I just sat in that top row of the bleacher and got mentally ready for the game. After about 20 minutes I went back inside and thanked the booster people for the food and drinks and went to the field house and started my usual routine. I put my pants and those pads on, game socks and shoes and a loose tee and went and sat on the bench. This had been my routine since sophomore year and it was always Ray who came and sat down and this time it was JJ. I smiled thinking of JJ and when he appeared we just sat there, not a word was said. Guys started to show up for warmups and we looked at each other and both took a deep breath and started inside. JJ put his arm around me and said MJ, I smell trouble. I looked at him and said yup it isn't even close to Halloween and gremlins are around. Inside I quickly threw on shoulder pads and my game jersey grabbed my helmet and started to the field. I stopped and looked out, put my helmet on and ran onto the field. I was stopped my coached and he said Mike, I get the feeling you will have a full load this evening. I shrugged and said, well more than you have that feeling that there is a disruption in the FORCE. Coach shook his head and moved on. Warmups were very normal and when it was time for the band we went to the field house.
Inside coach talked and the place was a bit quiet Generally speaking it was a bit tense and yet everything seemed ready and then again not. Josh was ready and the ALL FOR ONE thing worked. We were lined up by the door to the stadium with the captains leading the was. We started out and as usual some of us backed off and let the more hyped up dudes run through the paper sign. Usually the sign has slits in it and breaks easily. For some reason it didn't break and someone fell and there was a pile of players and a few cheerleaders. I stopped running, looked at the mess and walked to the bench. Great start we couldn't even run through a paper sign. At the coin toss, the visitors called HEADS and that was what it was. They deferred and we having no real choice took the ball.
Their kickoff went to the 15 and JJ managed 10 yards before he was swarmed over. Jim was at QB, Todd was at HB and I was at FB with JJ at wideout. The first play went to me and I went off left tackle and a big hole and gained 9 yards. The next play went to Todd and the ball popped out and while we recovered the fumble it was now 3rd and 2 with the ball on the 33 yard line. A play came in and I could tell Jim wasn't happy and he changed it from a run to a pass with JJ the primary target. It should have been a down and out but the corner back jumped the play and it was an easy pick six. With the point after we were down 7 - 0 and we hadn't played 2 minutes. It bothered me that the corner jumped the play, it was as he knew the play.
The kickoff was the same and JJ's run back was the same. This time I ran for 18 and Todd for 11 and we were moving the ball. The play came in and I knew Jim wasn't happy and I said dude, don't even think about it. Jim smiled and called the run play the coach sent in. Under center he all of a sudden stood up and changed the play to a post pass to JJ. Now in the shotgun Jim sent a high arching pass and JJ slowed down to get to it and there was an obvious interference but the pass was intercepted and the defender was quickly tackled. The penalty is 15 and a first down and we were moving the ball. I turned to get into the huddle and ran into Wyatt who looked at Jim and said, Coach wants to see you but he didn't ask for your playbook, yet. Jim was a bit more than furious and just stood there and I said Jim, please don't make him come get you. I looked at the play clock and went to the official and said sir, I need a time out. He asked if the QB was injured and I said well does a bruised ego constitute an injury. He laughed and call an officials time out for an injury. We saved the time out and Jim by rule had to leave the game. Naturally the visiting coaches were going nuts and one coach caught my attention and sure enough it was our old Offensive Coordinator. As there was a time out I ran over to our coach and told him what I saw and asked if we could please run student body right. He smiled and said sure but no penalties. I explained things to Wyatt. In the huddle Wyatt called the play and said said I'm going to call a real audible but ignore it, we are going to teach more than one lesson on this play.
We broke the huddle and Wyatt was under center and he stood up and yelled Blue 24, Blue 24 and the entire defense shifted a bit left. The snap went to Wyatt in the shotgun and the ball was pitched to me and it was amazing as we had everyone on the ground and I saw the coach in question and lowered my head and simply drilled him a yard out of bounds. Then I was thrown to the ground and flags flew and we got 15 more. I helped the coach up and said, sorry you should be quicker and I added, I hope your calling the plays as I am single handedly going to ruin your night. We scored on the drive and twice more in the first half. We were simply running it down their throats. On defense JJ had an interception and I had 3 sacks and Josh had 2 and the linebackers had 6 plays for a loss combined.
The third quarter was the same with our defense being dominant. We didn't give up a first down in either the second or third quarters. Jim never got back in the game and Clark finished the 4th quarter and did a nice job with the only passing TD of the game. We ended up winning 35 - 7. Once the game was over we shook hands and when I got to our former coach I said, well you underestimated our football smarts again, will you have a job tomorrow and he pushed me and I laughed but noticed their head coach was less than happy. At the end of the line I stopped the head coach and said, Coach that was my fault as we have a way of pissing each other off. He smiled and said Mike, I heard enough to know that what you said should not have resulted in that reaction. What I really want to know is how did you get the stripes to give you that injury time out. I laughed and said well in our game last year he missed two plays and I was getting more than a bit roughed up. I politely asked about it and he said I'll have to owe you one, I'm guessing he paid that debt. We shook hands and coach said good, we'll make that great game. I said thanks and joined the team for the song.
