A portable coach's  stand stood on the  Dragon's sideline at The  Dragon's  stadium. Atop stood  a smallish Japanese fellow with  a clipboard and  some markers...now and again he would write  something on the  clip board with one color or the other.

  Standing next to him was Bart Sims. A Dragon's  ball cap on, he wore shorts and a Dragon's football T-shirt  a Younger Japanese woman would  point to someone in the milling crowd, Sims  would say something and Amota  would use a marker

  Sims  held up a Bull horn and shoutedwelcome to Dragon's Football...You have an hour or so before you try out....again..Draftees..vets  and free
agents..it doesn't matter...you have to show me , why you  think you should be here..."

   A short, but well muscled fellow, wearing a t-shirt that  said BC Lions on it. stood off to the side. He watched folks as they gathered into thier groups, Vets  from the old jags..not many of them left, looked at the  others folks as if they were  assassins.

  Draftees strutted back  and forth, many a cocky smile faded after Sims  blared message. The owners had found a way around the caps, besides the waiver the NFL gave them...if you did not make it to camp..you did not have a contract...if you did not sign the paper that said so? You did not come to Camp, thus, you did not make the team. Holdouts got fined..heavy...the RightTackle from lastyears team, former Probowlerwas out on the street now, beacuse he did not wish to sign that sheet...

   A girl dressed in  Dragon's colors cam past  the fellow, she asked his name, "Adam...Adam  Bronk....

  The Girl nodded, and  a fellow pulling  a hand cart fished out a Green jersey that said "...WR...19.." and they moved on thier way,

  an older fellow setting up  a sportsdrink and water  station said,"...put it on now lad. They don't know who you are...you go out the door..they aren't messin around..not no more...Jacksonville means business this year.."

Ivan nodded as the girl that had just given the smaller guy next to him a jersey gave him one too. She left to hand out more, to which Ivan checked her out from behind. He heard the old man give the other guy some words of wisdom and decided to follow them himself. Ivan trotted up next to the guy and held out a hand. "Ivan Chevalier."

Katelyn stared up at the goal posts at the far end of the field. She'd gotten her early, been one of the first to receive their jerseys. She'd also had to get ready in one of the VIP bathrooms, given that the locker rooms were probably a bad idea at this juncture. Scratch that, they were a terrible idea for her to get changed in.

She was terse.

There was trepidation in knowing that she'd have to beat out the former team's kicker to get the job for herself. Toss in the media wanting to ask her questions about being the first female in the NFL, and having to ignore the catcalls from half the idiots here to try out, and Katelyn was ready to be downright laconic. She simply glared up at the goalposts, football in her hands, almost as if she was matching wills with the giant, yellow, inanimate object..

Her green jersey had a number 2 on it.

  The smaller man Smiles, taking  the hand in a firm grip, hi, ...Adam..Adam Bronk...Wideout..Kickreturned...nickel back..whatever they need me to do..." his grin is infectious as  he  points to the woamn with the '2' on her jersey.....you know who that is?... Kat..." he snaps his fingers,...something...she was drafted  as a kicker...come..let's go meet her..we have a bit before things get going..."

  As he and the Big fellow begins to walk over  towards the woman..they see two other  fellows walking over to her as well....

  Two men stopped off to the side of Kat, the taller one wore a jersey that had a #1, the smaller  fellow  had a Number #4.

  " well now..look what we  have here..the  first LAdy Kicker...well girl..you really think you can beat us out?"

  Number 4  just smiled  and  was about to say something when two other  fellows walked over towards KAt..One small , the other fellow  bigger  and well muscled.

  "look Ivan...there is our new kicker!". The smaller man grins as the two kickers  look at each other  and the  new arrivals,You are Milfred...right? Oh Kat....you are going to have some competion alright...this fellow has  kicked for....4...no...5 teams...2 differant ones last year...lets see..what was the name of that second team...ah...the Richmond Iceflows of the  Indoor league..right?"

 Number 4 scowled and the little fellow looked at #1,I remember you as well...I think i returned a rouge against you , that set up  BC's  kicker's  winning fieldgoal...didn't like  it in Canada huh?"

  You guys  have more guts  then I do though...just think..in a half hour or so you will be booting  field Goals against a woman who put her team on the college map....I mean think of it....if you out kick her...you werre supposed to...but..if you miss and she kicks it through...."  he shakes his head,Nope...would not  want that kind of pressue on me..eben if she wasn't  any good...but..lets see.."

 He turns to KatSI had you on the cover  when you won the bowl game...right?....and  Sporting news had you on right before draft day...and you were on ESPN a few times.." . He turns to the kickers,"..you ever on a magazine?"

  Go screw yerself midget..." the two kickers  walked  away..talking about holders  and wind  and such.

   Bronk  smiles as they walk away,Sorry...old  tryout  trick...vets  try to psych out  rookies...they don't  expect to get it back...I am Adam..Bronk..this is Ivan wanted to come over to meet  you before all the fun starts.."

James walked out onto the field with a certain reverance, his eyes taking in the sights of the stadium from behind a pair of designer shades.  This was it... the big time... the Show.

Well, not quite.  From what Sims had indicated, a lot of the guys Jim saw milling about probably wouldn't be there by the time the season got underway.  No matter - he thrived on competition.  The very thought of it brought a big smile to his face.

Soon he was walking across the field, heading for the smallish Japanese man and Mr. Sims.  He caught sight of a small crowd near one endzone... the girl Kicker - Dawlish - flanked by Chevaleir and Bronk.  He made a mental note to introduce himself.

Yet his agent had asked him - forced him, really - to listen to tapes concerning Japanese etiquette, and he didn't want to break protocol.  He moved straight to the Japanese man with the clipboard, removed his sunglasses and stood a respectful distance away.  When the man's eyes flashed toward him, he kept his eyes down and gave a deep bow.  He expected no acknowledgement from this - it was just the proper thing to do.

Then looking to Bart, he offered his hand.  "Mr. Sims, Sir, an honor to meet you."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

  Sims Looked over at James. His eyes took in the number of the tryout jersey and nodded, Hello...James....Steele. This is  Mr Amota...and his  wife, Nilie Amota. He is the chief owner and GM. Hope your arm is loose..we have 7 Quarterbacks here today...by the time 6;00 tolls around..we will have 4...

  Sims Voice  was not threatening, nor was it harsh. But there was a certain coolness in it. This was not you run-of-the-mill minicamp..they were going to weed folks out, before they worried  about  working folks in.

Katelyn hadn't noticed the two idiots walk up to her, or rather, saunter. She had been a bit shocked by how upfront they had been with their taunts, then again, it just reminded her of college again. She had been about to bite back when two other players walked over, the smaller of the two basically cutting both men's balls off while remembering every accolade Kat had managed to garner while in college.

She waved a sarcastically cheery goodbye to the two as they walked away and looked back at the other two.

"Kat Dawlish. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you. Name's Ivan. I likely be protecting you on field goals." He offered his hand to the woman, turning to make sure the creeps had slinked off back to their holes. "What do you think they have for us? The Combine was brutal enough but these japs have crazy ideas about physical activity."

 he smiles  with a nod and offer his hand, You need a holder? give  a yell. Used to spot our kickers  at Mellon St.

  He jerks his head in the direction of the two kickers,I have 5 bucks  says they don't make anything outside the 40 today...

"Ohayo gozaimasu, Mr. Amota," James said, showing off the tiny bit of Japanese he had learned and bowing again to the owner.  He gave a third bow to Nilie.  "Mrs. Amota.  I am honored to meet you both."

The smile returned to the young quarterback's face at Bart's words, though he fought to wipe it off.  "Yes, Sir!  I won't disappoint.  If you'll excuse me?"

Moving away from the brass, he grabbed the first football he could find and tested his grip.  Slipping the sunglasses back on he made his way toward the endzone.  He flashed a bright smile toward Kat as he drew near.

"Ice," he said by way of greeting, offering his hand.  "Good to see you again!"

His hand also went out to Adam and Ivan.  "Jim Steele, pleasure to meet you!"

Kat smiled and shook Ivan's hand, then grinend as she saw Adam was genuine in his protection of her. It was nice to see that. She nodded to him when she heard a voice call out from behind her. It was a familiar voice, one she heard from the opposite sidelines many a time. She grinned as she whirled around to find herself face to face with James Steele, former Buckeyes QB, and, to this date, the only guy who'd ever yelled something that caused her to shank a field goal.

She grinned as he approached. Brushing the hand aside, she gave him a warm hug.

"Superman! You punk, it's good to see a familiar face!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

   Adam nods,Steele? Ahhh..well then..any luck..maybe you will be tossing  me a few balls and we can light the boards up..see those  dragons on the scoreboard shoot flames..."

  As he  and Ivan stoof with the OB  and the Kicker. A tall lankey black fellow walked over towards them. Number 87 on his  jersey, he was 6' 3" looked close to 210...he eyes Steele, and  growled toards Adam.

  The tall fellow loks at Steele, You played at Ohio State didn't ya...well..now your here..you get into trouble..you throw to me..."

   he gave Adam a sharpe look and said,"who the hell are you? the Ball boy?"

  Adam's smile faded for just a moment, before  he slowly eased back,My Name's bronk..I'm the guy you are going to be playing behind...no need to introduce yourself..IMy agnet showed me the tape..You are..."

  He snaps his fingers,Duck and cover?"

"Same here," he laughed, returning her hug.  "At least now I won't have to lie awake at night worrying about you pulling some last-second heroics against us again!"

James nodded to Adam, clapping a hand on his shoulder.  "Absolutely, bro!  You're the one from Canada, right?"

Looking up to Givens, Jim extended his hand again.  "Been looking forward to it, La Roi.  How've you been, son?"  He smiled to Kat, gesturing to her former Penn State teammate La Roi Givens.  "What is this?  A Nittany Lion reunion?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

"I feel outnumbered here. I never went to any college. Just got by on my bulk."

