Four years later.

Welcome back to Superbowl sixty between the Las Vegas Marauders and the Los Angeles Rams. If the first half is any indication, the second half is going to be fireworks!

Absolutely, the Marauders are the number one ranked offense lead by Zachary Gray against the Rams and their number one ranked defense.

Is it finally going to be Zachary Gray's turn to win it all?

My money is on him, he led the league in every statistical category this season and was named most valuable player of the entire league because of it.

His onslaught throughout the playoffs has been nothing sort of impressive, but can he keep that going against this stout Rams defense?

They're walking back onto the field, time to find out!

Meanwhile in one of the private boxes high up in the stadium Rebecca is cheering for Zach with some help.

Look Jeremy, daddy is back.

Go daddy, touchdown!

Behind them Lisa is pacing around nervously, which is starting to irritate Elle.

Will you sit down already?

But they're behind...

Where is your trust? How many comebacks has he made in his career?

You're right, I need to have faith in him.

I know how to handle you by now, don't act so surprised.

One of the many reasons why I married you.

Natasha, Charlotte and Ryan arrive back just in time with some drinks and snacks.

Barely got back in time, I nearly pulled out my badge to move things along.

Calms down. It's the Superbowl, of course there's a long line.

Natasha sits down next to Rebecca.

How does he look?

I saw a close up on the big screen, determined. He always takes every game seriously, but I've never seen him like this before.

Good, that means the Rams are in trouble.

Down at the sideline Lauren is talking to the offense to go over their plan one more time.

Ok guys, one more half. Their defense has been able to bully every offense they've faced so far, resulting in them becoming arrogant and over aggressive. If they want to get to Zach so much, let's let them. We'll throw short passes and screens, in stead of blocking them at the line we'll block the other players down the field.

Fred rubs his hands together.

I love it, taking the fight to them!

Zach smirks at him.

As if you need an excuse for that.

You're not wrong.

Marcus and Lars, you guys have got to get open quickly. I can buy a bit of time with my legs but not much.

Marcus nods.

I got your back, always.

I know brother.

Lars playfully shrugs.

Wouldn't be the first time I bailed you out of a dangerous situation.

Very true pall.

Laurens's plan works to perfection and the Rams defense doesn't know how to adjust to it, leading to the Marauders marching all the way down to the goal line.

Fred turns to Zach.

Not going to lie, their defensive tackle is kicking my ass.

I've noticed.

He has really quick hands. When I try to push him backwards, he knocks away my hands and slips past my left side. I'm not going to attack him this time and push him to the side as he's passing me, go to my right.

Got it.

As predicted, the defensive tackle takes the bait and Fred pushes him to the side using his shoulder. Zach squeezes through and comes face to face with one of the linebackers. He lowers his shoulder to initiate contact but doesn't manage to push past the goal line. Just as he's about to lose the stalemate, the rest of the offensive linemen start pushing him in the back. They all fall across the goal line together and the referee comes rushing in with his arms pointing up.

Touchdown!

Cheers from the Marauder fans erupt throughout the stadium as the take the lead.

Lauren high fives them when they return to the sideline.

Not the prettiest touchdown, but I'll take it!

Jake manages to call the right plays on defense and holds the Rams to a field goal, tying up the game.

Don't let up now guys, score another touchdown and keep the pressure on them!

After a couple plays Zach notices that the Rams defense is playing more conservatively than before.

When he gets to the line, he sees one of the defenders at the back shift a forward a bit. He stands back up and pounds his chest with one fist.

Howitzer, howitzer!

The Rams players look at each other in confusion as the one by one each of the Marauder's nods at Zach, indicating that they're on the same page.

Zach takes two steps back and claps his hand together prompting Fred to snap him the ball.

He fakes a throw to Lars on the left which causes the deepest defenders to take the bait and step forward.

Zach takes that opportunity to launch a pass over their heads to Marcus. He runs as fast as he can and barely manages to catch up with the ball. With no defenders left ahead of him he walks into the endzone for a forty yard touchdown.

Lauren is jumping up and down at the sideline.

That's what I'm talking about, great adjustment!

The roles are reversed and the Rams slowly, methodically make their way down the field for a touchdown.

Jake walks up to Zach and Lauren.

Sorry, we couldn't stop them. We're tied with only two minutes left... looks like we're headed to overtime.

Zach grabs his helmet and jogs onto the field.

