((  post game of  AFC  title Game Vs Jets, First Season))

  The  Players  walked  around ,  Greeting Jets who Did not  go into  the Tunnels  the  stage was on the   50 yard  like   with  network Cameras   trained on it  as Lindsey Mounted the stage.. and  the Dragons 'first family  approached..  Orato, Nellie, Yuto and Lu-ti .


Commissioner Collins  was  with then,,Sonny found the  New head of the referees  and stood   outside the   Players.

Jackie flew over head , there was an attachment that the Techs  rigged and she dropped , green,black and white confetti   down  as she  few  across... then once more on the  way    back...The single Dragon at the North end that sat , atop the scoreboard, puffed out Green   smoke..while the two  dragons on the  south  scoreboard. Alternated, shooting  gouts of  flames.

...........

 Adam walked  about..no one in particular, seemed to want to talk to him from the Jest, Until Hogie Bunns  and Bennings  found him.. It was tense. but well-meaning as they congratulated   Him...Bunns hinted that he was a free agent.. Adam told them both..Not sure  what all is involved?.. But you'll have to go through FA  tryouts... and , You'll have to lose your Agent, because   Yuto has  the   'Dragon Contract' down pat..If you keep an, and he/she agent  wants money, it comes out  of your end..not the club's.

 Havers   Found Ben...Good   game... That  little  chick was a problem, we had no film on her..don't know where you guys  hid  her.. but the Saints  will have to do alot of study... You  played a  good game as well.

 Masters  was Looking for Harley...

 Duke  and   Hollen talked,  Holen was more subdued, and Duke  seemed fresh as a daisy, after getting to  watch th  Last  quarter  that seemed to last as long as most halves.

 Penall and Sims   talked..Congrates  Bart, But man..did you have to do us like that?

Sims had a smile, but it seemed  twinged with sadness..I really want to say  I'm sorry, Paul. But i can't... This  was our crusade, and  we can't stop it for anyone.. we'll try to do this  2 weeks from now. My Players  are all in, those who aren't, aren't here very long..damn shame it happened to you. But i would have felt the same  way about the Chargers.,,, and Paul? I'll tell you this..between me and you..There is a new sheriff in town after the corruption  of the Woodsen family.  If you know anything  about that Bounty crap..you better   let Collins   or Smith know..if some one on your staff is  in it?..you better have them step up..because it  could hurt your whole organization ..Fines..draft picks,  and suspensions..

 Penall looked at the ground, then looked away, before he looked back at  Sims..<Periwinkle>I'll talk with our DC...I know he was  talking to guy about this in the  Defense meetings..  I didn't get into those meetings too much..but i'll see what i can find out. Good Luck  luck in the Big One...</Periwinkle  they  shook hands  and  Pennal  headed to  Adam.

Harley went out to the field to shake hands, fist bump or high five. Whatever they did, or all... she hadn't done it before. Not all the Jets were there. Some of them scurried off to the tunnels like sore losers. It was really sad and disappointing to see, but she was glad to greet those who were out there.

As she received the monotone and repeated "Good Game"'s and some occasional "Way to go"'s, the last person she expected to find her came up.

"Miggie Masters. Hi." She offered a high five. "I feel like I should just call you Miggie after all the close and personal contact we've had. Good game. Thanks for putting the pressure on me. I learned a lot."

  Miggie  was   obviously Put out , about getting crushed this  way, but he tried to be cordial.  well..  You guys sure  don't Ley up...and Bronk seemed  determined  to be my ss up and down the  field..  Its not gonna look good in our  films..Mayb  caoch will just toss  there  films out.. I'm  supposed to  resign    when FA  time  comes. they might not
 want me now.

 ....

 Nosh  found heather,,,Hey, Montomery...  I don't know  why your  Crazy asses  onside kick all the   Time, But you ruined a few of my returns!...Good  Game.. don't know  why you piled it on like that..But i guess your coach has  his  reasons

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

  Penall reached   Adam...Good Game  Bronk.. You throw pretty well...

 Thanks  Coach... yeah.. story of  my life though.. High shcool, College, Japan,, couple times in Hamilton  and then here.. No one takes  me seriously as  a wide out, because i'm  the 'wild Cat"... But...  It helps  us  win, so I can't complain

 Penall   finished shaking his hand..well? Go out and beat the Saints..maybe it won't make us look so bad...

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

Bricks  found Mik..hey? Canuk... I thought they said you had a  bad knee... you ran more Routes then your  Midget buddy..

 Naw? just wear and tear after 6 years o'ball... But.. ain't no way you'd
 see  be hiding on the sidelines in street clothes, if I could play..'eh?

 Bricks  looked hard  at Mik,Say what ya  want..but i got out  clean,  you guys  just piled it on..and never  stoppped, That Litte bastard  could  have missed a couple passes ..

 yer  the kinda  guy  who would never be a dragon.. wussed out on yer  mates, .standin' there  smiling  in yer  jeans  and  hoodie while they got unloaded on... ain't my
 kinda  ball player..

 bricks went  to swing.. But  Mindy  and    Jenny  came Up.. Jenny asked Brick..Hey there brick?  Hope you weren't  hurt too badly. How does it  feel  to reach the  end of your season?

  Fuck you.. all you all...Hope the saints crush you...  he stormed  off..

  Mindy gave    Mik a Victory Kiss.... Jenny gave him a hug.even I know he was never hurt..

Jenny shook her  yeah, he pulls in 300K a season.. and he don't have the Guts to ball out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Mon 04 Dec 2023.

 dragonettes   were running around with  Boxes of T-shirts that    Showed an Angry Jackie  crushing Buildings.. AFC....above her head.... CHAMPS   Under her..2080  on her belly.  Guys   were  Pulling there Pads off  and Putting them in the  cart the equipment guys.

Adam has his   white  Under armor   shirt On, and  Took the T-shirt from Amy,,there  would  be  another T-shirt in everyone Cubby.// he didn't put the shirt on  just  yet  As Starks  came over to  Chat..

 Lissy Dragon was on Emma's  shoulder.. they had  a t-shirt  in her  sides and she had it over her  dragon suit.. and was waving and smiling at every one

 Jill found them..Hey Emma..great Game... The hirstory keeps getting made   by 'the Dragon ladies'... That incudles you  Lissy? How do you feel? she looked  down, Jill held the Mic up...

 This was alotta  fun!,, I have  all kinds  of football player friends now..and  they are gonna play in the Superbowl!!

 Jill Grinned...Yes they are.. will you get to go?

 My daddy  siad he would ahve to see... we might   go down friday or saturday before the  game.., but i can't miss   school stuff.

 well? I hope you can go.. Iknow alot of people will want to  see Lisst Dragon at the Superbowl!..I know I do!

Emma  smiled..we'll get her there, one way or the other..

In reply to milling (msg # 3):

Harley looked up at the cornerback, somewhat confused. He came up to her, but didn't say anything about her personally, good or bad. What he did say, he could have said to anyone. Maybe he was just venting. Maybe he wanted her to make him feel better. Not her job, but he at least had the guts to stick around and face her. She had to respect that.

"Hey, man, it wasn't personal. I just run the plays they tell me. It sounds like you should be talking to Bronk. But ya, letting up is not in the Dragons's playbook. It's a game. You and I were competing so I did my best to win. I doubt they're going to can you over one game's bad performance. You hit me pretty good more than a few times. I'll still be feeling you tomorrow, if that makes you feel better."

  Miggie  smiled a tad.yeah?  well..The daily News  isn'rt always Nice  to losers..so i can bet there will be pics  me trying to catch you on those long ones.. work hard,  get ready  for the Saints... They are pretty nasty guys..

he gave her a Fist bump as Megan came  and Gave her one of the T--shirts..her a Lucy had an arm  full od Tshirts for dragons...She  spotted   Heather  and headed towards her..  Lucy gave  Santos and  Tibbs  each one.

 Miggie looked at Adam. Adam had the T-shirt over his shoulder. his sweaty hair, ruined  Lamp  black made him look  like  a warrior. Bronk wasn't really looking for  anyone< Just meandering around Until the proceedings started..he did  have some confetti in his  hair.

 Miggie  stopped, and headed  away from Adam.

Ben trotted out onto the field to shake hands with any Jet who would - and, it must be said, to savour the moment.

They'd done it! Even when it seemed a forgone conclusion, he still was almost surprised that they were indeed going to play in the Superbowl. What football-playing kid didn't dream about that?

In reply to waiting (msg # 6):

Harley nodded, trying to show some sympathy for Masters as he lamented his publicity disaster. After their fist bump, they parted ways and she wandered towards where they were setting up the stage.

 Salcido and  Cruz  had on thier T-shirts, they  were talking to some of  the  Jets O-line..who decided it was ok to stay  and talk

  Duce  and  grooms  talked to Ben, telling him to play as hard against the Saints  as he did the  Jets.

 Coach Sims   and  the Amotas climbed the attacked steps.. as the   cameras  and Light were on  the stage. With Lindsey  and her  Mike.. Collins  moved to stand By the  Hunt  Trophy. for the AFC champions.

 Mik, Mindy  and   Jenny  stood together. Duke  was  with  Miles, Salon, Payne  and Worth..all of the   grinning   and wearing their shirts.

 The PA announcer  called over the   Building's speAttention Please....have your attention directed  at the    scoreboards.. In 10 seconds , the post game show, and  all networks are Going to carry  this   Commerical... you get to see it here  as well.... It is  for  one of the Newr  sponcers for  New Jack  interests..we thing you will Like it. I am Carlton Cross..I congratulate  The New Jack Dragons of their AFC Title!.

 The   screen went to the tail end of the post game show...we will be cutting back to   The Dragon's Lair, after this special commercial break...



 The Commerical  came On..  Lindsey and  Sage  entering the  building    Betty Burger  greeted them..

(( see Msg 39 and on for commerical in "Dragon Studios ))))

Adam  watched  shaking his head  at his entrance.. he did like the  comments  of the  players  and other people  around.. and  when Betty Leaned over  with the raised  eyebrow and   said/... You could have Both".. the people went  nuts , cheering, laughing..groaning  as   Adam's smile grew  and there was no 'on screen' choice  made.