Casting a glance to Ivan, Jim gave the fullback an appreciative nod.

"Hey, bulk's enough!  With your size, I feel sorry for the colleges that didn't get you!  Gonna be a great story, too... a walk-on player who hits it big with a championship franchise...."

Ivan chuckled. "At 24, I'm the old man! You guys are what? 22? 21?"

Kat folded her arms as the big wide receiver came over. Her grin faded just a bit. Was this really what Superman was expected to work with? Adam seemed like he could light it up, but he was one man, and Ducksy wasn't gonna do crap for them. She'd seen that first hand. Big man was quick, but he was soft.

She shrugged at his proclamation and turned back to James when he jokingly inquired about a reunion.

"Dunno, depends on if Ducksy here has learned to do a crossing route properly."

It also didn't help that La Roi had been one of the "good ol' boys" who messed with Kat whenever they could.

Kat looked at Ivan, nodding to him reassuringly.

"If we had you at PSU, we maybe could have given our QBs more time...made a big dance."

  Adam nods  at Steele's answer to Ivan," Steelers had a guy years ago, never played a down of collegeball..But was an Ncaa wrestling standout..they used him as a lineman..he did alreight, cept he  turned into a headcase towards the end..now i think he's trying to do MMA ..something like that..."

  Givins nods to them,"Well..I'm goin back to the  other Jags...see you when we go to 7 on 7s. By then the ball boy should be gone..."

  He grinsed at Adam as he turned to leave,

At the nickname "Ducksy," Jim had to turn away briefly - pretending to look up at the scoreboard - as he covered a sudden laugh.  Of course that was what La Roi had been called in the Buckeyes' locker room... but he didn't expect to hear it from her!

When he looked back, he pulled off his shades and wiped a tear from his eye from the strain.  Unable to say anything for fear of laughing again - never a good idea to tick off your receivers - he instead looked to Ivan and nodded at what Kat had said.

  Adam chuckled at La Roi,I hear tell that the 7 on 7s will be live...maybe i can play nickle when you come across the middle?...oh wait...you never learned that..."

  The  Tall man whipped Adam the  finger and wenty off to join his buddies, Adam shrugged at his new found friends,Seems i am making friends all over ...must be my anaimal magetism?

"So when do you think we are going to get this thing started?"

  Adam looked at the clock on the scoreboard, then looked in the direction of the coachI am thinking..any time soon...Here is a tidbit for you about our Coach...I played agianst his team in the Divison II Playoffs...we ended thier run..and i put his all conferance Linebacker on the shelf with a crackback block that blew the game open when our halfback bounced outside...he went to Caoch in Japan for 3 years..head  coach of the Tokoyo Swans..somethinglike that...A national team..Amota's Son player there...That's  why they pegged him for thier coach...this will be a tight ship...lots of folks are gonna fall off..."

"The sooner, the better," Jim replied to Ivan.  He then listened closely to Adam, happy for the bit of insider information.

"Almost makes you feel sorry for the ones going home, doesn't it?" he said, tossing the ball from hand to hand as he looked over their little circle.  "But the four of us?  We've got lockers here - don't doubt that.  The cream always rises.  Let's send the pretenders home!"

  he nods his head towards the old Jags survivors,won't  feel sorry for none of them..they had thier chance and blew it...i have played with guys better then them, that never got the chance..or had to go up north...if i can send some of them home? it will be good Karma..

  a golf cart  comes  by. Some  heavy little kid in a Dragon's teeshirt stops by themWhen Coach  sounds the air horn..be ready to find your positions and move to that area....  he drives off and stops at the Jags  and moves on to the next gathering.

 Well now....by 8:00 tonight? we will either be Dragons...or calling our agents..."

"Dragons," Jim said confidently.  The thought of failure was entirely foreign to him.

Tossing a cocky grin and a wink to Kat, then giving "respect knuckles" to Adam and Ivan, Jim broke from the group and made his way across the field.  He stopped here and there to introduce himself to the offensive prospects, but otherwise focused his mind on dominating the competition.

  Was not Long  after the cart went  By the air horn blew  long  and loud. Sims  stood on the Platform  with Amota  and his Young Wife and shouted into the Bull horn.

 ALRIGHT...IF YOU LOOK UP AT THE SCOREBOARD...YOU WILL SEE WHERE YOUR POSITION GROUPS  ARE TO START OFF...IF YOU ...GET LOST?...FIND ONE OF THE DRAGONETTES AND THEY WILL POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION...IF...YOU ARE TOLD TO LEAVE THE FILED..YOU LEAVE..WE DO HAVE SECURITY FOLKS HERE TO ASSIST THOSE WHO DO NOT AGREE WITH OUR REQUESTS...

   looking over the crowd, nods and raises the bullhorn once more,GOOD LUCK..."

   on the scorebaord, Kat can see that the kickers, punters and longsnappers are to go to  the Northend of the field...the Wideouts ,QBs and TEs go to the southend. Oline to the home 40....Dline to  away 40...DBs to the  South Endzone and Backs to the track on the homeside of the field.

Kat tossed a grin James' way before he left, then with a nod to Ivan and Adam, she made her way off towards the special teams unit. It was going to be a challenge. She grabbed her helmet, and jogged over to the northern end of the field.

  a wildeyed fellow in his  early 30s greets the kickers and longsnappers. He is the Specialteams Coach, Mick Fry.

 well now? seems  my work will be easy...4 kickers..3 punters..we are only keeping one of each...Now...who wants to go first...You get three kicks from the extra point line...then  we begin to move back..who's first?"

  Number 4 raisded his hand and stepped  up...looking back down the moving crowds inAdam's direction, but  could not even guess where he was.his first kick hit  the crossbar and bounced back, the next two went through.

   Number 1 stepped up in front of Kat, he kicked three through without a problem...the fourth Kicker was a heavy fellow, looked like he should be driving a truck full of cows..one of his kicks  cleared the cross bar...Fry shook his head,Sorry pal..hit the road...practice for next year...go see the Dragonettes for your tryout stuff..."

  Fry turned to Kat,Well? waiting on  an invite?"

Ivan said his see ya's and made his way for the Rb area on the track.

Kat smiled.

"Letting the ladies go first..."

It was her own personal little revenge for what two of the idiots had said earlier. She took a breath and blasted her three PAT range kicks through the uprights, all of them having enough power to easily clear from further out. The first one drifted a bit right, the other two were right down the middle, all three made it.

  a wiry black fellow with a stern look and , still toned  muscles, looked at the backs.My name is  Coach hebner, right now..we have 6 halfbacks  and 3 fullbacks. by the end of the day..there is gonna be 3 halfbacks  and one full back...now then...before you think about showing off you running skills  with the cones, or blocking the hell out of the two-man...we gotta see if you can catch the ball...we are gonna throw the ball to everyone...you will be catching  more then running..when things go right...so? If ya can't catch..you ain't gonna be here..Now..Line up on the cones..YOu do 5 yard outs then switch cones  and do outs on the other side...I'm throwin..ya getter be catchin..."

  All the halfbacks  but one seemed to be able to catch and put the ball away...the at one kept trying to hg the ball rather then use his hands...neither of the fullbacks seemed to know how to run a pattern or catch the ball...Ivan line up....

Ivan was more used to the triple option style of offense from his high school, but he knew the drill so he did as he was instructed. As the whistle blew he darted out and made a quick cut about a yard early, trying to beat the ball to the spot. The cut would allow him to see the ball and adjust so that he could react.

   Fry moves the tee back to the 25,"there ya got..three more f rom her..get ya  a bit looser..."

  Number #4  goes first again..all three go though. though they are  only about a yard higher the the cross bar.

  Number  1 goes next..first two go stright through..the  third one hits  the left upright  and bounces through.

  Fry shakes his head,Damn...thought they said they had me some kickers...Lets go Dawlish....

Kat nodded to the man and stretched, stepping back and to the left before drilling the three shots down the center of the uprights. Her dad had drilled her constantly before the draft and after. This was child's play. After the last of her three kicks, she looked silently towards the man who was running the kicking unit, wanting to know where she'd be kicking from next.

  Sims  and Amota  stood behind the Qbs as they threw back and forth to each other..thwe WRs  and TEs run in and out of cones...jumping...and ran cut drills across the  filed.

  Sims  pointed at a   Tall lanky QB #3Sorry son...with that release you will spend more time looking up at the sky, then you will watching our boys run with the catch...go see the Dragonettes...we have your number..we'll be in touch, should  we need you..."

  now..there  were 6 QBs

  Adam  and LAroi pushed the pack to the brink..adam finishing well ahead of Givins..but Givins getting him in the verticles..however only  Tightend #89 and Adam..didn't drop a ball...Two recievers were sent packing before the end of the skill drills.

  Sims could here the banter from the Wideouts,Hey..Midget..don't ya wish you could  jump like that?"

  Adam's answer,Hey..Board hands? don't ya wish you could catch like that?"

  Sims  hide his  smile with  a hand over his mouth..this was going to be fun....

Ivan snagged the ball with one hand, nearly getting overshot by the QB. He tucked the ball close to him and finished through the 15 yard line. He knew it wasn't the best, but it didn't look like the other FBs were any better.

 Hebner nodded,well..i'll be damned..a fullback that can catch...ain't seen that since  Jim Kelly and the run and shoot witht he Gamblers..good job son...Now...ya  all lin up behind me..You  run to the  conce in the flats, belly out now, like you'er in the flat, see if i can get ya  the ball  and you can move up field."

 The start out  the HAlbacks had  an easier time of it..most were brought in from west-coast stle offenses...one was a JAgs hold over..neither Full back could  trun up filed fluidly...it was Ivan's turn.

 fry move the Tee back to the 30..then smiles..then moved it back to the 35, 45  yards  from here to the crossbar...sure looks  kinda long..huh? Lets see what you can do..."

