CHAPTER 4
Alex played exactly like Max had expected him to. He barreled across the field, counting on the blue team’s poor aim and slow markers to keep him clean. He sprinted toward the blue side of the field, heading straight for Max.
Max was forced to flee. But he was a crafty player and stayed low, finding a good hiding place. From there, he watched Alex stomp through the field, ignoring the rest of the blue team.
Owen took advantage of Alex’s focus and aggression. He managed to mark two members of the red team while Max hid.
“Next two players,” Stan called out.
Max kept his eyes on Alex. The big bully still hadn’t found him. Alex stalked across no-man’s land, intent on hunting Max down.
Max smiled. He almost laughed. A few more steps, and he’d would have a clear shot. He could mark Alex easily.
For a moment, Alex stepped out of sight behind a pair of barrels. As he did, Max realized something. Even though no one on the field could see him, the players up in the observation area could. And two of them had just entered the field to join the red team — Alex’s friends.
I need a better hiding place, Max thought frantically.
But it was too late. The moment he tried to sneak away, Alex’s two friends were there blocking his way.
“Wait a second,” Alex shouted, running over. “Maximum Dork is mine.”
As he got closer, Alex lifted his marker, pointed it straight at Max’s helmet, and squeezed the trigger.
Splat!