The Redshirt
Zach arrived at Florida, ready to start. Although he wouldn't be playing until the next year, he wasn't going to let that dampen his enthusiasm.
Florida had modest expectations, given that the previous two seasons had not been up to Gator standards, though they were coming off, appropriately, a Gator Bowl win over Ohio State. And they were coming into this season ranked number 23 in the nation. The opener would be against Bowling Green.
And now Zach was part of this. He was officially part of the Gator legacy. It was everything he had hoped. He was part of this history, along with legends such as Wuerffel, Grossman, Tebow, Harvin and Hilliard. It felt amazing!
September 1, 2012
"I saw the game today," Ginger told him after the opener.
"Well, we didn't play our best," Zach told her. "But we still won. And I think Jeff and Jacoby both did decently at quarterback."
"Who's next on the schedule?" Ginger asked.
"Texas A&M."
"That should be tough."
"Yeah," agreed Zach. "It's at College Station, so I won't be traveling, being a redshirt, but I'll be watching for sure."
"Didn't they just-?" Ginger started to ask, before being interrupted by the phone.
"Hold on," Zach told her. He picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Zachary, hi!"
Zach grinned. He knew who it was. "Hi, Nanny! How's it going?"
"Great! We won today."
"I saw."
"Can you put Dad on? I want to talk to him."
"Sure. Here he is."
"Hi, son!"
"Hi, Dad!" said Zach.
"How are things going?"
Zach smiled. "We won the game today."
"I saw."
After Zach spoke for a few more minutes, he hung up the phone and asked Ginger, "So, what were you saying?"
"Didn't Texas A&M just join the SEC this year?"
"Yes," sais Zach. "And I have a feeling they're going to want to prove they belong. We need to put them in their place. It'll be difficult, though. They have a new quarterback who's supposed to be pretty good."
"Sounds tough," said Ginger.
With a win over Texas A&M on September 8th, Florida was now 2-0, and rose up to number 18 in the nation.
"We beat Texas A&M!" Zach said happily. "Put them in their place!"
"I've never seen you so wound up over a game," Ginger told him, laughing. "I thought you would never stop mockingly singing 'Johnny B. Goode' once Florida had the game won!"
"Well, it was warranted," said Zach with a grin.
With wins over 23rd ranked Tennessee on the 15th and Kentucky on the 22nd, the Gators went into their bye week undefeated and ranked number 11. On October 6, an upset over number 4 LSU propelled the Gators into the top 10.
With further wins over Vanderbilt and number 9 South Carolina, Florida was now headed into their showdown with Georgia ranked number 3 in the nation.
October 26, 2012
"Can you believe Halloween is next week?"
"No, I can't," said Zach. "The year has been flying by."
"Did you and Dave ever do anything fun on Halloween?" Ginger asked him.
"Let's see," said Zach. "Our parents often tried to have our costumes go together, being that we were Irish twins and all. We were Pooh and Piglet, Elmo and Cookie Monster, David and Goliath, stuff like that."
"I bet you were David, right?" Ginger joked.
"Actually, I was Goliath," said Zach, getting Ginger's joke. Of course, his brother had been David.
"Hey, Ginger," said Zach.
"What is it?"
"We've been together for about a year now, right?"
"Right."
"And I've come to a realization," said Zach. "I love you."
Ginger let his words sink in and said, "You know what? I love you too, Zach."
"Do you ever think about the future?"
"Yes."
"So do I," said Zach. "Could you see us getting married one day and maybe having kids and spending our lives together?"
"Yes, I could," said Ginger. "I'm glad we see the same future."
"Looks like God brought us together," said Zach.
Florida's miracle season took a disappointing turn with a loss to Georgia. Zach was very disappointed by this.
"I think we've pretty much ruined any chance we had at the national title."
"I'm sorry," said Ginger. "I know you're disappointed."
"Jordan had that touchdown, and he fumbled..." said Zach.
The loss the Georgia was crushing, but three straight wins brought Florida back into major bowl contention. Thanksgiving was now coming up, and Zach had a major announcement to make.
At Thanksgiving, with Zach's father, Nanny, Ginger and her parents sitting all at the table, Zach decided to make his announcement.
"Hey, everyone," said Zach, trying to get everyone's attention. "I have an announcement to make."
"What is it?" everyone asked.
"You know how I walked on this season to try to get a scholarship?"
"Yes," said Nanny.
"Well, I got one!" said Zach. "I'm on scholarship now! I've impressed enough in practice to get one!"
Everyone cheered. Zach realized that he had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
After Thanksgiving dinner, Zach went back to his old room. He needed a moment alone.
After Zach said a quick prayer of thanks, he looked up and said, "I got that scholarship, Dave! I'm going to actually play! I came through!"
Ginger walked in then. "Letting everyone know, huh?"
"Yes," said Zach. "I can't believe I got a scholarship!"
"Well, you earned it," said his father, who had also come in.
"I know," said Zach. "Just can't wait to start playing for real."
"Soon enough, Zach. Soon enough."
With a win over rival Florida State, Florida moved back up to number 4. This meant a major bowl bid. Florida would be playing Louisville in the Sugar Bowl on January 2.
After Christmas, Zach had mixed feelings about leaving 2012 behind. It had been a rough year for sure, but he had also learned a lot. And now, even though he wasn't playing yet, Florida was in a major bowl game.
The dream turned into a nightmare, though, when Louisville ran all over the Gators, who were unable to stop them. Louisville won 33-23, and it wasn't that close.
January 3, 2013
Zach opened his door to his room. Ginger was coming for a visit. She could tell he was disappointed about the Sugar Bowl.
"Hey," she said. "You okay?"
"I think so," said Zach. "It was just hard to end the season that way. You know?"
"Yes, I do."
"And who would have thought a Cardinal could beat a Gator like that? Especially led by a Teddy?" added Zach with a grin.
"At least you're able to make light of things."
"Yeah," said Zach. It had still been a good season despite a disappointing end, and the Gators had exceeded all expectations. Zach would soon start playing for real. Hopefully, 2013 would turn out to be a successful season as well.