  Off to the side the assistant was bumming out on the punters,,,every now and  again there would be  a thng..folowed  by a flood of colorful words..or a simple..'good job'

  Number  4 kickedtwo wide right   and one barely a foot over the crossbar..he kept looking  down filed  were the Wideouts were and shaking his head.


  Number one Boomed  the first 2 through..the third sailed  wide left.

  Now...Kat was up.

Kat grinned and took a breath. Three shots. It was starting to get interesting, now that they were at the 35. Kat took a breath and took her customary steps back and left. She was acutely aware this was the beginning of the real test. She launched herself forward, the first kick sailing up, only to barely clang in off the bottom bar. Kat gritted her teeth and swore under her breath.

Her next two shots went sailing right through. Kat was pissed. She'd made all three, but the first one was weak, and might as well have been shanked. It was okay, she'd get the next set.

  Fry Nodded,Right then.. he stood over the tee facing the crossbars, humm. humm humm..sure looks small from here..you gotta get that fat old  ball...alllll the way down there..and get it in that little tiny space..."

 he shakes his headgood luck....

  number 4..leaves the first two short..the third hitd the crossbar...he was crushed. swearing under his breath.

  number 1 kicked the first one through with a yard  to spare...the next two were long enough..but wide right.

  they all looked to KAt.

Kat gritted her teeth. The coach hadn't told them from what distance they were striking, not that it should matter as much, BUT, it meant guess work. Kat took her steps back and left, then launched forward, her foot connecting with the ball...which flew up and away, wide right. Kat swore.

She closer her eyes and focused. She had a moniker to live up to, dammit! She zoned back in. She took a breath, then launched herself forward. The ball was up, away, and straight through the uprights, with room to spare. Kat nodded, then did the same exact thing again.

She was finding her zone. First had been shanked, but the last two were high and down the middle. Just like her dad taught her.

  Fry Nodded..he moved the tee back..now they were at the 45.55 yards...either of  you two have 55 yards in you?"

  He looked at #4,You can go see the dragonettes...

  Number # smirked  as  his friend was  cut.. He took his  steps...pounded into the ball three straight times...all three were short by a yard..but..would have made it from 54.

 they now. looked at Kat once more.

Kat nodded abruptly. She was ready to take this guy down. She had to. She stepped back, then launched up. With the same result as Number 1. A yard shy. She swore and impulsively launched again...same result. Kat frowned and took a second, zoning all the way in. She wanted this. More than that idiot next to her. She set the ball up on the tee. Her steps back and left...and then she took striding steps forward, planting her left leg, swinging her right.

A solid thunk and the ball was up. It was up high.

And straight. The ball soared through the uprights, clearing the distance with plenty of room to spare. Kat had nailed it on the last go. She pumped her fist, wishing she had a place holder to jump onto in celebration.

  Fry looks at the two kickers,pretty damn close...both you get to go to camp...make no mistake..its Kat's  job to lose..Congrats..."

  then he snapped his figures  as if he forgot something,Don't get too excited though...around 7:00 yu will be doing this again..only you are gonna have holders..live people to hold the ball.. wait 'till then to pick a holder though..don't know who will be left to hold..now..go cool down  and relax a bit..I have to go cut  some punters.."

Kat nodded to the coach, and stretched out. She was determined to beat out #1 and get this job. She wanted it. And she knew who she wanted holding for her. She grinned as she walked over to watch the Quarterbacks play, taking off her helmet. Looking to see how James was doing...

 during  a short ( very short) water break, Kat notices Laroi, #1 and a rather nasty looking  fellow with a Saftey's tee shirt on #41..they were pointing in the direction of Adam who was talking to a taller slim blonde Tight end..shold coul tell by the way he looked at the fellow and was motioning with his hands  and pointing to his eyes, that he was coaching the Kid up.

  Looking back towards the Jags, leftovers..she saw #41 look at  Adam and nod his head. he gave both the others a hand bump as  everyone who was still left, went back to thier tryouts.

  Lining up to do "read" routes, Adam  gave  Kat a wink and  agrin, and  was off and running again.

  the time she spent there, she  Saw James  had  an edge on release and footwork. A taller more..er..meaty Quaterback had  a more powerful arm, but many of the Wideouts  and Tightends would  drop short 10-15 yarders  cause the were whislted in like 50 yard bombs..Only  #89 and Adam seemed not to care how hard the ball was thrown...Laroi fought   the passes from the  big guy like they were a rabid raccon attacking his face. Each time he dropped on Adam would  just say,"quack"

 Nathan walked from within the tunnel and looked out at the stadium. Leaning his head back he took a deep breathe of fresh air. After a moment to enjoy being back in states he started to walk along the edge of the field watching the players move and drill. The air was full of excitement as well as some sad looks of disappointment but that was the way of first day cuts.

 Nathan looked to see how many familiar faces he could recognize in the crowd. He wanted to get a good look at the talent for the team, he already had his doubts that this new owner was going to allow much freedom when it came to making moves and such but he kept his mouth shut for now. He was there to do a job, a job he was pretty sure he was good at. He needed to put together a top five defense, the question was is there anyone here he could count on to help him with that task.

 Nathan watched as his Defensive Assistant ran some defensive drills, he had worked with Jacob for years now and there weren't many people he trusted near as much. The two of them had put together some nice schemes and great plays in the past, he had no doubt they would be doing the same this season.

 Stopping and pouring himself some water from the cooler he sat down on the bench and just watched as the action unfolded in front of him.

 Once more Hebner put the backs through thier paces So far Mikhail and two other halfbacks  had taken  the lead, not long after the break, one fellow  was sent to the Dragonettes to gethis tryout package. One of the Fullbacks was sent away as well..though the fellow from Grambling  was  a specimen, he had no hands, and bad feet...hebner told him to work on speed and agilty and come back next year.


  an older Halfback looks at Mihail and Ivan  You boys  are doing alright  for 'unheardofs',,i was with Grenbay last year...hoping to  find a home here..."

  the heavyset  boy with the dragon's Tee-shirt came pulling up in the Golfcart,hello , Mr. Louis...your plane finally get in? Caoch Sims And Me Amota are watching Quarterbacks  and wideouts now...they said , when you are ready to come see them..."

Attention...after the next set of drills, there  will be a halfhour Lunch break,on the east side of the Stadium is Amota Hall. Food and drink will be provided there...after Lunch...Widerecievers and Tightends as well as the defensive backfiled, put on helmets and shoulder pads..we will be going semi-live in 7 on 7s...carry on.   The Air Horn Blew For a Moment and Sims brought up the Bull Horn,

  Grinning from ear to ear he said to #89,This  is where we make our  hay! They said  Semi-live...that means we are getting popped if we catch a ball..so the DBs  can show off...make sure,,,you catch the ball..and give some back...Sims does not like chinadoll recievers with alligator arms.."

  The Tightend just grinned, the two got up to get back into line. for more reps.

Standing up Nathan took another look on the field then slid onto the seat of the cart, "I'm ready now, lead the way I'm looking forward to getting some work done what better place to start." Nathan watched the WRs as the drove down the field. He thought about maybe looking into some Iron-man players with good hands for DB.

 The  boy drove Nathan up to Sims  and Amota. After Nathan gets out he drives off towards the North endzone where the older fellow  was ewaving for him to come, three fresh drink Coolers  waiting to be spread around.

 Sims  looks over a NAthan Hello Nathan, Good to see you made it. You Have met Mr Amota and his wife Nilie?

  Amota boes  and says something in japanese, the woman answers,My Husband has yet to grasp the english  very well..until he does i translate for him, though..he can understand the English well..we are both pleased to see you again."


  Sims chuckles as he points Laroi out to Nathan the ball saids over the tall recievers hands by inches, as his head spun around as Adam and #89 jogged past him,Doesn't matter how high you can jump, if you  are afraid to go up after it...

  Laroi kicks the ball towards  a ball boy,shut your face midget! bet  the QBs  can't even find you out there..."

  Adam counters as he breaks into hsi route  and snags a poorly thrown post,They see me..I'm the one  who can catch..."


  Sims chuckles,They have been going at it the whole time they have been here...so? What  you think ..we are down to ..."

  Nilie looks at Amota's  clipboard99"

   Head Coach nods,Thank you...99 bodies..i suspect we will scour the wires and leads as we get near camp time...By 8 we should be down to around 70 to take to camp.

 Nathan nods at Mr Amota and his wife. "Nice to see you as well" he responds without much emotion. Listing to the two shoot back and forth he shakes his head with a slight frown.

"Lets hope that work as hard on their assignments as they do being cleaver with each other."

Looking down with Coach Sims, Nathan allowed a grin to creep across his face. "We seem to be weeding them out pretty quick. That's a good sign, we can get down to the hard part of starters and working with depth of the team."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

Kat wasn't sure what she was going to do when those live 7-on-7 drills started. Usually that denoted offense versus defense, there weren't PATs or field goals, really. She sighed and stretched, determined to have a better showing. She wanted to knock that jerk wearing the #1 out of the running and take the job today. Their next kick off would allow her to do that.

She hoped.

She walked over to the sidelines, downing some Gatorade. She ended up standing right near the Head Coach, Defensive coordinator, and owners, but her focus was on the field...

  Seeing  Kat near them, Sims motions with a hand to Kat as he says to Nayhan,Have you met our kickers..or at least one of them...Kat Dawlish, was one of our draft picks... he ponts off to  the #1 who was watching the D-backs,That one is Carl..holdover  from the jags... he shrugs
This message was last edited by the player at 20:29, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

Kat whirled around at the sound of the Head Coach saying her name, she hadn't focused on them due to watching the QBs, and she figured they'd be too busy to bother with a rookie at this point. Sheepishly, Katelyn walked over, smiling politely.

"It's nice to meet you, sir."

"I had heard talk of woman on the team, but I have to say I didn't fully believe it. The draft you say, where did she play?" Nathan looked over Kat as she stood there, a million thoughts going through his mind as he wondered if she could kick or if this was a PR ploy by the new owner.

