Chapter 1

Monday, January 5th 2032 – NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia, PA

Kellen Brown poked his head in Kyle Martin’s office door. “Got a moment, Coach?” Kellen asked politely. Kyle waved his wide receivers coach in the door.

“What can I do for you, Kellen?” Kyle asked as he motioned for his former mentor to have a seat.

“I am glad I caught you before you headed for home,” Kellen commented. Kyle could see Kellen fidget and hesitate.

“Um ... uh ... I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity to coach here this season,” Kellen responded. After another hesitation, he added, “I was just a grunt-level college position coach and you trusted me and brought me up to the NFL.”

“You’ve done a hell of a job for me,” Kyle answered. “You took a bunch of undistinguished free agents and rookies and turned them into a strong, cohesive receiving unit. Did you know your receiving corps ranks fifth in the league in receiving over the past four games?”

“I did not know that,” Kellen allowed. “Boy ... you telling me that makes this that much harder. You know ... I played ball at Colorado when I was in college.”

“I remember,” Kyle agreed. “I hear your boys just hired your old boss from FIU to be their new head coach.”

“Yes, Isaiah Strickland got that job,” Kellen answered.

“Good for him,” Kyle replied, smiling. “He deserves the promotion. He did a good job at FIU.”

“He called earlier this afternoon,” Kellen said. “He asked me to be his OC [offensive coordinator] for the Buffaloes.”

“Congratulations! That is a fantastic opportunity for you,” Kyle gushed. “Boulder [, Colorado] is a fun place. You and Carla will enjoy it.”

“Carla is originally from Denver,” Kellen replied. “My years with the Broncos were great for her. She got to see her family regularly.”

“And this promotion will do the same for her,” Kyle agreed.

“I want to take this opportunity, but...” Kellen said, his face going grim momentarily. “I feel like I am deserting you and the Eagles. Coaching here and learning from you, it is such a great opportunity for me.”

“Nonsense!” Kyle declared. “A year ago, you were a position coach in college, you stepped up and did a year as a position coach in the NFL. Now you get another promotion and you will be a coordinator with a Power 5 college team. You have to grab this opportunity.”

“I appreciate your support, Coach,” Kellen said. “I feel like I am leaving you in the lurch, but, knowing you, you probably have a list of potential replacements for me stashed somewhere.”

“I do have a list to use when my coaches are recognized for their good work and get promotions,” Kyle laughed.

“Can I add a name to your list?” Kellen asked. Kyle nodded yes. “Add Jordan Burke.”

“I don’t know him,” Kyle said. “Where does he work?”

“She has been the receivers coach at Cal for the past four years,” Kellen replied. “I know her from when she worked as a grad assistant with me at FIU. She did well and got the chance to coach at Cal.”

“That school has put some good receivers into the NFL recently,” Kyle remarked.

“She did,” Kellen agreed. “They aren’t the most physically talented players around, but they play smart football and are...”

“Well coached,” Kyle agreed. “Point taken. I will put Jordan Burke on my list for your replacement.”

“Thank you again, Coach, for everything you’ve done for me this past year.”

Monday, January 5th 2032 – North Residence, Landenberg, PA

Allison North and Jake Steele repeated their “horseback ride” of the previous week after school. The two rode up to Jake’s house and spent 45 minutes making love together. They cleaned up and headed back for Allison’s house afterward, expecting that no one knew their secret. Unknown to them, one neighbor and friend of Jake’s, Mike DiFillipo, saw them ride to Jake’s house. He saw them again when they left. He also saw Jake give Allison a seriously passionate kiss and feel of her chest before they mounted up and rode off.

Mike confronted Jake the next morning at the bus stop.

“Are you banging Allison North?” Mike asked. He was nothing if not direct. Jake’s face blushed pink.

“What?” Jake stuttered. “What gives you that idea?”

“The forty-five minutes the two of you were alone in your house after school yesterday afternoon, Mike replied. “The hot kiss and grope you gave her before the two of you rode off. Give? What’s it like?” Mike was a frustrated virgin desperate to relieve himself of that burden. It was a condition the two talked about frequently over the past year and Jake had shared with Mike until Christmas vacation.

“God! You can’t tell anybody,” Jake insisted. “Allison will have my balls if word gets around.”

“So ... she already has your balls,” Mike teased. “And your cock too.”

“You got to keep our secret, man,” Jake pleaded. “No one can know.”

