High school Story

no 'i' in team

Friday evening...

The first football game of the season is about to start. Hundreds of students are packed into the stands, ready to watch Berry High take on Statton School for the Humanities. On the field the cheerleaders are raring to go!

"GO, TIGERS GO!" Mia shouts.

"FIGHT, TIGERS, FIGHT!" Sydney shouts.

I take one last water break before the start of the game.

"Hey, Alexandria!" I hear a familiar voice shout after me.

"Hi, Dad. You finally made it!" I run over to him in the stands.

"Like, I would miss my little tiger cub's first game." He grins at me "So, on a scale of 'visit to the dentist' to 'trip to Magic Fun Land.' how excited are you."

"I'd rate this trip to Magic Fun Land. I feel like i'm going to burst!" I add beaming at my dad.

"Oh no, that sounds messy." He says shocked.

"It's a metaphor, Dad!" I laugh.

"I know silly." Dad laughs. "Now, I'll get out of here, because it looks like someone wants to talk to you."

"Huh, what do you--" I start then I was interrupted.

"Alexandria!" Maria says loud as she was walking towards me.

"What's up, Maria?" I ask.

"You'd better do your best out there." Maria says sternly then continues "I've seen the statistics, and there's a strong correlation between satisfaction with the win record and satisfaction with the homecoming dance!"

"Really?, Err..." I add quite nervous and startled.

Maria looks down frowns then looks back up "Okay, that came out wrong." She then grins at me "What I'm trying to say, Alexandria, is good luck. I'm rooting for you."

"If that's the case... then I'll try not to disappoint." I add smiling.

Maria still beaming at me says "I'm sure you won't"

Suddenly Emma shouts across to me "Alexandria, it's time!"

"Okay Em, I'll be there in just a second." I add shouting back.

I turn back to face Maria. "So, I've got to go, but thank you for coming over and saying hi!" I see Maria blush slightly and smile.

I wave goodbye and head back to the bench. Emma kicks off the ball to start the game. Soon Berry has possession of the ball. Me and my team line up against Statton's defense.

"Ready, Alexandria?" Caleb asks.

"Let's do this." I say back. I fight all thoughts going around my head and dedicate my focus to the game.

"Blue, 42... Blue, 42... HIKE!" Brian shouts.

The centre snaps the football. Brian pitches it back to me. I catch the ball and sprint downfield.

"Quick, run, Martínez!" Coach shouts to me.

I weave between Statton players as the end zone draws nearer and nearer.

"Almost there!" I say to myself.

I notice a Statton player charging after me, catching up quickly.

"You can't beat me!" the statton player says.

Caleb shouts to me "Stiff arm him, Alexandria!"

I stiff arm the charging Statton player. He falls to the ground right before I reach the end zone!