Chapter 28

Scooter

Coach Douglas was pleased but trying not to show it. For my benefit, I think.

“I told him we had another running back named Williams who was raw but talented,” Coach assured me. “I said you weren’t ready to play college football yet, but that they should consider letting you walk on. You had that much upside.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I said.

Coach had just learned that a scout from Huntington College was interested in Jeff. He’d be in the stands on Friday.

Coach had called both of us into the office to announce the good news. Once he told us, though, I think he felt bad for dragging me in there.

But I didn’t feel bad. I’d only been playing for a month. I definitely didn’t expect scouts to come flocking.

“Stoddard, you’ve been unusually quiet,” Coach said. “What’s on your mind, son?”

“Just surprised, Coach,” he said. “I thought that ship had sailed. And then I spent all week hearing about how great Scooter is. No offense, Scooter.”

No offense was taken. He hadn’t really been saying much to me all week, so it was cool to hear him concerned about my feelings.

“I’m just . . . surprised,” he repeated.

I was happy for him. That’s the truth.

After all, this was a dream come true for him.

Or at least it seemed that way.