Page 20 of A Game as Old as Time

Gunner ran by his coach without another word. The defense had gathered and was preparing to take the field.

“Gunner!” Coach Bianchi shouted as he sidestepped another coach and readjusted his visor again. “Get me the ball back, and I’ll let you have your chance.”

Whatever you say, Coach.

Gunner only stared as the defensive play call rang through the air.

“OK! Let’s make a statement!” Emilio was practically seething as he made the call. “Tight Cover 2 sag, Tight Cover 2 sag!”

Gunner was on autopilot as he jogged to the rear in his safety position and began to scan the orange helmets lining up in front of him.

Get the ball back.

“G!” Ty yelled from his cornerback spot in the far-right side of the field. “Watch the second receiver, Acosta, on the inside! Dude is fast---be careful!”

Gunner flashed a thumbs-up and replayed what Coach Bianchi had said.

Just give me my chance.

He was the one seething now---the players in front of him started to fan out into position.

“OK, folks, the Bobcats have the ball after the punt, and it will be Rodney Stevens at quarterback. The young sophomore quarterback looks over the line of scrimmage and calls out his cadence. He takes the snap and fakes the handoff to his running back. Stevens is going to look deep on the first play of the game! He lofts one down the field and has a man! It’s his receiver, Acosta, and…”

Shit.

Gunner lowered his head as he pulled up near the endzone.

I got beat.

He threw his hands down by his side, the opposing team running by and celebrating.

How did I get beat on the first play?

Gunner’s mind spun as he walked slowly to the sideline. The cheers from the metal bleachers on the visitor’s side had begun to echo through the stadium.

“God damnit, Gunner!” Emilio screamed as he rushed off the field. “What the hell were you doing?” He stood, his arms straight out, while Gunner pushed by to take a seat on the bench. “Hey!” Emilio tried again. “Gunner!”

Enough.

Gunner shot up from the bench and grabbed him by the facemask.

“Just worry about yourself, and block the guy in front of you for once.”

What is wrong with me?

Emilio didn’t respond. He froze as the rest of the team looked on.

“Gunner!” Coach Bianchi waved him forward. “Are you good? Do you have your head in this game?”

Yes.

Gunner could feel his coach’s eyes on him as he glared out onto the field.

Just let me throw the damn ball.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

His coach’s gaze never wavered. After the kickoff, another loud explosion from the crowd made Coach Bianchi jerk his visor back across his head before he pointed to the laminated play sheet he held.

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