The post-game celebration spilled into the weekend. The win over Maplewood had reignited the town's faith in the Wildcats, and for a moment, Jordan allowed himself to bask in the victory. But even as the adrenaline faded, he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of his mind.
The scout.
Every play, every decision, every pass—it wasn't just about winning games anymore. It was about proving he had what it took to play at the next level. And that pressure wasn't going away anytime soon.
The following Monday, Jordan found a note in his locker. It was from the scout, requesting a meeting after practice. Jordan's heart raced as he read the note. This was it—his chance to show he was more than just a high school quarterback.
The meeting took place in Coach McGill's office. The scout, now in a more casual outfit, greeted Jordan with a firm handshake. "Jordan, I've been watching your games," he said, his voice measured. "You've got potential, but potential only gets you so far. I need to see consistency. I need to see how you handle adversity."
Jordan nodded, his mind racing. "I've been working hard," he said, his voice steady. "I know I can play at the next level."
The scout leaned back in his chair, studying Jordan. "We'll see. Keep playing like you did against Maplewood, and we'll talk more. But remember, it's not just about one game. It's about every game."