"Frank" Part 1

Now, I've decided that I would like to share with you, an original story of my own composition. This is about football, my favorite sport. This is long, so I will divide it into a number of posts, which will also add suspense.

"Frank"

All around the world, from Egypt to Samoa, from Spain to Argentina, from China to Mexico, one sport is king. Football, otherwise known as soccer, dominates. even the littlest of children can be seen kicking balls around. But not here. In the U.S.A., the other football, American football, is played everywhere. Many children compete in flag football leagues. Around the age of ten, they start tackling. And most dream of scoring a touchdown. This story takes place in America, where American football reigns. This story is about American football.

Because this story takes place in America, it is sensible to call this sport just plain football. I have been calling it football all my life. So, people from other countries, this is not your beloved kicking sport. This, is Football.

*  *  *

Frank Van Horn was a football player. He played for a professional team called the Tigers. He had grown up watching the Tigers play, and cheered them on, back in their glory days. Years later, he played Fullback, and wasn't the best back, but wasn't the worst. He scored a fair amount of touchdowns in his career. Then, when he was at the age of thirty, something happened. The Tigers drafted a faster, younger back, and Frank was shunted to Right Tackle. He greatly disliked playing on the offensive line; he never got the ball and scored. After nine years of this, he asked Coach Jones if he thought it would be a good idea to retire.

"No," was what he got, "I think you are too valuable a player."

Frank spat out something he had been wanting to say for years: "I actually wish I were a player that grabbed the ball and scores."

Coach Jones looked at him for a moment, and said "I still don't think it would be a good idea to retire, and, you have proven too valuable a player."

Frank decided that he would not retire, until he had scored one more time. It is very hard for an offensive lineman to score, and one season passed. Then another. Then another. Before he knew it, Frank watched six seasons come and go.

Worst of all, Frank soon saw the Tigers draft a new Right Tackle by the name of William "Peanut" Liman. His nickname came from the habit of eating peanuts on the sideline. He was very popular and handsome. He was also twenty years younger than Frank, who was now his backup.

But Frank had other matters on his mind. His next-door-neighbor, Gilderoy Queen, was drafted into the rival team, The Golden Wave. Frank had never been on friendly terms with Queen, but Queen's draft only increased their animosity.

The day Queen was drafted, he painted his fence to depict a rush of waves, tinged with gold, drowning a tiger. Frank then hung his old Tigers jersey on his front porch, which Queen paintballed Green and Gold instantly.

*  *  *

The season started soon enough. Practices were now held twice a day. Peanut was, of course, picked as the starting Right Tackle. But the Tigers received some bitter luck during their first practice. Quarterback David "Wags" Wagner, who wasn't renowned for being tough, broke his collarbone during a scrimmage.

Coach Jones called to attention."Guys, Wags is hurt-"

"Like normally" interjected a player.

Coach Jones looked stern, then began again. "Guys, Wags is hurt, so I want to see you all working all your tails off for our first game. McCarter, you will have to substitute". McCarter was the backup Quarterback, and was friendly to all, even the most bitter of opponents.  

*  *  * 

On the day of the first game, Tigers v.s. Bulldogs, Frank was really sure he wouldn't get a chance to play, as Peanut was the best player, with the possible exception of Wags. Frank still packed his sentimental Number seventy-three, blue-and-white jersey on the team flight to Bulldog Stadium.

Unsurprisingly, the 75,000 seats at Bulldog Stadium were covered in a sea of Red, and boos erupted as the Tigers took to the field. The Bulldogs and the Tigers were not rivals, but it was a very important game, featuring two of the best teams in the league.

The Bulldogs won the coin toss and chose to defer, so McCarter, Peanut, and the rest of the offense took to the field after receiver Ryan Allen took the kickoff to their own 15-yard line. Frank watched, envious of Peanut, as McCarter completed a 13-yard pass to Allen. It was then 1st and 10. McCarter ran up the middle for a gain of 7. 

The next play Frank remembered vividly. It was 2nd and 3, and the scoreboard read 0-0. There was 13:49 left in the First quarter. The sun had just disappeared behind a cloud when the snap went off. McCarter tried a reverse pass to Allen, but the aim was poor, and an onrushing  Bulldog defender scooped it up and ran 35 yards for a score. Coach Jones broke into a fit of swearing, while the Bulldog stands erupted with cheers and applause. 

*  *  *

The rest of the half went along these lines: Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Bulldogs, but the Tigers tallied 3 points on a Field Goal, although the deficit still stood at 18. Frank hadn't played a down so far.

Later, in the fourth quarter, there was more Bulldogs scoring, but the Tigers were making a comeback; the scoreboard read 35-24 in favour of the home team.

Frank watched from the sidelines, and watched McCarter scamper 89 yards, coming to a stop a the one. The Bulldogs chubby, and nervous coach called timeout. As he was watching the Bulldogs sideline, Frank then heard a voice that made him jump.

"Van Horn!" It was Coach Jones. Frank made his way towards the Coach who informed him something that brought gladness in his body.

"Van Horn!, Peanut needs a rest, so I'm going to place you in."

"Is he hurt?"

"No, now get onto that field!"

Frank was reminded of his glory days, but then he was punching it in, now he was protecting the runner. On first down, McCarter gains one foot. Second down. Another foot from McCarter. Third Down, brings an incomplete pass. Now it's 4th and goal from the foot line, and Coach Jones signals to go for it. The snap occurs, and immediately, the 300 pound lineman pitted against Frank bowls him over, and flattens McCarter short of the goal line, and the Tigers turn it over on downs. Frank held his head down, it was his fault. He could hear mock cheering from the stands.

The Tigers scored one more time, this time with Peanut blocking, but Frank knew it was his fault they lost 35-31. If he had just held firm for a few more seconds...

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Like I said before, this will be done in parts, so for now, just you'll have to wait until My post titled "Frank" Part 2 comes out.