Better Catch Those Balls

SERENE loads up the first football then stretches the launcher, and the ball soars through the air. DAVE lines up to catch it but misses.

SERENE - Hey, pretty boy, if you’re going to be returning punts this year, you’d better think of a way to catch the ball!

DAVE gets serious and puts on his cleats. SERENE prepares to load more footballs into the launcher. DAVE misses the first two balls. He kicks the ground, visibly frustrated.

SERENE walks over to DAVE with a bushel basket that had been holding some softballs near the launcher.

After a series of launched footballs, Dave begins to realize that his arms need to be positioned like a basket so the ball does not squirt out of his grasp. Serene has made a good point that helped Dave.

Video is put to music in a light mannered way to depict what Dave  goes through to gain perfection. After this practice more dialogues about their lives follow in the tree house.

After a series of launched footballs, Dave begins gain confidence and watches the ball into his hands. Still needs to cradle his arm like a basket to make sure the ball doesn't squirt out. Keep practicing and it will come.

Dave and Serene spend a good part of the afternoon just talking and getting to know more about each other. They find that they have a lot in common.  They seen to be liking being around each other and start to have some fun together.

SERENE opens the combination lock and reveals towels, clothes, and some of her treasures, including an old guitar.

DAVE -  Very interesting. You’ve got an old guitar?

SERENE -  It was my grandfather’s. My Nana gave it to me after he passed.

DAVE takes out the guitar, tunes it, strums a chord, and then puts it back in the closet.

DAVE - Do you play?

SERENE - A little. Not much. I want to learn.

DAVE - I can teach you. At least get you started.

SERENE - You teach me to tumble, now you can teach me the guitar?

DAVE - It’s hard to be humble when...

SERENE - Don’t say another word! I’m guessing Zeus comes to mind again. You are something else. Is there anything you can’t do?

DAVE - As a kid, I’d go to church and sing a song that stuck with me. I think of it when I get discouraged and need a quick reminder to stay focused.

SERENE - A church song to stay focused?

DAVE - Yeah, believe it or not.

SERENE - What are the words?

DAVE - Most of the words don’t apply, but some do.

SERENE - What words apply to a star football player?

DAVE - I need some help. Hand me your guitar.

SERENE - Really?

DAVE - Humor me!

SERENE retrieves the guitar from the closet and hands it to DAVE. DAVE tunes the guitar for a moment, then starts to strum.

DAVE - Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way...

SERENE (interrupting) Those are the words to a church song? Sounds more like a football coach telling you to help the other players when they forget what they’re supposed to do.

DAVE Yeah, the head coach of the universe.

SERENE The universe?

DAVE My mom teaches me that God controls everything in our lives. To her, He’s the ultimate head coach.

SERENE Do you believe in God?

DAVE I think so.

SERENE Well, you either do, or you don’t. Which is it?

DAVE Do you believe in God?

SERENE You’re putting me on the spot? I asked you first.

Dave and Serene spend many hours in the tree house just getting know each other better and to discuss how they will approach their relationship Dave decides to follow his coaches advice and concentrate on football. Serene is supportive but doesn't like the idea of waiting till the end of the football season.

First game of the season after Dave tells Serene he needs to concentrate on two-a-day practices and the first home game coming up in 3 weeks. Dave has been returning punts in his first varsity game and muffled the first two catches.  

Dave Is drawn to the treehouse where Serene is reminding him to concentrate on the fundamentals.

COACH SCHMIDT - Barton, catch the damn ball!

DAVE hears the coach’s words and sprints forward. He cradles his arms and catches the ball at nearly full speed. His unusual positioning and speed confuse BOUNTIFUL’S DEFENSE, leaving them with no chance to catch him.

DAVE runs full speed, untouched through the defense. He crosses the end zone for the touchdown. After scoring, DAVE looks toward the TREEHOUSE and pounds his heart with his right hand, signaling to SERENE.

PRESSBOX ANNOUNCER - Barton returns the punt 75 yards! This breaks a three-year dry spell for Skyline’s special teams.

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