Blood, Sweat and Tears Part 86
The ball was kicked for a long and high drift in the air at the start of the game. With the crowd roaring, the Cougar receiving team watched their prize closely from the other end of the field. Arms already open in anticipation, the punt returner placed himself for an easy catch at the San Francisco fifteen yard line just before charging ahead.
At the Wolverine sideline, Duo cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled to the blockers charging to meet their opponents, "Stop them early, guys!" Similar statements were yelled by the remainder of the Pittsburgh players that could only watch and wait.
Zigging and zagging, the green-and-blue uniformed returner managed to avoid being taken out time and time again with ease. Gripping the cap on his head with both hands, Trent growled, "Somebody stop that bastard."
By the time the blockers were able to get enough of a hold on the returner to bring him down, he got his team a start nearly at the fifty yard line. Already, San Francisco's offensive line only needed to cover half the field to score. The Wolverines on the sideline bit their lips and hissed in sharp breaths at the less than desirable start to the Super Bowl.
When Alex and his teammates came onto the field, things only managed to continue downhill from there. Every time the running back had the ball, he found or made an opening to push through for some big gains. Their quarterback's aim and strength locked some impressive throws to the receivers who seemed impossible to keep up with.
Seemingly in the blink of an eye, the Cougars were two yards away from scoring. At the snap of the ball, their quarterback turned and handed the ball to Alex. Not pausing for a second, the running back headed right for the wall forming in front of him and leapt into the air. Coming down on the other side of the mass, he landed in the end zone. The referees on the scene raised their arms up to signal the touchdown to the explosion from the stands.
* * * * * *
"Touchdown San Francisco," Tim announced with a forced smile. "Well, this looks vaguely familiar of the pre-season game where the Cougars and Wolverines met for the first time. In less than five minutes from the play clock, there is already a score on the board in favour of the National League Champs. Alex Denton is in top form and is the first one to give his team the edge early on."
* * * * * *
Heero, Duo and the other Wolverines on the sidelines still pat their defensive linemen on the backs when they returned with encouragements to keep their spirits up. The extra point kick could not have been delivered more cleanly, making the score 7-0.
Looking over to his shaken players, Trent yelled over the fans, "Just chalk it up to getting to know the enemy, guys. Now you remember what we're up against, so use what you know to hold them back the next time." Zechs was standing close and nodded his head to the sentiment for further support. The last thing they needed was for the team to start falling apart now because they were disheartened.
On the other half of the field, Treize smirked as his offensive team returned after their end zone celebration. Patting each athlete that passed him on the back, he nodded firmly, "Well done. A few more possessions like that and we'll finish them." As Alex approached, the head coach smirked, "Keep this up and you're likely to win the MVP award tonight." [1]
Beaming at the thought of that, the running back removed his helmet and asked, "You really think so?" Treize just snickered and nodded. Slowly walking back to his place at the bench, Alex wondered over how proud his father would be if he pulled off that personal victory. What was more, it was likely that the fans would forget about Duo Maxwell being the best running back in the league.
Whatever it took, he was not about to let that opportunity slip him by.
The first Wolverine punt return did not turn out nearly as well as the Cougars'. Placed at the sixteen yard line on the wrong half of the field, the offense was going to have a time making up all of the ground to score and tie the game.
Heero and Duo strapped their helmets on and led their teammates out to the field as the audience cheered and shouted anew. Quickly huddling when they reached their mark, the players' looked to the team captain with a fierce determination in their eyes.
"All right," the quarterback shouted over the roar. "Run, throw, throw, run. We need to do something to get them riled up so I'm going to change up the number of 'Sets' before I yell 'Hike' so pay attention. Don't move a damned inch before the ball's snapped! After the fourth play, we'll huddle again."
Instantly picking up on Heero's strategy, Duo and the others smirked and nodded that they understood. One thing that they could already tell that they had as an advantage over the Cougars was patience. They had seen time and time again when their own anticipation got the better of them from time-to-time.