No we're not, I'm ending this.

Wait! Lauren, what is he going to do?

Knowing Zach... play hero ball. We might as well try to win this, it's the Superbowl after all.

Ok, go for it.

Lauren puts on her headset.

Zach, can you hear me?

I can.

What's the plan?

Win the game. Planning is usually your thing.

Sure... no pressure, it's only the Superbowl that's on the line.

This is the time to not hold back, we've done this before.

Ok mister confident, we're going to target the sideline. Make sure that the receivers run out of bounds or throw the ball away, that stops the clock and we need every second.

Zach enters the huddle.

This is it guys. Forget about overtime, we're getting ourselves a Superbowl ring. If you end up with the ball, make sure that you step out of bounds. First play, stone Shepard right.

Fatigue starts to set in for the Rams defense and Zach throws a pass to lars, who manages to break free from his defender and pick up the first down.

Since there's no more time to huddle up for every play, Zach calls whatever Lauren passes on to him out loud at the line.

Grey warden, grey warden!

One deep pass to Marcus down the sideline later and they're within striking distance.

Doomsday, doomsday!

Zach runs to the left and follows his blockers. He jumps for the pylon, but at the last second one of the defenders' charges into him and he gets knocked out of bounds.

He takes a look at the clock as he's crawling back to his feet. Only five seconds left.

All or nothing guys, this is it.

Lauren looks through her playbook and goes all the way to the last page.

They've seen all of our plays by this point in the game... they'll recognize anything we do. Let's throw something at them that they definitely haven't seen before. Time for the ECU special.

Risky, I like it.

He relays the play to the others and they take their positions, except for Marcus, Fred and Lars.

It comes down to us ECU boys, it's almost poetic.

Marcus nods confidently.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

Zach gets under center with Marcus lined up to his left and Lars to his right.

When the ball is snapped, Zach runs to the right and hands the ball off to Lars. Who then takes it to the left where he hands it over to Marcus on a reverse.

All this back and forth has causes the Rams defense to no longer know what to do. They decide to bear down on Marcus, losing sight of Zach in the process.

Marcus in stead of running it himself throws the ball across the field to Zach who's in the endzone all by himself.

The defenders look at him in shock as he catches it with no time left on the clock.

Touchdown Marauders appears on every screen in the stadium and all of the fans start celebrating to the point where it feels like the whole building is shaking.

But nowhere is there more excitement than up in the private box.

Oh my god is that it? They win, right dad?

Ryan smiles and nods.

Yes Rebecca, they're champions.

Natasha is sitting in her chair in disbelief. As a tear rolls down her cheek, Jeremy climbs onto her lap.

Why are you crying grandma?

Because I'm happy, this was your dads dream ever since he was your age. Do you want to go down and go see him?

Yes! Let's go down mommy!

Stay close to us, there are a lot of people and we don't want you to get lost.

Ryan crouches down.

You can ride on my shoulders.

Zach is watching the confetti fall around him while they're making their way down.

He takes some time to come to grips with what just happened, but he doesn't get to do that for long because he almost gets tackled to the ground by Marcus.

Nice catch!

We actually did it, we're champions!

You say that like you ever had any doubts.

No, that's not it. But dreaming of this and actually doing it... I guess it hasn't sunk in yet.

They walk over to Lars and Fred who immediately throw two Marauders championship t-shirts at them.

Las Vegas Marauders Superbowl sixty champions. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Yes it does big guy. You're being uncharacteristically quiet Lars.

I just never thought... with everything that's has gone wrong in my life, I wrote this off as a possible part of my future.

That's what friends are for, we started this together. Now we negotiate our new contracts and go for another one.

Marcus, Lars and Fred go to their families as Zach is looking for his own. He starts making his way through the crowd and stumbles upon Lauren and Caleb, he immediately hugs her.

We did it coach.

We've come a long way since that first game at ECU where you saved m job, thank you for everything.

That goes both ways, couldn't have done it without you. What do you think Caleb, did she do a good job?

She always does, I'm proud of you.

As they share a mother and some hug, Zach hears Jeremy's voice behind him.

Daddy!

He turns around and picks him up.

There's my little man, I was looking for you.

Rebecca puts her arms around both of them.

I'm so proud, I love you.

Rebecca takes Jeremy and makes room for Natasha, who holds onto Zach tightly.

Your dad would have been jumping for joy... I wish he could have been here to see it.

