CHAPTER 11

ONE LAST PLAY

The offense took the field. Carlos called everyone into the huddle.

“Okay, guys,” Carlos said. “In the second half, we’ve been using the passing game, and it’s been great.”

Andrew smiled. “That’s right,” he said.

“Now, we need only twenty-five yards, and they’ll be expecting us to pass,” Carlos went on.

“Aren’t we going to pass?” Kyle asked.

Carlos looked at Andrew, then at Kyle. “I think it’s time for me to go back to my skills, guys,” Carlos said. “Here’s the plan.”

Carlos filled the team in on his plan. Then they took the field. When play began, Carlos took the snap in shotgun position. He spun to his left, where Kyle was passing him. Carlos faked the handoff and lowered the ball beside his left leg. The defense couldn’t see it there.

Kyle ran right, pretending that he had the ball, and drew two Huskies linebackers off the play. Meanwhile, the safeties up field were sticking tight to Andrew, just like Carlos thought they would be. The Huskies whole defense was busy covering Kyle and Andrew.

Carlos was open to run. He cut up the left side of the field.

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The Huskies linebackers finally caught on to what was happening and tore after him.

Meanwhile, the play clock reached zero. If Carlos didn’t make it, the Wildcats would lose to the Huskies yet again!

But Carlos was too quick, and the linebackers were too far away. Carlos made it into the end zone before any Huskies could even touch him.

Carlos held the football up and cheered. The rest of the offense ran over and knocked him down in celebration. Everyone was happy and excited.

“Great play, Carlos,” Coach French said. “You called a bootleg, saw your options, and made the best choice.”

Andrew nodded. “I couldn’t shake those safeties,” he said. “Great call, Carlos. We finally beat the Huskies.”

Carlos pulled off his helmet. “Thanks,” he said. “I guess I’m not interested in being a superstar quarterback. I’m just happy to be a good quarterback.”