Blood Bath

Chapter 9

As Colton ran onto the field, he heard Coach Talbert call for the men to circle him. He told them the practice would be a simple exercise to help them stay in shape.

"Men, Saturday afternoon we will play against a team we have never played. Like our school, Pewamo-Westphalia High School is in farm country, between Grand Rapids and Lansing. Trust me, the team comprises big farm boys. After we practice, we'll watch a video of their last game. They have our speed, ambition, and came close to winning the state playoffs last year. This year they want a state championship for their retiring coach. You must break their coaches heart by not letting them ruin our dream. We have two games to play in the regional competition. A win takes us one step closer to the regional trophy Saturday afternoon. And then we will go on to win the next game and become the Regional Champs," Coach said as the team cheered.

Aden yelled, "We will bring the trophy home for you, Coach."

"That's the spirit! Now, let's practice. Remember, I don't want injuries; so we're just working on our skills." Coach warned, "Don't kill each other."

It was an easy practice and the Loons were in a great mood. The video proved the Pirates were an impressive team. Coach pointed out several of the Pirates' star players. The quarterback was not as fast as Aden, but he could throw better than most college players.

"If the quarterback gets his sight on a receiver, he will make the throw. We have to keep him too busy to see any receivers," Coach said.

Aden pointed out that in this video it looked like the Pirates threw passes more than they ran the ball.

Coach agreed, but added, "Like us, they change with the game. If need be, they can run. And when they run, they run hard and fast."

Colton injected, "Then we will run harder and faster."

"Yes! I want you in top shape for Saturday's big game. We'll do workouts and lift weights every afternoon, except Friday. Friday's a half day at school, and I want you to rest. Saturday at 9:00 am the bus will leave school. We'll stop for a light Lunch in Caro, and then we'll head for Reese High School to face the Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates."

Coach added, "I have tickets for your families, and more are available in the office at a student discount. Let's make sure we have a big crowd cheering for us. Trust me. It helps. Tell your friends we need them. They can ride the buses if the don't have a ride."

Aden asked if Colton was having an after game party.

"No, we won't get home early enough, so Lacie and I plan on watching a movie or something."

"Sounds like a smart move, but I want to party down after we win the game," Aden said.

"Well good luck finding a party. Lacie and I want to get home and enjoy the victory by ourselves. Perhaps we can have a party Sunday afternoon."

"Let me know so I can tell Kathy. We both enjoy going to your parties." Aden said, as he started out the locker room door.

"OK! I'll let you know, Aden," said Colton.

Colton didn't follow Aden into the parking lot. He turned and walked into Coach Talbert's office.

"Coach, I need to ask you about something that happened in school today."

As Colton described what he heard before the assembly, he could see Coach's concern.

"Did they see you?" he asked.

"No. Coach, I need to know how I can help Jenny. No one deserves abusive treatment, but I don't know what to do."

"I'll report what you saw to the school office tomorrow and they can look into the situation. Please, Colton, don't get involved. You can't do anything to help her. She has to take action herself, and if you ask her, she would say he did nothing wrong."