"Can't wait to see that leg in action" Nathan said with coy smirk.

Before Sims or anyone else could  say anything Fry had come up from the Northend of the stadium,She  can kick right  enough...took Carl to the  wall...after the break, were gonna  use holders..told them they each pick one..."

Staying light on his feet, James danced with the ball in his hands and went through imaginary reads and fakes while giving his receivers time to get distance.  In between his times with the ball he would glance around the field to check out how his friends were doing... Ice was dominant, Chev was showing off amazing skills and strength, and Adam was just plain catching everything.

Convinced of his own abilities and his place on the team, he used these drills to get his own read on the men who might be his receivers in the near future.  Long over-the-shoulder floaters, short quick bullets to the gut and of course in-stride shots to cutting receivers on the middle of the field.

Each catch elicited a smile and a thumbs-up; each drop, a silent consideration of how best to deliver the ball to that individual for next time.  He also wasn't afraid to admit when an incompletion was his fault, such as when a glance at Kat on the sidelines broke his concentration and he sent the ball three yards behind a crossing receiver.  Adam probably would have still caught it... but unfortunately Adam hadn't been his target.

Deep breath... release.  Deep breath... release.  Focus.  Lick fingers, get the next ball.  "HIKE!"  Quick drop.  Fake handoff.  Read right.  Fake center.  Turn left, throw.

There was a rhythm to everything... that was the beauty of the game.  To Jim, football was a gorgeous symphony that ended with a trainwreck.  He took a deep breath and picked up the next ball, closed his eyes and savored the moment... the game.

Then it was back to work - the other Quarterbacks sure weren't going to cut themselves from the roster, after all!

  Adam jogged back to get into the next line, This time it was Steele's. The recivers coach Wally Nevers..Never-drop-Nevers..he hated to see the ball on the ground..and if he thought it was one of his people's fault..they knew it.Dammit Givins! how did ya make the time the first time...I have a Bulldog that can catch better then that!

  without even looking at Adam he said," Deep post..."

  Adam turned to Steele and nodded...James said Hike  and off he went, a slight  fake to an invisable Linebacker  and through the field towards the post, His head turning   one  step into the Cut...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:21, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

Before they started, James looked into Adam's eyes and gave one slow nod.  Had Adam caught any of the Ohio State games, he would have guessed what was coming - it was #11's signature play as a quarterback.

"Hike!"

A three step drop, a quick pump fake to the flat opposite Adam's cut to draw an imaginary safety out of the center of the field, and then a lightning-fast release.  The ball came out as a perfectly-spiralling, low-trajectory laser down the field.

The advantage to this delivery was that the ball spent only a heartbeat in the air - minimizing a DB's ability to make a play on the pass and maximizing the receiver's ability to continue running at full speed after the catch.

The disadvantage?  The ball was coming in hard and fast - it took a talented receiver to catch such a pass.

Biting his lip, James followed through with the passing motion and held the position as he watched downfield.  The ball arrived in the blink of an eye, just below shoulder level and roughly two feet in front of Bronk....
This message was last edited by the player at 00:01, Fri 23 Apr 2010.

Kat smirked over at #1 as Supes tossed a beautiful pass to Adam. The two could be potentially potent. It seemed like a tiny conflict had formed sides here with Ducksy and #1 siding with a DB and a couple others, whilst Superman, she, Ivan, and Adam were on the others. Kat listened to Coach Fry back her up, and she smiled, pointing at James.

"Steele is going to be my holder."

She muttered under her breath: "I just haven't asked him yet..."

 The  Ball came in, Adam snagged the ball, it disappeared into his  arm, the  free arm coming up as if to bat away the oncoming  tackle...he ended the poast at the  5 and jogged back to the  Line.

  Nevers smiled slightly, but didn't  say a word  Until Bronk got in line again. Givins was up for a QB wearing  number 17...Nevers said,That is what it souns like when it don't hit the ground...Curl...."

  Givins  took Off and rounded off the Curl..17 let the ball go, just-a-bit high..Givens jumped  about 6 inches off the ground..the ball was 3 inches over his hands,Dammit! Get me one springs for him..what's  wrong with you!"

  #17 said,My fault coach..I...

  SHUT THE HELL UP!..." things got  quiet,"YOU ...throw...THEY..catch...or..THEY..walk!"

  Givins was about to say something  when Nevers  hissed,if you say it was too high  for you to get your 6-3 ass in the air..I will cut you right now!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Fri 23 Apr 2010.

   Bart nodded,Time  for that Lunch..."  he blared the  Airhorn,LUNCH!..someof you will be told you will not be coming back out..  wideouts, TEs and D-backs..get your pads  and helmets before you come back

  The Last portion of the camp will be...O and D lines working off against each other..Linebackers  and backs as well...Kickers will be doing  Kickoffs  for distance  and direction..then will try placements with a holder...we will finish up with 7 of 7 passing drillls..most of you will know if you are going to camp befoe  we leave here..some of you will get a phonecall..either way..we will meet back here tomorrow to start setting up with what we have..now...go..be back ready.."

  Adam smiles  as he nodded to JAmes,That's  what i like..get it to me fast..let me get a run at them... he grins,wait till you see  my bubble screens

When Adam brought the ball in, James pumped his fist - finally, a real receiver!  He flashed a grin to Nevers.  "Damn, that boy is good!" he remarked casually with a laugh.

As Adam got back, James greeted him with a forearm bump and a pat on the shoulder.  "Beautiful!  Absolutely perfect route!  This is going to be one helluva year."

At the call for lunch he jogged over toward Kat and the coaching staff.  The smile on his face only got brighter.  "Did you see that?" he called ahead to the Kicker, his voice full of enthusiasm.

Kat grinned, clapping as the two stepped off the field.

"Of course I saw that! You two were rocking..."

She stretched and grinned.

"Hey, Superman, how do you feel about helping win a starting job?"

The response was immediate.

"Hell yeah, Ice!  Count me in!  Let's do this thing."

Kat grinned, now she had to tease him, after all, holding was primarily a backup QB's responsibility, and James Steele hadn't been one that she could recall.

"Excellent..."

She paused, dramatically.

"You're sure you remember how to hold the ball for the kicker, Superman?"

There it was... that was the attitude that had caught his attention the first time they met down at the Horseshoe.  He rolled his eyes in mock exasperation and shook his head.

"Been a little while, I'll admit.  Laces out, right?  How hard can it be??"

He walked next to her with an easy familiarity, and gave her a sidelong glance with a smirk as he feigned alarm.  "You'll get all-ball though, right?  I mean, you're not going to kick me, right?  These hands are worth a lot of money...."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Fri 23 Apr 2010.

Kat grinned, they both knew he'd face the ball laces out, and she'd connect without extracurricular contact. She sighed and put a mocking hand to her head.

"I'll tell you what. You help me win the job, and you can take me out for drinks. It's win-win!"

She shrugged and loosened up a bit. She was starting to feel more confident. She wanted this, and they both knew it.

"For me.."

Now giving his best dramatic pause, he turned to her with the most-sincere look he could muster and caught one of her hands.  "For you, Ice, anything."

Unable to keep the smile off his face, he nodded to her.  "Absolutely!  I'm seeing winning potential all over that plan.  How could I refuse?  But I get to choose the bar."

Kat nodded and used his hand grip to twirl around and face the direction of the kicker wearing #1. She didn't even want to know his name, she just wanted him gone. And now, she had the tools to do it. After a few moments of intense staring, she snapped back to James.

"Fine, bar is your call."

She looked at him.

"You might wanna let go of my hand and get yourself some lunch, Superman. Maybe some water. Or, better yet..."

She switched the grips and tried to drag him towards the gatorade. She got about the length of their arms away before practically falling backwards. Damn, she'd forgotten how strong he was.

Fiery - that's what she was.  James couldn't help but admire her during the stare-down... he had never met a woman with such a competitive spirit!  It was damned exciting!  He remembered standing on the sidelines, watching her put points on the board against his Buckeyes... and now he was holding her hand!

Oh my God, I'm still holding her hand!!

Of course he couldn't let go now... not immediately, anyway!  He moved up to help steady her, his face an embarrassed shade of red that few had ever managed to see.  Of course the gunslinging jock in him was screaming to find some way to play this off cool... though nothing was coming to mind.

"Yeah, um...."  Reminding himself to let go now that she had regained her balance, he searched for words that weren't coming, and at last flashed his most-genuine smile yet and gestured toward the gatorade.

"After you."

He cast a glance over to the kicker wearing #1.  That poor bastard has no idea what's in store for him....

Kat nodded and turned his hand over, planting a football into it. The laces were up. She grinned, it was her way of trying to save his "cool".

"This is what I want, 'k?"

She grinned and marched over to the Gatorade.

The bail-out was greatly appreciated, and he gave a studious nod while considering the football.

"Sure thing, Ice." he grinned.  "That's what you'll get, then."

Unconsciously re-affirming and adjusting his grip on the football out of old habit, he followed to the cooler and tossed the ball underhand to one of the Japanese kids running around before grabbing a paper cup.

  Adam  was  smiling  as they headed towards the exit, that lead to the hall. He would not be eating much...he needed something though. The Tall TightEnd, whose name is Henry Stalls Walked with him  Ivan was up ahead with Mikhail.

  As they walked down the tunnel to the parkinglot  the vertren Saftey came up behind them.  Boy...you best be lookin fer me when you come across the middle..."

  Without  even looking back Adam says,won't have to...if i see La Roi curling into a ball..i will know someone is there..Saftey, Linebacker..cheerleader..."

   Adam was shoved hard from behind, the quickhands of  the TE stopped him  from falling down, most of the  folks kept walking..others  slowed to watch.Boy...you best be kidding around..."

  Byron leaned down a bit his teeth in an angry grin,we don't need you here..you'll be leaving ..one way or the other...

