The  stetting down, eating and drinking a bit..

  The Owner of the Coffee Shop stopped over,  with the Check, Adam grabbed it, he looked at the check..The owner looked  embarrassed,...sotty..I didn't know you were  Going to take it.. I was gonna try to get these shmucks  to paid thier  tab...

  Adam Chuckled,..aren't they regulars?

  ..yeah...but so's  my bill collectors...

Adam  pulled out  his  wallet and  gave him  a card...wipe it clean....

 The  Guy looked at the   group, the 'leader said,..Bronk..No..we aren't charity..

 ..Look? it was what?  2 years ago i was staying with you guys  trying to get some one to give me a tryout..until Sims  sent for me from Japan...you never asked  for me to chip in, nothing... so?.. I have a chaace to help out a little?.. you gonna ruin that for me?

 Gina  smiled,..thank you Adam..that's nice....

 the  guy ran the card through and Gave  Adam back his card...Thanks  Kid... now these  guys can start all over... he grinned   and headed back to the counter.

 Eric  shook his head,..trying to be a big shot hero? he was more embarrassed then mad.

   Adam stood  and finished his coffee...naw.... one of the last things  my folks  ever said to me was...'remember where you came from"...so i do? Cause  all it will take. is   on bad hit.... or a coaching change.. and I'll be right back there...So? if  i can help?  I help... we'll see you guys...   I Gave Gina  my Cell... maybe we can get together Monday Morning or something...

 He shook their hands, Gina gave hima Hug.. they  offered their hands to Emma and Ben and The  three were off to the Hotel..

Emma shook the others' hands and, once the good-byes were said, joined the others in returning to the hotel.

   The meeting    was held as the first one..the whole team in a team meeting..getting the gameplan pounded into their heads...

 then a break down by Postions..with  Powerpoint  'questions and answers'..then finally defense  and offense  together, going over their  GAme Palns  again.

 The Team was 'locked  down' at 10:00 PM  with  wake  up calls  at  6:30 for a breakfest meeting and taping on anyone who needed taped.


 The Bus  ride to the Stadium was a bit fun..  Music playing  players  laughing... Melina  was stoic, looking out the Window.


 Outside there was a  small sign held up  by  Kids in  Green and White Mellon State  shirts.... Adam HUNG out the  Window  and screamed and waves.. when he   di.. they fans Held up signs  as they Pasted..   A..A..A...A.. BOMB... and  a green and white  mushroom cloud..

 the  Bus  turned up into the parking lot  to  arrive at the Locker room.

 Croft yelled ..Hey Bronk?..what makes you so damn special?

 ..That's My People..Mellon State..first player to play in the NFL..first Player to play pro ball in three differant countries!...for Teams that playeed there...that is..

 Worth  Looked up from his newpaper, ..besides, Croft.. he's a New York boy....

 ..say what, Man.. these folks need  ta get a life!

 ..Comon , Croft..it would be like your hometown people... you know?  if we ever  played a game in  Upper Dumbassia...


 Croft stood  Up  to get out of his seat, Payne slammed him back down,..you best be chillin'  rookie... you ain't gone to battle with us yet....we know what he can do...

  As they Got off the Bus, Lynne  waved to Adam and said.....Adam!!  Can you  get Ms  Reese  to  answer some questions after  Practice...

Adam Grinned and Waved  Emma Over,...you'll have to ask her yourself... She's her own woman..

 Lynne   Blushed a bIt and  waited  for Emma to come over.

Emma was a little more invested in the meetings now and more willing to ask a question here and there. She was getting more comfortable with the team as a whole.

She went to bed around 10:00, but she was up well before 6:30.  She went through her silent morning routine and avoided waking Melina.  She considered the silence an extra aspect of training and managed to avoid waking the quarterback before she naturally (via alarm or by nature) woke.

When they arrived and Adam waved her over, Emma went towards him to find out what it was he and the reporter wanted.

  Lynne  smiled at Emma,..you are going to get pounded , I know..buy folks like me?.. But , do you think you can give me, 5 minutes or so after your walk through?