“I’m your friend,” Mike protested. “I’d never spread this around, I promise. So ... give ... what is it like?”

“It’s ... it’s amazing,” Jake said. He saw Billy Horst, a little seventh grader walking towards them. “This is secret.’ I’ll tell you later.”

“What’s secret?” Billy interrupted.

“None of your business,” Jake replied sharply. The short boy stepped further away from the older teens. “Later.”

“You bet we will talk about this later,” Mike answered, grinning from ear to ear.

Mike’s idea of keeping a secret wasn’t quite what Jake had in mind. After sixth period gym, Mike was changing beside his friends Konnor Wentz and Tom Anderson. No surprise, the topic of discussion in the locker room was sex - who was doing it with whom. Konnor and Mike were listing ninth grade couples that did the deed.

“Mila Becker and Ben Foltz,” Konnor said.

“A slut and a weirdo,” Tom responded. “Old news. I heard Carly Miller and Jake Jackson are doing it.”

“No way,” Konnor said. “I have one you won’t believe - Jake Steele and Allison North.”

“Impossible!” Tom protested. “‘She’s all goody-goody. No way Jake’s been near her pants.”

“It’s true,” Konnor insisted. “My older sister was at this party last month. The two of them were locked in one of the bedrooms for like ... a half hour doing it. I swear it’s true.” Chris Steele’s party had been mostly juniors and seniors, so news of Jake and Allison spending time alone in a bedroom hadn’t made it into ninth grade gossip circle.

“I find it hard to believe,” Tom responded. “Though they have been dating since school started. Jake should be looking elsewhere if Allison isn’t putting out ... at least a little.”

“I know it’s true about Jake and Allison,” Mike said. “They did it again yesterday after school. They were alone for forty-five minutes. Allison gave Jake a seriously hot kiss before they left his house after they did it.”

“Time alone doesn’t mean Allison gave up her treasures for Jake,” Tom insisted.

“Jake admitted it to me this morning,” Mike answered. “He admitted they banged their brains out yesterday afternoon.”

“Amazing,” Tom commented. “‘Who’d have thought it?”

“If Jake Steele can get laid, there might be hope for you too,” Konnor teased.

“Fuck you!” Tom responded.

“Well ... fuck you too,” Konnor replied, but without heat. “I’ve got Amanda primed. All we got to do is find time alone an’ I’ll be sliding her my big one.”

“Big one?” Mike teased. “Only in your dreams.”

“At least I have a girlfriend,” Konnor replied. “You two aren’t getting laid without girlfriends.”

“I’m working on it,” Mike answered.

“Me too,” Tom echoed.

“By the way ... keep the news about Jake and Allison secret,” Mike asked, finally remembering his promise to Jake earlier in the day.

Tuesday, January 6, 2032 – NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia, PA

Ryan Reynolds and Ed Fritz filed into Kyle’s office on Tuesday morning and took seats on his couch. Kyle joined his assistants in a chair by the couch.

“What’s on tap this morning, boss?” Ryan asked, grinning.

“I wanted to brainstorm some ideas for who will replace Kellen,” Kyle replied.

“I am going to miss Kellen,” Ed said. “I didn’t know him before last February, but he proved to be a dynamite receivers coach. The job he is taking in Colorado is a nice step up for him.”

“It is,” Ryan agreed. “I know you started a list already, Kyle. Who are you thinking about?”

Kyle went through his list. Ryan and Ed briefly commented on each of the names as Kyle listed them.

“That’s not a bad list to work from,” Ryan commented when they finished the list of possible receiver coaches. “What about that intern we had last summer during training camp. Jon ... uh, Jon...”

“Caffrey,” Ed added.

“I like the idea of some young, up-and-coming guy joining the staff,” Ryan said. “He’s young but he has a good head for football.”

“Maybe,” Kyle allowed. “He’s lived football most of his life. His dad was my high school coach and has been working for Bob Burton for a couple decades. Jon comes by his football smarts honestly. Is a jump from a high school coach to an NFL coach too big of a leap? I’d go after Jon as an offensive assistant in a second, but as a position coach?”

“I see your point,” Ryan said. “Zion is doing good work now and I don’t see him being ready to move up to be the receivers coach.”

“Not yet,” Kyle agreed. “Kellen gave me a suggestion yesterday afternoon after he informed of his departure. Either of you know Jordan Burke?”

“Never heard of him,” Ryan said, shrugging his shoulders.