  Adam's grin falshed then turned into a grimace,you won't have to look for me boy....i'll be out there..and i wear pads too...and when i hit you? it will be legal..and you will remember it.."

  Before anything else could happen, Coach Hebner  came down the  tunnel,"That's enough! save it for the filed..dammit grt going now.."

  Unseen , off the  the far wall was La Roi and Carl the kicker...watching what  was going on.

Since he didn't need to change into pads, and he wasn't about to eat during tryouts, James downed his cup of gatorade, bumped knuckles with Ice and strolled back out onto the field.

He was looking for one of the hopefuls at Center who might have also passed on lunch... though in truth, he wasn't too optimistic that an O-Lineman would ever skip a meal.  One of the Japanese kids, or even a cheerleader or a fan in the stands would do!  He had a couple of crisp fifties to exchange for some time - all he wanted were some snaps.

If necessary he took about 15 minutes to train the person on long-snapping... he or she didn't have to do it perfectly, just so long as the ball didn't hit the ground before it got to him.  In fact, if the snaps went a little wide or a little high, that was even better!

Kneeling, he practiced catching the snap and putting the ball down with laces-out - ready for a kick.  Despite his usual boasting, it had been a while since he went through these drills... better to shake the rust off now when nobody's pro career was in his hands.

  In the hall most folks seemed too nervous to eat..now  and again one of the dragonettes  would come over to a player, talk to them  and had them a trout packet. That  player  who looked disgusted..or mad..or both..and get up and leave.

  Adam  and Henry downed  some jellos  and  a softdrick or two..but made thier way quickly back to the locker rooms to get thier helmets  and such.

  They  returned to the field the O line  and Dline  where doing drills  with eardrum dummies  and stand up dummies, working pretty hard. It was  then Adam saw the Vans  pull into the stadium. Local News  adn ESPN..they were setting up for the final workouts of the day.

  With green mesh jersey on with his 19..some tape on the front of his helmet that said  Bronk..he also noted there were a good 100 or so fans in the  seats...someone let them in..dragonettes  were handling out tee shirts...PR team strikes again!

  A Voice in the Crowd yells,GO 19!

  Bronk waved with a smile , though he had not  a clue  who it was.

  Sims came up behind him as Bronk's hand went up,Nice of you to Volunteer..."

  Adam  turned around,,,what??"

  You just volunteered to shag kicks..get down in the endzone..."

  He nodded  and Jogged off to the endzone passing Kat and CArlHey? #1...I'm still here...

  standing  at the goalline..he readied to try and catch the kickoffs.

  Fry looked at the Two KickersRight then...start off...I want Two kicks to the left...two to the right..and two down the Middle...you will each kick two..then stand  back for the other..then we will move to placements...

  Fry  Pointed to CArl who set the  ball up at thier 35.

  Carl lined up to Kick, the first two kicks  were to go left, to trap the returner  against the sideline.

  The first Kick was kust utside the left Hash, Adam  caught it at the  5 and ran it back to the ball bow who was on the 30...he then backpeddled back to the goal line.

  The second one , Adam caught on the 10 but it was 1 yard from the left sideline.

  Fry shook his head, YOur turn Lady Dragon...

Kat nodded and hoisted her first ball into her hands. Coffin kicks. Another thing her dad had drilled her on. Nate Dawlish had been one of the best, and his daughter was taking advantage now of all that expertise he'd imparted into her. She launched her first kick up towards left, trying to make it land as close to the 1 yard line as possible without bouncing endzone...

  As the first Kick sailed towards  the left corner, Adam sprinted his head up at the ball..he slowed down as he reached the pylon..in as dramatic  fashin  as he could muster. he caught the back 2 feet from the goaline..but a yard inside the field.

  The  Second  Kick, he could not  dramatiaze, as he caught it about a footinside the goaline, and a yard inside the boundry. He knew  in a game he would have let this one go through for no return. But the first would have had to been fielded.

................

  Fry looked  at the kicks  with a slight nod, Now...to the right...

  Carl set the ball up, Kicking  a deep one that sailed out of bounds  at the four...Adam watched the ball bounce acouple times  untiol he picked  it up and snapped abullet to  the ball boy.that cost us a 'free' return.."

  Carl  frowns  and Kicked the second one ,  Adam tracked it  down at the five...he  caught the ball at the 5...but it would have  bounced out at the one, had he not grabbed it.

 Coach shook his head,that one would  be up to the retruner..smart man would let it go out...

  The kicker booted the Tee down field..the ball  boy ran it back for KAt.You're  up Dawlish.

  The camaras where set up. It was plain to see they were looking for stories and practice highlights for the late news.

Kat didn't even notice the cameras, she was for too focused on winning this damn job. She again took the ball in her hands, flipping it so it would drop laces up. She took a breath, then booted the ball towards the right corner. Nail in the coffin was what she aimed for. And this kick just felt so much better than the ones to the left had...

  Adam sprinted to his left, settling under it at the one. about a yard or so from the boundry.

  The second one he caugh just inside the goalline about 2 yards  from the goaline.

  Fry nodded his head once more. Very nice...the man would have to think on taking a knee or try to beat out coverage folks to the 20

   Nodding to CArl he says...down the middle this time. I am looking for Hangtime  and distance..the trick is to  make the guy return from just in the endzone..we get a chance for a fumble on the return, and dropping him inside the 20...at worse..they take a knee..."


  The kicker looked like he felt more comfortable just letting go...Adam drifted back 4 yards deep in the endzone..he looked back and forth quickly and ran the ball out to the  25, before snapping of a pass on the run to the ball boy.

  Once more he backpeddled to the  5....Carl kicked  again...this one  dropped at the 3, Adam ran it  back towards the 20 once more, tossing the back on the run to the ball boy.

 not bad...depends on how fast our coverage guys are....Ok KAt..You'er up.

Kat smiled. The coffin corners had been very tricky. This, though, this was child's play. Kat confidently booted the first ball down the field, aiming for just beyond the goal line. So far, it felt like her best kick of the day, which showed her she was finally done warming up...

 Once more Adam settles  under the ball..he seemed a bit antsy waiting for it to come down..he took it  2 yards deep and ran it out, flipping  a pass to the poor  ball boy who would hsake his  hands after adam fire the pass up field.

  The second one  came down on the goal line,,,Adam  caught it and   ran it back once more.

  Fry looks over to the Coaches Playform, anyone following his eyes would see Amota using his  markers, NiLie smiling down at the filed and Sims with one arm across his  chest, the other arm resting on it  as  his hand covered his  mouth inthought.

 alright!   Placements..Kickers..get your Holders....BRONK!..stay down there....

  Adam nodded and waved..backpeddling to stand outside the Endzone behind the posts.

  Fry called the longsnappers over The ball boy stood  next to them with a arm full of footballs.you two look like you know  what you are doing...so we will skip the PAT spot  and with the Line of scrimmage being the 10...with the 7 for the spot...you are looking at a 27 yarder...you get three..one from each hash...one from the middle...Carll..you start.."

.....The longnsapper flips the ball back the the #8 quarterback. he set it  down on the right hash   the ball went through....then from the Middles, the ball went into the stands,...then from the left..High enough   and long enough...just...a football width inside the post...

  Fry nooded,Kat? Your's up.

Kat waved over James. It was show time. Time for some real competition. Time to show why she should be this team's kicker. Kat grinned to herself, knowing that she'd finally warmed up fully, her last two kicks had more than shown her that. Kat stretched and waited for James to set her up.

 Nathan walked around with his clipboard watching as the plays ran their drills, and the kickers knocked the ball with pin point accuracy. He stopped a few times to take note and speak with the assistance but he was cautious about talking to players. He wanted to see their attitudes about drills as much as he wanted to see their talent. He needed speed on his defense and we wasn't against a nice solid WRs as a DB if they were up for the challenge.

 Marcus stepped out onto the field with his pads on and his bag tossed over his shoulder. He was solid, 6'5, 245 lbs and built like a MLB prototype. He had a gray and orange Virginia Tech Alumni duffel bag over his shoulder.

He jogged down the bench line and set his bag just on the end. He took a drink from his bottle of Power Aid, then tossed it back in the side pouch. As he turned he saw Coach Lewis, wasting no time he started to jog across the field to meet him.

"Hey Coach, I was told you wanted to see me, so here I am. I just want you to know that I really appreciate you give'in me this chance."

"No need to thank me with your words boy, get out there and show me that bringing you in wasn't a mistake. I want to see you hit like the game was on the line, other wise you can just pick you bag back up and head out."

<orange>"You got it coach, trust me all I can think about is giving someone a beautiful view of the sky!"<orange>

 Marcus turned and took off to do some shed drills.

Mik rode into the parking lot on his bike already dressed in uniform. He'd gotten a lot of weird looks from people but it made the first day seem more special. He'd always done it in the past but he'd only turned out for teams within 5-10minutes of his home normally, and he was still trying to find a place here so it was a little fun to come down the lift of the hotel all dressed up and make the 30 mins ride to the stadium.

He climbed off the bike and looked around at the stadium, NFL was within his grasp and all he needed to do now was lock up a starting role. He grinned inwardly and walked through the gate onto the track of the stadium. The first thing he noticed was that the kickers were in full flow and the defence were all lined up for drills, not much work being done by the offence but it all looked slick and smooth.

He made his way over to where the coaches were and introduced himself, "Mik San-Guigerre, runningback here for training." He gave them a grin and put his bag on the floor, changing from trainers to his running shoes. "I can also play Tight End or Quarterback if we're in a pinch - got experience all along the offence really in Canada, 'cept blocking ain't my thing. But running with the ball is my thing, eh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

 Nathan stood there as Mik ran down his resume. Shaking his head slowly he couldn't help but chime in, even if it wasn't his side of the ball, "Let me get this right...blocking isn't your thing. So pretty much what you are telling us is if you don't get the ball we might as well have you on the bench. Tell me running back, if a pass play is called and your asked to stay at home and protect the QB should be just expect to see him on his ass if he can't get rid of the ball. What about if we run a HB off tackle and you are lined up in the TE spot, do we just draw it up to run the other way?"

