Jazmyn Payne:I’m done!!!!
Nina Ford:I’m about to walk into rehearsal but seriously, thank you for your words and for this laugh.
Jazmyn Payne:Go kill it! Can’t wait to see the pictures!
I ordered a pizza, and my food arrived just as the game was about to start. My stomach knotted with anxiousness as the Monarchs ran onto the field. I scanned the players as quickly as I could, but the camera operator switched to a view of the crowd. When the game officially started, I was grinning. I loved football anyway, but it felt different.
Itwasdifferent.
Lamar was out there—on the sideline, but out there nonetheless.
Crocs won the coin toss and deferred the ball. So, when the Monarchs offense jogged out, I relaxed a bit and ate some pizza. The Monarchs drove the ball down the field and scored relatively easily, methodically shaving time off the clock with running plays. My phone dinged, and I knew it was going to be my group chat with my work friends.
I was focused on the game, but every time the camera would catch a glimpse of the sideline, I searched for number ninety. The Monarchs defense came onto the field, and I leaned forward, literally on the edge of my seat.
And everything Ben had predicted was right.
The Crocs kept going at Hoyt Bennett, and they were winning the matchup. He was missing every other tackle and didn’t pressure the quarterback oranyoneon the offense.
Maybe he’s nervous, I thought as they jogged into the locker room at halftime.
Jazmyn Payne:I think Bennett is nervous. That’s gotta be it. Because they drafted him in the first round for a reason. THIS can’t be the reason.
Alexa Rae:I don’t want to say this is completely Bennett’s fault, but I don’t think it would make a difference if he was there or not. He’s adding no value. There could be a cardboard cutout in that spot, and it would be just as effective.
Ben Riker:No, it’s his fault. And what’s going on with the safety? Does he know he’s not supposed to make the other team feel safe?
Snickering, my eyes went back to the TV as the third quarter started. After a field goal put points on the board, the Monarchs were still losing by ten points. When the defense came out, I wondered if they were going to be able to make any adjustments.
“Oh my God,” I breathed as I saw number ninety.
In place of Bennett, Lamar Anderson was lining up on the defensive line. I turned the TV up and rose to my feet. My heart was thumping in my chest, and knots formed in my belly. I was not expecting to have such a visceral reaction to seeing him on-screen. I was excited for him, but at the exact same time, I was extremely nervous. Pacing from one side of the room to the other, I anticipated the ball being snapped.
I held my breath when the quarterback pitched the ball to the running back and he ran to the right. Almost immediately, Lamar tackled him for a two-yard loss.
“Yes!” I exclaimed, bouncing on my toes.
The next play, two other defensive players tackled the running back after a gain for three yards. The third play was a blitz, and because of how the quarterback fled the pocket, Lamar sacked him.
“Yes!” I cheered.
The Monarchs stopped the Crocs, got the ball back, and scored.
With Lamar in, the defensive line was stronger than ever as he rushed the passer several times, resulting in two sacks. He was also in on a bunch of tackles and one forced fumble. The Monarchs won by three points, but more importantly, Lamar was a rock star on the field.
I picked up my phone to see Alexa and Ben raving about how the change in personnel on defense had made all the difference. I wantedto be cool about what I’d just witnessed without making it seem like I had feelings for the man.
Jazmyn Payne:Anderson should be the starter.
I started watching the next game, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Lamar and how well he’d done. He’d neversaidhe was good. I’d assumed he was good. But to watch him be excellent was sexy. To see him capitalize on the opportunity he’d been given and chase a lifelong dream was so deeply attractive. It was the culmination of his hard work, his dedication, and his drive.
“Hello?” I answered my phone when I saw him calling. “Is thistheLamar Anderson?
“Jazz.” He chuckled over the commotion in the background. “Chill…”
“You did your big one on that field, you hear me? You killed it! You held a defensive clinic. It was everything! You were a machine out there,” I gushed.
“Thank you.” He let out a light, almost-bashful chuckle. “I appreciate you. And I really appreciated that message you sent me this morning. It came right when I was about to put my phone in the locker. It was the last thing I saw before we headed out.”
