A Touchy Situation–Conclusion

The atmosphere is electric. Everyone and their dog is here tonight for the big game! Not only will the best record and bragging rights will be at store tonight, there will be scouts from Division I-A schools here as well! It’s important I perform well for these scouts and lead my team to victory. Everything runs in my mind at 100 miles per hour. I can’t put into words how heavy I feel with stress. Do I have what it takes to take our team over the top? Will the scouts be impressed with my arm and leadership ability? These are just some of the thoughts running rampant in my mind.

I look over my teammates in the locker room: some are playing cards, there are a few listening to their CD players, and then there is me. Since this is the biggest game of my life, even looking at my own teammates make my throat swell up. I can feel sweat pouring down my face already. It’s easy to tell yourself to relax, but this is the most pressure I have ever felt in my entire life. This is what happened the last time we played them…

Last year, we were undefeated heading into the last week of the year. We faced Clarkston who were undefeated as well. We had all the confidence in the world and the arrogance that came with it.

Anyway, all week we were chanting “10-0”. We hadn’t taken Clarkston seriously because we pummeled opponents into submission. In fact, one week we beat a good team by the score of 50-10. We thought we would do the same to Clarkston. However, Clarkston kicked our butts from sideline to sideline. It was my worst game ever: 10-30 for a measly 100 yards. I threw 3 interceptions and was sacked 4 times. The final score was 30-3. We then went into the playoffs and suffered a humbling defeat 40-0 by that same team we had beaten 50-10earlier in the year. Ever since then, we promised ourselves we would make them pay for what they did to us.

“Tonight is the biggest night of your lives. We are going against our biggest rival for sole possession of first place in our region!” Coach McMahon screams. “We worked all year for this game. Let’s go out there and kick some ass!” You should have been there; everyone in the locker room took Coach McMahon’s word into heart. Coach McMahon isn’t much of a talker. Instead, he is succinct in his use of words. I like that in a coach. He knows which words to use to light that fire inside of you. (Actually, it doesn’t take a lot for me to get fired up, personally).

As we run out into the field, the crowd erupts in cheers. I take my practice throws and scan the crowd. Usually, Claudia and my family sit up where I can see them without much effort. Aside from my parents, Claudia is my biggest supporter. I glance up to the bleachers, but I don’t see Claudia! This is unlike her.

“Hey! Why don’t you watch for the ball Mr. Superstar!” backup quarterback Rick Anglin declares.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m just a little distracted.”

“How come Vic?” Rick comes up to me.

“Well, lots of things. I have the scouts, the big game, best record in the region, and not to mention the fact that my girlfriend isn’t here.”

“I’d say that is more than a little distraction. It’s not going to be the same here without you.”

“Yeah, I love each and every one of my teammates. But hey,” I sling my arm around his shoulder, “you just may be the next ‘Mr. Superstar’.” I smile down at him. Rick is a nice guy. He’s a freshman who has the potential to be a superstar. He has a great arm and is very durable. It also helps that he is lanky and built.

The game was a classic except for one thing: I was horrible again. We played 48 minutes of hard hitting football. The final score was 7-6. We had 70 yards to go with under 1:20 to go on the clock. We were at the 30-yard line with only 30 seconds to go. I noticed that the defense was in a prevent offense—the sole purpose was to prevent the deep pass but they weren’t too keen on preventing the stuff down the middle. I called an audible to change the routes of my receivers. I threw a crossing pattern that was good for 10 yards. With 25 seconds to go, I threw a fade route for the touchdown! We run the game on that play! However, I did horrible. There go my chances to go to the University of Miami or a prolific Division I-A school. I don’t know why I do poorly against that team! Maybe it’s because Claudia isn’t here. Maybe the presence of the scouts threw me off my rhythm. All I know is I wish I could find Claudia. I asked my parents where she was, but they didn’t have a clue! Something fishy is going on. I pull my cell phone out.

“Hello?”

“Hey Troy! Have you seen Claudia by any chance?”

“Yeah, she’s over here with me.”

“Why? I thought I told you the big game was tonight.”

“From what she tells me you told her the game was next week.” He said.

“Oh is that so? Well, I’m going to come over anyway.”

“How did you guys do?”

“We won 7-6.”

“That close huh?”

“Yeah, very close. Okay, I’ll see you in a few.”

The past few hours I spent with Troy talking about his relationship with Elizabeth and why she broke up with him. I thought her reasoning for breaking up wasn’t a valid one. Elizabeth is much too nice to just up and dump someone over a stupid reason. Troy has helped feel better since I awoke earlier. He helped care for me and kept me warm until Victor will eventually shows up.

“I’d like to thank you for what you have done for me earlier Troy. You are a great friend and I love you for that.” I go to kiss his cheek and when he tickles me on my sides. I squirm in his grasp and he wounds up with his arms around me. That was also the time when I saw Victor’s horrified face as his gaze falls upon the two of us.