Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:53:11 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the Bets 282

I just sat in that top row of the bleacher and got mentally ready for the
game. After about 20 minutes I went back inside and thanked the booster
people for the food and drinks and went to the field house and started my
usual routine. I put my pants and those pads on, game socks and shoes and
a loose tee and went and sat on the bench. This had been my routine since
sophomore year and it was always Ray who came and sat down and this time
it was JJ. I smiled thinking of JJ and when he appeared we just sat
there, not a word was said. Guys started to show up for warmups and we
looked at each other and both took a deep breath and started inside. JJ
put his arm around me and said MJ, I smell trouble. I looked at him and
said yup it isn't even close to Halloween and gremlins are around.
Inside I quickly threw on shoulder pads and my game jersey grabbed my
helmet and started to the field. I stopped and looked out, put my helmet
on and ran onto the field. I was stopped my coached and he said Mike, I
get the feeling you will have a full load this evening. I shrugged and
said, well more than you have that feeling that there is a disruption in
the FORCE. Coach shook his head and moved on.  Warmups were very normal
and when it was time for the band we went to the field house.


Inside coach talked and the place was a bit quiet Generally speaking it
was a bit tense and yet everything seemed ready and then again not. Josh
was ready and the ALL FOR ONE thing worked. We were lined up by the door
to the stadium with the captains leading the was. We started out and as
usual some of us backed off and let the more hyped up dudes run through
the paper sign. Usually the sign has slits in it and breaks easily. For
some reason it didn't break and someone fell and there was a pile of
players and a few cheerleaders. I stopped running, looked at the mess and
walked to the bench. Great start we couldn't even run through a paper
sign. At the coin toss, the visitors called HEADS and that was what it
was. They deferred and we having no real choice took the ball.


Their kickoff went to the 15 and JJ managed 10 yards before he was
swarmed over. Jim was at QB, Todd was at HB and I was at FB with JJ at
wideout. The first play went to me and I went off left tackle and a big
hole and gained 9 yards. The next play went to Todd and the ball popped
out and while we recovered the fumble it was now 3rd and 2 with the ball
on the 33 yard line. A play came in and I could tell Jim wasn't happy
and he changed it from a run to a pass with JJ the primary target. It
should have been a down and out but the corner back jumped the play and
it was an easy pick six. With the point after we were down 7 - 0 and we
hadn't played 2 minutes. It bothered me that the corner jumped the play,
it was as he knew the play.


The kickoff was the same and JJ's run back was the same. This time I ran
for 18 and Todd for 11 and we were moving the ball. The play came in and
I knew Jim wasn't happy and I said dude, don't even think about it. Jim
smiled and called the run play the coach sent in. Under center he all of
a sudden stood up and changed the play to a post pass to JJ. Now in the
shotgun Jim sent a high arching pass and JJ slowed down to get to it and
there was an obvious interference but the pass was intercepted and the
defender was quickly tackled. The penalty is 15 and a first down and we
were moving the ball. I turned to get into the huddle and ran into Wyatt
who looked at Jim and said, Coach wants to see you but he didn't ask for
your playbook, yet. Jim was a bit more than furious and just stood there
and I said Jim, please don't make him come get you. I looked at the play
clock and went to the official and said sir, I need a time out. He asked
if the QB was injured and I said well does a bruised ego constitute an
injury. He laughed and call an officials time out for an injury. We saved
the time out and Jim by rule had to leave the game. Naturally the
visiting coaches were going nuts and one coach caught my attention and
sure enough it was our old Offensive Coordinator. As there was a time out
I ran over to our coach and told him what I saw and asked if we could
please run student body right. He smiled and said sure but no penalties.
I explained things to Wyatt. In the huddle Wyatt called the play and said
said I'm going to call a real audible but ignore it, we are going to
teach more than one lesson on this play.


