Chapter 72

Our team used our afternoon practices the week after Thanksgiving to do more fundamentals drills. It was almost like summer training camp except we worked out inside Holuba Hall instead of outside. Sunday's rain continued into Monday. Slightly colder temperatures gave us snow on Tuesday. Coach Burton saw no purpose in having us freeze our tails off outside. Our final game was in Arizona where the average temperature for the beginning of January was 66 degrees.

I conferred with Jason Turner back home Tuesday evening. My high school team would face off against our arch-rivals from Central on Saturday afternoon. The game would be played at McCaskey High School in Lancaster. The site was a couple blocks from Charlie Taylor's house, so I knew how to get there.

I called Penny immediately to see if she would be able to come home for the weekend.

"Hi, Kyle," Penny asked as she answered the phone. "What's up?"

"The Wolverines' playoff game is on Saturday," I explained. "I'm coming home for the weekend. Any chance you can get away and join me?"

"Things are getting really busy," Penny answered. "How many weekends do you want me to come home? I know I can't come every weekend. Finals week runs through the 12th to the 19th. I know I won't be home then. Would you prefer to see me this weekend or on the 8th and 9th?"

"I guess if you can only get home one time, why don't we plan on getting together at home on the weekend of the 8th and 9th," I replied.

"I'll probably take the train home from Philly," Penny said. "Can you pick me up?"

I don't know, honey," I answered. "I have team dinners every night except Saturdays. I can't leave State College until around seven pm. I won't get to Paradise until 9:30 in the evening."

"We'll figure it out, sweetie," Penny said. We talked for a few minutes more about our schedules and classes before saying good night.

--oooOooo--

I grabbed Coach Caffrey as we were walking back to the Lasch Building after practice. "Do you have a minute, Coach?" I asked.

"Sure, what's up, Kyle?" Coach Caffrey replied.

"Did you get a chance to see any video from the Wolverines game against Conrad Weiser last Saturday?" I asked.

"I know our team won," Coach replied. "Is there anything in particular I should look for?"

"You should check out Dave Mitchell's performance," I answered. "He had an excellent night and it wasn't all speed routes deep. Dave had excellent yards after the catch. He used his body well to screen off defenders. He out-leaped the DB for the ball. He had nine catches for three TD's and 130 some yards. You really should give him a harder look. He desperately wants to come to Penn State."

"He can," Coach answered. "I would love to have Dave in my receiving corps next season."

"But he wants the validation of receiving a scholarship," I explained. "He probably will go somewhere else if he doesn't get a scholarship here."

"I understand that," Coach agreed. "I'll never get a fifth scholarship for a wide receiver this season. It's a miracle that I have four. If Dave gets one, who do I cut? Josh Hunsecker ... Devin Kerr ... maybe Carter or Brody?"

"I wouldn't want us to lose any of those guys," I replied.

"Even if I were to beg and get a fifth scholarship..." Coach asked, " ... how can I get all five guys quality playing time in a couple years when they're all competing for three starting spots and need to beat out Davis and Greer?"

"I don't know," I responded.

"Dave Mitchell is an excellent football player and nice guy," Coach said. "I would dearly love to have him here with me. It just isn't likely to happen."

"Thanks for talking to me about this, Coach," I said. "At least I fulfilled my promise to Dave to discuss this with you."

"I hope Dave finds himself a top college program and proves Coach Burton, Coach Adams and me dead wrong," Coach Caffrey said. "I would love to have that happen."

--oooOooo--

Since I had no particular opponent to study, I used some of my free time to study the videos and notes that John Waters gave me. I had a preliminary report ready to turn over to Jason Turner on Saturday.

Planning was continuing for the Campbell Award Banquet and ESPN's College Football Awards Show. Mom and Dad planned to attend both. The rest of my family would stay at home or at college. Mom and Dad considered our education the top priority.

Mom absolutely insisted that I had to buy another suit. Even though I was renting a tux for the Campbell Awards, Mom said one suit wasn't going to be enough for everything I had going on in December and January. I headed downtown after class on Tuesday to make the purchase. I found a nice one at the same store where I rented my tux for next Tuesday night.

Everything was set with the NCAA and our athletic department for me to hitch a ride to the Campbell Banquet with Coach Paterno, Coach Burton, Mr. Hurley and President Spanier.

