all of it, she's never stopped supporting me or encouraging me to see where this dream can go. I couldn't ask for a better person to share my life with. I also want to thank @JustinAaronUH91 for helping me keep Instagram updated during our Rapid City trip and for the support he's shown D2 CFB Spotlight. I really appreciate him taking the time to help. I spend much of my spare time on this project, and I'm grateful for everyone willing to give up some of their own time to be part of it. I'm also thankful for every coach, athletic department, player and fan who has welcomed us, and everyone who supported us when we had to start over. The hospitality and friendships along the way have been incredible. I still have so many programs I'd love to visit and stories I'd love to share. I don't know when the next trip will happen, but I hope there are plenty more Saturdays like these ahead. I'm proud of what we've accomplished in two seasons. More than anything, I'll remember the people I've gotten to experience it all with. Thank you to everyone who's helped make these past two seasons possible. #D2FB -Andrew Drake Creator, D2 CFB Spotlight

Season 2 is on the horizon. Last year was an unforgettable ride. This fall, we’re back on the road for four more. If we added more stops, where should we go? #D2FB