Jan 1 - Thursday
7:00AM
The hot center score heat soar through the atmosphere as we see Jah doing drills earl in the morning working on some qb drills with Howard. Howard sign "Got damnit how many more?
Jah surged with a blot of confidence prep for the new year "One more bro, give me a post.As we see Howard get into his position jay yells hunt as Howard jets through the post jay throws the ball till the end zone as Howard catches it we see them celebrating as Howard does a backflip & a little dance as they both dap each other up.On outer field we see Coach Parks watching them with a smirk on his face as we checks his clipboard.as we see jay finished taking a shower heading to his locker room as he gets dress for class.
8:30AM - First Block
The School bell ring with an excitement as group of students all rush to class. We seen Jah in history class tapping his pencil while the teacher Mr.Luther his giving his lecture for the next assignment Mr. Luther coughs to get class attention "So class someone explain to me the Harlem renaissance Tyler raises his hand in 1920s-1930s African American cultural explosion in Harlem, NYC, fostering Black pride, new identities, and artistic freedom through literature & as another student Bella Said " But also it was also created fueled by Black intellectuals like Alain Locke and W.E.B. Du Bois,as everyone in the classes is agreeing on the topic Mr.Luther with a dignified reply "Yes class and expressed through artists like Langston Hughes so what the assessment of the month will everyone break in 4 groups & create your said own idea of the Harlem renaissance rather sports, music etc so ya'll break off.
Jah is looking excited as he & Raven lock eyes as they come togther at there desk Raven "so how you been. Jay smiles said "I been good & my bad for not calling recently my schedule with practice has been crazy. Raven " Tbh I was worried but I had time to reflect & stuff went Bunni & thrash baby concert Jah said shit how was it Raven with a relent reply such a vibe ,we should go together next time as they both touch each other hands Jay " lets do it as two people chuck & Sarah join their as eventually start coming with ideas & the bells rings as
They both chuckle, the moment broken only when two voices slide into the space. Chuck "Why y'all looking like a movie scene right now?"
Sarah: "For real, bell about to ring and y'all already in slow motion."
Jah laughs, shaking his head. Jah "So!."Raven raises an eyebrow. "Isn't it?"The bell rings—sharp, loud, unavoidable.eventually as Raven & Jay are outside a food spot eating food at Romeos.the four split ways, but Jay and Raven walk together outside, the sun hanging low over campus. Practice can wait for a few more minutes.
They stop at a small food spot across the street. Grease pops. Music hums from a speaker taped above the window.
Jah unwraps his food, glancing over.
Jah: "You always pick the best spots."
Raven: "That's because I actually live life outside of football."
Jah smirks. "Whatever ."
Raven laughs, nudging him with her shoulder.
Jah looks at her then—not like a friend, not like a distraction—but like someone who sees him beyond the helmet, beyond the pressure.For the first time all day, the noise in his head goes quiet.And for a quarterback fighting for his future, that silence means everything.
Raven so you ready for the game this week Jay slides another fry in his mouth "I am I been staying out the way focusing on the playbook everyhthing feels clear. Raven looks at jah with a sense of proudness she grabs jah chin "Look at me I'm not your coach I know that everyone at Centerscore been raving all week in your ear about this game .I just want you to forget all that real quick & just be present Jah sighs easier said than done as As the day ends.
The field looks different when it's empty.
No crowd. No music. Just the sound of cleats tearing into turf and coaches yelling like it's personal .Jah jogs onto the practice field, helmet tucked under his arm. Sweat already beads on his forehead—not from the heat, but from what today means. Coach Daniels, the offensive coordinator, blows his whistle.Coach Daniels "QBs up front. Now."Jah lines up with three other quarterbacks. That's when he sees him.Howard grins when he spots Jay. Howard "Took you long enough, superstar."
Jah exhales. "You know I had to get strudy ."Howard bumps his shoulder. "Just don't forget who made you look good first."Across the field, Adam watches. Local hero. Coaches' favorite. Adam doesn't smile Coach Daniels"This ain't high school scrimmage ball.This is evaluation."Fellas we have Wilson this week our hometown rivals one of our biggest game of the year & trust me boys they are going to bring it don't forget bring it!!!
The drill starts fast.Jah takes his first snap—clean pocket, quick read, fires to Howard on a slant.Catch. Pop. Perfect.Murmurs ripple across the field.Next play—blitz.
Jah hesitates.
Sack!!!
Coach Parks shakes his head."You gotta trust your instincts" Johnson."Jah nods, jaw tight.Adam steps up next Smooth, Confident. Safe throws.The coaches nod. Jah feels it—the politics.he takes a gamble & sees Rich on a post he strikes the deeps shot as it glues it his hands like a fly trap coach Daniels "that what I'm talking about gentlemen
"Lizard Never Say what
Team :Die"!!
The week of Wilson doesn't feel like a normal week.It feels heavier.Film rooms stay packed longer. Coaches talk sharper. Players walk the halls like the whole school is watching their posture.Because they are.
Wilson High.
The rivalry.
The reminder.
Last year's championship loss still hangs in the air—34–32. Two points. One missed tackle. One bad read. CenterScore hasn't forgotten.Jah hasn't either.
The scouting report flashes across the screen.
QB: Alexi Brooks – 3⭐ Recruit – Committed to Green Lake University
Calm. Physical. Doesn't panic.
WR / Safety: Daren Codys – 4⭐ Recruit – Baylor Commit
Smash-mouth football. Hits to hurt feelings.
The room murmurs.
These aren't highlight kids.
They're problem kids.
Then the screen changes.
TE / DT: John John "Wild Boy" McCoy – 4⭐ – Texas
Bama Commit.
A few players whistle low.
MLB / RB: Steve Waters – 4⭐
CB / Slot: Oregon Commit
Wilson isn't just loaded.
They're stacked.
Most wins in CenterScore history.
He waits until the room goes silent.Practice gets ugly.Defense brings pressure. Receivers jaw back. Coaches don't stop drills.Jay takes reps with the second team.Adam stays with the first. Howard jogs past Jay, shaking his head.
"Depth chart politics."!!!
Jah exhales. "Coach testing me?"Howard shrugs. "Or protecting his legacy."Second rep—window throw to Howard between linebacker and safety.
Catch.
Coach Parks eyes narrow.
Adam tightens his chinstrap.
The message is clear.
This job isn't given.
It's taken.
On the sideline, Raven watches from the stands, Beth beside her. Beth "They playing games with him."Raven nods. "They always do with the ones who don't come from here."Her eyes never leave Jah
Practice ends under stadium lights.Coach Mason pulls Jay aside.
Not kind.
Not cruel.
Just honest.
"Wilson's coming to take our name."He looks Jay dead in the eyes. "You ready to defend it?"
Damn Right !! nods.
Because if he's not…
Friday night will expose