Wheeler  and Lucas    whacked him on the back..That was great!... They'll be sellign those burgers  hand over  fist!
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:13, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

After the stage was all set, Lindsey went up the three steps and walked around to get a feel for it's size. She would have to leave plenty of room for those she called up. She had Bob take some test shots and got some feedback from the network cameraman. Once she found her spot, she scanned the gathering crowd. The Amotas were already there and the Dragons were coming in. There were also people from the Owner's box, family of players and friends. Sage was there, as was Mindy, Jenny, and Bill. Cameras and reporters congregated near the front to get the best view of the stage.

This was a big event, so Lindsey took her cue from the network producer. They needed to be set and ready to broadcast this moment nationwide. While they set up, she went through her head who would come up in what order. The Amotas first, obviously. Then Sims, and then the players. But which players. The usual presentation would bring up two or three, but this moment wasn't usual. The Dragons weren't usual and there were so many who deserved to get a hand on that trophy.

Once the network guys signaled ready, Lindsey nodded then took the mic and nodded to the Amotas before addressing the crowd. The Trophy was already there on a pedestal to her right, and it was show time.

"Hello!" She said into the mic and playing into the cameras. "Hello, New Jack! Hello, America! Hello, World!!" She waited for some cheering to die. "I'm Lindsey Garret and we're here are at the end of the AFC championships for the 2080 NFL football season. I'm pretty sure everyone watching this now already knows this - and the people in front of this stage definitely know this - but tonight the New Jack Dragons faced off against the New York Jets to see who would walk away with this AFC Championship trophy." She picked it up and held it high, then waited for the cheers. "Now, after sixty minutes of play time, and three hours and nine minutes of viewer time, and with a final score of One HUNDRED and thirty-nine to thirty-eight, I can report that the 2080 AFC Champions are the NEW! JACK! DRAGOOOOOOOOOONS!! WWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!"

Holding the trophy with both hands she shook it at the crowd as they cheered.

"Now, obviously, I did not win this." Laughter. "But I've been waiting for this day literally for my whole life. But I'm just a fan. A spectator with a microphone. There was a whole host of amazing people who really made this happen, but first and foremost, this team... this phenomenon... would not exist but for the vision and commitment of it's owners." She looked over at the Amota clan nearby and indicated them with a sweep of her arm. "Orato-san, Nillie, Yuto-san, and Lu-Ti, come up to this stage right now." Lindsey shifted to make sure they all had center stage. She handed Orato the trophy right away.

"When the Amotas wanted to buy this team, they were initially rejected." Booos "Right? There was a pitched battle with the Amotas finally being awarded the Jacksonville Jaguars. But that came with caveats. They would be made an expansion team with last pick of the players. They were jeered and laughed at and told that they didn't know what they were doing." She poke her finger at the trophy to mock the idea of it. The crowd laughed. "But that was all okay, because they had a really good idea of how to do it. It's different than everyone else's idea, but then again, no other team has scored over 1800 points in one season. Orato Amota, you did it. Your vision brought you here to prevail as the new AFC champion team. It's got to be amazing for you. How does this feel?"

"I want to reiterate to everyone that you did this your way, and you were mocked for it. What would you like to say to everyone who thought this couldn't happen?"

"Just keep going. This is your moment, what more do you want to say to the world?"

After Orato spoke and let his family all participate in handling the trophy and say anything they wanted to say, she set the trophy back on the stand - it was too heavy to keep holding - then continued.

"So, part of the Amotas genius was to break the mold. And if you want to make a new team with a new vision, you need a coach that can make that a reality. Bart Sims! Coach come up here!" Lindsey stepped aside for him, handing him the trophy as the crowd cheered. She gave him a big hug.

"Wow, Coach Sims. Congratulations" Cheering. Lindsey applauded. "Yeah! Look what you went and did, Coach. You broke the AFC!" Laughing and cheering. "All that hard work... You have your own way of doing things. I've seen visiting coaches laugh at how the guys were practicing. Tell them all how it is."

"Coach, tell us all, what led you to use the training methods you've employed? How did we all get here?"

"What do you want to say to your team, to the fans, to everyone who's watching?"

"Awesome, and now you're going to the SuperBowl 114. What message do you have for the NFC champions, the New Orleans Saints?"

"Okay, you're mic, Coach, go!"

Coach sims made his statements and then stepped back out of the way.

"Yeah, so those were the Generals. But we haven't yet heard from the warriors. We want to, right?" Cheers and applause

"Okay, then, Let's start with Captains! Duke Fillings, Marques Payne, and Heather Montomery! Woooo, yeah!" The crowd went wild as they made their way up. Lindsey handed the trophy to Duke, then distributed hugs to each.

"Congratulations, guys. Awesome job. So, real quick, down the line, how amazing do you feel right now?" She held the mic for each of them so they could have their hands free to handle the trophy.

"We all feel you. It's awesome for us too. Euphoric. But you guys put in the real work. Duke, man, over seven hundred yards passing in just this game. That's like a whole season for some. The quarterback is a really special position. You're the leader of the offense. You're part of every single play. What was it like out there today?"

"Marques, Chuck Hollen was going for broke, but your defense all but shut them down in the second quarter. You weren't out there for every play, but these guys all answer to you. What do you want to say about your defense?"

"And Heather, you broke so many records last game, and this game your special teams really set the tone for the game. You were making on-side kick after on-side kick. You recovered some yourself too and tackled the runner so many times. And while there are two other women on the team now, you're still the most versatile playing in three positions. Tell us how it was from your perspective."

"So, Duke. Marque... Heather, your mic. Anything else you want to say?"

After they answered, Lindsey applauded. "Okay, so thank you." She waited for them to step out, then continued.

"There are so many play makers here. So many inspirations. But I have to recognize one in particular. He's not a captain, but he's been called the heart and soul of the team. Adam Bronk, come on up here." The cheers went up and so did Adam. She put the trophy in his hands.

"Adam, I think your story's been told plenty. You've been underestimated, you've been disrespected, and you've been maligned. But despite the hate, you have been so pivotal to the success of this team. Yes, you're a wide receiver, and the wildcat QB, but that's not all. You're also the teams primary analyst, spending untold hours studying game films. You're also quite the cheerleader, motivating the team at pep-rallies, in locker room speeches and sometimes even on TV specials. You've worked so hard and sacrificed so much to get here. Tell us how it feels in this moment."

"So, not only do you motivate your team, but you really piss off your opponents." She waited for the laughter to stops. "I know it's part of your game, but tell everyone the how and the why. Why does the Bomb get his opponents so riled up?"

"Okay, Adam, we have to move on. Open mic, what do you want to say?"

"Adam Bronk, thank you." She applauded, accepting the trophy back as he exited the stage.

"As you all know, the New Jack Dragons weren't the fist team in Jacksonville, Florida. Before there be Dragons here, there were Jaguars. Those of us who grew up here will tell you how miserable it was to see losing season after losing season. I've sat in these stands for almost every home game since I was an infant in my mother's arms. Three generations of my family all coming season after season, hoping that any one of them would be ours. Well now that season has finally arrived and three generations of Garrets were in these stands tonight. They could have been in the Owner's box but they wanted to be in their seats. The one's listed on the season tickets they've held for over fifty years. And while it was terrible for us, there were players out here doing the best. When the Dragons took over, it was a new team. However, not all of the old Jags left. We still have four, and it just wouldn't be fair if they didn't both get their moment on this stage and with this trophy. So, Norton Miles, Tom Sloane, Byron Worth and Marques Payne, let's do this." Lindsey handed the trophy to Miles when he got into position and gave them all big squeezy hugs.

"Om my God, Guys. I feel like we're family. All those years of the blood sweat and tears - a lot of tears - and now, finally, the AFC Championship. Your Dragons now, but you still carry the spirit and pride of the Jaguars for all of Jacksonville. Norton. This has to be special for you. Tell us about it."

"Tom. Your turn. How do you feel after all those bad old days?"

"Byron? Give us your thoughts."

"Marques, I know you were already up here, but from a Jags perspective, what's it like to finally place the flag on the hill?"

"Okay guys, the networks hate me right now. Each of you, say anything you want." She held the mic for each of them then applauded them off the stage.

"Unfortunately, we don't have forever up here. Otherwise, I'd have every single Dragon, the cheeleaders and the trainers. They all deserve to be recognized. We all know the big play makers, like Ben Hope, and Mik San-Guigerre. But a team requires everyone. The backs, the receivers, the linemen. If one person isn't doing their job, the team fails. It makes me sad that I can't have every one of you heroes up here. But what I can do is lead a cheer for you. So, let's all hear it for the 2080. AFC CHAMPIONS. The NEW JACK DRAGONS!"

After the cheers died, Lindsey waved Coach Sims back over to give him the trophy and then led claps until the feed cut.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

 The Amotas  came  Up  Smiling  Orato  with his  eyes   squinted   as his grin was  big  and  He   Held up the Hunt Torphy , Crowd cheered  and He   Handed it to  Nillie.. LU-TI would be next , then Yuto.

 Orato  Spoke..His   Eyes   glistened , his shoulders    square  and chest swelled.  We...were   Indeed...deemed..unworthy  to  have a franchise..// What people do not know..we had  another team..The Amotas Tigers in the Japanese  Industrial league...we still own that team..and it is still doing well..Bart Sims  coached that  team... for two years.. we went  from last  to first..and the second year..won the Title..Coach Sims   won title  in DIII playoffs..and he  came in 2nd  to Mellon College of New Your..Yuto..and   Adam's team. I learned  football ,,I liked to watch  foot ball.. ..After  some  meetings, Dinners and Golf outings  with   owners.. we managed to  get the franchise..Yuto  and Myself  came up with a way.. to have affordable contracts, but still  award our players...We Hired  Bart Sims..despite  dozens of head coaches  and   others. who waved their NFL pedigree..we did not
 want Stale coaching. We   wanted   those  with Insight and aggression, and discipline .  I...do not care...we...do not care..how other teams are run... This is.....he holds up  both arms...NEW JACK!!!  Roars  from the   crowd  and the players.

Sims  Came up the stair  had his  championship  T-shirt on. Sims hold hup the Trophy.. and grins.

.....

 He looks at the trophy and Places it on the Stand.. Everywhere I coached , i was laughed at.. I didn't have the backround..I didn't have the skills..You mention those who laughed at out practices.. But one thing everyone , in any league i coached it has  in common...They Laugh  before the game..I get to laugh after.  People cheered.