ESPN wanted to buy tickets for Trevor, Mitch, Shawn and me to fly out together from State College Airport on Tuesday afternoon to head to Orlando. Obviously I couldn't do that, since I needed to be in New York on Tuesday night. Andrew Morgan suggested they could fly me from NYC to Orlando on Wednesday morning.

That didn't suit me either. Dad and I had already paid the university $500 for my share of the charter flight. We paid that money so I could attend my classes on Wednesday. I refused to head south until after class. Andrew finally set me up with tickets to fly out of State College late Wednesday afternoon to Philly and then hop a flight down to Orlando.

I made arrangements with my professors to make up for the Art History class I would miss on Tuesday and the Education & Public Policy, Geography 160 and Art History I would miss on Thursday. All my professors were accommodating. I would use my travel time to and from the various awards ceremonies to read up on what I was missing.

Coach Paterno called me in to talk Thursday morning. Coach let me know that while I would not need to speak as the winner of the Pearce/Paterno Scholarship, I should be prepared with an acceptance speech in case I won the Campbell. He offered to assist me in preparing a suitable speech. I did a first draft Thursday evening.

Coach Paterno sat down with me Friday morning after my Geography lab and before my English Short Story class. He liked what I had but still suggested a few revisions. I promised to make them before our trip to New York on Tuesday.

I picked up my new suit from the men's store after History 454 and dropped it off at my apartment before practice. Friday's practice went well, same as the entire week. The guys looked sharp doing the drills. The entire team had bought into our "On to Phoenix" vision and was determined to finish our last goal, winning that game out in Arizona. I packed my car after practice so I could get out of State College quickly when our team dinner was over.

The weather was unseasonably warm for the 30th of November. The temperature reached 57 in the late afternoon. The warm front also brought Gulf moisture with it. The sky was overcast all day. We had sprinkles and drizzle throughout the afternoon and evening. AccuWeather reported that the rain would cover central and eastern Pennsylvania on Saturday too. The rain could be heavy at times. It wasn't the best weather forecast for my Wolverines.

I drove home through the rain, fog and poor visibility. Thankfully I made it home safely. I pulled alongside the curb in front of my house around 9:30 in the evening. Liz and Chris were at the movies when I arrived home. Andy was still in Newark, waiting to play his first playoff game tomorrow afternoon against Lehigh. Noah, Connor and Hunter were all asleep.

Mom made me model my new suit for her. She approved of my choice. Mom and Dad also recommended a jeweler for me to visit on Saturday. Dad recommended the jewelry store on Main Street in New Holland. The lady who owned it was a good client of Dad's and promised to help me chose the perfect engagement ring for Penny.

I woke up Saturday morning to the noise of three small boys trying to be quiet. A loud "SSSSHHH!" woke me up.

"Di'n't know Unka Ky come home dis weekend," one twin commented.

"Make 'tuffed Fwench toast?" another voice asked. I was pretty sure it was Hunter.

"Mom-Mom say Unka Ky home today for foo'bah game, Connor," Noah said.

"Make 'tuffed Fwench toast?" Hunter repeated as his nephews conferred.

"Why Unka Ky not on TV for foo'bah?" Connor asked. "Daddy p'aying today.

"Don't know," Noah answered.

"T'ink Unka Ky s'eeping?" Connor asked.

"Not anymore guys," I said as I sat up. All three boys squealed in surprise and then gang tackled me on my bed. We exchanged hugs and kisses.

"Make 'tuffed Fwench toast?" Hunter asked when we finished greeting each other.

"I don't have the things I need," I explained. "How would you like cheesy eggs?" Mention of their term for cheese omelets set the kids off. They approved. They wanted me to go upstairs immediately to make them breakfast but I insisted on showering first.

I made three small cheese omelets for the boys along with some hash browns. I made a big western omelet for myself. Mom told me I could have some of the ham left over from dinner last night. I chopped plenty of onions and peppers to go with the ham and cheese. My omelet was quite delicious.

The jewelry store in New Holland was exactly where I'd remembered it, in the center of town. I introduced myself to the young clerk in the front of the store. The owner, Mrs. Von Heyden, came out immediately and greeted me. Dad had called ahead to warn her I was on the way.

