(Jay Onrait) - Fox Sports News Anchor
"Our first story today is a fascinating one. You likely already know the name Dwayne Moi Stone. He's the freshman phenom who just entered Kahuku High School in Hawaii this fall. Well, he's making headlines again after catching a robber at a Las Vegas mall yesterday afternoon."
. .
(Reece Davis) - ESPN SC Pundits
"Look at this tackle. Ooh—! My back hurts just watching it. This kid is 14 years old. Fourteen! Does that physique and speed look like it belongs to a 14-year-old? This is insane. And remember, he's a quarterback. A quarterback! Not a lineman, not a linebacker or a safety, and definitely not a cornerback. Let me emphasize that again: he is a 14-year-old quarterback."
. .
(Bob Costas) - NBC FNIA Host
"Pickpockets have officially been put on notice. If you touch Dwayne Moi Stone's stuff, you better be prepared to take a hit like that. This kid is already a legend!"
. .
(Sterling Wilkerson) - KWWN Radio Host
"This kid is so gifted that while most high school players struggle with academics, Dwayne Moi Stone skipped his final year of middle school to start high school at 14. I heard he even pulled straight A+s on his midterms. What the hell is going on? Come on, man, save some talent for the rest of us!"
. .
(Adam Zucker) - CBS Sports Host
"Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman was so impressed by the video that she's presenting Dwayne Moi with a commendation today. And why wouldn't she? I'd do the same."
.
.
Without a word of a lie, things have been crazy since last night. Every sports media outlet led with my story, and my social media followers multiplied 50 times over in an instant.
Today, we borrowed the field at nearby Clark High School for practice, but so many broadcast crews showed up that we could barely run drills. Eventually, the coach had to kick them all out. He looked like he was crying blood while doing it—he loves the spotlight, so it must have killed him to send them away.
Anyway.
As practice was winding down, the people sent from the Mayor's office arrived as promised. I headed over there with the team. Where? Well, where else.
.
.
# September 16, 2016
#-1. Las Vegas, Nevada
#-2. In front of City Hall
I'm looking at more people than I've ever seen in my life gathered below the podium. I mean, seriously, what's the big deal? I get giving a commendation to a high schooler who caught a thief, but this feels like a war hero returning from a victorious campaign.
Looking at the scene, one thought hits me:
Damn. They're just as obsessed with football here as they were in my past life.
Football is probably the only sport on Earth where a high school athlete can get this kind of explosive attention.
"Today..."
"...."
"Today, we are gathered here for a wonderful young man. He is a brave and proud American citizen, and at the same time, the most promising football prospect in the nation."
More cheers and whistling. I bet the Mayor is loving this too. Mayor Carolyn Goodman was elected in 2011 and is currently serving her second term. I only know this because I heard it the whole way here in the car.
"From this boy's actions yesterday, we learned that age doesn't matter when it comes to doing the right thing, and that the courage to act without hesitation can change the world."
Uh, Mayor? That's a bit much. I just caught a thief. Change the world? Really?
The problem is that Americans absolutely love this kind of stuff. A "clean" island boy from Hawaii comes to the ultimate city of sin on a school trip and tackles a petty criminal with eight prior convictions who tried to swipe his bags. The American Dream. Second chances.
It didn't just touch on the sentiment that forms the core of American pride; I was already the top football prospect in the country. It's no wonder they're drunk on this "national pride" dosage.
If you didn't know how crazy this country is about football, you'd think, "Aren't they overdoing it?" But this is Las Vegas. It's full of tourists, but it's also one of the cities most obsessed with the game.
"And now, let me introduce you!"
Finally! After a speech longer and more boring than the Principal's address on orientation day, I was introduced.
"Dwayne Moi Stone—!"
A brass band off to the side began to play, and as I stepped up the stairs, another roar of cheers erupted. The Mayor stepped out from behind the mic and walked toward me. I expected a handshake, but she went for a hug.
"I am so proud of you."
"Uh... thank you."
What followed was the epitome of a typical American show. A shiny plaque. A bouquet of flowers. They even gave me a lei, trying to mimic Hawaii. A lei is a flower necklace; the word itself means "to wear on the neck." To a mainland person, saying "wear a lei on your neck" sounds like "wearing a neck-wear on your neck." Just a little Hawaiian humor for you.
"Uh..."
The PIO I met yesterday texted me later, telling me to prepare a two-minute speech for the podium. He offered to write it if I found it hard, but I declined. I wanted to do it myself. I don't want to be used as a political tool.
"My family was shocked and happy. They asked first if I was hurt, and I told them I was fine because they gave me such a strong body. Honestly, I came here for a football game, and the school is here for a trip. Las Vegas seems like a wonderful city, and I hope you all continue to welcome us during our stay. I'm just glad I could do something good for this city. Thank you."
When I finished and raised my hand, the band played again. As I hurried off the stage, my Principal approached. He had flown in early this morning after hearing the news.
"You're saving our school's reputation in more ways than one."
"I was just protecting my stuff, sir."
"I know, but don't say that out loud. You know what I mean?"
"Yes, sir."
