Cole swallowed audibly. “Right. Of course. My point is … I mean, we all know that it was the Elmwood Badgers that did this. Which, uh … which is why I think it’s time we tell the Badgers that they’re going to have to try a whole lot harder to get rid of the Killington Jackrabbits. Unlike them, we settle our scores on the field.” He came up straight and rolled his shoulders back with confidence. “So I say we tell them that tomorrow night … seven o’ clock … Jackrabbit Stadium … we’ll be waiting. If the Badgers have the guts to show up, me and these guys here would love to show them all who the real district champio—”

The applause drowned his words before he could even finish the statement.

“Amen to that!” their host, Farley Butler said, stepping onto the board, microphone in hand. “I think our quarterback here has hit the nail right on the head. What say we bring those Badgers on over here so our boys can claim that district title once and for all! Now, who’s with me?”

It looked like Farley had the support of the majority, but Cole still spotted concern on some faces. Yielding the floor, he came down and moved to Savannah’s side.

Mr. Hodges stepped up next to Farley and raised a hand for quiet. “Order, ladies and gentleman, order. Now, we all know that by virtue of our forfeiture Friday night, Stanton High was awarded the remaining spot in the district championship.”

Farley Butler said, “Stanton High doesn’t deserve to carry our boys’ jocks, Mr. Hodges, and everyone knows it! I say we force those Badgers to play the game they were too chicken to play in the first place!”

Mr. Hodges peered down the line of players. “Well … now, let’s just all hold on for a minute. As principal, I have to ensure the safety of my students. It’s perfectly clear that these boys have been through a lot. Like Logan said, they’re a bit shook up. Are we sure they’re up to playing?”

“Up to it?” Farley chuckled. “Hell yeah, they’re up to it. Aren’t you boys?”

Cole saw no glimmer of comprehension from his teammates, who had remained like statues throughout all the commotion.

“Listen, people,” Farley continued. “Someone strikes at us, we’re gonna strike back even harder. It’s the goddamn American way! Now, we gonna tuck tail, or are we gonna fight the good fight?”

“Here here!” a voice shouted.

“It does warrant some consideration, I suppose.” Mr. Hodges said.

Farley waved this off. “Consideration? Hell, sounds to me like it’s settled. Come on y’all, let’s eat!”

Cole had almost allowed himself to breathe again when Savannah took hold of his arm. She indicated her father, who was retreating slowly across the grass, head down, hands buried in his pockets.