 Adma  shrugged with a grin,..she asked  me to ask yuou... but i tolds her  she'd have  to ask you, herself....
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:57, Fri 08 Sept 2017.

"Provided the people above me are okay with it, sure. It's my first time through this routine too," Emma responded.  It wouldn't be a good idea to tick off the reporters by ignoring them.  "Though we should get moving on that whole getting ready thing," she said, glancing over at Adam.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:00, Fri 08 Sept 2017.

   She smiled,..Thanks Guys.. I think Yuto  will be  me a few minutes of your time after your walk through...

 As they walked They could hear Croft,..Hey..Sweet Thing?.. I'll give you an Interview....

 Croft Grunted in Pain  as Worth  Shoved him   hard, to 'move along",..boy?  why you talkin'  shit like that..you make us look bad...

 Adam shook his ehad , then  said to Emma,..translated from what Lynne said..' i went to school with Yuto..so your mine!  he chuckled

 ..she's a good kid.. should be on a pregame show, but its hard to break that  glass ceiling unless you know someone...  The fact that she's   the beat reporter here for  ESPN, is a big feather in her cap...

It sounded like Croft was going to need some schooling at some point, honestly. Worth seemed to be handling it so far, but she suspected it wouldn't be long before he made some snap at him.  She tried to remember what position he played.

"Thanks for letting me handle her request.  I know a bit about glass ceilings," Emma said once they were out of reporter earshot.  "Reporters might get paid to break the big story, but most of them are reasonable people and not nearly as vulturous as they get made out to be.  Media, ironically enough, makes them seem that way with how press conferences are organized.  Thow them all into a pit and let the shout out their questions.  Good way to make them seem pretty bad, you know?"

  Adam  Chuckled ,..Don't thank me?  Lynne needs an In?  she figures  some one on this team has to  like me, so I can send  some folks her  way, to snake an interview. or a sound byte?.. I didn't 'let you handle'... it was yours  to handle..Now?.. I could have asked  you...please do this    interview for my old college buddy'..but that wouldn't be  fair to either of you... now?  you both got the interview...both  on your own terms...

 He looks around  For Ben,..now Ben?... and Miles? they'll talk to anyone.. Mile  will just smile, and walk out if they  to 'hungry'..me?.. I'm more of the jerk type...but? I have  fun with that...

 The  filed was  already pained  with the Jets Logos and   colors  around the 'ring of honor'   he said to both  Ben and  Emma,..lots of my Heroes up there..maybe some  day,  I'll get my name on the  Ring  back  in  New JAcksonville.

Ben shook hands with Adam's friends.

"Pleasure to meet you all. If you're ever in Jacksonville I'll cook for you."

Then he went back to the hotel and sat through the meetings, paying attention and heading for bed when told. He was up around five, and went to see if the hotel had a pool - if he found one he took a swim before breakfast. Then off to the stadium, waving out the window and looking around curiously.

At Adam's comments, he grinned.

"You know I'm just a big friendly guy, Adam. Even with reporters. They have a job to do just like the rest of us."

He got ready for practice and was soon out on the field awaiting instructions.

"That's the point. A lot of people would have done just what you described," Emma pointed out.  She looked up at the ring and the names on it. Not a lot of defensive players, but that wasn't abnormal either. The offense tended to be flashier and more memorable. "Well, keep playing the way you've been playing and you'll see it there." Emma had kept up with some of the NFL news, of course, while she was trying to find a team to latch onto.

A nod was given to Ben. "Pretty much. Anyway, I need to get to the locker room and changed," Emma added. The bus had pulled up to the locker room, presumably to let them all get ready for practice.  "See you on the field".

Emma would then go get changed and ready for practice.

    The Players went through the Drills.. relay runs, Backpeddle drills... the DBS, LBs  and Receivers did 'tip drills"

  Coaches   set Up Dummies  for   the Wide Receivers  and Backs to practice  'Blind side blocks', making sure Their heads  were between the  ball Carrier and the 'defender'.. if they messed up..they  ran   a 100 yard  sprint..not many had to do that.

