Vee sighed. “I think I’m good. It’ll be nice to see his name up there with Grandpa Carroll’s. I’m calling because I wanted to tell you I love you.”
My cheeks rose. “I love you, Vee Hubbard.”
“Whether you play or not, you’re a talented quarterback who saved the Coopers’ season. You know that, right?”
“Is this a pep talk?”
“It is,” she said. “Our bubble goes both ways, Fin. I can tell when you’re upset about something, and it all goes back to the first game against the Jaguars. The Coopers’ team made mistakes.”
“I want a chance to redeem myself,” I confessed.
“If it is any consolation, you have completely redeemed yourself to me.”
“It is.” I inhaled. “At least, when I’m not on the field, I get a better view of my favorite lady.”
“You’re also not getting knocked down by big men. I like that part.”
I couldn’t argue with that reasoning.
“I’ll see you after the game,” Vee said. “I need to go.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The game-day schedule didn’t vary much from team to team. By nine thirty a.m., the team was loaded on the bus and on our way to Crystal Light Stadium. We arrived before ten in the morning. Those of us who needed the help of our athletic trainers went straight to their in-stadium facility. Even though my rib wasn’t sore, the trainers insisted on taping my torso prior to each game.
Before eleven o’clock we were served a pregame meal, usually high carb and high protein. Today’s menu consisted of chicken, beans, and rice. Next, we split up into special team and position meetings. There were four of us at the quarterback meeting: Dennison, Simpson, Jackson, and me.
Coach Garcia didn’t focus on the mistakes we made in our first game against the Jags. Instead, he emphasized our potential and reviewed film of the Jags’ defense. They favored man coverage, creating fewer open windows for long passes.
It was noon as we ran out onto the field. High above, the roof of Crystal Light was closed, saving us from the colder December temperatures. Around the stadium the seats were beginning to fill with amber. The most beautiful woman in the world was standing on the sideline. Her sexy cowboy boots could be seen below her flowing amber skirt. I paused as I looked up in the direction she was staring. The banner with Carroll Hubbard’s name was no longer alone. At its side was the new banner honoring Reid Hubbard.
The Coopers warmed up on one end of the field and the Jaguars on the other end. With fifteen minutes to go before game time, Coach Tilson gave his rousing locker-room speech.
“The Coopers are winners,” he said.
“Winners,” we repeated in unison.
“You’re the Coopers,” Tilson screamed. “You’ve got this.”
“We’ve got this, Coach.”
“You’re going to show those fans out there that the Coopers will bring the playoff games back to Lexington.”
For the record, the divisional winning team would host the playoff games for the divisional and conference rounds up until the Super Bowl. Our division win wasn’t secure.
“We’ve got this, Coach,” the hefty testosterone chant filled the air.
The locker-room doors opened, and we followed Coach Tilson through the tunnel filled with flashing lights and smoke. AC/DC’s Thunderstruck blasted from the PA system as fireworks exploded from the four corners of the stadium.
The Big Hurt’s booming voice echoed. “Ladies and gentlemen, your Lexington Coopers.”
The air filled with cheers from our hometown fans.
“Coopers’ fans, please stand and join the Hubbard and Marsh family in remembrance of our late owner, Reid Hubbard.”
Vee’s family was with her on the sideline. Together, Daphne, Vee, her aunt, uncle, and cousins all walked onto the field. Throughout the stadium people stood and removed their hats. The team stood shoulder to shoulder in silence.
