Junior Year Box Set

Phil seemed to get a little taller and was walking on air when he heard what Roc had said. I was conflicted. What did I know about this kid other than that he looked like me? If Phil really were my uncle, I would want to get to know him better. Family was important to me, and if he was my grandpa’s son, he probably had some resentment about not being included in our family. It had to be hard to grow up in a one-parent home. I wondered if Grandpa Dawson had provided for his other children. I figured it would be best to be open and friendly until I had more answers.

It was funny how ten minutes ago my sole focus was football, but now that was the furthest thing from my mind. Coach Hope made sure to bring me back to what I was supposed to be doing.

“Dawson, Ball, Foresee, get your butts up here,” Coach said, and the three of us came to the front. He turned to the team as he continued. “As of now, these three are your team captains. At the end of two-a-days, the varsity will vote to either confirm or replace them. If you have any questions, either find one of the coaches or one of these three.

“Now, before we get started, I want to announce some changes to the coaching staff. We have created a new position on the staff: student assistant. Many of you know him. Alan Douglas, come up front so everyone can see you. Just so we’re clear, the fact that Alan’s a student does not mean he doesn’t have the authority of any of the other coaches. I want to thank Alan for the work he did to help you get ready over the summer. We were impressed with his work, and he has an interest in coaching. We felt he’d be a good addition to the staff. Alan will be a big help with the new software we’ll be using to help you learn plays and scout other teams.

“Next, I want to bring up the defensive coaches,” Coach Hope said as Moose was joined by two young guys who looked familiar. “Most of you know Moose. He’s been put in charge of the secondary. Our new Defensive Coordinator is a personal friend of mine and coached for me during my time as head coach at Beverly. Last year after I left, he stepped in and became the head coach. Our booster club raised the funds necessary for us to attract one of the brightest defensive minds in high school football. I would like to introduce Coach Zoon.”

He appeared to be in his late 20s and had the same bearing as Coach Hope. I guessed that he may have served with Major Hope when Coach was in the Marines. Coach Zoon just gave off that vibe; kind of like you can generally spot a cop, even in everyday clothes. There’s a way they carry themselves and seem to be more observant than other people.

“Next we have Coach Stork, also formerly of Beverly. He’ll be in charge of the defensive line, linebackers, and coach the freshman team.”

He looked fresh out of college and was a big boy. Coach Stork had obviously played some college ball.

“Now I want the offensive coordinators to come up. Coach Diamond will continue as our Offensive Coordinator and will be in charge of the skill positions. Coach Stevens is returning as our Offensive Line, Special Teams, and JV Coach.”

“Today is about conditioning. Last time we did this, it was for team-building experience, and if I remember correctly, a couple of smartasses worked as a team to get the freshmen and sophomores off easy. That is not happening this time, gentlemen! Mr. Dawson, get up here!” Coach Hope barked.

“What is our goal for this year?” Coach Hope asked.

“To win State, Sir!” I barked back.

“To do that do I need you to give me your best effort in everything you do?”

“Yes, Sir!”

“Do you think you’re the best athlete on this football team?” he asked.

I thought about it for a moment, trying to figure out what Coach might be asking me. Did he expect me to give a team-oriented answer, or did he just challenge me? I decided he wanted to make an example out of me, so I answered truthfully.

“Yes, Sir!”

Coach turned to the team and looked at all of them in turn.

“Do any of you think you can outrun Mr. Dawson?” he asked.

Ty, Ed, Mike, and Jake all raised their hands. I was worried about Ty. He might have a step on me.

“Mr. Dawson, are you willing to put your money where your mouth is, so to speak?” Coach Hope asked.

“Coach, I can beat any or all of them, so I’m up for the challenge,” I shot back.

Coach Diamond brought out a duffle bag and handed it to Coach Hope. Coach Hope gave me an evil grin.

He pulled out a pink skirt and matching t-shirt.

“Would any of you like to see Mr. Dawson wear this outfit all day tomorrow?” Coach Hope asked.

Wow! I thought these guys were my friends.

“I don’t think they like you much, Mr. Dawson,” Coach Hope said, and I had to agree. “Would you like to get a little payback?”

“Yes, Sir!”

I think some of them regretted joining in on the jeers. Tim and Jim, in particular, looked worried. They knew if I got serious about it, I could do some damage.

“Good, so you aren’t going to go easy on them?” he asked.

“No, Sir!”

“Lead them in sixty minutes of hell!”