 Ollie Backus and Cal worked on a Similar drill, but  from the defender's  side.


 The practiced     Moving  sideways  and taking on that  Block, trying to fend it off  with a  'Hammer forearm' to the back of the Helmet. thus, sending the  Blocker lower, or  even to the  Ground, where  ..they..would be in control of the  action from that point.

 Ollie , Still showing some of the strength  he had  when he planed   NT for the  Rams.....Now?..This here Hammer? he held up his  arm and clenched  fist,..It ain't gonna work all the  time...ummm nuuu.... and it won't  work all By itself.... You have to  Keep your  Legs  Movin' or yer  cleats  will  catch and your knee is gone.... You keep your legs Moving, and Bring the Hammer down as HArd as you can... you ring a bell or two...less of them  little guys  are gonna try that  hit.....You punish..every one who tries to Block you..but not before  you can make a play..ain't nothin' wrong with beatin' down a guy..but on this  time.. you make sure its legal...

.........

 the last half  was spent  with  walk throughs  which was.. quick for  The dragons.. with only pitches  and wrap around  draws in their  running game....they stepped up a bit  with fake wrap arounds, and a flea flicker..

  Melina seemed to struggle, though  most of her  passes were on the money... Sims  called the Team in  he was  trying  not to laugh....Alright... now..in the  stands  are the   announcers for the GAme, who will watch  both teams walk throughs .. we have  some reporters  up there  that aren't suppose to  show or tell waht they have seen until the pregame tomorrow....but?  there are some locals up there...and  i don't  trust them..so?..Bronk?.. One drive.. from the  20 Up field..2  minute  drill..standup blocks  Only... recievers  are down  when touched..so are the Backs..lets give them, a show...if they are honest..it will be  fun.. if they are spying?  well  the Jets  will have alot more to look at, in  a little less the  24 hours...

  Adam didn't look real happy about this, But  he took the  First team in the Huddle, Alright Stall make sure you set the   edge. Mackins  is  coming around on the  Dragon , Fake left wr sweep, QB Keep.. when this play is over.. they go up to the line  like always, I'll call it from there...'Dragons! They Clapped and  Broke...

 Cal sent Croft out to  Player Wheeler's  ROLB Spot.. And Emma out  to Take Bing's spot.. The DL were  all 2nd teamers  , the rest was all 1st teamers.

 The Ball saw  Snapped.. Stalls  when down in to 'block' Dalton ( both had to stop )

  Ben  sealed the  DE The Line pretty much came to a stand still as  'blocks ' were made.

  Mackins Came  around   Adam  had   fake  a  draw to Lucas,  then hide the ball  and   held it out  for mackins, then Pulled it out , while Lookin back over his shoulder as if to see How Mackins would Do.

 Sims stood next to Cal.. hiding a smile As CAl shouted JET SWEEP!!!! SWEEP!

 And Adam turned up filed  with the BAll stil on his  Him..still looking  across the way...Worth Pointed across the Field  ...>>FAKE>>>KEEPER!!!

 Croft Turned in surtprise  as Adam  tucked the Ball and began to sprint,  , Croft ran ovwer  like a Missle, Adam stop on a  Dime Used his free HAnd  to send  Croft  flying passed him into the sidelines  and the PowerAde  containers., Then he  ran again...

 Worth was swearing   evern as he ran, he was too far.. Adam was too fast...

  But Emma  Had a shot. turning ( or see?) the play about the same time Worth did.

Croft had missed his man and now Emma had to clean up after him.  She'd seen the play starting to develop and was already moving into position to cut Adam off.  She knew that if she missed here that Adam was going to likely take it to the end zone.  So it was her job to not let that happen.

The woman moved quickly, her path intersecting with Adam's near the 40-yard line where she reached out to touch him and hopefully end his run with a trip out of bounds.  It was basically a running two-handed tap, given the instructions that they'd received about receivers being down on touch.

