American Football: King of the Bay Area

The practice squad was struggling to hold on.

Ultimately, there was still a skill gap. Even though their opponents were only the third-string team, the difference between being on the roster and being off it was a very real one.

During their first possession, the practice squad had scored a decisive Touchdown off Lu Ke’s shocking long pass. This boosted the confidence of not only the offense but also the Defense Team, leading to high morale and an excellent performance. As one side rose, the other fell; the third-string team’s Kevin consistently performed poorly, and his offense was repeatedly thwarted, which gave the practice squad an even greater advantage.

But as the game went on, the skill gap inevitably began to show. Once Kevin got his head straight, he started demonstrating the skills of a third-string quarterback. His efficiency at moving the ball downfield was clearly superior to the practice squad’s, and gradually, the scales of advantage began to tip in the other direction.

Starting from the 3:11 mark of the game until 6:42, Kevin steadily strung together first downs, marching his team to the opponent’s 16-yard line. The practice squad was pushed back again and again, but they finally stiffened their defense there, stopping two passing plays and a third-down run, successfully holding the line. However, the third-string team still managed to kick a field goal, bringing the score to 3-7.

At the 11:45 mark, Kevin found his rhythm again and connected with a third-string Wide Receiver. After a 23-yard run, he scored a Touchdown and then converted the extra point, taking the lead, 10-7.

Today’s scrimmage was only set for fifteen minutes, which meant there were only three minutes and fifteen seconds left for the practice squad. Lu Ke led his team back onto the field. His first attempt at a long pass failed and was nearly intercepted. Clearly, after that first long bomb, the opposition was now guarding against his surprise attacks. With no other choice, Lu Ke had to settle for a methodical, step-by-step advance.

Although Lu Ke’s Short Pass Accuracy and Mid-range Pass Accuracy were only a 64, it was just barely enough for a scrimmage. Most importantly, he wasn’t fighting alone. Derek was playing like a man possessed, with several of his runs proving highly effective and often bailing Lu Ke out of tight spots. This balance of passing and running disrupted the third-string team’s defensive rhythm, allowing the practice squad to narrowly convert each first down until they reached the opponent’s 30-yard line.

They were now in field goal range. As long as the special team could make the kick, the game would end in a tie. For the practice squad, that was as good as a victory.

But it wasn’t that simple. There was still one minute and forty-three seconds left in the game. If they kicked the field goal now, it would mean leaving the third-string team with at least a minute to mount their own offense. The final outcome of the game would be left in their opponents’ hands.

Besides, everyone on the practice squad knew that in this scrimmage, a tie or a loss was meaningless. Only a victory would get them noticed by the coaches. Only a victory could break down the barrier between the practice players and the official members of the team.

They had to attack.

Lu Ke looked at his teammates, his gaze firm. They didn’t have a coach—only a quarterback. Only each other. After they exchanged glances, Derek was the first to clench his fist. ”Let’s keep going for it!” Then John, then the others. Everyone nodded, their eyes landing on Lu Ke in unison.

”What? They’re still going on offense?” The players on the sideline were stunned again. All they had to do was kick the field goal for a tie—an unimaginable victory for the practice squad. But they weren’t satisfied with that and were still attacking? Were they preparing to... go for broke and push for the win?

Kevin spat to the side. ”Overconfident clowns. Hot-headed idiots.” His glare at Lu Ke on the field was vicious and disdainful, but his body language betrayed his inner tension. The muscles in his arms, crossed over his chest, were completely taut, his hands clenched into tight fists, knuckles turning white.

’He’s just a measly practice player who got lucky with one Touchdown pass, and it was all because of John! First, John made that incredible catch, then John broke free from the defense to score the Touchdown. That guy had nothing to do with it. If it weren’t for a flash of John’s old talent, forget the Touchdown, the pass wouldn’t have even been completed. And now this clown actually thinks he can land the game-winning blow and be the hero?’

’In his dreams!’

Kevin ground his teeth, his chest feeling like it was about to explode.

On the field, however, Lu Ke was completely focused, his mind clear of distractions. He directed the alignment of the Offense Line and then started the play. His first short pass was read by a defender who batted the ball down—luckily, it wasn’t an interception. On the second attempt, he tried a mid-range pass to John, but the throw was off, missing him by half an arm’s length. An incomplete pass.

