Blood Bath

Chapter 5

As the Lake Huron Loons' football team entered the school bus, they were smiling and laughing. The players appeared eager to confront the Sebewaing Patriots. Coach Talbert stood beside the bus door checking to make certain all his players were there. When the last player got on the bus, he blew his whistle for attention. The team grew hushed.

"Guys, this is exciting, but we have serious work to do before we can celebrate. Sit and think about what you have to accomplish tonight. I want to be district champions as much as you, and I know we can win tonight. Keep your mind on the jobs you must do and picture yourself doing them without mistakes." He then sat down in the front row with the assistant coaches, and the players did as He instructed.

Behind the team bus sat another two buses, each loaded with sixty students, including the cheerleaders. These students were not somber. They were yelling, screaming, and singing the school song. The Loons team members could hear the noise coming from the other buses as their bus pulled away from the curb.

To Colton it seemed like an hour passed before the bus reached Sebewaing. In actuality, it was a short thirty-minute ride. Stepping off the bus while carrying their gear, the team entered through the doors of the visitor's locker room. Colton found a locker and suited up. The tension had grown and the reality of the stakes for winning the game became real to each player. Coach Talbert had done a great job of directing the players excitement inward. Through silent meditation, the team members were becoming grounded.

"Men, gather around so we can talk. I will not give you any special last-minute instructions. No special plays or magic game plan changes. We have been through a lot this season and with every game we've played you have shown me what a great team you are. Tonight is just another game. I know the Patriots stand undefeated, just like us. I know that if we win, we will be the district champions, and if they win, they will. It's that simple," he said.

He picked up a coffee mug and took a long drink. He put his hand on Aden's shoulder. "Son, you have led this team better than any quarterback I have had the privilege of working with. I trust you will lead them to victory tonight. And Colton, I want you to run like the devil is after you. Another touchdown and you will have set a new school record. Men, get your butts out there, and show your school, your community, and yourselves how good you are."

With that, the team formed a group hug and headed out the doors toward the bright lights. As they entered the field, the band played the Loon's fight song, and the cheerleaders led them to the field. The stands, filled on both sides of the field, had hundreds of people standing at the sidelines. Colton could envision one hell of a game. The announcer introduced the team members to the screaming fans and then announced that the Loons would kick with the Patriots receiving.

Before running on the field, Coach asked the team to stop for a moment of silence and then a cheer. The team ran on the field and were ready for the kick. Chuck Smitherson's kick was long, and the Patriots called a fair catch, because the Loons were quick to run down-field.

These two teams were so well matched that it seemed like neither would make a touchdown. During the first half, neither the Loons nor the Patriots could get the ball past the fifty yard line. The score at halftime remained tied at zero.

In the locker room, Coach Talbert talked to Aden about changes in the strategy. "Aden, do you see any way we can get through their defense?"

"I wish I did. Our line is holding them back, but I don't have enough time to attempt a pass. It seems like they know where I am every second. Perhaps I should do more lateral passes, then Terrence can pass to Colton, while the Patriots' linemen cream me," Aden said. He knew the Patriots would tackle him before they realized that he no longer had the ball. It wasn't something he relished doing, but he would accept being knocked down a few more times for the team.