  Adams  Was Nudged  Our   and  Grinned at Emma  as he Hustled  back to the 40 yard line.. Fry spotted the BAll like a Ref  while Bronk  shouted out  plays... SIM called Out  the Time ..1:27  and Running!...

 out of habit   Adam's eyes  went to the play clock, but there wasn't one ( he hated practicing away from home!)

   The SNap Came Back  and Adam  fake  a Draw to Lucas , Rolled to His  Left to Hit Stalls, Dalton touched him down..

 ..Clocking running  1:05.... oh!..You'er Down by 4!

 WHAT!... ge gave Sims a  dark look , SIMs  was Laughing along  with the other coaches...2-2 at the  Defense 32.

   Adam   When to Hit Ben with a Quicl Slant, But Payne..cat-like.. move to cover, Adam  tucked the BAll and  ran  Between  Higgens and Maller on the left side of the Line.. he squirted through without being touched  and ran Fast forward were  Worth and Emma   combined on the 'stop'.

  Adam  took a step off the Ball waving   his  teammates forward Like it was the Super bowl.

  The   Media  folks were standing now, and were recording the   drives( thought hey couldn't use  it until the pregame show , at the earliest )

 ..49 Seconds..NO TIME OUTS!

  Adam Turned and shouted Comon!...  Again the coaches and even Duke was laughing as the offense lined up on the  Defense 19.

  Adam shouted , holding Both hands in the air and crossing them at the wrist.. then he added the word  for 'fake'..

  when the Snap came Back  he    rolled  three steps  to the right ao Pump to Lucas Who crossed Under  Mackins...  the Pump caused Croft to   Jump the route..But Lucas  was Going up the sidelines..  Adam Let the Ball go for Lucas....

Adam got a brief return grin from Emma before she returned to the line.

Down by four, the plan here was to keep them from getting in the end zone. Field goal points wouldn't matter here.  Emma's role was to wait an extra second or two here to see just where the ball was going in the case of a fake and, no matter what, keep the offense from getting into the end zone.  Ideally, the wide receivers should all be covered and she was to provide backup on this play.

Then there was Croft jumping the route. Ah-hah, it was going to clearly be going to Lucas as Croft just blew his coverage.  Emma took off in his direction and could quickly see that she wasn't going to get to the ball in time to knock it down.  There just wasn't enough time from her starting position to get to the sideline and get in front of him, as that route opened up too quickly for the defense to do anything about stopping the pass.  Adam's pass was just too quick and the angle wasn't there.  So she cut hard and turned on her speed to catch Lucas around the five yard line, tapping him 'down' and preventing him from getting to into the end zone.  She did make sure, however, that it wasn't a tap out of bounds and that he stayed in bounds for this tackle.

She wanted that clock running.

   Running  Down Field  after pointing at Lucas who grinned as he  ran Passed  Croft to line up in his BAckfield Spot

 Adam was frustrated, not knowing what the  time on the clock was  Left.

  1st and Goal on the 5...

  Adam shouted the Play as SIM Yelled Out ... ....12 SECONDS  and Running  Bronk never  even looked  back but  the Defense  could see disgust on his face.

   quickly calling a change, the Ball was  snapped  , faked the   run to  Lucas  and ducked to Follow him throw.. The Defense   collapsed on the  Pile, and  the   Wildcat QB Stopped   and  Jumped in the air, firing a pass for  Ben, who caught the ball  as he crossed the goal line..

 Adam   Put Both his hands  In  the  air and the Coaches  were laughing  and  shaking their heads.

  As they Gathered together  SIms began..Now..that was alot of Fun... But  Adam?  you seemed a bit  put  out  as  I Updated  you on the  drive...But you kept it Moving.. why?

 Bronk had his helmet off, and    just gave a wave of his hand,...didn't know the  score.. didn't know the time..you said  2 minutes, so i thought  we need a lick...but then you added that we were down by 4?.. we needed a TD...My Main concern was the clock, I couldn't see  it, and..well..some seconds vanished .. so?  I had to get it  in... all i could control was the BAll and what i did with it...


 his  arm  moved to  include   the offense,..these guys made sure, i could do that.