 The training? Its part and parcel of out contracts..You have to  earn every dollar you make..But you wil be paid, for every dollar you make...and  the double layer on bonuses  for team and  player goals reached.... Everyone players.. some get more reps them others. but everyone is ready to go.. we sent a person home  early in the game..didn't miss him one  bit, the other   guys   just stepped up..and he was forgotten

 The hard work  since May.. players    coming in and going out... most folks don't know  we had  two other lady Kickers in here,, and two Lady QBs.. we got rid of out DC.. and  Put Cal where he should have been since August...  As you have  seen Lindsey.. The whole Dragon team got us here

 My message to  The Saints?   Well to Caoch  Lavis Wask?.. This hardware is Nice..but its not the one  we want.. we want that taller  silver one!

 for his last shout out.Just  want everyone out there to know.... this is   just  year one..of the Dragon's  reign..we got alot  to improve on..and by god..we're coming back  better next year!  The  crowd   roared....

.....

 Duke  held the   Trophy up  he nodded and  grinned  at the cheers.well.Linds? Its great. You go back to preseason, there were only a couple of us who  were ready for  Caoch Sims relentless pressures  for  all of us, to be good athletes.. Line  men lost 40-50 pounds? but they were faster, , stronger   and Stamina   was Improved.. we got  some  folks who seem addicted  to  the program,,and can run all day.. But , This ..This here is special... I was  3rd team for San Diego.. i was practice  squad  for the Rams... i was 'a camp arm"  for the eagles...But Coach told me..AFTER...i signed the Dragon contract.That
 people were going to  fight ..ME..for the spot..not that i was fighting for the spot..he more or less  told me it was ,mine if  i could hold onto it....I told My wife that..she cried  for an hour  because she knew what that meant to me...I played  anywhere from 2 1/2
 quarters, to 3  quarters..yeah? I lead the  league  in every category  except Picks! That's because i have  great coaching, and great gys  around  me..I have  great players on Defense
 who get us the ball.. and most important.. we..as a team..got to thank  New JAck for believing in us...For My shout Out... to my Wife..WE Did it Baby!..pack for Miami!

..

   Payne's eyes  glistened   as he looked   at all the fans in the  sands.. they were  all  stacked up at the  lower  end.First. Linds.. Its not My defense..its..OUR..defesne... Its Cal's  defense.. its  NEW JACK'S  DEFENSE!!  cheers   and Hollars.I am embarrassed , bit having one of the guys from my side of the ball, try to ruin the season..but  we  took care of that fast.. we  are a force..and  we'll be even Hungrier in 2 weeks!

..

Heather  speaks  here...

....

 Adam  came  Up,  shirt still over his shoulder, come confetti  still in his hair. he looked at the trophy  and  Nodded and  Grinned. then held it  up.. a group of   fans  somewhere shouted..ADDDAAMMMM BOMB!

  He smiled,looked at Linds and nodded his head.   This.. this  if  Fullfiling .. I'm Happy.. I am proud  out  Death  reached this goal..but.. we still have one more to go!  fans  and Players  cheered.

 There was a smile on his  face, a sheepish look at Collins   then out at the cameras  , players  and fans.. Playing street ball..everyone  wanted me on thier side? got  to  middle school. no one wanted me there.. Coaches  gave me a break..but i'd  come home..no one to talk to..right? One day..i went to My Buddy Lou's diner.. His Mon. Toni Manol.. she's  tough..she kept 'her boys' i  check.... I was whining one time..having some one who would  listen..and  she  just laughd at me..I was hurt for a moment , but she  said.. 'You go on and Keep proving to  everyone, you belong.. that's what make you...you...'

 he choked a bit ..Then she said... " but you make damn well everyone  else there..proves they belong there."...it hit me..like this big spotlight..and boy did i ever  use it..everyone.on every team..found that out... but i took it a step further...Its not My guys  who have to prove they belong here.. its every damn player I play against...and Brother.. when i find out you don't belong..i will run  you into the ground....I don't put up with guys shooting their  mouths off, because i go right back after them..The difference is.. I'll prove it on the field..haven't seen anyone   prove it to me..so? New Orleans..
 I hear you are the Big Bad in the NFC..well.. you ain't playing in the   NFC next week..

 SHout Out  to Toni..Lou, Nick,LaVeille.and Hermie at the Nickle In Dime..East Side!

  he put the  trophy down  and   went down the  stairs.  Mik and Payne  Gave him a Bro hug  Kane Lifted him  up and put him back down

.........

 Norton was   wet eyed.  he held the Trophy  up...This is so  great..My wife and I talked  about this being my last year..but that's on hold  now. The is NEW JACK..no more hiding to go get a burger..no more having your wife  come home from grocery shopping , crying because of things  people said to her. be cause  hher  husband  only won a game or two a year..Like everyone  said..This is  just starting! cheers and roars..

..

Sloan  held the   Hunt award..I  ahven't enjoyed   football Until  I played   for Caoch Sims.. I though Mini came  was going to kill ..but  it  didn't..and now  I'm faster , and quicker  then the guys who light up in front of  me.... Its a New Fotbal world..and it was born...right here..in New Jack!  more cheers.

...

Worth grinned as he held the Award..we deserve this..we really do.. us 4..paid our dues,,and the rest of the team  saw what its like for  the other Guys   to laugh at us...well... they are never laughing  at Half  time..and   in the 4th quarter they are  crying..and?  I LOVE IT!!!  everyone cheered..

..

 Payne nodded to  everyone again,I'll say this.. we got a solid group, and  we might lose some  to FA time.. But the Guys who stay..we all know how we  got here..so any one comign in..better  step the hell up!

  The  show was over.. Colins  shook everyone's hands


people stopped to get selfies , mostly with other guys  families. Jill ran over and Got Adam  to sign the football.

 there Sceens  showed  Artie  and  Tim... the Networks  are staying with is  another   15 Minutes... But Please..Look to the    North Gate...

  there was a dragon  green ,2081 Chevy Brushcrusher Truck..( of course the green could have beet  jet color, depending how you looked at it)

a very Hot looking young   lady got of  the  truck in  white  out  pants  and a crop top that  had 'Chevy' on it.. she pranced her  way  to the Stage, she  handed the  fob to  Collins and   a sealed   paper.


 Commissioner  Collins.. please  break the seal on the  letter..... After  we  received the input from NBC GAme Day studio people, Our  Votes,,and of Course  Jill from the NFL network.. we will see   the MVP of the AFC Title game...

The Commissioner opened it ..he  nodded  with a smile  and  said..He looked over the   Players, some who were still signing things...other looking about   waiting for his call. he announced...

 The Winner  of   the 2081 Brushcrusher Truck, as  MVP of the AFC  Championship games.. Is..................Harley Donovan.. he was..high scorer,, leading receiver   in both yards  and  Catches  and  had  stand out plays on special teams.. Harley..Come get your Fob!

Dragons    yelled  her  name and  cheered.. Adam  clapped  and Nodded to her.. cruz and Salcido   patted her on the back

 Heather had found Cindy signed her ball and gave her a big hug, then hugged her mom then she was called to the stage. Heather went up with the Captains, she gave Lindsy a big hug, and when it was her turn to talk she said," Well Lindsey it was amazing, I love playing with teammates that give everything, except for the fing traitor he is gone. Coach Fry says, we have to put the special into special teams, we play hard and hit hard and it is awesome. Yes I got a few recoveries so did other Dragons, this was a team win on all three levels, I am so glad to be a Dragon." Heather screamed and jumped and put on her AFC Championship jersey on stage. She gave Lindsey another hug then went down off the stage and find her mom and Cindy and her family.

 When the truck came out and the Collins announced Harley the MVP she jumped for joy and gave Harley a big hug before she went up to the stage.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:54, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

Ben stood in the crowd watching and cheering everyone who went on the stage. Even his beloved Lu-Ti got her hands on the trophy!

 Adam   Looked  for Sage, as    Yuto and  Sims told  everyone  to head to the Locker  Room for thier own..private  celebration.

 Collins  and  Sonny Smith  were permitted to come.Mindy, Jenny and Jill ( and  echo Boll)  would be permitted.. as well as Bob  doing  any feeds  that  Mindy and Lindsey  would  want to use , as well as Jill and One  Camera  person.. Sims  nixed  any post game pressers..and  Penall did the same for his people...

Wheeler  waited   to see Lindsey   and the dragonettes  , as a  unit  and all the  support people as well  the horde moved to the  Locker  room....

Ben paused for a last look around the stadium before heading off to the locker rooms.

Then he spotted his dad, Warren, Byron, and Natalie, and made his way through the crowd to greet them. His father shook his hand, the cousins patted his shoulders, and Natalie might have kissed him only he still had his helmet on and the face cage got in the way!

"Come on, you're family. I'm sure you can come into the locker room..."

Harley had Cruz help her get her t-shirt on over her pads just before the trophy show started. Even though she was new to the Dragons, it was an electric moment and couldn't help but feel a big swell of pride for the team and her teammates. They were all amazing athletes and competitors and she was honored to be among them. After Lindsey concluded it, she was ready to go back to the locker room. She's been in those pads for over three hours. Her hair was looking like blonde clumps of seaweed and the exertion of the game was starting to slowly creep in. Trying to get a head start on the rush, she turned toward the tunnel, but Cruz grabbed her pads and pulled her back. Everyone was staying, but it wasn't clear to her why.

On the big screens above, Artie appeared and directed everyone to look toward the North gate. With a bit of a roar, in came a huge Chevy Bushcrusher in the same color green as their jerseys. The gorgeous truck came in and stopped nearby under the lights. Harley wondered if this was an after-game show or another commercial. Whichever it was, a pretty blonde chick hopped out with an envelope, which she rushed over to give to the NFL Commissioner. After the commissioner took the stage, Artie asked him to open the envelope and read out the name of the MVP. Hmm. She didn't know there would be an MVP.

Collins opened the envelope. He made a big show of announcing that the winner would receive the truck along with the honor, then paused to ratchet up the suspense. Harley was guessing Adam, or maybe Duke. They always gave these things to the big names, and Adam was the really the star of the show as far as she was concerned. But, it wasn't Adam or Duke.

Harley Donovan? Wait. That was her!