We broke the huddle and Wyatt was under center and he stood up and yelled
Blue 24, Blue 24 and the entire defense shifted a bit left. The snap went
to Wyatt in the shotgun and the ball was pitched to me and it was amazing
as we had everyone on the ground and I saw the coach in question and
lowered my head and simply drilled him a yard out of bounds. Then I was
thrown to the ground and flags flew and we got 15 more. I helped the
coach up and said, sorry you should be quicker and I added, I hope your
calling the plays as I am single handedly going to ruin your night. We
scored on the drive and twice more in the first half. We were simply
running it down their throats. On defense JJ had an interception and I
had 3 sacks and Josh had 2 and the linebackers had 6 plays for a loss
combined.


The third quarter was the same with our defense being dominant. We
didn't give up a first down in either the second or third quarters. Jim
never got back in the game and Clark finished the 4th quarter and did a
nice job with the only passing TD of the game. We ended up winning 35 -
7. Once the game was over we shook hands and when I got to our former
coach I said, well you underestimated our football smarts again, will you
have a job tomorrow and he pushed me and I laughed but noticed their head
coach was less than happy. At the end of the line I stopped the head
coach and said, Coach that was my fault as we have a way of pissing each
other off. He smiled and said Mike, I heard enough to know that what you
said should not have resulted in that reaction. What I really want to
know is how did you get the stripes to give you that injury time out. I
laughed and said well in our game last year he missed two plays and I was
getting more than a bit roughed up. I politely  asked about it and he
said I'll have to owe you one, I'm guessing he paid that debt. We shook
hands and coach said good, we'll make that great game. I said thanks and
joined the team for the song.


I started to sprint to the field house to change and was stopped my a
gaggle of reporters. I immediately said, hey guys there were more
contributors tonight than me. The damn network guy pointed and said Mike,
you mean these guys and there was Josh, JJ, Chad and Clark. I shrugged
and said fire away. The local guy asked about the student body right and
said it looked like it could have gone for more yards? We it actually
looks different from the field and it got the yards we needed. I was
hoping to get away with that but the network guy said Mike, it also
seemed like on that play and in the handshake line you and your former
coach had an issue. Guys, to be honest he underestimated our football
smarts as our coach and again coaching against us tonight. They are a
solid team and they graduated more last year than we did and senior
leadership matters. But you should ask Wyatt why that play worked so
well. He simply played with their minds and it was all him. I said thanks
and simply walked away. JJ was next and he took 3 or 4 questions. Then
Josh and Clark and finally Wyatt who got grilled. I couldn't wait to see
the paper.


It was a quick shower and I found dad, Megan, Ashley, Major Jim, Paul,
Heather and Mia. JJ joined us soon and I saw Wyatt's grandfather and
dad. It was a very friendly but longish chat. Paul came over and said
Mike, I talked with the Major and I actually feel pretty good about the
trip. I smiled and said we will be home by noon on Sunday and it is only
possible because of the plane. With that Heather and I hugged and I asked
if she was hungry? She said yes but first, this is my dad Max and my
brother Alex. We shook hands and Max said Mike, we should talk about
doing some business together. I said sure and have your people talk with
Major Jim. He laughed and said damn you are every bit as good as your
reputation. I found that funny. Then Heather asked if they could join us
for golf on Sunday. I thought shit but said well everyone needs to
understand we will be walking with caddies. TheY really agreed and I said
so Max will it be ok if I take Heather to New York for the day next
Sunday? It will be an early up and a late back, JJ and Mia will be along
as well. He smiled and said sure and well played. I simply shrugged and
said thanks but it doesn't have to be a contest. I'll figure out the
details and Heather can fill you in. I'm leaving early for the VT
football game and no you can't come. Thankfully everyone laughed.


