yeah, it was needed. that original before the split is still pretty girthy (ayo) but this flows better. I do got a game post in the oven so it's not completely a teaseChillcavern wrote: ↑11 Jul 2025, 12:35You are so committed to formatting this just right lol you really did end up splitting this update, didn’t you?
Still though, that was a good splitting point - and I can already see that it does flow better this way
Run To The Sun
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11551
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Run To The Sun
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11551
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Run To The Sun
Miles Cunningham crosses up an Irvington player en route to an opening kickoff touchdown
Sleepy Hollow Blasts Irvington, 49–24, Behind Cunningham and Pryor
SLEEPY HOLLOW —From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, the Sleepy Hollow Horsemen imposed their will on visiting Irvington in a 49–24 rout on Saturday, improving to 4–1 with another emphatic display of offensive firepower and physicality in the trenches.
Senior Miles Cunningham ignited the blowout early, returning the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown just 12 seconds into the game. The explosive return set the tone for a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, as Sleepy Hollow rolled up 452 rushing yards and never looked back.
“Once Miles broke that first one, it felt like we were off to the races,” said quarterback Chase Pryor. “Everybody fed off that energy.”
After a quick three-and-out by the defense, Pryor followed Cunningham’s lead by ripping off a 74-yard touchdown run on the second play of Sleepy Hollow’s opening possession, putting the Horsemen up 14–0 before some fans had even found their seats.
The offensive line — anchored by Johnny Doughty, Connor Winston, and Wyatt Nester — dominated the point of attack all afternoon, repeatedly clearing lanes so wide “you could drive the Irvington team bus through them,” as one assistant coach put it. Their push allowed Sleepy Hollow’s backfield trio to run wild against a helpless Irvington front.
Zeke Tamm muscled into the end zone from one yard out midway through the second quarter, and Pryor added his second touchdown just minutes later with a 57-yard scamper to stretch the lead to 28–0. Irvington’s only response in the half was a 47-yard field goal by Isaiah Boone just before halftime — their first play on the Horsemen’s side of the 50 all game.
Sleepy Hollow’s offense continued its onslaught in the third quarter. Tamm broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run, and after Irvington managed a short touchdown pass to close the gap slightly, the Horsemen went back to their bag of tricks.
Facing a third-and-medium near midfield, offensive coordinator Dan Hughes called a gadget play that caught everyone off guard: Jon Stokke took a pitch on a reverse and lofted a pass to Chase Pryor, who had slipped out into the left flat. Pryor hauled in the reception and darted upfield for a first down — drawing a roar from the home crowd. It was Sleepy Hollow's lone pass attempt in the game.
“That was a fun one,” Pryor said with a grin. “Coach Hughes has had that in his pocket for a while. We’ve been waiting for the right moment.”
Moments later, Cunningham broke through again, this time slicing through the Irvington defense for a 53-yard touchdown, making it 42–10 heading into the final quarter.
Pryor would cap his day with a 3-yard touchdown run early in the fourth — his third rushing score — before Coach Robert Ella pulled his starters and emptied the bench. Irvington, which kept most of its first-stringers on the field, tacked on a pair of late touchdowns against the reserves to close the gap.
“I don’t care what the scoreboard says — up that much, you get your young guys in,” Ella said, visibly frustrated after the game. “It’s called having some class. We took our foot off the gas. I guess they thought they were going to score 40 points in one quarter.”
Even with the softened fourth-quarter finish, the Horsemen’s numbers were staggering:
Miles Cunningham: 14 carries, 175 yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 kick return TD
Chase Pryor: 10 carries, 164 yards, 3 rushing TDs, 1 reception on trick play
Zeke Tamm: 11 carries, 105 yards, 2 rushing TDs
It marked the third straight game Sleepy Hollow eclipsed 400 rushing yards, as the offensive line continues to gel into one of the most punishing units in Section 1 Class B.
“This is who we are now,” Ella said. “Tough, physical, together. That’s how we’re going to keep winning.”
The Horsemen (4–1) close out their regular season next week on the road against Pelham Memorial (2–5), with the top playoff seed within reach.
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The JZA
- Posts: 9078
- Joined: 07 Dec 2018, 13:10
Run To The Sun
The defender: They can see me?
What type of Wheaties these boys eating to rack up these numbers?
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11551
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Run To The Sun
I’ve been on both sides of games like that. Offense feels unstoppable (and is) and the defense contemplates retiring at halftime.