 Nathan didn't give the guy time to answer he turned and walked away, "Rookies" passing by Coach Sim he looked over, "I'm glad he's your problem and not mine."

 Nathan had zero tolerance for players that couldn't see past their egos, one of the reasons he liked the Defensive side of the ball. He already had his hands full with three of his own guys thinking the team needed them...he couldn't wait to prove them otherwise.

  Sims looked  at Mik with a Lop-sided smile. Mr Amota's eyes widened  as his Young  wife listened to something Amota said.

  The coach said,"well then...you best recheck your position..even the  wideouts block here...and we will be throwing an awful lot...go get to work...

 Marcus ran drop and pops as the coaches watched timing him as he hit the ground and popped back up. After the fifth one the whistle blew and he did his ten yard sprint colliding with a tackle dummy.

 The coaches shared words as Marcus moved to the next station and began his roll backs. The balls of his feet rolling him backwards as he cut to the right intercepting a ball flying through the air. Dropping it to the ground he stopped and looked back. A few of the others were moving pretty well.

 As he headed to the bench out of the way a heavyset Samoan stepped up beside him. "Didn't you play for VT a few years back?"

"I played last year as well, the coach and I didn't agree on a few things so I got to see less playing time."

"Doesn't look like you missed much in your step."

"Thanks but I need to work on my reads, I'm sure Offenses in the NFL can do a good deal better at hiding their intent then most college QBs." Marcus took a drink, "I need to head over to and get ready for these 7s I'll see ya around"

  to move things along.........


   The snaps flew back to  Steele, he was a little nervous  about holding for these placements...Kat counted on them..him..well..not so much..but a missed hold. might mean a missed kick.

  Kat's kicks went through, each with a satisfing thud..none were in dangers of going  wide.

  Fry nodded, Well..now  let us move  back a few steps  shall we..time is running short and we have recivers  and QBs to cut..."


  Carl  lined up and nodded..these  were 42 yarders..these were the important kicks..a miss her not only lost you points, but could cost you points  as you gave a field position.

  His first Kick when straight  down the Middle..cleared the post by another 10 yards.. Adam snagged it on the track by the Dragon's Den...however..the second kick bounced off the left upright and went through...his third  kick was wide left as he over adjusted his  steps...he still had a cocky sneer on his face...he figured 2 went through...

  Kat was up

Kat smiled as she and James figured it out with the short range stuff. And now, now she was faced with the crucial kicks. The 40+ yards. This is where a lot of kickers could run into trouble.

Not for Kat. Not today.

Katelyn Dawlish had sworn to take over this job. Starting kicker. And dammit, that was what she was going to do. The snap flew back to James, who grounded it perfectly. Kat smiled as she launched forward, her foot connecting beautifully, booting the ball through the middle of the uprights with room to spare.

She did it again twice and nodded. No longer was she going to celebrate. She'd been perfect this go around, as she expected for herself. She was going to win the starting job, dammit! Then, she could let herself revel.

Kat gave a thumbs up to James once the third kick from 42 cleared easily. She looked over to Coach Fry, wanting his evaluation.

Mik looked a little surprised by the coaches but straightened his face and nodded before running to join the drills - his mind racing.

Even the wide-outs block? I've never played on such a defensive attack before. We'll be looking for a one glory-pass to grab touchdowns then, I guess. Showy but risky, he thought to himself, still they were NFL coaches, so better to listen to them and see what happens.

He stretched out quickly and joined the end of the line for the drills waiting his turn, sure that what he lacked in power would be more than made up in agility and pace.

The coaches must have seen my tapes from his college days and teams in Canada, he silently mused, wonder why they wanted me then.

He tried to shake his thought and luckily the drills helped him to do so, relaxing into his natural stride.

  Fry looked over at Sims  and Amota. Amota said  something to Sims  who called outI want to see 5  more yards...

  Fry nodded, moved the  long snapper back 5 yards. He looked at the two kickers. he had a smile on his faxce..the kind of  smile cats have when they have a mouse uder thier paw.Alright..." he started  quietly, only the two holders  and two kickers within earshot.Right now...there are about  100 Dragon's  fans who won a contest to watch Minicamp...along with them, the local TV and ESPN...you are about to kick 3 , 47 yarders..these are the game winners..or losers..these are the ones, when we are in OT..that you need to make...or  we have to punt, and let the other team drive  down for thier kickers....here...is the big thing though...I am keeping only one kicker...thsi way..whomever wins the job..can get settled with the holder  and the longsnapper before the first preseaon game...now..Kat has the job bagged...if she was not here..i would settle for you...but...these 3 kicks are it...nothing else after this..49+? we'll do  those when we thing  we can't score anyother way...these..these are money...so it only stands...that you need to make these...good luck...

  Carl looked stunned...did fry just say the broad is the kicker? He took a deep breath...as the longsnapper  and holder settled in..he nodded..and the snap was off, the ball was down, the kick was on the way..just cleared by a yard...the secons one hit the crossbar and bounced forward..Adam  made a show of running about with his  hands over his helmet like there was an afriad..folks in the stands  laughed..his third kick sailed wide left...now...he had top wait..

  Kat was up.

  Coach Hebner pulled Mik aside and looked at him,alright Mik...don't know how much ya  know  about American football..Sims was on the Staff of the Houston Gamblers in the USFL..Jim Kelly..passing..alot...that's what we  will be doing here...at least until we settle in..offense..defesne..we are attacking..if we lose..it  won't  be beacuse we were afriad to try to win...because of this...all the skill folks have to know  how..have to want to..block..you will be inn a pattern...a wideout  snags an out  and turns upfield..you get a piece of a DB or a Linebacker..we get more yards..that same wideout  needs to hit the guy that isn covering him..so you can gain yards on a swing, or a wheel or a screen...but for now..worry about catching the back..and don't  say nothing stupid about blocking again...god ...you would thing you want to be released!

  Ivan grinned a Mik as they took thier places in line,found out i get to Full back...or Hback...Tight ends will be one  slot..HAlfbacks the other..and wideouts  wideouts...out  games are going to look like airraids!"

Kat took a deep breath, zoning in fully. 47 yards. Her best kick in college had been 46. Still this was in her range, and she was coursing with confidence after the coach informed her all she had to do was make these kicks to take the job.

Kat waited, watching the longsnapper send the ball to James. A perfect setup and Kat felt herself take the steps forward. She felt herself connect with the ball, but in the spirit of caution, she'd put less than she'd intended, not wanting to shank the kick.

The ball cleared the bar by a yard. It was good, but not better than Carl's first.

It was the next two where Kat distinguished herself.

The second was a powered kick. The ball was sent screaming between the uprights, practically slamming against the catching net.

The third kick, that, was a thing of beauty. Kat leaned back just enough to where the ball went arching up, it traveled the entire way, and cleared with plenty of space, centered perfectly. Kat nodded. That kick maybe could have cleared 50 yards. She turned to the coach, wanting to know what he said before celebrating...

  Coach Fry watched the balls sail through the pipes. Adam scrambling after them, trying to catch them off the net like an arena football return man. The coach had  a smile   and Looked over to Sims  and Amota...Sims had the sligt smile on his face slightly covered by two fingers of  his right hand...then he nodded.

  Fry turned to the two Kickers he said,well done...Carl? Go see the dragonettes...and thank yuou for your interest in the Dragons..."

  Welcome to the NFL , Kat..."

Kat felt a surge of jubilation course through her. She'd done it! She'd earned her spot on the team! Kat managed to go over to Coach Fry and thank him profusely.

"I can't wait for camp, Coach."

Kat tossed an appreciative wave towards Adam, the man who'd shagged all the balls she'd kicked.

She was beaming as she turned away and ran to James, practically tackling him with her hug. That was how enthusiastic she was feeling right now.

   Sims  Blew the air horn..there was more then 100 fams in the stands now..there were more then a few of the cut players who wanted to hang around, to see who made it...but there were others who  had just shown up at the stadium, Amota  allowed them in...a reward for being anxious about the new  team.

  7 on 7..lets go folks!

   All the coaches  except  for Fry and Hebnar where lined up behind the  offensive side of the ball..Hebner  and Fry were the  officals.

  The rgoups  were roatted  about Set up with two split end and a Flanker wide..a tight end in one slot, a halfback in the other  slot..and the fullback as the H-back...the quarterbacks were in the gun...Sims would show them the pass play for thier routes.

  Worth walked in the defensive backfield growling at the  Linebackers  and D-backs..Time to show the caoches who stays  and who goes...

  Number 17 was the first QB up...Adam was the split  end..a short post for him...others  running  short routes  as well curls  and swings. Adam did not 17 give  a nod of his head to Worth.  at the snap of the ball, Adam  gave the corner a head face  and sliced across the middle... his head snapped  around as 17 let the ball go..high...  Bronk Jumped , hands arms extended  as he heard,...welcome to the NFL...punk! Worth Blasted him just as his hands touched the ball, Adam flew 5 yards sideways, hit the ground  like a rag doll...Folks in the stands yelled...Bronk Bounced up and shouted....AAAALLLLRIGHT!  Now we're talkin!..he handed the  ball to Worth who slapped it out of his hands, Bronk Grinned as he whispers,I think you just help me make the team!

  Two Plays  Later..17 was shown another set of plays..La Roi going across the  Middle, Adam doing a curl..he would be the checkdown, or be the first blocker should La Roi catch it...This time, Adam noted the odd nod..and followed the  eyes to Worth...once more the BAll was high..everyone  there knew La Roi wasn't going up for it...this was Worth's pic..The vetren Saftey closed on the ball...what he did not realize, Adam had  made many a play in  the CFL, by hustling....Just as the ball reached Worth..A Green helmet hit him in the chest, Worth's own Helmet Flew in one direction...the ball  in the other... an Worth hit the Ground  with  a Thud... The Wideout scrambled for the ball on his hands and knees, but the ball hit the Ground a foot away from Him...La Roi...had ducked....