Taking to their line, the Wolverines dug their cleats into the soft ground as Heero raised his arms. With deep growls, the Cougars glared madly at their challengers like blood-thirsty creatures ready to pounce on their prey. Eyes focused ahead, the captain shouted, "Set!... Set!... Set!"
At the third 'set,' the linemen at either side of Trowa spring forward, fully expecting the third cry to be 'Hike' to start the play. Every video they ever watched of Yuy, he only yelled 'Set' twice. Fully expecting the lunge, Trowa managed to duck out of the way just in time.
Immediately, yellow flags were thrown by the officials and whistles were blown as they waved their hands to stop the clock. His head falling back, Duo laughed wildly along with his teammates at the stunned defensive line. The two offenders that jumped the gun looked to one another in a stupor. Throughout the spectators, there was a wave of disappointed cries from some and howling laughter from others.
Running just past the scene, the head official announced through the speaker system, "False start- defense. That's a ten yard penalty which becomes an automatic first down for the offense." Still laughing, the Wolverines moved to their new place at the twenty-five yard line with four new chances to get another ten yards. Faces red with rage and embarrassment, the San Francisco players kept their fierce glares on the quarterback as they moved.
On the sideline, Treize threw his cap to the ground with a shouted, "Goddamn it! Keep it together out there! Don't let them get the upper hand on penalties like that!" Alex and his teammates shook their heads in frustration over the humiliating display.
Howard was just about falling over from laughing as hard as he was. "That damned son of a bitch!" he exclaimed. "He must have been saving that little trick this whole season!"
Just as they reached their new spots, Duo chuckled to his partner. "You've been planning that all season, haven't you?"
"Longer than that," Heero smirked. "I had to save it for when it would help most, since it would only work once." Now that the little stunt was pulled, the defensive line would be far more alert to not let that happen again. Shaking his head in amusement, the running back pat his lover on the shoulder and dug his cleats in.
When they reached their own marks and settled for the snap, the lineman to Trowa's right pointed to Heero and screamed to be heard, "That's the last time you'll get one over on us, you faggot! You're dead!"
Rolling his eyes as he raised his arms, the quarterback replied just as loudly, "Yea. I'm shaking here." Cobalt eyes narrowed, he yelled, "Set! Set! Hike!" Trowa smoothly snapped the ball back just before lunging for the linemen falling upon him.
Quickly turning the moment he had the football, Heero handed it off to Duo. Not really seeing anything but bodies piling up before him, he didn't have much choice but to try and punch through. Closing his eyes, he cried out in effort as he went head-first into the fray.
He felt hands gripping, pulling, pushing until somehow, he managed to break himself free. All that he focused on was moving on while holding the football to him with everything he had. Only until he did not feel anyone stopping him did he open his violet eyes. On their feet, the crowd cheered and hollered as the running back sprinted into the open field ahead.
"Nonono!" Alex shouted, gripping his blond hair with both hands. "Stop that bastard!" he demanded as his fellow team members jumped from the bench to yell similar orders. Treize, meanwhile, could only stand stiff and wide-eyed.
More than thirty yards later, Duo was finally caught, brought down forcefully from behind when two linemen leapt to reach him. Crashing to the ground roughly, the running fought to keep the ball in his grip while the wind rushed from his lungs in a loud rush. Teeth gritted and eyes squeezed closed, he couldn't even hear the eruption from the viewers over the thumping of his heartbeat in his ears.
Flying into to the scene, Heero gently shook his lover's shoulder. "Duo!?" he cried anxiously when the running back did not move. Another shake and the American slowly raised his head, violet eyes looking first to be sure that he had the football. Finding it safe in his arms, he all but jumped to his feet laughing. Joining in the celebration, their teammates ran up to smack their friend on the back for his efforts.
The Wolverine sideline was alive as the players jumped and hooted in elation. Now that they were more than just about halfway home, there was a real shot at scoring on this possession. Of course, reactions were quite different on the other side of the field.
Rejuvenated by their steady progression, Wufei smiled to the blockers starring him down. "What the hell are you grinning at, you little shit?!" one of the guards all but shrieked.