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11551
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Run To The Sun
Chase sat at his locker, tugging at the tape around his wrists and peeling it off one strip at a time. No rush. No sense of urgency as he basked in the moment.
The air in the Sleepy Hollow locker room was lighter than usual—full of satisfied exhale instead of exhausted gasps. The Horsemen had just polished off Pelham Memorial with little resistance, and for once, Chase didn’t feel like he’d been run over by a freight train.
He rotated his shoulder and stretched his legs out in front of him. No limp. No ice pack. No new scrapes or bruises. Just a light buzz of soreness—the good kind.
“I feel like I could play another game, barely took a hit out there.” he said as he stood and bounced around on his toes like a boxer.
“Clean one today, huh? Barely any stains on that jersey number two.” Connor grinned from a few lockers down, untying his cleats.
“Yeah,” Chase said, nodding. “Didn’t even need a hot bath this time, you guys made it easy on us out there.” He nodded toward the linesmen.
Connor chuckled and tossed a balled-up sock at him. “Or maybe you’re finally getting the hang of what it means to be a quarterback. 'I'm too pretty to get hit.'” he mocked.
Chase smirked and squared up jokingly. “Don't make me kick your ass!”
He clapped Connor on the shoulder then extended a fist to Johnny, Wyatt and the rest of the group of linesmen that were still peeling off gear.
“Good shit fellas, appreciate y'all.” He said as he scooped up his duffel bag and headed for the locker room door.
As he stepped out into the cool autumn air he rubbed his hands together and flipped up the hood of his Horsemen hoodie.
He started to walk briskly away from the locker room but paused just outside the door, looking back at the field and taking it all in.
He thought back to something Coach Ella had said in practice a few days ago.
“A lot of you don't have many game days left. Soak them in.”
Outside, the parking lot was beginning to fill with families, players, and friends.
A few younger kids with a small football chased each other around the flagpole, still caught up in the energy of the win.
Chase was halfway to his mom’s car when he spotted a man approaching from the side lot, notebook in hand, a small camera slung over one shoulder. He was older, probably in his late 30s, wearing a navy windbreaker with a golden bear paw on the chest. He looked important.
“You Chase Pryor?” the man called out, his voice carrying just enough authority to cut through the postgame noise.
Chase slowed, his mind racing for a second before he managed an answer
“Yeah.”
“Great game tonight,” the man said, extending a hand. “I’m Eric Williams. I coach running backs at Kutztown University. I’ve been tracking a few Section 1 teams this season and wanted to get a look at you in person.”
Chase hesitated then shook his hand, caught slightly off guard.
“Thanks. I didn’t realize anyone was here watching.”
Williams smiled. “Well, you made it worth the trip. That option game you’re running—it’s tough to defend. But more than the stats, I liked your decisions. Quick, clean, smart. That one where you pulled late and hit the sideline? Textbook.”
Chase scratched the back of his neck. “Appreciate it. I've been lucky to have Coach Ella and great teammates.”
“I love that answer, shows a real team-first attitude.”
Chase nodded.
“We run a more traditional offense, but we might have a place for you in the backfield if you’re interested. Nothing official—just something to think about.” Williams continued.
“I was actually a runingback before. In Maine. Before I moved here and coach moved me to QB.”
Williams raised an eyebrow. “Makes sense. You’ve got the instincts for it. We'd love to stay in touch.”
Williams held out his card. Chase took it and looked at it like it was much more than just a business card.
“Yeah,” Chase said slowly. “That’d be cool. I mean, I hadn’t really thought about… after this year.”
“Well, you should,” Williams said. “You’ve got something, Chase. Good luck the rest of the season.”
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Williams turned and disappeared into the crowd. Chase stood there for a moment longer, processing. A college recruiter. For him.
His parents had headed home right after the game, leaving him with just his thoughts on the short drive home. He kept his music off and daydreamed about being a football player for longer than he'd ever imagined he would be.
He pulled into their driveway and put the Yukon in park. He shut off the engine and reached for the card again. He turned it over in his hands a few times, careful not to bend it like the card itself held some value.
---
Chase kicked off his sneakers, hung up his bag and stepped into the kitchen, still clutching the Kutztown coach’s business card between two fingers like it might disappear if he put it down.
His mom stood at the sink rinsing vegetables, and his dad sat at the table, glasses low on his nose as he flipped through a news article on his tablet.
