Page 58 of Calling the Shots

“He’s so nervous. I’m happy they scored. Always good to put points on the board early.”

Cam nods. “For sure.”

Lightning Ridge fights back hard and manages to score on the next possession. Mack’s shoulders hunch forward as he stalks over to the bench, a deep scowl on his face when they kick the extra point.

My gut clenches, a rush of nervousness gripping me. I’ve never felt anxiety at a football game in my entire life. Usually I don’t care one way or the other.

But tonight’s different. I want the team—Mack—to win. This is a big game and he’s been staying up late, working on plays and watching film, for weeks. I know it’s not life or death or anything, but still. The team’s worked hard and I want this victory for them.

We get the ball again, but Langley throws an interception and Lightning Ridge runs into the end zone and scores.

“Shoot,” I mumble, worry swirling in my stomach along with the popcorn.

“Oh, Langley.” Meg shakes her head, her hands working overtime. At this rate her skin’s gonna be raw by the end of the game.

Mercifully, the kicker misses the extra point. But we’re still losing.

“And that takes us to halftime. The score’s eight to thirteen, with Lightning Ridge in the lead.”

The Lightning Ridge band marches out and the halftime show begins as our team files off the field. Mack stalks away, head down, hands shoved deep in his pockets.

The man is pissed.

“It’s okay, guys. It’s a one score game right now. Plenty of time to win,” Cam says, reassuring all of us.

“Right, exactly.” I try to sound upbeat. Meg’s so pale I’m afraid she may pass out. “Meg, can I get you anything? A soda? Some candy?”

“No, thank you. I’m fine.” She stares blankly at the field as the Thunder Creek cheerleaders cartwheel out for the halftime show.

A few people stop by to say hi to Cam and Sloane, and I mingle with folks I’ve known my entire life.

Finally, halftime’s over and both teams rush back onto the field. All the coaches seem focused, especially Mack. He’s flipped his hat forward, a surefire sign that he means business.

Thunder Creek gets the ball first and Langley throws a perfect spiral down the field.

“Yes! Great pass!” Cam cheers and Sloane and I high-five, bubbly excitement rippling through me.

The wide receiver’s tackled near the end zone, but we gain a first down. Somehow, we don’t manage to score, though, with Lightning Ridge rushing. Langley’s down and Meg springs from the bleacher, her hand flying to her mouth.

Langley shakes it off, rising and limping over to the sideline. He takes a seat on the bench, unfastens his helmet. Sloane rubs Meg’s back as the defense jogs out to the field.

“Let’s go, Thunder Creek!” I scream, chest tight with nerves.

Mack paces, his hand covering his lips as he calls the plays. We hold them at bay, and I pump my fist in the air as the other team shuffles off the field.

I check the clock. Somehow, it’s already the fourth quarter and Thunder Creek’s still down by five points. Defense on both teams has been solid, keeping the score low. But now, we desperately need a touchdown.

We don’t get one.

Langley’s blitzed again, then he can’t find an open receiver. Coach Carter calls a timeout, and the stadium’s quiet as everyone stares at the scoreboard.

Finally, our team hustles back onto the field. Langley throws a quick pass to avoid getting rushed again, but the receiver’s tackled before he can gain any kind of yardage.

Five minutes left in the game and we’re still losing.

Mack’s waving at the defense as they line up, his shoulders square. Tension’s high and palpable in the cool air as Lightning Ridge makes the snap. Our defense moves and stops the ball.

“Yes!” Sloane high-fives me. “My dad’s going to be happy with Mack, at least. He’s made some great calls tonight.”

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