She laid out a selection of half a dozen engagement rings in the price range Dad indicated. I looked the selection over but didn't have a clue what Penny would like. Mrs. Von Heyden was very helpful. She had me describe the kind of jewelry Penny wore. She had me show her a picture of my girlfriend.

In the end she recommended a simple but elegant band with a ¼ carat diamond. It was beautiful. I blanched when Mrs. Von Heyden showed me the price. I called home to my "Banker," Dad.

Dad said, and this is a direct quote, "Asking Penny for her hand is special. It calls for the very best. Don't worry at all about the price tag. We'll work that out. You only get married once."

I purchased the ring Mrs. Von Heyden recommended. As she was ringing me up I spotted a necklace with interlocking gold rings. It was a perfect Christmas present for Penny. It spoke my feelings and intentions perfectly. I had Mrs. Von Heyden add it to the total. I needed to take a big breath before I signed the credit card slip. I had never spent that much money in my life!

The rain began to pour down as I drove home from New Holland. Our planned aerial game against Central was going to be drowned in this mess. The weatherman predicted the rain would stop in the afternoon, but would it stop in time?

Mom and Dad had to see the engagement ring as soon as I stepped inside the front door. I handed Mom the engagement ring box while I took off my wet coat and shoes. Mom opened the box and stared for a moment.

"This is lovely, Kyle," Mom cooed. "Just lovely. It is so elegant and graceful. It's very traditional in design. Penny will love this."

"You chose well, son," Dad added as he stared over Mom's shoulder.

"The charge will be a little higher than I said on the phone, Dad," I explained. I pulled out the necklace box. "I found the perfect Christmas gift for Penny. I had to get it." I opened the box and showed them the interlocking ring necklace.

"This is lovely too," Mom said. "But don't you think it's premature?"

"What?" I responded. "What do you mean?"

"The rings ... they're wedding rings," Mom explained. "This is the sort of gift a husband gives his wife for an anniversary."

"Oh," I said quietly. After a pause I added, "I thought it was a good symbol of how Penny and I would spend the rest of our lives together." I looked at Dad for support. He shied away a little.

"I don't argue with your mother about things like this," Dad said. "Would it be appropriate after Kyle proposes? Do you know when you want to pop the question, Kyle?"

"I'm not certain," I replied to Dad. "I want to make sure I make the proposal a really special, memorable night for Penny. I was thinking of taking her to a nice restaurant to pop the question. I don't know if I will have enough time to set things up with the time I am likely to have at Christmas."

"Well, Kyle, maybe you set it aside for now and use it for an anniversary gift," Dad suggested.

"I guess I'll have to," I agreed.

"Why don't you try earrings?" Mom suggested. "I'm sure Penny would like a pair of earrings."

"OK," I nodded. "I can do that." I shook my head. "Man, I'm going to have to go into the NFL. That's the only way I will be able to pay the two of you off."

"Don't worry, Kyle," Dad said. "We won't demand repayment in one lump sum. We'll work with you."

"That's good to know," I replied.

--oooOooo--

I made myself a couple sandwiches to take along to the game. Rain was still coming down when I headed for McCaskey High School's stadium, but not as heavily as earlier in the morning. I brought my video, notes and summary report on Strath Haven when I headed into the Wolverines locker room.

"Hey, Jason," I said in greeting when I caught up with our head coach.

"Hi, Kyle," Jason replied. Chuckling, he added, "I hope you brought your poncho. I think we'll get a little wet this afternoon."

"Yeah, I'm ready," I answered. "I have a special present for you. Set it aside for now and look at it a couple weeks, when you may need it."

"What is it?" Jason asked.

"Video, notes on how Strath Haven plays and my analysis of how we could beat their defense," I explained. "I hope it's helpful."

"I hope we need it," Jason responded. "You do know where we would meet them if we play them this season?"

"Sure," I agreed. "AAA State Championship Game. I like our chances of going all the way. I also can't see anyone else in the east more likely to be there to meet us than Strath Haven. We have unfinished business with them."

"Well, maybe," Jason agreed.

"Consider it an early Christmas present from Dan Werley and Conestoga High School," I explained. "I'm going to be student teaching there after Christmas. CHS is in the same league as Strath Haven and would love nothing more than see their nemesis go down."

