“On top of that, Buck’s family has decided that he would be better off living with his mother, so he won’t be with us for the season. That means two seniors, both starters and leaders on last year’s team, won’t be playing with us this season. I don’t think I have to tell you what a big blow this is for our program.”

Coach Grady adjusted the cap on his head and let loose a long sigh. “But victory often comes out of adversity. We can give up, or we can rise to the challenge. For many of you, there is an opportunity here to step up. For us as a team, we can either let these setbacks tear us to shreds—or make us more cohesive. We can either come together or come apart.”

He put his foot up on the lowest bench, leaned onto his knee, and took a few seconds to scan our faces. “I believe in all of you. I believe in this team. And I believe we can still achieve great things this season.”

Absolute silence.

“Okay, boys, take three laps and start the three-man weave. Let’s go.”

He clapped his hands, and we were off.

The practice did not go well. If I’d hoped that Troy being vanquished would help me, I was very sadly mistaken. If anything, the rest of the guys seemed extra angry with me, as if it were my fault. They froze me out. They threw passes at my feet. Someone hit me with a dirty elbow. I fought through it and played hard, but part of me wanted to just quit.

When practice ended, I was a sweaty mess, but I didn’t want to hang around these guys one second longer than necessary. I was about to head out when Brandon ran up behind me.

“Mickey?”

I turned toward him.

“We need to talk,” he said.

“Uh, okay. Now?”

He came a little closer. “Let’s wait for the other guys to leave. I don’t want them to see us. Shower, get dressed, take your time.”

So I did. Again everyone avoided me, except to give me death stares. Half an hour later, Brandon and I were the only ones left in the locker room.

“So talk,” I said to him.

Brandon looked left, then right. “Not here,” he whispered. “Follow me.”

“Where?”

“Just follow me.”

He held open the door, inviting me out into the still corridor. I didn’t like it. The players and coaches were gone now. So were all the teachers. Our footsteps echoed down hallway.

“You get what’s going on, right?” Brandon said.

“About?”

“About why the guys on the team are mad at you.”

“No.”

“Think about it.”

I did. I still didn’t get it.

“You join the team,” Brandon said, “and suddenly Troy comes up with a positive drug test.”