On the drive to my place I was trying to figure Ken out was he a father figure for Winnie as he asked more questions than either of her rents. Where was his family and him all alone visiting his brother and no family of his own. I decided I didn't care about any of that and Ken would be what he became. I parked and went to my place and threw my phone on the loveseat and took a very long and hot shower. I dried off and got on the scale and was pleased as it read 223 and I was 6'4" so things were good until I looked in the mirror and thought there was a lot of work to do but that would start Monday at the earliest. If we made the state finals it would be two more weeks and then the holidays and I would be a total slob. I decided that I would need to sneak some workouts in. I dressed in very comfortable clothes and was looked for a tape for the Walkman but before that the phone rang and it was my cousin Ray. We talked for a while and caught up as much as you can over the phone. He said he was in Pittsburgh and him and a couple of buddies were going to the game and he was hoping we could all get together for breakfast or possibly lunch. I said either would work unless I finished the game in the hospital again. Ray laughed and said ell that was as scared as fuck. We settled on a breakfast around 10:00 at the diner in the West End and I said that JJ should be with me. With that being done we hung up and I continued my music choice decision.
I was expecting JJ and I actually thought he would be here by now. No matter what I wasn't having a late night and with no school and a late game it would be an awfully long day and I knew I would be stressed. It had been like that all last year but not hardly at all this year. I figured that last year it was fun and new, this year it was neither fun and the only new shit was the drama. There was no real reason for why it was so different other than the usual pressure I place on myself. That really worried me about next year as if this year was so much like a job next year would be even more like a job. Damn, the college life around all that better be worth it. The other difference, I realized next, was that it was all coming not to an end but to a new beginning. I laughed and thought the Phoenix was dying and I had no control over what the new Phoenix would be, well not yet. Then I started to laugh as the Phoenix would be the theme of that damn talk I would have to give at graduation. Then I laughed as I was thinking about something that was 6 months away. Damn, I wish it was fucking June and this transition was over.
Thankfully the door flew open and JJ appeared. He said MJ, why is this so fucked up? JJ, if I knew that I wouldn't be sitting here trying to figure that all out. MJ, any of the last three games could have been the last high school game, why is this different? JJ, all the other games were Friday and at 7:30 and at a normal field. This one is Saturday and later in the evening and on TV and at a big time stadium. You know what once we kick off it will be normal again, unless we are wound so tight we don't do what we should do. JJ, it is amazing how much it becomes a normal game. I changed the topic to yesterday and we both had a great family day and I said that was my first decent holiday and that Megan was a great cook. JJ said that he had many great holidays but this was the most chill ever. Dad has never been this relaxed. Then I told him about Ray and the Sunday breakfast at the diner. Then I added JJ, win or lose. He laughed and said well a loss to that asshole coach would be hard to get over. Then he said MJ, I'm going home and try to relax as neither of us are good company. I laughed and said wait till you see me tomorrow. He laughed and said, I'll see you at school.
Back to the music and then I decided to start on CMU math and fuck, that did the trick as I got lost in the shit and kept at it and when I finished it was 1:15 AM and damn it was game day? I stripped piled on the covers and jumped into bed. I considered da run but a check of the weather indicated it was 15 degrees and would somehow get to the low 50's and at game time it would be dry and a reasonable 33 degrees. I put coffee on and tried to steel dad's paper but had to go inside and get it. I managed to avoid anyone and went back to my place and poured coffee and put toast in and started to read the sports section. There was a prediction of each of the 4 games and the favorites were Aliquippa in Class A, Jeannette in AA ( they were playing Sam's team, TJ in AAA and BHS in AAAA - which was us. While that was good what upset me was that we were favorited by 17 points and I knew the other team and coach would use that for inspiration. The other way to view that is that at kickoff we were down 17 points. I would try to sell that to the team along with ignore the press clippings. The article went on to say we were very experienced and extremely strong on defense and had an above average running game and a lot would be determined by how much the outstanding freshman QB managed the pressure and in Special Teams we were without a doubt the best in a very long time. Then it went into the D1 prospects saying we had 8 who were committed or had offers and a strong Junior Class to go along withe the 4 Seniors who were committed, JJ and me to VT, Chad to West Point and Paul our Center who was going to Purdue. The other team was a Junior dominated team who had two loses one of which was preseason and the other to us. They were given an edge on Coaching. I laughed at that and wondered how Coach would deal with that but I found all the observations accurate. I looked at the time and I still had 8 hours before we would leave for the stadium.
