Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2016 18:16:47 -0500
From: Eric Trager <trager2275@gmail.com>
Subject: It Is What It Is: Chapter 25

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Email feedback can be sent to trager2275@gmail.com. © 2015 by Eric Trager.

Yahoo group: https://groups.yahoo.com/IIWIICHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE



Brett arrived at the Alamo and Sean escorted him to the patio. Andy and
John were busy studying. John had his History of World War II test coming
up and Andy schooled his younger brother in the whys and wherefores of such
arcane things as the rise of Adolf Hitler to become the Dictator of Germany
after the death of President Hindenburg, the Annexation of Austria to
Germany, the Munich Conference, the pacifism of the British Empire under
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and a host of other things which might
bore others but with which Andy and John were totally fascinated.

"How come you know all this shit?" John asked.

"I read. I love to read and most people don't know that about me," Andy
replied. "I learned a lot of shit just by reading it myself. One thing
leads to the next and before ya know it ya know a lot of shit. Don't play
Trivial Pursuit with me - I'll kick your ass."

On the patio, Sean asked Brett what was up.

"I dunno, Wymo. Anyway, I'm gonna tell you something and I just want to
know what you think.  Like if you think I have anything to be worried
about, or whatever...."

"OK, I'm fucking clueless," Sean said. "So are you gonna tell me, or do I
hafta fucking guess here...."

"It has to do with that Trager guy. Tim went out to lunch with him today
and I guess it was fine.  They decided to be friends again. I mean, I don't
want Tim dragged down by some old grudge from a million years ago so I
don't care if they're friends but here's the deal...."

"Let's have it, Dowls...."

"Well, see, those two each had a crush on each other a few years back and
Tim says he doesn't know if they both have it out of their system. I said
it was OK for him to have sex with Trager but only if we had a three-way."

Sean almost spit out his drink. This sounded like a total replay of the
conversation he'd had with Andy earlier that day.

"OK, that's it?" Sean asked looking somewhat like he'd been told something
really boring.

"Well, that and I really don't wanna lose Tim. I know that's dumb, but I've
never known anyone like him and I doubt I ever will. I know I'm being
stupid, but I just don't wanna lose him. I feel like an idiot...."

"Well, you shouldn't feel like an idiot, butcha might wanna think this
through a little bit."

"How do you mean?"

"Andy and I had almost the same conversation this afternoon about someone
else, his lab partner in one of his classes...."

"Who's that?"

"Scott Branson."

"I know Scott. I work with him at Woodmans. He's a nice guy."

"It also turns out me and Scott are second cousins. I just found that out
today. But Scott doesn't know if he's gay or not. He really likes Andy and
I gotta say, I kinda like the guy, too."

"So, what are you gonna do?"

"Well, after we dropped Scott off we talked it over and we decided that if
anything was gonna happen it would hafta wait until after football season
is over. I mean, football's really our priority right now and we decided
not to add any bullshit we don't need on top of that."

"That's it? Like it was a business decision?"

"Pretty much."

"How can you guys just DO THAT?"

"Look, Brett, Andy and I have known each other since we were six, or seven
years old. We kinda grew up together in school and everything. His dad died
when he was like eight years old and my mom died when I was thirteen. We
leaned on each other through those times. We were best friends and we have
a history, so sometimes when it comes to making a decision we just, ya
know, do it. And that's fine, I mean it works for us anyway...."

"So, like, what do you think I should do here? I mean, Tim and I don't have
that history like you and Andy have. We haven't even really been together
that long...."

"OK, you asked me, and the answer is simple. You tell Tim the truth. You
tell him you don't wanna lose him. Because ya don't. And trust me, he
doesn't wanna lose you either. He thinks you're his savior."

"He does?" Brett asked.

"Yeah, he really does. And you know he does. He loves you so much,
Brett. Then you tell him that whatever the final decision is on the Trager
deal is that it has to wait until football season is over. And here's why:
it's all just extraneous crap. This isn't going to break you and Tim up. No
way. Not unless you're both fucking morons, and you're not. So, just
fucking do like you said me and Andy did: make it a fucking business
decision here."

"How can you be so sure? I mean you say all this shit like you know it...."

"It's because I DO know it. Look, I came into this town probably as what
Tim thought was a threat to his position on the team. But, he never treated
me that way. He was up-front with me from day one. Yeah, I know sometimes
he gets tongue-tied and all that shit, but he's a what-
you-see-is-what-you-get guy. He'll always come down on the side of what
makes sense. You guys are engaged to be married. He'll never lie to you and
he'll never hurt you. He'd rather cut his arm off."

"I know. Now I feel like a total douche bag...."

"You shouldn't. You love Tim enough to keep him forever, butcha also gotta
love him enough to trust him forever. It's not too fine a point I don't
think."

"You're right. I feel a lot better. I don't think I'm gonna make a big deal
out of this with Tim."

"You shouldn't. You got nuthin' to worry about...."

"I know I don't. You're right."

"OK, so, we done here then Brett? I mean, done with this discussion?"

"Yeah, I think so. You're unreal, Wymo. I mean, it's just like black and
white with you."

"Thanks, but trust me sometimes it's a blessing, and sometimes it's a
curse. If I get it right at the start it's a blessing, and if I get it
wrong it ain't. That's why I make sure I have full information before I
make a judgment. But I'm right on this one: you and Tim are the real
deal. And don't you forget that."

"Thanks...."  "Don't thank me. I need you with me, and I need Dix with me
this season. We're gonna do it, I know we are. And I mean we're gonna go
all the way. But shit like this between me and Andy and Scott, or between
you and Dix and Trager, I mean if we do each other, it's just distractions
right now. We don't need 'em, they're not important, and we shouldn't
bother with 'em.  There's no upside. So, if they're ever gonna happen, they
can afford to wait until the season's done. Right?"

"You're right...." Brett said, looking at the ground with an 'I've been
stupid' look.

"You know, Brett, you're adorable when ya give it the 'I've been stupid'
look.... No wonder Dix fell in love with you. Anyway, of course I'm
right. And if you think I need to, I'll have another talk with him about
this whole thing. I'm tellin' ya again, though, don't you lose faith in
Tim. He doesn't want anyone but you. Like I said, he thinks you saved
him. And that's the truth. Because you did. And he fucking knows it."

"I'll talk to Tim. I don't think you need to talk to him again. He'll
probably get all tied up and stutter for a little while anyway. I'm not
gonna force it. I'll talk to him when he brings it up, which he will. His
dad said one time that Tim's 'earnest.' I guess that's a good word for
him."

