Quarterbacks
Styles, Harry
Clemson, Wade
Jones, Shawn
Prescott, Maggie
Before I had a minute to process the list, the door to the football officed opened again and Coach Hedge stepped out.
"Maggie, wonderful. I trust that you've seen the list."
I nodded. "Yeah. I thought you could only have three quarterbacks on your roster."
The coach nodded, and I glanced at Matt in confusion. He furrowed his brow, looking just as unsure of where Hedge was going with this as I was.
"Yes, that's correct. However, I felt that the four of you all displayed both the necessary talent and skill level to bring Pine Creek to the national championship game for a second consecutive season. You can consider yourselves on probation for the remainder of the weeks practices. None of you have secured a final spot on the roster just yet. My final decision will come after Friday's practice. If any of you miss a practice, you're immediately out of the running. Understood?"
I just nodded dumbly, trying to process the decision he was making.
"And, Matt," the coach added. "I'm sure you've seen your name?"
"Yes, sir."
Coach Hedge nodded, satisfied with Matt's answer and reatreated back to his office without another word.
Matt turned to me and gave me a hug. "You did it!" he exclaimed happily.
My skin was burning from where he was touching me and I hugged him back, wondering why I still felt a huge pit in my stomach. I knew I should be happier than I felt, I still had football. But I couldn't smile. I was still trying out. I hadn't really achieved anything now that I think about it.
Harry, Wade, Shawn, and I were the only people who had tried out for the QB position with the exception of Rick Greene and beating him was neither satisfying nor surprising.
There was still a very huge chance that I wouldn't be playing football for Pine Creek. And I couldn't let that happen.
"What's wrong?" Matt asked holding me at arms length.
"I didn't make the team."
"Well...no," he said. "Not officially, not yet! But you still have a great chance to play this season. I hope you know that." He gave my shoulders a light squeeze and my heart jumped.
"Maybe."
"Maggie, come one. To be called back by Coach Hedge is a huge accomplishement itself! And for you more so. I know you're going to hear this a lot and it's obvious and all that, but you are a girl and you just got asked to compete to play QB on the football team that won the national championship last year. Not state. Not regionals. Nationals. The best team in highschool football."
Matt started at me, his blue eyes full of worry and concern. I could tell he had been hoping I would start believing him and finally act like someone who had just been invited to try out for the most prestigious high school football team in the country.
"Congrats," I said to Matt.
"Thanks," he replied. "No big deal."
Jonathan's eyes were trained on my and Jack glared at me, looking as if he was about to pop a blood vessel.
"I have to try out again." I said.
Jonathan's expression turned to one of confusion and I saw the outrage in Jack's eyes. I told them what Coach Hedge had just told me a few minutes ago. Jonathan nodded, as if this made sense to him.
