Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

“There’s no playbook for love.”“Who ever knew throwing a perfect spiral would be simple compared to dealing with guys.”

It is Jordan Woods’ senior year at Hundred Oaks High School in Franklin, Tennessee. Jordan is the captain and starting quarterback of the eight-time state champion Red Raiders’ football team. Even though the team lost the state championship game in the final seconds last year, the University of Alabama is sending a recruiter to watch every practice and game. Jordan’s mom comes to every practice and game. Jordan’s father, Tennessee Titans’ starting quarterback Donovan Woods, doesn’t. Jordan’s older brother Mike is a junior at the University of Tennessee and led his team to a Sugar Bowl win last year. Donovan Woods doesn’t come to Jordan’s games because he doesn’t want his daughter to play football.

 Jordan’s never had a boyfriend. At over six feet tall and unwilling to date a team member, she doesn’t have time for boys, especially now that she wants to be seriously considered to play Division I football. During practice, the coach asks her to run a new play. When he doesn’t talk to her through her helmet mike, she glances over to see what the problem could be. Jordan sees the principal walking towards the coach with an incredibly hot guy. For the first time in her life, Jordan’s knees turn to jelly and she finds herself being knocked to the ground during the play. Jordan, embarrassed, looks the new guy over and is instantly attracted. The principal tells the coach that Tyler Green has just moved to the area. He knows that it is late but hopes that Coach Miller can find a place on the team for him. He did lead his team to the Texas state football championship the previous year. Ty doesn’t want to give any reason about leaving Texas before finishing his senior year. He looks shy and uncomfortable when the coach finally asks him what position he plays. Quarterback as the team laughs. Coach Miller lets him know the position is already taken by an All State player but he could use a back up. He calls Jordan over to discuss running some plays with Ty when he asks her to take off her helmet so that he can see if she might have a concussion. Ty is shocked to learn that Jordan is a girl.
A few practice runs and Ty is as good as Jordan. Coach Miller allows Ty to join the team. Jordan is shocked by his lack of attitude and cockiness. She is determined to keep her heart and mind on football and a college scholarship, despite her attraction to the new guy. Will Jordan be able to find success on the gridiron or will she loose her heart over a boy?

Visit Miranda Kenneally's website.