"Clear eyes, full hearts!" Smash's voice rang out through the locker room.
"Can't lose!"
"Now wait," Coach began, "Before I dismiss you guys I just wanted to address you about a new player."
Groans echoed through out the locker room as everyones hearts beat in anticipation to see who was getting their spot filled.
"Yeah, yeah quiet down now, boys." Coach said, "Due to Toby's recent injury we're
forced to recruit a new kicker. I want you to treat this individual with respect just like you would any
other player. Their will be no categorizing of any sort. Their just as good as you boys are and here to play the same game."
Who was this guy? I thought silently as I ran a hand through my slick hair.
"Man, coach we really don't need any more players I mean we have pretty much a solid team-"
"Smash, I don't think I asked your opinion, son." Coach said sternly.
"I think we all just want t-to know whose spot this new guy's gon be takin' coach." Matt spoke up.
"Now thats none of your business now is it, Scaracen. This player will not be taking anyones spot as much as switching with them
through out the quarters." He said.
I looked up at Coach, What was going on here?
He nodded his dismissal and Smash nudged me as we walked out of the locker room.
"Look, I don't know 'bout you, Rigg's but I know that new kid ain't takin my spot." He shrugged.
"Isn't that kind of Coach's decesion?" Scaracen said. Me and Smash stopped, sparing him a look.
"Right." He said and nodded, "Just kidding."
"I know one things for sure, that this guy is gonna get his ass hazed." Smash shook his head.
"Did you guys see a new name tag on the lockers?" I asked, speaking up finally as I squinted into the sun.
"Nah, that's the weird thing man. There was nothing in the locker room." Matt said, "And whats up with Coach's little speech in there?"
"I don't know, but I do know somethings up..." Smash trailed off as something else caught his attention.
I turned my head and glanced at the field.
"Well looks like we got ourselves a new cheerleader." Smash smiled as a girl with a a petite frame and long blonde hair was gesturing as
she spoke to Lylah and Buddy Garrity on the field. She didn't look over enthusiastic as most cheerleaders would when they were trying
to win over a spot on the team. In fact she looked bored as Buddy rambled on. There was a hint of a smile on her lips but as if she forced it back.
"Man, you gon' hit that?" Smash asked as he clamped a hand on my shoulder.
I shrugged, "We'll see how it goes."
"Man, I know I'm gonna loose my spot." Matt said as we finally reached the parking lot.
"Look Matty," Smash said, "All you gotta do is have a little confidence."
"Yeah QB," I said, "Listen to The Smash, he knows all about that."
"Your funny Rigg's, why don't you just take your drunk ass home." He said as I dumped my gym bag in the back of my pick up.
"Glady." I said as I joined the group again. "Seven, man up. What did you leave your testicles in Julie's underwear drawer?"
"Ha ha." Matt said as I walked over to the driver's side.
"Well you didn't loose your spot to Voo-doo Tatum so you must've done something right." I said as I placed the sunglasses on the bridge of my nose.
"I'll see you panties later." I said as I waved.
"Yeah shut up, Rigg's." Smash said as he slammed a fist on my hood.
I waved at them and pulled out onto the main road.