“In July, I went to the Elite Quarterback Camp held in Houston, Texas. There I was also tested. If you’d like the results of those tests, I have them posted on my website. You guys all know Jeff Delahey,” I said as I pointed to him in the crowd. “He’ll open and report my results on Monday. As soon as Jeff has verified that I’m clean, we’ll post the results for everyone to see.”
“What about the rumors that several members of the football team have used steroids?” she persisted.
“I honestly don’t know. I would hope not, but you’ll need to talk to the school about that.”
“Is there a reason you’ve been tested twice in two months?” she asked.
She was starting to irritate me. I took a moment to gather my thoughts.
“When you attend a high-level camp, like the one I attended in July, they’re vetting you to play at the next level. I wasn’t singled out. Everyone took the test. Top programs want to know you aren’t using performance-enhancing drugs.
“According to my coaches, I wasn’t originally scheduled to take the test here. They requested it so there’d be no doubt I was clean,” I answered.
“So, they think other players are not?” said my new least-favorite reporter.
“Again, I have no idea. You need to talk to the school about that,” I said. “Thanks everyone, but I need to get to class.”
I glanced at Jeff and he just nodded. I guess I did okay.
DURING FIRST PERIOD, the whole football team was called to the gym, where they had us sit in the bleachers. The coaching staff was joined by the Athletic Director, Mr. Hicks, and someone who I assumed was the school district’s attorney. Coach Hope started the meeting.
“On Monday we were informed by the HSAA there had been allegations of steroid use. Later that day they came in and did testing. Until the tests come back next Monday, we have no proof of any wrongdoing.
“As you may have noticed, there are a lot of press wanting comments. I’d suggest you allow us to talk to them. At this time, I’d like to turn this meeting over to Mr. Hicks,” Coach Hope said, and then sat down.
You could tell that what he was about to say wasn’t good by his body language. He got a determined look and told us.
“We’ve been in close contact with Washington High, both last night and this morning. In the interest of player safety, we’ve decided to forfeit tonight’s game. Neither side wanted the risk of injury associated with possible steroid use. If we allowed players who we even suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs to play, and there was an injury, the schools could be held liable.
“The freshman and JV games will be played tomorrow, as scheduled. If everyone’s test comes back negative, Washington has agreed to a make-up game. We’ll play that game Wednesday night,” Mr. Hicks announced.
“What about Dawson? He took the test, too! Does he get to play tomorrow?” Brad asked.
The attorney got up.
“I’ll answer that. I’m Sam Spooner, the attorney for the school district. This was discussed, and both Washington High and we agree there’s no need for concern. The four non-varsity players were tested to help show they were not involved. The HSAA did not request us to test them, the coaching staff did. They’re not under a cloud of suspicion. This was done to assure college recruiters they weren’t involved,” Mr. Spooner told everyone.
We were sent back to class. By noon, Brad and the majority of the varsity team had quit. I think Coach Hope had explained the facts of life to them. I was told before lunch that I wasn’t playing in the JV game Saturday. Most of us would be playing Washington on Wednesday. Practice was scheduled for after school today.
AT LUNCH, THE GIRLS wanted to know what we were doing tonight. At first, I looked at them like they were crazy, but they were serious. The girls had been promised a group outing, and they expected me to come through.
“Ahh ... I have practice tonight. I don’t know how late we’ll be,” I tried to reason.
“Why don’t we go to the University High game? We play them next Friday,” Emma suggested.
I thought about it for a moment. That really wasn’t a bad idea. U-High was a non-conference game. With the short week, anything I could learn would be a help. I sent Angie a text to let her know I would need her minivan after all. I told her I had practice after school, and she agreed to get it cleaned for me. She would swing by the high school and trade with me while I practiced. My sister-in-law could be great sometimes. I was lucky she married my brother.
I also sent a text to Lily, telling her of our plans. I thought it would be a good idea if the whole team went to the game tonight. She sent a text back saying she’d talk to Alan and get a message sent out to everyone. We would meet at the high school at six-thirty and caravan to the game. By the end of lunch, Alan had sent a message to all the team members.
AT PRACTICE, I WAS happy to see three seniors were there. They were the same three who played JV baseball and had been on our seven-on-seven team with us. Bill Callaway was my favorite receiving target. Trevor Millsap also played receiver, and Lou Davis was a cornerback.
When the coaching staff came out, they looked like new men, because all their stress seemed to be gone. They got right down to business since we only had a few days to get ready. Coach Hope had us gather around.
“Things can only get better from here,” Coach told us. “Wednesday night will be a real test. Washington has twenty out of twenty-two starters returning. They’re the conference favorites this year, according to the paper. They know we’ll give them a tough game and they’ll be ready for us. This game may decide who goes to State this year. What do you think, Dawson? Do we have a shot Wednesday?”
“Yes, sir. I plan to light ’em up on offense. Our defense will be dedicated to putting Ty and Isaac on their butts.”
Ty Wilson was their star halfback, and Isaac Fellows was their quarterback. They had joined me on our trip to Kentucky during the summer. We could hold our own against these guys. We’d be ready.
WHEN I GOT TO THE SCHOOL, a little before six-thirty, I was surprised to see nearly forty cars there. It seemed Alan sent the message to everybody. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. Our small town was football-crazy, and on Friday nights everyone went to the game. Since we weren’t playing, they all needed their football fix.
I got out of the minivan and waved at several people. Tracy found me and came over. I winked at her when she got close.
“I hear you’re taking care of the freshmen for me,” she said with a smirk.
“Did you sic them on me? They seem to think I’m somehow responsible for them.”
“No, that was their idea. I thought it was pretty funny when they told me. You better watch out, they have big plans for you.”
Mona came up and she wouldn’t look me in the eye.
“Did you come to apologize to me?” I challenged her.
“Ah, yeah, I feel a little silly now. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you,” Mona said.
Luckily the freshmen found me. They were sly little devils as they gently moved Tracy and Mona away from me. Tracy’s shoulders were shaking as she tried not to laugh at me, seeing they effectively claimed me. I just turned and went to the van. They fell in line like I was their momma duck and they were my ducklings. I got in the van and saw that Carmela had claimed shotgun. I had almost forgotten this was her date.
I don’t know if you’ve ever ridden in a car with seven teenage girls, but they can talk! I guess they were no longer shy around me. They acted as if I wasn’t even there. They were recording some vampire show they were all watching. When there was a momentary break, I asked them if it was the one with the girl I met at the birthday party in California.