Texas has over a hundred high schools, and after being divided into four divisions, each division has roughly twenty teams.
And because the Summer League uses a single-elimination format, basically, if you make it past the third round, you can secure a spot in the state's top ten.
Being in the Texas top ten was a height Medford High had never reached before.
So, in a way, this football team is currently making history.
After a long rest, the time came to 10:30 AM. Aaron, the captain, gathered the team members in advance to prepare at the entrance tunnel.
From here, they could hear the noisy waves of sound from outside, which gradually made the expressions on the players' faces tense.
As the game was about to begin, spectators also arrived at the venue one after another. Over four thousand spectators almost filled Medford High's field.
"Mike, are you nervous right now?" At the entrance, Georgie rubbed the straps on his helmet and asked in a low voice.
Because he was too nervous, his hands were trembling a bit, and his breathing was also a little uneven.
"Not really," Mike said casually.
Having experienced two supernatural events, Mike's horizons were naturally incomparable to ordinary people. This kind of situation, in his eyes, could only be considered a small scene.
Georgie looked at Mike's calm demeanor, which didn't seem faked, and said enviously, "You really have a big heart—"
Mike smiled and shrugged, without much explanation.
On the other side, at the side door of the tunnel, Sheldon, with Tam, was stopped by the security student.
"My father George is the team's head coach, and my brother Georgie is the team's wide receiver. And the running back Mike, he's also my friend…" Sheldon explained earnestly, hoping to get some special treatment.
The security student at the door, of course, also knew Sheldon. Regarding his request to enter the preparation tunnel, the security student thought for a moment and said, "You can go in, but remember, don't disturb the players."
"Thank you—" Sheldon, having received permission, nodded and then led Tam into the tunnel.
Georgie immediately saw Sheldon walking over and quickly shouted, "Sheldon, why are you here? This isn't where you should be, get out quickly."
"I'm not looking for you…" Sheldon's gaze bypassed Georgie and looked at Mike beside him, saying, "Mike, Tam wants to ask you for an autograph."
At this moment, Tam also quickly came out from behind Sheldon, handed out a photo and a signing pen, and carefully asked, "Is that okay?"
This Vietnamese-descended classmate, who usually spoke very little and had an introverted personality, left a good impression on Mike.
Besides, it was just an autograph, which didn't take much effort.
Mike took the photo, looked at his handsome image on it, and while signing his name, joked, "Tam, how come I didn't know that boys at school also started collecting my photos?"
Tam, who was asked, smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to answer.
This autograph was not actually for Tam himself, but from a girl at school who had asked him for it.
Tam, not knowing how to refuse, then sought Sheldon's help.
Seeing Tam's reaction, Mike seemed to understand something. He smiled meaningfully, and then handed the signed photo back to him.
Just then, George also walked into the entrance tunnel. Like Georgie, he immediately saw Sheldon and asked in confusion, "Sheldon, why are you here? Get out quickly."
Sheldon's purpose for this trip had been achieved. Seeing his father's stern expression, he snorted and then walked step by step towards the side door with an arrogant demeanor.
Seeing his youngest son's poised manner, George suddenly raised his voice and shouted, "Hurry up—"
Sheldon, who was walking slowly, was startled and then ran towards the side door with his arms tucked in.
And Tam, who was following him, was even more startled. He turned and bowed to George, saying "Sorry" with a tearful voice, and then quickly disappeared through the side door.
George, who had just played a small prank, saw Tam's overreaction, stroked his fat face, and self-doubted, "Am I that scary?"
"Forget it, business first." George shook his head, then clapped his hands, attracting the attention of all the players: "Our opponent this time is Saint Mary's. They are the only team that has ever made it into the state's top ten.
Now, the opportunity is before us. As long as we defeat Saint Mary's, we can also become one of the Texas top ten this year.
Our school, Medford High, will also be proud of us because of this."
George watched the players' emotions gradually being stirred up and continued to motivate them: "Lads, for honor, we only have one goal, and that is to achieve victory!"
"Come on, kids—"
George extended his hand in a fist.
Everyone gathered in a circle and put their hands together.
One, two, three…
"What is our goal?"
"Victory!"
"Victory!!"
…
Looking at the players' determined expressions, George nodded in satisfaction.
Then, accompanied by the player entrance prompt, George patted Aaron and Mike on the back: "Go, this moment belongs to you."
As the team's dual cores, Aaron and Mike led the way out of the tunnel, greeted by cheers from the entire stadium.
Regina didn't expect Mike to enter with Aaron.
Her previous plan against Mike was completely foiled at this moment.
None of the cheerleaders cared about Regina's feelings at this moment; they enthusiastically waved their hands, displaying youthful vitality.
Mike circled half the field, enjoyed the cheers from the crowd, and then prepared to return to his side of the field.
"Mike~ Mike~ Here…" A child on the sidelines holding an SLR camera was desperately waving his hand.
This child looked only five or six years old, fair-skinned and very cute.
Mike turned around and walked in front of his little fan, asking with a smile, "Are you calling me?"
"Yes, Mike, I've seen you on TV, I'm your loyal fan." The child looked excited, then added, "My name is Sean, can you give me an autograph?"
Sean said, handing out a signing pen, and at the same time pulled up the hem of his white T-shirt.
Having such a little fan felt good. Mike generously signed his name and said, "Thank you for your support, Sean."
And when Mike was about to leave, Sean suddenly said, "Mike, do you know, there's also a Michael on the Saint Mary's football team, he's called Michael Oher, and he's my family.
He's definitely going to surprise you in today's game."
What was this? A declaration of war?
So this brat was an anti-fan.
Mike retracted his previous opinion; this child named Sean was actually not as cute as Sheldon.
Mike, whose mood had been messed with, put on a fierce expression and glared back at the little anti-fan on the sidelines.
Seeing that the other party was startled, he then returned to his team's preparation area with satisfaction.