I was at loose ends and decided to go for a solo run. Nothing serious just to be outside and to kill some time. I put on warm clothes and I got all the way to JJ's houses and he was returning from a run. We waved and I continued on my way and JJ went inside. It was strange as at least for now, in this period of time, we needed to deal with things in our own individual way. I was wondering if JJ thought about that at all and if it would change our relationship. It was a shorter run than usual and I had another coffee and then a long hot shower. I dressed in loose clothes that were very comfortable and pushed play on the Walkman and threw myself on the loveseat and simply zoned out. The music, Mozart, did its thing and I was off into a very quiet space. All of a sudden I felt someone tapping my shoulder and when I became aware I saw Megan. She smiled and said I knocked but you didn't move so I just decided to come in. Then she said Mike, your dad told me not to bother you on game day. I laughed and said well I've have had a mom and 2 stepmoms but you are the only mom that has cared about me. She blushed and I sat up and said have a seat.
Megan sat down and asked how I was doing? I smiled and said Megan it's hard killing all the time before we need to be at school. It's just very different until someone kicks off. That results in me not being not good company and a shorter tempered. I did go for a run and coach would shit if he knew that. So are you going to the game or watching it on TV? Mike, Colleen is watching Ashley and your dad has a suite so it will be comfortable. He is aware Charley and Chuck will join us and your dad has that under control. Megan that's nice to know and let him know I appreciate it. Those two are important to me but Chuck's dad is another issue. Then I told her about Ray and she said I'm aware as your dad takes care of him and fights with his sister Janet often about how they treat Ray. Mike, you remember that he pays Ray's tuition at school. Megan, I remember that and it was an ugly time but he seems to be in a better place. Sensing this was more than a casual visit I asked if she wanted coffee. She smiled and said well a cup of tea would be nice.
I put the water for tea on and made coffee for me and we chatted about Thursday and it was a very good day for both of us. She said the last few years with Wes (her ex) had been a difficult time I laughed and said well it only took me 17 years to have a fun holiday. She shook her head and said Mike, that's just sad. The tea and coffee was ready so I poured us each a cup and sat back down. We chatted for about another 30 minutes about mundane stuff and when her tea was finish she said Mike, thanks for the visit and I'll let you get mentally ready for the game, just try to enjoy whatever happens. We hugged and she went back to the house. I was amazed as we spent a little over an hour together and it was just a visit and neither of us had an agenda, what the hell? Then I laughed thinking, I guess that's what mothers do.
The afternoon dragged on with the only diversion being lunch which consisted of a turkey sandwich and a salad. I took another shower dressed in good jeans a school sweatshirt. packed some warm clothes for under my uniform. All that was left to do was drive to school and pack my shit and toss it on the bus. I was at school at 3:45 a bit early and quickly packed my gear and went and sat in the bleachers. I was trying to keep thing as normal and as routine as possible. Thankfully it started to feel like a normal game or at least a normal away game. I was joined by JJ and I put my arm around him and asked are your ready? He turned and looked at am and said MJ, I just want to get at those fuckers and get on to the next game, wherever that is.
We sat until we couldn't any longer, grabbed our equipment put it on the buss and sat in the back seat. I immediately put my Walkman on and it was current rock. JJ grabbed an earpiece and put it in his ear. I laughed and said dude where is yours? He shrugged and said batteries. it was a 30 minute to the stadium and we just sat there as we were early. While it is a first class stadium there are only 2 football and 2 baseball locker rooms. It didn't take long and we unloaded the bus and lined up our bags in a hall way and against the wall.coach was talking with a league official and they were running about 20 minutes late and we would start at 8:30. That wasn't good but it wasn't awful and the weather was dry and in the mid 30's.
