The crowd erupts, shaking the damn stadium as my teammates swarm me.
Defense takes the field, locked in, forcing a three-and-out before our offense gets the ball back.
But it doesn’t stay easy.
Their defense adjusts, doubling up coverage, closing gaps, pressuring our quarterback. The next few drives turn into a grind, every yard hard-earned, every snap a battle.
They hit back, scoring on a deep pass after their receiver barely gets a step on our safety.
7-7.
The tension tightens, the game shifting into a slugfest. Bodies collide, helmets smash, the air thick with sweat and the sting of cold night air. Every play is a test of will, every snap another second closer to the end of this chapter of my life.
With three minutes left in the second quarter, we get our break,a fumbled handoff by their running back. Our linebacker dives, securing the ball, and just like that, we’re in business.
I glance at Carter as we jog on to the field. "Let’s punch this in before half."
He smirks. "Let’s do it."
We push fast, working up the field with sharp, crisp plays, eating the clock while keeping our momentum. On third and goal, our QB makes eye contact with me, giving a barely-there nod.
The ball is snapped, and I explode off the line, cutting inside before breaking back toward the pylon.
The pass is perfect, right into my hands.
Second touchdown of the night.
We go into halftime leading by seven.
The locker room is tense, but not in a bad way.
It’s focused. Guys breathe hard, trainers work on tightening wraps and stretching out any sore muscles, coaches talk through adjustments. The scoreboard reads 14-7, but no one is relaxed.
This game is far from over.
Coach stands in front of us, his hands on his hips, looking around at each of us. His voice is steady, firm. "We knew this wasn’t going to be easy. They’re a damn good team, but so are we. This is our game to win, but we have to finish."
Heads nod. Breathing evens out.
"They’re going to come out swinging in the second half. Expect it. Embrace it. Hit them harder."
A murmur of agreement.
He looks at each of us, pausing on me. "Montgomery, you’re playing your ass off. Keep leading. Keep pushing."
I nod, jaw tight. "Yes, sir."
He glances at Carter. "Hayes, keep them in check out there. You know what to do." Coach steps back and exhales. "We’ve got thirtyminutes left. Thirty minutes to make this ours. Go out there and give it everything. No regrets. No holding back. You feel me?"
"Yes, Coach!"
"I said, do you feel me?"
The locker room explodes—guys pounding their chests, yelling, the energy electric.
Coach nods. "Then let’s finish the damn job."
I take one last deep breath, my pulse steady, my mind clear.
