Authors notes: I have never written a sports scene especially not an American Football game so I apologise profusely for any mistakes…which I have probably made. Otherwise enjoy ;o)

THE BIG GAME

Leroy woke up early on Saturday morning, he had to get ready for the big game tonight. He showered and dressed and went downstairs to join his family for breakfast. His mother was cooking a fry-up, unfortunately he wasn't allowed one his father had said because he wanted Leroy to be in shape for the big game. His mother handed him a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice.

"Good morning sweetheart!" his mother greeted him.

"Mornin' mom." he said as he yawned.

"So…sweetheart what are you doing after the game?"

"I'm going to an after party with Kate."

"Oh…do you really think that's a good idea?"

"Mom-" he started.

"Jethro, sweetheart I know you like her but-"

"But what?" he asked his mother."

"Jethro!!!" his dad said as he smacked the back of his head.

"What was that for?" he wined as he rubbed his head.

"For talking to your mother like that!!" His brother and sister snickered at him. He scowled at them as he proceeded to eat his cereal, today was going to be a long day.

The Big Game Starts

The teams made their way to the pitch. Leroy scanned through the crowds for Kate. He found her sat on the row a few spaces from the front. She smiled sweetly at him and blew him a kiss. He mimicked her gesture and her smile grew wider. Her mother looked at her as she turned bright crimson. She shook her head 'young love' she thought.

The referee tosses the coin…Leroy chose heads….the coin lands back down in the referees palm. He slaps the coin on the back of his left hand and removes his right hand to reveal the coin…heads. Leroy chose first possession. The match was underway.

Leroy is the Quarterback which means he is the most important player for the team. He's responsible for leading the other players on the field, calling out plays on the advice of the coach, undoubtedly the most important player. Jed, the centre, passes the ball to Leroy who hands off the ball to his running back, Jeff, who then runs down past the 10 yard line and passes the ball. Before being brought down. They start again from the 20 yard line. Offensive linemen, Charlie and Darren, protect them from the other teams defence players. The defensive linemen try to tackle their offences, Charlie and Darren don't back down as they block the path to Leroy. Leroy throws the ball through the air, taking a quick glance at Caitlin before he does. He wants Kate to know how good of a player he really is. The defensive linemen push through the defence and bring down Leroy as he passes the ball to Gary, the left-hand-side receiver. Gary is brought down at the 20 yard line by the defences cornerback.

The second and third quarters went pretty much like the first, a lot of tackling, a few injuries here and there and even a couple of illegal blockages. But none-the-less it was turning out to be a very exciting and nail biting game.

It was down to the fourth quarter the home team were 8 points down and they needed to get another touch-down before time ran out. They had planned their strategy. Force the defence back with all they had. Leroy had the ball again a threw it, Cody caught it a ran to the end-zone and scored a touch down. They were still 2 points down from drawing with their opponents. Play resumed again Jed, the centre, passed the ball to Leroy he had 2 choices; pass the ball to Gary or Craig or try for a 3 point field kick. He was close enough to score a 3 pointer…his heart was pounding in his ears. Caitlin watched him intently, she was a fan of football, had been all her life, and she knew exactly what his options would be and she knew he had to take the chance. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion held the ball as he ran, he drop kicked the ball…and watched as the ball made its way towards the goal posts…everyone stared in awe…the ball flew towards the goalposts…the clock was running down…and just on the last possible second it crossed the cross bar.

The home team won by 1 match point. The home crowd cheered and wailed for the team, they hugged and clapped, whistled some kissed one another…fans ran onto the pitch to congratulate the team…Leroy pushed his way through the crowd to get to Kate. He was cheered and people shook his hand. Kate was also pushing through the crowd to get to him. After what seemed like forever they finally reach one another…he dropped his helmet on the ground and embraced Caitlin in a hug which then turned into a loving kiss. It made her head swim it was wonderful…a kiss she wouldn't be forgetting anytime soon. She pulled back slightly and whispered in his ear, "I love you Quarterback!" and although her 'Quarterback' was covered in mud she didn't really seem to care and kissed him again.

Leroy's mother had been watching them…she had to stop this now…