The Big Green

"[Everyone stares at Newt. Nobody has thought to ask him]"

"[Then the ref blows the whistle and the shoot-out begins]"

"Referee: The regulation play has resulted in a tie! We will go into a shoot-out!"

"Newt: I'll do it."

"[Newt jumps up and down]"

"[The five shooters for the Big Green line up in order at the center of the field. Behind them, the five shooters for the Knights are already assembled]"

"[But the Knight's bet is not well enough for their coach. He pulls the two players who have yelled back at him out of the game and replaces them with two subs. They are only two moments left in the game, and Jay Huffer isn't going to risk a tie]"

"[They have tied the game]"

"Jeffrey: My kick's no luck. Don't make me do it."

"[Just then, Newt raises his hand]"

"Anna: In soccer, size isn't reluctant."

"Tom: You've had the job, big guy."

"[Anna and Tom lead Juan and the other shooters back toward the field]"

"Tom: Now go seize them."

"Senior: What's wrong with you guys?! They're controlling the ball! You're not trying hard enough!"

"Knight #2: Hey, give us a break! We're doing our best."

"[Kate sees him and passes the ball back to him before the Knights can reach her. It is a clear, straight pass that flies through the air, hits the ground and rolls straight to Juan's feet. Juan kicks the ball toward the net]"

"[The ref blows his whistle. The game is over. The children cheer, and their fans shriek with emotion]"

"Polly: Let Juan kick five times."

"Tom: Any volunteers for the last position. Jeffrey?"

"Sue and Lou: No luck. [Anna looks at them pleadingly. Then she asks Tak if he'll like to take the last position]"

"[It seems as if nobody wants to take last position]"

"[Tom and Anna exchange looks]"

"Newt: I'm little. I'm low to the ground. I have power. I've had the moves. I'm your man!"

"Newt: C'mon. I can boot. And I have nerves of steel."

"[Tom nods in agreement]"

"Newt: Wow! You guys are the biggest!"

"Nick: Hey, wait! This may be the last time anybody lets you do anything––then don't mess it up."

"Tom: You guys played a grand game. If you miss your shots, run back to the circle with your head held high."

"Anna: That's right. You played brilliantly."

"[That's until Polly plows in front of the ball and blocks it with her chest. It is a perfect save]"

"[Jay Huffer, Sr., shrieks so loud he can be heard clear across the field]"

"Knight #1: You can shout all you want, but I don't think it's gonna help!"

"Jay: You're gonna be beaten by a bunch of girls!"

"[The ref blows the whistle. As soon as he hears that sound, Juan gets possession of the ball and moves up the field toward the Knights' net. The Knights crowd on Juan and block his path. Juan has seen them coming, though. He knows there is no fashion the Knights are going to let him tie the game easily. He scans the field for an open player and finds Kate running on the outside. He kicks the ball toward her just before three Knights surround him]"

"[Kate receives the ball effortlessly. Now the Knights go after her. That gives Juan the freedom he needs to outrun the three guards and sprint toward the net]"

"[The Knights' goalie runs to meet the ball. He jumps into the air and deflects it with the tip of his fingers. He can't control it, though, and it goes back toward the field]"

"[Tak realizes that the ball is flying straight toward him. He knows that there is only one fashion to make the play. He lowers his head and smashes the ball directly into the net. GOAL!!]"

"[The Big Green gather around Anna as Tom explains what's going on in a tied game]"

"Anna: Five players from each team will go out onto the field. And you will each take a shot against the goalie."

"Anna: Each player can only kick once."

"[Tom warns Juan to go first. He will be followed by Kate, Nick and Sophia. But they yet need someone to shoot last]"

"Anna: Evan?"

"Evan: Don't ya remember I swallowed an entire pencil alive last year? I could be dying right now. I can't do it. I could choke. Literally."

"Tak: I already did my nonsense. I feel like a hero. Don't take it away from me! How about Polly?"

"Polly: I would. Really? But I have a stomachache. And a fever. Came on real sudden."

"Larry: I don't think so."

"Newt: Why not? I've had a grand kick. And I'm not afraid."

"Anna: Whaddya think?"

"[First up is a Knight. The ref places the ball at his feet. The boy kicks, sending the ball straight toward the Big Green net. Larry lunges and tries to block the ball, but misses. The ball goes in, giving the Knights the winning edge]"