Heather and I jumped in my car and drove to the Tavern and I filled her
in on the drink situation and that we wouldn't have to pay as long as
you are with either JJ or I. I doubt that Jim will come tonight but that
Josh and his date usually comes as does JJ. I opened the door and the
place erupted with HI MIKE and that was followed by HI HEATHER. I had to
laugh but it was what it was. We sat at our reserved table and we were
the first ones there. JJ and Mia appeared and got the same greeting and
JJ asked, how the fuck did that happen. I shrugged and said please
remember the drinking thing. He laughed and said MJ your killing me. Josh
appeared and he sat down and asked who gave them a scorecard with who is
dating who.  I was surprised when Heather ordered an iced tea and she
smiled when the beer came, I was trying to remember who was the last
chick I dated that drank beer. JJ and I had Arnold Palmers with Josh
having iced tea (beer) and his date wine. Just then I heard HI WYATT and
that was followed by HI WYATT'S DAD. there was no table available and we
waved them over and they joined them. Wyatt ordered an iced Tea and his
dad a Bud. When Wyatt's drink came and it was beer, John grabbed the
glass and ordered him an iced tea. Naturally another beer came and JJ
said Mr. Carson you should simply let Wyatt drink that unless he can
drive home. Wyatt simply grabbed the iced tea/beer and started to drink.


We ordered food and it was a good time and John was fun and we all
enjoyed his company. Wyatt not so much. John eventually asked about the
drinks and I said well when the bill gets paid it says iced tea or
SPRITE. Oh we have never paid the bill as it gets paid a couple of times
and the owner is thrilled to have us here. Then I said John, if Wyatt was
here alone with us. I would have stopped it and he would have had iced
tea. Mike, you can do that and I can't? I looked at John and said
that's correct. Mike, why aren't you drinking? John, first of all it is
never more than one drink and I am up early and flying to VT tomorrow.
The FAA rules say no drinking 12 hours prior to a flight and JJ and I
make it 24 hours. Then as I was ignoring her I felt Heather's hand on my
leg slowly moving towards my cock which was clubbing up. I grabbed her
hand and said, sorry but I know you were there. She laughed and whispered
we'll show me you are aware. I smiled and said, yes babe. JJ, Josh and I
firmed up plans for the trip and we agreed wheels up at 7:00. As we were
finished eating and it was getting late I said good night and as we
walked out I heard GOOD NIGHT MIKE AND HEATHER. I simply laughed and
grabbed Heather and we had a tongue fight all the was to the car.


At her place I parked in the street and we started to make out and she
stopped and asked Mike, are you ok? I said yup but Wyatt's dad being
there was a downer and to be honest, I didn't expect a 4 some at
Oakmont. She said Mike, I'm sorry and I was not happy either. Heather it
was the approach and we tee off at 2:00 and I'll have the Pro Shop aware
and to expect you there around 1:00. There will be no locker room
facilities available and the caddies will get you to the practice area.
I'll be there as close to 1:00 as possible and my clubs are there. You
guys can look at the card and choose a tee. I'm playing the Tournament
tees and I'm not showing off, that's what I do. I kissed her and said
next time just ask me, I hate surprises. With that she was all over me
and I was more than a little hard. I simply stopped and opened the car
door and helped her out of the car and we walked to the door. We kissed
again and I drove home. I prepped the coffee and set the alarm for 5:30
and jumped into bed.


 I was up with the alarm and a quick shower and dressed in a VT polo
shirt, hat and casual shoes with no socks. I grabbed a baggy hoodie in
case the weather was colder there. Outside I saw JJ and laughed. He was
dressed exactly like me same shirt and hat. I flew inside and grabbed a
different VT shirt and we drove to the airport and got there around 6:20.
Josh and his dad pulled in behind us and I told JJ that I would file the
flight plan and we would start the pre-flight check when I got back. He
just shook his head and said Josh's dad is a pain. In the terminal the
plan was reviewed and we were set to go. Outside I shook Paul's hand and
said sorry but I needed to file a flight plan. We have a flight pre-check
to do, would you like to watch. JJ getting the deal was all in and it was
the most intense pre-check ever and included a few made up things. The
last thing was I manually checked the fuel. Then I looked at Josh and
said hop in and make your self comfortable but strap in, it's a lot like
a car seatbelt. With that I looked at Paul and said have a good day and
JJ and I climbed aboard and secured the door. Inside JJ checked on Josh
and I started the inside pre-check. Once that was complete and JJ was
beside me, I contacted the tower and we started to the runway and were
quickly cleared to take off. We were in the air at 7:03 and an eta of
about 9:15. The flight was uneventful and as soon as we were on the
ground Josh called home. When he hung up he said damn, I'm finally free.
We started for campus and stopped for coffee on the way. It was typical
college campus on Saturday, very quiet. We went right to the athletic
office inside the stadium and checked in. We were each given a packet
which included field passes and direction on how to get onto the field.
With that done, it was back to town and breakfast. It was a spot where I
had been to many times when here and sure enough Sean appeared and sat
down. He said he only had a minute and Josh was introduced and Sean had a
quick coffee and said I'll see you guys after the game and I'm buying
dinner and I knew that wasn't the case. Then it was a walk around campus
and Josh wasn't saying much. We stopped at the bookstore but there were
no purchases. As we walked around we even saw the cadets drilling. It was
a casual walk around but now time to get to Lane Stadium. We followed the
directions and were there about 45 minutes before kickoff.


