Legendary Football Superstar

The practice squad was starting to hit a rough patch.

There was still a noticeable gap in their skills. Even though they were up against the third string, the difference between making the team and not was a big deal for them.

In the first clash, the practice squad managed to score a touchdown thanks to Luke's killer long pass. This not only pumped up the offense but also boosted the defense's morale and performance. Meanwhile, Kevin from the third string was having a rough time, with their offense constantly stalling, giving the practice squad more chances. But as the game went on, the skill gap started to show. Once Kevin got his head in the game, the third-string quarterback's talent became clear, and their progress was way better than the practice squad's. Slowly, the tide began to turn.

From 3:11 to 6:42, Kevin kept nailing ten-yard advances, steadily pushing to the opponent's sixteen-yard line. The practice squad was getting pushed back, but they finally toughened up, stopping two pass attempts and a rushing attempt, successfully halting their opponents. Still, the third string managed to kick a field goal, making the score "3:7."

At 11:45, Kevin found his groove again, connecting with the third string's wide receiver. After a twenty-three-yard run, they scored a touchdown and nailed the extra point, taking the lead, "10:7."

Today's scrimmage was only fifteen minutes long, so the practice squad had just three minutes and fifteen seconds left. Luke led the practice squad back onto the field, trying a long pass right away, but it failed and was almost picked off. Clearly, after that first long pass, the opponents were now on high alert for Luke's surprise moves. With no other choice, Luke had to play it steady and methodical.

Even though Luke's short and medium pass accuracy was only sixty-four percent, it was just enough for the scrimmage. Most importantly, he wasn't going it alone. Derek was on fire today, with several clutch rushes that often bailed Luke out. The mix of passing and rushing threw off the third string's defense, letting the practice squad barely complete each ten-yard advance, getting them to around the opponent's thirty-yard line.

They were now within field goal range. If the special teams could nail a field goal, the game would be tied, which would be a win in the practice squad's book.

But it wasn't that easy. With a minute and forty-three seconds left, kicking a field goal .now.would give the third string at least a minute to mount an offensive putting the game in their hands.

Plus, everyone on the practice squad knew that in this scrimmage, a tie or a loss meant squat. Only a win would get them noticed by the coaches and break the barrier between practice players and official team members.

They had to go for it.

Luke looked at his teammates, eyes full of determination. They had no coach, just a quarterback, just themselves. After exchanging glances, Derek was the first to clench his fist, "Then let's keep attacking!" Then John, followed by the others, all nodded, their eyes locked on Luke.

"What? They're still going to attack?" The players on the sidelines were stunned. Just kicking the field goal would mean a tie, an unimaginable victory for the practice squad, but they weren't satisfied and were continuing to attack? Were they going all out for the win?

Kevin spat to the side, "Foolish clowns. Hot-headed idiots." He glared at Luke on the field with disdain, but his body language betrayed his inner tension. His muscles were tightly wound, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.

Just a practice squad player who got lucky with one touchdown pass, all thanks to John! First, John made an incredible catch, then he broke free from the defense to complete the touchdown. It had nothing to do with Luke; without John's momentary flash of talent, they wouldn't have even completed the pass, let alone scored. Now, this clown Luke wanted to make a game-winning play and become a hero?

Ridiculous!

Kevin ground his teeth, his chest nearly bursting with frustration.

On the field, Luke was laser-focused, directing the offensive line's formation, and then the attack began again. The first short pass was read by a defensive player and swatted down, luckily not intercepted. The second attempt, a medium pass aimed at John, missed by half an arm's length, incomplete.

Two tries, and they hadn't gained an inch. Still stuck on the thirty-yard line with ten yards to go. With just one shot left to make up the ten yards they missed on the last two attempts, the task was way tougher than anyone could imagine.

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Luke was gasping for air. Twice, the opposing defensive players had busted through the offensive line and slammed into him, like getting hit by a speeding bus.

The system's score was spot on; his short and medium pass accuracy was still trash. During his freshman tryouts, he could never nail those passes. His ball-handling skills were limited, and his physical game was weak, which is why he was just a practice player, not even backup material. Long passes could be game-changers, but short and medium passes were the bread and butter of the game.

Right now, Luke knew this better than anyone: the offensive line couldn't give him enough time to pull off a long pass. Once the defensive players read the receiver's intentions, a long pass would just make it easy for them to mess up the play, complete the defense, or even pick it off.

He needed short and medium passes. But he had blown it twice already.noveldrama

Luke knew he was far from being a solid quarterback, but that didn't mean he was gonna give up. He took a deep breath and looked up to see the hopeful eyes of his teammates. This was just a scrimmage, but he could feel the weight of their trust, heavy on his shoulders. They were a team, fighting side by side, trusting each other, and they would win together!

"Guys, I have an idea!" Luke called everyone over and quickly laid out the plan. No one questioned Luke's strategy, and no one hesitated. After he finished, everyone turned and went to their spots. They were just a bunch of practice players, unnoticed and untrusted, but they had each other.

Luke stood behind Tevin again, his eyes sharply scanning the defensive lineup. The opponents were no longer underestimating them and were fully focused. Luke could even see that several of the opposing players had their eyes locked on him, clearly still considering the quarterback as the primary target.

"Attack!"

Luke shouted, feeling the football in his hands. The whole team surged forward. Luke took two steps back, raising his right hand to pass. As expected, the defensive players spread out, sending only two players to rush the offensive line while the rest defended the receivers and tight ends.

With the last chance to advance ten yards, passing was the best and quickest option. In college football, the tactics weren't as convoluted as in the professional league, and the overall strategy was relatively simple. They made their judgment, and Luke guessed it right.

Luke turned and handed the football to Derek, who grabbed it and charged forward like a bull.

With only two defensive players rushing the offensive line against five offensive linemen, the practice squad's five players blocked the two defenders tightly, pushing them to the sides and creating a clear path down the middle.

Derek charged forward, dodging his teammates and the incoming defenders, advancing further and further.

The third string's other defensive players finally realized Derek's intention. The defensive net began to close in. Although the practice squad's receivers and tight ends tried their best to block the defenders, the majority of the opponents were still waiting to defend the pass, and their numerical advantage easily completed the encirclement.

After Derek broke through, the defensive circle quickly tightened. The last two defenders tackled Derek, ending the successful rushing attempt.

The unexpected tactical choice allowed Derek to break through the defensive line and achieve a significant advance. The practice squad players were ecstatic, both the offense on the field and the defense on the sidelines cheering. The third string players were in disbelief.

One play, highlighted by Derek's rush, but even more by Luke's strategic planning! At the right moment, he chose the right tactic, placing himself and his teammates in the right positions, avoiding excessive heroism and blind choices, achieving an incredible breakthrough. The team's brain, indeed.

But the question remained: Did Derek complete the required ten yards?

All eyes turned to Anthony, who was officiating the game. He measured the distance, sighed inwardly, but steadied himself and announced, "One yard short!"

Derek had completed nine yards, leaving one yard to go. Now, with only the final fourth down left, what should they choose to do?