The second snap from Takiyama High began, and tension gripped the field. Malik, aware of the challenge Sota posed after that first defensive play, was no longer underestimating his opponent. He had heard of Sota's injury—everyone in the football world had—but what he hadn't expected was for Sota to come back this strong, this fast. His injury wasn't slowing him down one bit. Now, Malik understood: Sota wasn't just playing for fun. He was out to prove something.
The quarterback barked the cadence, and the ball snapped with a sharp clap, launching the play into motion. Malik shot off the line, his long legs pumping with terrifying speed, each stride eating up the field like a freight train with no brakes. Sota's eyes locked onto him immediately. There was no hesitation this time—Malik wasn't testing the waters. He was going for it.