Harley stood stunned, not quite able to process what was happening. She knew she put in a good performance. Damn good, considering she only expected to go in for a couple plays. But apparently she was the high scorer and the leading receiver in the game. How did that happen? She would have to figure that out later, because the crowd was chanting her name. Adan gave her a nod, and Cruz and Crunch about shoved her forward. Taking the clue, Harley ran up to the stage and stood beside Collins who handed her the fob and the letter.

"Wow!" She smiled at Collins and then the crowd. She was familiar with the spotlight bit this caught her totally off guard.  "Thank you.... wow. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I had no idea there even was an MVP award." Some laughs. "Yeah, this is amazing. Wow. Okay well... it was a fantastic game. Really. An amazing experience. And I have to thank Yuto for literally drafting me, and giving me his old number. And Coach Sims agreed to let me play this game. But mostly, this isn't just mine. Adam, Mik, and Heather pulled me aside and worked my ass off. They taught me to play professional football in a week. They trained me and believed in me. There is absolutely no way I could have done this without them. So, guys, It's still my truck, but I'll let you drive it." Laughter. "Except Adam. He can't drive it unless I get to drive his Lambo." More laughs. "But wow. This is an amazing honor, Thank you commissioner." Harley shook his hand and exited the stage smiling and holding up the fob.

"WWWhooooooooooooooh!!"

After the game, Sage followed down to the sidelines, with Rob, Lina and Maria. Even though the game went about how she imagined, they were all feeling excited from the big win. The sidelines and field were alive with activity with players and press all trying to talk to each other. She was looking for Adam of course, but it was hard to find anyone in the constant moving around. By the time she caught a glimpse of him, he was at the stage where Lindsey was just starting the trophy presentation. The crowd around the stage filled in so fat, though, she couldn't get to him.

Lindsey put on a fun show, as always. She was good at that, so Sage and her friends were all entertained during the presentation. Then there was the MVP award, which went to Harley. Harley looked thrilled, but also surprised. It was fun to watch her be more like the mere mortals. Once that was done, the crowd dissolved and Sage spotted Adam exactly where she last saw him. She led the Oaks to cut him off as floated out with the crowd.

"Adam!" Sage bounced over, jumping int a hug and kiss when she reached him. "Oh my God you're sweaty." She scruffed his hair, sending sweat droplets flying in all directions. "Good game. You guys killed it, as usual. It was super exciting. You prize pupil really shocked everyone. Maybe it's time for you to consider coaching."

"Oh, I have a job for you." She slid down and let Rob and Lina in. "You have to sign Lina's football. You can sign mine at home."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Tue 05 Dec 2023.

 Adam   squeezed Sage  and   Fretted    Rob, Lina  and Maria.., shaking their hands.I'm glad you guys  made it out!..Hope you enjoyed it.. Its  out   last game  .. we wil have  1  ..maybe  two home preseason games..

 he  looked  at Sage , giving her  rear a pat.Harley  had the tool? Just had to show  her  how to use them.. and being on this team?  she learned the  value of  team work and what a diffferance it  can make.

 Signing  Lina's  football, "  To a good  life, just starting... Lina  , Robba and Maria "..he sighed his name   with  the #19 and  some  swirls under it. with 'AFC Title Game Touchdown ball"


 Jill Hustled  over  when  she saw  Adam and Sage , leading Rob and the ladi8es to the Tunnel.. Rob  just  kept looking around , marveling at the Double  dragons on the South scrobard... the score  was  still up...and  would most likely be up all night.

 Hey Bronk!... Sign  mine  before  you vanish into thin air!  he chuckled and took  the  football after  Draping his T-shirt over  Sage's shoulders.

 Sage, this  must be exciting  for you. Not only are you a home town Girl, but you're part of  all this...

Adam signed it, like he did before 'AFC Title Game  Touch down ball..  Jill... Keep rooting   for the dragons, it shows you know your stuff!!" then his  name  with the #19 and swirls.

 the  Group started  walking,  Jill Cam Guy offered him a  Hand..I'm Jed.. I'm Jill's  #1 Cam Guy

   Nice to meet you  Jed.. Cam guys  are important. Lindsey has  Bob

 Robb speaks up..what is  happening now?  mr  bronk..

He looked over his  shoulder...MR ??.. Geez  Rob... its Adam....as the saying goes.. I work for a Living. Now? we're going in the locker room... The Amotas and Coach Sims  will say stuff, we'll have a  little  party.....Cpach will  tell us when we have to  start practice.. want  everyone  came today that is  close to  Team to come in.. You guys
 are  close to Sage...Sage is close to me.. so? you get to have a  little  Title Game party. Tomorrow  will be the  Big one  at the Rising Son..You Guys should come if you are up to it...

 You gonna be there  , Jill?

 you have to ask!.. I'm milking this  for all i can.. I have to go back to new York   Tuesday, but   i already have it set  to  com back Thursday and Cover  The  Dragon side of   Superbowl prep.

Babs, as her  wont.. popped up next to Sage like a  Jill-in-the-box, Hi!.. Miss  Sinclair.. I have to tell you..  Adam is  great!...He treats  us like players, instead of   trainers.. he  gave me a gift card for those  jewerly guys!..   I'm going there tomorrow  to pick something out. she offered her hand to Sage...I'm Babs , By the way..she you inside..  she rushed  off   carrying   two  tackle boxed of   tape and
first aid  supplies.

when she was out of  Earshot, Jill said..you gave Benning's   card  to a trainer!

 yeah?  why now..she works  hard..too damn hard...the fact that it  was  Bennings  card , make it all the better.

After the trophy presentation, Lindsey exited the stage for the MVP award. It came as no shock that Harley won, but when they listed her stats, it was clear that she was exactly the right pick. And she got a truck out of it too. Not bad for her first week in football. Not bad at all. Once the shows broke up, she chased Harley down. There had to be a post game interview.

"Hey Harley. Hang on a moment" She ran up when Harley stopped and turned around. "Thanks for giving me a moment."

"So, hey, I think I got you first. You may not realize it yet, but you're going to be very popular in the next couple weeks, but more on the in a bit. First. Big congratulations on your win and your MVP. I hear you needed a car. Problem solved, right?"

"Oh yeah" Harley laughed, holding up the key fob for her new Chevy. "I don't know how they knew I liked trucks, but that's a beauty."

"It's gorgeous. It really is. So, wow. Let's start with the game though. When you dressed out, did you have any idea that you'd be the leading scorer, the leading receiver, and dominate in the special teams?"

"Oh my God. No. Not at all. I figured that get most of my play time in the kick offs and I really expected that I'd only go in some of the time. I was training as a receiver, but I was at best hoping for a few plays later in the game after the Dragons were well ahead. For the most part I saw myself as second string in the wildcat. But they put me in early. We worked on that double reverse play in practice, and I guess Coach Sims wanted to try it out. It worked and all of a sudden I had a touchdown. Then they kept sending me. I mean, I wasn't going to say no. The plays just kept coming. To be honest, I wasn't thinking too hard about it. I just kept trying my best not to make any mistakes."

"And good job there. You didn't make a single one. You caught every pass, never fumbled and never got a penalty. No big plays were made by the Jets because of you either. For the most part, you were as reliable as any other seasoned player. And that is just so amazing. How do you feel about it?"

"Me? I'm on cloud nine. Adam told me that there was no feeling in the world better than hearing those fans cheering for you. I've been around excited fans before, but he was right. This was different. It was like I was their hero and I couldn't let them down. It was so inspiring."

"Speaking of inspiring, tell how you got here. I told a version of it earlier, but walk us through how all this happened."

"Oh sure. I was up in the stands watching the practice and saw them hitting those sleds. I was like, that looks like fun, and I wanted to try it. So later, we were at dinner with the Dragon Studios crew. Adam was there with Sage and mentioned it to him. The next day, he had me in full pads and working on football basics. How to hit. How to tackle. How to carry the ball. We did the sled, we went through this gauntlet of heavy bags. It was a full on practice. Then they put me in a scrimmage as a receiver and I scored. So after that, Adam and I are walking into the tunnel and there's Sims, Yuto, and Duke. They were talking about putting me in a real game. I knew it was some kind of publicity stunt, but I was like, hell ya. Let's do it. I went to the meetings, I went out for practice and they kept running me as a receiver. At some point Yuto said, that it was no linger a publicity stunt."

"So, to be clear, you literally practiced for a week and came out here to win MVP against the #2 team in the AFC? Do you realize how inspirational that is for every boy and girl that have hopes of putting on a Jersey?"

"I didn't until you just said it, but that's really cool."

"So, this is a sideline interview and you have to get back, so only a couple more questions. You're 5'7" and I know we don't like giving numbers on our weight, but 140lbs? The animations depicted you as the mini dragon. What was it like with all those huge guys trying to hit you?"

"You may have noticed I tried really hard to not let them. And when I couldn't avoid it, it hurt. I'm a stunt woman. I've fallen off buildings, crashed cars, been hit by trucks. I've taken a pounding, but these guys? They hit really hard and they weren't holding back. Crumb launched me a few times, and being at the bottom of a thousand pound pile of football players is punishing. I have tricks for how to take it. If not for those, I'd be a bag of broken bones right now."

"But gave some back too. You broke tackles, made tackles and even flipped Miggie Masters over your back like he was just a nuisance."

"Like I said, I have moves. Some from stunts and some from martial arts. I had to think on my feet every second and even still.... well, there's a hot tub with my name on it for all day tomorrow."

"Okay, last one and you can go. I'm giving you an open mic. What do you want to say to the viewers."

"Oh wow. It's been an amazing day. I have to thank the coaches and of course Adam, and Heather and Mik. Mom, Dad, I love you. I hope you're proud. And I can't wait to do this again"

"Awesome, well you'll get your chance in the Superbowl, Harley. thanks for your time."


Lindsey called cut/.

"Good job Chica." She gave the blonde a hug. "I have to say, I was skeptical, but you really kicked some ass out there."

"Thanks, Lindsey" Harley nodded.

"Well I think you're expected in the locker room. I'll walk with you."

Lindsey and Harley to Locker room

In reply to Adam (the bomb)Bronk (msg # 19):

Sage wiggled her butt at Adams pat, then hung on his arm while he signed touchdown balls. Jill was especially chatty. and her camera guy made sure to introduce himself. None of that was a problem. She understood fully how fans could be.