"Yeah. It should've been his middle name," Sean laughed.

"Well, I'm gonna take off then, Wymo. Thanks for letting me come over and
make a complete twat out of myself...."

"I think if you made yourself into a twat then you MIGHT have something to
worry about," Sean teased.

Brett laughed. "Thanks for the laugh, Wymo. OK, I'm outta here. I'll see ya
Monday then."

After Monday's practice Coach Slater called the team to gather
round. "Gentlemen, on the trip back from Madison Friday night I said that
we'd begin the quest for perfection. I've been working on this for a little
while now, but I've been able to put something together that will be of
help in that endeavor. In fact, what I've put together is unprecedented in
my years of coaching.

"Beginning this Saturday, we will have a ninety-minute meeting every
Saturday morning at 10:30. We will be meeting in the Small Auditorium. This
will not be a practice, per se. At these meetings, we will have the advice
and consultation of one current and two former NFL players.  There will be
a Quarterback who will work with our offensive backfield and special teams,
a former Offensive Lineman who will work with both our offensive and
defensive Linemen, and a former Linebacker who will work with our
Linebackers and Defensive Backs. I want you to know that two of these
gentlemen have an NFL Super Bowl ring each, and the third one has two. We
will have their services by means of meetings over the internet. These men
will not be appearing visually, but by audio only. They will critique our
last week's game and will offer advice and be open to questions.

"Gentlemen, I know of no other High School football team that's ever had
this opportunity. I'm sure you will all take full advantage of it. I
understand that you'll want to know who these gentlemen are. Part of the
deal I made is that I cannot reveal their identities. Nor can I reveal how
I was able to put this together. So don't ask.

"These meetings are mandatory. For everyone. And you are not to tell
anyone, even your parents, that these are anything other than meetings for
the purpose of a chalk-talk. Not even Principal McVay knows the true
nature. You will all recall, if you've ever paid attention in History
class, Winston Churchill's quote 'truth is so precious that she should
always be attended by a bodyguard of lies.' Any man who reveals the nature
of these meetings will be cut from the team and I will disavow any
knowledge. Period. I'm sure you all fully appreciate what I have just
said."

The entire team stood there with mouths agape.

"I see there are no questions," Coach said. "Very well, gentlemen, you are
dismissed."

"Holy shit!" Sean said to Tim. "Did you fucking hear that? I mean, what the
fuck? Dix, man, this is fucking HUGE! I mean, I dunno what to think
here...."

"Me either. I mean, who ever heard of anything like this?"

"I sure haven't...."

Brett came running up, "So, how significant is this? I mean, I don't even
know anything about football other than what the coaches tell me to do...."

"Dowls," Sean said, "This would be like if you went back in time a hundred
years and someone showed you how to build a nuke. 'Huge' doesn't even
describe it."

"Wymo's right, hun...." Tim said.

"OK, well, I just don't wanna cram my head with too much stuff so that it
interferes with what little I already know how to do," Brett answered.

"Don't overthink it, Brett," Tim said. "They're here to help so just absorb
what you can. Even if it's only a little it's something no one else has."

In the locker room, Tim broke away from the other two and ducked into
Coach's office while no one was looking. "Coach, got a minute?"

"Mr. Dickson. What can I do for your sweaty ass today?"

"I'm wondering if you could have a word with Dowling. He seems to be
apprehensive that these NFL guys will be too advanced for him and then
he'll forget the fundamentals. You gotta remember he's never played before
and doesn't even really know the game."

"Hmmmm," Coach pondered. "I hear what you're saying. Say no more."

"Thanks, Coach."

"Anytime, Mr. Dickson."

Coach waited until he knew that Tim was in the shower. He then got on the
intercom. "Mr.  Dowling, please report to Coach Slater's office when you're
done showering. Mr. Dowling to Coach Slater's office."

A few minutes later, Brett knocked on Coach's door.

"Enter," Coach said.

"You wanted to see me, Coach?" Brett said, thoroughly confused.

"Yes I do, son. Please have a seat." Once seated, Coach
began. "Mr. Dowling, before I say what I really have to say I need to let
you know that as a Coach I'm impressed with the job you're doing and your
work ethic. I realize you've never played football, or any organized sport,
before and I want to let you know that it's rare to coach an athlete with
your natural ability. That's the truth."

"Thanks, Coach. I'm a little confused, though. I mean you must have
something else you want to tell me...."

"Yes, I do. Mr. Dickson seems a little bit concerned that you feel these
NFL guys might overload you with stuff you don't know and knock you off
your game on the fundamentals you've already mastered. Is there any truth
to that?"

"Well, yes, Coach. I mean, I've never played before. There's a lot I don't
know yet. So far, I've just done the best I know how with what the coaches
taught me. I'm a little scared that if I have too much information I'll
start second-guessing myself and then make mistakes. I want to be an asset
to the team, Coach."

"Mr. Dowling, is there any truth to what I've heard that it's quite
possible at graduation this Spring you will be the Valedictorian of your
class?"

"Yes...."

"Very good. You should be proud of yourself. Let me offer you some
advice. If you apply the same learning techniques with what is being
offered by seasoned football professionals to what you already know about
the game, and if you do it just like you've done in your academic
endeavors, the same techniques that are gonna make you class Valedictorian,
you won't have a problem. I understand why you might be questioning this
and thinking it's too-much-too-fast, but I have confidence in you. As I
said, it's rare to coach a player with your natural athletic ability and
who is also as coachable as you are. If you ever find yourself in need of
consultation you come see me. Anytime. My door is always open for you,
son."

"Thanks, Coach. I'll do that. I just have one other question...."

"Fire away, Mr. Dowling."

"Well, we're having these meetings on Saturdays, and you see I'm always on
Saturdays at work.  I've worked at Woodmans for two years now and I already
had them cut back on my schedule because of practice and games. I don't
know what they'd think if I asked again...."

"Leave it me. I know Mr. Woodman. He's been a member of the Athletic
Boosters club before I was even at this school. It won't be a problem. In
fact, if I asked him to lay you off you could collect unemployment for the
rest of the season and not lose too much of your income."

"Coach, I think it would be fine if you talked to Mr. Woodman, but I don't
want to be laid off. I don't want to collect money from taxpayers I don't
know when I've done nothing to earn it. It wouldn't be fair to them. I can
pay my own way. Besides, I'm the one who decided to play football, not
them. Maybe if he'd just agree to a leave of absence until the season's
over?"

"Consider it done, son. I think that will be all for now."

"Thanks, Coach, and I really mean that." Brett then proceeded to his locker
to gather his book bag. He then went to look for Tim.