“I ran into HER a few times while I was QB coach in Florida,” Ed allowed. “We bumped into each other at some recruiting events. She was a grad assistant then. I heard good things about her work. I understand she stepped up to being a receiver coach out in California. I’m not sure which school.”

“She’s at Cal,” Kyle said. “I googled her. Cal’s receivers seem decent. Do either of you have any objections if I bring her in for an interview?”

“I have no objection to a woman coach,” Ryan said.

“I’m fine if Penny’s fine with you hiring a woman coach,” Ed teased.

“I don’t think Penny will worry about one of my position coaches being female, if I hire Burke,” Kyle laughed. Talk moved on to the work for the offensive coaching staff for the next couple weeks. They determined that the staff would do an in-depth review of their own personnel and then work on self-scouting. What tendencies had their team developed this season that other teams might find and exploit next season?

“Bill? How are you doing?” Kyle asked his first wide receiver coach candidate. Bill Wilson, known as “Willie B” when he was drafted by the Broncos to start Kyle’s third season with team. Bill was undersized but had some quickness. Most of all, he caught ANYTHING thrown his way. Bill was football smart too, making up for his lack of speed and athletic talent by understanding what an offense was doing on each play.

“Coach, it’s been too many years,” Bill commented. “How have you been?”

“I’m am good,” Kyle replied. “Penny and the kids are all doing well too. Davey is graduating from high school this year. How are Sam and Owen?” They were Bill’s sons.

“Sam moves on to high school this fall. Owen is in sixth grade.”

“Time does fly,” Kyle agreed. “How is Latisha doing?”

“She’s loving Oregon,” Bill replied. “What is the occasion for the call, Coach? I know you. This isn’t just a social call.”

“I have seen video of the work you’ve been doing with your receivers,” Kyle replied. “You are doing stellar work.” Bill was the receivers coach for the Oregon Ducks. “How would you like to take a step up and come back to the NFL? I need a new receivers coach. Kellen Brown is taking the OC job at Colorado.”

“Ohhhh ... man! Are you serious, Coach?” Bill asked.

“Deadly serious,” Kyle replied. “I think you would make a great coach in the NFL.”

“I am honored you would ask me,” Bill replied. “If you had called three days ago, I would have probably jumped at this chance. It isn’t public knowledge yet, but I accepted the OC job here. We aren’t releasing that info until a press conference tomorrow.”

“Have you formally started the job?” Kyle asked. “You could thank your university, turn down the job and come east to work with me. I need a good man like you.”

“I gave my word I’d take the job,” Bill replied. The reluctance was evident in his voice. “You know, my word is my bond.”

“Say no more,” Kyle said. “I respect that. If things do not work out in Oregon, I will keep you in mind for a job in the future. I think you have great potential to coach in the NFL.”

“I appreciate the thought, Coach,” Bill replied. “Give Penny and your kids my love.”

“You do the same from me to Latisha, Sam and Owen,” Kyle replied before finishing the phone call. This was disappointing. Kyle thought Bill would be perfect for the wide receiver position coach’s job. He shrugged and called the next name on his list.

Kyle played “phone tag” with Tom Gilbertson, without either managing to reach the other. Tom had been a teammate of Kyle’s at the Broncos. Tom had joined the team as a sixth round, slightly undersized tight end about the time Brendan Hayden blew out his leg and retired from football.

Tom never became a starter with the Broncos, but he grew into the special teams ace role that Brendan had previously filled. He wasn’t the strongest guy but he was fearless and willing to throw his body against anyone to make a play. He was smart and had a fiery personality. He became the motivator and special teams captain for the Broncos.

Midafternoon, Tom finally caught up with Kyle.

“Coach, I got you ... finally!” Tom laughed when he heard his old teammate’s voice. “What’s up? What can I do for an old friend?”

“It’s good to hear from you,” Kyle replied. “It’s been too long since we talked.” The two exchanged pleasantries and discussed their families for a minute.

“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this conversation, Coach?” Tom asked.

“I don’t know if you heard Kellen Brown is taking the job as OC at Colorado,” Kyle said.

“Really? Shit!” Tom responded heatedly. “My guys are going to need to score some more points if we have to face Brownie’s offense every season.”

“The Sun Devils will have to score some points if they want to take on Kellen’s offense,” Kyle replied. “How would you like to let that be someone else’s problem? Come east and join my staff. Be my wide receivers coach.”

