Catching Controversy | The Legend of Ethan Woy

[Woy]

Working on the update now.

 

[GMSFootballa54]

That's right, dirty whore.

 

[Woy]

Guest List

Another day in the weight room and on the practice field with Brad ended as I got in my car to drive over to Melyssa's parents' house. From there, I welcomed myself inside and sat down beside Mel on the couch.

"Whatcha looking at?" I asked her as she had a blank sheet of paper in hand.

"We haven't made our guest list yet," she replied. "So get yourself a piece of paper and a pen and start writing names down."

I sighed, picked up a pen from the computer desk and went to work. After about 20 names - not a huge list because we didn't want to have an over the top wedding - I put down my pen and mouthed, "finished."

"Yeah me too," she said. "Let me see your list."

I shrugged my shoulders and handed her the paper. She started to skim down my list and as she neared the bottom, I could just see her eyebrow raise.

"Someone you don't approve of?"

"Nah, not that. I'm just surprised by your last choice."

"Who is it?" I asked as I took the list from her hand. Then after looking at the first few names, I remembered who I written down. "She's been a friend of mine for a while. I figured she'd want to come."

"Alright, but I'm not calling her."

I laughed and gave her a kiss. "Don't worry, I didn't expect you to."

...

Now at home, I nervously picked up the phone and dialed a number that hasn't seen my caller ID since October of my freshman year.

*RING RING RING*

"Hello?" The voice from the other line was a little soft, leading me to believe that they were sleeping.

"Hey Bre," I said. "I didn't wake you or anything, did I?"

"Ethan!?" she replied with a little more pep in her voice. "No, you didn't. Geez, I haven't talked to you in forever."

"I know. How have you been?"

"I've been alright," she sighed. "Classes here are going well and I still have my job at the bank. How about you? You still with Melyssa?"

"That's actually why I was calling..."

...

Her life hasn't been the same since that day. She waited outside Heinz Field for Ethan to come out; wanting another chance to get with him. Yeah, she was with Dan at the time, but she wasn't happy...she never was. The only one that could make her happy was Ethan. Ever since her first time after Homecoming freshman year, she established a special connection with him, like he was holding part of her soul. She couldn't explain it to him or her friends, and when she would choose other guys instead of the right one, she just didn't understand her actions. There had to be a right time for the two souls to meet...and she thought this might be that time.

...

"Yes?"

"Well we're getting married soon..."

...

Have you ever thought you said something that could drastically change someone's life? The dead silence on the other line brought those thoughts into the air. She couldn't have had anything for me now...there's no way.

...

"...and I was wondering if you wanted to come? It's up to you."

The silence continued from the other line, but then she spoke up. "Yeah, I'll go."

"Alright, I'll text you or something when it gets closer to the date."

And before I could say "bye," she hung up. I sat there with many ideas going through my conscious mind...thinking, wondering if I made the right choice by asking her to come.

 

[Fox1994]

lulz. That post wasn't at all filled with unnecessary drama. Keep it up.

 

[GMSFootballa54]

Nice update, brah.

 

[Woy]

I'll be in Providence tomorrow for the RMU/Villanova game, and Friday I might have someone come over.

Look for an update on Saturday then.

 

[GMSFootballa54]

:Looks forward to it, marks on calander:

 

[Chill]

so at the wedding, right before ethan tells mel "i do" bre shows up with a pump action shot gun and right as she runs up the aisle and goes to shoot mel, ethans best man; none other then Sidney Crosby jumps in front of her taking the shot gun shell right to the gut saving the day for ethan and mel, but crushing the hearts of thousands of pittsburgh penguins fans..


figured id make a splash with my return post, and for old times sake make a sidney crosby reference. just spent about four hours catching up reading all this shit.. suprised you arent further to be honest.. ill try to be a little more active sir..

as always.. good read.

 

[Fox1994]

so at the wedding, right before ethan tells mel "i do" bre shows up with a pump action shot gun and right as she runs up the aisle and goes to shoot mel, ethans best man; none other then Sidney Crosby jumps in front of her taking the shot gun shell right to the gut saving the day for ethan and mel, but crushing the hearts of thousands of pittsburgh penguins fans..


figured id make a splash with my return post, and for old times sake make a sidney crosby reference. just spent about four hours catching up reading all this shit.. suprised you arent further to be honest.. ill try to be a little more active sir..

as always.. good read.

lol

 

[Woy]

Since this was restored and my NCAA '11 RTG is getting into full-swing, I'll post the remaining updates so people don't have to get on other sites to finish the story or catch up on important updates that pay dividends in Pursuit of Happiness.

 

[Rudi]

Fuck yeah! Good to see this back

 

[Woy]

The Big Day

Think back to the biggest moment in your life...were you nervous? How can someone be so calm playing in front of 50,000 people but yet is practically shaking in front of 250?

