Junior Year Box Set

After I dropped off my bags at my locker, I sauntered over to the hospitality tent. I was the personification of the high school jock: I had on high-tops, loose-fitting jeans, my football jersey, and letterman’s jacket. I held my head high to show my confidence and walked with just a little swagger.

When I walked into the tent, I smiled to see Ridge and Bill were already there with their new head football coach. I saw Mrs. Sullivan and hurried over to her.

“I need your purse,” I said.

She gave me a funny look, but turned around and got it. After she handed it to me, I walked up behind Ridge.

“I see you came tonight so you could carry my bags,” I said as he turned and I put the purse in his hands.

He looked down and burst out laughing.

“Screw you, Dawson!”

I gave him a big hug and then turned to Bill.

“Suit up, Buddy. We need you tonight,” I said, pulling him into a hug.

Mrs. Sullivan rescued her purse and gave Bill a hug. I was introduced to Coach Enron, the interim coach for USC. We got in line for food, and I was happy to see they were serving steaks. Mrs. Sullivan had taken care of me and had a big salad, grilled vegetables, and an extra steak ready for me. I smiled when Ridge and Bill decided to eat the same meal. We found a table, and Jeff, my favorite reporter, joined us. I introduced him to everyone.

“Coach, why hasn’t USC offered David yet? Is there no interest, or do you think you’re set at quarterback?” Jeff asked.

I just ducked my head and began to eat. Ridge and Bill had heard my shots at USC for not making an offer. Jeff had heard me tell the press who was on my list.

“Last I heard, David wasn’t sure he would play quarterback. There was talk of him playing fullback, if I remember correctly,” Coach Enron said and raised an eyebrow at me. “I’ve heard he finally decided to play a little quarterback. I watched his game on the plane ride to Chicago, the one where he set the national record. It was more than enough to let these two talk me into coming to see him play in person.”

Jeff then got Ridge and Bill to tell ‘David stories.’ Bill told him about his opportunity to start against Notre Dame. Then Jeff turned his focus on me.

“I was just told that your last game will be against King High School, who’s currently rated the fifth-best team in the nation. From looking at your schedule tonight, and that game, they should be your biggest challenge for an undefeated season. Is that something you think you can accomplish?” Jeff asked.

I suddenly had reporters putting their phones in front of me to record my answer. Coach Enron watched with interest to see how I would handle the attention.

“This is the first I’ve heard about a game against King. From what I know, they have a fine football team, and we’ll have our hands full when we play them. Springfield I do know about. I’ve watched game film, and they have the best defensive scheme I’ve ever played against. From watching how they’ve progressed since their first loss, all I can say is Bloomington got lucky to play them early, before they figured it out. Since then they’ve shut down the opposing offenses and have won easily,” I said.

Jeff rolled his eyes at me because I’d done my usual building up of our opponent.

“So, are you going to beat Springfield?” he followed up.

I got a pinched expression on my face and debated whether to let the cat out of the bag or not. Then I smiled.

“By three scores,” I predicted.

I caught Jeff flat-footed.

“Seriously?” he asked in shock.

“Hey, you’re the one who’s always complaining I never give you a straight answer,” I teased him, and then got serious. “Everything I said about Springfield is true. They’re bigger and stronger than we are at almost every position. Last year we gutted out a game that, quite frankly, we shouldn’t have won. The difference is that going into this game, we know we can play with them. Our sophomores and juniors have had a year to grow and get stronger. They now are juniors and seniors. We can stand up to them, physically.

“It starts with the players who made a commitment to work out and practice this summer. Our booster club and fans have done everything they can to support us. The coaching staff has worked just as hard to get us prepared. It’s like Superman. He had to first find out he had it in him to be a hero, and he then got his cape. Later he worked hard to learn to wear it. Finally, he could fly. Tonight, Lincoln High is ready to fly, and Springfield is going to find out they’re playing an opponent that’s hit its stride.

“You’ll see tonight that Lincoln High has become the team to beat for State. Up until now, we’ve been preparing. Tonight, we step forward and separate ourselves from the rest of the pack,” I said, and was surprised when my teammates got to their feet and started chanting, “Our House!”