The Comeback

The Return

     It's Friday night which means we are getting some Eagle football here tonight. The big news         today is the return of star quarterback, James Irving, from a serious knee injury suffered in the first round of last year's playoffs.

     His return could not come at a better time, folks. After starting off the year 0-3, the Eagles need     a win here tonight to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

     However through three quarters and most of the fourth, James Irving has not looked like the star quarterback who broke so many state records a year ago. It's not that he has been bad, but he hasn't been the James Irving we're used to seeing. For starters, he hasn't moved from the pocket all night, and whenever a Lions' jersey comes near him, he quickly throws the ball away. He just isn't the same quarterback.

     Well folks, here come James Irving and the Eagle offense down 25-21. There's thirty seconds left on the clock, and the Eagles are at their thirty with only one timeout left. It's going to take a miracle from the Eagles to pull this one out.

     Irving working from the gun. The center snaps it, and Irving goes through his progressions. Pressure coming from the strong side. Oh and Irving just throws it away. And Coach Arin calls for a timeout.

"What the hell are you doing?" Coach yelled.

"There was pressure coming, and we couldn't afford a sack," I replied.

"Son, you had time. I think this is really about you not trusting your knee."

I looked down at me feet, "Coach, what if I get hurt again?"

"Look at me son. You're knee is fine. You're wearing a brace. Right now, son, this team needs you to go out there and be James Irving. In case you haven't noticed, we're losing this game."

I knew he was right. Our season relies on the game. My team needs me, and now is when I have to step up.

"Yes sir, I understand you."

"Good, can you roll out to your left and hit Richards Jr on the sideline?"

"I can do that."

     This timeout is over, and the Eagles are in the huddle. Eagles break huddle and Irving is lined up under center. He takes the snap. He is rolling out. That's the first time he's done that tonight. He's got man. Oh and he's drilled below the waist as he throws it. Richards Jr has that ball and gets out of bounds. But a timeout is quickly called by Coach Arin.

The defender got off of me, and I two of my linemen helped me to my feet.

"You okay," Coach asked. "You got absolutely drilled."

"Yes sir, I'm good. I'm ready to win this game."

"Good. We need you now."

"Coach, are we going with the Hail Mary," One of the other coaches asked.

"No they'll have everyone back."

"How about a twenty yard seams pass to Richards Jr and a lateral to me," I offered.

"Run it."

     The Eagles are coming out for one final play which I imagine has to be the Hail Mary pass. Irving is lined up under center. He takes the snap and drops back. He fires to Billy Richards Jr on the seams. He's following his pass? Richards Jr is swarmed by Lions' defenders, Oh and he pitches back to Irving on the lateral! Irving jukes around one guy, runs past another, stiff arms a third, trucks a fourth. He's to the twenty...the fifteen...the ten...the defenders have caught him at the five. He dives. And touchdown Eagles, and the Eagles pull out a stunning 27-25 victory! James Irving is back!