I started to sprint to the field house to change and was stopped my a gaggle of reporters. I immediately said, hey guys there were more contributors tonight than me. The damn network guy pointed and said Mike, you mean these guys and there was Josh, JJ, Chad and Clark. I shrugged and said fire away. The local guy asked about the student body right and said it looked like it could have gone for more yards? We it actually looks different from the field and it got the yards we needed. I was hoping to get away with that but the network guy said Mike, it also seemed like on that play and in the handshake line you and your former coach had an issue. Guys, to be honest he underestimated our football smarts as our coach and again coaching against us tonight. They are a solid team and they graduated more last year than we did and senior leadership matters. But you should ask Wyatt why that play worked so well. He simply played with their minds and it was all him. I said thanks and simply walked away. JJ was next and he took 3 or 4 questions. Then Josh and Clark and finally Wyatt who got grilled. I couldn't wait to see the paper.
It was a quick shower and I found dad, Megan, Ashley, Major Jim, Paul, Heather and Mia. JJ joined us soon and I saw Wyatt's grandfather and dad. It was a very friendly but longish chat. Paul came over and said Mike, I talked with the Major and I actually feel pretty good about the trip. I smiled and said we will be home by noon on Sunday and it is only possible because of the plane. With that Heather and I hugged and I asked if she was hungry? She said yes but first, this is my dad Max and my brother Alex. We shook hands and Max said Mike, we should talk about doing some business together. I said sure and have your people talk with Major Jim. He laughed and said damn you are every bit as good as your reputation. I found that funny. Then Heather asked if they could join us for golf on Sunday. I thought shit but said well everyone needs to understand we will be walking with caddies. TheY really agreed and I said so Max will it be ok if I take Heather to New York for the day next Sunday? It will be an early up and a late back, JJ and Mia will be along as well. He smiled and said sure and well played. I simply shrugged and said thanks but it doesn't have to be a contest. I'll figure out the details and Heather can fill you in. I'm leaving early for the VT football game and no you can't come. Thankfully everyone laughed.
Heather and I jumped in my car and drove to the Tavern and I filled her in on the drink situation and that we wouldn't have to pay as long as you are with either JJ or I. I doubt that Jim will come tonight but that Josh and his date usually comes as does JJ. I opened the door and the place erupted with HI MIKE and that was followed by HI HEATHER. I had to laugh but it was what it was. We sat at our reserved table and we were the first ones there. JJ and Mia appeared and got the same greeting and JJ asked, how the fuck did that happen. I shrugged and said please remember the drinking thing. He laughed and said MJ your killing me. Josh appeared and he sat down and asked who gave them a scorecard with who is dating who. I was surprised when Heather ordered an iced tea and she smiled when the beer came, I was trying to remember who was the last chick I dated that drank beer. JJ and I had Arnold Palmers with Josh having iced tea (beer) and his date wine. Just then I heard HI WYATT and that was followed by HI WYATT'S DAD. there was no table available and we waved them over and they joined them. Wyatt ordered an iced Tea and his dad a Bud. When Wyatt's drink came and it was beer, John grabbed the glass and ordered him an iced tea. Naturally another beer came and JJ said Mr. Carson you should simply let Wyatt drink that unless he can drive home. Wyatt simply grabbed the iced tea/beer and started to drink.
We ordered food and it was a good time and John was fun and we all enjoyed his company. Wyatt not so much. John eventually asked about the drinks and I said well when the bill gets paid it says iced tea or SPRITE. Oh we have never paid the bill as it gets paid a couple of times and the owner is thrilled to have us here. Then I said John, if Wyatt was here alone with us. I would have stopped it and he would have had iced tea. Mike, you can do that and I can't? I looked at John and said that's correct. Mike, why aren't you drinking? John, first of all it is never more than one drink and I am up early and flying to VT tomorrow. The FAA rules say no drinking 12 hours prior to a flight and JJ and I make it 24 hours. Then as I was ignoring her I felt Heather's hand on my leg slowly moving towards my cock which was clubbing up. I grabbed her hand and said, sorry but I know you were there. She laughed and whispered we'll show me you are aware. I smiled and said, yes babe. JJ, Josh and I firmed up plans for the trip and we agreed wheels up at 7:00. As we were finished eating and it was getting late I said good night and as we walked out I heard GOOD NIGHT MIKE AND HEATHER. I simply laughed and grabbed Heather and we had a tongue fight all the was to the car.