Some band from the 90s played low on the Bluetooth speaker on the kitchen island.
“Great game tonight honey!” His mom asked, turning her head slightly in his direction as she reached for a cutting board and knife.
“Thanks...” He trailed off, obviously distracted.
His dad looked up from his tablet, noticing Chase's tone. He watched for a second, trying to read his son's expression.
“What's up?” He asked.
Chase didn't answer, still lost in his thoughts, still staring at the card.
“Chase?” His dad asked, a bit louder, as he put down his tablet.
“Oh. Sorry.” He replied, finally looking up.
“I uh...I kinda got recruited tonight. Sort of.” He held the card up like he needed proof.
His mom set the knife down on the cutting board and wiped her hands, turning toward Chase and giving him her full attention.
“Recruited?” She asked, her tone curious but not incredulous.
“Yeah. A coach from Kutztown came to the game,” Chase said, sliding the card across the table toward his dad. “He talked to me afterward. Said they run a more traditional offense but might have a spot for me as a running back.”
His dad picked up the card and turned it over. “Division II. Pennsylvania. I think I’ve heard of them.”
His mom clapped her hands together silently and leaned on the counter. “So… what do you think?”
Chase exhaled.
“I don’t know,” He admitted, pausing to think about the answer.
“It kind of caught me off guard honestly. I didn’t think anyone would be watching a Sleepy Hollow game, let alone talk to me after.”
His mom smiled and shook her head. “That’s amazing, Chase. You’ve worked your tail off this year. You're playing so well. You're winning. So someone noticing isn't a surprise to me.”
His dad nodded. “It’s a foot in the door. Being able to keep playing organized sports beyond high school is an option the majority of people never have. And if it leads to a scholarship—or even just an opportunity—we should look into it.”
“I’ve been reading about them already,” Chase said, holding up his phone and then swiping the screen open. “It’s a small school but seems solid. Really good team, good coaching, good school. I think I could fit there. I’d miss playing quarterback, though.”
His dad stood up. “You’ve done a hell of a job learning how to be a leader and leading that team, even coming in as the new guy. I have seen the way those guys look to you. That’s not going away just because you switch positions.”
His mom crossed the room and gave him a quick squeeze around the shoulders. “Whether it’s running back, quarterback, kicker—I don’t care. If you want to keep playing, we’re behind you.”
Chase let the weight of it sink in. Not pressure. Support. A door he hadn’t even realized was open was now cracked—and maybe, just maybe, it could lead somewhere bigger.
---
He'd tossed and turned for hours, mind too active to allow sleep. He glanced at the time on his phone and sighed, rolling over to his back and staring at the ceiling.
He’d pulled up the Kutztown website what seemed like a hundred times, browsing through the football page, then the academics, virtual tours of the campus and then back to football again.
Running back.
He thought about that—the shift back to a position that used to feel like second nature. He'd been a runningback since the first time he put cleats and flags on when he was five.
Watching the blocks develop in front of him and hitting the hole just right for a big gain was a thrill every time.
But quarterback had become part of his identity now. The responsibility, the leadership, the control of the huddle… he’d grown into it. He liked being the one everyone looked to. He liked the weight.
Still, if it meant continuing to play, getting an education—he could adjust.
He closed his eyes and pictured himself in Kutztown's maroon and gold.
His mind slowed.
---
The next morning, Chase dropped into Coach Ella’s office during second period, clutching a pass from his study hall teacher.
Ella looked up from his laptop and smiled. “I was wondering when you’d swing by.”
“Yeah uhh... a guy, a recruiter, from Kutztown caught me after the game,” Chase said. “Said they might have a spot for me. At running back.”
Ella folded the laptop screen halfway shut and leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. “And how do you feel about that?”
“I don’t know,” Chase admitted. “It’d be awesome to keep playing, I know that's an incredible opportunity. Even if it’s not at quarterback. But…”
“But you’d miss leading the huddle, leading the team” Ella said, nodding. “I get it. That was me.”
Chase blinked. “Yeah. Exactly.”
Ella smiled. “You’re a natural leader, Chase. And while you could absolutely lead as a running back, I think there’s a program out there where you could still play quarterback. You’ve got the toughness, the vision, and the humility to thrive in the right system.”
“Okay,” Chase said. “So… how do I even go about putting myself out there?”
