If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success. - Will Smith
"A lot of things had happened to the Cliff Hangers and their friends, over the past few months. Their handling life a lot better these days, but they do lean on each other a lot. What's going to happen when they don't have each other in the real world?" Sophie asked at the meeting between the council members.
"They've been taught how to handle situations individually. That's why when we think they're ready, their allowed to work off campus or return home more frequently for family visits," said Roger.
"People come and go from here all the time, changing the dynamics of the teams. We test them and reward positive behaviours. The structure we have, is working and everyone does their part." Peter said gratefully.
"So you think if Scott Berringer leaves the Cliff Hangers, Shelby and Chris can handle it?" Sophie still argued.
"Yes I do. He's going to graduate before them anyway. I've heard him already beginning to discuss it with Shelby. She's thinking about her future outside of Horizon and making plans to apply to the same University or College that he does," Peter explained patiently.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. The football game that has you're sports contacts coming to, happens this Friday," Sophie reminded.
Roger smiled and said, "this will be a great opportunity for everyone on that football team. I'm glad you found something positive from your past to help the future of these kids Peter."
"They'll be arriving after the game has started, so the other players don't have a chance of recognizing the scouts and letting nerves destroy their game play," Peter added.
"Will we still be taking two buses of Horizon kids with us to the game?" Sophie asked.
"Yes, let's decide on who's going now."
The meeting continued and as usual the entire Cliff Hangers group would be there to cheer Scott on. Five Ridge Runners, three Sun Dogs and four trackers, with Roger, Sophie and Peter as chaperones, could go to the football game too. It was the largest group they'd taken so far. When the teens found out they were allowed to attend the game, Juliette and two girls from the Ridge Runners decided to make signs that spelled out Scott's name. Auggie helped to make the lettering really stand out, almost 3D like.
As usual Chris and Mark worked with Scott on his endurance drills and the other guys he trained with from Horizon focused on the ball handling. By the time Friday arrived, Scott was ready and the excitement of just going to another game, was infectious.
The players of the home team and the guests were announced, then both teams did their warm up stretches. The team doing the kick off was determined by coin toss. Scott's team would be receiving the kick. Everyone waited with anticipation, as the ball was kicked into the air, the receiver caught it and began to weave his way around the opposing team, running up field. He was taken down at the ten yard line, but due to a penalty, it was brought back. Now it was time for Scott to get past that ten yard line and if possible make a touch down. The quarterback yelled the signals at the line of scrimmage, then received the ball from the centre. He looked down field for his receivers, Scott had to reverse his direction, to ditch the other team's guy. He caught the ball with two hands and tucked it close to his body. Then he ran, like his shoes were on fire, he didn't make it to the ten yard line, but he was close. When he got tackled, it felt like he hit a brick wall.
"Holy shit, I can't believe Scott just popped back up, like nothing happened. That hit must have hurt!" Chris said in awe.
"Adrenaline baby, it's all about adrenaline." Auggie winked at her.