Me too mom, me too. I might be crazy, but during that last drive down the field I felt like something was pushing me forward... maybe it was him.

We'll probably never know, but I like to think it was.

As Rebecca and Natasha start talking with Lauren, Ryan and Charlotte approach.

Congratulation's son.

Thanks dad.

Charlotte gives him a quick hug.

As you know Zach, I don't watch much sports. But I enjoyed myself, we should do this again.

I agree, but getting to the Superbowl isn't as easy as you would think. It's nice to know that you believe in me so much.

We all believe in you, always have. Even Ryan, he should be more vocal about it though.

Ryan rolls his eyes.

I'm trying, haven't I been more vocal with Jeremy?

You have, but there's still room for improvement.

Don't worry Ryan. As long as you're striving to improve, that's more than enough.

Well said. Come, lets go congratulate the others.

Seconds later Lisa comes rushing in, jumps into Zach's arms and gives him a big kiss on the cheek.

Told you that you would win!

Thank you for always being my biggest fan.

It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

Have you been spending time with Fred?

Elle flicks her ear.

This is no time for jokes like that, this is a time for celebration without sarcasm.

Zach gives her a hug.

Are you sure that you aren't the licensed therapist?

When you're married to Lisa it sure feels like it from time to time.

Lisa lets out a sigh.

Ok, ok... deserved that. I just got a text from Ruby too, she says congratulations and that the construction team is working hard on the youth center.

That's good to know, tell her thanks.

Zach plays in the confetti with Jeremy until Jake appears.

He coach, I lost you in all the chaos.

You were great today, taking you number one overall saved my career.

Don't be so hard on yourself, we all did our part. You kept us in the game and we finished the job.

It's been a privilege to be your coach...

You're saying that like it's in the past.

As you know, I've had some health issues in the past before you got here because of stress. I've talked about it with my wife... I'm retiring.

You're going out as a champion, that's a beautiful way to do it.

My thoughts exactly.

You earned some peace and quiet, I'm going to miss you though.

Don't get sappy on me now, we have to get on the podium for the trophy ceremony.

They join Lauren and Sam on the podium. Zach embraces him.

We did it Sam!

Your dad would have been so proud, and so am I.

Thank you for being there for me, you changed my life.

I always knew that you would be great, it was just a matter of building a team around you.

And you succeeded, otherwise we wouldn't be in this position.

As they're talking, the commissioner walks onto the stage with the trophy and a microphone.

What an amazing game, definitely one to remember. Congratulations to the Las Vegas Marauders organization and coach Rudor, you are Superbowl champions!

The commissioner hand the trophy to Jake who raises it above his head under thunderous applause and cheers from the Marauder fans. He grabs the microphone once the calm down a bit.

This has been a long time coming Marauder nation, this is for all of you who stuck with us during our down years!

He passes the microphone back to the commissioner.

With the positive work you have done in the Las Vegas community over the last four years and the role model you have become... it gives me great joy to announce that Zach, you're the Superbowl sixty most valuable player.

He takes the microphone and Jake hands him the trophy.

Let's go Marauder nation! I told you that we would win one of these, didn't I?

The fans practically jump out of their seats. The commissioner manages to get in another word once the wall of sound goes down a bit.

How does it feel to hold that trophy Zach?

First of all, thank you for your kind words earlier. I always strive to be a positive presence in peoples lives. To finally hold this trophy in my hands is the climax of what I can only describe as a labor of love. Football has given me much both on and off the field. Great teammates without whom I could have never come close to achieving this, I'm grateful for all of you. This amazing game has given me the best friends anybody could ever ask for. It's how I met my wife... the love of my life, and now we have the most amazing son together. My family also played a large part in making this possible. To me this trophy represents all of you.

Jake motions to Zach that he wants to say something.

Before we go celebrate, I have one last thing to say. As some of you might know, I have been dealing with some health related problems over the last couple years... that's why I've decided to retire.

Lauren and the rest of the team gasp in shock.

My greatest privilege has been coaching you and seeing you all reach your fullest potential. Even though I'm leaving coaching behind me... I have no regrets after today.

The fans cheer his name and Jake is moved to tears.

Thank you for all the love. I have talked about this with our general manager Sam over the last couple days, and we have decided to name Lauren Turner the next Marauder's head coach. In her capable hands I know that you will be here again one day. Now go and enjoy yourselves, you've earned it!