Standing at the altar, looking at friends and family, I chuckled because I'd never imagine this happening a few years ago. But then that recognizable tune started to play on the organ as the guests stood up, I saw the woman of my dreams start down the aisle. A smile crept upon my face as I took Melyssa's hand from her father and led her up where the priest was waiting. It was finally hitting me; I was getting married.

...

She was sitting in the corner of the farthest back pew, looking around the chapel. This was supposed to be her...she was supposed to be the one walking down the aisle right now. But her stubbornness stood in the way of that, and that would be something she would regret every day. There was still hope though...she could get him back. There was only one way...

...

"Whenever we met in Hilton Head, I saw someone I could be with for a long time. And when I saw you in my first class that year, I knew we were supposed to be together. God brought you from those sandy beaches right to me, and for that I'm forever grateful. I know I can finally see someone that loves me for who I am now, and not who I can be later on in life. Melyssa, I love you and always will."

Mel smiled, knowing I completely freestyled my vows, but they came out perfect nonetheless. The priest looked out into the crowd for a few seconds and then spoke up. "If there's anyone who feels that these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

...

"Stand up," she muttered to herself. "Say something." But her mouth seemed like it was glued shut. She couldn't do it...not now. So she got up from her seat and walked out with hundreds of eyeballs staring right at her because she just couldn't deal with the pain.

...

"Wonder what her problem is," I whispered under my breath as I saw Bre walk out from the back of the chapel. But I wasn't going to let that get in the way; this was Mel and I's day and no one was ruining that.

"Here's the ring bro," Evan said.

"Thanks," I replied as I put it on Mel's finger.

"Melyssa, will you take Ethan to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish his friendship and love him today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honor him, laugh with him and cry with him? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

"I will," she replied with the biggest smile I've ever seen.

"And Ethan, will you take Melyssa to be your wife, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish her friendship and love her today, tomorrow and forever? Will you trust and honor her, laugh with her and cry with her? Will you be faithful through good times and bad, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"

"I will."

"With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest announced. "You may kiss the bride."<hr>"I wonder what Bre was upset about," I said to myself, but loud enough for Melyssa to hear.

"Don't worry about it," she answered. "Maybe she got an emergency phone call or something."

"Yeah, maybe you're right. Oh and I'm sorry that I can't take you anywhere for a honeymoon...I'm real low on cash."

"Haha, it's fine," she replied. "A perfect honeymoon for me would be just spending an entire day with you. I don't need anything fancy."

"I'm still going to spoil you with one when I get the money," I chuckled. "Probably after this upcoming football season."

"You're going to enter the draft?"

"I'm really leaning towards it...we'll see though. But let's get out of here. We gotta see if the hotel is set up for the reception later tonight."

And with that I took her hand and walked out of the church, ready for the fun we'd have later tonight.

 

[Woy]

Won't Take No For An Answer

"Damn," Bill said as he shook my hand. "Seems like years ago since we've partied together, bro."

"That's because it has been years ago," I laughed, returning the friendly gesture. "How's life around the 'vert? You still holding those weekly Saturday keggers?"

"Ah, you already know Ethan," he replied. "I'm still fucking shocked you're married though! Damn, I figured C-Dub would have been the first out of our group."

"Yeah," I chuckled. "I'm a little shocked too, but it's all good."

As the hotel continued to fill, Taylor Swift finally stepped on stage and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Bill looked at me for a second, then burst into laughter.

"You fucking would."

...

"So was this everything you ever wanted?" I asked Melyssa as we danced to one of the slow songs on Taylor's list.

"Everything and more," she replied with a kiss on the cheek. "I couldn't be happier right now."

"Yeah. It seems like everyone's having a great time too."

"Well there's one that's not enjoying herself," she said as she scanned the room. "Wonder what's been going on with Bre."

I looked around the room and saw her in the corner by herself. "Not sure. She just hasn't been herself it seems."

"Yeah, maybe you should see what's up. I can handle a dance alone." I raised my eyebrow at her comment and she playfully pushed me aside. "I'll be fine, seriously. Just go."

...

"Not being sociable?" I asked as Bre picked her head up.

"Eh, I just don't feel good," she replied. "Why aren't you out there with your wifey?"

"Because I'm in charge of making sure everyone is having fun," I chuckled. "I've known you far too long to know whether you're sick or if something's actually wrong. Now am I going to hear what's up or will I have to get you to say it?" Her mouth still stayed closed, so I did what I had to do.

"Stop tickling me!" she laughed before pushing my hands away. "Damn, you do know me too well." We both smiled before her happy expression turned into upside down. "Let's go outside."

We walked out into the cool summer night and found a bench to sit on near the exit. The breeze was real slight, but just enough to send goosebumps down one's spine. The stars showed all the constellations and the moon was as bright as ever; it was perfect to sit for hours and just stare into the sky.