“We’ll start with film,” Ella said. “I’ve got a couple of kids from the computer science class working on cutting together more highlights. Not just yours—Miles, Johnny, Connor too. You’ve got teammates who can play at the next level, even if it’s D3 or JUCO. We’re gonna help get you all seen. That's been a blind spot for me over the years and I owe it to you guys to help you get yourselves out there and noticed.”
Chase nodded, feeling something new in his chest—hope, maybe.
“I’ll reach out to a few contacts,” Ella continued. “Let’s keep building. Just keep doing what you're doing. On the field, in the huddle, in the weight room and the locker room.”
---
The sun had just dipped below the ridge of trees along the Hudson when Chase and Sophie settled onto a wooden bench overlooking the river. The wind had picked up, cool and steady, and the water was dark and still.
They'd parked a ways away and walked, mostly in silence.
Sophie leaned into his side slightly. “You’ve been quiet.”
Chase looked out at the water. “Yeah, my mind's been racing since Friday. I got approached by a recruiter after the game.”
Sophie perked up and slapped his shoulder lightly.
“That’s amazing! Where from?”
“Yeah. I mean, it surprised me. He was from Kutztown—D2 school in Pennsylvania. Said they might have a spot for me as a running back.”
Sophie turned toward him, intrigued.
“That's a really good school.”
“I never really thought about playing after high school,” Chase said. “When Livermore Falls shut the program down, I figured that was it. I thought I was decent, but it was a small town. Now… I don’t know. I feel like maybe there’s something there.”
“There is,” Sophie said. “You just had to get on the right stage.”
He gave a small, uncertain smile. Sophie reached for his hand a squeezed it in hers.
“Part of me thinks I should be more focused on what comes next. Like real life. Career stuff.”
“Chase,” Sophie said, gently but firmly, “play football as long as you love it. As long as your body lets you. “Real life,” she emphasized with air quotes with her free hand, “will be there when you're ready. Plus, football can help you get there.”
He looked over at her, and for a moment, she seemed older again—wiser.
“You sure sound like you're speaking from experience.”
“That's 'cause I am.” She nodded.
“I had a shot to play college ball,” she continued. “Junior college out of state. But my mom got sick and I stayed. She’s better now, and I’ve got a routine, a life, but… I regret not going.”
He tilted his head. “Why not play now?”
She smirked and shook her head. “Haven’t picked up a basketball in almost two years.”
He looked at her, confused. “Didn’t you graduate like… last year?”
Sophie smirked. “Yeah, last year. As in last May. Not five months ago.”
“Ohhhh.” Chase nodded slightly. “I thought you just finished up.”
“Nope. You’re talking to a real adult,” she teased.
He smiled. “What do you miss most?”
Sophie smiled softly, reminiscent. “I miss being part of a team. That closeness. The road trips. Pre-game playlists. All of it.”
“I've never been much of a basketball player,” Chase said, faking a shot with his free hand. “But we should play sometime.”
She raised an eyebrow and smiled mischievously. “What are the stakes?”
---
Chase gasped for air as he jogged back to meet the linesman while they struggled to finish their last gas drill.
He'd made it a habit to show his appreciation for the big fellas up front by running back and finishing their last conditioning drill after finishing his own. Sometimes others joined in as well but with an extra set for everyone today it was a solo mission.
Chase fist bumped Johnny and Connor as they all looked to the sky like they were looking toward the heavens for oxygen.
Wyatt folded over and gagged a few times, drawing a couple chuckles from the rest of the team.
Coach Ella blew his whistle and pulled Chase aside as the team started picking up the gear.
“Quick heads up,” he said. “We’re expecting a few scouts this weekend.”
Chase blinked. “Yeah?”
“A couple of local JUCOs, some small D3 programs… and possibly Colgate.”
Chase’s heart gave a little stutter.
“Don’t let it change how you play,” Ella said. “Don’t do too much. Be you. That’s what they’re coming to see.”
Chase nodded. “Thanks, Coach.”
As Chase jogged back toward the huddle, Ella turned and waved toward Johnny.
“Doughty!” He yelled.
The air in the Sleepy Hollow locker room was lighter than usual—full of satisfied exhale instead of exhausted gasps. The Horsemen had just polished off Pelham Memorial with little resistance, and for once, Chase didn’t feel like he’d been run over by a freight train.
He rotated his shoulder and stretched his legs out in front of him. No limp. No ice pack. No new scrapes or bruises. Just a light buzz of soreness—the good kind.
