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NOTES FROM A KEEPER
 The Ultimate, Utopian Ups and Definitive, Diabolical Downs of Life as a Keeper Leaguer
by Michael E Lawrence
10/12/2007
In the end, it was a simple coaching mistake that finally terminated the Holybourne Prophets’ 2007 season.
From the sidelines in the dying minutes, as fans filed out early to beat the traffic, as our starters worked frantically to pull something back on the field before me, I knew that I had done the inexcusable: left touchdowns, four of them, on the bench.
As long as Kevin Jones and Lee Evans, with two scores apiece, were riding the pine, the Prophets were finished with the playoffs.
We sputtered to a 51-40 loss, and we were one and done, just like that.
***
There is silence at the Prophets complex Monday morning, because there is nothing to say. There is no post-mortem that can reverse the result, and no upcoming game to focus on instead.
Most of the players are already packing bags, embarking on vacations sooner than they’d hoped, dialing family to let them know when they’ll be back, exorcising their hurt into the receiver.
Romo is hovering. He has emerged as a wonderful leader relaxed, consistent, someone who thrives under pressure, but this week, at least, it has not been enough.
C-coach, he finally blurts out.
Tony? says I.
Coach, I I’m sorry, he mutters, eyes fixed on the floor.
Now then Tony, it’s not your fault, it’s not anybody’s fault. It’s football, I say, and it is, so much of it is luck.
But we could have won. His lip is trembling.
Listen, I say, placing a consoling arm on his shoulder, we’ll be back here next year, we’ll be better than ever.
You think? he asks
Oh yes, I reply, with less conviction than I had intended. Absolutely.
***
It is our placekicker, Nick Folk, who best puts the whole sorry mess into perspective.
Folk, the youngest member of our team and the NFL’s second highest scoring kicker, strolls into my office in an ill fitting blazer, with shirt collar caught inside his tie and one sock accidentally tucked into his trouser leg.
In the early days he’d repeatedly forget to bring his gym shoes to practice and I’d make him do it in his scuffed old brogues instead.
Pretty good season huh Coach? he says, picking absentmindedly at a shaving scab.
I’m sorry? I say.
I was saying pretty good season. Playoffs an’ all, being the third highest scoring team.
Well I am speechless. But we did lose the
Only gonna get better from here, all these young stars on the team, he interrupts.
Yes, I
Gotta be feeling pretty good about ’08 I’d reckon.
I suppose but
If I was a gamblin’ man, reckon I know where I’d be putting my money for next year, he finishes. I think he winks at me, though it may be a nervous tick.
That’s, uh, an encouraging thought Nick, thank you.
He nods, and inspects the room about him.
Well, I’d best be off, he says after an eternity, been real nice being part of the team an’ all.
Will you be doing anything fun for vacation Nick? I ask.
Oh yes, he says, studying the skirting hard, the whole bit conventions, workshops. He is, I am told, a committed Trekkie.
Well, have a lovely time, I say with finality.
Will do, he responds, turning to go.
Bye Nick, thanks for everything.
Live long and prosper Coach, he says halfway out the door.
It takes me maybe thirty seconds before I’m on the phone to the bookmakers.
Hi, can you get me odds on the Holybourne Prophets winning the WRUKSCFFL championship in 2008? I ask. Yes, I’ll hold.
‘Ride Of The Valkyries’ comes on in the earpiece, and I tap away in time, awaiting the outcome.
Archive Articles:
Notes From A Keeper December 5th Playoff Qualification
Notes From A Keeper November 27th The Final Push
Notes From A Keeper November 15th Darth Fader, Goliath, The Haters!
Notes From A Keeper November 6th Fireworks Night
Notes From A Keeper October 22nd A New Hope
Notes From A Keeper October 15th The Smurfs
Notes From A Keeper October 10th Potential
Notes From A Keeper September 30th Prophets vs Jets
Notes From A Keeper September 10th Season Opener
Notes From A Keeper September 1st QB or Not To QB
Notes From A Keeper August 10th Draft Day
Notes From A Keeper July 13th Draft Strategy
Notes From A Keeper June 17th Cutdown
Notes From A Keeper May 20th Off Season
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