Finding Tim waiting at the locker room door as was their custom, Brett
smiled, saying, "Thanks, you.... Coach just pulled me into his office and I
think I'll be OK with this. I really do."

"I'm glad you talked to Coach. He won't steer you wrong. Let's walk over to
my place. I think I'd like to get a little tag-team in with my favorite
WIDE RECEIVER if ya know what I mean...."

"You read my mind, Tim.... I'll even line up in the shotgun formation for
ya," Brett quipped.

Tim took Brett's hand, looked over at him and said in a serious tone, "I
love you and only you.  No more business about Trager until the season's
done. And when the season's done I will still love you and only you. I will
always love you and only you."

"Thank you," Brett said, giving Tim a quick peck on the cheek.

For the rest of the guys nothing much important happened that evening. Joe
Wyman let his three sons know that he'd heard from George Dickson that
afternoon and that the Rock County Court had denied bail to Jane
Berrifield. In addition, she'd been transferred to Mendota State Hospital
in Madison for psychiatric observation and would likely be there through
the duration of her trial. Joe said that according to George they had no
control over anything at the State level as it was his experience, as one
would expect of anything involving State government, that things were ruled
by red tape and petty bureaucrats, but that there was little realistic
chance of an immediate release for her. He also reported that at the
hearing Mr. Berrifield was not at all happy about his wife being confined
at Mendota and that the Judge refused Mrs. Berrifield's Attorney's motion
to have Jane transferred to a private hospital in Kenosha.

The remainder of the school week passed without incident as well. Andy had
convinced Coach to bring J.R. on as his Assistant Manager. The younger boy
proved invaluable to Andy as he was able to fetch Gatorade for the players,
towels, and assist the team in ways Andy couldn't yet due to his
injuries. Andy was hopeful, though, as he secured an appointment for the
next week with Dr. Schroeder to see if he couldn't get the leg braces
reduced to splints.

The players took to J.R. as if he was like a cute, little brother. He took
his responsibilities with the team as seriously as he did his
studies. While John was genuine in his conscientious discharge of his
duties, he also knew that some of these guys would be able to help him get
places in life. He was, as ever, both a diligent worker yet a little
insecure about the fact that he'd been handed out of nowhere a chance at a
better life. A chance that he was not about to let slip away because he
knew what the consequences would be if he did. In that way, he was a boy
older than his fifteen years. Joe Wyman sometimes teased him that he was
fifteen going on fifty, but at the same time let him know that he was proud
of his efforts and that he would be pleased to call him his son when the
Court approved the adoption.

At practice on Thursday, Coach was pleased that his team showed improving
cohesiveness and skill even over the high level they already had. He knew
that the upcoming game against the Middleton Cardinals would be a much
rougher test for his men than last week's game where they'd basically toyed
with the, in Coach Slater's eyes, disgustingly unsportsmanlike and
unprepared Madison LaFollette team. He asked Andy to keep a special eye on
the running total for the season of the difference between the points the
Cougars scored versus the points they gave up. It was something that in the
end Coach felt might make a difference if it came to it.

Coach Slater was not leaving any stone unturned. Not with this year's team.

Coach did not deliver his usual Thursday-before-a-game speech that
afternoon. He deliberately kept his remarks short. "Men, this will be short
for a Thursday post-practice talk. I'll have more to say on the way to
Middleton tomorrow. I just want you all to know that it's tough for me to
think of you as High School guys any more. I shake my head and I don't know
what to say. And I get a lump in my throat that I'd have the good fortune
to coach this team. We have our game plan. You have it down. You all know
what to do. Men, go home and get a good night's sleep.  Dismissed."

The team hustled into the locker room and as they did a van pulled up from
WKOW-TV in Madison. A young reporter and a camera man jumped out and made
their way toward Coach Slater. "Coach, Becky Woczak, Channel 27 Madison. Do
you have a minute?"

"A minute, or two, sure. What's can I do for you? I wasn't expecting the
media at a routine practice...." Coach said a little surprised, but also a
little wary. He knew the Madison press. He turned his iPhone on audio
record.

"Coach, tomorrow your team plays Middleton. Will it be your game plan to
run up the score like you did against LaFollette?"

"Our game plan is to win."

"Some people in Madison are saying that it wasn't necessary to try to
humiliate LaFollette.  What do you say, Coach?"

"I'm not sure I can answer your question unless I'd know who you're
quoting."

"I have the LaFollette Coach on record as saying that."

"I haven't heard that. If that's what Coach thinks, he knows he can contact
me directly any time and we'll have a conversation as professional peers."

"Are you evading the question, Coach?"

"Not at all. What I am saying is that if there is something someone in
Madison wants to know all they have to do is call and ask. It's not
necessary to send a TV crew down here."

"What would you say about your team's play in last week's game?"

"I'd say for the first game of the season they played well."

"Do you have anything to say about the run-up of the score? Was that
necessary?"

"Do you have the game statistics in front of you?"

"Not right at my fingertips right now, Coach...."

"That's alright. I do. Now, I'm not going to talk about points, or yards or
anything like that because those are things that no one knows what they'll
end up being until the final whistle blows. Like Yogi Berra said it ain't
over 'til it's over. What I'd like to talk about, however, is
penalties. There were four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against
LaFollette during the game. In all my years of coaching I've never seen
that happen in one game. The first one was called when one of my men was
taunted about his sexual orientation. That has no place on the football
field, or anywhere else for that matter. The second one was a personal foul
that could have resulted in an injury to the same player and thank God it
didn't. On the third one, our Quarterback was hit late after he'd thrown
the ball. Again, that could have resulted in an injury to one of our
men. Players in any Middle School program that I'm familiar know better
than that. The fourth one resulted in the ejection of one of the LaFollette
players from the game.

"Against that, our men had zero penalties. Not one penalty in the entire
game. For anything.  They went to Madison to play football and to play it
by the rules. That's what they did. They don't deserve a medal for it
because that's what they're supposed to do, but they've worked too hard to
put up with that kind of nonsense. And I gotta be honest with you, if I
were them I wouldn't put up with it, either. The score that was tallied at
the end of the game? Well, Becky, it is what it is. They won the game fair
and square. Now, I thank you for coming down today, but this is all the
time I have. If you have anything else, please feel free to call me in my
office tomorrow, or send me an email."

"That's all you have to say Coach?"

