Riverside's next possession started strong, with Carter shaking off the sack and completing a few quick passes. But Coldwater's defense was no longer playing scared. Malik was everywhere, charging through the offensive line like a man possessed, forcing Carter into rushed throws and sloppy decisions.
With every play, the crowd's energy fed the Wildcats, and Jordan could feel the tide turning. On third down, Malik blitzed again, hitting Carter just as he released the ball. The pass sailed high, and one of Coldwater's linebackers intercepted it, diving to the ground with the ball clutched to his chest.
The stadium exploded in noise. Jordan felt the electricity in the air as he ran back onto the field, his heart pounding. This was their chance to tie the game.
The first play was a run, gaining them five yards. On second down, Jordan called for a play-action pass, faking the handoff and rolling out to his right. Chris sprinted down the sideline, covered tightly by Riverside's best cornerback, but Jordan trusted his receiver. He launched the ball, a perfect spiral that sailed over the defender's outstretched hands and into Chris's waiting arms.
Another huge gain.
The Wildcats were deep in Riverside territory now, and the crowd sensed the momentum shift. Jordan could hear the chants of "Wildcats! Wildcats!" echoing through the stadium, fueling his determination.
On second-and-five from the 15-yard line, Jordan took the snap, dropping back into the pocket. He scanned the field, looking for an opening, but Riverside had the receivers covered. The pocket began to collapse, and Jordan could feel the pressure closing in. Without hesitating, he tucked the ball and scrambled to his left, dodging a defender and cutting upfield.
The crowd roared as he dove across the line, picking up the first down. Jordan stood, adrenaline coursing through him as his teammates pulled him to his feet. This was it—the moment they had been waiting for.
On the next play, Jordan handed the ball off to the running back, who powered through the line and into the end zone. Touchdown.
The scoreboard flashed: 14-13. The Wildcats were back in it.
As the extra point sailed through the uprights, tying the game at 14, Jordan felt the weight on his shoulders begin to lift. They had clawed their way back, but the game was far from over. Riverside wasn't going to roll over.
On the next drive, Riverside's offense began to find its rhythm again. Carter completed a series of quick passes, moving the ball with precision. But Coldwater's defense held strong, forcing a field goal that put Riverside back on top 17-14.
Jordan jogged back onto the field, his heart pounding in his chest. There were only a few minutes left in the game, and they were down by three. This was it—the final drive. Everything was on the line.