"Don't you love this time of night?" she asked as we both sat down. "It's not too warm or too cold...just perfect."

"Yeah, I remember doing this when we were younger," I answered. "Just sneaking over in the middle of the night to lay with you on the trampoline...I'll never forget those times."

"I feel the exact same way," she said as she moved closer to me.

"Anyways, what's wrong?" I finally asked to get back on-topic. Sure, reminiscing on old memories is always nice, but I really needed to get back in there and enjoy my night with my wife.

She shrugged her shoulders and cleared her throat. "I don't know. I don't think I'm over you."

"But Bre..." I started before I was cut off.

"This was supposed to be me," she stated boldly. "I'm the one that should have been wearing that ring! Don't you see that?"

I shook my head no and it looked like she was about to tear up. "You had your chance with me, Bre. I tried over and over to sustain a long relationship with you, but it always seemed like there was someone better."

"That's not true," she muttered.

"What?"

"It's not true!" she stood up and yelled. "I only tried to help you realize that you were the only one for me."

"So dating other guys shows me that?" I confusingly asked. I had absolutely no clue where Bre was going with this and I really just wanted to end the conversation here and go back inside.

"I thought it would," she mumbled loudly enough for me to hear. "I thought you would be able to see how unhappy I was with anyone else and that you were the only one that kept me smiling. That was my goal...but obviously I failed."

"Bre...I don't know what to tell you."

"Tell me you love me," she pleaded. "Just one more time."

"Alright," I said, giving in. "I love you...as a friend."

"What?"

"You heard me Bre," I shot back. "I still want to be your friend, but that's it. Don't you get it? I'm married now! I can't be fooling around with high school sophomore year flings. You had your chance with me back then and blew it...life goes on. I'm sure there's someone much better than me out there for you. Now excuse me, I'm going back inside to enjoy the rest of the reception. You're more than welcome to join me."

"Nah," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm going to sit out here a little longer."

I shrugged my shoulders and walked back inside just in time for the cutting of the cake. After the reception was over, I stepped outside for a cigar when I saw a piece of paper wedged inside the bench Bre and I were sitting on earlier.

"We'll be back together, I promise. - Bre"

I shook my head, finished my cigar and went back up into the hotel suite for some fun with the new Mrs. Woy.

 

[Woy]

A Stress Free Season?

The rest of summer vacation went by very quickly. I made some appearances at some local seven-on-seven games, signed autographs and continued to put on muscle for the upcoming football season.

Soon enough, I had to leave my new family a little early for fall practice, where I was scheduled for photo-shoots with both Street and Smith's and ESPN The Magazine. Apparently the media labeled me as the clear-cut favorite for the Heisman Trophy and our team was ranked right behind West Virginia in the Big East conference. However, with Ryan back under center for us and most of our starters from last year returning, I felt we could possibly run the table and state our case for a national championship.

I made the same mistake of forgetting my jersey and wearing my Spider-man tee for media day, but this time it was intentional.

...

"Yeah I got the memo this year," I chuckled as I entered the press room. "But there's a reason why I'm wearing it."

Then I pulled out of my bag some fliers that had my face photo-shopped onto a picture of Spider-man. "I'm officially announcing my campaign for the Heisman Trophy. All contenders must go through Spider-man, and we all know that the greatest superhero alive doesn't fall to anyone."

...

"Damn," Ryan sighed. "That practice was a killer."

"Yeah," I replied, as I took my pads off. "But we needed it. We've been slacking and I don't want to open up the season like we did last year against BC."

"You're right. Hey, at least we don't have an afternoon session today."

"Yeah," I said. "Thank God for Picture Day."

...

"Alright we'll take it on three. One...two...three..."

*CLICK*

"Good. Now let's get some individual shots for the media guide."

...

"Wonder where that slut is?" I muttered to myself as I was getting my individual done. "She's usually one of the photographers for this pre-season shit."

"Excuse me?" one of the new freshmen asked as she put the camera down.

"Oh nothing," I answered. "It's just that the chick that used to do this last year isn't here and I was a little surprised."

"You mean Britt?" a slender brunette holding a reflector asked. She put it down and walked up to me, giving off an upset expression as she moved closer. "Oh wait, you wouldn't give two shits about her, right?"

"Hey," I shot back. "You have no clue what went on between us. It's not my fault that her cousin fucked over everything we had."

"So you took it out on her?" she replied. "That's low and you know it. Anyways to answer your question, she transferred out to Michigan. Her grades were good enough and she has family out in the area, so she went out there to get out of this hellhole. Now if you excuse me, let's get this picture done so I can get out of here as well."

I cursed under my breath and fake smiled through my individual picture. With Britt seemingly out of the picture completely, everything was looking towards a stress-free year off-the-field for Melyssa and I...finally.

