JOY TO MY YOUTH

rick davis

Ad Deum, Qui laetificat juventutem meam

(To God, Who giveth joy to my youth)

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HE ball floated back on a direct pass from center to the left halfback, deep man in the single wing formation. Starting slowly to the right, he gave his blocking time to form ahead of him; then as he reached the line in the off-tackle slant, he saw a small opening and cut back sharply to the left to avoid the pileup of blockers. As he broke through the defensive line into the secondary, he stiff-armed the linebacker coming over to wreck the play and cut back to the outside again, fading with the halfback charging over to nail him. He faded until he picked up a key block and cut back to the left, carrying on for thirty yards before the safety man brought him down with a shoestring tackle. The whistle blew, and the coach called the offensive and defensive teams in to review the play. The ball carrier got to his feet and took off his helmet revealing close-cut black hair. He glanced toward the sidelines and saw a friend there. His attractive features lit up in a warm, friendly grin, and laughter crinkled at the corners of his eyes.

The kid, watching the scrimmage from the sidelines, turned to the old boy who was acting as guide for the small group of new students. "Who was that carrying the ball?" he asked.

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