“I feel like I could play another game, barely took a hit out there.” he said as he stood and bounced around on his toes like a boxer.
“Clean one today, huh? Barely any stains on that jersey number two.” Connor grinned from a few lockers down, untying his cleats.
“Yeah,” Chase said, nodding. “Didn’t even need a hot bath this time, you guys made it easy on us out there.” He nodded toward the linesmen.
Connor chuckled and tossed a balled-up sock at him. “Or maybe you’re finally getting the hang of what it means to be a quarterback. 'I'm too pretty to get hit.'” he mocked.
Chase smirked and squared up jokingly. “Don't make me kick your ass!”
He clapped Connor on the shoulder then extended a fist to Johnny, Wyatt and the rest of the group of linesmen that were still peeling off gear.
“Good shit fellas, appreciate y'all.” He said as he scooped up his duffel bag and headed for the locker room door.
As he stepped out into the cool autumn air he rubbed his hands together and flipped up the hood of his Horsemen hoodie.
He started to walk briskly away from the locker room but paused just outside the door, looking back at the field and taking it all in.
He thought back to something Coach Ella had said in practice a few days ago.
“A lot of you don't have many game days left. Soak them in.”
Outside, the parking lot was beginning to fill with families, players, and friends.
A few younger kids with a small football chased each other around the flagpole, still caught up in the energy of the win.
Chase was halfway to his mom’s car when he spotted a man approaching from the side lot, notebook in hand, a small camera slung over one shoulder. He was older, probably in his late 30s, wearing a navy windbreaker with a golden bear paw on the chest. He looked important.
“You Chase Pryor?” the man called out, his voice carrying just enough authority to cut through the postgame noise.
Chase slowed, his mind racing for a second before he managed an answer
“Yeah.”
“Great game tonight,” the man said, extending a hand. “I’m Eric Williams. I coach running backs at Kutztown University. I’ve been tracking a few Section 1 teams this season and wanted to get a look at you in person.”
Chase hesitated then shook his hand, caught slightly off guard.
“Thanks. I didn’t realize anyone was here watching.”
Williams smiled. “Well, you made it worth the trip. That option game you’re running—it’s tough to defend. But more than the stats, I liked your decisions. Quick, clean, smart. That one where you pulled late and hit the sideline? Textbook.”
Chase scratched the back of his neck. “Appreciate it. I've been lucky to have Coach Ella and great teammates.”
“I love that answer, shows a real team-first attitude.”
Chase nodded.
“We run a more traditional offense, but we might have a place for you in the backfield if you’re interested. Nothing official—just something to think about.” Williams continued.
“I was actually a runingback before. In Maine. Before I moved here and coach moved me to QB.”
Williams raised an eyebrow. “Makes sense. You’ve got the instincts for it. We'd love to stay in touch.”
Williams held out his card. Chase took it and looked at it like it was much more than just a business card.
“Yeah,” Chase said slowly. “That’d be cool. I mean, I hadn’t really thought about… after this year.”
“Well, you should,” Williams said. “You’ve got something, Chase. Good luck the rest of the season.”
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Williams turned and disappeared into the crowd. Chase stood there for a moment longer, processing. A college recruiter. For him.
His parents had headed home right after the game, leaving him with just his thoughts on the short drive home. He kept his music off and daydreamed about being a football player for longer than he'd ever imagined he would be.
He pulled into their driveway and put the Yukon in park. He shut off the engine and reached for the card again. He turned it over in his hands a few times, careful not to bend it like the card itself held some value.
---
Chase kicked off his sneakers, hung up his bag and stepped into the kitchen, still clutching the Kutztown coach’s business card between two fingers like it might disappear if he put it down.
His mom stood at the sink rinsing vegetables, and his dad sat at the table, glasses low on his nose as he flipped through a news article on his tablet.
Some band from the 90s played low on the Bluetooth speaker on the kitchen island.
“Great game tonight honey!” His mom asked, turning her head slightly in his direction as she reached for a cutting board and knife.
“Thanks...” He trailed off, obviously distracted.
His dad looked up from his tablet, noticing Chase's tone. He watched for a second, trying to read his son's expression.
“What's up?” He asked.
Chase didn't answer, still lost in his thoughts, still staring at the card.
“Chase?” His dad asked, a bit louder, as he put down his tablet.
