Page 79 of Hard Count
With his head turned in her direction, he asks, "do you know what she's up to?"
"How do you know she's up to something?" I narrow my eyes, questioning him.
"When that dimple pops, it only means one thing," he replies confidently.
I huff a laugh. "You're right. We need to stay alert. She thinks New Orleans is going to be running a dime defense."
"They expect us to pass the ball?"
I nod. "Which means we're going to run it. Start with the basic routes and let's see how fancy we have to get. She's not going to take it easy on you."
"I wouldn't want her any other way." He smirks in a way that makes me want to act like her dad and not his coach. "Yes, sir," he says when he clocks my face, dropping his smile and putting his helmet on.
The team lines up after a huddle from Nash and last minute instructions from Drew and Garcia. Crossing my arms, I stand on the sideline and wait to see how many yards we're able to get if the defense is anticipating a run. Only that's not what happens. Now I see why he calls her a fox. She's crafty.
"Oh, come on! What was that?" I ask, slapping my clipboard against my leg. "You let the defense run right into your house," I yell at my O-line.
"Nash said they were going to run pass coverage," Marcus explains.
"I don't care what he said. I care what they do." I point to the defense. "Run it again!"
Drew and Garcia have a quick discussion and relay the information to the defense. What is she going to try this time. Nash snaps the ball but before he can even hand if off to Adrian, Eli takes him down. She called a blitz. I march onto the field. Two can play this game.
"Bring it in," I call the offense into a huddle.
"Sorry, Coach. They came too fast. I'll be prepared this time," Nash says, taking a water bottle from Asher.
"She's testing you." I'm irritated that I didn't think of this myself, but I'm fucking proud of my daughter for knowing how New Orleans would react to our run game. "Once they know we're staying on the ground, they are going to switch to the blitz."
"I have to get rid of the ball faster," Nash confirms.
I nod. "Throw it Lucas. Let's make them chase after us. Line up for the run but blow past the line and don't stop until you are in the end zone," I say to Lucas. He nods in understanding.
Drew's eyes meet mine and I smile and nod while keeping my face as neutral as possible. I don't think I have a tell but my little girl notices everything. It wouldn't surprise me if she is counting how many steps I take to get back to the sideline and somehow that translates to me calling a new play.
I wait patiently as the ball is snapped and the play is in motion. I've learned how to be stoic on the sideline if needed to deceive coaches on the other side of the field.
"Oh, come on!" Drew yells, walking on to the field with her hands in the air. I cover my mouth to keep from laughing.
Nash doesn't bother hiding his smile. "Better luck next time, little fox," he taunts her.
Her eyes narrow on the both of us and then she's gathering the defense in for a tongue lashing.
"She's good," Garcia says, stepping up to me. "She could run the whole team."
"I believe you're right," I reply, proudly. She has been running the practice and the team all season. This isn't my best season at Newhouse because of anything I've done. It's Drew. It's her ability to see beyond the play.
"You know…" his voice trails off. I already know what he's thinking. He doesn't even need to finish the thought.
"I've already put it in motion."
He smiles knowing that he just hit a jackpot. "I'll follow up as well. I'm going to miss you."
"You can't get rid of me that easily." I punch his arm.
"It'll be nice to go out a champion," he says, watching Nash connecting another long pass with Lucas.
I nod. "One game at a time. Let's get past New Orleans."
