Page 105 of A Game as Old as Time

Do I look that bad?

“Ty!” their coach shouted. “I need you to get everyone back, now. Get them away from the bench, and let the trainers do what they have to do.”

Ty and a few others began to argue, but the pain was making it difficult for Gunner to concentrate.

“Did we make it?” Gunner asked the trainer, who was pressing gently on his shoulder, bringing a red-hot jolt of pain with each touch.

“Yeah.” The trainer glanced over at the scoreboard. “We made it.”

At least we’re winning.

Gunner held his breath as another push sent shock waves through his body. He was becoming weak from the constant pain, and when he tried to stand up, his legs wobbled.

I need to be out there with my teammates.

“Gunner, I am going to grab your mom so we can get you to the hospital for an X-ray. I don’t think it is dislocated, but I need to make sure---”

“I’m not leaving this sideline until the game is over!” His scream turned the heads of everyone nearby.

“G!” Ty dove in for support and propped him up against his body. “G, man, are you sure you’re OK? Maybe you should listen---”

“I knew you were going to score.” Gunner grimaced but forced a smile. While the pain was sapping his strength, he refused to leave the sideline before the game was over. “I just knew it, Ty, as soon as I let it go.”

Ty kept him close, practically holding him up. After a moment, he smiled to himself and half-carried Gunner to the huddle that was forming in front of them.

“Come on! Bring it in! We need a stop!” Coach Bianchi was trying to project over the rising screams of the crowd.

What’s going on out there?

Gunner had missed a few plays, and he now realized that the other team had made it close to their own twenty-yard line and was in position to score.

Three seconds left.

His eyes went from the scoreboard to the field, where his teammates were sluggishly making their way over.

“They have to kick it here!” Coach Bianchi was shouting at Emilio. “We know this guy can kick, but he likes to keep them low. Remember the scouting report.”

We need a stop.

Gunner winced but broke through the crowd. Steam was coming offhis undershirt, which was drenched in sweat.

“Gunner.” Emilio’s eyes were wide. The normally emotionally charged linebacker appeared all out of sorts.

“Emilio, look at me!” his coach yelled. “We are going to run a twist, right next to the center. I want you to come right next to him, son.” Coach Bianchi grabbed Emilio’s facemask and brought him close. “I want you to jump as high as you possibly can with those big arms, you hear me?”

The bulky linebacker nodded. The defense started a slow run back onto the field at the referee’s whistle.

We got your back.

Through all the pain, it was Hailey’s voice that straightened Gunner’s spine. A momentary surge of adrenaline, spurred on by the roaring crowd, drove him right out onto the field.

“Emilio!” Gunner shouted, a small shriek breaking through at the end as he fought off another jab of knives in his shoulder. “I’m a big chocolate bar fan.” His bulky friend tilted his head slightly. “I would love to get a few fresh ones in two weeks. You think you can help with that?”

Another explosion from the stands did not deter the two, who were locked in a stare.

“I think you need a ticket to get in.” Emilio pointed to him and smiled. “Let me see if I can get you one really quick.”

Gunner did his best to pump his fist before Ty brought him back to the sideline. The teams came together.

---