Long Arm Quarterback Read Free Page A

hopped
     out. Cap heard Tully mutter something.
    Sable nodded to Tully as he walked over but spoke only to his grandson. “So, Jimmy, did you get to throw?”
    Cap thought that Jimmy looked uncomfortable. “Sure, Gramps. Coach had us taking turns.”
    Sable gave Tully a sharp glance and turned back to Jimmy. “Really?”
    “You heard him,” Tully said. “We're not finished, so why don't you—”
    “You sure you wouldn't like some help?” Sable asked before Tully could finish.
    Tully's smile was strained. “Like I told you, Sable, we're managing just fine.”
    Candy cleared her throat, sensing the tension between the men. “Grandpa, see you tomorrow, then.”
    “Thanks, hon, Bobby Jo.”
    Candy's friend ran a hand through her curly blond hair. “This'll be fun. Bye!”
    Sable stared at the girls as they walked away. “What's
that
about? What are they looking forward to?” he asked Jimmy.
    “They're going to practice with us starting tomorrow. That way, we—”
    “Those
girls?”
Sable's jaw dropped. “Practicing with
you?”
    “It's really a good idea, Grandpa,” Jimmy said, shooting a troubled glance at Tully. “See, we don't have enough guys to have
     a full offensive and defensive team, so—”
    Sable snorted. “Now I've heard everything.”
    “Sable, we're not done,” Tully said again. “Give us a few minutes, if you don't mind.”
    Sable studied Tully for a long moment. “You and I aren't done yet either, Wadell.”
    He walked slowly back to his truck. Looking over his shoulder, he called, “Jimmy, when the coach lets you go, I'll be waiting
     over here.”
    Cap and Jimmy looked at each other, but neither one spoke.
    Cap wondered to himself whether Jimmy was feeling as embarrassed as he was.

4
    T he second day of practice, Tully had twelve players to work with. Candy and Bobby Jo were there, and Fritz's friend Gabe Muñoz.
     No one was wearing pads or helmets.
    “Today, we'll add defenses and run plays,” Tully explained. “Since we don't have enough equipment, we won't do any tackling.”
    He divided the group into two squads.
    “This is to start with. We'll do some switching around later,” Tully said. “Remember, this isn't a full-contact practice.
     You can block, but no hard tackles today.”
    He ran through the plays he had given the team so the newcomers could pick them up. When Tully saw everyone knew the plays,
     he said, “Time for defenses. Let's try a three-two-one defense.”
    He positioned Ben in the middle of the line with. Fritz and Mick as defensive ends. He placed Hoot and Cap five yards back,
     with Sam five yards deeper.
    “Sam, you're the safety,” Tully explained. “If a play gets by you, it can mean six points for the opposition. Your job is
     to watch the play and go where the action is. If they send someone deep, you cover him.”
    He turned to the others. “You linemen should put pressure on the quarterback. Cap and Hoot, always watch the play develop.
     If it looks like a run, move in to stop it. Remember, no one can advance the ball by running until they throw a clear pass.
    “Before each play, the defense should huddle like the offense and choose a coverage and who'll rush the quarterback. Keep
     the offense guessing about how many will be rushing the passer, and who. The key to defense is to stay alert and react. Always
     know where the ball is and keep your head in the game. If you just rush in blindly, the play may get by you before you know
     what's happening. Any questions?”
    No one had any.
    Tully smiled. “All right, defense, huddle up! I'll give the offense a play, and Cap, call a defensive pattern.Remember, the offense needs fifteen yards for a first down.”
    Jimmy had Candy and Vince at end, Gabe and Bobby Jo in the backfield, and Steve at center. Taking Steve's snap, he dropped
     back, looking for a receiver. Candy went deep and Sam picked her up. Steve blocked Ben, while Vince faked an inside move and
     cut to the sideline, fooling Cap,