 

[Woy]

Slaying the Demon (Deacons)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (0-0) at Syracuse Orange (0-0)

The sight of 45,000 people in the stands with just a select few not wearing blue or orange, the look of determination in each one of my teammate and coach's eyes, and the belief that we finally had the talent to compete for a BCS berth; yes, this was going to be our year.

But it was also my year. I've had two good seasons to start my career, but it was time to take the next step and plus my name among the elite. Nothing was going to stop me from taking home the Heisman Trophy and I would accept nothing less as a failure when discussing my individual season.

We ran out to the roar of a sold-out Carrier Dome crowd; reminded me of my first career game against Minnesota. Hopefully it would provide the same result.

Our first offensive drive showed our rust, as an early three and out sent the ball back to the Demon Deacons. However, All-ACC quarterback Skylar Jones threw an interception on just his second snap and we jogged back onto the field with the intentions of getting on the board first. And we did just that, but not by getting into the end-zone. After failing on third down, Adam came out and booted a 34-yard field goal to put us up 3-0 early.

Jones got Wake Forest on the board with a screen pass to Brandon Pendergrass in the second quarter. Benefiting from superb blocking, Pendergrass easily found a seam and walked into the end zone to give Wake Forest their first lead, 7-3. That's what the halftime score ended up being, as I was held to just two catches in the first half.

...

"Fuck man!" I screamed in the locker room, throwing my helmet at the nearest locker.

"Dude, settle down," Ryan said, trying to calm my anger down. "We still have another half and we're only down four."

"They're doubling me almost every time Ryan," I shot back. "I'm not going to win the Heisman with a shit performance like this."

"Forget about the Heisman right now," he pleaded. "We need to win this game."

"But..."

"I'll get you the damn ball Keyshawn," he chuckled, cutting me off. "Now will you please shut up?"

We both laughed at his smart-ass remark. That's exactly what I needed to get my mind off my horrendous first-half.

...

"Third and three from the Wake 43 yard line. It's mid-way through the third quarter and Woy has been held to just four catches so far."

"Yeah, the Heisman contender needs to find a few seams in that Demon Deacon defense otherwise this offense will continue to struggle."

"And here's the snap...Nassib with the play-action fake and he's looking for number 15. Woy's got a step on the corner as he fires...it's caught! It's going to be a footrace and it's a footrace Woy usually wins! Touchdown Syracuse as they take back the lead!"

...

Just one little mistake in the secondary completely turned my game and the team's confidence. We tacked on a field goal after my touchdown to make it 13-7, but with 3:56 left in the fourth quarter, Wake tacked on a field goal of their own to cut the deficit to three.

We then took the ball and marched straight down the field - meanwhile, I was racking up my 10th and 11th catch of the day - but were faced with a crucial third and eight with just 1:34 left to play. Jeremy called a pass play from upstairs and Ryan told me that I would be his first look to pick up the first down.

...

"Nassib takes the snap...looks for Woy running a slant...and it's picked off! Hunter Haynes just stepped in front of the receiver and came up with a gift! Wake will have one last chance to tie or win this game!"

...

Shocked, we slumped off the field and watched our defense give up three first downs in a row. Their offense took the ball down to the 12-yard line and after stalling on third down, they had a chance to tie the game with just three seconds remaining.

The snap was perfect and the hold was just as good. Their kicker got the ball up in the air, and although it seemed high enough, our star defensive end Chandler Jones did his best Dikembe Mutombo impression, swatting it away and preserving our first win of the season.

Although this game didn't matter in the Big East race, it was still nice to get a win over a solid team. One down, 11 to go.

Syracuse 13
Wake Forest 10

11 catches, 135 yards, 1 TD

 

[Woy]

Losing Money But Not His Focus

The present setting is a dark room, equivalent to a basement, where some televisions are set up and besides the picture being shown on the devices, the only thing lighting up this space is a lamp hanging from the ceiling. Two men walk in and sit down, with notebooks in hand.

The past setting was brighter than the room they are currently sitting in. It was just eight years ago since he led his team over their biggest rival; which has turned out to be the last time his alma mater beat them. He then went on to make a career, which was cut short by injury. That's when the lights dimmed down and the darker side of the man known as CP came out.

"What's your plays today nigga?" the man beside him asked as he popped the cap off his Budweiser.

"Louisville beats Kentucky with the over," CP replied as he lit a cigar. "And Wake Forest over Syracuse."

"I can see the first one, but you have the 'Cuse losing?" he asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, is there anything wrong with that?"

"No, no, not at all. I just think you're underestimating the Orange this year. They're legit."

"Yeah, we'll see."

...

"And you're halftime score is 7-3 Wake Forest here from Syracuse. We'll be back after a commercial break."

"See?" CP bragged as the Bud Light commercial appeared on the screen. "Syracuse's a joke."