As they walked in to the tunnels, the infamous Babs popped up and introduced herself. The girl was eager to say how well Adam treated her and how great he was. It was nice to know he was easy to work with, but there might have been some extra admiration in there. Sage smiled and shook her hand, perking up to talk about the jewelers.

"We went last night, here let me show you what I got" She brought up her phone and showed pictures of herself modeling the jewelry. "All those pieces together were more than the ten thousand, but we made a deal with the manager. Hey, if you want, I'll go with you... unless you have a boyfriend or someone else who can go with you."

Babs seemed stoked, but obviously had somewhere to be as she raced ahead. "She's adorable."

As they walked back into the tunnel, Sage held on to Adam's arm. "Looks like I have a new t-shirt to sleep in" She popped a mischievous look over to Lina

"So, Jill, you're staying? Did you tell Lindsey? She loves to hang out with the visiting reporters who are nice."

To Locker rooms

((  wedensday practice   after   AFC Title))

    People watched, some were Bored. other  took  notes  as if they had  an exam. A 'newer' Guy  watched  and  kept  shaking his head. He looked  around  As  Minday and Lindsey  took  their  seats.

   look? I know  i'm new here?  But this  can't be a team that is  going to play in the superbowl?..Running, 'skill drills".. look at the receivers? that's stuff you run in mini-camp!  One of our other  reporters  are in   New Orleans  right now...They practiced  Monday..they are   working on their Game plan. This  doesn't make  sense....  They still have  that  little  Girl out there?  they still have Bronk as the back up?  Id  Duke goes down, that kid  can't lead   the offense  ..

 my god..this is the superbowl... The Saints feel   this  Game  is owed to them!

  Echo   Bill  was watching the practice.. now  and then nodding at things he saw...he said, Dryly ,look? Buddy? they are  18-0.. and they also won the  3 preseason games.. you want to talk about  Destiny? what  about Bronk  being the 'closer'..and this  is game  #19

 his  hand  pointed over his  head, like  an Egyptian , towards  Mindy and   Lindsey..yo9u want to know about the Dragons..ask them..otherwise..keep quiet, real reporters  are working here...

Maggie   gave a  slight  chuckle  at that.

 The  reporter looked to Mins and Linds

just as Lindsey and Mindy were taking their seats, one of the guest reporters was there making dumb statements. Really dumb statements. Bill set him straight on the realities, but he must have wanted more of a rebuke.

"Hi there. What's your name?" Lindsey never liked to be mean. This guy just needed some direction.

"Yeah, so first, you're a reporter, right? I assume you must be new, so let me help. Your job is to ask questions. The Dragons are the story, not you. We've had no end of so-called reporters, commentators, NFL officials, coaches and players come through here and say all the same things you just said. Obviously, they were all wrong, since the Dragons keep winning. And not just winning, but putting over a hundred points on the board every game. you'd think that maybe you would have thought about that before talking."

"If you want to be a good reporter, what you should be doing is asking questions. Like: if the dragons are focusing on skill drills, then how are they making that work? Or, why is it that Coach Sims isn't out there developing new plays? If you ask, you get answers. So, let me help you with that last one. In case you haven't been watching, the Dragon's don't really change their plays from game to game. They might make minor adjustments here and there, but they basically use the same play book. Could the Saints exploit that? They could, if their players were skilled enough and fit enough. Relying on plays alone is like resorting to stunts. Stunts don't work if your individual players are getting beat in their positions. Skill drills."

"As for your ridiculous remarks about Harley and Adam? That little girl won the MVP award in the AFC championship game. Not because she showed up but because she received for the most yards and scored the most touchdowns. Do you think the Jets just let her do that? And Adam is no kid. He's led the offense in the last quarter of every game. Could he do it an entire game? Of course he can. His stats playing one quarter of every game are better than the starters of almost any other quarterback. Go ahead and underestimate him, but you'd think that by now everyone would know better."

"When it comes to the Dragons, just forget what you think you know. Pay attention to what's happening, and if you see things that raise a question, ask it. Don't assume you know better, because you have no idea."

  The   Man looked at   Lindsey. Of  course he knew  who Lindsey and Mindy were...but he  was still a bit ruffled.My Name is Rock Harden...I  write the  ESPN Magazine section   called  'Rock's Hard Lines " he Looked  at them..  Mindy  shrugge d and crossed on  leg ver the other  as she leaned a bit..

  Sorry?  I don't  read the Magazine Unless there are Dragons on the cover..i  have  5 of them  at our apartment?.... 3  Have   Bronk on the Cover, One has  Hope, and the lastest one  as Donovan?... i did  pick up two others, that had   stories on  Duke  and  Mik?....they had  The jets  and Bengal's  on the cover...bad  choice  by them..but  hey?  I  a talking head, what  do i know?

 The way   i see it, the dragon's get out  ahead... the  'hang a hundred crap, ' gets into players  heads, and they push too hard, and the game gets a way...Then? the   Dragons, who...if you  forgive  me..show  no sportsmanship or remorse, and  keep pounding ...alot of their starters in the whole game...

 Bill   leans  back,You sure   your  real first name isn't ....Richard?

Bob  and Mindy laughed..


Rock  waved to the  field 2 days off?..I can almost see  having Mondy.... but  Tuesday is a travel day, and Wednesday is the media  thing  with   the  Entertainment crap... so the  dragons , no matter  what they do, will be  down  by two practice  days... I heard the Saints are going to Practice   Tuesday Morning, before  coming  in...

"Okay, Rock. So, I guess I'm not understanding what it is you're doing here. If you know it all, why bother? I mean, if it was that easy, why wouldn't the other teams do it? How is it that they 'get out ahead'? Magic? Dumb luck? Are the rest of these professional teams so weak minded that they can't come back? You seem to think there's some magic trick here. The Dragons out play their opponents. Period. If you'd watch the games you'd see that. And yes, they're merciless and remorseless when it comes to winning. Is that a lack of sportsmanship? I don't know. But it's funny how you pic and choose what sportsmanship is. How about the late hits, and the personal fouls that the Saints are so proud of. Is that a lack of sportsmanship? Call it all what you want, but at the end of the game, the Dragons will be accepting the Superbowl trophy."

Lindsey got a giggle from Bill's joke, but kept it to a smirk. The smirk persisted through Rock's next bit of analysis.

"Yeap. They'll have a couple less days of practice behind them. But they have an 18-0 record too, and they aren't changing their game plan. If you were smart, you'd simply report that and not make any predictions based on it."

Roch shook his head. he seemed to be almost disgusted.This  can't be for real...right? I can't believe  i was sent her to watch this stuff...

  Bill   wrote somethig on his Note Pad.. he held it up without lookign back all it said  was  "18-0"

Mindy Giggled...do not be  so  'HArden' on yourself,  you are not the first  person to not understand  real football... slipping her  arm around Lindsey's shoulder.Not  every one  can understand the game as we  do!

Rock got  a dark look as Bob  couldn't stop  Laughing after seeing what Echo  Bill  wrote. The   irate  reporter  said,yeah? well.. I  don't sleep with football players...

 Mindy's  left eyebrow  rose..

Lindsey rolled her eyes. Rock's attitude was beyond stubborn. It was just plain stupid. Bill's note said what needed to be said, and Mindy's cheeky response was about appropriate considering how ridiculous the guy was being. He didn't find the humor in it, lashing out with a nasty comment.

"Yeah, well, maybe you should try it. Maybe it would loosen you up."

   Rock  snorted, I'll take that  as the Voice of  experiance... he looked over  to Jenny..what about you?  Jenny shrugged  and her  eyebrows  went up and  down.

  aw  for god's  sake... I suppose you two  did as well..   He said to  Bob abd Bill... Bob  just  flipped him off  as he laughed.. Bill said...not yet... Heather  keeps playing hard to get...

   Rock rolled his eyes as he looked to Maggie.. Maggie  gave him a soft smile,please... you think i  got  on all those  Committies  just because of used to be pretty?

   Jill  came Bouncing   over..hey guys!.. I got upa bit  early, I'll ride over with  Mindy..

Rock  looked at her. ahhh...Miss James!.... we were bantering here,  do you know  about  football because  you  slept  with  football players..

 Jill stopped, sorta  shocked at the  question...well?  I mean.. I'm  25?  there's  been a few football players...and sadly some  i haven't  been close to ? Why? If you're  eager I could Call Nate, maybe there is a saints  player that would  give  you a ....head to head..Interview?

   Christ!,,isn't anyone here  professional?

 Jill  shook her head,nope?  as  far  as i know, none of us get paid  for it...all  merely pleasure..we  use them for thier bodies...

 Bill looked up...Is there..like...a list i can get on?

  Rock got up   and  moved off... Jill called after him..You get a call from a  Bayou Number..answer it!

 Jenny was giggling..

 Bill said  ..seariously..about that list

Lindsey followed Rock's hard-hitting inquiry with a big grin. He was seriously such a dork, and not particularly bright. After a realizing he wasn't going to find an ally, he got frustrated and moved off. "And people actually read that guy's stuff?" She shook her head, giggling.

"There's a list, Bill, but I think there's only one player on the team that likes guys."

  Bill shook his head,Dammit!... I should have worked for the Cowboys... if ever there are people  hiding something  its them!

  Practice  was getting near the  end, the 'extra  field time', it would appear, was being used to Run the scrimmage.

   Bil shook his head, as he said quietly,that's not our stuff.. that's their  stuff...

"Yeah, it makes sense right? The meeting today was all about what they found in the films. They're probably practicing based on that."

 Bill nodded,Sims is using his starters   for   the 'scout team ".. not everyone here will pick that up, I'm sure..

 Jenny pointed..why  is Cal  yelling at Bronk? isn't Bronk supposed  to catch the ball?..look like he made a damn good  read..

 he's not supposed  to  make reads, he's supposed to be  a Saint...

  They here.." 4th and   5! " and   the  play  started.

    when  Adam  and  the 2nd team began their  drive, they  eked  out first down. but... only have to  face  3rd  down  twice.  As they   tried to  get the  3-4.. and failed on the  Option play for Harley  , Rock  could be heard  laughing..

 How did they get this  far?.. my god!

 Bob shook his head, he   was rooting for the offense..because the defense was the  Saints .

 Bill seemed  realxed  as he  took notices .

 Mindy said...well? its  a pressure kick?.. its good practice  for heather..right?

