Chapter 36

The next week was the busiest of Ren and Isaac’s lives. Between the interviews, practices, and all of the required appearances, they did not even take time to ring in the new year. Both of them were too exhausted to care. The coaches did a good job of keeping the team focused on the upcoming game and not on participating in all of the parties and celebrations happening that week. Ren and Isaac spent their “down” time watching film of the Oklahoma defense. Both were amazed at the speed at which they played. It seemed like three defenders were always getting to the ball carrier at the same time. It was like they knew the plays better than the offense did. “How do they do that?” Isaac asked. “Either they watch a ton of film, or they have figured out the plays ahead of time,” Ren replied. “So what can we do?” Isaac asked. “We could use their speed against them,” Ren mentioned. “You mean running screen passes and draws?” Isaac asked. “Yes, if we run everything out of the shotgun, I will have an extra step before they can get to me,” Ren suggested. “Let’s talk to Coach about it,” Isaac mentioned as they got up to go to the coach’s office. Ren pitched his idea as Coach Williams listened intently. After fifteen or twenty minutes of them going back and forth on why or why not each play would work, they agreed to try it out. “Ren, when you get done playing, you will make a heck of a coach,” Coach Williams mentioned. “I am not retiring yet,” Ren replied.

On Friday, Ren’s parents and aunt arrived. Ren and Isaac broke away from the team for an hour to greet them and thank them for making the trip. Ren watched as his parents met in person for the first time in ten years. It was awkward, but both put the focus on Ren instead of their past relationship.

Just after lunch on Saturday, Isaac’s family arrived. They were ecstatic to see Isaac. Priscilla had to tell him all about the private plane they flew in and the limo that picked them up and the suite with a jacuzzi tub and fifty more things she could not contain. Ren smiled and enjoyed the family interactions. Isaac tried to keep up with his sister. Finally, Isaac’s mom interrupted her to tell her that Isaac needed to get back to get ready for the game. They shared hugs, and the boys were off to continue preparing.

After another long day, the boys were finally able to lie down. “So what do you think? Is the dream going to come true?” Ren asked. “I really don’t know. After all of those years, I was determined that it was just a silly dream that I kept repeating on my own. Then one night in our dorm room, I had it again, and I thought about the strange way that I was given the scholarship,” Isaac shared. “I knew it. I knew something was up that night. I had the dream that night too. I asked you what was up, and you told me nothing,” Ren said excitedly. “It’s strange that I have not had the dream since that night. That was five or six months ago,” Isaac reported. “Me either,” Ren mentioned. “Well, no matter if we win or lose, this has been the best year of my life,” Ren continued. “Me too,” Isaac confirmed. The next morning, Isaac found a church in the area for them to attend. Both families ended up attending together. Isaac smiled at the interactions between his family and Ren’s. It made his heart feel full. Ren was just excited to see his dad in church. Once he surrendered, he prayed for his dad to do it also. God is so good!

“One day to go,” Ren reminded everyone. “Boys, no matter what happens tomorrow, we are proud of the young men you both have become,” Isaac’s father stated. “Based on the connections between the boys from the date of their births to the dreams to being here this weekend, God has been involved for a really long time. The results may be a win tomorrow, or the results may have already happened,” he continued as he looked around at the two families connecting together.