A couple of guys chuckle. It does sound kind of corny.

“Come on, now,” the coach says with his southern drawl. “This is serious stuff.”

Benny leans in and whispers in my ear. “What is this shit? Do we look like a bunch of girls with confidence issues?”

Coach looks over at Benny and scowls. “Half the game is played up here,” he says as he points to his head. “Now, you are an incredibly talented team. I know that and you know that. What we have with this team is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not often when the planets align and the right talent shows up at the same time and forms a dynamic team. But that’s what’s happened with y’all. So we have to make the most of it, and not let your mental game be what defeats you.

“Each of you will stick this card in your wallet where you can see it. And you will read the words every day. I want you to come to practice ready. By that I mean ready to give me your best. But more importantly, ready to give your team your best. Are you ready?”

“Ready!”

“I believe,” Coach yells.

“I believe,” we reply, half-assed.

“What’s that?” he says.

“I believe!” we yell.

“See you on the field in five,” Coach says as he turns to leave.

Benny and I hustle back to our lockers. “You nervous?” he

asks me.

“Do eagles fly?”

“You love answering a question with a question, don’t you?” He slaps my back. “No, these Eagles do not fly, Pynes. These Eagles play football. And these Eagles are counting on you, bro.”

Like I need to be reminded.

After practice, I go home, where Gram has scrambled enough eggs to feed the entire team.

“Sorry, no toast this morning,” she says. “We’re out of bread.”

“It’s okay,” I say before I drink the big glass of juice she’s poured. When I’m finished I tell her, “I’ll pick some up later for you. After practice?”

She shakes her head. “Why do they make you work so hard? I don’t like it.”

“It’ll be all right, Judith,” Grandpa says. “He’s strong and healthy. The coach just wants the boys in great shape for the first preseason game.”

Even though they’ve been here awhile now, it’s still weird having them around. Before they moved in with us, I came and went and Dad barely paid any attention. He works so much, he’s hardly ever here. I’m still trying to get used to curiosity and questions. And huge plates of scrambled eggs.

“You like the new coach?” Grandpa asks.

“He seems all right, I guess.” I reach down to get my wallet and show Grandpa the card. “Every player got one of these this morning.”

“Hm. I suppose he wants your head in the right place.” He looks at me. “You think it is?”

I started as wide receiver last year. Our quarterback, Seth Temple, and I are a great team. I pretty much catch anything Temple sends my way. I’m not too worried.

“My head is exactly where it should be,” I tell Grandpa before I shovel more eggs into my mouth. “Between my shoulders.”

Gram chuckles as she puts her hand on my back. “Yes, it is. And you’re going to do just fine.”

When I’ve had enough to eat, I stand up. “I’m tired. Think I’ll catch a nap before I head into work. Thanks for breakfast.”

“You’re welcome. We’ll keep the television down so we don’t wake you.”

I smile. “Don’t worry. After that practice, I think I can sleep through anything.”

“How was practice this morning?” Mr. Weir asks me as we go in the back so he can show me the shipment of boxes that came in earlier. I work at AutoZone part-time, mostly stocking shelves.