Last Man Out

Nearly a week after his father’s death, Tommy decides to restart his football season. He thinks about his father’s lessons on teamwork and recalls making peace with Danny and Nick after the rough practice. His mother drives him to the game in Watertown while Emily stays home with their aunt.

Tommy tackles the Titans’ quarterback, Kevin Corwin, and the referee gives the Bears a late-hit penalty. Greck pulls Tommy away from the referee before he can dispute the call so that the Bears won’t be penalized further. The penalty gives the Titans a first down. Later, Tommy blitzes against the coach’s call, leaving his coverage zone open for a Titans touchdown. Soon after, an interception is returned for a second touchdown, and the Bears trail 13–0.

When the Titans get the ball again, Tommy reads their formation, ignores a blitz signal, and drops into coverage. He intercepts Corwin’s pass. Coach Fisher tells him that he made the right read but asks him to follow his instructions for the rest of the game. The Bears’ offense capitalizes on the interception with a touchdown pass to Mike Fallon, cutting the deficit to 13–7.

The game remains tight into the fourth quarter. Tommy glances at the empty spot in the stands where his father used to stand and feels his anger rise.