Chapter 6

SCRIMMAGE

After three weeks of practice, the Lions only had one night left before their first game.

Coach Parker arranged a scrimmage against the Packers.

“This is a chance for us to see how good we really are,” Coach Parker said. “We’ll know what things we need to work on before the first game.”

The scrimmage started out great. Robby kept his focus and remembered the snap count. He got the ball quickly into James’s hands.

Andy Renkins was playing running back, so he carried the ball on most of the plays.

After ten plays, it was time for the Packers to be on offense. Robby wasn’t a starter on defense, so he left the field. Robby watched from the sidelines. He looked across the field and saw Matt. He gave Robby the thumbs-up sign.

After a short break, it was the Lions’ turn to go back on offense.

“I know we can do better,” Coach Parker said. “Let’s really take it to them this time!”

The offense ran out on the field. They got into the huddle. James called the play.

“Forty-six power sweep,” he said. “On one.” Then he repeated it.

As he bent over the ball, Robby’s mind went blank.

Before he could do anything, James started calling out the signals. One or two? One or two? Robby kept thinking.

“Hut!” James yelled. The rest of the linemen started to block, but Robby didn’t move.

The referee blew his whistle and threw his penalty flag.

“Samuels!” Coach Parker yelled. “Pay attention!”

Robby felt terrible as he went back into the huddle. James called the next play. “Forty-four power sweep,” James said again. “This time, on two. Okay? Forty-four power sweep on two.”

Andy stared straight at Robby. “That’s two, Samuels,” he said. “Got it?”

Robby was mad. Mostly, he was mad at himself. “Yeah, I got it,” he said. “Don’t worry. I’m not an idiot.”

The rest of the players looked stunned. Robby rarely said anything during practices. Andy glared at Robby.

On the next play, James almost dropped the ball and then handed it sloppily to Andy. Andy struggled to control it. By the time he had a firm grip on it, the defense was on him.

Andy only gained two yards. Robby was knocked down by the player he was blocking. He was still getting off the ground when Andy walked by.

Just then, Robby felt a sharp pain in his right hand. “Ahhh,” Robby yelped. Andy had stepped on him with his spikes.

Robby knew one thing: He wasn’t going to let Andy know it hurt. Robby went back to the huddle.

But when he tried to grip the ball for the snap, he couldn’t hold it tightly.

The next three snaps, Robby lost control of the ball. Coach Parker yelled at Robby each time.

After the third fumble, Coach Parker grabbed Robby by the face mask. “If you can’t handle this job,” he said, “I’ll find someone else who can!”

Robby fought through the rest of the scrimmage without any fumbles or mistakes. After practice, Coach Parker pulled Robby aside.

“Samuels,” Coach Parker said. “You’ll do better next time.”

“Coach, my hand got stepped on,” Robby said. “That’s why I was fumbling.”

“Don’t make excuses,” the coach said. “You’re going to have to work harder, that’s all.”