As Medford High's most popular boy last year, Mike, adorned with numerous accolades, had his every move closely watched by students.
Thus, over the next few days, the news of his return to the football team gradually spread throughout the school.
Of course, the main driving force behind this event was largely the girls in the school who were infatuated with him.
This situation led to girls secretly coming to the field during the football team's subsequent training sessions to watch them practice.
And when these girls witnessed Mike's heroic solo charges in the team's scrimmage drills, they immediately showed a tendency to transform into "fanatics."
As a result, Mike's popularity in the school once again reached its peak through word of mouth.
The attention given to the team also increased by a notch.
...
Saturday arrived, the day of the Medford High and St. Mary's High invitational game.
Coach Wayne had already contacted Coach Cotton from St. Mary's High, and he had fulfilled his promise from last year.
Around 9:30 AM, a large bus bearing Saint Mary's logo slowly drove into the Medford campus.
Behind the bus, a luxurious black private car followed.
The wealthy and leisurely Tuohy family had specially come to the invitational game to cheer on their adopted large black boy, Michael Oher.
Seeing the opponents arrive, in the Medford Team's rest area, George said to the players, "The strength of this opponent is very strong, so I need you all to be spirited. Now, go warm up first—"
Along with the recent popularity of the football team and last week's victory against Little Garden High, the number of students who came to support the Medford Team today also reached a new high.
Seeing the favorable situation, the spectators, upon seeing the Medford Team players come out to warm up, let out a fierce cheer in advance.
"Wow, it's really lively today—" Coach Cotton, while leading his players to the St. Mary's rest area, was also startled by the lively scene around him.
The rules of the Spring Invitational Game determine the home field based on the rankings of last year's Summer League.
Although St. Mary's High's historical record was much better than Medford's, they lost to the latter last year.
Therefore, in today's invitational game, the St. Mary's Football Team could only play as challengers on the Medford campus.
"Mike, George doesn't seem very satisfied with our tactics..." On the field, Aaron came to Mike, who was about to warm up.
As the team captain, Aaron keenly noticed that George and Mike had some disagreements on the concept of the new tactics.
From an observer's perspective, he also vaguely felt that Mike's choice of offensive routes in the star tactics seemed somewhat unreasonable.
Therefore, Aaron also wanted to take advantage of the time before the game started to persuade Mike.
"It's fine, he will understand me." The star tactics inherently speak of one person forming an army, and Mike, who had full confidence in his own strength, did not feel that there was any problem with his playing style.
"Alright, I'll try my best to cooperate with you when necessary." Looking at Mike's confident appearance, Aaron did not try to persuade him further, but chose to trust him.
The uniqueness of the star tactics dictates that to unleash its power, players first need to truly trust the core player from their hearts.
And Mike's performance on the training ground so far has indeed been worthy of his teammates' trust.
...
"Mike... Mike..."
After Aaron left, Mike, who was warming up alone, heard a childish voice from outside the field, frantically shouting his name.
Looking over, he saw a familiar figure in the St. Mary's High rest area.
Last year's little "fan", Sean, an interesting little guy.
"If I remember correctly, you were my little fan last year..." Walking to the front of the St. Mary's High rest area, Mike said with a smile, "What, do you still want my autograph this time?"
Don't let Sean's age of six or seven fool you; this little guy's emotional intelligence was no lower than Missy's.
It was he last year who, disguised as Mike's little fan, asked for an autograph to get close, and then suddenly, on behalf of his family, Michael Oher, issued a challenge to Mike.
"No, no, no— I don't need your autograph." Sean didn't expect that after half a year, the other party would still remember him.
He knew that what he did last year was not very honorable.
After showing an awkward smile, Sean continued, "I want to tell you that Michael has undergone half a year of special training. He will definitely not lose to you in this game."
Well, this little guy indeed had ill intentions; calling Mike over specifically was indeed still for issuing a challenge.
Because of his name, Sean had a very deep impression of Mike, who was handsome and extremely popular.
After St. Mary's High lost to Medford last time, he went back and devised a strict winter training regimen for his family member, Michael Oher.
He was just waiting for an opportunity for Michael to redeem himself and defeat Mike.
"Thank you for the reminder, I'll pay attention." Mike smiled and nodded at Sean and Michael behind him, then said, "If there's nothing else, I think I should go warm up."
"This guy is really annoying..." Looking at Mike's departing back and seeing countless girls outside the field shouting his name and going crazy for him, Sean said enviously, "However, this guy is really popular... Michael, you can't lose to him later..."
"I'll do my best." Michael, standing nearby, replied with a simple smile.
At the same time, he had secretly decided in his heart to use all his strength in the upcoming game to show Sean the results of his special training this winter.
It can be said that Michael, who had experienced family warmth in Sean's home, least wanted to see his family disappointed.
Meanwhile, Coach Cotton, who had arranged the logistics, clapped his hands and gathered all the St. Mary's High players in front of him.
"Last year we lost to Medford once, and their strength cannot be underestimated..." Coach Cotton summarized the opponent's strength, then encouraged them, "But I want to tell everyone, although the opponent's strength is strong, we are not bad either. Today is the time to check our training results... Think about the hardships you've endured for victory..."
After a morale boost, Coach Cotton also seized the time to arrange for the players to warm up on the field.
In the St. Mary's rest area, Sean also raised his SLR camera, recording images of Michael warming up.
It was clear that these images would become Michael's cherished memories in the future.
Suddenly, the little guy seemed to think of something and abruptly turned his head to ask, "Collins, do you like that guy named Mike from the other team?"
"No, don't talk nonsense," Collins glanced at her parents not far away and quickly denied it in a low voice.
Collins, the eldest daughter of the Tuohy family, inherited her mother's beauty and was the captain of the St. Mary's High cheerleading squad.
She was also present at that game during last year's Summer League.
"Is that so? Then how do you explain the poster in your room?" Sean, precocious for his age, asked again.
"Keep your voice down... Don't let Mom and Dad hear..." Collins glanced at her parents not far away, then nervously tried to cover Sean's mouth.
A young girl in the first flush of love can easily become captivated by an excellent member of the opposite sex.
Collins, who had witnessed Mike's performance last time, was unconsciously attracted by his unique charm.
And by chance, the girl stumbled upon Mike's poster on the street and then, as if by magic, bought one.
This matter was done very secretly, but she didn't expect her brother to find out.
Seeing his sister's blushing face, which betrayed her, Sean asked unhappily, "Then for this game, do you support Michael or the other Mike?"
"I, I of course support my family..." Collins replied.
"You passed." Sean continued in a grown-up manner, "The other Mike, he doesn't look like a good person. Look how many girls over there are captivated by him."
Next to the Medford rest area, Lina led the members of Mike's fan club, occupying a large open space, cheering for Mike in various ways.
And the girls who could join the fan club were all good-looking, forming a beautiful sight at this moment.
"We were never anything." Although Collins was a cheerleading captain, her personality was more conservative, and after realizing Mike's popularity, she felt a small sense of inferiority.
"Mm-hmm, I just want to remind you that handsome boys can very likely be playboys; don't be deceived by their appearance." Sean shook his head, sharing his life experience with his sister.