“Oh. Sorry.” He replied, finally looking up.
“I uh...I kinda got recruited tonight. Sort of.” He held the card up like he needed proof.
His mom set the knife down on the cutting board and wiped her hands, turning toward Chase and giving him her full attention.
“Recruited?” She asked, her tone curious but not incredulous.
“Yeah. A coach from Kutztown came to the game,” Chase said, sliding the card across the table toward his dad. “He talked to me afterward. Said they run a more traditional offense but might have a spot for me as a running back.”
His dad picked up the card and turned it over. “Division II. Pennsylvania. I think I’ve heard of them.”
His mom clapped her hands together silently and leaned on the counter. “So… what do you think?”
Chase exhaled.
“I don’t know,” He admitted, pausing to think about the answer.
“It kind of caught me off guard honestly. I didn’t think anyone would be watching a Sleepy Hollow game, let alone talk to me after.”
His mom smiled and shook her head. “That’s amazing, Chase. You’ve worked your tail off this year. You're playing so well. You're winning. So someone noticing isn't a surprise to me.”
His dad nodded. “It’s a foot in the door. Being able to keep playing organized sports beyond high school is an option the majority of people never have. And if it leads to a scholarship—or even just an opportunity—we should look into it.”
“I’ve been reading about them already,” Chase said, holding up his phone and then swiping the screen open. “It’s a small school but seems solid. Really good team, good coaching, good school. I think I could fit there. I’d miss playing quarterback, though.”
His dad stood up. “You’ve done a hell of a job learning how to be a leader and leading that team, even coming in as the new guy. I have seen the way those guys look to you. That’s not going away just because you switch positions.”
His mom crossed the room and gave him a quick squeeze around the shoulders. “Whether it’s running back, quarterback, kicker—I don’t care. If you want to keep playing, we’re behind you.”
Chase let the weight of it sink in. Not pressure. Support. A door he hadn’t even realized was open was now cracked—and maybe, just maybe, it could lead somewhere bigger.
---
He'd tossed and turned for hours, mind too active to allow sleep. He glanced at the time on his phone and sighed, rolling over to his back and staring at the ceiling.
He’d pulled up the Kutztown website what seemed like a hundred times, browsing through the football page, then the academics, virtual tours of the campus and then back to football again.
Running back.
He thought about that—the shift back to a position that used to feel like second nature. He'd been a runningback since the first time he put cleats and flags on when he was five.
Watching the blocks develop in front of him and hitting the hole just right for a big gain was a thrill every time.
But quarterback had become part of his identity now. The responsibility, the leadership, the control of the huddle… he’d grown into it. He liked being the one everyone looked to. He liked the weight.
Still, if it meant continuing to play, getting an education—he could adjust.
He closed his eyes and pictured himself in Kutztown's maroon and gold.
His mind slowed.
---
The next morning, Chase dropped into Coach Ella’s office during second period, clutching a pass from his study hall teacher.
Ella looked up from his laptop and smiled. “I was wondering when you’d swing by.”
“Yeah uhh... a guy, a recruiter, from Kutztown caught me after the game,” Chase said. “Said they might have a spot for me. At running back.”
Ella folded the laptop screen halfway shut and leaned back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. “And how do you feel about that?”
“I don’t know,” Chase admitted. “It’d be awesome to keep playing, I know that's an incredible opportunity. Even if it’s not at quarterback. But…”
“But you’d miss leading the huddle, leading the team” Ella said, nodding. “I get it. That was me.”
Chase blinked. “Yeah. Exactly.”
Ella smiled. “You’re a natural leader, Chase. And while you could absolutely lead as a running back, I think there’s a program out there where you could still play quarterback. You’ve got the toughness, the vision, and the humility to thrive in the right system.”
“Okay,” Chase said. “So… how do I even go about putting myself out there?”
“We’ll start with film,” Ella said. “I’ve got a couple of kids from the computer science class working on cutting together more highlights. Not just yours—Miles, Johnny, Connor too. You’ve got teammates who can play at the next level, even if it’s D3 or JUCO. We’re gonna help get you all seen. That's been a blind spot for me over the years and I owe it to you guys to help you get yourselves out there and noticed.”
Chase nodded, feeling something new in his chest—hope, maybe.
“I’ll reach out to a few contacts,” Ella continued. “Let’s keep building. Just keep doing what you're doing. On the field, in the huddle, in the weight room and the locker room.”
