34. Jacob
Chapter 34
Jacob
I t’s been a little over a month since Dylan’s little get together. I wish I could say it solved the problem, but it didn’t. There’s still a lone few who manage to put their two cents in about us. Of course, they do it out of our earshot and off the field, but the whispers still get back to us.
Dylan blows it off, not allowing herself to devote any more attention to it. So, we’ve decided to follow suit.
“This is it!” Ford’s giddy voice breaks the silence. “Our first college game.” He’s bouncing around as we step up to the edge of the field. A quick look shows the bleachers are full, not an empty spot to be seen.
“It’s just a scrimmage game. It doesn’t count,” I remind him.
“Yeah, but it’s our chance to show everyone why we were picked by CSU. It’ll shut up everyone who doubted us. Plus, it’ll show that Matthew is an amazing coach and asset,” Dylan says.
This is why I love her, the way she always thinks of others. Instead of making this about proving herself, she made it about us, her men.
“Okay team. This is it. While this game doesn’t count for ranking, it’s our chance to show them what we’re made of. I’ve never had a team with the magnitude of skill as the players on this one. I’m proud of each and every one of you. Now, get out there and get us a win.” Coach Woosley uplifts us all with his words.
“Hell yeah!” we all shout in unison, before taking off to the field. As we take our positions on the field, the second string and reserve players head for the bench.
We move into position as Henry goes to the center circle, ready for the faceoff. It’s game on, time for us all to get our battle-ready faces on and minds clear for the game.
The referee steps up to them, checking if they are ready, then blows the whistle. Henry and the captain of the other team battle with their sticks, using their bodies to gain leverage, each working their hardest to gain possession of the ball, while we stay poised, ready to attack. The comforting clacking of the wood soothes my soul as I watch the movement of the round sphere, aching for my chance to have it cradled in my net.
It’s touch and go, but Henry gains control, passing the ball straight in my direction. I move quickly, my stick swishing through the air, catching it in my net as I take off toward the opposing team’s goal. I see Dylan moving in on my side out of the corner of my eye; she’s free so I pass the ball to her. She moves down the field, using her speed and agility to weave through the players.
Dylan dodges to the right, faking them out before cutting to the ledge to evade their defender. She takes advantage of the opening to pass the ball to Henry, who’s able to line it up and make a goal.
Score.
We all shout in exhilaration.
“That’s how you do it,” I shout to whoever’s listening. My eyes catch on Dylan’s and I wink. My girl’s a beast and that goal was as much her work as it was Henry’s. She wasn’t the one to put it in the net, but she got it there. Her fast footwork and skill with the stick made the difference today.
As I look around at my teammates, I see the same fire reflecting back in their eyes. Each of them wants to win as badly as my little motley trio does. But the same drive is something the other team is lacking.
We continue to dominate throughout the game with Cedar Ridge University scoring two goals to our six. They're a good team, I’ll give them that, but they’re making stupid errors. Our score should be closer than what it is, but their defense is a joke. Their focus isn’t on the game, where it should be.
The ref blows the whistle for halftime, and we rush over to Coach Woosley and Matthew.
“Now, this is the team I knew you were. Each of you is playing an amazing game out there. Teamwork. Camaraderie. Trust. That’s what I see in each of you today. It shows why I picked each of you to be on the team.” He clears his throat before glancing to his side at Matthew. “Well, Coach Dawson handpicked a few of you, and I have to say he has impeccable taste. This is going to be the team to take us all the way. Let’s say a prayer.”
We all bow our heads as Coach leads us.
We can do this. We’re not only going to win, we’ll dominate. Between three different players, we managed to score four more times.
Dylan sprints down the field, weaving between the other team’s players with accuracy and precision. She draws the attention of a defender and with a swift change of direction; she fakes left, then darts right, evading him. But it’s not over.
As she approaches the crease, she spots me and I’m wide open. Dylan cuts toward the goal. With a quick glance in my direction, she delivers a precise pass just as the defender closes in on her. I manage to catch the ball on the run, pivoting and shooting in one fluid motion. The ball zips past the goalie, finding the back of the net. Score. The crowd ignites in cheers along with my team.
We score again.
Later, we aren’t so lucky, and they slip past our defense, managing to make their ball into the net. It’s not that we aren’t on top of our game, it was one player who caused this to happen.
Patrick. The very same one who can’t seem to get past Dylan being on the team, even though her presence is inconsequential.
Henry calls for a timeout and we huddle up together. “Okay, we have time for one more play. We’re going for the wild eagle play. Hands in on three.”
Each of us sticks a hand into the circle, placing them on top of each other, bouncing them up and down as we chant in unison. “One, two, three, Outlaws!” We let out a whoop as our hands go flying into the air.
“Get in position,” Henry orders.
He’s a damn good captain. I didn’t know until a few days ago that he had the team members meet at the lacrosse house and reamed them a new asshole for how they’ve been acting. It might have taken him a while to do it, but I’m fucking glad he did.
The leadership of a captain is vital to the team. If he's shitty and allows dissension to run rampant, then it will end in failure. Thankfully, we’re not going to have to worry about it.
We get into position, waiting for the whistle to blow to signify we can move, and when it happens, we go.
Ford gets the ball, drawing the attention of the defensive player, who sprints toward him, attempting to steal it. He fakes a move before quickly dodging to the opposite side of the field, sprinting around the crease.
As he approaches the goal, the defense collapses, trying to prevent him from getting a clear shot. In the process, Dylan positions herself at the top of the key. Seeing the shift in defense, she cuts toward the crease, ready for an opportunity to have the ball passed to her. We lock eyes and I see the perfect opportunity, and he must see it too as he quickly whips a behind-the-back pass to her as she continues to draw defenders.
Dylan catches the ball in stride and takes a quick shot on goal, aiming for the top corner while the goalie attempts to adjust. Everything goes quiet as the ball moves through the air, hitting the net just a mere second before the whistle blows, ending the game.
We did it!
We won!
We beat the Cedar Raptors!
I drop my stick and charge across the field to Dylan, barely making it to her before Ford and the rest of the team. I wrap her up in my arms, swinging her around. I’d kiss her if it wasn’t for our fucking helmets.
“You did it, Pickle!” I scream in excitement.
“I love you, Jacob!” Four words that mean more to me than any win.