Lindsey rolled her eyes at Rock. It was clear he was there just looking to affirm his own bias.

"Well, yeah, it's good practice. I mean, insofar as making or not making a single kick in practice matters. This is all fine. The defense is the Saints defense as far as lineup, but its still Dragons on the field. "

   People  were  gathering their things to make their way to the track for some   quick sound  Bytes.

 Bill never  moved   as  they watched the FG  team line  up..  The  sounds of surprised  protests  from the  sideline  as  Adam  back peddled  , Lobbing the ball like a lake free throw. best managed to  turn and  run, he got there  late  , but  'tabbed her   down at the 10.

   Sims  could be  heard to shout to the  Offense to get back on the field.. the   'visitors'  were Buzzing   some   talking into Cells   others  throwing up their hands

 Bob   nudged   Bill...You knew they would Fake it!

Bill   chuckled as he  stood... Klay  ran for  6 yards... Bing shouted  a challenege  to Adam  who relied  before calling the play in the huddle.I Knew   Bronk would fake it. He's  not  taking a Tie...

 Jill was grinning. LookingOMG.. I got that on  my Cell..i was  goign to use that for the closing   pic for tonights  segemtn i have to Zoom in... at   Linds  and Mins,

 Rock stood up, waving arms   to se who he had  picked up  as  'followers'What did that Prove?  The  2ns  team scrubs   , faked out the other 2nd team scrubs... what did  that prove,  It was  quitting  time, any other team in the league  would  have  kicked and quit..

 Bill...in an unaccustomedly stern voice  Snapped out..HEY!... Pencil Neck! Think of those  last words  your said...

 Jenny was already half way  down the stairs  , she was  giggling the  whole way.

The  Ball was snapped  for  3rd  and goal.

  When the  Dragons  scored..  Bill looked  Smugly  at  Rock, who didn't even pretend to go  down to the field. but headed  down the stands to the gates

 Jenny was  standing on the   track,  as she   waved to the team  as they  came over to start their  runs and she  headed to the gates  as well.

 Mindy  have  Lindsey a rub on the back..Jill and I are Going to go, start out  set up  for the spot  with  The saints guys If you're coming  we can drive at the same time..Jenny got a head start, she has  some more   info to print out , if it came in.

After the score, Lindsey gave Mindy a high five. Well, it was more of a mid-level five, but no less a victory celebration. Yes, it was just practice, and the team was supposed to make plays, but after Rock's dumb-ass comments, it still tasted very sweet.

The team was starting their run, and some reporters were heading down to get sound. Mindy and Jill had to go to the studio to get ready, but Lindsey had one last thing to do before she followed. "I'll be right behind you. I want to go get some thoughts from Bart and Cal first." She stood, gathering her bag. "It won't take long. There's something I have to tell you, but not here. Remind me when we get to the studio."

Looking back, she waved over her cameraman. "Come on, Bob."

Heading down to the field, Lindsey walked around and past a cluster of reporters waiting at the edge of the track. Sims was in a huddle with Cal and Fry. Stopping a few feet away, she waited until they were done, then broke in.

"Coaches, can I get a few comments about the practice today?" After their nods, she got closer, then waited for Bob to set up. "To save time, I'll just get you all at once, if that's okay."

"So, this is was the first practice coming off a big win for the AFC title. How do you think it went?"

"You guys took two days off. Some commentators have suggested that would put you behind the Saints who didn't take any time off. Do you think that two days hurt you in any way?"

"I noticed that you were using the Saints' defense out there for some of the run throughs. How do you think your offense responded to that?"

"There were a couple changes I noticed. Bronk go more time as QB, and Harley was out there throwing as well. Are these things we should look forward to seeing more of?"

"Is there anything about the Saints you plan on preparing for in the days to come?"

"Do you have any other comments or thoughts about how you're going to prepare in the next two weeks?"

After the responses, Lindsey thanked the coaches and went on to the gate.

To NJN

  Sims  and  Bart  Smiled  at Lindsey, then  nodded  a  grin to  Bob as  well as  they  set themselves for the    questions.

  I deal alot with the  Offense, and stick my nose in on Defense  just to get on Cal's   nerves... both men chuckled, This  was a   'looser' practice  as  we  tried out some things  we  wanted to try...all in all i thing it went  well...

 Cal   shook his head with a  small smile,Except for that  Fake  Field Goal... I guess there is  more then one reason  to call him  'wildcat'...but he saw something, Heather  delivered... I'll tell you what?.. We learn fast, that won't happen again, no mater which team  tries it. I thing both side got  some  questions  answered

....

   Bart   chuckled   again, looking up into the stands  as if he   might find , those who said the Dragons  would be behind.Well, Linds You've been around here  since... December? You have seen our practices.. i  make sure  i get out allotted time in pads...  when  we  practice in shorts   or sweats.. pads   and head gear is always worn. Our  People..even those  who are injured , are in better shape then most other teams starters..but?  there is time  for rest..right?

 Cal  added,  To Some  teams, commentators  and all that, it might seem  like  we  had  too long of a rest?  One guy who isn't here  anylonger  , said it himself... but, he wasn't here  since  May , like most of the guys. Our Coaches, players  and Staff, had couple  days to   celebrate. yeah?  they could relax  if they wanted, but if you had  come into the Lair, you would have saw guys  running, throwing, lifting, swimming, All that. The  Dragons rarely sign idiots..and  if we do, they don't  stay long

 Lets put it this  way, Linds... in   the  wars going  back  to  wooden Planes..all the way up to now..  people could  fire  weapons  at  the enemy, the  barrels  would   get hot, and  start to deform, making the weapon  less reliable... Then you have to replace   the barrel in the heat of battle... You let it  cool down.. you can go again...  So?  those  days   we  had   off?  You can bet , guys  were doing something, and  , doing homework..Me?  i question teams  who make  their players 'over work', and you can Tell, by how they struggle in some games... Lets  face it..As  Dragons, we are here to win, and make the fans happy with us...a 'down game' for us, would be scoring 99 points!  Both men laughed  again. They seemed very at ease.

...........

    Sims  gave   Linds , one  of 'those' smiles,well..Linds... we used  thier  defense to  see  what we  could do to it...Quite frankly, i don't know  if we'll do that  many more times?... If  we're Going to do that, I'll ask a local highschool team to scrimmage us..

 Cal picked dup on it   right away,and you saw  the offesne?   i mean.. bronk had  to dummy hismelf  down  runnign that.  If you put bronk, in that offesne. they would score  3 more TDs  a game....but...  he chickled and Looked at  Bart who starte d laughing   as  Cal added,They'd have to put up with  Bronk on their  team, gods  only know  who long thier IR list would be!

.....

  Sims Motioned  to Cal....Yeah..well..  Bronk  can handle  running  an offense  like that, I wouldn't  want  Duke to pick up bad Habits..we  added  some things to make it  fun.....we  ran some other Teams offenses   a few time, that wasn't too bad...this offense... I dunno?  They best hope  it doesn't  rain... there's is no way that team is playing  catch up football.Now Harley?  She has alot of ground to make up, so she'll be  doing some extra  things.  trick plays are  part of that, even if we don't use them, its a fun way to keep everyone focused.

 Call Nodded  and gave a  shrug...My People   Just beat people up...

.........

 Planning  will be  going on  until kickoff..  we  barely  peeked at the films  and  found an open book,  we'll just figure out   what  will naturally  fall into our laps, and  then  focus on the other  things

 Cal then  said a bit Coldly, as he looked into the Camera.Let me address the  elephant in the Stadium... The Saints   think they are the 'big  bad'..they aren't.. maybe in the  NFC  South.. but  we are the NFL's  Big Bad... you can print that People  get jacked up   when they  cheap shot us... cores   roll down  hill like a Swiss avalanche ,and... we flat out  don't  care how  they feel about it.. So?  If  I was the Saints.. I'd  try to keep quiet until game day, and try to get out  of Hardrock Stadium  with some dignity left.

....

 these next  12 days. will be  full of  hard work... we will practice  Sunday and Monday, since Tuesday is a travel day, and Wednesday  is that circus  , media thing... But there isn't one of is who has ever participated in a Superbowl, so we are going to have   fun and get ready

(( Thursday before Lunch))

  Jenny was seen talking to Babs, and she  scampered up the  steps to  sit  with Mindy  and Jill., Mindy waved  Lindsey over. Babs  said the Team  cut special teams again, to get 20 m0re minute son the field... they'll be going to Lunch in about 15 minutes.

 Jill   looked  around and waved  at some reporters who  waved  at her.Do they  cut  Meetings  often?

From Gym

When Lindsey made it out to the stands, she went over to Mindy as her friend waved her over. She nodded to the update on the team's change in schedule then took a seat, glancing at Jill as her only acknowledgment. She was still pissed at the NFL presenter, but she couldn't let personal feelings interfere with professional courtesy. When Jill asked about the change, Lindsey answered as if nothing was wrong.

"No. Not too often. I'm only in the general meeting, but so far it doesn't sound like Sims will be doing anything different. They're making some adjustments based on the Saints play style, but there are no big changes or surprises."

  Jill  had a  smile as she  looked out over the  Field,Nate  asked me  what the Dragons  seemed to be  keying on?  I couldn't  answer him..First? I don't want to?  2nd?   I didn't know.. I spent  a week with  the Past, before their Playoff  game with the jets?..  Thier  oach had  them   running  plays ,  5, 6  times in a row? .. Nate   says   the  D-Line  is working  on.  'Getting Duke  off the  field early'... I sorta don't like that.

 I..um...Told him.." the Dragons have sacrificed  meeting time, for  field  time"..let him take it from there. I mean? This isn't My home town, But I adopted the Dragons   as my favorite Team in late August  when i saw  how the  Preseason  game  went..Its  truly  something different . You add to it the Cast of  Characters  the Dragons have... No one  has  a Smokey, or a Heather, or  a Harley?.. Other  teams want a Duke, and Ben or
 a Payne,, and I have Never  seen a Bronk!... its a good thing   too...People draw lines.. they hate them , or love them, so each game is an emotional  high..or low..

