Football Star
Lane Mitchell Patterson, age 8, from Chandler, Arizona, loved football. His all-time favorite team was the Arizona State Sun Devils and he loved to watch Scott Patterson in action. Best of all, the Arizona State Sun Devils had made it to the Championship, and they were going to play against the LSU Tigers. The game was going to start in just a few minutes! Lane was waiting for Wyatt, Britt, Cade, and Shae to join him in watching the game.
The crowd in the stadium sang the National Anthem, then gave a mighty cheer just as the game was about to start. But Lane was getting sleepy. "I've just got to stay awake for the Championship game," thought Lane as he watched the coin toss. But Lane was really tired, and he slowly fell into a deep sleep.
Then the strangest thing happened. As if by magic, Lane suddenly found himself at the football stadium! The Championship was being played right in front of his eyes! He heard the loudspeaker. "Attention ladies and gentlemen," the announcer called out. "The Arizona State Sun Devils just asked if Lane Mitchell Veach will join them for this game!"
Lane couldn't believe his luck! Scott Patterson came up to him and said, "Lane, we need you on the team. If you'll help us out for the rest of the game, we just might be able to win the Championship!" "I'll do the best I can," Lane said. The players quickly got Lane into a uniform. Maybe it was a little big, but Lane didn't care. He was actually in a huddle with the Arizona State Sun Devils!
Lane joined the Arizona State Sun Devils on the line of scrimmage. As he was facing the LSU Tigers, he remembered the quarterback saying to him, "I want you to go long and to the right, and then I'm going to pass the ball to you." "I sure wish Wyatt, Britt, Cade, and Shae could see me now," thought Lane to himself excitedly.
Lane ran as hard as he could. The ball seemed to sail through the air forever. Lane caught it and ran as fast as he could. The LSU Tigers tried to tackle him, but he was too fast! The crowd went wild as Lane scored a touchdown.
Later in the game, the score became tied. Scott Patterson told Lane that the coach wanted to see him; "Lane, we all know you can catch and run," the coach said. "But if you can kick a field goal, we can win this game." "I'll try," Lane said with a big smile.
The players ran back out to the field. The crowd grew silent. The ball was snapped. Lane kicked that ball with all his strength. It flew through the air and sailed right over the goal post! Lane had scored the winning points! The Arizona State Sun Devils had won the game!
It was like a dream! The other players hoisted Lane above their shoulders and marched him around the football field. Lane heard the loudspeaker announce, "Lane Mitchell Veach has been chosen the Most Valuable Player today." The crowd started cheering, "Lane, Lane, Lane..."
"Lane, Lane, Lane. Wake up!" Cade, Shae, Wyatt, and Britt called. "You must have fallen asleep. The game has already started." "But I was just about to get my trophy for the Most Valuable Player Award," Lane murmured as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
"You'll always be the Most Valuable Player around here," Wyatt, Britt, Cade, and Shae replied. "Now let's make some popcorn and watch the game!