"Yes that's all I have to say other than this: our team this year is made
up of exceptional young men. There are talented veteran players, sure. For
example, we're lucky enough to have two experienced Quarterbacks, but
instead of wasting time fighting with each other over who's Number One they
figured out it was better to work together for the benefit of the
team. That's a mark of maturity. We've got another player who's never
played the game before, but he's got a work ethic, an attitude and athletic
ability that puts most other people to shame. Our Team Manager walks on
crutches because he's got a broken leg but he's out there busting his ass
every day. Our Assistant Manager is a Mexican kid who was left for dead in
a ditch on some country back road. These are the guys on our team and I'm
proud to be their Coach. I stand behind them a hundred percent. If they won
a game, they earned it and it's not important what the score was. A W's a W
if it's by one point, or a hundred. Now...this really IS all the time I
have today."

With that, Coach began to turn away from the reporter but stopped
abruptly. "Cut your camera and microphone," Coach Slater said.

"What?" the reporter asked, looking confused.

"I said cut your camera and microphone." Becky then motioned the cameraman
to power the equipment off.

"Churchill!" Coach called out to Andy who was not yet in the locker
room. "Over here!"  Andy scrambled over as fast as he could. "Yeah,
Coach...."

"Get out your cell phone and video this."

"Um, OK.... Go ahead...."

"There has just been a lengthy interview between myself and the reporter
here, Becky Woczak from WKOW in Madison. I withhold permission for this
interview to be aired unless it is both with my written permission and my
Attorney having reviewed what will be aired at least forty- eight hours in
advance. If the interview is aired without both of the foregoing, then
Ms. Woczak and WKOW can expect a lawsuit. I have audio taped the entire
interview on my iPhone. Andy, send a copy of this video to me. Also send
one to Attorney George Dickson."

"That isn't necessary, Coach," Becky said, looking like she knew she'd
bitten off more than she could chew.

"It is," Coach replied coldly. "I don't really know the real reason for
your trip here today and I don't want to know, but after the stunt that was
just pulled, I'm afraid that I trust you exactly as far as I can
urinate. We're done. Let's go, Churchill."

Coach Slater left the reporter standing in the school parking lot seething,
embarrassed, but also knowing she'd made a fool out of herself. She
instructed the camera man to destroy the video and that they'd tell station
management that they had failed to locate Coach Slater.

Friday went quickly and before anyone knew it, it was time again for the
team to board the buses. This time the trip was to Middleton, a suburb of
Madison. The trip would take a little longer than it had the previous
week. The mood among the players on the bus was quiet and confident. Again,
Coach Slater selected Dix to start the game with Sean calling the
plays. Both Quarterbacks went over the game plan as well as the
contingencies they'd come up with in case things didn't go totally to plan.

"I think we got this, Dix. We know their D-line is stronger than
LaFollette's but that in the defensive backfield they're only just OK. I'm
guessing this is gonna turn out to be a passing game. We gotta test the
ground game, though. We gotta see what our O-line can do against a
reasonable opponent. I think on our first series the first play out of the
box should be the power sweep. That play's a good test all the way
around. Make sure the O-line knows in advance that's the play I'm gonna
call. We'll put it in the air on the second play."

"Sounds good," Dix said.

"Now if we win the toss, you think we should receive, or defer?"

"I say let's receive. Let's just get the fuckin' show on the road."

"I agree, Dix. Let's just git 'er done...."

In the event, the Cougars did win the toss and did elect to receive. Sean,
as he said he would do, called the power sweep as the first play. The Craig
offense executed flawlessly, but Middleton had stronger Linebackers than
LaFollette did and instead of gaining a touchdown, the result was a
twelve-yard gain.

The remainder of the game turned into a slug-fest on the line of scrimmage,
and as Sean predicted the majority of the Craig offense was passing. Both
Sean and Tim held off on some of their more exotic plays in this game,
electing to mostly go with a conventional offense. The Craig defense proved
up to the task and when the final buzzer sounded the Cougars again came
victorious, this time by the score of 35-17.

On the way back to Janesville, Coach gave the team the news that Madison
West won their second game as well, but in a shock outcome they'd been
forced into overtime against Beloit Memorial who hadn't been expected to
field a strong team. Coach spent some time critiquing the evening's play
and overall said he'd give tonight's effort a B+. "We're never gonna shut
out every team every game we play, and tonight you scored twice as many
points as the Cardinals, but there were a few areas in tonight's game that
need work, gentlemen. I expect we'll talk about that tomorrow morning when
we meet. As it stands now, we've scored 106 points while giving up 17. I'll
take that any day, guys...."

One back in town, Sean and Andy invited a few of the guys over, Tim and
Brett included. Sean texted Joe to let him know they'd be having
company. Joe answered back that the boys should use the patio and said
there was beer in the patio bar fridge if they wanted to have one, or two
each. Once on the patio, Andy disappeared into the house returning in a few
minutes. "Hey, guys, I got just a bit left over from Kenosha days. Anyone
up for smoking a doob?"

None of the boys were prudes when it came to that sort of thing, so they
enjoyed Andy's hospitality. Andy had always been known for rolling fat,
perfectly cylindrical joints. Tim commented on the symmetry of Andy's
"Spliff," which Andy corrected by saying he always referred to them as
"Cannons." The only one out of all of them that had never got stoned before
was Brett.

Brett wasn't the shy, nerdy boy anymore that he once was. In fact, having
made the football team did wonders for Brett's self-confidence in social
situations. It hadn't changed him as a person at all, but it had turned a
gangly, somewhat quiet boy into a man in more ways than one. Brett became
silly and goofy as one might expect of a person who experiences a marijuana
buzz for the first time, at one point pulling his t-shirt over his head and
announcing that he was Cornholio and needed T.P. for his bunghole.

Tim, while roaring with laugher admonished Brett to be a little quieter at
which point Brett put his glasses on which he seldom wore as he had contact
lenses, looked at Tim in the most serious way and did an uncanny imitation
of Hillary Clinton which brought the house down by flailing his arms and
demanding, "What difference at this point, Timothy Dickson, does it make!"
He then went back to being Cornholio for a few more minutes again cracking
everyone up by saying to Tim, "He-He-He shut up and fuck me, dumbass!"

Cunningham side-mouthed to Tim, "Dix, that's the best thing we ever did was
get Dowls on the team. Not only is he a riot, but he's a fuckin' awesome
dude...."

"Ya don't hafta tell me twice, Cunns."

