Senior Year Box Set

“Slow down. I was hoping you would curb that maim-and-chaos approach and maybe get them to focus on only using it for self-defense instead,” I suggested.

Cassidy rolled her eyes at me, which caused me to give her a stern look.

“Fine,” she conceded.

Why did I have visions of little ninjas exacting justice on the unsuspecting public?

Suddenly, a random thought jumped into my head: that would make for a great movie or TV concept. There were already turtles and spy kids. Why not tiny ninja do-gooders?

◊◊◊

Our second-round game in sectionals was against Saint Viator. I’d had to do a quick Internet search to discover it was a Catholic college-prep school located in Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago.

Because Saint Viator had to make such a long drive, we were starting the game at seven. The game was being picked up by the Sports Network, which was a streaming service that broadcast local sporting events.

Before the game, I’d been asked to sit down with Corey Wilier, their color man who would be broadcasting the game.

 

Corey:“Joining me is David Dawson, this year’s Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year and MVP of the Pan Am games.”

David: “Thanks for having me.”

Corey:“I read that you’ve accepted a scholarship to play football at Oklahoma. Do you plan to also play baseball?”

David: “If I can. My first love is baseball. I just can’t turn my back on my football potential, though.”

Corey:“I’ve talked to several professional scouts, and they project you as a possible late first-round draft pick to third- or fourth-round. Have you considered playing baseball professionally and skipping college?”

David: “If the money was right, I would have to consider it. As I’m sure you’re aware, where you’re drafted can lock you in, income-wise, for a long time. The way things stand, I plan to go to Oklahoma.”

Corey:“Lincoln High hasn’t been this deep in the state playoffs since 1965. Do you think this might be the year you finally win it?”

David: “That’s a good question. It is our ultimate goal, but I’ve learned that you play the game in front of you and don’t look ahead. Saint Viator is one of a handful of teams that could actually win it all this year. I look at their lineup, and they really don’t have any holes in it. They’re also well-coached. This game will go a long way toward determining who wins state this year.”

◊◊◊

“You forgot to thank God,” Jeff teased.

“I hate those interviews when they simply assume you’ll win. You and I both know that if I didn’t do my ‘aw shucks, they’re the best’ routine, they would use it as poster material to kick our butts.”

“Are you going to win?” Jeff asked for my usual prediction.

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Why’s that?”

“In football, we have a week to prepare. I watch the game film of our opponent and help break it down so I learn their strengths and weaknesses. In a sense, up until now, I’ve had some idea as to how good the opposing team is. At this point, I really can’t tell how good Saint Viator is.

“I would guess they’re are damned good to have made it this far. All I know is we’re ready. I’m just not sure if it will be enough,” I explained.

“All that bullshit aside …”

I grinned.

“We’ll win,” I predicted. “I just can’t say by how much.”

“Good luck,” Jeff said and let me go get ready for the game.

◊◊◊

From the get-go, we were in for a battle. During the first three innings, we’d both left six runners on base, and the score was still 0–0.

This was one of those games where the pitchers struggled. Each team left two runners on base in each of those first three innings because our defenses came up with plays when we needed them. That was the hallmark of a good team.