I found JJ and said let's go watch some football and find Rod, Wyatt, Clark and Josh and sit together. JJ just looked and I said dude, these last two hours are the hardest and we need them calm so let's take care of business. Out in a quiet part of the stands we sat down and Rod immediately said the uprights are wrong. I just shook my head and said they are set at NFL widths, it will be fine. So on our first kick off can you kick it high and not in the end zone? He smiled and said sure, but why? Rod, they expect us to kick it in the end zone and if we don't and bust ass on the coverage it is a win for us. Then I said I'll talk to the guys and I would bet something good will happen. Really,I was hoping that was true but I wanted him thinking about something other than the uprights. Wyatt was just taking it all in and was chatting with JJ. The kid was amazing and I knew he was ready and would be a fixture in these games. Soon enough it was halftime and when the teams came back on the field we went and retrieved our stuff and changed into uniforms. I wanted so bad to sit on the bench, like I always did but there was no option for doing that.
The game ended and there was a short trophy ceremony and the winning team was in our locker room. It was there that their coach handed out individual metals and game balls. We had no part in that went out for warmups. Everything pre game was different, no band and we warmed up and then went back inside. Rod, came up to me and said Mike, no worried the goal post are wide enough, I just laughed and sat to listen to the coach. H e was as usual drab and said if we win the toss defer and we are the home team so they call the toss. Having had enough I stood up and said guys in 10 minutes or so this will finally become a normal game on a normal field and in front of our fans. Just take care of business, watch your reads and we have beaten them before. Tonight shouldn't be any different. With that someone started with the "All for One" thing and the "One for All" reply might have been heard outside.
On the way to the field I talked with a few guys on the kickoff team nd alerted them to the first kickoff. They all agreed and we ran onto the field and there were no cheerleaders. The last thing different was that there was a student from some school in the district singing the Anthem. The officials called for Captains and the sportsmanship message was read. The other team called HEADS and it was TAILS. I deferred and they chose the side of the field. On the way to the sideline I told the "R" the kick won't go into the end zone. He laughed and said, thanks for the heads up. We had time on the sideline as TV finished a commercial. The whistle blew and the guys lined up and Rod put the ball on the tee and he hit it very high and it was caught on about the 12 yard line and the receiver caught the ball took one step and was blasted and the ball popped in the air. There was a scramble for the ball and they recovered it on the 1 yard line.
That was more than I had hoped for and it got better. On the first snap the QB fumbled the snap but recovered the loose ball. Unfortunately for him it was in the end zone and a safety. We were up 2-0 and they had to kick from the 20 yard line. While it was early and a small lead and it went to our 35. JJ caught the punt and returned it across mid field to the 30 yard line and we had a first down. In 4 plays all on the ground I had 20 yards and a TD and Todd had 10 yards. Rod easily made the point and 3 minutes into the game we were up 9-0. There was a TV time out and Coach came up to me and asked what else do you have planned or will I be surprised all night? Coach, I'm done but I don't know about the others but I'm sure we will save something for the States. With that I watched the kick off sale into the end zone. I just smiled at that and played defense. Defensively we were awesome and they had a few first downs and were scoreless. Being very conservative with A lot of yards running the ball and we were up 19-0 at the half. I thought we needed one more score but things were going very well. I was hoping things would open up on offense.
We having deferred to the second half would have the ball and be on offense first. I went up to Jim and he immediately said MJ, relax we are opening things up. I smiled and said well if you guys don't Wyatt will. After the kick off we had the ball on the 30 and the other team had a fire lit under them during the halftime. The first play sent in was a sweep for Todd and Wyatt ran the play and was clearly unhappy. I was sure it wasn't about his personal stats. I felt like a lot of us he wanted another score that would most likely end things. The second play came in and It was second down and 5 and it looked like in two plays we could get a first down and Wyatt simply called the play but we were called for holding and it was now second down and 15. Wyatt got the next play and didn't go to the huddle and called time out. Coach was screaming and Wyatt, listened and then yelled, just tell me why you are making this so fucking hard. You are letting them hang around when this will end with a score. Then Jim went up to Wyatt and started to say something and Wyatt turned his back and inches away from the coach yelled, it's your job so you need to tell me. There was no answer and Wyatt said ok, I'll just do what the fuck I want and he started back on the field. Then he turned and said more calmly send in what you want and we will consider it. Wyatt called a screen pass that went for 20 yards and then Jim ran onto the field and replaced Wyatt. Wyatt simply jogged to the sideline went right past the coach, took his helmet off and sat on the bench.
