Page 83 of A Game as Old as Time

The stadium lights were roasting him, and even though the air was cool and brisk, Gunner could feel sweat trickling down his forehead. His mom’s voice was nothing more than a murmur in his ears, and as he looked down at Peyton, he could see her starting to tear up by his side.

Be strong.

He grabbed her shoulder and pulled her close just as Principal Davis’ voice began to project over the speakers.

“Thank you to the entire Weston family. You are truly a pillar of this community. We know that as long as you are with us, Daniel’s legacy will live on!” Gunner’s arms were shaking, and his sister’s eyes peered up at him as he tried to play it off. “Now, let’s play some football!”

The roar from the crowd sounded muffled.

What’s happening?

“Gunner…” His sister tried to say something to him, but he cut her off with a hug.

“Got to go.” It was all he was able to say.

“Gunner---”

“Love you, Mom.” He was not about to let his mother say anything. The tightness in his chest was so intense that he thought it might strangle him.

The jog to the sidelines seemed like it took hours. Each step was like quicksand, and he fought to drag his cleats closer to the group waiting for him.

“Gunner.” Coach Bianchi was the first to greet him. “You OK, son?”

Just breathe.

Gunner nodded and threw his helmet on. While the stares of his teammates were hot on his neck, it was his coach’s pre-game speechthat tightened his muscles even more.

It’s always the same speech.

“G?” Ty slapped his helmet as they finally took the field. “You good?”

No.

A tear he had been fighting back since he saw the plaque finally escaped onto his cheek.

“Well, Pioneer fans, if you thought this homecoming game was going to just be a celebration and easy victory, you were wrong. The Raiders of Grove City have played hard and are pushing the Pioneers. South Mountain holds a slim 21-17 lead. Tyquan Carter has had a fantastic game, running for three touchdowns while carrying this offense. Gunner Weston, meanwhile, has struggled tonight, looking more like the early-season quarterback we thought was in the past.

Coach Bianchi has his team huddled for what will be a pivotal fourth down and two. He can punt the ball and see if his defense can close the game out, or he can go for it and win it on this play. The Raiders have no timeouts left, and the ball is at the South Mountain forty-five-yard line. It is decision time for Coach Bianchi.”

“Let’s go for it!” Ty shouted next to Gunner. “It’s only two yards, and I know I can get it.”

We should punt.

“Gunner?” Coach Bianchi turned to him, as did all the eyes in the huddle. “What do you think?”

Why are you asking me?

He tugged on the inside of his shoulder pads. The bright lights made him squint as he shrugged and refused to make eye contact.

“Coach.” Ty jumped forward. “We got this. Just give me the ball. I’ll get it.”

Stupid.

A hush fell over the huddle, and Gunner continued to avoid his coach, who was clearly waiting for him to speak up.

“OK.” Coach Bianchi’s voice was less than convinced. “Let’s win the game. Ty, we are going to run Gun Right 22 quick trap.”

The rest of the team fell in line.

---