The Friday night lights shone brightly on the home field with the teal Shark being vibrant in the middle, casting a vibrant glow over the stadium.
The crowd buzzed with excitement, the band played tunes, and cheerleaders pumped up the fans with synchronized cheers and acrobatics. The team walked out onto the field, flags waving high, ready to dominate Greenwood Prep.
In the stands, DJ noticed some familiar faces: Addison and Ellie, waving enthusiastically; Brianna and her family, holding a large cutout
of his face; and, surprisingly, scouts from Penn State and Syracuse. DJ's heart
raced at the sight, knowing that tonight's performance had to be one to remember.
First Quarter
As the first quarter began, it quickly became evident that the home team was in full control. Damien Law, the star running back, On the first play had a run, Damien burst through the defense for a solid gain up the
middle as he broke through tackles.
On the second play, DJ lined up wide left. His release was explosive and fast, a quick burst off the line that left the cornerback struggling to keep up. DJ cut inside on a slant, catching the ball with his left hand and turning upfield. He dodged two defenders before being tackled out of bounds, the crowd roaring in approval.
DJ King was just electrifying the field with his exceptional play. Lined up on the outside, he ran a series of routes. On his second play,
he lined up wide left, facing the cornerback who looked focused but nervous.
DJ's release off the line was smooth; his feet danced quickly, a rapid stutter-step that froze the corner for just a moment. DJ's eyes locked onto the defender's hips. He could see the cornerback's weight shift slightly, indicating he was preparing to turn and run.
DJ pivoted sharply off his left foot, breaking inside on a crosser route, leaving the defender trailing.
He caught the ball cleanly with his both hands and turned upfield, weaving through would-be tacklers for a significant gain before being brought down.
On the next play, DJ lined up on the right. He scanned the defensive setup, noticing the cornerback playing him in a jam. DJ's release was more aggressive this time, using a powerful burst and swiping the corners hands
away to push the cornerback back.
His eyes and helmet looked towards the middle of the field, hinting at a slant. The cornerback bit on the fake, and DJ instantly pivoted on his left foot, cutting outside into a go route.
The ball soared through the air, and DJ timed his jump perfectly, catching it with both hands cradling the ball above his head just as the safety closed in. He landed roughly, absorbing the big hit and rolled forward, maintaining control of the ball.
The team's offensive coordinator dialed up a play-action pass. James faked the handoff to Damien, who had the defense biting hard, as DJ broke free on a double move.
He faked an out route towards the sideline, causing the cornerback to turn his hips and stop his back pedal, before DJ burst upfield on a go route.
James dropped back and floated the ball and as it sailed through the air, DJ jumped, catching it with both hands with the ball against his chest, just before the safety could make contact.
He landed cleanly, as he rolled, and sprang back up, raising both his hands with the ball, in triumph as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Second Quarter
Defensively, Eli and Aaron and the defense were shutting down Greenwood's receivers. Eli, with his lanky frame and long arms, intercepted a pass, reading the quarterback's eyes perfectly as he tracked the ball down.
Aaron followed suit with a diving pick of his own, blanketing the receiver and snatching the ball out of the air as the receiver tried to fake a go before running a curl.
The offense was trying to make statement. DJ lined up in the slot for a slant route. His release was smooth and quick, a subtle stutter-step that left the cornerback flat-footed. DJ's eyes locked on the ball as James released a bullet to his chest. He caught it and, pivoted on his right foot, and sprinted downfield, dodging defenders before being tackled in the end zone.
Next, DJ ran a crossing route, starting from the right side of the field. His release was pure speed, as he cut across the field with quick strides. The cornerback trailed behind him, and the safety moved in for coverage.
DJ's eyes tracked James, who dropped back before rolling out of the pocket to his left and delivering a perfect cross body pass on the run near the sideline. DJ stretched his arms and caught the ball with both hands stopping it from sailing out of bounds as he dragged
his feet.
Another play saw DJ running a double move. He lined up on the outside, his release a quick jab step to the inside before bursting out
towards the sideline. The cornerback didn't bite on the fake though as he sprinted with DJ stride for stride as DJ cut upfield into open space.
James stood tall in the pocket before he threw a laser, DJ jumped off two, to the point his waist was at the corners shoulder,
catching the ball with two hands over the corners helmet, before cradling with one, securing it against his body, as he landed and broke the tackle, continued downfield for another touchdown.