The huddle was a different issue as Jim call the first play and it was first and goal from the 9. Before the ball was snapped a lineman moved early and were penalized 5 yards. I was hoping that was a simple mistake. Jim called a run for Todd that netted 10 yards and I scored on the next play and we were now up 26-0. I was off the field for the point after and then a TV commercial. Coach was having a calm discussion with Wyatt. I sensed that neither were happy but at least they weren't screaming. I asked the defensive coordinator for a series off and went and sat with Wyatt. I asked if he was ok and he smiled and said yup. It is just hard to play for a coach who lives in the 1970's, all running plays and defense. Well Wyatt, look at the scoreboard. Mike, I get that but in two weeks this game plan will not work, I've seen films. Ok Wyatt, let's just win this one. Then he said Mike, it's good I'm in next series and can call the plays. I can't use the new plays as they are being saved. I went back in on defense and they punted.
Wyatt's return resulted in a 70 yard drive with 6 passes and 6 running plays and another TD. I was impressed and knew I was done for the night on offense. It turned out that it was my last series on defense as we 33-0 after 3. I didn't care about the mercy rule, I just wanted to hold them scoreless. There was a mixture of starters and "others" on defense. Wyatt played the first series of the last quarter and moved the ball and we had an easy field goal. Coach decided not to do that and we turned the ball over on downs. At the game was winding down they were moving the ball as when it got to the 20 yard line I was asking every coach I could find to put the starter back in. Finally when they had a first and goal on the 7 the defensive coordinator called a time out and we were put back in. There was time for two or three plays. Their first play was a pass and JJ dove and tipped it just before it got to the receiver. There was now 14 seconds left and I knew it had to be a pass or it was the last play. Chad and Josh knew that as well and we ended up having a linebacker meeting at the QB and it was a 10 yard loss and the clock hit 0:00 and once again we were district champs. During the handshake line their coach asked so hotshot, why did you do that? I smiled and said dude, think back to my sophomore year and what you did. Sometimes payback is a bitch and I enjoyed beating your ass tonight. All the fans had gathered in the section with the band, well sections. I couldn't believe how many people showed up. Later I found out that the announced attendance for the day was 38,000 and the vast majority were here for our game. The band played and we sang and hoisted the trophy.
With this game selected players 5 were taken to the press room and sat at a table along with coach and had to answer questions. It was me, Wyatt, Todd, Josh and JJ. The first question went to coach and a reporter from Harrisburg asked, so coach there was more than a bit of drama to start the second half, can you tell us about that? Coach smiled and said the young QB and I had a disagreement over the plays. The reporter immediately turned to Wyatt and asked the same question and he replied, the old coach and I had a disagreement over the plays being called. There was some laughter and then I was asked if I could shed some light on things. I said well it seems that was asked twice and answered twice, why not move on. Coach why did you put the starters back in under a minute. Well, they asked and it was to settle a beef they had since sophomore year with their coach, I simply thought it appropriate. It went on like this for 20 minutes and we were all grilled about the game. Finally I was asked what's next? I said a game next week against Erie Prep or State College either at Slippery Rock U or Altoona. We will be ready. Mike, what do you thing about the teams from out East? I smiled and said no comment. Then I added THANK YOU and stood up.
On the way to change I was stopped by Mr. Heilman (the league Executive Director) and he said just who the hell do you think you are to end a press conference? Well Ace, I am Michael James Simmons, Jr. and a very tired student athlete. He was shocked to be called by his nickname and before he could say something I said, I am also a former player in the league you run and you will be hearing a lot from and about me and we will be starting after the first of the year in Harrisburg and with me on national TV discussing what it's like to play high school sports, enjoy your night. In the locker room the metals were in a box and we were simply told to grab one and get a quick shower. It was just about midnight when we got back to school and apparently no one went home and it was a loud celebration with lasted until 1:30. I couldn't even leave as my car was blocked in with the massive party.