I wasn't sure that I liked that fact that Worsham Field was actual turf,
but damn it was in great shape. The opponent was South Carolina a non ACC
opponent. VT was not off to a good start as they had lost their first two
games but they were close. I was watching the linebackers warmup and JJ
had drifted to the defensive backs. Josh was just all eyes taking it all
in. It was another close game buy a 27-20 loss. I couldn't wait to see
the class of the starters especially the linebackers but Sean played the
entire game. On the way out I grabbed a program and we waited for Sean.
It was not a long wait and when Sean appeared JJ and I were told that
Coach wanted to see us and he is in his office outside the locker room.
Then he looked at Josh and said dude, your with me and we will meet those
two at the restaurant. Does that work for you? Josh smiled and said, well
doesn't seem like there is a choice.


JJ and I found the nearly empty locker room easily enough and those there
were very quiet, which I thought should be normal after another loss.
When we found the office, Coach was there with Coach Conn, Defense coach
and when he saw us we were waved in and told to take a seat. Coach Conn
looked at JJ and asked, so what do you think? JJ shrugged and said to be
honest I would be looking for a branding iron to see if they were still
alive. Both coaches laughed out loud. Then he looked at me and I said a
pedestrian effort and Coach Conn said I like the branding iron comment
but both accurate. Coach B then asked about the flight and I said well 2
hours and 15 minutes but if February we will. JT that by an hour as I
have a jet on order. Both coaches laughed and the Coach B said, so you
can leave right after practice, fly home, eat dinner and be home before
bed check? I shrugged and said, yup. Neither coach knew how to react to
that and I just sat there waiting to find out why we were there.


Looking directly at JJ Coach B asked are either of you going to
disappoint us on letter of intent day? JJ quickly replied well I really
want to play defense. Coach Conn replied well we actually concur and you
appear to be a natural and I have looked at a lot of film on you and
Coach Carson appears to be correct you are a born safety. It would be
helpful if you didn't blow people away and you played more. JJ laughed
and I just sat there. Then JJ said guys, I told you last week that I was
in, so why you still asking? That was ignored and both coaches looked at
me and I smiled and said well from what I see on the field you could use
both of us this year. I am aware that you, as of now have the best
potential incoming class in the country and we won't be competing with
each other for a position. We could be National Champs in two years and
definitely should be in three. So yes, I'm in. Coach, we could have done
this over the phone so what else? Mike, we both wanted to see the
reaction you two had and how you responded to the question.


JJ just started to laugh as I knew he was aware I was going explode. I
took a deep breath and calmly said, well all the cards on the table and
if you want pull the offer, simply do it and I'll make other plans. I
want to play college football, I don't need to. I know what it will take
and while but I will respect you program and the rules you require.
Understand I will bend most of them and break a few. You will react to
that and it will be interesting. I will have a jet at my disposal and I
will definitely be using it and it requires a co-pilot and that dude is
sitting in this room. If he can't accommodate my requirements, I'll
simply rent one. I will be in and out as business and family require.
What you will get in return is your starting outside linebacker for three
years. I am aware that I will need to earn that but by looking at films
of your games and today, I could start next week. So now I ask you, do
you still want me?