"Of course it's the best fuckin' thing you fuckin' fuckers ever did!" Brett
laughed. "Oh, so ya thought I couldn't hear ya now didja there.... Well, I
can hear everything you fuckin' say. So there! Yeah, I'm fuckin' awesome
just like a Lesbian in a Subaru with Birkenstocks. I mean who else but ME,
the queer boy, can bat down every pass.... I'm a fuckin' ballerina, Cunns!"
Brett then stuck his tongue out at Cunningham and gave him the finger while
dissolving in another fit of laughter. "Hey, Wymo, you got anything to eat?
I got the munchies.... You got any Fudgsicles? I want like four of 'em
'cause I'm a fudge packer.... I'm a fun fudgie...."

"Stop! FUCKING STOP!" Trent Westfahl gasped, out of breath from
laughing. "If you don't shut up, Dowls, I'm gonna piss my fucking pants
over here!"

"Well, maybe ya should. You walk like you got a stick up your ass
anyway...." Brett retorted.

"Is anyone taping this?" Sean asked. "If not, we fucking missed the best
comedy I've ever seen!"

Brett proceeded to drink the rest of his beer and settled down for the rest
of the evening. Tim, while never having seen his boyfriend act like that
was, in some little way, proud of him. Even though Tim fell in love with
Brett that day at the mall not long ago, he'd seen Brett grow tremendously
as a person in just that short time. To Tim it was amazing. And he knew he
had Brett to thank for the changes he'd been able to make himself.  For
now, he'd take his guy home for the night so they could get a good night's
sleep before the team meeting tomorrow morning.

"Brett, you were the life of the party tonight. I never seen you loosen up
like that. I gotta tell ya, flipping off Cunns was like the funniest thing
I ever saw...." Tim smiled, ruffling Brett's hair.

"Cunns is a funny shit," Brett giggled. "Hey, you guys got any Fudgsicles
at home?"

"What the fuck it is with Fudgsicles?" Tim laughed. "I think we should blow
some weed every now and then, hun. You get really trippy. It's hilarious!"

"I could see that. I mean, I feel so fucking relaxed right now. Wanna know
what I'm thinking about?"

"I dunno, do I?"

"I'm thinking about Calculus. I mean, I can really see it all in front of
me like it's in 3D."

"WHAT?"

"Yeah, like everything in the whole book. Maybe I can just see if I can
test out of the rest of the class!"

"They'll never let ya do that!"

"I'm gonna fuckin' ask. Fuck 'em.... Then I could help Cass with his
anti-bullying project. I mean, Math is Math. Ya either know it, or ya
don't. If I know it, then I can do something useful with that time. Yeah,
I'm gonna see about that. I have open campus anyway. I don't need to be in
the building when I don't have a class."

"Will you fuck me when we get home?"

"Yeah, but let's fuck in the back yard."

"IN THE BACK YARD?"

"Yeah, if your mom and dad are out for the evening, let's screw on the
grass. It's not like we didn't fuck at the golf course...."

"You got a deal."

And so it was that Brett fucked Tim's ass in the Dickson's back yard. Brett
was not in a tender loving mood that night, and he took his man and ravaged
him. Tim, for his part, wondered how he could engineer a repeat
performance.

Saturday morning the entire Varsity football team in dribs and drabs
shuffled into the school building. When the school was built in 1954, it
was built with a large auditorium built to seat 2,500 people and fully
equipped for anything up to and including live stage productions. The small
auditorium held 300 and was used for smaller lectures, seminars and the
like. It was perfect for what Coach had planned. Promptly at 10:30, Coach
locked the doors to the auditorium and took the roll call. "I see everyone
managed to show up this morning. Good.  Some of you appear as if you may
have been a bit over-served last night. Now, I don't have anything against
malt beverages, don't get me wrong, but I expect you to use your heads,
gentlemen. We've got a tall order and a long season ahead of us. I want you
to absorb that.  Very well, I see the audio feeds are up, so let's begin."

For the next ninety minutes the anonymous NFL veterans critiqued the High
School team's play.  The initial reviews were that the team overall was
excellent, but areas for improvement were isolated and a strategy to begin
to correct these areas was hashed out. Specific areas noted were the
Offensive Line needed work on their stances to enhance their quickness, the
ball snapping between Center and Quarterback needed to be a bit less
obvious to the opposing defense and the spacing of the Linebackers on
defense needed improvement in anticipation of what was the most likely play
the opposing offense would choose. They also recommended that the team
assign one person to attempt to decipher the opposing team's play calling
signals noting that a person who was good at it could figure it out within
two, or three series of downs.

The pros highlighted the performance of both Quarterbacks, were surprised
to learn that Coach Slater didn't call the offensive plays, and they
singled out Brett for his performance in the defensive backfield, being
doubly surprised he'd never played before. They wanted to see Brett getting
a bit more physical with the Receivers he was covering, though, noting that
to do so would dramatically increase the chances of yielding turnovers.

They took questions from the Craig players and gave pointed answers, noting
that they'd also be looking to see how much of their advice the team was
absorbing each week going forward.  One of the pros said that he discounted
the win against LaFollette in a way because it was clear they were playing
a team that, as Coach Slater thought, was undisciplined and poorly coached.

As for the performance against Middleton, he thought they acquitted
themselves well. As it turned out, the same man had also got a hold of the
game tape of Madison West versus Beloit Memorial. It was his opinion that
while West also had a powerhouse team, with work there was enough time left
in the season to turn some of West's perceived advantages into
disadvantages. He noted, for example, that even though he'd seen West play
only one game, and their offensive line was formidable, their offensive
play calling seemed to be somewhat predictable and they didn't look like
they had the offensive playbook arsenal that Craig did. He noted he had
never seen a High School team execute the power sweep well at all, never
mind do it almost flawlessly.

When the time was up, Coach thanked them for their professional advice and
said on behalf of the team that they all looked forward to next week's
meeting. Coach then admonished the team to remain behind, laughing that
they couldn't leave until he unlocked the doors anyway.

"So, I'm looking for some feedback, gentlemen...."

Sean raised his hand.

"OK, Wyman, what'd ya think?"

"I'm totally blown away, Coach. All the stuff we practice, yeah, but just
listening to those guys, I can really see everything they're saying."

One by one several other team members echoed Sean's thoughts. Tim asked how
they were going to revamp the practice sessions in order to take advantage
of the advice they were given.

"Good question, Mr. Dickson. You will all be pleased to know that I had
advance warning of some of what they were going to tell you. I've asked all
of the Coaches to come up with plans.  The Coaching Staff will review those
plans and refine them on Monday. We should be ready to go with at least
some of it for Monday's practice, and have a strategy fully implemented by
the end of the week. We will continue to refine it as we go along and based
on the advice we get.  It's not something we can do in a day, but I promise
you we'll do it as fast as we can. Now, as you know, we have Sun Prairie
this week and we play at home. I'd rate Sun Prairie as about equal to
Middleton. That'll be a good measure of where we are. Very well, if there
is nothing else gentlemen?"

