The Extra Point by Chris Kreie

Author:Chris Kreie [Kreie, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Athlete, Athletes, Darby Creek, Football, Football Game, Football player, Football Players, Football Team, Football Teams, Gridiron, Hi/Lo, High Interest, High School, High School Athlete, High School Athletes, High School Football, High School Football Player, High School Football Players, High School Life, High School Sports, High School Struggles, High School Student, High School Students, High/Low, low reading level, Reluctant Reader, School, Sport, Sports, Struggling Reader, Teens, Touchdown, Sports & Recreation, Sports, Football, General Fiction, Coming of age, Growing up, Chris Kreie, Extra point, Female Athlete, Female Football Player, Female Kicker, Football Kicker, Kicker, Kickoff, Sports Fiction, Sports Story, The Extra Point
ISBN: 9781512482201
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Published: 2017-08-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Saturday morning things started to get really crazy. Riley slept late and woke up to her phone buzzing almost nonstop from all the messages she was getting. She thought they would just be congratulations for the team’s 29–7 victory over the Bears, but it turned out that there was even bigger news. Apparently her forty-seven-yard field goal was a conference record. Coach had texted to congratulate her. She texted Aisha.

Riley: Guess what? I set a conference record.

Aisha: I heard. So proud of you!

Riley: Coach said some local TV reporters are coming to practice Monday.

Aisha: Really? So awesome! You deserve it.

Riley: Thanks. I hope I don’t make a complete fool out of myself.

Aisha: Of course you won’t!

When Monday’s practice rolled around, Riley was greeted by a handful of TV reporters just like Coach had told her she would be.

“You’ve got two minutes,” said Coach Turner. “Then we need you on the field.”

Riley stepped up to the small group gathered at the fence.

“What’s it like being the first girl to play football for the Renegades?” asked one of the reporters. Several cameras were pointed at her, and a few microphones were held in front in her face.

“I’m honored,” said Riley. “But it’s not about me being a girl. It’s about me being a good kicker and helping my team.”

“Tell us how you felt when you set the conference record,” said another reporter.

“I didn’t even know it was a record until the next day,” she said. “It’s pretty cool. But maybe I can break the new record too.” She smiled. The reporters laughed.

“And what about the reaction from your school and community?” asked someone else. “You must be getting a lot of attention because you’re a young lady playing a traditionally guys’ game.”

Riley smiled. “Well, you all are here. That’s something.” More laughter from the reporters. “Seriously, though, it’s been cool. My classmates and teachers have had my back. But like I said before, my job is to kick the ball and put points on the board. The fact that I’m a girl isn’t that important in my book.”

After a few more questions, Coach Turner cut in, “All right, hot shot! Paparazzi time’s up!”

“Gotta listen to the coach,” said Riley. “Thanks, everyone.”

Riley ran toward where the guys were stretching and warming up for practice. Before she could take her spot in the group, Sean sprinted over to her.

She gritted her teeth. She was having such a good day, and she didn’t want to let him spoil it for her.

“Think you’re pretty big time, don’t you?” he asked.

“Not really,” she said. “I’m just doing my job. Kicking the ball just like you’re tackling.”

“All the fancy reporters seem to really love you,” he said. “I say big deal. You made one field goal. I’ve been helping this team win games for over three seasons.”

Riley thought back to seeing Sean being interviewed on TV the past few years. It had happened a couple of times a season since he started on varsity. He seemed to think the interviews were a big deal when they were about him.

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