After being put through the wringer like this right after practice, I desperately missed my hotel bed. But I couldn't go yet. I had to do interviews. And man, look at this lineup. NBC? CBS? ESPN? Every mic had a national logo on it. There were at least a dozen cameras pointed at me.
"You've become a national star at 14. How does it feel?"
"Um—I'm not really sure about that yet. Like I said earlier, I came here to play football. My goal is to play a good game with my teammates tomorrow and win. I'm happy about what happened today, but I'll be even happier if we win tomorrow."
I wonder when I'll finally get to lie down. It looks like it'll be a while.
.
.
# September 17, 2016
#-1. Las Vegas, Nevada
#-2. Bishop Gorman High School
#-3. Football Field
The stands at a typical high school football game are usually just parents, students, and the pep squad. Scattered among them are a few scouts. But today was completely different.
There were over a hundred college officials and just as many media personnel. Eventually, Bishop Gorman had to set up temporary tents because they ran out of seating.
"Have you ever seen anything like this?"
"No, never."
Even in NCAA Division 2, it's hard to fill every seat. The idea of a high school game—that isn't even a National Championship—running out of seats was something you'd only see in a dream. This is why Maurice Horn, a veteran recruiter for the Minnesota Golden Gophers who flew all the way from distant Minnesota, had eyes full of greed.
If he just keeps growing like this...
Maurice was thinking of a man who should have changed football history: JohnnyManziel, also known as "Johnny Football." He was the most charismatic QB in NCAA history. Manziel was so talented that his enrollment alone reportedly helped Texas A&M rake in $700 million in donations.
However, his career was ruined by a weak mentality, serious work ethic issues, and ultimately, drug addiction. Photos of him wasted at clubs every night flooded the internet, and Cleveland eventually cut him, admitting he was another failed first-round pick. That was only a year ago.
"This is truly insane."
"...."
The men from Auburn, who had exceptionally sent one of the school's directors along with a recruiter to Vegas, felt the same as they looked around. If he just keeps growing like this...
"Is it just me, or does he feel like a guaranteed $1 billion?"
"No, I feel the same way."
"Right?"
Historically, American universities have received donations from alumni who achieved socio-economic success. The amounts vary yearly, but a school in the NCAA Division 1 SEC typically pulls in anywhere from $200 million to $800 million. Auburn had collected $380 million this year and was fairly satisfied.
But if Dwayne Moi Stone grew as expected and chose Auburn? It felt like $1 billion a year was possible. This is why the recruiters were busy, relaying the atmosphere to their schools. Meanwhile, the players prepared for the game.
In the home locker room, Coach Kenneth Sanchez passionately went over tactics. Away coach Gavin Travis also acknowledged the difficulty of the opponent but shouted for his boys to give it their all. The atmosphere reached a boiling point, and the players finally emerged onto the field.
"TOUCHDOWN—!!"
. . ▷ 1Q – 13:17
Bishop Gorman 06
Kahuku 00
The bench was in a state of shock after giving up a touchdown less than two minutes into the game.
"What the hell just happened?"
"The defense got carved up too easily."
"Was it that, or just a talent gap?"
"Hey, hey!! Quiet!!"
The flustered coach shouted for silence and went into an emergency meeting with the assistants, but I wouldn't have done that. And I don't have to stay quiet. Why? Because I'm the quarterback. I stood up and walked over to my teammates.
"It's okay! We just have to score!"
"Let's go—!"
"Exactly! Let's go crush their defense!!"
"YEAH—!!"
After firing up the offensive line, I went over to the receivers who were warming up on the side.
"Just find the open space!!"
"Phew!"
"I'll punch it right in there for you!!"
"COME ON!!"
Two minutes after the game started—long enough to show us it wouldn't be easy—our offense took the field. The game resumed with Bishop Gorman's kickoff. I waited on the sideline for a moment.
"Moi. Listen carefully."
"Yes, sir."
The coach's voice was more agitated than ever. Giving up an early score to a powerhouse... it was understandable.
"Start with the Spread. Don't get too greedy at once; just move forward and get the first down. You understand? This is an away game and the kids are shaken by that quick score. If we give them the ball back immediately, the momentum will be gone completely."
"Yes, sir."
"Good."
As the coach finished his instructions, Bishop Gorman kicked off. The ball flew near the end line and into Elvis's arms. Now we just had to run. But...
"OH SHIT!!"
The coach cursed. Elvis was tackled at our own 20-yard line by their #62. We now had to travel over 70 yards against a much stronger team. I put on my helmet immediately. I heard the coach calling for the personnel change behind me, and I sprinted to the line of scrimmage, kneeling down to call the play.
"H-Spread! 45 Alpha! Got it?"
"Yeah."
"Good. Don't be scared. Let's go!"
.
.
Uses the Tight End as a blocker.
Puts many blockers on the line to create space.
The Halfback dives into that gap.
Since it's a Spread, Wide Receivers are also an option.
.
.
After the huddle, we set up. I stayed tight behind Loto. Since it was a Spread, it was under-center. I scanned the opposing line. I have a bad feeling about this.
"Green- 30!! HUT!"
