Chapter 20

I talked to Ed and Jeremy on the bus on the way to school Tuesday. I commented on how sorry I felt for Sam Hayes. Ed laughed. "Don't you know, Kyle? The players that go on the practice squad have to be cut before they can be signed again. It was on the news this morning. The Eagles had resigned Sam already. I was happy for my friend.

The school week quickly settled down to routine. Penny and I studied together Wednesday and Thursday evenings. We never found any privacy, so we couldn't do more than steal a quick kiss occasionally. Football practice went smoothly. We seemed to be prepared for our first game. Ed and Jeremy practically strutted around the hallways on Friday when they wore their game jerseys to school. Our team always wore jerseys on game day. Students slapped us on the back and gave us encouragement all day.

After dinner, Dad brought Andy and I back to school for our games. The JV team played their game first. I wished Andy luck as we split up, Andy heading for the middle school locker room and me heading for the high school locker room. I dressed and prepared myself in a row with Ed, Jeremy and Stan.

Ed was quiet most of the time while we waited. Jeremy on the other hand was boisterous. I asked Ed, "Are you ready, buddy?"

"I guess. Am I going to be good enough for this? What if I forget the plays?" Ed wondered.

"You know our plays, Ed. Hell, you know their plays too. You've studied enough that you could call their defense for them. You are ready, Ed. We're going to go out there and kick some butt!" I declared.

"You'll be fine, Ed," Jeremy added.

I asked, "Are you nervous, Jeremy?"

"Hell no. I've played football half my life. I love it. My job is simple. I find the guy with the ball and I clobber him. I'm going to love this game." Jeremy said.

Stan patted Ed on the back. "We're going to take care of you, Ed. You will do a good job."

The coaches gathered the team for a final review of our game plan and for a pep talk. The talk was just finishing when we got word that the JV team had won their game 44-14. We listened to the team prayer and then headed for the field.

The stands at our field were filled to capacity with our cheering fans. Our team colors of Red and White showed every where. We received a standing ovation from our crowd when we took the field. Our school hadn't lost any of the enthusiasm for football that had developed during our playoff run last fall. Everyone was pumped up by the crowd reaction.

Stan, Andy Groff and Jerry Frankhouser took the field with Eastern's three captains for the coin toss. Eastern won the toss and decided to receive the kickoff. Eastern's quarterback was starting for his third year. He actually was starting to look OK as a player. His team managed to make three first downs and gain 36 yards on us before things started to go wrong. He dropped back for a pass. Coach Wyndham had anticipated it. He sent Jeremy and Rick on a linebacker blitzes. Eastern's offensive line wasn't ready for the blitz. A lineman picked up Rick, but Jeremy came free. Jeremy crushed the feeble block that the tailback threw and plowed into the quarterback. The guy dropped to the ground, losing the football in the process. Players from both teams scrambled for the ball. In the end when they untangled the pile of bodies, Andy Groff had the football.

"Let's go, Ed. This is our cue," I gushed, slapping my friend on the back. Our team huddled. Ed called the play. The coaches wanted to establish our dominance on the field. They called for a simple run up the middle. Our offensive line against their defense. All Ed needed to do was take the snap, step back, spin and hand the ball to Stan.

My job was to run downfield like the play was a pass. I would draw a couple defenders away from the runner. The play worked just like we practiced it. Our lineman pushed Eastern off the line of scrimmage and opened a gaping hole for Stan to run through. Our first play gained seven yards. We ran the same play another two times, each time with the same result. We gained 22 yard and made two first downs.

On the fourth play, Coach Caffrey called for a play fake. Ed faked handing the ball to Stan, who dived into the line. I ran downfield, slipping behind the cornerback who was to cover me. I watched as the middle linebacker and free safety hesitated. Both took a step towards Stan. This was all I needed. I turned on my speed and streaked downfield for the end zone, leaving the cornerback staring at my back. The free safety desperately tried to catch me but couldn't.

Ed lofted a perfect spiral to me. I caught the ball against my body, turned and ran three steps into the end zone for our first touchdown. I raised the ball over my head to the cheers of our fans. Don and Greg ran to me to celebrate. Ed joined us. He grabbed me by my helmet and banged heads with me.

"That was a great job, Kyle!" Ed gushed.

I laughed and asked, "Do you want the ball from your first touchdown?"

"Thanks man, I appreciate it." Ed said as he tucked the ball under his arm. We walked back to our bench so the special teams could kick the extra point.

Andy Groff and Rick Winters led our defense out onto the field. Eastern's quarterback went back to work. They had good balance between runs and passes. Eastern managed to make two first downs and gain 23 yards. Coach Wyndham gambled correctly on the seventh play of the drive. He called for Jeremy to run blitz. When Eastern snapped the ball, Jeremy spun around and filled the gap between our right tackle, Austin Herr and our right end Andy Groff. Coach Wyndham obviously had found something on the videotapes of Eastern. Andy pushed the offensive tackle one direction while Austin pushed the guard the opposite direction. Jeremy blitzed through the hole directly into the path of the running back. He tackled the ball carrier 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Predictably on second and fourteen, we blitzed. The quarterback barely got the ball off before Andy knocked him down. On third down Andy Groff chased the quarterback out of the pocket right into the arms of Travis Hall, our back up left defensive end for another sack. They punted the ball back to us.