 Adam Got up and walked towards  Worth, the man's upper lip was split, the wideout picked up his  helmet and dropped it on Worth's belly as  trainers rushed over to him,"...Greetings...from the CFL..Punk..."

 Unkown to Adam and most of the others, Amota was Grinning for the first time ..His wife was laughing  as Amota said,"..Samuri!"

  Sims smile grew just a tad,That's how he got the name...The Bomb..."

  The Head Caoch Turned as he and  Amota  were busy with the Clip boards...Amota's  wife talking back and forth between themSteele!  You'er up....Bronk...stay in the roation..La Roi? HAve a seat...

  The head Coach Turned to Nathan,its up to  you if you want Worth out there or not..he's  the only defensive Jag left..all the rest are freeagents, draftchoices  and trade goods...

In reply to Front Office (msg #106):

Mik smiled as he Coach Hebner talked, "Yes Coach I understand, just meant to say that my game is built on pace and agility, not power and strength. If you'se just want me to just block then I'll do my best, eh. I can run round people no problem but I'll need some help from the defence guys to show me how you stop a 300lb monster from pancaking you. Never been a part of such an aerial team before but, eh this is the NFL - I'm willing to learn Coach, willing and ready!" He nodded at the Coach and smiled again.

He turned when Ivan spoke to him and replied, "Yeah it's a whole new ballgame eh? I'll just have to adapt quickly I guess, no more 40-yard runs to gain position for me eh? Let's go see how I do in this drill." He gave the other man a grin, strapped on his helmet and waited to be called for the 7on7.

 Nathan walked up and looked Worth in the face, reading his eyes Nathan waited a moment before speaking. "You can grab a drink and head back around. I'm not done seeing what you have. You took a nice hit out there and while it might have come from a WR the real point is the ball fell incomplete. The way I see it is that is still a win for the defense. INTs are nice don't get me wrong and we will need to work on you making that play but all in all they didn't catch the ball and the WRs had to become the defender, that seems like a plus to me."

 Nathan looked back at Sim, "I want to give him another go. He looks like he has something left in him."

  Worth nodded as Nathan as he finsihed, Ya Coach...it  fell incomplete..never  saw the bastard  coming....

  He put on his helmet  and circled  back around to get into the defensive rotation.

Well we traded or  cut every Jag we though we did not  want...Carl..we  kept because we did not know if Kat would still be there in the  3rd  round...should not have worried though..no one else would dared to have drafted her..there would have been a run on her for Unfdrafted freeagent...Same with La Roi..he's tall and fast..but gutless..I am Hoping Nevers can do something with him. Worth made the pro Bowl his 2nd  and third years in the league..but when you play on a loser..folks tend to forget about you...Cummings  is a damn good Tackle..he seems to have his head on stright..the rest..we  have to mold... Sims  smiles slightly,We are going to throw an awful lot...we are going to attack them no matter  if the score is 50 to 0 us or them...and I am hoping your defense can do the same...win or lose...I want folks not to want to like to play us...

  He points to the BAcks," we have  a few there who can make this thing  work, if they can catch, and block downfield..Mik...Ivan..Horn, the  back that was with Greeb=n Bay last year..we have the tools to build this  thing..and I bet money we will find some others on the  waiver wires and even CFL folks..no one is seeing us coming...and win or lose? its going to be wrth putting on primetime"

 Nathan stood there listening before he allowed a slight grin to cross his face. "Trust me, the defense is going to take that field with one goal, Seek and Destroy. You give me at least two years and we will have the best Rush defense in game, and we will be in the top five for pass defense. I plan on putting together the hardest working squad in the NFL. Work work work and then it will pay off.

Nathan watched as a few of the line man moved down field and lined up for the runs.

  The  next set  in the & 0n 7s went thropugh. Mik and Ivan got time  at slots  and H-back..both had balls thrown to them, both caught them. Sims Looked up at the scorboard  clock, the whole of the while the baord had been showing  differant  players going though thier drills...the folks who had been allowed in were getting to know the team...Amota was crafty..even fans needed minicamp...

  Sims shouted,Steele!  You'er out there..Bronk..X...La Roi..Y  Stalls TE...Mik..left slotIvan...H-back...You start at the 20..see how far you can make it in 2:00 mimutes..If you stall in Fielfgoal range, we get to see  our Lady kickers leg again...Offense wins if they get a score..defense wins if they stop you..Losers take three laps around the field..Steele..call your own patterns... Fry and Hebner  will ref..give the ball to the ball boy to spot..let's go!!!

 Nathan called out to the defense as they started to line up, "I expect stops boys. A turn over would be nice, but I'm not happy giving up first downs. So put them in their place, and on their backs!"

Nathan walked a bit to the side so he could see their line up stance. He needed to know their weaknesses so he would work on them. This was going to be a building year like none other and he needed to know what he was working with.


Payne lined up as MLB , Williams and Rodgers both lined up opposite sided as CB and Jones was at FS with Heart at SS. These were his boys and Nathan didn't want much to get past them.

   Steele bent into  the Huddle. Sims standing  not far behind. he watched how Steele handled the Huddle..how the guys reacted.

  Amota  and his wife watched eagerly. They seemed to be as drawn into this as the fans and players were.

  The first play seemed too Easy, Adam running a hard out, his seperation on his cut was outstanding, and  Steeles  pass was head high, Adam could have danced out of  bounds, but  turned up instead, lowering his pads into the belly of the Corner who was  tring to recover from the break.

 FIRST DOWN! yelled fry  as he tossed the ball over to the ball boy who set it  down on the 32,

  The next play was a quick snap throw to Stalls for a gain of 5...2nd  and 5............

 Stalls reached out and pulled the ball in securing it against himself as Payne bent his knees and wrapped up up driving him into the ground.

2nd and five, he thought. He looked over at the wide outs watching their push off foot. He took notice of the arch or their backs to see if they were turned for the cut. Looking over to the left he noticed the receivers foot slightly turned.

"Watch him inside...watch the cut!"

Payne waited, he watched the centers hand on the ball, as his knuckles turned white to grip down on the ball Payne began to move forward. The center snapped the ball and before he could look up Payne had leveled him stepping across his chest as he slapped his hands down on the QBs red jersey. "Tell you center to wear gloves, it hides the snap read." Turning and walking back to the center of the field he stops and lends a hand to the center still looking up at the sky. "Don't take it personal, reading is one of my specialties.

Looking at his defense he called out and held up three fingers. "One more stop boys, one more is all we need!"

 Smirking Nathan couldn't help enjoy the reading ability of Payne, the kid could read an offense and he seem to want to step into the leadership role on this defense. That is either really good, or really bad.

 "Looks like I have a Defensive Captain. He had a voice and he uses it, nice to see that this early. Someone that doesn't making taking charge out their."

Mik made sure that he was protecting the QB first off and then making a late break if free to catch the short pass. Playing this way was totally new to him but he found that it was really just a test of his mental strength - and that he had plenty of. He didn't mind taking the hits if he had to - but nobody was going to get to the QB or stop him from getting first downs.

    they broke the Huddle, Third  and  5. Adam  said something  in the Huddle  before they came out..he lined up wide  Right. His eyes looked to the sticks, then he looked away quickly..but not  quickly enough   for the Coner who smiles  just a bit.
 Steele took the shot gun snap  and rolled two steps to Right, Mik circled in to get behind the Linebacker who had  just ruined thier last play...he smiles, it looked like he would be open.

  Adam brole again, a sloppy fake inside  then out...just a little seperation as he broke  for the sticks..... Steele's  arm snapped forward, the Corner stepped in front Of ASdam...but...the ball was still in Steel's hand,

  Bronk  Turned up Field Just as Steele reloaded and let fly./..It got there fast  Bronk caught the Ball , with Only the free sfatey to try and  stop him from scoring..the  Saftey never had a chance as Bronk seemed to add another gear and cruised downfield  into the endzone. The  Little Wideout Jumped into the air as he crossed the goaline, but came out with the ball palcing it on the PAT line.

  He pointed Up filed at Steele and pumped his fist. The Corner was crouched at the 37...he was thier 2nd round pick that they recieved  from Carolina for 3 vet players..he had just been toasted by a freeagant..he kept shaking his head.

  Hennar Grinned,been a long time since i seen a Square out-n-go like that..woooooiiieeee!"

Kat! Extra point..let's go..you looking  for an Invite?"

 Sims

Mik smiled as the ball was taken in by Bronk. That was close eh, he thought to himself, only 5 yards to grab a first down and still going longball - this will be an interesting season that's for sure!

He turned to Ivan, "That was ... interesting, eh? Looks like there are the makings of one heck of a team here, let's just hope the coaches see enough to give me a shot eh? Be disappointing to be cut now"

 Ivan grins sheepishly,been looking over  at Hebner's  clipboard..we got checkdowns, swings, and wraparound draws...not to mention screens  and  hotreads...going to be a race to see which dragon gets the most passes.."

 He points to La Roi who held his helmet as he looked down at the turf, scuffing it with his foot,"'cept for that one...everyone  will catch more then him, if he stays on the team...

  As  they wait for  Kat and her team to set up for an uncontested PAT. Sims  shouts outCoach ! Your  guys took the bait...lets see what they do against the second team...Cept Mik and Ivan stay out there...

 #17 steps into  a huddle wit  La Roi at left...Randle  at right..Briggs  at  TE  , Mik at the H-back  and Ivan at the slot.

 The first play...#17 gives a wraparound draw to Mik.......

 Trent Rodgers stepped back with his receiver then did his best to recover as he saw the draw start to unfold in front of him. Moving around and heading in to make the hit he was blindsided with an amazing block that sent him sprawling forward to the ground and sliding. The HB leaped over him as Rodgers found himself on the ground.