"You'll find out in a second!" the receiver yelled in response. At the ball snap, he sprang forward. Instead of trying to avoid the blockers as he did the last time they faced off in the pre-season, he went right for them. Taken off guard, his challengers hesitated for one fateful second when Wufei leapt to catch the football that they had not been paying attention to.
While the receiver was not able to last more than a couple of yards before he was brought down, the throw was good for fourteen yards- more than enough for yet another first down. Not allowing a chance to celebrate and therefore the Cougars a moment to regroup, the Wolverines hurried to their new mark.
In seconds, the football was snapped again and Heero scanned the field for an open receiver. Scott pushed his way to freedom for only a moment, more than enough to signal that he was ready. Eyes narrowed on his target, the quarterback ignored the linemen crushing the offensive line to get to him and let the ball go with a forceful throw. As soon as he let go, he was tackled from the right side.
Leaping into the air twelve yards ahead, the receiver got hold of his prize and ran for another three yards before he was brought down none too gently. Only twenty-four more yards to go for a touchdown.
Again, the Pittsburgh team did not allow a second to be wasted in setting themselves back up while shaking off their pains. Unable to catch their breaths, the San Francisco players had to hurry into their own formation just before the ball was snapped again. "Hike!" Heero yelled over the roar from the stands. Spinning when he had the football, he handed it off to Duo.
Just as the last time, the running back had to make an opening for himself. Hitting the wall of bodies the second time around was no less painful, but he pressed on to successfully break through once more. Howard, Trent and Darren were jumping, shouting, "Go! Go! Go!" Zech was hardly able to contain his own excitement as he stood watching with his arms folded.
Dodging and weaving his way down the field, the running back laughed as he strode into the end zone. When his feet crossed the line, he celebrated his score with a back flip. "Touchdown Pittsburgh!" Adam cheered as he rose to his feet, throwing his fists in the air. "In an incredible display from the offense, we actually have a football game on our hands, here, folks!"
Already on his own feet, Tim exclaimed, "I don't think that anyone was able to catch their breath during that whole possession, including the Cougars' defense! Zechs Merquise and his coaching staff clearly have one of the best conditioned teams I've seen in a long time! They came into this knowing they had to strike fast and that's just what they've done!"
In the end zone, Duo threw his helmet off just as he was scooped up in Heero's arms when the rest of his team caught up. Both arms raising for the sky while he was hoisted up by the waist, the running back let out a loud, "Waaahhoooo!"
In the Cougars' booth, Noventa growled deeply in aggravation. With a huff, he slouched in his seat and folded his arms. His wife did her best to console him with a gentle pat on his shoulder while Sylvia bit her tongue to refrain from giggling.
* * * * * *
Across the way, the children were cheering and bouncing around the Wolverine's booth. On their feet, Dorothy and her friends were close to the windows. "This is a pretty far cry from the pre-season game already," Quatre grinned. "Just goes to show what hard work and determination can do."
Giggling, Hilde commented, "I don't think the Cougars even know what hit them." She pointed to the dumbfounded green-and-blue warriors as they walked off the field while removing their helmets to show their wide eyes. "They're still in shock."
"With any luck, they'll be able to keep this up," Solo muttered. "There's still fifty-two minutes in this game to go. That's a hell of a long way to go. Especially for a game where everything is on the line."
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, the Cougars returned to their sideline where a red-faced Treize waited. Glaring heatedly at his athletes, he shouted over the spectators, "What the fuck just happened out there? Get your heads out of your asses before you're all benched for the rest of the game!"
He knew exactly what the problem was. Yuy managed to get under their skins. No one before had ever made any of his players look like fools the way he had at the start of the possession. One thing that the head coach never was able to get a handle on was how easy it was for his team to come unraveled emotionally. It was not difficult to send them off into a rage. And when that happened, it was even more difficult for them to think straight.
That would have to be remedied and quickly.
