Page 32 of Player
I jogover to grab a cup of water, rinsing out my mouth. For his case, Emery’s still celebrating with the other linemen before getting ready for the next time we’re on the field. I share his desire to win, but I'm aware we've only just scored a touchdown—we'll need many more before the end of the damn season.
Ty, our running back, comes over to me and exclaims, "Want me some next time, big dawg! They're going to feel the fire in me! I'm going show them how great I am! " Patting my shoulder pads, he adds, "Just give me a chance, man."
I nod, downing my water. "As soon as possible!"
He flashes me a wide smile that contrasts with his dark skin. I'm sincere—at the first opportunity, he’ll get ‘the rock’. Ty is one of the fastest running backs I've ever seen. A dual-sport athlete, spending his spring with the track team, he’s got an outside chance of getting drafted next spring. I won’t hurt his professional prospects by showboating for my own glory, not as a freshman.
We kick off to the Green Machine, and it’s time for our defense to show their chops. I’m not all that interested, so my gaze drifts to the stands, where the crowd is going wild. The red, glittering uniforms of the cheerleaders catch my attention for a split second. I see legs kicking up, pom-poms shaking, and even somersaults. Nothing unusual, really, and I turn my attention back to the team. I can't wait to take my place on the field again and settle the score inside my soul.
13
DIXIE
The electric atmospheresurrounding me is contagious, and I catch myself screaming the Jaguars' name to encourage the players.
"They're amazing!" exclaims Saphya.
She's just as excited as everyone else, and I understand why. Her eyes sparkle, her cheeks have flushed red, and she jumps at every hit out there on the muddy field.
"Another drive like that and they'll have won the game," Pia chimes in.
I glance at the scoreboard where the score is displayed in bright numbers, the Jaguars lead 48 to 7 at the end of the third quarter.
"We shouldn't celebrate too early," I caution. "The game’s in hand, but people could get hurt."
Saphya cuts me off:
"Don't bring that bad luck here! The team’s kicking ass, especially Player. He might be making a case to be the man for the rest of the season after a game like this."
A strange wave of heat catches me, and I spot my neighbor on the field. Outfitted in his shoulder pads, his impressive build is highlighted even more. He's muscular, tall, and...
Oh no, no, no!
I mentally scold myself: there's absolutely no way I'm going to start fantasizing about this jerk who happens to be my dorm neighbor. His dream physique is far from making me forget who I'm dealing with. This guy is insufferable, and the worst part is that he's decided to play games with me.
On the field, Player breaks away from his opponents with a feint before taking off like a rocket. I lose my train of thought and jump to my feet, just like the other fans around me, to keep him in sight. He’s scampering, and suddenly my heart’s in my throat. "What the hell is he doing?!"
I don't even realize I'm speaking out loud, I'm so caught up in the action unfolding before our eyes. Quarterbacks aren’t normally supposed to run the entire field to score atouchdown,that's therunning back'sjob. But that’s what Player’s doing, avoiding the Green Mountain defenders like they’re inept amateurs instead of college football players. He's about to score when I see him, a Green Mountain defender who’s coming in fast and hard on Player’s back, but with an angle that promises a massive collision. But Player hasn't had his last word, and I watch, shocked, as he makes his move. Just inchest before he’s caught, Player leaps forward, diving the last two yards into the end zone. He even manages to land with a nifty tuck roll, somersaulting on the grass as he slides across the muddy turf. But he gets up like it’s nothing, and hold the ball over his head like a trophy.
Around me, the crowd explodes with joy, and I join in without hesitation. As arrogant as the son of a bitch might be, I have to admit that on the field, he's a genius. His teammates swarm him, the hero of the game no doubt.
"He's incredible!" comments Saphya.
I just nod in response, but my friend's eyes are fixed on theplayers.
"I think he's not going to be leaving the starting lineup anytime soon," adds Pia.
The shy and reserved young woman from the beginning of the semester seems to have found her footing now, as she yells at the players when their actions don't meet her approval, or when the referees make decisions against the Jaguars.
Thecheerleadersaccompanying the team are in their position on the sidelines directly in front of us in the OMU student section, and between plays, my attention shifts to them. Their calls are sharp, but their aerials and acrobatics are not as good as they should be, definitely not competition level. I notice some girls aren't properly securing their positions, and they often come close to accidents. A shiver of apprehension runs down my spine when they decide to do a toss basket despite the wet, slipper ground. But maybe I'm just projecting my fears onto them? Hard to tell.
When the final whistle blows, the Jaguars blow out Green Mountain State 60 to 14. I’ve never been to a game that’s been this much of a one-sided ass whooping. Gradually, the fans start to leave the stands, and we follow suit, but as soon as we reach the front of the stands, Saphya grabs my arm.
"I want to introduce you to the team," she says in response to my surprised look.
I realize she's talking about thecheerleaderswhen she heads toward the field where the squad’s starting to pack up their things, although two of the guys are currently engaged in a one arm base-off stunt competition it seems, each with a girl above their heads. That at least looks strong, and they’re doing the seated press with the hand on the butt, not the riskier one-foot standing hold.
Saphya approaches a young woman wearing a black tracksuit. "Good evening, Linda!"