Ed led our offense back on the field. The coaches mixed up our running and passing plays to keep Eastern's defense off balance. We scored our second touchdown after a nine play drive. Don caught the TD when the free safety swung over to double cover me. Score 14-0 Wolverines.

Things started to go downhill for Eastern after our second score. They started passing more often since they were 14 points behind. Coach Wyndham blitzed more often. Eastern's offense was stymied. Our defense intercepted a desperate third down pass. Our offense returned to the field and efficiently drove down the field. Stan stuffed the ball in for our third touchdown. Score 21-0 Wolverines.

Down by 21 points, Eastern had to abandon the run totally. We harassed and blitzed their quarterback unmercifully. They did not score at all in the first half. Our offense scored on our fourth possession on Ed's well thrown deep pass to me in the end zone. Our defense added another score when Andy Groff sacked the quarterback, causing a fumble that Jeremy scooped and carried into the end zone.

Near halftime Eastern tried to slow our blitz down with a screen pass. When the play started, Jeremy moved to cover the tailback who headed to the sideline from the backfield. When Jeremy spotted the quarterback dropping back to pass, he ran for the quarterback trying to get a sack. A lineman tried to block him, but slipped. Jeremy bore in for the sack. The quarterback neatly tossed the ball over Jeremy's outstretched hands to the tailback. With the blocking help of the lineman who "slipped", the tailback carried the ball downfield for a thirty-three yard gain. Our defense stiffened and returned the ball to our hands. We ran out the clock with three kneel downs. We headed to the locker room with a 28-0 lead. Rick Winters wasn't happy about the long gain that Eastern made on the screen pass. Rick had grabbed the bar on Jeremy's helmet. He shouted, "What the hell were you thinking, Jeremy?"

Jeremy answered, "I thought I could get the quarterback."

"What was your responsibility for the defense I called?"

"I cover the running back if he comes out of the backfield," Jeremy answered.

"Right! Now, what the hell were you doing chasing the quarterback?"

"I thought I could sack him."

"God damn it, Jeremy. Don't you get it? They suckered you into chasing the wrong guy! If you played your responsibility, you would have either tackled the tailback for a four yard loss or maybe even intercepted the ball and scored a touchdown. Instead of that, you were out of position and let them have a big play."

"Sorry, Rick."

"Don't say sorry. Play your responsibility! I don't need you making tackles for me. I sure as hell don't need you crossing the field to chase the ball and making tackles for George."

Jeremy said, "I'll try to do better, Rick."

"Jeremy, you have a lot of talent. Unfortunately for every great play you make, you screw one up. You need to play for the team. Each of us does our job on this team and we are great. If everyone freelances, we will lose. Do you get it now?"

"I'll do better, Rick."

The mood of our team was buoyant in the locker room. Coach Caffrey decided to sit most of the starters for the second half. The sophomores like Ed, Jeremy, Austin Herr and Adam Diem who were starting their first game on the varsity team would continue to play in the second half. Ed was ecstatic about throwing three touchdowns in a half.

We received the ball to begin the second half. Drew McCormick got a lot of work at tailback while Stan watched on the bench. I found out why my friends were so happy to see Drew return to football. Drew isn't as big as Stan and doesn't knock tacklers down, but he's elusive. He also is fast enough to run outside. Drew gained 124 yards in the second half, ran for a touchdown and caught a second. Karl Weaver and Tim Showalter each caught touchdowns. Eastern finally managed to get on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter. The final score was 56-7 Wolverines.

Ed and I watched Eastern's last gasp try at scoring together on the sideline. He was ecstatic. "I set a school record for touchdowns Kyle! I can't believe it!" he gushed.

"I know Ed. You played a great game." I answered.

"I can't believe I outplayed Zack Hayes and Sam Hayes. I set a school record in my first varsity game!"

"Remember that Eastern isn't very good. You'll have harder games than this one. Don't get too excited about this win."

"I know, but Zack only scored four touchdowns against them last year. I remember."

"Right, he did. Do you remember that was four touchdowns in a half? Coach sat him on the bench for the second half."

"Why do you think I played when we were so far ahead?"

"Probably to get you more experience. Coach played me the whole game with Eastern last year. This year I sat the second half. I think it's for the experience."

"I guess. I'm still happy with how I played."

"You should be happy. You played well. Just don't expect it to be this easy every week. We have some tough opponents to play this year. Celebrate, but don't get carried away, Ed."

"OK, Kyle. I'll remember," Ed said. By now the fans had taken the field, celebrating our first victory. Penny found Ed and me.

"Take your helmet off, Kyle," Penny gushed. "I want to give my lover a kiss." I yanked my helmet off and leaned down. Penny threw her arms around my neck. We kissed discretely at first, but with rising passion. Soon our tongues were dueling.

"Ah-hem" someone grunted. Penny and I broke apart. My Dad, Mom, Andy and Lizzie were standing beside us.

Dad said, "You played well tonight, Kyle."

