Chapter 505

The first set of downs established the style of offense the Spartans would utilize for the rest of the season. Steve and Ben would run the ball often enough to keep the defense honest, but the wide-open and often unpredictable passing game combined with Jared’s stubborn defense carried the team to the play-offs. They only dropped one more game for their only loss after Steve and Jared had rejoined the team. That loss was their second game with Dallas.

In December, Steve skipped a Friday practice to travel with Gwen to Oslo to accept her Nobel Prize. They were accompanied by jubilant family and friends. Gwen’s acceptance speech was filled with praise for others.

“I want to thank The Norwegian Nobel Committee for this incredible honor,” began a beaming Gwen as she looked over the audience. “I think everyone knows it was the hard work and strong negotiating skills of my husband Steve Hammer and my very good friend Naomi White, which allowed the world to avoid a devastating