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“You ready to do this, big guy?” Thor asks.
“Damn right,” I say, sounding more confident than I feel. I glance around at my teammates, and they all give me nods of silent encouragement. I call out the play and we break the huddle. We line up in the shotgun formation and I call out, “Here we go.” Planting my foot on the field, I’m ready when Thor snaps the ball to me. I throw a screen pass to the running back. He takes it another seven yards for the first down.
The fans go wild, their shouts so loud, I can barely hear my own thoughts. As we huddle up, they quiet down. Griffin grins. “Great play, QB1.”
“Thanks. But we’re just getting started.” I have no idea how prophetic my words will seem at the end of the game when the Silverbacks come out victorious with a final score of 49-14. Weplayed a fantastic game for all sixty minutes. Were there a few things we could’ve done better? Absolutely. But I’m proud of my team and of myself.
My teammates engulf me in a celebration of our win. I’m repeatedly slapped on the back as the fans jump to their feet, cheering thunderously. I think about Autumn and my family in the crowd, witnessing this moment, and it fills my heart with warmth.
I meet the opposing quarterback in the middle of the field and he tells me I had a great game and how they’ll be ready for us next time. I tell him not to be so sure.
Spirits are running high when we return to the locker room. Setting my helmet in the top cubby of my locker, I strip off my jersey and pads.
“Damn, Rogan. What a great first game for you,” Cooper says.
“No, bro. It was a great first game forus. We’re a team and we win and lose together. My effort wasn’t any greater than anyone else’s.” I head into the bathroom for a quick shower. I’m a sweaty, grass-stained mess, and I don’t want to greet my woman and my family like this. The hot water feels amazing on my aching muscles but I don’t linger. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I’m about to return to the locker room when Brett is there blocking the way.
“I owe you an apology for the way I’ve been acting,” he says.
“Did coach put you up to this?”
“Not directly. But I should never have posted from Autumn’s laptop like I did. I’d apologize to her but I think it’s best if I keep my distance.”
“I appreciate the apology as I’m sure she will. It would be great if you and I could work together for the good of the team.”
He nods. “You’re right. I may not like being the backup but that’s where I’m at… for now anyway.” He walks away and I hurry to locker room to get dressed.
The media joins us a few minutes later and Autumn is one of them. She hurries over to give me a hug.
“I want to hold you for an hour but we’re both at work,” she says, pulling away. “I’m so freaking proud of you. You were amazing out there.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you were here with me. I felt your presence, and knowing you were watching and cheering me on made it that much more special.”
“I’m going to get to work, and I’ll be waiting for you when you’re done.”
“Okay. Nice shirt.” I wink.
She puts her hands on her hips and smiles. “This old thing?” She turns to walk away, and peers back at me with a mischievous smile.
“Goddamn,” I whisper to myself.
“What’s that?” Cooper asks.
I shake my head. “Just admiring my woman in my jersey.”
He grips my shoulder. “You’re a lucky guy for sure.”
After a few minutes of answering questions for the media, Coach Chubb takes a few minutes to address the team.
“You played strong and fought hard. It was a well-earned win. I want to congratulate our new quarterback, Rogan, on not only starting his first game but on getting the win.” He raises the football in his hand. “This game ball goes to Rogan. Come and get it.”
My teammates cheer and slap me on the back as I step forward. Coach Chubb hands the ball over to me, then shakes my hand. “Congratulations. Keep up the great work.”
Gripping the pigskin in my hand, I return to my locker and put the football inside my duffel bag to bring home with me.
After I’ve headed out to the podium to answer questions for the local media, I’m finally able to go see my family. I meet up with Autumn in the hallway and we walk toward the lobby together hand in hand. We find Niall and Maeve waiting, both beaming as we approach.
Maeve throws herself at me and I hug her tightly. “I’m so proud of you.”
