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

defensive backfield, zeroing in on the linebacker. He lowered his shoulder into the defender’s ribs, churning with his feet as the running back slipped behind him. A 3-yard gain. Not bad.
    “Your turn, Donald,” Coach said in the huddle. “We’ll go with a quick count, on one. Inside left tackle this time.”
    Donald scooted ahead for about 4 yards, but the ball popped loose as a cornerback came up and hit him hard. Manny dove toward the ball, but big Anthony was on it, saving the ball for the offense.
    “Crud,” Donald said as he peeled himself off the ground. He looked at his hands. “How could I lose that?”
    “Gotta cover that ball up when you’re in the trenches,” Coach said. “Anthony saved you. We need two yards for a first down.” He looked around the huddle. “Let’s have some fun. Wingback.” He touched Manny’s shoulder. Manny felt a chill right down to his stomach. “At the snap, you come straight toward DiMarco for the pitch,” Coach said. “You follow him right over Anthony. They’ll move all those bodies out of the way for you. Let’s do it.”
    Manny trotted over to his spot behind the end and stared straight ahead. He knew from playing defense that the linebackers would be watching the running backs’ eyes, hoping for a clue as to which way the play was going.
    DiMarco called signals, then took the snap. Manny pivoted toward the backfield and saw the ball floating toward him. He grabbed it and followed the quarterback through the hole. Anthony had driven his opponent out of the way, and DiMarco was taking down the middle linebacker. Manny darted through the opening and saw a clear field ahead, but the hole was quickly filled by the safety.
    Manny dodged left, then shifted back to the right, gripping the ball tightly to his chest with both arms. He was 5 yards past the line of scrimmage, now 10, and two defensive players were on him, bringing him down.
    “Nice gain!” Coach shouted. “Great blocking up front.”
    Manny set down the ball and pumped his fist. He jogged back to the huddle, and DiMarco smacked him on the shoulder. “Good job,” he said.
    “All right, way to move the ball, Manny,” Coach said. “We’ve got time for a few more plays. Let’s see if we can get it into the end zone.”
    He called another run for Donald. “Hold it tight,” he said.
    This time Donald held on, but he managed to gain only a yard. The tailback carried twice for a few more yards, but they were still 30 yards from the end zone.
    “Okay,” Coach said. “Final play, then we run a few laps and head for home. We’ll run a quarterback option, but we’re looking for a pass. Manny, I want you to do a ten-yard square out and watch for the ball.”
    Manny nodded. At the snap he ran straight upfield, gave a little juke, and cut straight toward the sideline. He was wide open, but where was DiMarco? He could see a wave of defenders in the backfield, and suddenly Coach was blowing the whistle. DiMarco had been sacked.
    Could have been a touchdown, Manny thought. Oh well, that was fun anyway.
    Manny hadn’t had many chances, but he’d done some good things this season, at least in practice. There was the time he chased down DiMarco and stopped a touchdown, the pass interception, a terrific run with the ball this afternoon.
    He was starting to feel like a football player again.

13
    Another Chance
    G ame day. Sal sat on his bed with Manny’s helmet on his lap and watched his brother get into his pads and uniform.
    “Do you think you’ll play today, Manny?” Sal asked.
    “Maybe, Sal. You never know. This is a game we should win, so guys like me and Donald might get some playing time.”
    “I hope so, Manny.”
    “I hope so, too.”
    Sal put the helmet on his own head. It covered his eyes.
    “Not quite,” Manny said with a laugh. “Your head’s not fat enough, Sal.”
    “I should make a sign that says Let Manny Play! ” Sal said. “I’ll bring it to the game and make sure the coach