 Mindy   nodded all out  players   are special.... she giggles as she adds,Just some are more  noisy!

a Big smile crossed Jill's  face  as she  eyes shifted to  Mindy and Lindsey.That's  for sure!!.. I mean ..Steele... Hall.. that other  guy   that was suspended. There are Guys  like that  everywhere, jerks, quitters, some of them just plain envious . It a shame, in a few weeks , regardless of the Superbowl out come, some of these players  won' be here, and  other  will come in It will be  something to watch, to see if  Sims  can  make the new   Guys  get with the program?</DarkBlue

 well? Lindsey has the  edge on me there.. She was Cindy's  'jenny'...at the start. But  I would  that  any FA's  or Draft picks have to get pass  Sims and Yuto  with the face to face  contract talks...

  Jill got  a  dark  look on her  face.. the  smile  shortened to  'almost gone". <DarkBlue>yeah?  well, Cindy  is damn lucky she doesn't work for the NFL  Network. There  was  an 'industrial espionage ' incident involving her... never  made the press because of   'gag orders'..the general feeling   was,  You guess still beat the Colts and the Titans, even with the New Guy's   fumbled  kick  for a TD?that was under investigation my the League Detectives... if  yiou would have lost that game. he  might have  been under more  scrutiny ..

"Sims builds teams." Lindsey observed. "They scout for talent and potential, but also for personality. They have to fit in and be able to work together. Not everyone turns out how they first appear. I mean, that's to be expected, right? They put on their best face, but then who they really are is eventually revealed. Sometimes they're what you thought, but sometimes they're almost strangers. I've seen it. It's not always bad, but sometimes you get some real vipers." Her eyes drifted over to Jill. "It takes time to know who you're working next to."

"Last year, Sims was under the gun to put together a team. He had some Jaguars hold overs, and he drafted some. Some were good like Hope and Wheeler, but he also got Steele. This year I think, he can afford to be more picky and take more time. I don't imagine that many players leaving. I mean, some might surprise me but they have it good here. Honestly, a lot of these guys wouldn't do as well under different coaching."

Lindsey looked over. "What happened with Cindy? I was wondering why we hadn't heard much about her lately."

  Jill  bit he r Lip a bit, liking away  from the field , since nothing was going on, she moved  down one  Row  to be closer.Ok? I know  I am   'NFL  Network"  so we get treated   better and all that... Nate   is like a Diva  except in Buffalo , he'll brown nose  them so much, they neve r need  enemas... but..  You guys have been really nice  and I love it down here...and We  all like  watching  a few of these guys more then the others... but..i'm getting off track.

 Turn out , The  Cindy  was 'pushed  upstairs' to get her  way from The dragons.. i was  found  that   she was hooking u0p with Steele, but...it seems  Streele  was  steel chasing  around  Minors and shut...so..they   'sent the Gumshoes' on his trail..  Some  girls,  The Amotas  threw  money  at their parents, and they agreed  not  to press charges.. and those  girls won't  pay a penny   for their college if they choose to go...

 Becaus e still like  to ..how can i say this....um...walk  in forests that no one  every walked in before..Th NFL   had him watched...and the NFL caught him...Yuto  and Orato   had to deal with that..and their   fuse  was  getting close to the end... that blew up when he had that car  wreck with  the two 16 year olds... Steele  was angry, he  felt  that  guys like Adam  and Mik  were getting away with Murder. and he was being abused... so..when he  was suspended.. he ran to Cindy, who..if  the  rumors  are true, was always   ready and willing for him.... She didn't like that Steele  was suspended.. and they hatched a plan... he turned over his playbook  to Cindy who gave it to the  Equipment  guys  Colts and the Titans..  you may as well give  Nuke  Codes   to Russia? You' get in less trouble!

 now... the equipment  guys  are gone..fired. They have a gag order, if they break it..its  prison time...Steele is already suspended for the  wreck thing,  so the league  is   not saying  anything.. Cindy?  is doing Late  Nights  in Bristol ..she has  a gag order  and she isn't permitted to  be  in any state the Dragons are currently  in. Now , The Colts  HC and   The Titans  HC... they had  been found with copies of the play book in their  desks. The League  waited to see  if the dragons would beat the Colts  and the titans..and they  did..crushed them both..that gave   both franchises  a reason to  fire their HCs .

  Looking at Lindsey and  Mindy..Jenny was listening    like  it was a course in college.I was hear..  for  minicamp and the first week of  camp.. I loved  what  i saw goig on.. Th fire.. Players busting thier  ass to run 20 yards from one  station to the next.. Cindy seemed   bummed out that she was  stuck with an 'expansion team"... I didn't see here  again, until The Giants Game, she was  upset,  the  Old  NJN wasn;t hapy with her, so she  said, she  had a plan to get even... Lindsey,,was supposed to take he rplace  when she got 'kicked up stairs'..she didn't count on Lindsey  fitting  in... She didn't Count  on  Mindy  escaping Nashvilie..which..EW!..Good for you mins

 why didn't i hear any of this?

 The   Titan owners didn't  want you  to know?  and ..well.. you were going to be let go after the Season...when you  stood up and lashed dout on national TV  with Lindsey..that gave them an excuse to   chase you out. Cindy is fighting hard to be in Miami for the Superbowl, Sims
 said Not, So Yuto said   no...since yuto said  No , orato said  no... if she shows  up..  she'l be  on   the firdt patrol car  to   an airp[ort or
 jail, it will be her  choice..now? if she breaks th aga order..well.. she may as well making   resumes  for Clown Burger..

As Lindsey listened, her eyes got wider, and her jaw dropped lower. She knew Cindy was hot for Steele, and that she wasn't an Adam fan, but she couldn't believe that she would do all that. "No, she didn't. Oh, my God." She was aghast at what she was hearing. "I don't even know what to say." And she didn't.

"Mindy? Help me."

 Mindy   shook her head and Shrugged.I met  Cindy at the Combine..me her, the ,then beats  for the Colts  and Texans, as  we did  some  'Divisional ' looks at the  guys  going through their  paces.,, She  flat out  told   us, That 'none of these guys  are  going to play  for a Rookie coach who never  had  time in the NFL...

 she giggled  as she   ran her hands   though her   hair , letting the Breeze  take it..and I am way hotter then her, so she didn't like me.. another Giggle.But hey? we have seen alot of messed up crap going  on in the  league this  year.. doesn't surprise  me a bit.

 Jill agreed Don't know how  she got the Job... some say she  had somehting  on your old  Boss at NJN... some say  she   just rode the   Tude steak unitl she reached  her goal..no one knows.. I don't care, because  , where she is now, she's  lucky  they don't make her  fill the Coffee machines  so its ready for the 'Real' Reporters in the Morning.

"She was the beat for the Jags." Lindsey added. "She's also the one who gave me my shot at the Dragons by accepting me as her assistant. I really felt like I owed her a life debt. Of course, right after that she would contact me to get in my face about my treatment of Jim Steele. I wonder if she knew how badly he wanted to get me in bed. Then she started advocating for Linda and Lana. I was already done with her, but then I found out that EG was just as responsible for me getting into this spot than she was. He had his own designs on me. But this. This make some kind of sense that maybe the two colluded with different agendas."

"Well, fuck her. If there's such a thing as karma, EG's rotting in Hell as we speak. Cindy, I think, would make a great coffee barista. And Mindy, you're more than hotter than her. It should be a crime to even compare you. The Titans were idiots. It seems a lot of people these days don't fully realize the value of the good things in their lives."

"Anyway, it's time for Lunch. We should get in there so we can eat before the guys come out."

To Den (End Flex)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Sun 17 Mar.

From Den

Lindsey and Mindy made it up to the stands on the Home side and took their usual seats. She noticed the Olympians in the stands, making this practice a bit different in terms of an event. Olympians had been there before, but she didn't want to think about the last time. It was a horrible day. Hopefully this one would be better.

  Maggie  Points...,,Isn't  that.. Yuto Amota    with a helmet on? what is he doing?

    Jenny   perked  up  and Looked, waving to Bob and Pointing... Bob , was on the track, waved  back and started to with his   way to  get some films of a GM running pass patterns.

  Maggie looked to  Linsey and  Mindy , Jil was standing  near them waving  for one of her people to get some film. Maggie asked,What ever  is, Yuto doing ?

"Yuto used to be a receiver at Melon in New York" Lindsey replied "I'm not sure why he's out there now, but maybe the extra guests here today have something to do with it"

  Mindy watched  the   receivers  and Back got through their   rough.. there were two cycles, one from the left. one from the right.. 10  passes  from   Duke... 5 from Adam, 5  from heather.

  Bill says Those    enemy writers some to be taking alot of Pics of heather throwing

"Well if nothing else, Heather is an interesting subject. She's beautiful and looks graceful on the field. But maybe also they think they can learn something from that for the game. She has been fooling everyone with those fake kicks, and she did throw some touchdowns."

  After  Bill  Called the Gate...Teams have their  own 'in house  rules"... enemy  press can take  still shots, but no  Vid  film. There isn't  , normally, a problem  here, but that influx  of  Nosey folks  over there says  , Those  two aren't real reporters.... Cops will check their  press  passes, and they'll get kicked   out... if the press passes  where  forged , they migh be look at  jail time

  Mindy shook her  head.. we don't  even send  people   to other places..of Course  ESPN and NFL , as well as the Nationals  for  CBS, NBC and Fux? have people.  we get reports from them.

 Jill chimes in,we  have to be  Vetted... Us   people on the shows  get in pretty easy, and out people can take Vids.. but  we  can only   Focus  on  one  player  or two..that way   other   people can't use  them like  game  films

 Bill watches the players taking a break...even with  out  Vid  film? Those two will be on their cells talking about   Harley throwing? You think Sims will do that?

  The  7-0n-7  was started   with the  back 8 of the   defense  and the  'skils' of the offense.

    Sims stood on the sidelines  as  if  it  were a game, sending in players either one  for one, all the way to the 5 at a time.

 Bill  looked   across the way, watching the  Reporters on the  sided0oesn't matte r what they  do here...next week  from thursday  to  saturday  is  when the Real Plays  will be shown..and? there is a damn good chanc e Sims will use what he is showing now..no one will know.  Thrusday  Day until game  day , next week is  closed to all but the Team's media...

 And   The  NFL  Channell... Jill added.

 yeah? but if  anything leaks.. everyone will know right where it  came from and your cred  will be shot.

Mindy grinned..youlose Cred...no one  trusts you...