Lauren approaches Jake.

I don't know what to say...

Say thank you and prove me right by winning another Superbowl.

I'll give it my all, that I promise you.

The rest of the evening Zach, Rebecca, Lisa and Elle party with the rest of the Marauder players and staff while their parents babysit Jeremy.

Early the next morning they all fly back home and ride busses over the Las Vegas strip. The celebration can be heard throughout the city and the fans cheer them on as they pass by on the bus.

Zach throws some t-shirts and hats into the crowd with Marcus until Jeremy walks up to him. He picks Jeremy up and in one swift motion lifts him above his head like Simba in the lion king, Rebecca immediately jumps out of her seat.

Careful!

Relax, I have both hands on him.

Jeremy smiles from ear to ear.

Look mommy, I'm flying!

Zach lowers him back down.

Did you have fun today?

Yeah, its one big party! Why was mommy so scared?

Because I was being a bit silly.

Rebecca scoffs loudly.

A bit?!

Fine, a lot.

He sits down next to her with Jeremy on his lap.

Let me explain. As you know Jeremy, your grandpa had an accident when I was still young. Because of that I didn't get to spend a lot of time with him, or do many special things like this. That's why I always make sure to take you everywhere with me and go on big vacations together during the summer.

Rebecca takes Zach's hand and kisses it.

Daddy tries a bit too hard sometimes.

That's a pretty good flaw to have if you ask me.

Yes it is. I actually have a surprise of my own for you.

Do you now?

Number two is underway.

What do you mean...?

I took a test two days ago.

Are you serious?! Why didn't you tell me?

Because I didn't want you to get distracted.

This is great! These last couple days have been something else.

Jeremy looks at them both in confusion.

I don't get it.

Mommy just said that you have a brother or sister on the way.

Brother please.

Rebecca bursts out laughing.

You dont get to choose honey, it doesn't work like that. You'll have to wait and see.

Fine... do I have to share my room?

No, daddy has all summer to start preparing the room next to yours.

Looks like my vacation will be short lived.

My dad will be retired by then, he'll help you out.

Ok, that makes me feel a little better. But first we're going on a vacation to New York with grandma Nat.

Once all the press obligations are out of the way the four of them get on a flight to New York.

They have a nostalgic vacation together exploring Zach's old neighborhood and he goes on a late-night talk show to talk about the Marauder's win in the big game.

On the final day they get I the car and Zach starts driving.

Where are we going?

Somewhere that I've been putting off for far too long, mom will know once we get there.

About an hour later Natasha speaks up when Zach stops at a cemetery.

Oh... this is... thank you.

Rebecca nudges him.

Where are we?

We're "visiting" my dad.

Of course, I should have figured that out. I'll explain to Jeremy while you both take a moment.

Zach gives his mom some time alone at the grave of his dad.

Thank you, I didn't realize how much I needed that.

If you go with that man over there, he'll help you so you can take his urn with you to Vegas.

As Natasha walks away, he approaches the tombstone and sits down.

Hey dad... I don't know if you can hear this, but I'm going to talk to you anyway. I didn't want to come see you until I had something worth saying. I finally did it, took me almost five years, but I'm a Superbowl champion. I wish you could have seen it... maybe you did, who knows? Apparently the championship ring takes a while to make... I would have loved to show it to you, you're coming with us so you'll see it eventually.

Zach hears Rebecca and Jeremy approach behind him.

If you look behind me, you'll see my wife Rebecca and our son Jeremy, we named him after you. Her idea, she's clever when it comes to things like that. And we have another one on the way, she's a great mom you would like her. College didn't go as planned but that's where we met and made lifelong friends, I wouldn't change anything about it.

Mom is also fully taken care off, I bought her a house next to ours. She'll never work again... besides babysitting, but I'm pretty sure she doesn't consider that work.

Oh, I almost forgot. Your old friend Sam Maddock is the one who drafted me to the Marauders, I even have your old jersey number. He's helped out a lot along the way, he even invested in a youth center that I'm building with my friends.

Rebecca gives him a hug as he picks up Jeremy.

I guess what I'm trying to say is... that I've tried very hard to make you proud.

Rebecca hands him a tissue.

You have, you're a good man and an even better father. Isn't that right Jeremy?

I always have fun with you daddy!

Then that settles it. Now that you're coming with us to Vegas you can expect more frequent updates from now on. Let's go home.

THE END