Ronde had to admit, there was truth in what Matt said. “If that were all,” Matt argued, “Coach Spangler wouldn’t have made him the starter this year.” Cody is a ball hog, and that’s all there is to it.” “Dude, you never say anything bad about anybody!” Tiki complained. “You were never like Cody, so don’t even go there.” “It’s bad enough you’re gone, and we have to put up with that hot dog, Cody Hansen.” And remember, we won the District Championship last year. “I mean, just think-last year, you two guys barely played! That alone is going to make the team so much better. “Trust me, it’s going to be fine,” Matt said as they lined up for another pass play. The team would be counting on them-and Ronde was sure he and Tiki had the talent to carry the team to victory. As eighth graders and second-year men, the twins would be key starters-Tiki at halfback, Ronde at cornerback. And when they’d gotten their chance to play, they’d had their moments-but they’d also made bad mistakes. He’s much better than he showed last year. He wasn’t prepared to be a starter, that’s all. ![]() “He just couldn’t handle the pressure of coming off the bench. “He didn’t play so great last year when he was subbing for you,” Tiki said. I saw him play Peewee League, back when he was in sixth grade.” He’s a great athlete, and he’s got a great throwing arm. And if you’re worried about Cody Hansen, don’t be. “The Eagles are even better and deeper this year. “You guys’ll be fine,” Matt assured them. “Now what are we going to do for a quarterback?” “Why’d you have to go and graduate?” Ronde asked Matt. This would be their last practice together for two years, until the twins made it to high school and they were all reunited.Īnd starting tomorrow, for Tiki and Ronde, it was back to school-back to the Eagles for another season, this time without Matt as their leader. During the Eagles’ run to the District Championship this past season, college scouts had come around to see Matt play-and the ninth-grade wonder hadn’t disappointed them. He’d broken every Hidden Valley record for passing. In Ronde’s opinion, Matt deserved the honor of having his number retired. Ronde wondered if the school would retire the number nine now that, starting tomorrow, Matt, last year’s Roanoke Reporter All-World quarterback, had graduated and was moving on to Cave Spring High School. Tiki wore number two, while Ronde had number five. It’s weird.”Īll three boys were wearing their old blue Hidden Valley Eagles uniforms from last season. “No, you’re the one who does that!” Ronde protested. “He finishes my sentences for me all the time,” Tiki told Matt. The boys trotted back to the line of scrimmage, where their friend and practice partner, Matt Clayton, was waiting for them. “Man, I’m glad you’re on my team,” Tiki said, shaking his head. “I try,” Ronde replied, grinning as Tiki reached out a hand to help him up. He landed hard on the grass, but it was worth it to hear Tiki’s disappointed groan. He cut in front of Tiki, leapt into the air, and with his outstretched fingertips, knocked away the ball! Matt Clayton had already let the ball fly, a bullet speeding toward its appointed meeting place with Tiki’s chest.īut Ronde was one step ahead of them both. On cue, he faked to the outside, then cut to the inside, straight across the field. Sure enough, ten yards downfield, Tiki’s eyes widened for the briefest instant. Ronde could have covered Tiki with his eyes closed. They didn’t just look alike, they thought alike. ![]() He and Tiki knew each other inside out, backward and forward. But it sure helped when that receiver was your identical twin. It was part of his education in how to cover wide receivers. Ronde had learned this trick last season. Ronde watched his eyes, knowing they would widen just before the key moment. He kept his focus on Tiki, waiting for him to make his move. Ronde backpedaled a few steps, then turned and matched his brother stride for stride. Then came the “Hut! Hut!” of the quarterback, Matt Clayton, and Tiki took off like a shot. Ronde let out a big yawn, patting his mouth like he was bored. “Don’t blink, or you’ll miss me,” Tiki shot back. ![]() ![]() Ronde Barber stared back at his identical twin as they faced each other across the line of scrimmage.
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