 ..That's right.. I want you all... both offense and defense, to think about that..you worked your  butts off to get the game plan  installed... get the scheme set for the D....but  at the end of the  Day.. its  you... the Dragons... making the plays...breaking tackles..or making them..making Block..or beating them...We have some time..get cleaned up..  last film session at 6:00... Curfew at 10:00 again...We want to get this  game right..make sure I don't have to bench anyone....because..you know I will.

    Lynne  was  waiting  with her Cameraman  for  Emma.. the    Interns  were packing their  stuff into  gates to load up on the bus..they wouldn't be needed any more this  trip.

  Emma  Greets Lynne..   Bronk and Ben walk past, Bronk waved to  Lynne  as they  walked Past..  One of the few Local Papers ran Up  ..Bronk!.... What was  that Last drive  about!... you going to play QB this week... the  Guy laughs.

 Adam  Stopped. Looked up and Ben, then at His helmet, turning it  around in his hand,Then looked to the writer, a sad, serious  face,..Yeah... I'm Gonna start... They aren't sure How much Duke  can play.... he shrugged and Kept  walking.. the  writer  was on his cell phone calling  his paper ( or was it His paper?)

  when the got into the tunnel Payne  was behind Bronk.....Man?  Why you do that dude like that?

 Adam  Just Grinned over his shoulder,..first?.... He started  it... 2nd? I didn't lie to him...I told him  i'm starting..I am.... and  we don't know how much  Duke will play...

  Payne laughed Loud,..I'm not playin' cards  with you , man...

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

  Lynne  smiled  as she turned to Eamma.. Emma was a good 7-8 inches taller .. Thanks  for  doing this... I'll try to keep it on point...

 The  Cameraman was  ready and gave her the high sign. Lynne Plass  here  with  Emma  Reese..Rookie   Safety for  the  JAcksonville Dragons... First off, we'll ask...


 she started in...

1.. facing the Jets in New York,  as a Rookie

2...you know you'll get some   time on the filed, they way Sims  coaches..will you be ready when the time comes.

3...Do you think th Dragons have  any kind of edge in this game?

Emma was used to being taller than most people, so the height difference at this point was something that didn't really register with her.  Though Lynne was taller than the average woman, Emma did notice.  But given many sportscasters had at least a college sports background and athletes trended, for the most part, on the taller side, that wasn't actually surprising.

Emma was relaxed during the interview and had a natural smile on her face, treating it more like a conversation than anything, even if she was careful about her answers.

"I think someone's first game in the NFL is always something they'll remember, and I'm looking forward to it," she responded to the question about the Jets.  She wasn't going to build up or tear down the opponent.  She didn't want to grant them any locker room material, so to speak.

"I think the coaches have prepared us well, but ultimately it's up to us to get the job done on the field," Emma said when asked if she'll be ready.

When asked about if the team has any edge, Emma just kind of shrugged.  "I don't worry about edges.  To me, it's all about who works the hardest and wants it the most for the sixty minutes on the field."  Emma had a very strong work ethic and relied on that during the game.

    Lynne was  satisfied  as the Cameraman shut off  the  Machine...Yhank You Emma, this  is great... I'm lookin forward to this game?... and?..maybe I can Catch you after the Game  , one last time?

 In the locker room  Adam  was  getting dressed after  shower.. Croft  came over  as he  was slipping on his  Sneakers,..think yer the shit... makin' that move? I was just tryin' not  to hurt you...

 Adam Looked Up and Smiled,..well?..you did  a good job, never came close to  touching me...

 now... what you sayin'..cause  you didn't  fake me out...

 Mackins  was  laughing along with Miles and Sloan...Fake you out?..Dude?... not only  did he fake you out of your jock?.. he dresssed you in a Tu tu!

  ADam grabbed  his  bag and  Baseball Hat  and smiled,..what they said...   and he ehaded out   to the Bus...

 Corft looked around and saw they other guys laughing at him.

  Santos smiled,..I'm Glad you'er here... they don't pick on me with you here...

"Don't see why not. Thank you," Emma said to Lynne before she went to the locker room to change.  She noted that she'd either have to shower after the guys all boarded the bus or get creative in the future for away games.

