So I am currently in the middle of a novel, with no title as of yet, but I'm working on it. Here is a little teaser of the first page of chapter one. It is a little rough, but it sets the scene a little. Realize that the plot has not even been touched, but it is more to show that this has a football theme and introduce a couple characters. Let me know what you think.
“Okay, guys,” quarterback Matt Foreman calls their attention, walking into the huddle. “It’s first and ten, but we really need to score. We are down 37 to 42 and only have one minute to go forty yards. We can do this, guys, and we can win this. Shotgun 87 Quick Flood, on set, on set. Break!!”
Matt walks up to the line, analyzing the defense. This was it, the state championships. Only one team here would walk away the state champion. He calls his top receiver, Kevin McKeehan, into motion across the field. A defender crosses with him, showing a man to man defense. Matt looks to Kevin as he sets for the snap. He raises his hand in the shape of a circle, signaling for Kevin to run a post away from the flood. Kevin has good speed on this guy, and should be open for a deep pass and then they can use their last timeout to make an attempt at the endzone.
“Good decision,” Kevin thought. “I can beat this guy.”
“Set!” bellows Matt. And with that, the play begins and Matt drops back into the pocket. Kevin takes off downfield with a sharp cut towards midfield. His defender takes off with him, but can’t quite keep up. Kevin has him beat for sure. Matt launches the ball towards midfield, leading Kevin to about the ten yard line. This may even be touchdown worthy.
Kevin looks back to see the ball in the air. It’s coming to him, but seems to be a little farther than he will be. He kicks into the next gear and pushes all the speed he can muster. He is there but it is a little high. Kevin lunges into the air reaching for this treasure. Everything seems to slow down as he watches the ball float in the air, the white stripe slowly rotating about its axis. Reaching up, the ball fits perfectly into his outstretched hands.
Kevin looks toward the ground to find his footing as the sound of an explosion resounds in his ear. For a moment the world is black, as the world spins in directions unknown to him. As he hits the ground, he can see the ball floating, end over end, in the air. The linebacker who has brought him this shock lands on top of him, putting an elbow into his side, as Kevin grunts in pain. He holds Kevin down, to the sound of many whistles, and loud cheering from his left side.
As Kevin gets up, he surveys the scene. His defender runs to his sideline holding the ball up in the air as his team goes nuts. His team looks like they have just been shot in the heart, as they mope off the field. Kevin begins to run to Matt, but his head feels like it may split in two with each step he takes. He slows to walk as he catches up with Matt. Clinging to his head, he asks, “What just happened there?”
But Matt doesn’t hear him as he turns toward the Gatorade jug and kicks it over with all his force.
Coach Odmark screams, “Matt! We will not have any of that attitude on my sideline. We will finish this with our pride and a respectful attitude. Do not disrespect me or this team!”
“Coach, what happened?” Kevin asks his coach.
But the Rockland City Tigers have kneeled on the ball to run out the clock and become the new state champions.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
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