Chapter Three: Ninety-Seven Yards

They assumed an undrafted quarterback would force the ball to the only receiver he trusted. “A hundred percent.” Kai snapped the ball before the kicking unit arrived. Eli cut inside and pulled both linebackers with him. Kai looked his way, then floated the ball to a reserve tight end leaking from the backfield. Touchdown. For the first time, Harbor Stadium sounded full. Reserves poured toward the end zone. Mountain grabbed Kai's shoulder pads and lifted him off the ground. Storm 27, visitors 24. The joy lasted two minutes. A fifty-three-yard pass put the visitors in range for a tying field goal. 27–27. There was no preseason overtime. Fans headed for the exits. Then the opposing kickoff dropped short.