Page 71 of Zone Protection

“Okay, boys, this is ours! Let’s finish this now! We won’t needa fourth down! All right, trips right, two swings, X left, shotgun, on one!” Bo claps once.

I see the Bulls shift into a blitz, which is what we want in order for our play to work.

Bo calls, “SET,” and I start to move with my line into pass blocking before shifting to the right to zone block.

The ball is tossed to Beck, and he runs down the field and right into the end zone. I push off the defensive player and jump back.

“Help is on the way, boys! Don’t you worry; help is on the way!”

Then I run my ass down to the end zone to celebrate with my team, tossing my helmet off along the way.

When I reach Beck, I lift him up, and we’re all cheering, screaming, jumping up and down. Helmets flying, guys crying, and then fans start rushing the field.

After that, everything feels like it happens so fast. We’re gathered to go to the stage where the trophy presentation will be. Because I’m one of the captains, I jump up onto the stage. We’ve been given hats and shirts to wear.

I haven’t been able to find my parents and brothers yet, but I’m sure they’re making their way onto the field.

Coach comes over to me and hugs me. “We fucking did it, Griff!”

“Hell yeah, we did, Coach! Let’s go, baby!” I lift him in a bear hug, and he just laughs until I put him down.

The presentation starts, and I finally spot my family to the left of the stage, all smiles and yelling my name. Mama has tears in her eyes, and she’s holding on to my dad. I wish Emma were here to see this too. I want to share all of these moments with her.

I’m awarded the Offensive MVP of the game. After I get my trophy, I find my teammates and point to them, then tap my chest. I love these guys. They’ve been like family to me.

When the presentation ends, I’m directed to a few reportersfor interviews. Once I’m done, I make my way over to my family, waiting by the exit.

I run up to my mom and lift her up into a hug. “We did it, Mama!”

She’s laughing and crying. Then I set her down, and she cups my face with her hands.

“We are so proud of you, Archie! You were amazing out there today.”

Dad works his way in and wraps me in a hug. “So proud of you, son!”

Then each of my brothers hugs and congratulates me.

“I need to go get cleaned up, and then I think the team is having a banquet or something at our hotel. The families are invited, so y’all head that way, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Okay, we’ll meet you there then. Love you so much, Archie!” Mama gives me another hug.

Then I turn and wave at them one last time before I head into the tunnel that takes me to the locker room.

When I get in there, there’s beer, champagne, music blasting. It’s like a party in here, and I fucking love it!

Tempting my fate by pulling my phone out of my locker to take pictures with my team and record some video, I see a text message from Emma, saying congratulations, but I can’t see the whole message because Pitz dumps a beer over my head.

After about thirty minutes or so, Coach tells us to get cleaned up so we can head back to the hotel for the banquet. We all shower, pack up, and head to the bus.

Once I settle in my seat, I pull my phone back out and open Emma’s text.

Emma: Congratulations, Arch! I’m so fucking proud of you!

*picture of her in her jersey*

Emma: Call me as soon as you can!

Archie: Hey, darlin’. You still up? We just got on the bus.

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