It was Friday afternoon, and the football team was conducting their routine practice on the field.
"Mike, when you pass, try to use the power from your waist. That will give you faster passing speed and reduce the risk of injuring your wrist and arm…" On the field, George was explaining the essentials of passing to Mike.
Logically speaking, as a running back, Mike wouldn't even need passing skills.
However, from George's demeanor, it seemed he was grooming Mike to be the next quarterback.
After all, by next May, Aaron would graduate and it would be time for him to leave the team.
Clearly, George was preparing for next year in advance.
As for Monday's game, after learning their opponent was Austin High, the entire team, including George, seemed to have lost their fighting spirit.
Everyone had already come to view Monday's game against Austin High as an opportunity to broaden their horizons.
Instead of thinking about how to defeat their opponent, the Medford players thought more about how to lose without looking too bad.
In this atmosphere, the team members indeed relaxed.
[Football Experience +66]
As he continuously gained football experience attributes, Mike's football level was nearing level four. And level four skills definitely belonged to the professional level.
With his solid football foundation, Mike had already mastered the key points after listening to George explain the passing technique twice.
Next, he only needed to practice a few times to fully grasp it.
Seeing that Mike understood, George said, "Alright, go practice passing with Georgie."
Looking at the other person's swaying back as he left, Mike called out, "George—"
"What's wrong?" George turned his head and asked, "Is there anything else you don't understand?"
"Nothing." Mike shook his head, holding the football.
Actually, he wanted to suggest to George that everyone should seriously prepare for the next game.
But thinking about his own situation, he couldn't bring himself to say the words.
George looked at his proud disciple carefully for a few moments, then suddenly asked, "Have you grown taller recently?"
Due to the blessing of the [Moonlight] trait and Mike's relentless training, he had indeed grown a few centimeters taller recently.
At this moment, Mike's height had exceeded 1.85 meters, and his overall physique looked even more upright.
Mike felt this change most clearly. So, he nodded and said, "Yes, I've grown a few centimeters. It should be a secondary growth spurt."
"Very good, keep it up. You'll be the only core player on the team next summer." George didn't mention having Mike measure his height.
After encouraging Mike a few more times, he went to rest on the sidelines.
Mike understood that George wanted him to continue exercising. So, he went to the middle of the field to find Georgie, and the two practiced passing and catching together.
No matter what others thought, Mike's attitude was sincere. As long as he was on the team for another day, he would do his job well.
As it neared dismissal time, Mike, wiping sweat, gathered with the main group.
"For Monday's game against Austin, everyone, don't feel pressured. Play freely and don't leave yourselves with any regrets." After everyone gathered, George still encouraged them.
Clearly, George had given up, but not completely.
This situation was also very likely because the strength gap between the two teams was too great, leaving George with no hope of winning.
To describe it in one sentence, it was — throwing the game.
And as for George's words of encouragement, the team members just laughed and didn't take them to heart.
Only Aaron had a very serious expression.
"Alright, dismissed. I wish everyone a pleasant weekend." George didn't mind everyone's reaction and said goodbye with a smile.
Amidst applause and cheers, the team members, like wild ponies unleashed, rushed towards the locker room.
Aaron, walking at the very back of the line, suddenly called out, "Mike—"
Mike stopped and turned around, asking, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Aaron first shook his head, then after a moment, he added, "I'll be at the field for practice this weekend. Want to come along?"
As Aaron, whose career goal was football, he clearly didn't want to give up any game.
"I'll see. If I'm coming, I'll call you beforehand." Mike replied.
"Okay." Aaron laughed heartily and said nothing more.
In silence, as the two walked to the edge of the field, a red sports car smoothly pulled up in front of them.
Aaron looked at Regina sitting in the car, then at Mike.
Finally, he patted Mike's shoulder and went to the locker room alone.
"Mike, are you free this weekend? We could have a private party." Regina leaned to the side, showing off a beautiful curve, and invited him with a smile.
"Sorry, I have plans for the weekend. Maybe next time." After Mike decisively refused, he walked around the car and went to the locker room.
Watching Mike's retreating figure, Regina gritted her teeth and cursed inwardly, "Damn it, I don't believe I can't win you over. Just you wait…"
With that, Regina stomped on the accelerator and, driving the sports car, vanished from the school in a flash.
…
It was Friday again, the time for the state TV station to broadcast the league's top ten plays.
The Cooper family, along with Mike, sat in front of the TV on time to watch the top ten plays broadcast. This seemed to have become a regular family activity.
"Oh, my goodness! Mike, this is truly insane!" Connie watched the slow-motion replay looping on the TV, unable to help but exclaim.
Yes, the TV was broadcasting the moment of Mike's intense collision with Oher.
It was this collision that sent Oher off the field and secured the victory for Mike's team.
The slow motion captured this violent scene; the immense power of both men distorted their protective gear.
Oher's arm was twisted and powerless from this collision. In slow motion, the scene looked incredibly painful.
"It's nothing, Connie. This is very common on the field." Mike responded to her.
The slow motion amplified everyone's sense of danger, but in fact, as the person involved, Mike didn't feel much danger at the moment of impact.
"This is still too dangerous, that big guy's arm broke." Connie said with some alarm, "Mike, next game, still be careful and learn to protect yourself."
Sometimes, things are like this: seeing a stranger in a dangerous situation, one might not feel much.
However, if the person in that dangerous situation is a family member, it makes one particularly anxious.
Especially when there are similar situations to compare to.
"I know, Grandma." Mike smiled, receiving her concern. This feeling wasn't bad.
After Mike's exciting highlight reel, the state's top ten plays broadcast concluded.
"Mike, you are so cool! That big guy was knocked down by you in one go…" On the way to the dining table, Missy pulled Mike, excitedly talking about her feelings.
For the little girl, she only knew that Mike won and didn't suffer any losses, and that was enough.