Two plays, and they hadn’t gained a single yard. They were still at the 30-yard line, needing ten yards for a first down. They had failed to get those ten yards on the last two plays, and now they only had one chance left. The task was far more daunting than they could have imagined.

Lu Ke gasped for breath. On both of the last two plays, defenders had broken through the Offense Line and slammed into him, a feeling like being hit head-on by a speeding bus.

’The system’s scores were clearly right; my Mid-range and Short Pass Accuracy is just too terrible. Back during freshman tryouts, I could never complete my passes consistently. I have a limited feel for the ball and not enough physical resilience. That’s why I’m just a practice player, not even qualified to be a backup. Long passes can win you a battle, but the short and mid-range game is the heart of football.’

At this moment, Lu Ke understood better than anyone: the Offense Line couldn’t give him enough time to throw a long ball. And once the defense read his intended target, a long pass would just make it easy for them to break it up, make a play, or even get an interception.

He needed his short and mid-range passes. But he had failed twice in a row.

Lu Ke knew he was still a long way from being a competent quarterback, but that didn’t mean he was ready to surrender. He let out a long breath and looked up to see pairs of expectant eyes fixed on him. It was only a scrimmage, but he could feel the heavy weight of their trust on his shoulders. They were a team. They fought side-by-side. They trusted each other. And together, they would seize victory!

”Guys, I’ve got an idea!” Lu Ke called everyone over and quickly laid out the play. No one questioned his plan or hesitated at his tactics. After he finished, they all turned and walked to their positions. They were just a bunch of nobodies, practice players no one believed in or paid any attention to. All they had were themselves and each other.

Lu Ke took his position behind Tevin again, his sharp gaze sizing up the defensive formation before him. The opponents were no longer underestimating them; they were completely focused. Lu Ke could even see several opposing players locking their eyes on him. Clearly, they still considered the quarterback their primary target.

”Hike!”

Lu Ke shouted, feeling the leather of the football in his hands as the line surged forward. He gripped the ball, took two steps back, and raised his right arm as if to pass. Just as he’d predicted, the defensive players spread out. Only two of them rushed the Offense Line, while all the others dropped back to cover the Wide Receivers and the Tight End—

One last chance to gain ten yards. A pass was the best and fastest option. College-level tactics lacked the complex schemes and deceptions of the Professional Alliance; their playbooks were relatively simple. So, the defense made their read. And Lu Ke had read them right.

Lu Ke spun around and tossed the ball to Derek. Derek secured the football and charged forward like a raging bull.

With only two defenders rushing against the five-man Offense Line, the practice squad’s blockers completely sealed them off. They pushed the two rushers wide, opening up a massive lane right down the middle.

Derek lowered his head and plowed forward, weaving past his own teammates and the other defenders trying to close in. He pushed forward, then pushed again.

The third-string team’s other defenders finally realized Derek’s intention, and the defensive net immediately began to close in. Although the practice squad’s Wide Receivers and Tight End did everything they could to block, the defenders who had spread out waiting for a pass were still the majority. Their numerical advantage allowed them to easily surround him.

After Derek broke through, the circle of defenders rapidly closed in. A final tackle from two players brought Derek down, ending the successful run.

The unexpected play call allowed Derek to break through the defensive line for a huge gain. All the practice squad players erupted, the offense on the field and the Defense Team on the sidelines cheering wildly. The third-string players, on the other hand, looked ashen, unable to believe their eyes.

The highlight of the play was Derek’s run, but the true brilliance was in Lu Ke’s strategy! He chose the right play at the right time and put himself and his teammates in the perfect positions. There were no excessive heroics, no hot-headed, blind decisions—just an unbelievable breakthrough. The brain of the team—he lived up to the name.

But the question was: did Derek get the required ten yards?

All eyes shot toward the spot. Anthony, acting as the referee for the game, took a quick measurement. He let out a small, internal sigh but composed himself and announced loudly, ”One yard short!”

Derek had gained nine yards. One yard to go. Now, with only one last chance on fourth down, what would they choose to do?