No one indicated that there was.

"Thank you all for coming. It shows your dedication. I'll see you all
Monday."

On leaving the building, Sean, Andy, Tim, Brett and J.R. agreed they were
hungry, so instead of going their own separate ways they simply walked over
to the unoriginally named Italian House restaurant that abutted the school
grounds. Although the name was unoriginal, the restaurant had great, all
house-made food and was a popular spot with the Craig student body. The
brick interior was written over on every square inch with student's
initials from years and years. Tim asked the waitress if she would bring
over one of the magic markers used to sign the wall.

"These three guys are new and haven't signed. We'll get 'em to decorate the
wall right now!"  "Sure, thing, hun," the waitress replied. "I'll bring it
with your drinks."

"Wow, look at all these names and dates. Here's someone from 1975!" Andy
said.

"Here's one from 1977...." J.R. pointed out.

"I got one from 1980...." Sean said.

"Lemme show ya this one!" Tim said. "See here?"

"Yeah, so?" Andy said.

"Know whose initials those are?"

"Um, no...."

"They belong to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives,"
Tim answered.

"Wow, really?"

"Yeah, and he lives not too far from you. I'm sure you'll meet him
sometime. He's a decent guy, too. I know him from our church. He doesn't
like to be called 'Mr. Speaker,' he just goes by his first name...."

By that time, the waitress had returned with the guys' drinks and food and
he magic marker.

"OK, gimme that! I'll sign first!" J.R. said, and he put his initials and
year, JW '16, on the wall.  Sean and Andy followed with their SW '15 and AC
'15.

The boys then proceeded to eat their lunch, hash out what they thought they
had to look forward to in upcoming practices and talk about the game plan
for the upcoming Sun Prairie game.

"Hey, and don't forget Parker's the week after that!" Tim said. "You guys
are still havin' the party, right?"

"Yeah, we can have our cook get us the stuff we need and make some of it in
advance," Sean said. "We'll have dad make sure we got a keg, and all the
rest of that crap. Oh, and you guys invite your parents, too."

"Mine, too?" Brett asked.

"Of course yours, too. Dumbass!" Andy said, playing with what was left of
his pizza. "Hey, I'm the one that discovered you at the Mall. You think
we're leaving your mom and dad out of a party?"

"OK, well, they'll be there!"

"OK, so we got Sun Prairie, then Parker. Week after that we got Tremper,
and then's Homecoming the week after that. Wymo, who do you think should
start the Tremper game?"  "I dunno, I been thinking about that. We gotta
play there. I'm gonna get booed no matter what.  Prolly a lot. I almost
think it'd be better if I started the game just to get that shit over with.
Besides, I used to run their offense and I know exactly what their defense
is gonna do. I think if we can get three TD's on the board then I could
come out. Or I could play the whole first half, I dunno.... Why? What do
you think?"

"I don't care either way. It's just that you know how they play defense and
I don't, but if you're in then I'll be calling the plays against a defense
I don't know...."

"Not sure that's gonna be a problem, Dix. Coach Johnson plays a standard
4-3 defense. His blitz packages aren't too fancy, either. We'll start out
pretty basic, see how the O-line's handling them and just go from there. I
see most of the guys from last year are back, so they must have worked that
out. Their Quarterback is a Sophomore, so our D should have a pretty easy
time, and they have a guy at Center who was on the Jayvee squad last
year. I don't see their offense as being a huge factor in the game."

"OK, well then, let's talk to Coach about it. It's a non-conference game so
it doesn't really matter anyway. Now, as far as Parker goes, we won't have
a problem. They don't train like we do, and to be honest with you their
coach isn't as good as Slater is. The key to beating Parker is to get out
in front right away. It psyches them out. You remember that, too,
Brett. Parker's not as weak as LaFollette, but they're pretty weak. Try
getting physical with their receivers to see what happens. It'll be good
practice."

"OK. Anyway, we should prolly get going here. SOME OF US have schoolwork to
do, ya know...."  Brett winked.

The boys filed out, piled into their cars which were across the way at the
school and went their separate ways.

Beginning that Monday at practice, Coach Slater announced the revisions for
practices.  "Gentlemen, for this week here's how we're gonna practice:
we'll have five minutes of warm- up, then fifteen minutes of conditioning
drills. After that, we'll break into groups for an hour of skill
practice. I audio-taped Saturday's meeting so if we need to refer to it we
can. We'll finish up with another ten minute of conditioning and a
five-minute cool-down. That's today and tomorrow. Wednesday, we'll have a
mock scrimmage to see how we're doing on skills.  Thursday will be a light
workout with more skill drills. I've got the game plan drawn up, and you
will all be emailed. At Quarterback, Mr. Wyman will start and Mr. Dickson
will call the plays.  Alright, let's get the show on the road
here.... Mr. Wyman and Mr. Dickson, over here please."

Tim and Sean hustled over to where Coach was standing unaware of what he
wanted.

"Alright, you two. I've got a surprise. It should be here in time for the
Parker game."

"What is it?" Sean asked.

"It's a gift from an anonymous donor, you could say. We're going to fit
both you guys out with the same equipment the pros use for offensive play
calling. There will be a headphone set and you will each be issued two new
helmets with communication gear built in. I've checked the WIAA equipment
rules. The rules are silent on that, and I am not about to ask. The rules
only specify that signals can be transmitted from the sidelines to players
on the field, and that's what we'll be doing. The WIAA code doesn't rule
in, or rule out any form of signal transmission so I see no rule breaking
here. To me, it's a gift and we're going to take advantage of it. It'll
mean basically that we can do new things with the no-huddle offense. That's
where the real advantage will be. I mean, it's not like it's gonna make ya
play any better...."

"Well, um, like, I mean...."

"Tongue-tied are we, Mr. Dickson?" Coach asked.

"He wants to know who put up the money for it...." Sean said.

"I can't believe how you two communicate, it must be that gaydar shit I
read about," Coach chuckled. Anyway, is that what you wanted to know,
Mr. Dickson?"

"Yeah, that's um, that's like what I meant...." Tim said.

"I am not at liberty to divulge the person's identity. Suffice it to say
it's someone to whom that amount of money would probably constitute no more
than a rounding error in their check book. I look at it this way: if the
other teams want 'em, they're free to go get 'em."

"When will we use them for the first time?" Sean asked.