"Damn, you seem like you have some hostility towards them," he answered.

"Nah, I just know my college football," CP replied. "That entire team is overrated."

"Even the Woy kid? He's pretty legit."

"Pshhhh," CP laughed, brushing off his agent's statement. "That kid couldn't even hold Braylon's jockstrap. Maybe that's why he didn't commit to Big Blue when he was being recruited."

...

"And here's the snap...Nassib with the play-action fake and he's looking for number 15. Woy's got a step on the corner as he fires...it's caught! It's going to be a footrace and it's a footrace Woy usually wins! Touchdown Syracuse as they take back the lead!"

"Fuck you Woy!" CP screamed as number 15 flipped the ball back to the ref in the end zone. "Your fucking bitchass was supposed to do that for Michigan, not bumbfuck Syracuse!"

"Damn man, chill a bit. There's still a lot of time left for them to come back." Then he took another sip of his beer and put out his cigar. "If I didn't know any better, it would seem to me that you have a grudge against Woy."

"Just shut up and watch the game, Mike."

...

"Here's the snap, the hold's perfect, and the kick is up...it's blocked by Chandler Jones! Syracuse will escape with a victory against Wake Forest in their opener!"

"Are you fucking kidding me!? Fuck everything about that shitty ass school!" CP yelled at the top of his lungs as he threw the remote against the wall, shattering it.

"Dude, you lost money...but shit man, it's not the end of the world!"

"You don't understand Mike," CP said, lowering his voice a little bit. "I hate that damn school and especially that fucking douchebag they have at receiver."

"Did you like lose a bet or something in his recruitment? I don't understand why you would hate him so much."

The room got quiet for about 30 seconds before CP cleared his throat and spoke up.

"You remember the job Rich Rod sent me on?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Paying him to come to Michigan was it."

"Ah damn, now I see why you hate him."

"Yeah," CP said before lighting up another cigar. "Idiot I hired for the payback fucked up."

"Damn, that sucks. Well hey listen, I've got to get back to my crib...one of my clients is looking for a new deal."

"Alright, peace."

As his former agent Mike walked out of the door, CP lit up another cigar and started looking for the lines of the college football night-cap. Then something hit him as he blew a smoke ring from out in front of him; he still never got his payback on Ethan.

That wouldn't be for long though...he'll find some way to get revenge. He just didn't know how yet.

 

[Woy]

Charley Comeback

Boston College Eagles (0-1) at Syracuse Orange (1-0)

Another sold-out crowd found their seats inside the Carrier Dome as we took the field against another ACC team in Boston College. Although their defense is mediocre, their offense led by Montel Harris was one of the conference's best.

The start couldn't have gone better, as Torian received the opening kickoff, found a seam produced by our special teams unit and took it all the way for a touchdown. However, Boston College came back behind the legs of Montel, as he scampered 30 yards on a toss to tie the game.

After back-to-back three-and-outs, our offense took the field looking to take back the lead. Two runs netted us one yard, then Ryan was drilled on third down and as the punt team started to jog onto the field, he still laid there for quite some time. The trainers went out to check on him and although he got up and walked off on his own, I knew something wasn't right with him.

...

"How many fingers am I holding up?" the trainer asked a dazed Ryan on the sideline.

"Two?" he confusingly answered. "Wait, three?"

The trainer turned to his assistant and whispered, "tell Coach Marrone that Nassib's out for the game. He's got a concussion."

...

And with Ryan out of the game, red-shirt sophomore Charley Loeb took the headset off and warmed up; hoping that the offense wouldn't miss a beat with him in charge. Unfortunately on his first drive, he threw an interception which was returned for a touchdown to give Boston College a 14-7 lead.

Their offense produced another touchdown when Montel slipped out of the backfield on a screen and took it 21 yards for a touchdown. But just before the half, Charley finally found some momentum throwing the ball as he tossed up a fade to yours truly for six points. The extra point made it 21-14 and that's what the halftime score was set at.

...

"Donnie Fletcher receives the kickoff from his own 17 yard line as the second half begins. The wedge is set and there's a seam! Only the kicker to beat...Fletcher scoots by him! Boston College will return the second half opening kickoff for a touchdown!"

...

Not the greatest start to say the least. Their lead held up with seven minutes to go, before Charley found Torian on a streak route for a touchdown. Boston College followed that up with a six-play drive that ended in a touchdown of their own, so with just three minutes to go we had an outside chance to take home the game.

A trick play in which Torian took a hand-off after going in motion led to a pitch to Averin. Averin found a seam and scampered to the 34, then on the very next play, a little magic happened.

...

"Loeb in the shotgun...it's a high snap! He gathers it up but the pass rush is closing...lobs it up in Woy's direction...and it's caught! It bounced off the defender's fingertip and landed right in the All-American's hands! And there's no one touching him...touchdown Syracuse!"

