I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.
https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon
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Chapter 18: Friday Night Lights… and Family
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as both teams lined up for the kickoff of the second half. The scoreboard read 24-13, and the crowd murmured with a mix of hope and tension.
Jon Hale stood on the sideline, helmet in hand, rolling his shoulders as he waited for the moment he'd been preparing for. His blue eyes were sharp, focused—like a hunter sizing up his prey. The stadium lights gleamed off his black helmet as he adjusted it over his head.
Announcer: "And stepping onto the field for his first official play of the season—wide receiver, Jonathan Hale!"
A fresh wave of cheers erupted from the home crowd. In the stands, the entire Pritchett-Dunphy clan leaned forward.
Jay (grinning): "Alright, kid, let's see what you got."
---
The Start of the Second Half
The opposing team kicked off, sending the ball soaring through the air. Jon's teammate fielded it and returned it to the 30-yard line. The offense jogged onto the field.
Jon lined up at wide receiver for his first play, standing opposite a tall, muscular cornerback. The guy looked confident, practically daring Jon to try something.
Jon just smirked.
Quarterback (calling out the play): "Blue 42! Blue 42! Set… hut!"
The ball was snapped.
Jon exploded off the line with a speed that caught the defender off guard. He cut inside sharply, gaining separation almost instantly.
The quarterback saw it.
The ball was coming his way.
Jon tracked the ball in the air, time slowing as he extended his hands. The defender, realizing too late, lunged to interfere.
Too slow.
Jon caught the pass cleanly, spun past the diving defender, and—
He was gone.
The stadium erupted as Jon sprinted down the sideline, his legs pumping like pistons. One defender tried to chase him down. Jon stiff-armed him to the turf.
50 yards… 40… 30… 20… 10…
Touchdown!
The crowd exploded. The scoreboard flashed 24-20.
Jon casually flipped the ball to the referee, his face unreadable. Meanwhile, his teammates swarmed him, hyping him up.
Coach (grinning): "Kid's the real deal!"
Jay (smirking, arms crossed): "Now that was something."
In the stands, Alex tried to act normal, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.
Alex (muttering): "That was a decent play…"
Sam, sitting beside her, was completely unbothered.
Haley (grinning): "Yeah, Sure."
---
The opposing team wasn't rattled. They stormed back onto the field with renewed focus.
Their quarterback methodically led them downfield, executing precise passes and runs. They reached field goal range and drilled a 40-yard kick.
27-20.
Jon's team responded immediately. With Jon now a primary target, the defense had to adjust, opening up the running game. The offense pushed into the red zone.
On third down, Jon caught a quick slant route and powered through two defenders to stretch into the end zone.
27-27.
The stadium shook with cheers.
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Final Quarter
With only seven minutes left, the opposing team marched down the field again. Their running back broke through a tackle and rumbled into the end zone.
34-27.
Jon's team needed a response.
The offense took the field, but the defense tightened. Two incomplete passes. Third and long.
Jon lined up wide.
The ball snapped. He faked a deep route, forcing the defender to backpedal—then cut sharply to the sideline.
The quarterback fired. Jon leaped, snagging the pass one-handed while barely keeping his feet in bounds.
The sideline erupted. First down.
Four plays later, the quarterback found Jon again in the end zone.
34-34.
One minute left.
---
Final Drive
The opposing team had one last chance.
They advanced quickly, setting up a game-winning field goal attempt from 45 yards out.
The kick went up—
Wide right.
The home crowd erupted.
But there were still twenty seconds left.
Jon's team had one last play.
They lined up on their own 40-yard line.
Jon stood wide right, facing double coverage. The quarterback looked his way, eyes sharp.
Quarterback: "Jon, go deep."
Jon nodded.
The ball snapped.
Jon took off, accelerating like a jet. The defenders scrambled to keep up. The quarterback launched a bomb downfield.
Jon tracked it, adjusting mid-stride.
Five yards ahead of the defenders.
The ball descended.
Jon jumped, extending his arms—
The ball landed perfectly in his hands.
He tucked it in, hit the ground running, and—
Crossed the goal line.
Touchdown.
The stadium exploded.
Final score: 40-34.
---
Jon's teammates mobbed him, tackling him in celebration.
On the sideline, the coach laughed.
Coach: "You know what? I think we'll keep you around, kid."
The Pritchett-Dunphy family went crazy in the stands.
Phil (jumping up and down): "DID YOU SEE THAT? I HAVE CHILLS! ACTUAL CHILLS!"
Cam (wiping away tears): "That was BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE SPORTS NOW!"
Mitchell (shaking his head): "You always loved sports. You literally played football in High school."
Gloria (squealing): "Our Jon is amazing!"
Even Jay, who tried to act casual, couldn't hide his smirk.
Jay (grinning, arms crossed): "Damn good game."
Alex watched as Jon was lifted onto his teammates' shoulders, his messy black hair falling over his forehead, his bright blue eyes glowing under the stadium lights.
He looked… incredible.
Alex (whispering to herself): "Yeah. I'm doomed."
After the game, the entire family rushed the field.
Phil (grabbing Jon's shoulder): "That was insane! Do you know what this means?"
Jon (raising an eyebrow): "That I might get a starting spot?"
Phil: "Yes!" Then Phil hugs Jon and lifts him off the ground.
Jon just lets it happen, unbothered by Phil's enthusiasm.
Sam approached, a huge grin on her face.
Sam (teasing): "Not bad, dork."
Jon just smirked and pulled her into a hug.
Manny (grinning): "Can't believe we're related to a legend now."
Jay (smirking): "Alright, let's not inflate his ego too much. We still have a barbecue to get to."
Jon laughed.
The night was just beginning.