"I don't think we'll need them against Parker, or Tremper. But we're gonna
practice with 'em as soon as we get 'em. If I could, I'd hold off using
them in a game until we play Madison West, but we'll see. I'd probably like
to have at least two games down with them before West. I don't want the
most important game of the season to be the one where we're trying
something we never used. I just wonder which other Coach is gonna make a
stink about it. Mr. Dickson, your father advises me that they could make
all the stink they want, but under the rules it's not prohibited."

"Yeah, but it's not permitted, either," Sean said.

"Wyman, you ever scratch your balls on the field in the middle of a game?"

"Well...."

"There's no mention in the rules of players scratching their balls on the
field in the middle of a game, either."

"Can't argue with that reasoning!" Sean laughed.

"Very well, guys, let's get today's practice in the can and call it a day."

As a team, the guys enjoyed the change-up in the practice format. It left
them feeling less tired and more confident even though Coach did not
forsake the conditioning drills. Coach Slater put great store in
conditioning his players. Even in years when he was coaching a team not as
talented as this year's, he knew that you'd win at least one extra game a
season simply by having players that didn't tire out. And he made sure his
players knew it, too. Slater was the type of man who didn't ask his players
to do anything he wouldn't do, and who was a firm believer in explaining
the 'whys' of what he was doing. By experience, he knew that eager young
men respond positively to that kind of coaching.

After practice, Brett approached Tim letting him know that he had his exam
on Friday, game day, to test out of Calculus. "I can only test out of it
with an A, because if I don't then I might not be Valedictorian. And if I
pass but get less than an A then that's it - I passed and I can't go
back. And whatever grade there is, is what goes on my record even if it's a
C."

"You sure you should do this?"

"Yeah, look, whether, or not I'm Valedictorian is one thing, but helping
Andy is another. I feel that's more important to me. And I feel it's
something I want to do anyway. Besides, I'm gonna pass it with an A
anyhow."

"Ya think?"

"Yeah. I went down to the Guidance office and I found out they keep old
exams on file, so I copied off the Calculus final exams for the last six
years and used that to practice off of. And they don't change much from one
year to the next, either. It's like all the same types of equations only
with different constants for the variables. Piece of cake. I mean, it
basically comes down to you take a derivative and the party's over. I can
do it, easy."

"You know who ya need to let know about those old exams is Cass."

"Cass?"

"Yeah, he's in all AP classes this year and he never was before. I think
that little bit of an advantage would help him out a lot. See, he's got a
bet with Wymo that his grades will be at least as good. Now, I love Cass to
death, but his academic stones aren't quite what Wymo's are.  Wymo's just
plain smart, like you. Cass is more like me."

"Oh, yeah, you're so slow, Tim. I happen to know you're not, so cut the
crap. I happen to know there's a chance that you might be Salutatorian. You
don't ever tell anyone about that side of yourself."

"Yeah, but I don't take all AP classes. Half of mine are regular, and it's
not really the same if you ace one of those."

"But still, Tim, you're smart. You'll have no trouble in College and Law
School. I'll see to that!"

"Yeah, I bet you will, too," Tim laughed. "Well, test out of that class and
then you and Cass figure out what you're gonna do with that building Joe's
gonna buy. I have some ideas for it, but I'm not gonna say unless someone
asks me."

"We'll ask, but just wait a while."

Friday came and Brett sat for his Calculus exam. True to form, he took
nowhere near the allotted time to finish it. For Brett, math was something
that just happened. He turned his exam book in and asked his Teacher when
he could expect to hear his grade. He was told that since he was done so
early the exam would be graded on the spot and Brett should come back in
fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes later on the dot, Brett returned to the
classroom. "Well, how'd I do...."

"Mr. Dowling, your score was...let me see...I just had it right
here...where is it now...."

"Oh, c'mon! I either aced it, or flagged it. Now which is it!" Brett
demanded.

The teacher laughed. "Brett, your score was a 98. That's an A+. One point
less, and it would have been an A. We can't curve these. You passed, and
you passed with enough to pretty much ensure that you'll be
Valedictorian. You do realize that testing out of a year-long AP class so
early in the year earns you an extra 0.25 grade point for this class, don't
you?"

"Wow! No one told me that! Anyway, do I get anything saying I passed and
I'm done with the class?"

"Yes, you will get an email later in the day, and you will have a letter
sent to your home in about a week."

"Good, because I want my parents to see it."

"You're a good student, Brett. I'm going to miss you in class."

"I'll miss you, too. I've learned a lot, and as a Teacher it's important
for you to know that. But ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I have an
opportunity to help a friend of mine give back to the community for kids
who need it. I just decided that my time would be better spent that way is
all...."

"Do you know where you're going to College next year?"

"Yeah, I'll be at UW-Madison...."

"And a major?"

"Well, it's going to take a little while. I'm going to be an Attorney and
an M.D."

"Jesus Christ!"

"Yeah, but see, there's only like a half-dozen people in the whole state of
Wisconsin that have both of those qualifications and what it'll mean is
that I can write my own ticket. Money will be an issue, yeah, but I'll get
by. I figure it will take me three years to get my Undergrad, and then four
more years beyond that before I can start Hospital residency. I figure I
can be on my own by the time I'm 26."

"Yes, I see. And, Brett, something else: I understand that you have the
support in all this of another extraordinary young man. I'd just like to
give you both my best."

"Yes. Yes, I do. And thank you."

"Very well, I have to get back to grading the work for the other kids that
are stuck with me for the rest of the year," and with that the Teacher
reached out to shake Brett's hand.

"Yeah, I gotta get my stuff ready for the game tonight. At least we're
playing at home...."

"Good luck tonight, Brett."

"Thanks," and with that Brett left his former Math Teacher.

At 8:00 that evening in old Monterey Stadium on the banks of the Rock River
and directly across the river from the hulking General Motors Plant, the
Craig Cougars hosted the Sun Prairie Cardinals. Sean thought it odd that
the team mascots of Middleton and Sun Prairie were the same. *

Prior to the game, Coach Slater approached Sean. "Mr. Wyman, this is the
first time I've done this with you. I've always made it a point after
addressing the whole team before a game to have a minute, or two with my
starting Quarterback. I'm not at all sure it's necessary with you,
son. This is your first game starting for us, and I know you'll do well. I
believe in you."  "I believe in you, too, Coach, and I believe in our
entire team. Don't worry, we'll kill it."