...

Suddenly it was 35-28 and we had new life. Fletcher returned the kickoff out to the 30 yard line and with 1:10 left in the game, we still had all three of our timeouts to work with.

Montel was stuffed on his first run and timeout number one was called. On second down, they tried getting Montel to the outside, but our blitz call worked to perfection as the Eagles runningback lost four. Another timeout was expired and with 0:57 left, Boston College was forced with a tough decision on third and 15.

...

"Shinske under center...here's the snap, it's a pass play...he fires...it's intercepted! Rishard Anderson comes up with a huge interception and once again Syracuse has a chance to tie this game!"

...

With the Carrier Dome as loud as I ever heard it, we came out and got right on the board with Averin's legs, as the senior runningback dragged two Eagle defenders into the end zone to tie the game. With just 39 seconds left, it looked like we completed the incredible comeback and it would go to overtime.

But Boston College had other plans...just not in the way they hoped.

...

"Fletcher is out to the 30, 40, 50...and he lost the ball! It's a scramble and it looks like Van Chew came out of the pile with it! Another turn of events, wow!"

...

Charley jogged onto the field, shaking in disbelief. Was he really playing the role of reliever in one of the biggest comebacks in Syracuse history? The nervousness showed on his first pass, as he overthrew Van by a country mile.

"Charley," I yelled as I waved my hand to motion him over to the sidelines. "Calm down a little bit. If you don't get it done, we still have overtime to get this win. Look my way and I'll try to make your job easy for ya."

He didn't respond but a little smirk was all that I needed as we both jogged to the huddle. My talk seemed to pay off at first, as he found me on a deep out route for 13 yards and a first down, but his next two passes were well off-target towards me. With just 12 seconds left and one timeout, we needed about ten to twelve more yards to get into field goal range.

...

"Loeb takes the snap...looks towards Phillips, now shifts his focus towards Woy and let's it go...it's caught in stride! Only the safety to beat and he's caught after a 30 yard gain! Woy gets up quickly and calls the Orange's last timeout with just three seconds remaining...what a game!"

...

Adam came out and calmly booted the field goal, giving us an improbable win and a 2-0 start to the season. Next week would prove to be a tougher task, as we were scheduled to travel to Hollywood to face the USC Trojans.

Syracuse 38
Boston College 35

15 catches, 170 yards, 2 TD

 

[Woy]

Hollywood

"Yeah, I think Newsome will have a big game and lead his team to victory over Alabama," Chris Fowler said, ending the conversation and moving onto the next. "And finally let's discuss our nightcap; USC/Syracuse in The Coliesum. Syracuse has gotten off to a great 2-0 start after completing an incredible comeback last week against Boston College. Kirk, do you see them going into Los Angeles and keeping it close against the Trojans?"

"I think they do," Kirk replied. "And here's why. Their confidence after beating Boston College has to be sky high, especially with their back-up quarterback Charley Loeb leading them at the end. With Ryan Nassib ready to return to action, look for the passing game to be even more efficent against USC's one defensive weak spot. All-everything receiver Ethan Woy could have another huge game."

"Well let's talk about Woy," Chris said, bringing up a new topic. "He has 26 catches and five touchdowns in just two games. If Syracuse has a year like Florida in 2007, do you see anyone taking the Heisman from him?"

"The only guy I can see doing it is the Trojans' quarterback, Matt Barkley. But Woy has started off his junior campaign beautifully and comes through when his team needs him most. I have to believe he's the clear cut favorite for this year's Heisman trophy and Barkley's the only one that can challenge him at this point."

And as they changed to highlights of the Yankees/Red Sox game, I shut off the TV and jumped into bed beside Melyssa.

"You nervous at all?" she asked, moving closer to me.

"Nah, I've been in bigger games," I replied with a little sarcasm to my tone.

"Sucks I can't be in LA with you," she depressingly said. "But I couldn't find anyone to babysit Sean Joseph."

"It's alright, seriously. I promise I won't do anything that you'd disapprove of," I promised, chuckling a little bit.

"I know you won't," she answered. "Now, how about a little goodbye present before you have to pack up and leave?"

...

"Welcome to Los Angeles fellas," Coach Marrone said as the plane lowered to land. "Curfew's at 11 and I don't expect you guys to be going out for the night."

"Yo Ethan," Ryan said, tapping me on the shoulder to get my attention. "Wanna hit up Club 740 with me, Averin and Torian?"

"Ah I don't know," I replied, shrugging off the possibility. "You guys can do whatever the fuck you want now...you're not wearing one of these."

I flashed my wedding ring at him, but he just pushed it aside. "Come on man. No one said we're going to go and fuck some tens. It's something to do besides being locked in that hotel all night."