"That is a good reason to help us," Jason agreed. "I'll put this in the back of my file cabinet, ready for me if we need it in a couple weeks."

"Hopefully we will," I responded.

"Let's get this team ready for today," Jason added. "How to beat Strath Haven doesn't matter if we don't take care of Central today."

Justin Baer briefed me on our game plan for Central. We had a few sets of plays that they hadn't seen before but we really didn't have a lot of changes from our standard offense. Jason was confident, given that we hadn't lost to them in the past two years.

Jason, Patrick and Justin felt our wide receivers and running backs were equal in talent to Central's. We had a big edge at quarterback and tight end. Our offensive line was larger and was able to move their defensive line earlier in the fall. Our defense didn't have a lot of stars, beyond Nate Trimble. They played smart football and didn't give up big plays.

The team dressed and prepared for their semi-annual battle against our rivals from the northwest end of the county. We got a very pleasant surprise when we came out to warm-up. The rain had stopped and we could see blue sky to the northwest of us. Clear weather would be good for our aerial game, one of our advantages. The field was soggy, but that would hurt Josh Hunsecker's speed just as much as it would hurt Dave Mitchell's.

Jason gave a nice speech before the team went out to play. He reminded them of all the work they put in through the winter, spring and summer to prepare for this season. He talked about all the sweat, tears, aches and pains from thirteen football games this season. Every bit of that was on the line that afternoon. The guys HAD to make it mean something. They had to beat Central to reach their goal of being state champions. They cheered the pep talk enthusiastically and then charged out to the field for the game.

McCaskey Stadium was overflowing with people when we came out. The stands behind our side of the field were filled with red clad residents of Paradise and the vicinity. The stands opposite us were filled with fans dressed in Central's burgundy and gray. The people that overflowed from the stands were sitting in lawn chairs along the side of the track surrounding the football field.

Central won the coin toss and elected to receive the kickoff. Their return man gained about eighteen yards on the soggy field before our guys tackled him. Coach Wyndham and Jason sent in our base defense. We caught the first change on Central's game plan immediately.

Central lined up immediately after the referee uncovered the ball, before all our guys had lined up in position. The center snapped the ball immediately. Thank God, Josh Strickler was one of the guys in position quickly. Central's QB, Adam Weatherly, rifled the ball over to Josh Hunsecker on a quick out. Josh Strickler dropped Josh Hunsecker quickly after a two yard gain, before Hunsecker could get moving.

Central skipped the huddle again, lining up as the referee spotted the ball. Coach Wyndham barely had time to signal in the defensive call. Nate Trimble was yelling directions when the ball was snapped. Our defensive line fired off, holding Central's offensive line to a standstill. Nate, who knew the defensive call already, fired into the gap where Central's tailback ran, stopping him for a one yard gain.

Central lined up without huddling again. The QB screamed out a play call immediately before taking the snap. Coach Wyndham and Nate had time to set the defense this play. Josh Hunsecker ran a slant over the middle. Nate Trimble dropped into coverage with deep help from Andy Krause, our strong safety. The QB rifled the ball across the line to Josh six yards downfield. Nate and Andy hammered Josh immediately, driving him back towards the line of scrimmage.

Central was one yard short and it was fourth down. Coach Wyndham frantically signaled in a short yardage defense, expecting Central to try to take advantage of our unpreparedness. Everyone on the sideline let out a sigh when Central pulled its offense and sent the punt team out. I guess they didn't want to risk going on fourth down and one at their own 32 yard line.

"Damn!" Jason growled. "They're going to run a fast break offense on us."

"Is our defense in shape?" I said. "Can they stop a two minute drill for forty-eight minutes?"

"Our guys are in good shape physically," Jason replied. "Have you ever played defense?"

"Not in college," I replied. "I did play cornerback against Josh Hunsecker's brother. Coach had me play free safety a little too."

"Good," Jason declared. "Go help Dick [Wyndham]. He's going to need an extra hand more than I will. I have to get our offense in gear to score, but not too quickly. Our defense is going to need time to rest between possessions."

I headed down the field to Coach Wyndham. On the field, Central punted the ball back to us. Garrett Houseman caught the punt at our 22 and advanced it six yards before he was tackled.