---
The sun had just dipped below the ridge of trees along the Hudson when Chase and Sophie settled onto a wooden bench overlooking the river. The wind had picked up, cool and steady, and the water was dark and still.
They'd parked a ways away and walked, mostly in silence.
Sophie leaned into his side slightly. “You’ve been quiet.”
Chase looked out at the water. “Yeah, my mind's been racing since Friday. I got approached by a recruiter after the game.”
Sophie perked up and slapped his shoulder lightly.
“That’s amazing! Where from?”
“Yeah. I mean, it surprised me. He was from Kutztown—D2 school in Pennsylvania. Said they might have a spot for me as a running back.”
Sophie turned toward him, intrigued.
“That's a really good school.”
“I never really thought about playing after high school,” Chase said. “When Livermore Falls shut the program down, I figured that was it. I thought I was decent, but it was a small town. Now… I don’t know. I feel like maybe there’s something there.”
“There is,” Sophie said. “You just had to get on the right stage.”
He gave a small, uncertain smile. Sophie reached for his hand a squeezed it in hers.
“Part of me thinks I should be more focused on what comes next. Like real life. Career stuff.”
“Chase,” Sophie said, gently but firmly, “play football as long as you love it. As long as your body lets you. “Real life,” she emphasized with air quotes with her free hand, “will be there when you're ready. Plus, football can help you get there.”
He looked over at her, and for a moment, she seemed older again—wiser.
“You sure sound like you're speaking from experience.”
“That's 'cause I am.” She nodded.
“I had a shot to play college ball,” she continued. “Junior college out of state. But my mom got sick and I stayed. She’s better now, and I’ve got a routine, a life, but… I regret not going.”
He tilted his head. “Why not play now?”
She smirked and shook her head. “Haven’t picked up a basketball in almost two years.”
He looked at her, confused. “Didn’t you graduate like… last year?”
Sophie smirked. “Yeah, last year. As in last May. Not five months ago.”
“Ohhhh.” Chase nodded slightly. “I thought you just finished up.”
“Nope. You’re talking to a real adult,” she teased.
He smiled. “What do you miss most?”
Sophie smiled softly, reminiscent. “I miss being part of a team. That closeness. The road trips. Pre-game playlists. All of it.”
“I've never been much of a basketball player,” Chase said, faking a shot with his free hand. “But we should play sometime.”
She raised an eyebrow and smiled mischievously. “What are the stakes?”
---
Chase gasped for air as he jogged back to meet the linesman while they struggled to finish their last gas drill.
He'd made it a habit to show his appreciation for the big fellas up front by running back and finishing their last conditioning drill after finishing his own. Sometimes others joined in as well but with an extra set for everyone today it was a solo mission.
Chase fist bumped Johnny and Connor as they all looked to the sky like they were looking toward the heavens for oxygen.
Wyatt folded over and gagged a few times, drawing a couple chuckles from the rest of the team.
Coach Ella blew his whistle and pulled Chase aside as the team started picking up the gear.
“Quick heads up,” he said. “We’re expecting a few scouts this weekend.”
Chase blinked. “Yeah?”
“A couple of local JUCOs, some small D3 programs… and possibly Colgate.”
Chase’s heart gave a little stutter.
“Don’t let it change how you play,” Ella said. “Don’t do too much. Be you. That’s what they’re coming to see.”
Chase nodded. “Thanks, Coach.”
As Chase jogged back toward the huddle, Ella turned and waved toward Johnny.
“Doughty!” He yelled.
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The JZA
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Run To The Sun
Don't let my boy go to no DII school 
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11551
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
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Chillcavern
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Run To The Sun
I’m stealthily gonna pull for getting on Rice’s radar here
He’s already moved once, he seems to value academics if he’s liking Colgate, and he can stay QB in their option-O.
Maine boy might literally melt in the heat though
He’s already moved once, he seems to value academics if he’s liking Colgate, and he can stay QB in their option-O.
Maine boy might literally melt in the heat though
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djp73
Topic author - Posts: 11551
- Joined: 27 Nov 2018, 13:42
Run To The Sun
Chillcavern wrote: ↑14 Jul 2025, 12:10I’m stealthily gonna pull for getting on Rice’s radar here
He’s already moved once, he seems to value academics if he’s liking Colgate, and he can stay QB in their option-O.
Maine boy might literally melt in the heat though
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redsox907
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