skirt and heels when teaching. After school, however, she wore her long hair down and switched out her tight skirts for tight jeans. She was every male student’s teacher crush, and he could see why when looking at her. But, for some reason he just never felt any chemistry with her. So, he was polite but distant to make sure she didn’t get the wrong idea.
“I just wanted to wish you luck for your first game. I know it’s hard being the new guy, especially after losing three of your best players. What happened to them?”
“Sorry, Steph, I can’t get into it. It was just a violation of team rules and was handled internally. But, thank you for wishing me luck – I’ll need it.” He looked nervously over the local news crew and tried to keep his stomach calm.
“You’ll do fine during your interview. You’re so handsome and nice that the camera will love you. Just pretend you’re talking to me.” She gave him a little wink and he couldn’t help but laugh a little.
“Thanks. I do feel better. I guess I’ll go get this interview over with. See you on Monday.” Cade smiled and walked away from the small field house to the camera crew setting up along the sidelines where his players were warming up on the field.
“Coach Davies. Could we have a few minutes?” the sports reporter asked. He looked just like any other sports reporter: middle aged, small gut, big hair and a really weird colored tie.
“Sure.” Cade stopped next to him and waited until the camera was recording.
“How do you think you’ll do tonight against Oakdale High School?”
“I think it will be a tough game. They are returning twelve senior starters compared to our three senior starters. They have a lot of experience.”
“It has been reported that All-State linebacker Corey Bonner, offensive lineman Lee Faust, and senior wide receiver Dan Likens have all been dismissed from the team. Can you tell us why and how you will make up for their loss?”
“They violated team rules. We cannot make up for the hole left by their dismissal. They were wonderful players and have now been replaced by less experienced players. Our freshman wide receiver, Ryan Hall, has stepped up in practice and is showing a lot of promise. Running back Trey Everett is the heart and soul of this team and will provide the leadership we lost with Bonner’s departure. We’ve taken some of the defensive players and converted them to offensive linemen. They have a lot to learn, but again, are showing great promise after only being in this position for a month.”
“Thank you, Coach.”
Cade nodded and headed out onto the field as the reporter wrapped up his pre-game comments.
He took in the scene and his nerves steadied. Assistant Coach Parks was warming up the offense. The defense was stretching out. The smell of the fresh cut grass mixed with the aroma of popcorn coming from the stands now filling with people. This was it, the first home game of his coaching career, and boy, did he love it! He placed the silver whistle in his mouth and gave it two short bursts. His team responded immediately and circled around him.
“Okay, men. I want to focus on execution tonight. Hit your marks, block your targets, and make your tackles. Okay, Trey. You and Ryan head out there for the coin toss. Break!” The deafening sound of clapping and cheers arose from his team as they pumped each other up.
Annie took her seat in the stands. She opted for the highest row in the bleachers so she could see everything that happened around her. Maybe, just maybe, the boss or some more of the soldiers would be here tonight. If she kept an eye on who was in the crowd, and if she could identify anyone who looked like they didn’t belong, she could then also keep an eye on which people the players looked at. Then maybe she could figure out who the dealer was.
She looked around the small stadium. Apparently the first home game was a big deal in Keeneston. The place was packed. People
Andrew Cartmel
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Marg McAlister
Julie Law
Stan Berenstain
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Joy Dettman
Connie Monk
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