Sean had a creditable first half, directing the offense to score 21
points. Against that, the Cougar defense wasn't having a stellar beginning
and gave up 14 points. At halftime, Coach Slater dressed down his defense a
little bit. "Gentlemen on defense! The offense put up 21 points in the
first half. You allowed 14. Yes, that means we're ahead, but we kick off to
start the second half. So, our first half defensive performance was not
optimal, and I am not satisfied with it. I expect that we will not allow
Sun Prairie to score on their first series. For obvious reasons, I do not
wish to see the score tied.  That is imperative. Given that the score is as
close as it is, we will keep the defensive starters in at the beginning of
the half for at least the first series of downs. Now, let's get out there
and win this game. Jesus Christ, we're in front of a home crowd,
guys.... You know what to do."

Sun Prairie received to start the second half and had a short run-back to
begin their possession at their own 24-yard line. On first and second downs
the Craig defense held them to only three yards total gain making it third
and seven for the Cardinals. Everyone knew this had to be a passing
play. There was no way a chance would be taken on the run thereby forcing a
punt from deep in their own territory.

Brett looked over at Tim on the sidelines. Tim nodded to Brett and gave a
thumbs up. Brett knew what he had to do. He was going to be on his Receiver
like flypaper and if the ball came that way Brett would use his superior
height and size as the Receiver he was assigned to was two inches shorter
and about twenty pounds lighter. Coach Slater had called one of their more
sophisticated blitz packages and the Cougar defense lined up in a way that
the Cardinal offense would be unlikely to read as indicating an impending
blitz.

At the snap, the left side of the Sun Prairie offensive line had been
fooled. Their Quarterback was now being chased by both a Cougar Defensive
Tackle and a Linebacker, and was in trouble.  In addition to that, the
Cougar pass coverage was tight. Brett sensing an opportunity backed off his
Receiver a bit hoping to set up a trap. It worked. The Sun Prairie
Quarterback saw Brett's Receiver was open, if only a little bit, and still
being chased by the Craig defenders had no other choice but to unload the
ball to that man.

With the ball in the air, Brett accelerated jumping into the air at the
last second and snatching the ball out from in front of its intended
target. Landing with the skill he retained from his figure skating days, he
turned on a dime and made for the end zone. Catching the ball where he did
at the 35-yard line, he was just too far away to score with most of the Sun
Prairie team between him and the end zone, but all the time in his mind was
what Coach preached about ball control. He knew at all costs he would
execute Coach's First Fundamental: hold on to the ball. Brett was downed at
the 14-yard line by the Sun Prairie Quarterback. When he got back to the
sidelines, the entire team slapped Brett on the back. Coach Slater simply
looked at him smiling and shaking his head.

This was good field position as it allowed both room to pass, and also
afforded the opportunity to gain a first down and four more tries at the
end zone if the Cougars needed it. Tim was in at Quarterback. For the first
play, Sean called a double-reverse. The play was well-executed, but Sun
Prairie's defense wasn't about to give up anything without a fight. The
Cougars gained six yards for a second and four at the Sun Prairie 8-yard
line. Sean didn't think this was any time to get creative and simply called
the same play again only run to the other side. This netted an additional
three yards and a third and one at the 5-yard line. Sean waited until both
teams had lined up and then signaled Coach to call a time out.

Sean, Tim and Coach huddled up. "Dix," Sean said, "I been watching their
D-line. Not all of them are watching the snap. The Left Tackle is only
listening. I can tell. On the last two downs he took off just a little bit
before the actual snap. The Ref didn't see it, but I did. Hard-count it on
this play. If it works, it'll be half the distance to the goal line and a
first down. I think it's got a decent chance to work."

Tim returned to the field and huddled his Offense. He ordered the hard
count. If there was no penalty, the play was to be a simple run up the
middle. He knew they could get the one yard they needed for a first down
out of that, but as one of Tim's game axioms went you don't turn down free
yards on an opponent's penalty.

Sauntering up to the line of scrimmage, Tim took his position under center.
The hard count began and sure enough it drew the player Sean pointed out
off sides. The ball was moved half the distance to the goal line and it was
now first and goal to go at the two-and-a-half.

The play Sean sent in next was designed to reward Brett for his
interception, as Brett was now in the game at Wide Receiver. Tim lined up
in the shotgun formation. Again, he hard-counted the snap in an attempt to
give the opposing defense the jitters. He figured it would buy him a split
second extra. This time, Sun Prairie wasn't buying what Tim was
selling. There was no penalty and the hard count bought Tim no extra
time. It didn't really matter, though, as Brett was quick enough and agile
enough to fake out his coverage and turn to dart across the middle of the
end zone. Tim fired the ball over the heads of the defending players
straight into Brett's hands for six making the score 27-14.

Sean signaled the Place Kicker to stay on the sidelines and for Tim to
hustle back and go for the two-point conversion. The guys successfully
executed it, and the score now stood at 29-14.

Sean's reasoning for calling the two-point conversion was that if they got
it then even if Sun Prairie was able to score two unanswered touchdowns
with extra-point kicks the Cougars would still be ahead, and even if Sun
Prairie managed both with two-point conversions, they'd only need a field
goal. The remainder of the game, however, became a stalemate with neither
team making mistakes, but neither team scoring either. It was not an
indication of ineffective, or poor offensive play on either side, but
straightforward, hard-nosed defense. Watching from the stands, the game was
closer-run than the final score indicated. But it was another win, and the
team at 3-0 felt that they'd done their jobs against a tough opponent and
notched up another step on the way to their goal.

Coach Slater's remarks after the game were positive. He told his men that
he was proud of their play that evening. He reminded them that they had
played a truly good team with a tough defense that night, and after some
initial disappointing play by their own defense, in the second half when it
was crunch time the defense delivered. Sean was awarded the game ball for
three touchdowns and as Coach put it, "superb play calling." Coach then
took Brett aside and let him know that if there were two game balls he'd
get the other one, telling him, "Son, sometimes there are unknowns who show
up and turn out to be real stars, you know, guys that just come along and
surprise the shit out of you. You're one of those guys, and I'm proud as
hell to have you on our team."

The guys decided not to have a post-game party that night as everyone was
tired. The game had been a hard one and took a lot out of everyone. That
may have been a good thing for that evening as unbeknownst to anyone, one
of the team was the focus of a meth-fueled rage.




END CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE




* The WIAA Big Eight Athletic Conference consists of the following schools:

Beloit Memorial Purple Knights
Janesville Craig Cougars
Janesville Parker Vikings
Madison East Purgolders
Madison LaFollette Lancers
Madison Memorial Spartans
Madison West Regents
Middleton Cardinals
Sun Prairie Cardinals
Verona Wildcats