Chapter 24

Steve was sent in for his first punt ever, as the second quarter began. He stood at the very back of the end zone, remembering how his coach had beseeched him to get the kick away no matter how fast they rushed him.

Everyone left the huddle and got into position. Steve barked the signals, and the center snapped the ball… way over Steve’s head! Somehow, Steve managed to leap way up and block the ball from going out of the end zone. As he landed, he managed to reach out and grab the ball as it fluttered toward the turf.

Steve gripped the ball to punt it, but he saw two defensive players preparing to dive into the ball as he kicked it. He suddenly pulled the ball back and stepped to the side as the defenders dove past him. It was clear to Steve that he’d never get the kick off. Ohio State players were pouring over the center of the line.

Steve scrambled to his right, but was rapidly running out of real estate. As he reached the corner of the end zone, he caught a gli