"Thanks, Dad," I answered. I looked at my brother and asked, "I know your team won. How did you do, Andy?"

He said, "I caught five passes and scored two touchdowns. I scored the first one in the second quarter when..."

Dad interrupted, "You can tell him later, Andy. Let Kyle go and get changed. We'll meet you out here when you're done."

I said, "I'll see you in fifteen or twenty minutes. See you later, Penny," as I kissed her on the cheek.

"I'll see you soon Kyle. Your Dad is giving me a ride home tonight." Penny answered.

I headed into the locker room. Coach Caffrey was gathering our team for our wrap up on the game. He complemented us on a well played game. Coach announced, "The first game ball goes to quarterback Ed Fritz for an outstanding game. Ed broke the school touchdown record tonight with six touchdowns. The second game ball goes to Drew McCormick for his contributions in the second half. He gained 124 yards and scored two touchdowns."

I took a quick shower, dressed and met my family outside. Greg offered to give Penny and me a ride to the movies tomorrow night. I met Penny and my family in the parking lot. Penny and I piled in the back seat while Andy and Lizzie took the middle seats in the mini-van.

On the way home I said, "Penny, do you want to go to the movies tomorrow night? Greg Harrison offered to give us a ride."

"Is this just Greg and his date and us or is this a team night out?"

"There will be more than just the four of us. I expect Jeremy and Kathy will be there. Ed definitely is going. There will be a bunch of us."

"I hoped we could have some time together for just us, Kyle."

"It would be nice, but it is important for our team to hang out together off the field too. It helps us work better as a team if we do other things together as friends too."

Penny seemed dubious about my explanation but said, "I guess. What time is Greg picking us up?"

"Around 5:30. I'll pick you up around 5:20. We can wait at my house until Greg gets there."

"OK, Kyle. It's a date."

When we got home, I walked Penny back to her house. We lingered for a couple minutes on her front porch kissing. I headed home quickly when the porch light blinked a couple times. I didn't want to talk with Mr. Edwards just yet.

Mom allowed Andy and me to sleep late on Saturday morning. We finished breakfast around 10 in the morning and then we headed out to mow lawns. Andy and I spent most of the day getting our job done. I cleaned up for my date when I got home from my mowing. Greg picked Penny and me up right on time.

When we got to his car I asked, "No date tonight, Greg?"

"No. I'll probably hook up with one of the girls tonight," Greg answered.

Greg and I talked about the game last night while we drove to the mall west of Lancaster. Greg parked near the McDonalds. Our gang was meeting there tonight before the movie. Penny and I ordered our dinner and found seats near the back. Greg had a seat at the next table with Karl Weaver and George Reynolds.

Stan Humphreys and Amber Callahan arrived next. Jessie Hamilton brought a carload of cheerleaders, including Cynthia Lowell, Sally Edmonds, and Julie Simpson. Sally slid in beside Greg. Julie had a seat with Stan and Amber. A couple minutes later Stacie Thompson showed up with Ed in tow. They sat down with Penny and me. Carload by carload the football players, cheerleaders and friends filtered in.

Our group enjoyed our dinner, rehashed yesterday's game, teased each other and enjoyed the companionship. Most everyone praised Ed's and Drew's performance the previous night. Stacie obviously was hot for Ed. She spent half of dinner with a hand on Ed's lap. It was funny watching the expression on his face and the way he squirmed every time Stacie groped his crotch. They exchanged kisses and hugs throughout dinner.

We were almost finished eating when Stacie whispered in Ed's ear. He got an ear to ear grin and nodded yes. He announced, "Stacie and I decided to ... uh ... go for a drive. We'll see you later."

The outline of Ed's erection was obvious in his pants. As he got up and passed me, I grabbed him by the elbow. I whispered to Ed, "Do you have condoms with you, Ed? I think you are going to need them."

Ed whispered back, "I'm ready, Kyle. I don't go anywhere anymore without a couple in my pocket. I don't want any reruns of last spring."

I patted him on the back and whispered, "Have fun, Ed." He just grinned back at me.

Penny and I headed over to the movie. Greg followed me holding hands with Sally. Penny and I snuggled together and enjoyed the movie. Greg and Sally spent most of the movie making out. The way they were kissing I expected Sally to catch a ride with us when the movie was over.

When the movie was over Greg hustled us out with Sally as I expected. Greg hurried us home. He obviously had further plans for the evening when he dropped us off. I wished him luck when Penny and I got out. I walked my lover home. We kissed on the porch, but not too long like the night before.

--oooOooo--

Sunday afternoon Ed, Andy and I got together to train. I asked, "How did your, uh ... drive with Stacie go?" I tried to not be too graphic with my little brother listening. I shouldn't have bothered.

Ed stated, "God! Stacie is hot. We fucked twice last night. Stacie found a private place for us to park. We laid a blanket down on the ground and, well ... wow! She gave me a blow job. It was unbelievable. Have you ever had one?"

I noticed that Andy was hanging on every word Ed said. I answered, "Yes. I've had quite a few. Stacie is very good at giving head. So is Penny."

"Penny gives blow jobs? I didn't think she would do that," Ed said.

"Penny is quite skilled at it."