During the next week, the team began to play together better, and everyone, even Sam, agreed that having extra people to work with—girls included—was helpful. Sable always drove Jimmy to practice and began staying to watch.
It was clear to Cap that Tully didn't welcome the other man's presence, although he wasn't in any position to do much about it. It was a free country, and Tully didn't want to embarrass the team members, especially Jimmy.
From the first day, everyone knew that Ben Worthy would start at center. Defensively, he was an intimidating pass rusher. By week's end, it was clear who most of the other starters would be.
Sam Dracus's speed made him a deep threat, and he would start at one end. When he raced out on a post pattern, the opposition would have to send someone deep, so even on a short pass or running play, the defense would be spread thinner. On defense, Sam would cover the other team's fastest receiver.
Mick Avery had nailed down the starting job at the other end. Mick always seemed to be able to get clear. He could also block well.
Hoot Coleman was a threat as a runner and pass receiver and would be a starting back. Fritz Marconi was a solid runner in short yardage situations and a strong lead blocker.
Vince Avery would be coming in as a running back and Steve Flynn could give Ben a breather at center or come in as an end.
But if Tully had decided who would start at quarterback, he wasn't saying. He kept alternating between Cap and Jimmy. Both boys had their strengths: Cap had a stronger arm and was a better defender than Jimmy and a good blocker. But he tended to go deep too often, and his short passes were often thrown so hard that they were tough for his receivers to hang on to.
Jimmy's short passing game was his strength. He was a smart play caller and more ready to use all the weapons at his disposal. But he couldn't throw long passes well, and wasn't as good as Cap on defense.
When Cap compared himself with Jimmy, he had to admit that Tully had a tough choice to make. It wasn't made easier by Sable's being around. If Tully went with Cap, Sable would make noise about it. And Cap knew that if Tully picked Jimmy as the starter, Tully would be unhappy because Cap would be unhappy.
The next day, when no one was near enough to hear him except Tully and Candy, he said, “Uh, Grandpa, I wanted to tell you …”
He stopped, unsure of what to say.
“What, son?” asked Tully.
“I just want to say … Jimmy's a good quarterback too, and … if you think he should start, that's all right.”
Tully put a hand on his shoulder. “I appreciate you telling me that, Cap.”
“Well, I think Cap should start,” Candy said. “He's a better player than Jimmy any day.”
Cap smiled gratefully at his sister. “I don't know. Jimmy's good.”
Tully pointed to where the rest of the team stood waiting. “Let's get started. I have some news for everybody.”
Cap noticed that Sable was with Jimmy and the other Panthers. He had stayed for all of yesterday's practice but had not said much.
Tully said, “First, we have a scrimmage scheduled next Tuesday with Bee Town. We're due there at four. If you can get rides from your folks, that'd be helpful.”
“I can help with that,” said Sable.
Tully nodded. “Thanks.”
“How does the scrimmage work?” Sam asked.
“It's played under game rules, on a regulation field,” Tully said. “Each team runs a certain number of plays and then we switch. We'll have full pads and helmets, thanks to some last-minute donations we're due to receive tomorrow morning. We won't keep score, because even though we play by official rules, it's just a kind of practice. In the next few days, we need to work on special team stuff: kickoffs, receiving, and punts. Also, extra-point plays—”
Sable cleared his throat. “Tully, you don't mind my hanging around, do you?”
They practiced the plays they had been working on, with Jimmy and Cap alternating at quarterback, and Candy, Bobby Jo, and Gabe filling out the practice squad.
At one point, Cap called a pitch to Hoot, going around left end with Fritz clearing away tacklers. Ben snapped and pulled to his left, Fritz thundering by his side. Cap pivoted and Hoot broke left. Cap flipped the ball behind Hoot's back and kicked the ground angrily as Tully whistled the play dead.
“Sorry,” Cap said to Hoot, who shrugged. “We'll get 'em next time.”
Jimmy wouldn't have done that, Cap thought. Maybe he deserves to be the starter.
Sable strolled over. “Son, you mind a suggestion from an old fossil?” He turned to Tully. “If it's okay with you, that is.”
Tully nodded.
Sable picked up the football. “The reason you have trouble controlling a pitchout is partly footwork. Take a longer first step so your feet aren't too close together. When you pitch the ball, make more of a full-arm motion, not a wrist flip. 'Specially since your hands aren't big enough to control the ball all that well.”
Sable looked at Hoot. “Make that move again, son, and I'll show you all how it's done.”
Hoot took off as he had done for Cap, and Sable gracefully wheeled around and made a perfect pitch, which Hoot caught in full stride.
Cap had to admit it did look better than his clumsy move.
“Now you try it,” said Sable, taking the ball from Hoot and giving it to Cap.
This time, Cap tried to do exactly what Sable had done and found that it made a difference. The ball was right on target.
“There you go,” said Sable.
“Thanks, Mr. Cash,” Cap said.
Sable grinned. “Jimmy makes pitchouts well because I taught him what I just taught you. Pitchouts are important in this game, wouldn't you say, Tully?”
“Uh-huh,” Tully said.
Sable picked up another ball. “Listen, long as I'm going to be around anyway, why not let me help? I mean, you have your hands full with everything these fellas still have to learn, and I can split things up with you. What do you say?”
Tully's jaw muscles were clenched, and it was clear to Cap that his grandfather wasn't delighted by the idea.
Sable held up a hand before Tully could reply. “Now, I understand this is still your team. I'd be just an assistant.”
Finally Tully said, “That would be fine with me, Sable. I guess it may be a little too much for one man, at that.”
Sable chuckled. “That's the idea! And, after all, pitchouts and ball handling were never specialities of yours in our playing days, were they?”
Cap saw Jimmy turn away, red-faced.