Spotting his linemen that help things spiral out of control, Treize yelled, "Septum! Tsuberov!" Heads lowered in anticipation of a verbal assault, the linemen approached slowly. After quick glance around to see that no one was in earshot, the coach held up his play book to cover his mouth as he asked quietly, "I know how badly you want Yuy out of the picture. I want it done before half-time and I want it done discretely. No one can find any proof that it was not an accident."
Eyes wide, the two young men quickly covered up their shock with dark smirks. "You got it, coach," Septum nodded firmly. Together, they walked off to rejoin their defense line.
More than satisfied that all would be well, Treize looked back out to the field. It was certainly going to be an interesting game from here on out.
* * * * * *
There was a significant difference in how the Wolverine defense handled themselves. While they were still overpowered more often than not, they were actually making some stops big plays that surprised everyone. After watching their offense in action and seeing that the Cougars were not infallible, they threw themselves into their work all the more.
Even though San Francisco did score again on their second possession, it took considerable longer for them to accomplish that. Grinning widely, Trent told his players as they returned, "Much better, guys. Make them earn it and keep wearing them out. You'll stop them the next time."
The first quarter was nearing its end when the offense took the field a second time. The crowd backing them, Pittsburgh struggled more than they had the first time around. Now that the Cougar defense had time to shake off their first poor performance, they returned stronger than ever. With blow after harsh blow that they delivered, it took more time for their victims to get back to their feet.
Slowly feeling the soreness sinking in after a brutal six minutes of game time, the Wolverines huddled with more than forty-six yards to go before scoring. They needed eight yards to get a first down and this was their last chance to do that on the ground. One more takedown before reaching that goal and they would have to call on the kicking team to attempt a field goal.
"We at least need six more yards to be in range for Harris to be in range to make a field goal! The longest kick he made was forty yards!" Heero yelled to his teammates. "We're going to have to run that in. If we make the first down, great. If not, at least we can try and stay on their heels in points!" No argument rose there and the huddle was broken.
Violet eyes narrowed when he took his place, Duo planted his feet in and hunched down. Arms stretching forward, Heero shouted, "Set!... Set!... Hike!" In a flash, the ball was in his hands and passed on while the linemen wrestled violently with the offensive line.
Using all of his strength, Trowa just managed to hold back one of his attackers just enough to make a rare opening in the wall. Instantly making use of the opportunity, Duo charged right through and on for another seven yards. One yard short of the first down, but enough to have a good shot for a field goal.
Quickly leaving the field so that the kicking team could step up, the offensive team was welcomed back warmly by Zechs and the rest of their comrades. "Good work," the head coach nodded firmly to Heero and Duo as the last to return to the sideline. "So long as we can at least keep up, we're all right."
The nail biting began for the Wolverines and their fans as the kicking team got into position. Harris, nearly a whole foot shorter than every other member of the team, looked down the stretch that his kick had to cover to reach the uprights. Even under the pressure that he was, he seemed calm and ready for the challenge.
Seconds later, the ball was snapped to the spotter. As soon as it was held firmly in place, Harris's foot made contact to send it soaring. Holding their breaths, the Pittsburgh players all watched with wide eyes. There being little to no wind to fight its course, the football flew straight and true right through the target.
Before the officials had the time to raise their arms to announce that the kick was good for the three points, the crowd and the Wolverines were shouting and cheering in clearly seeing that it was. Any and everybody on the side of the red-and-gold was celebrating while Treize threw his headset to the ground with a frustrated growl.
His head shaking, the coach growled, "This is not happening. We should have been far more ahead than this."
Leaning close to Septum, Tsuberov advised quietly, "Yuy is out on the next possession. Enough time has gone by that it won't look so suspicious." A smirk tugging his counterpart's face, the decision was made.
It was nothing personal, as their coach always quoted during their practices. Just business.
TBC...
[1] The MVP (Most Valuable Player) goes to the winning team's... well, most valuable player of the game. LOL! They're the one that is seen as the one that made the win possible. For the Super Bowl MVP, they actually get a nice trophy and some other sort of prize.
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