Page 46 of The Backup Plan

Cameron

Want to know how I know? Because that’s what my friend Zack did for me on Saturday. My center. I apologized to him, and he said that game was on all of us.

Cory

Then you hugged.

Cameron

And then we hugged.

Cory

And then you thought about how every play makes that game, and any play executed better or worse could change the outcome. Check out number four on the list for a good example.

Cameron

Yeah, I didn’t think about that for about forty-eight hours.

Cory

In the locker room, whether people come at you apologizing, blaming you, or they’re just sad, it’s okay to accept a share of accountability for an individual thing. That was my bad throw. My fumble, my pick.

Ethan

But no single play is the reason for the score.

Cory

You rise and fall as a team. Individuals called out for doing well will lift others. Individuals who hear you say they had a bad day will not forget it.

Number seven on the list is a good example of this balance, and he doesn’t say “adversity” once.

Cameron

I have an irrational hatred of the word “adversity” since I got this job. Second place is “battle.”

Hayden

Is there a bingo card? There should be a bingo card.

Cameron

Jordan said for a loss it was only “I” and “We,” not “He,” “You,” or “They.”

Cory

Jordan was a good leader, and so are you. And you, Dale, and Hayden, and whoever else is still on while Ethan and I rant. Leading through and after a loss can be brutal.

Hayden

You’ve only done it once, Thatch. Literally once, last year. You were undefeated even in high school.

Cory

Well, I might have to do it this weekend. I plan to take a twenty-one point lead by the half so I can let Rutledge take over for a bit, but if he throws a pick while I’m sitting there with ice on my ribs, they’ll have to tie me to the bench.

Ethan