The Love We Found

Chapter 20

Axel's POV:

10 seconds left in the game.

Down by 6.

On their 20 yard line.

Time for one play.

We have to score to try for the win. Offense looks scared, especially Jaxon. Time for me to be the captain and step up. Coach's speech isn't working.

"Coach, mind if I speak?"

"Go ahead, Axel."

I stepped up to the huddle. "Guys, I could go on to say these next 10 seconds are the most important in your life. But they aren't. The next 10 seconds will not define you. The most important times in your life will most likely have nothing to do with Football. To everyone else this season has been less than perfect. But a perfect season isn't about the wins, or being undefeated. It's about the heart. This entire team has overcome adversity, loosing me, the problems between teammates, and learning how to play despite the loses. Everything has led to this moment. Now's the time to give it everything you have. Believe in yourselves, you guys got this far. Trust each other. Now we've got 10 seconds to score. I'm calling the play. You all just have to trust me and trust Jaxon."

"No, Axel, we all know the only way we win is if you play. I'm not as good as you."

"Jaxon, just get in the end zone, and catch the ball. It's your game, not mine. Grant, you know what to do. I'm calling "Playground 27"."

"We haven't pulled that off in a game!"

"That was a play we made up when messing around."

"Enough. Trust each other. You guys got this. Win or lose, who cares? Just trust each other and see how the game plays out this isn't the end of the world."

They all nodded and put their hands in the center of the huddle.

"Timberwolves on 3. 1... 2... 3.."

"TIMBERWOLVES!"

The offense ran back out onto the field and took up positions. The running back lining up directly behind the center to take the snap. Jaxon called for the hike, the center snapped to the running back, Jaxon and three wide receivers took off up field. The other two wide receivers threw blocks as Grant took the Quarterback position.

The running back ran to the line of scrimmage before turning and tossing a lateral pass back to Grant, who then planted his feet and threw the ball as far down field as he could.

Jaxon stretched his arms way out and made the catch at the five yard line. Diving into the end zone right before he was tackled. Our field goal unit ran out onto the field, no time was left on the clock. The score was tied at 20 a piece. If we missed the extra point it would go into a five minute sudden death overtime. Joshua our kicker hiked the ball and ran and kicked it right before the defenders got in the way. Everyone held their breath as we waited to see where the ball would go. As the ball quickly soared through the uprights I could hear the crowd start freaking out. WE WON! WE FUCKING WON! PLAYOFFS HERE WE COME!

The whole team swarmed the end zone screaming and jumping on Grant and Jaxon. I stayed on the sidelines as everyone celebrated. I looked down and grabbed my helmet before turning and heading away from the field.

I'd celebrate with the team at the party later. For now I just wanted to change and go home to get food. I didn't feel like celebrating on the field or in the locker room. I didn't do anything tonight, that was all everyone else.

"Hey, Axel, you going to the party tonight, Cutie?" Alexis, Madison's co-cheer captain asked.

"Wouldn't miss it." I winked at her.