Our final timeout quickly ends, and we rush back onto the field, thankful that we caught our breaths. Miller hikes the ball and fires a screen pass to me. I take it 10 yards before getting tackled in the stomach; it's painful but way better than taking a hit to the head.
Next play, Miller connects with Jalen Briggs for 15 yards. Briggs has been quiet all game, but when it counts, he shows up.
After the two-minute warning, Coach signals a run play. I rush up the middle twice, gaining 10 yards total. Arizona burns both of their final timeouts.
With 90 seconds left, I rush up the middle two more times, but this time, I get stuffed. Clearly, we need to come up with a new game plan.
Now it’s third down. Miller, with pure concentration, drops back and throws a perfect fade toward the end zone. Jack stretches out, dives, and catches the touchdown.
The sideline explodes with applause and excitement. Between Miller’s throw and Jack’s catch, it’s just unreal.
We’re up by four. There are only 30 seconds left. Anything can happen, but Arizona has no timeouts, and our defense isfully rested, so I have extreme confidence. We sprint off the field and wait in silence as the defense heads out. After a punt into the end zone, Arizona takes over at their 20-yard line with just 30 seconds to go.
Their quarterback drops back and tries to scramble to the left, then to the right, but our defenders get to him quickly. He panics and throws the ball away.
Next play. He drops back again, and it's the same thing; he scrambles all over the place and is clearly in a panic. The only difference is this time, Marcus gets there, and boom, he gets his second sack of the game.
As the game clock strikes zero, we explode onto the field, screaming, celebrating, full of adrenaline. It’s the first game of the season, and we pull the upset.
The hope is that momentum continues and we secure a playoff spot. I know that this is just the beginning and will not be our last epic win.
Back in the locker room, the excitement continues. Coach walks in with the game ball, holding it high.
“Marcus,” he says. “Two sacks. One sealed the win. Well deserved.”
We all cheer for Marcus. I am so happy for Marcus; he earned it. But I’m proud of myself, too. I need to keep this up because this team is now my home. I want to be here in New York, with Nate, with this team.
I ended the game with a little over 100 yards from scrimmage. No touchdowns, but that is irrelevant. We won the game, and I did my part; that is all that matters.
While I am bare ass getting dressed, Josh comes up to me and pats my back, “Let's grab a drink.”
“Can I get dressed first?” I joke.
“I’d prefer you like this, thank you.” Josh reciprocates.
After being caught by Josh, our relationship has flourished. I feel free around him, and I love how he can be himself around me. Still acting ridiculous and saying ridiculous shit like what he just said to me.
***
After we finish getting ready, we start to head out, which is when Marcus catches up to us and says pleading, yet playfully, “I am coming with you; I need to celebrate with someone and not alone. I beg you, let me join.”
I say with a grin, “Call Becky; maybe she can help you celebrate.”
Marcus chuckles, clearly understanding where I am getting at, and yells, “Nothing happened with us, idiot. Also, Boys' night out!”
I say, “Of course, drinks on you then. I do have to leave after an hour or so, though. I have plans with a friend.”
Marcus and Josh look at each other with grinning smiles, and both say sarcastically to each other, “Yeah, afriend.”
I laugh. “I will tell you about it over drinks.”
We get to this bar, where hopefully no one recognizes us. Sadly, I am wrong, as we are swarmed and congratulated by fans.
So many girls come up to us saying, “Do you have a table? Can I come?”
Each time, one of us responds and says, “Boys' night out, sorry, girls.”
We decide to pay for a private table in the back for more space and less interaction with other people. They already have a small bottle of Tito’s and some cranberry juice waiting for us. If only they brought club soda, but oh well. This will do.
