Chapter 2

TRYOUTS

Most of the players were in the main field, stretching out. Robby sat in the middle, hoping to disappear. It only took a minute for Andy Renkins to spot him.

“Well, look who’s back!” Andy said. “Think you’ll make it to the second day of tryouts this year, Samuels?”

Robby didn’t say anything. He’d learned a long time ago to ignore Andy.

When the boys were done stretching, the coach blew his whistle. “Break into your groups! Group A, you’re doing sprints! Group B, you’re blocking and tackling!”

Robby was in Group B. He looked around quickly for Andy. Then Robby saw him, heading over to the sprint station with Group A. Robby relaxed.

Robby got down into his stance, facing Seth Wilson. He didn’t care that Seth was bigger than he was. As long as he didn’t have to block Andy.

The coach blew his whistle. Robby held Seth off for a couple of seconds before Seth overpowered him and got the ball.

“Good job, both of you!” the coach shouted. “That was quite a battle.”

Quite a battle. To Robby, those words meant everything. His chest puffed out under his pads.

His next battle was against Ryan Swanson, a boy about Robby’s size. This time, Robby was trying to get to the ball. When the whistle blew, Robby charged at Ryan. Their shoulder pads hit with a loud clap.

“Woooo-hoooo!” the coaches howled. Robby kept charging ahead. In a flash, he was on the ball.

Robby felt a rush of emotion. It was a feeling he’d never had before. Then coach blew his whistle. “Rotate!” he yelled.

Robby jogged toward the next station, sprints. He felt great out there on the field, actually competing in football.

Just then, he felt his shoulder jerk back. His feet lifted off the ground. He looked up and saw Andy standing over him.

“Keep your head up, Samuels!” Andy laughed. “You’re going to hurt yourself!”