Chapter 23

Jeff

“I hear you loud and clear, Coach,” I said with a smile.

At the start of the second half Coach sent me back on the field.

A few moments later, Joey, our QB, handed me the ball. I didn’t bother waiting for a hole to open up. I wanted to make the hole myself.

Leading with my shoulder, I launched myself forward. The sound of my body smashing into other bodies filled the ear holes of my helmet. My body stiffened, shocked by the collision—but only briefly. In the blink of an eye, my feet were on the ground again. I dug my cleats into the field, pushing, straining, moving forward. More South Hill players joined in. One of them grabbed me by the ankles, stopping my momentum and bringing me to the ground.

All in all it was a six-yard run. But it was more than that.

They were softening, giving in. I could feel it.

They were weakening.

Coach had been right. Throughout the first half it had felt like I was running into a brick wall. Now that wall was eroding.

As for me? I was getting stronger.

On the next play I gained eight more yards. Then four. Then eleven.

I almost felt bad for them. They didn’t stand a chance against me this half.

“Stoddard!” Coach yelled. “Take a breather!”

Are you kidding me?!