I found dad and Megan and got a big hug from dad who said I was awesome in the game and that the VT people were walking on cloud 9 over you and JJ. Mike, that was by far the best game you have ever played. I just looked at him and said, really? He laughed and said, we can talk tomorrow after you read the paper. Winnie appeared and we hugged and she turned my head and gave me a real kiss and I immediately sprang a boner. Apparently it was less than an appropriate scene as people were watching. We found JJ and Mia and it was way too late to do anything and we agreed to talk in the late morning and spend the afternoon together. All I knew for sure was that I was exhausted and hurt all over. I saw Wyatt with his grandfather and I went over and gave him a hug and said great job. His grandfather was less pleased and I suggested that he cut the young QB a break and Wyatt burst out laughing. Then Wyatt said Mike, we need to talk. I smiled and said well dude, you also need to talk with coach and see you you and him can meet in the same decade. Mike, you and I first, please. I said fine and grappled Winnie's hand and as the crowd was dispersing we got in the car and I drove her home. In the driveway we made out and I have never had sex in my car but damn this was close. At my place I took a real shower then simply dried off and jumped into bed. A very good but very complicated day was over with a goal easily achieved and messages sent and a few received.
I would later than usual but so did JJ and we managed to meet for a run. When the run was over he looked at me and said dude, you know I'm coming to your place and we are having sweaty sex. I laughed and said well unless we shower whatever we do it will be sweaty. He smiled and said no shower and he kissed me right in my driveway and like last night when Winnie kissed me I was instantly hard but this time I was hard and leaking. Inside clothing was scattered all off and we were kissing and both our asses were lubed and when JJ started on my nips I almost lost it. The man smells and the sweat from the run only added to the intensity and pits were licked, cocks were sucked and sweaty asses were eaten but the flip fuck was the best and we laid in the bed truly exhausted. It didn't take long and we were both hard again and we sucked each other tasting the dried cum and ass juice. It was so raunchy and hot that we easily shot another load and in each other's mouth at the same time. We kissed and swapped cum until it was all gone. Then we moved to the shower and made out more but sex was off the table at this point. I laughed when JJ had to find his running clothes and put them on to get home. As he was leaving my phone rang and it was Ray. He said they decided to stay another day as they had no classes on Monday and they would rather meet up with me and JJ for dinner. We settled on that bar in Greentree and now both JJ and I had more complicated lives.
Once I was alone I changed into a sweat suit and went to the house hoping to find some coffee and the paper. Even after all that sex and the hot shower I was sore. In the house there was coffee and the paper was open to the sports and fuck our game was the headline and lead article. I saw that Sam had lost a respectable close game and that his running back was sick and didn't play a lot and that Sam had 323 yards passing and kept them in the game. Then I turned to our game and there was the nonsense about us repeating. The tremendous defensive play. What shocked me was that There were two paragraphs on me as I had 11 tackles 4 sacks and 2 tipped passes. Then on offense I had 211 yards rushing and 33 yards receiving. With out a doubt the reporter said it clinched my status as the district player of the year. JJ got a lot of ink and the article said that VT would have a hard time deciding where to play him and that his blazing speed was a force on either side of the ball. There was a discussion about the drama and the lack of answered from either the coach or the QB. Wyatt however was described as a "once in a generation QB" with poise and calmness beyond his age. Apparently even as a Freshman he had opinions and wasn't afraid to express them and in a public way. The article seemed to take Wyatt's side as it described the play calling as pedestrian. The reporter even wondered how well it would have worked with a less talented and united team.
Dad appeared and asked what I thought and I said well we have a week to get this new drama sorted out. Then I told him that I was not happy about our metals being in a box and we were told to grab one and I wondered what happened last year. Then I said dad, one would have thought Coach would have taken the time to give them out individually and say congrats. Then dad asked, which championship means the most to you? Dad, I don't know as they were both so different but this one was more work. Mike, you played harder last year but what lit a fire under you last night. Dad, I didn't even know that was the case and those stats I just read surprised me. Mike, you were totally different, your body language, the intensity all of it. Hell you couldn't even stand still for the anthem. Dad she should have just sung the song and not turned it into a performance. Dad there were only two people there who cared about the anthem, her mom and dad. Besides you only sing it once a day at a venue. Look dad, I care about the country and our military but she didn't honor the country or the military she simply performed a song. Dad smile and said don't ever say all that outside this kitchen. I laughed and said I get that but it's true none the less. With that I went to my place and dealt with 23 voice mails.
Thanks for the comments and for taking the time to read all this.
NIFTY, AS ALWAYS COULD YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, PLEASE THINK ABOUT THAT.