I thought about it for a few seconds, then gave in to his demands. "Yeah, I guess I'll go. What can it hurt?"

...

After meeting with Coach, we all met up outside and got in the first taxi. The drive wasn't very far, leaving me to believe we could have saved the money and walked, but oh well.

The line was long and I figured we'd be out here for hours, but luckily a bouncer gave us a break.

"Is that Ethan Woy of Syracuse?" he called out after seeing a glance of my face. "Marcus, bring those four up front."

Another bouncer came up to the four of us and said that we were to go up front. We shrugged our shoulders and walked around all the people to the head bouncer up front.

"Damn, it really is you!" he said with a huge grin. "My dad graduated from Syracuse and we're probably the only people in LA that want you guys to beat USC on Saturday."

"Thanks man," I chuckled. "We should have a good shot at it."

"Anyways, could I get an autograph for my father?" he asked. "And after that, you four are free to go inside." I obliged and after signing a sheet of paper for his dad, we walked into the club.

The club was poppin'; just like you would see in any rap video. Tons of slutty chicks everywhere, people stumbling over their own feet because they're that intoxicated, and the bumping of the bass as The Game's newest single was playing. I walked over to the bar to get a drink when another drunk chick stumbled...this time into me.

"Sorry about that," she said, brushing her short dress off. Her brown hair, cute face and blue eyes were very familiar but I couldn't really figure out who it was.

"It's fine, really," I claimed, still trying to figure out where I've seen her before. Then I turned to the bartender and asked for a shot of their most expensive stuff.

"I.D. please sir?" he asked as I dug out my fake to show him. He shook his head, filled the glass and handed it to me. "Here you go Chad."

"Chad, huh?" she said, still behind me. "My name's Lauren."

I reached out to shake her hand, but she just gave me - it seemed like - a drunken hug. "Chad's what my fake says," I revealed, with a laugh. "But my birth certificate says Ethan."

"So you're not even 21 yet?" Lauren asked. "How'd you get in then!?"

"Apparently the bouncer is a big 'Cuse fan," I said. "I play for them so I get a free pass I guess."

"I like football players," she replied, rubbing my arm before taking my hand. "Come on, let's dance."

Every voice in my head was telling me no, but I shrugged them all off as I downed my first shot of the night. "Alright."

We both went out to the middle of the dance floor as I completely lost where Ryan, Averin and Torian were. It started off slow before quickly gaining speed, as we were hard-core grinding midway through the second song. Things were getting a little out of control and I pulled myself away just for a second to down another shot. By the time I got back, Lauren had a little piece of paper in her hand and put it in my back pocket.

"If you're ever in the area again," she whispered in my ear. "You'll know who to call."

I thought I saw some camera flashbulbs go off as she put her hand in my pocket, but maybe it was just the alcohol getting to me. From there on, I enjoyed myself and signed a few more autographs before the four of us stumbled back to the hotel and in our rooms, without the coaching staff knowing about our adventure.

As I laid in bed ready to pass out, I continued to wonder...who was that Lauren chick? She seemed too familiar to me...

 

[Woy]

Troj-owned

Syracuse Orange (2-0) at #3 USC Trojans (1-0)

"And now we have ABC's game of the night," Chris Fowler said to the delight of the USC fans. "Can USC get a win over an up and coming Syracuse squad? Or will the Orange come into LA and get a huge upset over the Trojans? Desmond, who do you have in this one?"

"Well as a Heisman winning receiver, I enjoy watching Syracuse's junior wideout Ethan Woy," Desmond replied as the crowd started to boo. "He's going to have to come up huge for the Orange in order to win this game. I think he puts himself miles ahead of the Heisman pack as Syracuse pulls the upset."

"Wow," Chris said, shocked by Desmond's prediction. "Now Kirk, we know you'll be calling the game so you can't give us a prediction, but give us a key to the game."

"Desmond said it best Chris," Kirk answered. "It's going to come down on whether Woy can have a big game tonight. If Nassib is fully recovered from his concussion, then it'll be tough for these inexperienced USC cornerbacks to match up with the talented wideouts of Syracuse."

"Not so fast my friend!" Lee shouted. "USC has someone who can challenge Mr. Woy for the Heisman and he goes by Matt Barkley. Do you really think these Syracuse corners can cover the USC receivers? Barkley's going to have a field day! Give me that helmet!"

As Lee put on the Trojans helmet to the delight of the USC crowd, I shut the TV off and went back to sleep. "Thanks Lee, I needed the extra motivation."

...

I stood on the sidelines and watched Matt Barkley pick apart our secondary on the first drive as USC took an early 7-0 lead. Jogging out to a chorus of boos, I made my way into the huddle where Ryan called a pass play to open the game.

...

"Nassib will pass on the first play. He looks to his left and fires...and it's intercepted! What a horrible start for Syracuse as USC will have the ball with great field position and a chance to go up by two scores!"

