Chapter One

Crumbs cascaded onto the car seat as Buddy wiped his oily hands on his sweater. He took a long loud sip from his large Dairy Queen milkshake as he gripped the wheel with the other hand. He was obnoxious and loud but there was something endearing about him.

His chins danced under his round merry face as they bounced down the highway towards Dillon.

"I'm telling you, Eric. We're going to be great this year. I've got this kid in from across town – has an arm like a canon" Buddy paused to take another swig of his shake.

"That's great, Buddy, real great. Listen, I appreciate you helping out like this"

Buddy raised the hand that should have been on the wheel to dismiss the remark, "Eric, don't mention it. We small town folk stick together"

"So this kid, when you say he's from across town-"

Buddy shot a sheepish sideways glance "Oh well...I mean he wanted to move to Dillon. I just found the kid a place to stay. It's all above board"

Eric chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Buddy, you haven't changed a bit have you?"

"Ten years is a long time my friend. I bet it moves real fast up there in fancy town Philadelphia but it moves real slow here, Eric"

There was a hint of pride in Buddy's remark and he was right. Time did move extra slow in Dillon. As they cruised down the main stretch toward Buddy's caryard, past the landing strip, Eric could see that time didn't just move slow, it stood still. Nothing had changed.

"Now, don't let the outside fool 'ya," Buddy said, pushing the car into neutral and turning the key. He opened the door to get out. "not much has changed on the outside but we've got a whole new crop of kids you're going to have to get used to".

It was late afternoon and the big Texas sky was just beginning to turn its trademark deep blue with a tinge of pink over the horizon.

"What about Saracen and Tim? Are they in town?" Eric asked.

"You bet they are" Buddy cackled "That's why I asked you down here, Coach. Saracen's our quarterback coach this year and Tim...well Tim's learning."

Eric paused a moment and narrowed his eyes at Buddy. He knew there was always a hidden agenda. He was just waiting for Buddy to try to smooth it over him. He was so predictable and it was one of those things about Buddy that was both irritating and endearing at the same time.

"Now hold on there, Buddy. You know I didn't come down here to coach this team. I'm here as a scout because you said the Panthers had some special talent this year. If you're looking for a new coach then keep looking, 'cos I'm not him".

Buddy sputtered in mock surprise, his jowls jiggling as he threw his hands up in front of him. "Coach, coach...Eric. There are no agendas here, I assure you. I was just hoping you might have a few choice words for Matt and Tim at some point. That's all. We're overflowing with talent this year. No doubt."

Buddy scratched the side of his face thoughtfully "Why, I'd say we'd have at least three guys on our team that are guaranteed locks to be day-one starters in College. You get dibs on whomever you want. Just say the word and they're yours"

"Okay, Buddy. That's great. Look I'd be happy to talk to Tim. Just as long as that's all it is. No offense to you but I know what you're like and I don't want you going round town getting everyone excited"

They moved on inside the dealership. It had been three years since Eric had last set foot in Dillon. His family had moved up to Philadelphia now permanently to be closer to his work. Eric had just accepted a position as head of player personnel at Braemore U in Philly. Buddy had somehow heard the news through the football grapevine and not three days after he had been appointed into the role Eric had received a phone call from him inviting him to inspect Dillon's next crop of footballers.

"Say, Eric. How well does this scout job pay you?"

"Buddy, I know where you're going with this. You're an open book, alright?"

"No, look, I was just curious that's all. I'll put it out there, I was talking to the boosters about putting together another fundraiser to contribute to our new coach fund. I just wanted to know what we're up against – what the market is like to bring in someone good, you know?"

Eric shut the glass door behind him and they moved on into Buddy's office. There was a freshman kid called Rashede Martin that Buddy had promised to show him some film on before they went back to his apartment for the night. It was a Sunday and they were going to be up first thing in the morning to take Eric to the practice field for the Monday morning training session.

Buddy played with the remote control and flicked the video on. "Now watch this, Eric. You won't find a running back like this in Philly, I'll wager that. Watch...good footwork, breakaway speed and he can make a catch out of the backfield"