MTLNOVEL Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Friday Night Lights – The First Real Game
The stadium buzzed with energy as the Jefferson High football team stepped onto the field.
It was game night.
Tom Brady—now Tommy Bradfield—stood at the edge of the tunnel, helmet in hand, scanning the packed bleachers under the bright lights.
The band was playing, the cheerleaders were hyping up the crowd, and students filled the stands, waving banners for their team.
The whole school was watching.
His first official game as the starting quarterback.
And he had to win.
Not just to prove himself.
Not just to shut up Keller and his doubters.
But because the System had just issued a new mission.
[GOAT SYSTEM - GAME DAY QUEST]
Mission: Lead Jefferson High to Victory!
• Objective: Win the game against Oakridge High
• Bonus Objective: Throw at least 3 touchdowns
• Reward: +3 to all stats, GOAT Skill Unlock: Field General (Level 1)
• Failure Penalty: Public humiliation, loss of credibility
Tom's fingers tightened around his helmet.
Failure was not an option.
He had spent the last week grinding.
Waking up before sunrise. Running extra drills. Pushing his body harder than ever before.
And tonight, it all had to pay off.
He took a deep breath and walked onto the field.
The era of Tommy Bradfield was about to begin.
The Opponent: Oakridge High
Oakridge High was no joke.
They had a stacked roster—bigger, faster players, and a reputation for crushing weaker teams.
And Jefferson High?
They had been a joke for years.
No one expected them to win.
Hell, even the announcers were doubtful.
"Folks, we're here tonight to watch Jefferson High take on Oakridge. And let's be honest—this might be a long night for Jefferson."
"That's right, Dave. They've got a new quarterback, but is he really any better than the last guy?"
Tom smirked.
He loved proving people wrong.
The Opening Kickoff
The game began with a bang.
Oakridge's returner caught the ball at the 10-yard line and immediately exploded upfield.
Fast. Too fast.
Jefferson's coverage team collapsed.
By the time Tom even realized what was happening—
TOUCHDOWN.
7-0, Oakridge.
The entire stadium groaned.
"Just like I thought," the announcer sighed. "This is gonna be ugly."
Tom exhaled, shaking his head.
"Relax," he muttered, grabbing his helmet and jogging onto the field.
Time to answer.
First Offensive Drive – The GOAT's First Test
Tom walked into the huddle.
His teammates looked nervous.
They were used to losing.
But Tom?
He was used to winning.
He looked around at his offense and spoke calmly, confidently.
"Forget the score," he said. "We're marching down the field and scoring. Right now."
A few guys scoffed.
Jason Keller, sitting on the bench, rolled his eyes.
But the offensive line nodded.
The receivers listened.
Because Tom's voice carried weight.
And when he walked up to the line of scrimmage, everyone could feel it.
A shift in energy.
A feeling that, somehow… this game wasn't over.
First Play – Testing the Waters
"Blue 19! Blue 19! Set… HUT!"
The ball snapped.
Tom dropped back, scanning the defense.
The linebackers bit on the fake handoff.
A small opening.
He fired a quick pass over the middle—
Complete!
The tight end rumbled upfield, dragging defenders with him.
12 yards. First down.
The crowd cheered.
Tom didn't celebrate.
He walked up to the new line of scrimmage.
He was just getting started.
Drive Continues – The System Kicks In
Second play: Short slant pass. Complete.
Third play: Play-action rollout. First down.
Every snap, every read, Tom's mind was a step ahead.
And then—it happened.
A new notification popped up in his vision.
[GOAT SYSTEM: Skill Activation]
Skill Unlocked: Field General (Level 1)
• Description: Enhances QB vision, reading defenses at an elite level.
• Effect: Identifies weak spots in defensive coverages.
• Bonus Effect: Boosts teammate morale and performance.
Tom felt the difference instantly.
His vision sharpened.
He could see what the defense was planning before they even moved.
The middle linebacker was leaning slightly left.
He was going to blitz.
Tom smirked.
"Check, check!" he called, adjusting the play at the line.
His running back gave him a nod.
The ball snapped—the linebacker blitzed.
Just like he knew he would.
Tom stayed calm, stepped up in the pocket, and delivered a perfect strike downfield.
His receiver caught it in stride and bolted to the end zone.
TOUCHDOWN.
The Jefferson crowd erupted.
Tom jogged off the field, completely unfazed.
7-7.
And just like that, the game was tied.
But he wasn't done yet.
Because now?
He was just warming up.
End of Chapter 6