“Really ... wow, I’m stunned,” Tom said after a pause. “You think I’m ready to coach in the NFL?”

“I know you are ready to coach in the NFL,” Kyle answered. “You’ve done an outstanding job at Arizona State. I want you to teach my young receivers how to play at this level.”

“I am honored you would ask me,” Tom replied. Kyle could sense some reluctance in Tom’s voice.

“But?”

“Eva grew up in Tempe,” Tom explained. “Her parents are here. My kids are settled in at their school and have lots of friends. Eva’s parents are available to babysit whenever we need a break. This is just about the perfect spot for my family.”

“Eva would not be willing to move if you got a promotion?” Kyle asked.

“She would move,” Tom replied. “I know she would but that is my challenge. She and the kids would follow me if I take your job offer. Is it fair for me to ask them to upset their lives so I can get a job promotion? You should understand. You and Penny, you are in your third house in ... what ... seven years?”

“It isn’t so bad,” Kyle replied. “We lived a dozen years in Denver. We were in Pittsburgh for six years. Living here outside of Philly is really coming home for us. We live in the house Penny and I bought a few weeks after we graduated from college. Families are resilient. Eva, Luke and Troy will enjoy southeast Pennsylvania. It does not hit 115 degrees here in the summer.”

“There is that,” Tom allowed. He was quiet for a moment. “I don’t see how ... I am surprised I am on your list for prospective coaches.”

“You are an effective teacher,” Kyle replied. “You know how to motivate people, whether it is your special teams members at the Broncos, or, I assume, your receivers today at Arizona State. You should not be surprised I called. You are on top of my list for wide receivers or tight ends coaches.”

“Kyle Martin has a list,” Tom laughed. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Well ... you know how it is,” Kyle chuckled with his former teammate.

“I make lists all the time too,” Tom replied. He sighed. “Man, I would love to say yes to you, but I just can’t drag my family across the country right now. If my boys were older, perhaps, but not right now.”

“I am sorry to hear that, Tom,” Kyle answered. “You are a dynamite coach who is going places. I wanted one of those places to be with me here in Philly. Are you certain you will pass on this opportunity?”

“I am, Coach,” Tom replied.

“If your circumstances change, let me know,” Kyle said. “I would love to have you on my staff and for us to work together again.”

“Circumstances?” Tom laughed. “Like Brownie’s offense kicks our butts year after year and State fires our asses?”

“It’s coaching, things happen,” Kyle replied. “If you find yourself looking for a job, call me. I would hire you in a heartbeat.”

“I will keep that in mind, Coach,” Tom said. “Thank you for considering me. In any other circumstances, I would be hopping the next plane to Philly.”

“Take care, Tom,” Kyle answered.

“SHIT!” Kyle remarked to no one after the call ended. He took out his legal pad and crossed off Tom Gilbertson’s name from his list. He buzzed the receptionist. “Beth, could you look up Ken Garver’s number? We should have it on file from when we worked him out last spring.”

Less than five minutes later, Kyle was punching in Ken Garver’s number into his phone.

“Coach Martin, this is an unexpected pleasure,” Ken said when he answered the call.

“I wanted to touch base with you, Ken,” Kyle replied. “I guess this past season did not work out quite as you hoped.” Ken Garver was out of work for half the season. The Titans finally brought him in when they lost a key receiver. Ken played in six games at the end of the season. He had nine catches for 71 yards and no touchdowns.

“No, not as I hoped it would,” Ken allowed. “I have been thinking a lot about what you and I talked about last spring. You may be right. It may be time for me to move on from football.”

“How would you like to trade in your cleats for a visor?” Kyle suggested. “I would like you to join my staff here in Philly and teach my receivers how the game is played at this level.”

“Coach for you?” Ken said. “I am not a coach.”

“You and I are two of maybe a couple dozen people in this world who know how to play wide receiver in the NFL at an elite level. I think you would be good at sharing that knowledge with my young guys.”

“Coaching is such a peripatetic profession,” Ken replied. “I can’t see myself moving around the country every few years chasing another coaching job.”

“I am not asking you to make this a career,” Kyle replied. “Come down to Philly and try out coaching. Hell, Pottsville isn’t that far away. You will be able to see your parents and in-laws easily from Philly. They could easily come to the games.”

“It is tempting, Coach,” Ken allowed. “Still, I think I will have to say no. I just don’t see myself coaching.”

“So, what is next?” Kyle asked.