 Payne rolled out putting his sights on Mik as he came down to the ground. He needed to make up some time if he was going to get there.

Kat tilted her head slightly, then snapped on her helmet and jogged onto the field. She'd been watching and basking in the glow of being a starting NFL kicker. She didn't figure they'd be doing PATs as well...

Hey, more practice! Kat lined up and waited for the ball to be snapped...

  The snap came and the uncontested kcik went through the Uprights....As they set up for the next series Sims grinned at her, Good kickers is always ready to kick...right?"

Mik had set up with an angle designed to fool the defence into thinking that he was protecting the pocket but had burst out with speed when he got hold of the ball. he kept his head on a swivel as he crossed the scrimmage line to see who'd be coming for him and made a split-second judgement that he could probably burn them for pace rather than needing to dog-fight.

He put leaped over a defender as a nice block made a gap, and then put his head down to gun for the line with the linebackers in hot pursuit. This was Mik's speciality - he could clear traffic pretty well, but it was once he had open field in front of him, he'd open up his stride and power to the line.

One chance to prove my worth as another option, he thought, one chance to make the NFL. He held nothing back and focused on the endzone.

 Ivan got  to his feet after the block he had  made from the slot, he started to go down filed, noting he  wasn't going to catch Mik or the closet defender, he turned to make sure no pursuit when get him, He slammed into the Corner that had covered La Roi...La Roi was  just watching the play from near tghe sideline..never made an attempt to block.

    Briggs, the TE was trying to catch Mik as well aiming  for a spot between him and the Apporaching  Linebacker that had " sacked" Steele a few plays before........

  Hebner was beside himself,DAMMIT LA ROI! you didn't buy a ticket so ya can't  watch the game! do somehting! he turned to Sims,That lazy, gutless bum gets one of my backs hurt...i will kill him!

 Sims  watched the play from the backfield. moving  abit  to try and catch the way the players were reacting to this"light contact" drill.

 Bronk stood with the others  as he yelled for Mik to turn it on, other players  hollering  and shouting  for thier teammates on thier side of the ball..........

Mik snuck a glance over his shoulder and saw the angle that his pursuers were taking. Time to light the fires, he thought to himself and he took a new angle designed to avoid contact and make the endzone.

He tucked his head in and started the mental drills that allowed his to remain calm whilst his body was pounding, allowed him to ignore the pain and strain. From the sidelines it seemed as if Mik had been shot forward as he stepped up a gear and drove on. As he approached the line he could 'feel' someone close so he spun closer to the sideline and dived over just as he felt someone's hand touch his back.

Mik leapt up and pumped the air, he'd made it but it was far closer than he'd expected. He'd misjudged the speed that the Linebacker could perform and had almost waited too late to step on the gas - he filed away that information for future use. He helped him peruser up, "Nearly there, good chase eh?" he said with a grin.

He turned and jogged back to the line where he sought out Ivan, "Hey man, nice block - you opened up the perfect hole on that one." he said giving Ivan a high-5, "Damn that back was fast though, eh? With him on the team I think this place had better get used to a bit of success." He gave a little laugh and turned towards the coach to see what the next play would be.

  the  rest of the  7-7s went well...La Roi got less and less time, and bronk had been on the field  for most of the Runs. One of the freeagent DBs was helped  from the filed after he gave Ivan a late  hit on a swing pass...Adam seemed to be the enforcer as he laid the fellow out...and  never looke d back  at him as the trainers came.

 while they waited for thim to stumble towards the sidelines Adam said,folks need to know we take car of things on our own,,,and  our defense is not the only fist they have to watch for...

  As They left the  Filed  after the Horn sounded,  Mrs Amota  approached  Sims, Who called Steele, Kat, Mik  and Adam over.Mrs Amota  wants you 4 here around 8:00am tomorrow. Seems  ESPN's  Mag wants tyo do a photo op and story on the  new Dragons...look pretty for them Adam..." he snaps his  fingers as he said,"oh...that means you 4 are going to camp..." he grins  as he  and Mrs  Amota turn to leave  Nilie gives Adam  a nod  and smile, as he retunes it with a slight bow.

     They head out  to the lockers..folks planning what they need do.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Wed 05 May 2010.

Mik nodded when he was told to report tomorrow and broke out into a grin when he heard that he'd made the camp. NFL is a step closer, and this team is going to be a tough nut to crack if people look this good this early<, he thought.

He headed for the lockers with the rest of them with a grin on his face.

Kat grinned from ear to ear, pumping her helmet in the air to no one in particular. There was excitement coursing through her veins. Facebook, twitter, and the 'rents, not necessarily in that order, were all to be updated. Kat practically sprinted off the practice field, twirling gleefully as she gather up her gear to change in a women's bathroom.

  As  Kat scampers  by as fellow with  " Dragon STAFF" oeralls stops her and explains to her where her partof the locker romms is. He winks,yer in the big time missy...no more phone booths  and closets for ya...ya got a proper locker room.."

When Brutus arrived it was a shock to him. They were already doing the 7-7's. The info he got had been wrong. Just another excuse probably to keep him from playing. He felt sure that this time would be different. Maybe he should've went to Detroit instead. They were probably the most desparate for players afterall. But he still felt he had a shot here.

He goes to one of the people who was in charge and gave them his name and position and they look at him then hand him a uniform. They said once he was dressed he should report to the DC.

So Brutus slides his shades into his bag then goes to the locker room tossing his bag down in a locker that had the number he was assigned over it. It's when he looks at the number he laughs. The Shadow still earn 23. What were the odds? Every time he played he got the number even when he didn't pick it. It must be destiny or something. As he changes some may note the tattoos. Others may notice one scar on his side. Mostly they may note the tone of his body. He places the pads on trying to readjust to the feel. Brutus hadn't got the opportunity to wear em in the Penal League. Only the guards were give pads afterall. He feels the helmet also noticing it was regulation. Good thing.

Then he goes back out to the field and looks around for the DC. He asks someone and they point the man out to him. So Brutus goes over and introduces himself."Excuse me sir. My name is Brutus Tibbs and I'm here to try out for Cornerback sir."

  As Brutus  suits up. He sees another player changing into  shorts and putting on spikes...he still has  pads on. The  fellow looks down the lockers at him,and nods. Don't  worry about  being late... he says in a low voice,as he turns his head Brutus  can see the fellow has a split upper  lip with a butterfly  holding it together.

  Names Byron Worth....he points up at his locker. Unlike some of the others. his hame was on adhesive tape ( Worth, Bryan 41)One of the Last Jags left...they seemed to want to clean house...The DC Nathan Lewis..he's the man ya want to impress..him and the Jap who runs the company...The Head Caoch..Sims..him too..but if Lewis  don't want you? You'll never get to talk to Sims...

  he ties his  spikes as he says,7-7s are over...no more offical practice  'til tomorrow..i'm gonna  do some drills on my own...  he grins  just a bit,lotsa young guns  like you out there...

  If  Ya  don't  see Lewis on the filed...go to his office...best you introduce yerself....

Brutus moves forward extending his hand."The name's Brutus Tibbs though most call me Shadow for the way I played. So what happened to Mathis? Did they cut him...or more likely traded away. Nice to see you made it though. Think I'll check the field first. If the DC ain't there maybe I at least can do some sprints or something. Hate to think I missed everything without hitting the field."

He turns heading out of the locker room and goes to the field. He looks at it then decides to do what he did best. He goes to one endzone and acts as if he's catching a punt then runs it out. He makes a few moves but his speed is what is really shown. Before long he's standing at the opposite end in the endzone. It was a great feeling but he could do better. Still had to get use to wearing pads again.

  I think Mathuis  was  sent to the Bucs for a midround next year  and  a punter...they cut the punter today..."

  he gets up  following  Brutus, holding his helmet in his hands.

As Brutus starts doing suicides he looks around invisioning the crowd chanting. The funniest feeling crept over him. Mathis was traded for a PUnter and the Punter was cut. Hope that wasn't how this organization did things. Course Mathis had been with a losing team. This would hopefully change now. Time for a new team...the Jags...never won a Super Bowl. But with luck...the Dragons would. And Brutus was determined to be one. If this was the only chance he would have at this field though...he would make the most of it. At least he had a chance here. Unlike Dallas, Houston, Carolina and....well Oakland did watch him...but they couldn't get past his prison record. Hopefully that wouldn't be the case here.

He looks into the stands thinking he saw a familiar face. Then he knows he did. He runs to the sidelines as she comes down to the railing. She smiles at him then looks at the cheerleaders. She looks down again and he can see she looked...whoa...well it had been a few months since he got out and they had hooked up."Take it that's why you're not going out for the cheerleaders."

She smiles again."Brutus the reason is....I'm in love with you. Cheerleaders can't be involved with players and I want to be everything for you. Hopefully you make it. But if not...we will find a team that wants a hard worker like yourself. I heard Miami is looking but I hope you make it here. They seem nice enough anyway. I saw a girl earlier...must've kicked like crazy too."

Brutus laughs at this."So they drafted Dawlish.Never knew who did it...but she earned me some money inside. On her games...and on being drafted. Glad to know it's here. Now I know I want to be on the Dragons. No way would I bet against a leg like hers. After I finish here I'll take you out so we can celebrate Brenda."

As he runs back to the field he is a little misty eyed. NOw he had a new reason to make the team. A woman and a child to care for. It was what being a man was all about. Time to turn it up.

The next time he runs end zone to end zone it's much faster. In fact...it's the fastest he's ever ran. As he makes the opposite endzone though he feels a pain in his side. As he reaches down he can feel some blood. He pulls up the Jersey then notices that wound he took before getting out had busted open. Not too bad though. He goes to the sidelines and asks for some tape which he applies to the wound then he goes back to the field. Just another game in the pen. You either played injured...or you never played again. Just part of the fun as the guards would say.