The field, the Crimson Tide, even the sky was dyed red. Despite the season not having started yet, the Crimson Tide Storm marked the end of the spring training camp with such a victory, making the hope for the new season shine brighter than ever before.
Perhaps, defending the championship, was still a possibility?
The players were no exception—
They needed moments like this.
After Derrick Henry transitioned to the professional arena, the team was beset by unease and anxiety; the running backs' successive injuries during spring training camp meant that a high school student had to step up as the starting running back, leaving everyone within the team permeated with a sense of uncertain bewilderment, up until now.
They had found the answer!
One by one, they all swarmed onto the field, bustling towards Li Wei.
Clark was the first to charge, and although he was also a running back and in a competitive position, he was more aware than anyone of the effort Li Wei had put in. Starting from scratch, earnestly seeking advice and training diligently, he not only improved himself but also helped Clark improve along with him.
As a running back, Li Wei upheld the fine tradition of the Crimson Tide Storm, making Clark happier than anyone else.
Leading the way, Clark had already rushed up, but before he could get close, he saw Li Wei take off his helmet, revealing a broad smile. Clark was momentarily dazed, and Li Wei had already turned and ran off.
Clark: ???
Not just Clark, other Crimson Tide Storm players also followed with question marks over their heads, calling out one after another, yet unable to stop Li Wei.
From one end zone to the other, Li Wei came to stand on the side where the Tigers players were gathered, stopped, and after a brief pause of eye contact, he placed his right hand to his ear, as if listening to a seashell—
Any more trash talk?
Come on, I'm listening.
Watson's cheeks flushed a deep red, all swear words and curses lodged in his throat. Nowhere to be seen was the arrogance he displayed casually walking around the field in the first half. He thought about retorting, given that he had barely played in the second half, and this warm-up game's result didn't count. But when he looked at the twenty-three in front of him:
He didn't even know the name of this number twenty-three, not even Sweeney's pre-game investigation had information on this player. Yet he was rubbed into the ground by him, any excuse or rebuttal would only seem to betray his own guilty conscience.
A complete embarrassment.
Fuming with embarrassment and anger, Watson grabbed his helmet and fiercely slammed it into the ground.
Jacobs's expression was slightly serious as he took off his helmet to look at Li Wei, his hair wet with sweat and sticking to his head, looking a bit disheveled.
Li Wei knew they were competitors, rivals competing for the starting running back position. In regular training, the usually silent Jacobs didn't talk much, always training quietly. But whenever Li Wei had questions, Jacobs never withheld information, sharing generously. They were competitors and teammates, making their relationship a bit more complex.
After today, the competition for the starting position could only get more intense.
During the brief moment of Li Wei's rushing thoughts, Jacobs had already boldly extended his right hand, "An amazing game, you deserve these honors."
Jacobs looked around at the Crimson Tide Storm that was bubbling up with excitement again. Even though the game had ended, the wild party was just beginning.
Li Wei also took Jacobs's right hand, ready to say a few words, but was caught off guard as Jacobs tightened his grip, prompting Li Wei to also tighten unintentionally, creating a standoff.
Jacobs stared at Li Wei, "But this doesn't mean I'll give up. I will keep working hard and compete openly for the starting spot. I will continue to measure up against you until the last moment of the season. Until then, the competition isn't over."
His stance was honorable, his eyes filled with a belief that was as firm as it was dazzling.
Li Wei responded seriously, shaking Jacobs's hand, "I'm ready at all times. Until the final moment of the game, nothing is over, right?"
In fact, in football, the starting position isn't all that important because players can be substituted at any time and without a limit to the number of times, which is different from soccer and basketball.
Moreover, football is an intense contact sport, and aside from the quarterback, who usually plays the entire game, other positions often have some rotation and adjustment, with the running back being a typical example.
Never mind starting, the running back for the first and second offensive drives might be different. In one game, three to four running backs might take turns playing, which is normal, so starting isn't as important as one might think.
Nevertheless, whether it's Li Wei or Jacobs, including Clark and Emmons, they were all competing for the main position, creating a healthy competition.
After all, the Crimson Tide Storm is a traditional powerhouse for running backs, and teams from the Professional League often keep an eye on the University of Alabama's main/starting running backs, which could determine their future prospects in turning professional.
The competition and rivalry destined for them was just beginning.
Under the sun, Li Wei and Jacobs exchanged their resolution with a handshake.
Off to the side of the field, the neglected Watson's face was as black as the bottom of a pot, he glared fiercely at Li Wei and Jacobs, looking at the gleefully cheering Bryant Denny Stadium, the awful memory of early January surfaced again—
The Crimson Tide Storm had better pray they don't encounter the Tigers in this year's nationwide championship. Otherwise, Watson vowed, he'd reclaim all the honor and dignity lost today; next time he wouldn't be merciful.
Then, he would make sure they wouldn't be able to laugh.