“This isn’t public yet,” Ken replied. “I am signing a one-day contract with the Vikings, so I can retire as a Viking.”

“That’s appropriate,” Kyle said. Ken was drafted by the Vikings and played his best years there. “Good luck with your future endeavors.”

“Thanks, Coach,” Ken said. “Thank you for considering me for a spot on your staff. Thanks too for all the teaching and mentoring you’ve given me over the years.”

“It’s been my pleasure, Ken,” Kyle said before the two concluded the call.

Kyle scratched Ken Garver’s name off his list of candidates. He called Ryan Reynolds and Jeremy North to have them call in the guys they suggested for interviews. Kyle made one last call to California. He set up and interview with Jordan Burke for the following week.

Tuesday, January 6, 2032 – Lionville YMCA Pool

Downingtown West was expected to be a good team. David worried if everyone would be ready after layoff from practice and competing over the holidays. David’s “A” team easily beat West’s “A” team in the Boy’s first event, the 200 Medley Relay. Avon Grove’s “B” team managed to stay close to West’s “A”. Mike Bell nearly closed the gap on the final leg but unfortunately tapped the side of the pool a split second after West. Mason Ewing narrowly edged out West’s best freestyler for first in the 200 freestyle. Avon Grove also took fourth place. The lead dwindled to 16-13, Avon Grove’s favor.

David easily bested the field in the 200 Individual Medley. Mike Harris took fourth place. Sam Kohler was unable to keep up with West’s best swimmer in the 50 Freestyle. He did manage to stay ahead to grab second place. Jacob Hartman earned points with his fifth-place finish. The Avon Grove lead narrowed to 31-30.

In the 100 Butterfly, David dominated. He was three seconds behind the state record he set against Henderson a couple weeks earlier. Downingtown West grabbed second and third places. Reed Cameron just missed catching the West swimmer and ended up in fourth place. The score was 39-Avon Grove, 38-Downingtown West.

Mason Ewing was a beast in the 500 Freestyle. He pulled ahead to take first, just ahead of two swimmers from West. Jacob Hartman, the quick freshman, just missed taking third place by an eye blink. He settled for fourth while Trey Batdorf took fifth place. Avon Grove’s lead remained one point, 55-54.

Downingtown West took first in the 200 Freestyle Relay. Mason Ewing, “A” team anchor and Luke Allerton, “B” team anchor both beat West’s “B” team. This event moved Downingtown West ahead by one point, 62-61.

Mike Harris opened David’s eyes by taking first place in the 100 Backstroke. Reed Crawford took second place. Their strong performances grabbed the lead back for Avon Grove 72-67. David was possessed as he dove in to start the 100 Backstroke. He led from the gun through the end. To most of the Avon Grove’s team’s surprise, Mike Harris stayed nearly up with David to take second place. Jacob Hartman managed to grab fifth place. Avon Grove’s dominance in this event increased their lead to Avon Grove-83, West-72.

The final event of the afternoon was to 400 Freestyle Relay. Luke Allerton battled gamely but was edged out for first place in the final leg. Jacob Hartman was catching West’s “B” team but ran out of pool to catch them at the end. The final score for the meet was Avon Grove-87, Downingtown West-82.

David talked with Coach Bunting on the bus ride home from Lionville. Both agreed that their team was fortunate to edge out a strong Downingtown West team. Their layoff over the holidays had set the team back a little. Coach Bunting promised his team captain that they would correct that oversight be they faced Bishop Shanahan in eight days.

Tuesday, January 6, 2032 – PARC, Exton, PA

[PARC is the office of Chester County Council, BSA, the local council where David, Jessie, Danny and Robbie enjoy their Scouting]

Kyle, Penny and Matt Robinson rode together for the council’s high adventure committee meeting. The people at the meeting were mostly cool with the head coach of the Philadelphia frickin’ Eagles being at their meeting. A few guys did come over to talk Eagles before the meeting started. Once Mr. Fulmer started the meeting, Kyle blended right in with all the other advisors learning about Philmont.

Mr. Fulmer spent most of the evening discussing the thirty-five preplanned treks Philmont offered crews for the ten-day trip in the mountains of northern New Mexico. The Scouts should select the trek, not the advisors. The advisors needed to have some say in the trek, because some of the higher numbered treks were rated as strenuous or super strenuous. The advisors needed to be certain they were physically up to staying with fourteen- to seventeen-year-olds hiking in the mountains with forty to fifty pounds in their backpack.