Stookie Norris took his position at center field. Jerry Dinh lined up on his right. Lou Barnes was on his left. The Soccer ’Cats hadn’t played the Black Hawks before, but Stookie wasn’t nervous. He had his game plan in mind and was sure he could make it work. The ’Cats had won the toss. At the referee’s whistle, Stookie gave the ball a gentle kick to Jerry. Jerry prodded it forward with his foot, picking up speed as he dribbled downfield. Stookie and Lou kept pace with him, ready to help out if Jerry got in trouble. Sure enough, a tackier charged Jerry. Jerry saw him coming and booted the ball cleanly toward Stookie. Now’s my chance! thought Stookie. He raced forward, dribbling as fast as he could. A halfback came forward to meet him. “No, you don’t!” Stookie muttered. He sidestepped the Black Hawk, taking the ball with him. The halfback put on the brakes, but he was too late.