At her place I parked in the street and we started to make out and she stopped and asked Mike, are you ok? I said yup but Wyatt's dad being there was a downer and to be honest, I didn't expect a 4 some at Oakmont. She said Mike, I'm sorry and I was not happy either. Heather it was the approach and we tee off at 2:00 and I'll have the Pro Shop aware and to expect you there around 1:00. There will be no locker room facilities available and the caddies will get you to the practice area. I'll be there as close to 1:00 as possible and my clubs are there. You guys can look at the card and choose a tee. I'm playing the Tournament tees and I'm not showing off, that's what I do. I kissed her and said next time just ask me, I hate surprises. With that she was all over me and I was more than a little hard. I simply stopped and opened the car door and helped her out of the car and we walked to the door. We kissed again and I drove home. I prepped the coffee and set the alarm for 5:30 and jumped into bed.
I was up with the alarm and a quick shower and dressed in a VT polo shirt, hat and casual shoes with no socks. I grabbed a baggy hoodie in case the weather was colder there. Outside I saw JJ and laughed. He was dressed exactly like me same shirt and hat. I flew inside and grabbed a different VT shirt and we drove to the airport and got there around 6:20. Josh and his dad pulled in behind us and I told JJ that I would file the flight plan and we would start the pre-flight check when I got back. He just shook his head and said Josh's dad is a pain. In the terminal the plan was reviewed and we were set to go. Outside I shook Paul's hand and said sorry but I needed to file a flight plan. We have a flight pre-check to do, would you like to watch. JJ getting the deal was all in and it was the most intense pre-check ever and included a few made up things. The last thing was I manually checked the fuel. Then I looked at Josh and said hop in and make your self comfortable but strap in, it's a lot like a car seatbelt. With that I looked at Paul and said have a good day and JJ and I climbed aboard and secured the door. Inside JJ checked on Josh and I started the inside pre-check. Once that was complete and JJ was beside me, I contacted the tower and we started to the runway and were quickly cleared to take off. We were in the air at 7:03 and an eta of about 9:15. The flight was uneventful and as soon as we were on the ground Josh called home. When he hung up he said damn, I'm finally free. We started for campus and stopped for coffee on the way. It was typical college campus on Saturday, very quiet. We went right to the athletic office inside the stadium and checked in. We were each given a packet which included field passes and direction on how to get onto the field. With that done, it was back to town and breakfast. It was a spot where I had been to many times when here and sure enough Sean appeared and sat down. He said he only had a minute and Josh was introduced and Sean had a quick coffee and said I'll see you guys after the game and I'm buying dinner and I knew that wasn't the case. Then it was a walk around campus and Josh wasn't saying much. We stopped at the bookstore but there were no purchases. As we walked around we even saw the cadets drilling. It was a casual walk around but now time to get to Lane Stadium. We followed the directions and were there about 45 minutes before kickoff.
I wasn't sure that I liked that fact that Worsham Field was actual turf, but damn it was in great shape. The opponent was South Carolina a non ACC opponent. VT was not off to a good start as they had lost their first two games but they were close. I was watching the linebackers warmup and JJ had drifted to the defensive backs. Josh was just all eyes taking it all in. It was another close game buy a 27-20 loss. I couldn't wait to see the class of the starters especially the linebackers but Sean played the entire game. On the way out I grabbed a program and we waited for Sean. It was not a long wait and when Sean appeared JJ and I were told that Coach wanted to see us and he is in his office outside the locker room. Then he looked at Josh and said dude, your with me and we will meet those two at the restaurant. Does that work for you? Josh smiled and said, well doesn't seem like there is a choice.
JJ and I found the nearly empty locker room easily enough and those there were very quiet, which I thought should be normal after another loss. When we found the office, Coach was there with Coach Conn, Defense coach and when he saw us we were waved in and told to take a seat. Coach Conn looked at JJ and asked, so what do you think? JJ shrugged and said to be honest I would be looking for a branding iron to see if they were still alive. Both coaches laughed out loud. Then he looked at me and I said a pedestrian effort and Coach Conn said I like the branding iron comment but both accurate. Coach B then asked about the flight and I said well 2 hours and 15 minutes but if February we will. JT that by an hour as I have a jet on order. Both coaches laughed and the Coach B said, so you can leave right after practice, fly home, eat dinner and be home before bed check? I shrugged and said, yup. Neither coach knew how to react to that and I just sat there waiting to find out why we were there.
