What is shown through the use of the conjunction BUT in line 4? "The faces of the players were young, BUT the perfection of their equipment, the gleaming shoes and helmets and their mmaculate pants and
jerseys, the solemn ritual that was attached to almost everything, made them seem like boys going off to fight a war for the benefit of someone
else, unwitting sacrifices to a strange and powerful god."
a
Ob
How prepared the players are to face the pressure of the game.
The greatness achieved through athletic competition.
A high amount of suspense building up before the players face the opponent.
A contrast between the age of the young players and extreme expectations placed upon them.