Page 77 of The Way We Win

“I’ve been watching him practice, and he’s good. Coach Zane would tell you. He can do this.”

If we’re going to do it, now’s the time. I wave to Edward, and he jogs to where I’m standing with Austin.

Reaching out, I put my hand on the top of his shoulder pad. “Austin thinks you can make the field goal. Want to try it?”

Edward’s brow lowers, and he looks from the 25-yard line to the uprights. “I’ve been practicing from the thirty at home.”

“Get out there and win this thing.”

Edward nods, pulling on his helmet. The announcers explain what’s happening, and a hush falls over the visitors’ side as he runs onto the field with Tyreek serving as holder.

Keeping my expression neutral, I cross my arms. Austin is by my side, helmet off and swaying from one foot to the next.

“You got this, Edward!” he shouts in his low, teenage voice.

The boys line up, and the home defense gets in position. I glance at the sidelines, and every student’s face is worried. I’m glad they all care, but I confess, I’m nervous.

If something happens to Rachel’s little brother, I’m going to feel like shit. Not to mention the shit I’ll catch.

The home team is jumping up and down and yelling, doing all they can to create a distraction. Edward seems to zone out, stepping side to side then doing a little trot forward and practice kick.

The boys line up. My stomach knots. Tyreek catches the football and brings it down after the snap. Edward’s expression is straight focus as he does a little jog forward and a practice kick.

Our side of the field erupts into screaming. It’s a straight line, directly through the center of the uprights, and we won it. Edward backs away, watching the win, and Tyreek is on his feet, jogging to him.

The boys know not to grab him, but they’re jumping oneach other’s backs, holding out their fists for Edward to bump them. He looks down at the turf, blinking fast, and I jog onto the field to where he’s walking, shoulders squared.

“Evan Noel, St. Stanislaus, made a 61-yard field goal in 2024 to set the state record in Mississippi. Peyton Houstin made a…”

“You did good, Eddie.” I put my hand on his shoulder gently, bending down to speak near his face mask. “You won us the game. That’s better than any record.”

Zane is at my side, hustling over to Edward. “Your backswing and contact were perfect.” He walks beside his young brother-in-law. “That follow-through was the best I’ve seen from you yet.”

Edward’s expression relaxes, and he gets as close to a smile as I’ve ever seen him. “It felt good. I had a feeling it was right.”

Pride swells in my chest, and I look over at Allie. She’s in a group hug with Dylan, Liv, and Rachel, and tears are streaming down their faces.

“Austin Sinclair lookedlike a pro on the field these last two weekends.” Logan is behind the mic with his headphones on.

It’s noon on a school day, and I’m spending my lunch hour as a guest on his radio show with Zane. Garrett is also with us to talk shop. It’s our usual thing, with me dropping in to discuss the high school players.

Our game against the Bulls was another victory, and Austin is playing as I predicted. Instead of being intimidated by Levi’s performance, this time it lit a fire in him. He’s played better than he has all year.

“I know you were under a lot of pressure after the way Levi Powell started the season,” he continues. “You’ve got two great quarterbacks, Coach.”

“It’s true.” I shift in my chair. “You don’t always get suchgood talent all at once. I’m trying to be sure both boys have their chance to shine.”

“Looks like it’s Newhope’s year to go all the way.” Zane’s voice is calm and polished after two years of broadcasting with Logan.

“It looks like it,” I say.

Logan and Zane’s talk show is broadcast weekly, focusing on the professional teams. Garrett stops by more frequently than I do, since he’s recently retired, and our youngest brother Hendrix joins them when his schedule permits. He’s still a tight end for the LA Tigers.

Every quarter, they drag me into the booth, and it’s the first year we’ve had such a focus on Newhope.

“You’ve always fielded a great team.” Logan glances at me. “What do you think made the difference this year?”

“I’ve got a lot of seniors.” My answer sends a ripple of laughter through our group.

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