CHAPTER 9
The second half felt very long to Noah. Coach French and Carlos focused on the passing game. Though they made some good gains, Noah’s only role was to pretend to take a handoff now and then for a play-action pass. Carlos called pass after pass.
Andrew Tucker made a few receptions, but it wasn’t enough. As the end of the fourth quarter got closer, the Wildcats had only scored one field goal.
Their defense had been good, so the Eagles hadn’t scored again. But that meant the score was still 6-3.
At the two-minute warning, it was third down. The Wildcats would need a field goal to tie and a touchdown to win.
“Just get us a few yards,” Coach French said to Carlos. “We need to get into field goal range. Then we can win in overtime.”
Carlos nodded as the official called for the teams to take the field again.
“They’ll be expecting a run,” the coach said. “So, Andrew, stop after about eight steps, and Carlos, just connect. Then our kicker will make the three.”
The offense took the field. When they were lined up, Noah looked out over the defense.
Something wasn’t right. The defensive line was stacked.
“Carlos,” Noah said from the back. Carlos looked over his shoulder.
“They’re rushing,” Noah said. “They want to force us into fourth down with a loss and no options. Call blue 19.”
“A toss sweep?” Carlos said. “That’s crazy. They wouldn’t risk taking their whole D out of the game. They know we can go long if they do. Besides, you can’t outrun this defensive line.”
“I won’t have to,” Noah said. “They’ll only have two players who aren’t on top of you by the time I start running!”
Carlos shook his head and started the count, but he glanced at the coach. Andrew started his jog across the backfield.
Noah stood up and called over to the sideline. “Coach!” Noah said.
Coach French looked at him, and Noah pointed to the defensive line, then at the cornerbacks. They looked ready to pounce.
The coach nodded, and then called out to Carlos. “Blue 19,” Coach French said.
Carlos stopped the count and stood up straight. Then he stepped back into shotgun position and started the count again.
“Blue, 19,” Carlos barked. “Blue, 19. Hut!”
The center snapped the ball and Noah cut hard to the left. Carlos immediately tossed the ball to Noah, just as the entire defensive line crushed through the Wildcats line. A moment later, they fell onto Carlos, but they were too late.
Noah had the ball. He ran as fast as he could up the sideline.
He easily got ten yards for the first down, and the end zone was in sight. Noah gave everything he had in every step. He could hear the breath and footsteps of the Eagles safety behind him.
The safety grunted and Noah felt arms wrap around his knees. His feet gave out just as he reached the goal line, but he held on to the ball and collapsed into the end zone.
Noah rolled onto his back in time to see the official throw up both his arms. “Touchdown!”
The rest of the offense came running up the field. Carlos pulled off his helmet as he ran.
“That was amazing!” Carlos shouted.
“Great run!” Andrew said.
After a brief celebration in the end zone and the extra point kick, the score was 10-6, Wildcats. Noah clapped for the defense as they took the field. Coach French walked over to Noah.
“Great job, Noah,” the coach said.
“Thanks, Coach,” Noah replied.
“Do you know why that play went so well?” the coach asked.
Noah nodded. “Sure,” he said. “I ran like Earl Campbell.”
Coach French chuckled. “Really?” he said.
“No,” Noah admitted. “But I played up my strengths.”
Adam overheard the conversation and walked over. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well,” Noah replied, “I saw how the defense lined up. I knew they would be trying anything to stop us from getting that first down.”
“And you know that because of your expertise with stats, football history, and smart plays,” Coach French added.
“And since I know all our plays so well,” Noah said, “I was able to tell Carlos what a good play to call would be.”
“You called that?” Adam asked. “I thought Carlos did!”
Noah laughed. “Before I got Coach French’s attention,” he said, “Carlos thought I was crazy!”
Carlos put his arm around Noah’s shoulder. “Nah, I still think you’re crazy,” Carlos said, smiling. “But now I know it’s worth it!”