"And it won't matter anyway. Sims will show dozens of plays, and a lot of them start off exactly the same. There were two plays in a row with Harley lined up doing exactly the same thing. One she blocked, one she received. If they bring over the DBs to cover, that opens Bronk or Hope on the other side, who are both bigger threats."

"Did you see the way Harley faked out Wade? That was as nice a touchdown as they come. Bitch is fearless."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Wed 20 Mar.

 Maggie   took a  few   steps Down, she  was  close to Jill, and   slightly about   Lindsey and   Mindy.alright...  I have been doing this type of thing  for  years... all season  Long   Sims,  some of his  ..um.. louder..players, they were like a   army of  crusaders . Bashing the establishment,  and  not   apologizing   for ..well?  Anything 

 now? You have the Saints.. they   are the Bad  Boys  of the   NFC  , at  least.. and they seem to be  taking  a back seat to this pregame set up... I saw  Bronk's take  Down of Star on Jill and Nate's  show..... he  just  stepped up,  and slashed  away, you could swear he had  a  sword  as he sliced them up...  Sims   has  made comments  of. " we wish we  could  have faced a better  foe"...  Look?   I know  I am Old school..but    , Christ!.. they are Not  only giving them Bulletin Board   stuff.. they are walking  in  and Tacking in up  on the wall!.

 Bill looked  back..Jets  guys who won their superbowl the very first time the AFL beat the NFL?  His  Coach was going crazy  that he shot his Mouth of.. The  Coach said, " that's going to be on their Bulletin  board..you know that!..   That Joe  Guy  just said, " Coach, id they need that to beat us..we won already.

 Mindy  said ...Adam said, when he was  in school, he spent alot of time in the Library ,, he  studied  sports, war,, all kinds of things , because he got to be in a warm place... anyway.. He said  one  ancient  General said ' you take the weapon from the enemy, and use it against him'...Can the Saints  be themselves, if they are not the Bad  Guys?

 everyone looed ay Linsey.. Jill smiled,well?

"Hey. The Saints' badboy shtick isn't going to have the punch. They're already back on their heels. Between the head2head and Cici running out crying, and the fact that no one that matters actually believes they can win, they're looking more and more like charlatans. And I think they feel it too."

"I think they're going to be louder than ever in the next few days to convince themselves that they're who they think they are. It's like the bully who tries to impress everyone with bluster and boasts, but no matter how loudly they say it, they don't actually feel it. So, no. They can't be themselves. They're going to have to become a caricature of what they want people to see. It'll feel fake, even to them. They'll already be playing from a disadvantage."

   some of the  'home town ' folks   in the stands  got excited by some of the places   during the  7on7.

  Sims   is  making them work, without  making it look , like they are working..all that running  back and forth,  on and off the field, theyn they have to make plays yet... I bet there isn[t another team in the league that could do that, this time of the season..

 Maggie   nodded... there can be only one... she Grinned

 Jill added.Linds  and Mindy would know ...but to me?  the way the NFL  has its playoffs... You only get one chance,in each post  season game.... Win or Go home.... one week to get ready for the next team... injuries from  hits   given and taken... you get one extra week  before the  Supers... dragons   did get a bye week for  being the #1  seed..but..here it is..the Superbowl... sometimes  its  not  'the winner"...its  the Survivor

"These guys aren't just survivors." Lindsey shrugged, sipping a coffee. "There are some injuries, yeah. I think Bright was just taken out of practice. But Mostly, everyone out there is doing great. I don't see many of them slowing down. The Saints are a different story. A lot of them are coming back from injuries and aren't all there. Now they're going to overcompensate by trying to be the big bad. But I guess they'll have a few months to lick their wounds after."

 Mindy   nodded  as she   watched    Sims  call  for the  scrimmage  and laid   down the  'new  rules"  for this   scrimmage.Mik hurt his  knee  early in the  year.. he thought this  might be  his last year..But he's been  pushing hard... he might be better now, then before he was   hurt... You ever  see   Adam without a shirt on..there are like  4  weeks of bruises there.. all colors, you can almost tell the oldest from the  Newest...  Tracy   is still made about him playing with a broken  ribs or two..she can't say anything, because Adam  never  reported being hurt, so they can't act on it  , unless they ha d to 'escort him from the field'. He's  all better  now..According  to Sage, it hasn't slowed him down.

 Maggie  shook her  head  with a wan smile ,The Energizer  Bunny  From Hell.. some of the  other  writers  call him.

 Bill shook his head,all those   guys?..  the  O-line  and   Deep line  look   like alien leopards   , all those black and  Blue  marks  on their  arms    and  legs. Those  Guys  are better  men then I am...

 Jill Giggled,or maybe you are  smarter?

Bill smiled  at that,yeah? well.. i don't   make  6-7 figures and  i don't have people interviewing me..

"There's a difference between hurt and injured" Lindsey added, remembering something Adam said

 Jill snaped  her  fingers  and pointed  at Lindsey...That's the  Football answer..You can Tell the  Football writers   from any other  sport.. i remember, years and years  ago, they had  'fun facts"... there was a baseball player  who  got put on the   7 day disabled list, be caus ehe   cut his  tone  on a cornflake   by his bed..

Bill laughed,I  don't  feel so bad  now.. There is no way that pitcher was getting laid, if he was eating cereal in bed...

 how did you know he was a pitcher?

 no other  position   in sports is that much of a wuss..

   The scrimmage over..  Sims  had to show off his toys... this time it would be  Bomb and Bombshell, letting folks  see , just h9ow fat Adam  might be..and how deep speed  was in the  Reiver's  room
.. As Adam  took off , alot of the   'home folks"  stood, watching the  ball carry over his   right shoudlr, , His  jump,  catch.. and struggle to stay in bunds was rewards  as Hiko  raised his hands for the touchdown...

  Harley was  racing  down her Side line now, as   heather let the ball go

Once the scrimmage was over, Lindsey gathered her things. "Sorry gang. I have to go. I'm headed to filming of the BKB commercial part two. Wish me luck." As she hurried to the gate, she noticed Adam and Harley lining up for passes. She wasn't sure how many times they might do that, but they both had to go to the same place she did. Whatever happened, she could ask later.


To Sage: On my Way now

Sage was already at the studio, so if there was a hang up, she could tell everyone she was on the way


To Dragon Studio

(( friday Morning  before practice ))

 Jill say  with Jenny, Bob, Bill and Maggie

 So... is there going to be a watch party for the Dragons, for awards night  tomorrow  in  New York... The Commissioner  is a tad  u7pset that all the Dragons    decided to  stay home, , Duke  says   its  in protest, for some of the Voting?..but the people I see? They all earned it.

 Bill  leans back so his head can see Jill and Jenny,here is the deal?  If  The  awards  were Honest, The Dragons would take almost all of them....But the NFL can't  do that? because no one would watch... so there are some people that they'll  let side because  they are vets..some  newer  guys  because they are marketable...  Ben Hope  will  get alot of the  hardware... Bronk should get his share..but he won't.. a couple other of  our guts won't, Just  the way it  is.. they'll  screw some of out guys over, Just to appease  the also rans.

 wait? are you impling these awards are fixed?

 no? They just don't  care  about the Numbers... over the   years it sorta  works out..but they do let  certain players get an award  they don't  deserve because the league needs  that player to get exposure , or maybe shine  some light on a franchise... They never  did that with Us... Payne  and worth should have been on the allstar  team every  year, should have got DPOY... Miles and Sloan should have been in the running  for offense-line?..no one cared?..now were are almost on top the mountain, they ignore  ....certain.. players, because of  the league not wanting to have  New Jack as the Face of the NFL

 well?  i want a watch party  with Dragons  and their  wives and such... get their reactions when the announcements  are made.

 well?  when  Yuto comes out. you can ask him, ortherwise it doesn't get done

From Den

Lindsey went out to the stands with Mindy to watch the practices. It all looked pretty standard other than a few of the players definitely showing some fatigue from the party.

 as the watched  from the sidelines, Bill caught it  right away...They cahncged the auibles!  ,,, QB is  calling  routes  now..or it seems like it. before it  was hand signals ...now they should be on the same page, once everyone gets in the flow?

Mindy...nodded  thoughtfully.. that's save s time on calling the  routes, and should be safer, then the players, just making reads?

Bill says,dpendng on how may  seconds they save, and how  quick they score..they just made the  game longer..

Lindsey listened "The important thing is that this is completely new. They won't have a way of deciphering it in game. I mean they can use the audible every time, but there's no way to know if it's being used or a distraction. That makes it a distraction every time because it increases the uncertainty. The Saints will want to make something of it every time, but they can't."

 Bill has a grin as he gives his head a  shake. Sims is dangerous..he's always thinking..he's one a of a msall hanful of guys  we have , that i wouldn't  want to  Have as an enemy!

 Mindy   nods, her  chin rested  on her  left hand, she  tapped her teeth with a little finger..Media  day is going to be a nightmare, or hellish fun.

 Jill  piped  up... It seems...to me , anyway... that  Sims, is trying to take  the Saints  out of the Narritive?  They have to  fight  for  Press time, when they  should be underseige, Like you guys  are,,,,

 They watched the  plays  unfold..  trick plays, deep throws and a 'faster -then-before' Tempo game.

 Jill watched   shaking her  head  as the  watched the flow of the  offense.You know?  Stations outside of New Jack are paying NJNs  for  vids  and pics  from the Dragon practice... They laugh a bit  about the Dragons... 1,..they  say Duke is so good because he hardly played  for 5 years, and now  only plays a half of a game...2.. They say Bronk couldn't make it anywhere  else,  Sims brought him in, Ther Amotas's  keep him in...3.. The defense  looks like a Chinese firedrill, and they should have kept the old guy at DC..

  Bill looks back,What does  Jill say...

 They  lay out their arguments  , quite well. But all i have to come back with is.." well? 18-0 right now"

"Those people are saying those things to be provocative. They're just playing to a base of people who desperately wish the Dragons weren't as good as they are. None of that matters.  It's not even worth addressing."

As the practice ended, Lindsey realized it was time to have her discussions. She waited while the players all ran their end miles, waiting to see who might be finished first. Once the run started, it was obviously going to be Wade. He was tearing around the track as an amazing pace. It was almost like Adam. She was amazed he could keep that pace the whole way, but at the end it was clear that it took a toll. Prince was still only half way through when Wade finished. When she saw Wade approaching the tunnel, she went down to the field to meet him.

To Practices