For now, she resigned herself to having to not shower. Melina would be in the same position.  She did overhear some of the talk, what with the guys not exactly being quiet.  Still, she didn't partake in giving smack to Croft and instead, when she was ready, went to board the bus and figure out how much time they'd have between arrival at the hotel and their next meeting.

  The ride   from the   Stadium was less hectic.. the fans  were gone.. traffic was sparse..Some RVs were already coming into the  Parking lot to set up for TAilgates.

    Bronk  sat in the  Niddle  by the  window..staring out  at the water ways...

   some of the other guys  were  talking about the Game... Money.. TV coverage.. everything..

Emma was quiet.  She somewhat assumed Melina needed the quiet to think, given her slightly more spotlighted position.  Also, it helped her process everything they'd done at practice.  She was more absorbing everything than anything else at the moment.  But she was still getting comfortable here, and that would just take some time.

  The Dragonettes    took  the same bus the players   arrived in, back to the stadium,..they would work on routines  and the Jets  'Flight Crew" would take  them to Dinner at the  fine  dinner and show place.

  In the Hotel the   Trainers  were telling each and every player they had 30 minutes   before dinner  and the last meeting of the week for this game.

 They were taking Orders  for  Pasta...Steak..fish .

 Adam  headed  was standing By the elevator,  Croft  Came up to him and Nudged him....not now man..not now...

 what's that matter ... You too Good  for  a Rookie to talk to?

 ..get away, dumbass.. I'm a rookie too ,90% of the team  are Rookies... just?  Most of us don't suck...

  The  Door Opened and Adam  stepped inside, Croft was about to Follow Him, But Payne  Pulled him  back,..Catch the next one... you get on?  Yo might not get off...   Worth held the door  for others. and  would let it  shut ones it was full while he and Payne stayed  with Croft.

Emma was one of the last ones off the bus, and that meant one of the last to place her order, which was for fish.  She overheard the conversation but didn't step in as she was well back in line and missed the elevator with Adam.  She'd likely end up in the one with Croft, Worth, and Payne just because she'd been so far back in the line.

Ben was also near the back, and smiled at Emma as they lined up for the elevators. He ordered a steak, he was hungry after all the meetings and practices.

  The food came  as the Coaches talked...The doors  were closed  , except  for when some one from the team would come in with messages  and such.

 I Came  down to the defense worrying about  The TE 88  Killroy.... The HB 32 ..Boan and  QB 11 Hollen..the  Wrs   were nothing they haven't seen before 81 Bennings  was the main target.

 on Defense, the   Dragon shad to watch 58 MLB  HAvers.. who had 4 sacks  and 1 pick already this year..CB Finns 29  and  SS Duce 23...  Duce and Mallers helped tighten down the Middle..and  Finns could take one sideline away..The Jets had to decide whether to have  him cover Adam.. or Shut  down MAckins...with Adam always lining up on the enemy sideline..that would mean a switch   for him, every quarter.

  Adam  watched the  Power points one last time... made yet another dozen or so notes on his lap top and note books

 then it came time to eat.. Sims made his way around the table asking  some players  How they felt and if they had  any questions.

   Sims  stopped   By Emma  and said,we haven't set it in stone yet...but  you'er going to be on the coverage teams  for Kicks  and Punts  Fry wanted to try you on the Punt Block..But Cal wants to keep you fresh... Bing is starting with Worth... when we go to Nickle  were' brining you in for Wheeler to play the  Flat on his side...  Heart is n Hurting  so You'll be  Going in for Bing...and Best will go in  for  Worth... CAl and I talked about you going in at CB, If Santos has another  rought game..Tibbs  will be spelled by Bright... the others   still need  work..anyway? The first one's  the Most important..enjoy ever second of it..you only get one... he pats her  should  and Move On.

 Fry came up to  Bronk,..you and Klay to  Return Kickoffs  the first Half... then   Juts Klay... Bing is Going to handle the Punt returns...  Adam Nodded  , he didn't say anything except for the  nod, and Fry grinned as he moved away.