The scoreboard stood at 20-23, a narrow lead by Shinryu High, and the tension radiated through the field like an electric charge. Seiryuu High's players huddled together, anticipation and anxiety etched on each face. Shinryu High's players, however, had an air of unsettling confidence about them. Sota could tell that they had something up their sleeves. They were planning a big play.
The referee's whistle pierced the air, and the players sprung into action.
Seiji, Shinryu's quarterback, didn't waste a second. With a quick signal, he sent his players into motion. Kuuga, their wide receiver, cut sharply to the left, drawing Seiryuu's defense with him. Rensuke, another Shinryu player, feigned a short route, diverting more of Seiryuu's defenders. It was all too clear that Shinryu was setting up something complex, but Seiryuu hadn't yet seen their full play unfold.