"Coach, Jason sent me down to help you," I explained when I had Coach Wyndham's attention.

"Did he?" Coach said with a smile. "Excellent! Bill, I want you to concentrate on working with the linebackers. Kyle, you debrief the defensive backs as they come off the field. Explain what they're facing in coverage. Give them any tips you've learned since you played for me four years ago."

"OK," I agreed.

"Switch your radio to channel 2," Coach Wyndham added. "You need to be on the net with Doug [Ressler, the LB/DB coach], Frank [Fisher, the D-line coach] and Bill [Groff]. Also, grab a clipboard and some paper. I want you to track every defender's playing time. I need to be able to quickly know who is fresh and who is tired. We are going to have to send in subs frequently to keep the kids fresh."

"You got it, Coach," I agreed. Bill Groff hooked me up with a copy of the defensive roster and a clipboard. I marked time on the field for the eleven guys who covered the first series.

I gathered Andy, Josh, Chris Zimmerman and Ethan Gockley, our starters, along with our backups, Bill Yeagley and Austin Good. I informed them that I would be helping out. We talked a little about what they observed so far.

A big cheer from the stands on our side of the field interrupted us. We all looked to the field, to find Dave Mitchell waving a football in the end zone. Matt, Cody, Garrett, Gary and Jared were racing to him to celebrate a touchdown.

I gave my charges a couple more instructions before four of the guys headed out onto the field to cover the kick off. Central's first possession had taken a minute off the clock. Our scoring drive had taken four minutes off the clock. We would be OK if our offense could stay on the field for four or five minutes every possession. The defense would be able to rest and prepare for the next drive.

I charted the defensive players on the field for special teams with an 'S'. The regular defensive plays were tracked with a 'D'. I circled any extra tiring defensive play, such as long runs or covering deep throws. Coach Wyndham checked a couple times and approved what I was doing.

Coach Wyndham had Ethan Gockley, our free safety, playing center field twenty yards behind the line of scrimmage. Ethan's job was to make sure Josh Hunsecker, or any other Central receiver, didn't get deeper than him. He was to pick off any stray deep balls and tackle anyone who came his way.

Josh Strickler and Andy Krause had in and out coverage on Josh Hunsecker. Josh Strickler would stay between Josh Hunsecker and the QB. Andy would stay behind Josh Hunsecker, ready to run deep or come up and make the tackle on shorter passes. Coach Wyndham had things set so Josh Hunsecker was double covered on short plays and triple covered on deep plays. We may not be able to shut Josh down, but we would limit the damage he did to our team.

My job charting players' time on the field kept me busy, especially considering the fact that Central ran another play roughly every twenty to twenty-five seconds. Coach Wyndham checked my chart from time to time to judge when he needed to send in substitutes.

"Good work, Kyle," Coach Wyndham said as he studied my chart. "This helps tremendously. Keep it up."

I had a little time to talk with my charges when our offense was on the field. I talked about techniques I taught Josh Hunsecker. I also talked about the things Shawn Byrd had developed to counteract the moves Josh was making.

Our defense was preventing Josh from making big plays. That success was at the expense of our run defense. Our front seven players held up well against Central's running game, but if anything went wrong, the runner would go for big yards before the defensive backs could tackle him.

Matt, Dave, Cody, Gary and the rest of our offense dominated against Central's defense. We were ahead 24-21 at half-time. Our defense was grateful for the short break from their whirlwind afternoon. Even better, our team had the ball first in the third quarter. With luck, our defense could have twenty to twenty-five minutes break time before they had to play again.

Coach Turner challenged the offense. He wanted to see them play pedal to the metal football. We needed some cushion in the score before our defense ran out of gas.

Garrett Houseman took the second half kickoff and ran it back twenty-seven yards to give us good field position. Matt and his crew did their jobs too. Matt led the offense on a thirteen play, textbook execution drive. Matt crowned the drive with a five yard pass over the middle to Gary Harrison. Gary bulled his way past Central's middle linebacker for the TD. Nick Sterling drilled the PAT through the uprights. Score: Wolverines-31, Central-21

During that drive, Josh Strickler grabbed me for a question. "I noticed something near the end of the first half, Coach," Josh explained. "Whenever Weatherly [Central's QB, Adam Weatherly] includes the word 'Pop' in the play call, Hunsecker runs a seven yard out route. Can I try to jump the route next time and go for an interception?"