Coach B looked at JJ and asked are you two a package deal? JJ smiled and
said MJ, will kill me for this but that's not an issue because if he
bailed at this point, your 5 star recruiting class blows up. I don't
have his star power, well yet, but by the end of this high school season,
I be one of the most sought after d-backs in the country. Also, you can
count on me for three years because I will be opting out for the pros.
The only reason MJ won't be the defensive player of the year will be
because of me. Oh, I will earn a starting spot next year. So are we good
or do I need to tell the people covering our team that my recruiting is
open?


JJ, you have been hanging around with Mike too much and he is rubbing off
on you. Your comments are very correct and it nice to see you have grown
up enough to express yourself. Oh, it's nice to see the image change.
This is the first time I have seen you without boots. JJ laughed and
asked is this bull shit over, I'm hungry? Both coaches laughed and then
Coach Conn ask what's with Josh? JJ said well he could be the third
Musketeer and yes he can play. You should get to know him, hell he is
here. Then Coach B asked if the two of us would fly down and join a bunch
of other top recruits and jointly sign our letters of intent. I said
Coach, that's a possibility for me but we will have to see, but I'll
try. Once that was over JJ and I got up and started to the restaurant.


JJ and I found the restaurant Josh and Sean were already there sitting at
a table for 5 and my radar went off. We sat down and Josh was going on
about what a wonderful day this was. I was glad he enjoyed the day but he
needed to see other schools. The extra seat remained unused and drinks
were ordered and the waiter was told we needed a few more minutes. I was
thrilled when Rodrigues, one of the guys on the beach vacation, appeared.
We hugged and the waiter came over and he ordered a beer and food was
ordered. We chatted about football and they were pretty much waiting for
next year and hoped the reinforcements would be as good as advertised. I
was ready to get on our way and Sean shook his head and changed the
subject. Then I remembered Coach would stop by. Sean mentioned his sister
saying she will be pissed when she hears I was in town. JJ just look at
me and I said later, long story. Both guys as redshirt freshmen had live
in girlfriends. I said we had rooms at the hotel near the airport and we
would be leaving early in the morning. Rodrigues asked if we needed to be
home for dinner and I laughed and said, nope lunch. He looked and I
explained the travel arrangements.


I became aware of some commotion and saw Coach B had arrived and was
working his way towards us. Sean seeing that excused himself saying he
needed to piss. That left an empty seat beside Josh and I was anxious to
see Josh's reaction to this.  Shortly Coach reached the table and we all
shook hands and he sat down beside Josh and it was like Josh was the only
person in the room. Josh was very polite and yet only a little awe
struck. It was going well and Sean appeared and Coach stood up and said
well have a nice flight back. I just shook my head and wondered how many
times this happened. Suddenly Coach was back and said, guys I almost
forgot and he handed me two envelopes and JJ one envelope. Sean paid the
bill and I left an extra tip as we had tied up the table all night.


We walked to the hotel and I had reserved 3 rooms. JJ was unhappy about
that and Josh said goodnight and I reminded him we were leaving for the
airport at 8:00. He said thanks and went to his room. JJ looked at me and
I laughed and said just come to my room and shut up, I'm tired. Once in
the room, we kissed and then tore open the envelopes. It was a list of
the recruiting class for next year. It was a random list and most names
had a check beside them. There was no explanation just a note which said,
"Make Friends". The list contained phone numbers. JJ asked for my paper
and checked. He was pleased that they were identical. The third envelop
was for Allen Clarkson. With all that done we made out some, stripped and
jumped into bed and fell asleep holding each other.


I REALLY HOPE PEOPLE ARE READING AND THAT THE NEW LOCATION FOR THE STORY
HASN'T RESULTED IN A LOT OF LOST READERS. THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS, THEY
ARE APPRECIATED.


PLEASE IF POSSIBLE SUPPORT NIFTY.