In the end of the second quarter, DJ lined up in the slot. His release was a quick diamond release as he stepped back before hitting a quick stuttter left to right, freezing the cornerback just long enough for DJ to break free on another a crossing route.
James snapped ball dropping back and saw the opening and lobbed up a perfect pass. DJ tracked it with both hands over his shoulder, as he tucked the ball in, and sprinted downfield before being brought down in the end zone for a touchdown.
By halftime, the score was an exaggerated 42-0. The team was unstoppable, and the stands were electric with excitement. As the players made their way to the locker room, the halftime festivities began. The band took the field, performing a dazzling routine, while the cheerleaders executed flips and pyramids, keeping the crowd's energy high.
Halftime
The mood in the locker room shifted dramatically when a fight broke out between players from both teams. Heated words escalated into shoving, and soon fists and helmets were flying. Coach Carter stormed in, his face furious.
"What the hell is going on in here and why is there players from another team in our lockeroom?" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls. "And you guys, you think this is how we win? By fighting? The only way we lose is if we beat ourselves!"
He turned to the referee, who had followed him in. "Who started it?" he demanded.
The ref, looking just as frustrated, pointed to one of the Greenwood players. "He did."
Coach Carter's face turned red as he got angrier, but he quickly turned back to his team. "I don't care who started it. This ends now. We're a team. We fight for each other and our future, not for stupid stuff like an already won game. Got it?"
There was a collective murmur of agreement, and the coach's expression softened slightly. "I'm proud of you for standing up for one
another," he said, his voice still stern. "But let's channel that energy onto the field where it belongs, let's let the game do the talking."
With the tension diffused, Coach Carter decided to put in the bench players to give them some playing time. The rest of the game was a blur as the team continued to dominate. The final score was an overwhelming 56-0.
———
As the players celebrated their victory, DJ's stats were nothing short of spectacular: 12 receptions, 223 yards, and three touchdowns. Damien had rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, while Travis and Malik each cleared 100 receiving yards.
In the locker room after the game, the atmosphere was light. The team had played like a well-oiled machine, and the work had paid off. DJ felt a mix of pride and exhaustion, knowing that this win was a step closer to their ultimate goal yet knowing the fact it would only get harder from here.
As the players began to leave, DJ was approached by the scouts who had been in the stands. The first scout, from Penn State, was a tall, imposing figure with a warm smile.
"DJ King, right?" he asked, extending his hand.
DJ nodded, shaking his hand firmly. "Yes, sir. That's me."
"I'm Coach Franklin from Penn State. I just wanted to say, you had an amazing performance out there tonight. Your hands down the best WR recruit I've seen this year.
Although you might not know we've been keeping an eye on you, and I'm pleased to tell you that you'll be receiving an offer from us shortly."
DJ's heart raced with excitement. "Thank you, Coach Franklin. That means a lot."
Coach Franklin handed DJ his card. "Here's my number. Feel free to call if you have any questions."
DJ took the card, feeling a rush of adrenaline. "I will. Thank you again."
As Coach Franklin walked away, the Syracuse scout approached. He was shorter, with a kind face and an enthusiastic demeanor.
"DJ, I'm Coach Douglas from Syracuse. I have to say, you were definitely a pleasant surprise out there. You are exceptional, and I'm excited to see more from you. We're planning to offer you a spot as soon as I get back to campus."
DJ couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Wow, thank you, Coach Douglas. I appreciate it."
Coach Johnson handed DJ his card as well. "Here's my number. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
DJ took the card, feeling a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. "I will. Thank you so much."
---
As DJ walked out of the stadium, he felt an overwhelming sense of pride. He had played his heart out, and it had paid off in ways he had only dreamed of since he was a kid. The offers from Penn State and Syracuse were a testament to what he had been doing was working.
He found Brianna waiting for him by his car, her face lighting up as she saw him. "DJ, you were amazing out there!"
DJ grinned, feeling a rush of warmth."Thanks, B. It was a fun game."
Brianna hugged him tightly. "Just so you know your mine for the weekend so don't think about chickening out."
DJ nodded, feeling content. "Gladly."
As he drove home, DJ couldn't help but think about the future. With the work he was putting in, DJ knew he could achieve anything he set his mind to. And with offers from top colleges in hand, the sky was the limit.