...

And it would just get worse from there. It seemed like Ryan wasn't fully recovered from his concussion as he threw four more interceptions and was taken out when the score was 44-10 in the fourth quarter. I was extremely frustrated and let it show on my last play of the game.

...

"Nassib fires to Woy...and it's incomplete after the hit jarred it loose."

...

"Yeah pretty boy, no Heisman for you motherfucker!"

I got up and pushed him, drawing a flag as I was up in his face. I went to throw a punch but thought better of it and walked off to the sidelines as the fans had a little message for me.

"OVER-RATED! OVER-RATED!"

As we walked off the field and into the locker-room, I threw my helmet as hard as I could against a locker and sulked about the blowout loss. Hopefully Virginia Tech would be a much easier match-up.

#3 USC 51
Syracuse 10

4 catches, 27 yards

 

[Woy]

Consequences

On the plane ride back to Syracuse, I shut my phone off and lost all contact with the world. There was something about this loss that was eating at me; probably because I thought we had the talent to be something special, and we turned around to lay an egg against one of the best teams in the nation.

It was three in the morning when the plane landed and that's when I decided to turn back on my phone. As soon as it loaded everything, the hand-held device started vibrating off the hook; which I expected. I scrolled through the "sorry about the game" texts and realized I had a voice-mail from Melyssa at the end.

"Hey babe," her voice rang through my ear. "Sorry about the game. When you get back though, we have to talk about something. Love ya."

I was a little confused about what we were supposed to talk about, but with it being so late I shrugged it off.

...

Finally back at our apartment, I threw my bag to the side and crawled into bed beside Mel. I tried to be as gentle as possible so I didn't wake her up, but it didn't work as she raised her arms forward and rubbed open her eyes.

"Oh hey," she said, still pretty much asleep. "You're finally home."

"Yeah," I replied, kissing her on the cheek. "Sorry for waking you up, I tried to be as quiet as possible." Then I remembered her voice-mail and despite thinking about not reminding her, my conscience let it slip out. "What did you need to talk about?"

"Oh," she scoffed as she started to get up. But as soon as she got up, drowsiness hit her again. "I'll just tell you in the morning."

As she fell right back asleep, I looked over to the side of me and saw a tabloid magazine. Completely ignoring it, I tucked myself in and tried to fall asleep but my stomach wasn't satisfied with dinner and told me to get a snack. I obliged and got out of bed silently, stepping on the magazine, and walking over to the fridge to see if we had anything.

"Shit," I cursed under my breath. "Mel needs to go shopping."

I closed the door and walked back to bed, stepping on the magazine once again. Instead of tucking myself in, I grabbed the magazine and plopped my ass on the bed. Using my cell phone as a light, I saw on the front page a picture of Lauren Conrad dancing with someone in a club.

However, when I moved my arm a little more to the right, I saw myself as the one she was dancing with and immediately figured out that this is what she wanted to talk about. I decided to get up from the bed and walk over to my bag, throwing the magazine in one of the side pockets while hoping she would forget about the whole thing.

Sure enough in the morning, she didn't mention anything about having to talk, so I guess removing the evidence worked. Although I realized I had to deal with it eventually, I had to get out of that situation for the time being and focus on beating Virginia Tech next week.

...

"Good practice fellas," Coach Marrone congratulated in the middle of the huddle. "We'll need to be sharp this entire week so we can get back on track against Virginia Tech. Ethan, when you're done breaking them down, I'd like to see you in my office."

...

"Yeah Coach?" I said, as I welcomed myself into his office. I saw in his left hand he had the same tabloid magazine that was in my bag, so I figured it wasn't good news.

"Tell me Ethan...what were you doing on Thursday night?" he asked, obviously pissed off.

"Coach, I'm not going to lie. I was at that club you saw in the magazine you're holding."

"Well," he sighed, cooling off just a bit. "I'm glad you didn't try to lie, but I'm still pretty pissed off for breaking curfew. You're going to be suspended for the first half of the game on Saturday."

I didn't really say anything, even though blowing up in his face was the first thing that came to my mind. I kept my cool though as I continued to listen what he said.

"You're supposed to be the captain, the leader of this team, Ethan. Leaders don't go out two nights before a game, get shit-faced and land their face on a national magazine!"

I just nodded my head and waited for him to finish talking. Afterward, I quickly walked out, grabbed my bag and headed out to my car. The walk was a long and disgraceful one, as I cursed myself out for agreeing to go with Ryan, Averin and Torian that night. Although I didn't really commit a crime - except for underage drinking of course - I still felt I left myself and my team down. That's when I got into my car and saw a picture of Mel, Sean Joseph and I in the dashboard.

Right there I made a promise to myself to not get caught up in any more of those situations that would threaten my team's success, my own success and my marriage.