"You're sure, Josh?" I asked. He nodded yes. "By all means, jump the route if you hear that play call again. Make sure Andy and Ethan know this key too, so they're prepared when you are out of position."

"Sure thing, Coach," Josh agreed.

We had occasion to use the knowledge a few minutes after the conversation. I was working on my charting when I heard Adam Weatherly yell, "Zebra 27 Pop Apple Tango"

I looked up and saw Josh Strickler give me a smile and a nod. I acknowledged him. Josh back pedaled at the snap. Josh Hunsecker drove down the field, passing Josh Strickler. As Adam Weatherly's arm came up, Josh Strickler cut and headed for the sideline in front of Josh Hunsecker. Adam Weatherly drilled the ball when Hunsecker cut to the sideline. Strickler drove in front of Hunsecker's outstretched hands, snagging the ball inches from Hunsecker's grasp.

The Wolverines' stand broke into cheers as Josh Strickler dodged Josh Hunsecker's tackle attempt and sprinted for the end zone. Bill Wenger, our strong side linebacker, knocked Adam Weatherly aside, clearing the way for Josh Strickler to run into the end zone.

Our fans gave another big cheer as Nick Sterling increased our lead to 38-21 with the successful PAT. The pick broke Central's spirits. No doubt Josh Strickler's week of practice against Josh Hunsecker at summer camp had given him confidence to gamble this way. So had Coach Wyndham's defensive scheme. Josh wouldn't have dared to guess this way without deep help from Andy and Ethan.

Matt's crew added two more touchdowns before the game was over. Central managed a single touchdown against our prevent defense late in the fourth quarter. The final score was Wolverines-52, Central-28.

I gave my headphones to Brian Miller before heading out onto the field. I found Matt, Dave and Cody holding court with their teammates. I congratulated my friends on their superb performance. Josh Hunsecker wandered over while I was talking with my friends.

"Congratulations, Matt," Josh said. "You had a good game." Matt and Josh shook hands.

"You did great too, Cody," Josh added. The two shook hands. Josh turned to his close friend Dave.

"It's hard to believe football is over, at least for me, isn't it?" Josh said.

"It is amazing," Dave answered.

"What's it going to take to get you to State College?" Josh asked.

"A scholarship," Dave snorted, " ... and that's not going to happen."

"You might as well tell him, Dave," Matt added.

"What?" Josh asked.

"Coach gave it one more shot after my game last week," Dave explained. "The coaches at Penn State don't consider me worth a scholarship. I accepted the offer from Temple. I'm going to be an Owl."

"Noooo," Josh howled. "We were going to be together in college. How could you?"

"I'm sorry, Josh," Dave said. "I'd love to spend college with you but I can't go to a team where the coaches don't respect my abilities."

"I did my best for him, Josh," I added. "Coach Caffrey told me that he already has you, Jeremy Carter, Devin Kerr and some kid named Tyler Brody lined up with scholarships this year. Normally we pick up two or three a year. Add Dave into the mix with the four of you and you're going to have an ugly logjam at your position. What good does it do Dave to come in as low man in that situation?"

"I guess you're right," Josh admitted. He paused for a couple seconds and asked, "If you normally get two or three freshman receivers, are we going to be jammed for playing time anyway?"

"I don't think it will be too bad," I replied. "We normally have nine to eleven receivers. We have nine now and three of us graduate this year. Add the four of you, we will have ten next season. It'll work out fine." I chuckled. "Of course you freshmen won't get a lot of playing time. Wait until you see the playbook. It'll take you the first year to learn what you're doing."

"You'll help us learn the playbook, won't you Coach?" Josh asked. Matt agreed quickly.

"I'm not going to be on campus next semester, guys," I explained. "My student teaching will be near Philadelphia. I'm living down there." I gave Dave a big grin. "Dave is the one who is going to see a lot of me. Coach Burton convinced Coach Golden to let me work out at Temple's facilities. You could see me every day, Dave."

"That'll be cool, Coach," Dave said.

The four friends talked for a couple more minutes about the game before the group broke up. I asked Josh, "Did your brother come? I should stop by and say hi if he did."