Looking directly at JJ Coach B asked are either of you going to disappoint us on letter of intent day? JJ quickly replied well I really want to play defense. Coach Conn replied well we actually concur and you appear to be a natural and I have looked at a lot of film on you and Coach Carson appears to be correct you are a born safety. It would be helpful if you didn't blow people away and you played more. JJ laughed and I just sat there. Then JJ said guys, I told you last week that I was in, so why you still asking? That was ignored and both coaches looked at me and I smiled and said well from what I see on the field you could use both of us this year. I am aware that you, as of now have the best potential incoming class in the country and we won't be competing with each other for a position. We could be National Champs in two years and definitely should be in three. So yes, I'm in. Coach, we could have done this over the phone so what else? Mike, we both wanted to see the reaction you two had and how you responded to the question.
JJ just started to laugh as I knew he was aware I was going explode. I took a deep breath and calmly said, well all the cards on the table and if you want pull the offer, simply do it and I'll make other plans. I want to play college football, I don't need to. I know what it will take and while but I will respect you program and the rules you require. Understand I will bend most of them and break a few. You will react to that and it will be interesting. I will have a jet at my disposal and I will definitely be using it and it requires a co-pilot and that dude is sitting in this room. If he can't accommodate my requirements, I'll simply rent one. I will be in and out as business and family require. What you will get in return is your starting outside linebacker for three years. I am aware that I will need to earn that but by looking at films of your games and today, I could start next week. So now I ask you, do you still want me?
Coach B looked at JJ and asked are you two a package deal? JJ smiled and said MJ, will kill me for this but that's not an issue because if he bailed at this point, your 5 star recruiting class blows up. I don't have his star power, well yet, but by the end of this high school season, I be one of the most sought after d-backs in the country. Also, you can count on me for three years because I will be opting out for the pros. The only reason MJ won't be the defensive player of the year will be because of me. Oh, I will earn a starting spot next year. So are we good or do I need to tell the people covering our team that my recruiting is open?
JJ, you have been hanging around with Mike too much and he is rubbing off on you. Your comments are very correct and it nice to see you have grown up enough to express yourself. Oh, it's nice to see the image change. This is the first time I have seen you without boots. JJ laughed and asked is this bull shit over, I'm hungry? Both coaches laughed and then Coach Conn ask what's with Josh? JJ said well he could be the third Musketeer and yes he can play. You should get to know him, hell he is here. Then Coach B asked if the two of us would fly down and join a bunch of other top recruits and jointly sign our letters of intent. I said Coach, that's a possibility for me but we will have to see, but I'll try. Once that was over JJ and I got up and started to the restaurant.
JJ and I found the restaurant Josh and Sean were already there sitting at a table for 5 and my radar went off. We sat down and Josh was going on about what a wonderful day this was. I was glad he enjoyed the day but he needed to see other schools. The extra seat remained unused and drinks were ordered and the waiter was told we needed a few more minutes. I was thrilled when Rodrigues, one of the guys on the beach vacation, appeared. We hugged and the waiter came over and he ordered a beer and food was ordered. We chatted about football and they were pretty much waiting for next year and hoped the reinforcements would be as good as advertised. I was ready to get on our way and Sean shook his head and changed the subject. Then I remembered Coach would stop by. Sean mentioned his sister saying she will be pissed when she hears I was in town. JJ just look at me and I said later, long story. Both guys as redshirt freshmen had live in girlfriends. I said we had rooms at the hotel near the airport and we would be leaving early in the morning. Rodrigues asked if we needed to be home for dinner and I laughed and said, nope lunch. He looked and I explained the travel arrangements.
I became aware of some commotion and saw Coach B had arrived and was working his way towards us. Sean seeing that excused himself saying he needed to piss. That left an empty seat beside Josh and I was anxious to see Josh's reaction to this. Shortly Coach reached the table and we all shook hands and he sat down beside Josh and it was like Josh was the only person in the room. Josh was very polite and yet only a little awe struck. It was going well and Sean appeared and Coach stood up and said well have a nice flight back. I just shook my head and wondered how many times this happened. Suddenly Coach was back and said, guys I almost forgot and he handed me two envelopes and JJ one envelope. Sean paid the bill and I left an extra tip as we had tied up the table all night.
We walked to the hotel and I had reserved 3 rooms. JJ was unhappy about that and Josh said goodnight and I reminded him we were leaving for the airport at 8:00. He said thanks and went to his room. JJ looked at me and I laughed and said just come to my room and shut up, I'm tired. Once in the room, we kissed and then tore open the envelopes. It was a list of the recruiting class for next year. It was a random list and most names had a check beside them. There was no explanation just a note which said, "Make Friends". The list contained phone numbers. JJ asked for my paper and checked. He was pleased that they were identical. The third envelop was for Allen Clarkson. With all that done we made out some, stripped and jumped into bed and fell asleep holding each other.
I REALLY HOPE PEOPLE ARE READING AND THAT THE NEW LOCATION FOR THE STORY HASN'T RESULTED IN A LOT OF LOST READERS. THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS, THEY ARE APPRECIATED.
PLEASE IF POSSIBLE SUPPORT NIFTY.