Chapter 37

Our first three plays had already been called. Our first, a run up the middle, gained two yards and got Bob hit hard. I thought to myself that the play didn’t fit our plan for this team. The next play was a fake pass with a run for Bob again. In the huddle, I said, “Guys, we have to use misdirection and agility. Running up the middle isn’t it. This play will not be a fake pass. Tom, you will be my primary and I will plan to run for my life. Bob, delay and then go up the middle waving your arm for the ball. On two. Break!” We formed up and the center hiked the ball.

I backed up like I was going to pass. Bob moved forward and gave a block that was easily bypassed. I left the pocket like I was running for my life which was at least somewhat true. Bob went out about five yards and started waving his arm for the ball attracting attention. The corner chasing Tom bit and came toward Bob leaving him uncovered! I threw the ball to Tom who caught it and was off to the races! No one had a good angle and he made a touchdown.

One of the opposing linemen saw that and came at me to spear me. Unfortunately for him, he was right in front of the back judge who blew his whistle and threw his flag. The lineman had hit me a glancing blow helmet first. Our fitness coach had made me wear a flak jacket which kept me from being overwhelmed with pain. After a quick discussion and review, it was decided that this was a dead ball foul and spearing. The lineman was ejected from the game and the touchdown counted. After that, we kicked off and managed one of our few touchbacks.

The Bears made a couple of first downs before Trevor and the defense was able to hold them. After the punt, we made two first downs grinding on short yardage plays. My ribs hurt and I wasn’t in shape to run much. We made two first downs before having to punt. The rest of the half played out in a similar fashion. Neither Coach Marshall nor Coach Edwards said anything about my play in which Tom scored.

At the half, we went into our locker area. I lay down and a trainer assistant rubbed my side to ease the pain. I did have a bruise from the helmet. I felt better when we went out for the second half.

We received and would start on the twenty-five. We again had two plays called and both were option plays giving me the option of running or passing. One thing I had noticed was that, when Bob ran out into their backfield, he was ignored. In the huddle, I reminded folks of the expectations for a pass. I told Bob to fake his block and get into their backfield waving his arm again. I said that, this time, the pass was coming his way. He grinned. I said, “On one. Break!”

The ball was hiked to me and I retreated to pass. As before, Bob gave a desultory block attempt before going into the back area and waving his arm around. I started to run, just like before. The defensive backs had help from the safeties to cover our receivers. I took about four steps and threw the ball to Bob who had no one close to him. He turned to run. He was finally caught on the Bears’ twenty yard line and fell forward for another yard.

Coach Marshall signaled to do it again. In the huddle, I said, “We’ll run the same play the same way but Tom will stumble at the eight or seven. Tom, you will catch the ball and we’ll have a first down.” Everyone nodded. “On three. Break!”

On three, I was ready to receive the ball. I had been using one and two all day. One of the Bears’ linemen charged into our line just before our center hiked the ball. The flag went up and we had a free play. The defensive lineman was coming so I left the pocket running hard. Bob was waving his arm. Tom seemed to stumble. I threw him the ball and he caught it while sitting on the six yard line! The whistle blew ending the play. We declined the penalty.

We gathered into the huddle. We had plays called Student Body Left and Right. I called Student Body Left but told Bob to go right. I hoped to catch the defense leaning the wrong way. Bob said, “That will probably get us a couple of yards.”

I grinned. I’m optimistic. On three. Break!”

Their same lineman charged in again. I blocked the lineman while Bob took off to the right. It worked really well. He scored! I got up to cheers from the offense and we ran off the field. The extra point was good and we led fourteen to nothing.

That was the last scoring of the game. Both teams were tired and the pace slowed. We had won over what should be our toughest opponent. We went into the lockers after a victory celebration. Our team was mobbed by our ladies, parents, other students, and alumni. One of the TV stations had a sports team to interview us after they moved from the opposing side of the field to our side. Bob and Tom were both interviewed. The female sportscast person then wanted to interview me. Alice was with me but I didn’t let her go. The woman asked me, “Jerry, how does it feel to lead the Bobcats to a winning season?”

I said, “You’ve already interviewed the offensive leaders of the team. I don’t lead but just help. Next year, recruiting will bring in a real quarterback. By my count, we don’t have a winning season quite yet. Why don’t you talk to our coach and the real leaders of this team?” I walked away with Alice.

Alice whispered, “Jerry, why not talk to her?”

“Her next questions would have been about you. Alice, this is all temporary. Also, I’m no hero as are others. I’ll shower and meet you and my folks outside.”

Once inside, Coach Marshall approached me. “Short, you have to talk to the news folks. That will help our recruiting next year.”

“Coach, winning will help recruiting. I’m just a temp. There’s no need to emphasize my slight contribution. I was also concerned that Alice would receive attention that she has told me she didn’t want.” Coach shrugged and I got in the shower. Once out, I dried off and dressed. At least, the sportscasters weren’t following us into the locker room. I left for Alice and my folks.

Once outside, they were there and the woman approached me. Trevor, Bob, and Tom walked up beside me. “Ma’am,” said Trevor, “Jerry is camera-shy. He is the leader of this team. When our team buses were in an accident, Jerry led us in getting people out and safe. At that time, he was playing defense and was the captain of the defense with me. Our quarterback died in that wreck and Jerry took over playing that position. He has done well. The entire team is proud to know him and value his leadership on and off the field.”

I thought to myself, “Crap!”

Bob spoke up next. “As quarterback, Jerry calls the plays and decides what option to put first. He is uncanny in his ability to read defenses. We are glad to have him as our quarterback and leader. He dates a beautiful girl and I date her roommate.”

Tom was next but, before he could say anything, much of the rest of the team had come out and gathered around us. They began to chant, “Jerry! Jerry!” It made the interview impossible to continue and the camera switched back to the sportscaster who said, “Obviously, his teammates are proud of him and think he’s a leader. Talking with Jerry Short, I am Angela Jones for Action Sports.”

The camera was switched off and she set her microphone aside. She looked at me. “You really don’t care about the spotlight?”

“No ma’am. I’m not even on a football scholarship. It’s a team sport and each member of the team is vital to our success. My individual sport is the decathlon.”

Alice came up grinning. “You’re my hero, Jerry.”