The Roar of the Crowd by Rich Wallace Read Free Book Online

then there was a knock on the doorframe, and Anthony peered into the room. He was wearing his game jersey. Even without the pads, the jersey was stretched tight across his big body.
    “Hey!” Manny said, getting to his feet in a hurry. “What are you doing here?”
    Anthony shrugged and grinned. “I don’t know. You weren’t at McDonald’s with the team. Figured I should check up on you.”
    “I wasn’t hungry.”
    “I sure was.” Anthony laughed. “It killed me to see what everybody else was eating, though. First time I been there in months.” He grabbed his belly, which was smaller but still hefty. “Diet soda and no fries. I might as well live on lettuce.”
    Manny laughed, too, but then he turned away. “I just didn’t feel like being there.”
    “Why not?”
    “Hardly felt like part of the team.”
    “Ah, that’s crazy,” Anthony said. He wiped the corner of his mouth with a finger and looked at it. “Ketchup.” He grinned. “Manny, you put the pads on every day just like the rest of us. You work your butt off when you get the chance. You’re just as much a part of the team as I am.”
    “Thanks. I don’t buy it, but that’s nice of you to say it.”
    “Everybody was asking where you were tonight,” Anthony said. “I mean it. We all like you, Manny.”
    At that moment Sal burst into the room and grabbed Anthony by the leg. “He sacks the big guy!” Sal yelled.
    Anthony put his hands on Sal’s shoulders and rolled gently to the floor. “Oh, man!” Anthony said. “This guy is a monster!”
    Anthony tickled Sal until he let go. Sal leaped to his feet. “You’re huge!” he said.
    “I like food,” Anthony said. “My mom’s a heck of a cook.”
    “So is my mom,” Sal said. “But I’m puny.”
    “That don’t matter,” Anthony said. “You’ll grow. Now, what can we do to cheer up your brother here? What kind of game can we play?”
    “Chutes and Ladders?” Sal asked. “That’s my favorite game.”
    “Mine, too,” said Anthony, winking at Manny. “Set it up. I’ll kick your butt. Manny’s, too.”
    “Yeah, set it up,” said Manny, patting Sal’s shoulder. “Let’s get this game under way. Let’s get things back to normal.”

12
    Something Different
    M anny stuck with football, of course, spending most of the practice time watching the others. After calisthenics and a series of drills each afternoon, the better players would scrimmage while a small group of subs gathered on the sideline, watching and waiting.
    Another game came and went, with the Hornets squeaking out a 14–13 win at home. For the second straight game, Manny stayed on the sideline.
    By Wednesday of the following week, the coaching staff seemed satisfied that the team was ready for another good performance. They’d be playing at Palisades, a few miles up the road, on Sunday afternoon. Palisades was 0–3, but Coach Reynolds made it clear during practice that this wouldn’t be an easy game.
    Late in the day, one of the assistant coaches walked over to the sideline. “We’re almost done,” he said to the group that was kneeling there. “Let’s get you guys in for a few plays.” He counted them quickly. “Six of you.”
    The coach set his hand on Donald’s shoulder. “Fullback.” He pointed to Manny. “Wing.” He sent another player in at tailback and told the three others to take spots on the defense.
    “We’re playing offense?” Manny said.
    “Yeah, why not?” the coach said. “No harm in trying something different.”
    Coach Reynolds was calling the plays in the huddle, but DiMarco was still in at quarterback. “Hmmm, the mini-backfield,” Coach said. “Okay. We’ll keep it basic. Tailback off right tackle. Fullback, you lead the way. On three.”
    “What do I do?” Manny asked.
    “Block the middle linebacker. Let’s go.”
    Manny lined up behind the tight end, listening to the signals. He’d never played offense before.
    The ball was snapped and Manny shot into the