Free Top Wing by Matt Christopher Page A

there.”
    “That kick was hard enough to knock over an elephant,” said Steve, settling down on the bench.
    It sure had knocked over Abe, Dana thought. Now he and Benton have another reason to gripe about me.
    The coach reviewed the first half with them. He pointed out problems, like not enough passing and lack of concentration.
    “When you get the ball, look around,” he told them. “Figure out where you want to go, what you want to do with it. Then act
     fast. Don’t just grab the ball and plunge straight ahead into a mess in the middle.”
    He made a few final points. Then he called Dana and Benton over to one side.
    “Look, I don’t know what’s going on between you two,” he said quietly. “But whatever it is, cut it out. You’re hurting the
     team. So don’t take your personal problems out on the field with you.
    “I’m surprised at the two of you. You’re neighbors. And everyone knows that Dana’s father saved your life, Benton. So, will
     someone please tell me what’s the problem?”
    “Nothing,” said Benton, staring at the ground.
    “Nothing? Hey, I’m not blind, Benton. I can see the freezing going on out there. What about you, Dana? Are you going to tell
     me it’s nothing, too?”
    Dana shuffled his toe in the grass. “All I know isthat Bentons going around saying it’s my family’s fault his house burned down to the ground.”
    Benton started to say something, but choked out a cough instead.
    “He says my dad did a lousy job wiring their house, too, and that’s how the fire started. But he’s wrong! My dad —”
    “My mother ought to know. She says an electrical problem caused the fire!” Benton cut in bitterly.
    “That doesn’t mean anything,” Dana argued. “ ’Sides, she’s just guessing!”
    “What do you know, anyhow? You can’t even remember when someone asks you to do something!” Benton snapped.
    “Okay, you two, knock it off — right now!” said the coach. “Listen, if you both want to keep playing for this team, you put
     all that out of your minds and play ball. Sounds like you’re both shooting your mouths off too much. Now, shake hands and
     promise me you’re going to deal with it later — peacefully. For now, you’re going to put the good of the team first.”
    Neither boy rushed forward. Dana slid his toeback and forth on the ground. Benton didn’t look up.
    “My patience is running out,” the coach warned.
    Then Dana stuck out his hand. Benton followed his lead.
    “Good!” said Coach Kingsley. “Now get out there and put some life into this game!”
    With a two-goal lead, the Rams were riding high. Even though the Anchors played a tougher game, the Rams still controlled
     the ball during the start of the second half.
    Dana ached to get in on some real action. Too much of his time was spent getting set for plays that never came about. Time
     and again, a stray ball was the only thing that came his way.
    All the time, he wondered whether Benton would keep his part of the coach’s deal. Deep down, he doubted it.
    And, anyhow, he thought, how can anyone expect me to forgive Benton? My father saved his life — and his sister’s — and he
     turns around and blames him for the fire!
    A roar from the crowd pulled his attention towardthe Anchors’ goal. Their defense was tied up in a battle to hold off a determined Rams offense.
    Dana watched anxiously. First the Rams had the ball, then the Anchors, then the Rams.
    “Get it out of there, guys!” he yelled. “Come on, Anchors!”
    The Anchors dug in. It was worth it.
    A Rams wing had worked his way into the clear by a few feet. He rushed forward and booted the ball toward the goal. It wasn’t
     a great kick, but it looked like it was going in.
    Jazz lunged after it. For one second, it looked like he wouldn’t reach it. But he did. He stopped the ball with his open palm
     and tipped it in front of the goal line.
    Pete Morris swept by and booted the ball the other way. The late afternoon sun