Essence

Chapter 2
Champion

Chapter Description: Marcus, a leading college quarterback, throws his last pass in the BCS championship.

Marcus breathed.

The crowd kept roaring, trying to throw off his concentration. 4th and goal, 7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, down by four; it was now or never.

He looked to the left, and then to the right, making sure his receivers were in their rightful places. He growled.

“Hike!”

The center launched the football up to Marcus. He caught it and dropped back. The sounds of shambling pads kept him focused on the road ahead. One of his receivers broke free and waved his hand. Marcus set his feet and launched the ball with as much precision as he could muster. The right tackle hit him as the ball left his hand.

The ball sailed through the air. It twirled and spun as the receiver jumped. He barely held on as he gripped it with his fingertips. He clutched it to his chest as he fell to the ground in the end zone. The referee nearby held up his arms.

The crowd cheered as Marcus jumped in the air. He ran up to his receiver and gave him a bear hug. Tears came to his eyes.

They had won the BCS Championship.