"23 trap on two, and put that snot rag away" calls the Bound Brook High School quarterback to the huddle in general and me in particular.
"Bwake" I respond with the rest of the offense while stuffing the dripping handkerchief back under the red belt of my white away pants.
___________
There was something about eleven big uglies chasing me that made my nose run too. The first two games at halfback had been miserable affairs, hardly able to breathe with a plastic mouthpiece, stuffy nose, and post-nasal faucet. Throw in a few face plants and and I was a slobbery mess.
With an Appalachian mother and pharmacist big brother, I should have been able to find some relief for games. But I didn't talk much, she was reduced to Vick's Vaporub by the move to New Jersey, and he was preoccupied by a business and two young sons. So I became the only known football player in history to carry a hankie in games.
___________
"Down-Set-Hike-Hike" launched us toward the left side of the line. As planned, the defense followed.
After two steps, our left guard Karpy and I cut back to the right as I took the handoff and tucked the ball into my right arm. He barreled into the pursuing linebacker, knocking him back as I cut hard behind Karpy into a wide-open field, sprinting untouched for a 60-yard touchdown.
"Way to go, Bates" cheered Coach K, slapping my bottom as I jogged off the field.
"Thags" I smiled, pulling out my handkerchief for another blow.