As soon as I got the snap, I turned and handed the ball to Harmon, who was charging forward. He dove into the linemen, but didn't gain a single yard.
..
(Dan Fouts) - CBS Announcer "Bishop Gorman's defense looks solid. They have a great defensive line. Kahuku is going to need a massive effort to break through. It'll be interesting to see how Gavin Travis compensates for the relative lack of talent."
. .
The coach wanted another run for the second down. However, he changed the formation from the Spread.
"We're going Split! Z-Double! X-Block!"
.
.
Also known as the "Pro Set," this formation involves the Tight End joining the line and two Halfbacks positioned behind the quarterback. It allows for a 50/50 mix of pass and run, giving the QB more freedom, but the coach is insisting on a run.
.
In this case, you have to sell the fake well. Since two Halfbacks (HB) sprint forward simultaneously, you can use one as a decoy. If it works, you trick the opponent and can gain massive yardage; if it fails, you likely won't gain an inch, just like the previous play.
"Green- 50!! HUT!!"
I took the ball, turned, and extended my hands to both sides. It was like a shell game. Which way did the ball go? It's incredibly hard for the defense to see where the ball went in the middle of a line collision.
However.
Thud!
"Fuck!"
Once again, the Bishop Gorman defense stuffed our offense. Combined, we had gained barely one yard. Third down. This was essentially our last chance, as we'd have to punt on fourth. Since we were close to our own end zone, if the chance of a first down was slim, punting it away was the right move.
『"Not bad. Go with Split, Delta 45."』
Not bad? Coach! Were we watching the same game? I wanted to scream that, but the radio only worked one way. I called the huddle again.
"Split, Delta 45."
"...."
"...."
I saw the anxiety in my teammates' eyes. Finally, I made a call.
"Let's go with a Double Decoy."
"What?"
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah. Split Double Decoy. Delta 45. When I look at the line and yell 'Blue,' it means I'm running, so block well for me."
"Okay, let's do it."
"Let's go!"
We couldn't break the line with the same method. So I tweaked the instructions. A quarterback can always adapt or change strategies on the fly when the bench's plan isn't working, and the coaches already know I'm flexible with my Audibles. If I fail, the responsibility is all mine. But I'm not afraid of that.
Back behind Loto, I scanned the defense. Nothing had changed. They'd all charge the line. That meant there was an opening.
"Blue- 80!! Quick S!!"
The "Quick S" at the end was a message to Royce Pao, the wide receiver on the right. I was telling him to run a route where he sprints straight and then cuts toward the center—I was hoping the cornerback and safety would swarm him.
"HUT!!"
I took the snap and turned like before. This time, I only extended my left hand. As the two halfbacks brushed past me and over ten giants collided at the line of scrimmage, I spun around to my left while still turned away. When I fully turned back toward the offense's direction, I found a decent amount of space in front of me.
Let's go.
I started my sprint. Knowing they'd been fooled, the Bishop Gorman left linebacker chased after me. Number 74 dove and aimed for my legs. I leaped into the air.
"?!"
I felt a slight snag on my toe, but I didn't lose my balance and landed smoothly. By the time I regained the speed I lost from the jump, the safety who had been sticking to Royce Pao was charging at me. I tucked the ball into my chest for protection and lowered my posture to prepare for the tackle.
Thud!
The moment I felt the impact, I spun to my right. My center of gravity shifted. I braced myself against the turf with my left hand. The ball was still secure. So I kept running. I saw a Bishop Gorman cornerback ahead. A head-on collision would get me caught. Could I shrug off a tackle like before? Probably not.
To the right. There was a little space between the defender and the sideline. There. Let's go there.
I went a little further before the tackle hit me. I tried to hold my ground, but I was eventually pushed out of bounds. But it was fine. I had run for over 60 yards. A massive cheer erupted from the bench and the stands. My teammates rushed over, and we jumped and bumped chests in mid-air. I yelled:
"Too slow!! You're too slow!!"
To fire up my teammates. And I didn't stop there.
"They're just like us!! They're just high schoolers too!!"
We pushed hard early in the first quarter. But...
"TOUCHDOWN—!!"
I decided to be satisfied with the result of seeing where we stood and how much I could do.
. . ▷ GAME SET
Bishop Gorman: 14 07 06 14 – 41
Kahuku: 07 00 14 07 – 28
My first loss in high school. But...
"You were seriously amazing."
"Just transfer already. Play with us."
"Can I follow you on social media?"
The aftertaste wasn't that bad.
@@@
[Even without a single offensive player in the Top 1,000—let alone the Top 100—Dwayne Moi Stone put up 28 points against last year's national champions. No doubt about it. He's the real deal. – Bucky Brooks (Reporter) via Twitter]
. .
[It's over. The #1 spot in the 2020 NCAA recruiting rankings won't change for the next four years. (Laugh)(Fire) – Cameron Wolfe (Reporter) via Twitter]
. .
[Even though the team lost, he showed exactly when to use the term 'One Man Carry.' He showed how far you can pull the potential out of subpar teammates. – David Carr (Reporter) via Twitter]
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