Tom & Sue & John & Debbie Ch. 05

Debbie laughed, "Didn't I tell you it'd be good?"

We turned out the light and went to sleep.

New Year's Eve arrived and all my focus was on the big game the next day.

The bands were playing the State and Lion fight songs in the park behind the Hilton. The fans were cheering for their team; the cheerleaders were doing their routines. Debbie and Sally were watching Jenny, Beth, and Lois to learn State's routines for Debbie's tryout.

I called Mom and Dad and talked about New Orleans and everything I'd seen and how we'd all gone sightseeing to the historical sites. I casually mentioned Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. I forgot to mention Angie's contest and all the fun we had!

I spent the day with Ma and Pop.

The final practice was over for the team and tonight would be 'family night,' and the New Year's Eve dinner before the team departed to an unknown location outside New Orleans for the night.

I was dressed in a midnight and white suit with a reversible jacket that Mom and Dad gave me for Christmas. I was wearing matching heels. I had my Christmas necklace around my neck.

I left the hotel with Ma and Pop as Debbie and Sally were returning from watching the cheerleading activities. Sally said, "WOW Sis, you look great!"

Debbie said, "You're a knock-out in that suit!"

I just grinned, "I'll see y'all later tonight."

We arrived at the hotel and Mickey's parents, Billy, Donna, and Jenny were down in the lobby.

Tom and Mickey joined us, in their road orange sport coats and Navy blue dress slacks.

Ma took several pictures of Tom and me, and also the four of us along with a picture of Tom, Mickey, Jenny, and me.

Ma took a picture of Coach Pete with Tom and Mickey. Coach Pete gave me a hug, and said, "Happy New Year."

The next day I'd finally get to see inside the Superdome.

We all sat down to the New Year's Eve dinner. The hotel had prepared black-eye peas, cornbread, turnip greens, with a pork loin. Dessert was apple pie. We were given iced tea to drink.

The dinner ended and the buses came to pick up the players. Mickey and Tom would be riding the offense bus.

Tom and I shared a moment together and he kissed me, "Happy New Year," getting on the bus.

Jenny asked, "After we change, do you want to walk around the Quarter-just me and you?"

I said, "Sure."

Jenny and I met outside our hotel and started our walk. The New Year's Eve celebrations had already started, and it was only 9:00. Chants of 'show your tits' filled the air. Throughout the Quarter one could hear either "Go State" or "Go Lions-Big Blue #1."

Jenny and I walked along and she said, "Tonight I really don't feel like partying, do you?"

I said, "No. I haven't all day."

Jenny said, "That's why I just wanted to be with you—we're in the same boat—our guys are on that field tomorrow. No one else in our group can say that—know what I mean?"

I replied, "Yes."

Jenny and I walked around the Quarter as everyone was partying—it was New Year's Eve in New Orleans.

Jenny asked, "You and Tom ever talked about getting married?"

I said, "Yes. Tom wants to after either my freshman or sophomore year at State. What about you and Mickey?"

Jenny replied, "We have too. It depends on what happens with Mickey and the NFL. If he doesn't go to the NFL, he'll coach next year at State and we'll get married this summer."

I said, "Sally and Steve are getting married in late May or June. I'll be a bridesmaid."

Jenny said, "When I get married, I want you to be in my wedding too!"

I said, "Thank you. I'll be happy to."

It was getting late, so Jenny and I went back to our rooms before midnight.

Debbie and everyone else came back about 2:00 AM. Donna gave me a call at 2:10. "Sue I've got to ask you a question—tonight I jacked Billy off and he sucked my tits for the first time, but there was something weird about his dick."

I asked, "What are you talking about Donna?"

Donna replied, "Well, he had this skin over his cock head—I never heard anyone talk about that before."

I laughed, "Donna, it's OK. He isn't deformed or anything—he just wasn't circumcised when he was a baby, so he still has his foreskin. Most baby boys have their foreskin cut off, but it sounds like he didn't. When you're ready, he'll still be able to fuck you!"

Donna replied, "Thanks, I really like him—a lot!"

I laughed, "Don't worry when the time comes he'll be able to stick that dick inside you with no problems! Now go to bed!"

New Year's Day in New Orleans meant time for the Sugar Bowl football game. The 10-0-1, #3 Lions were a 7-point favorite over the 10-1, #4 State team—the best record ever by a State football team.

Everyone in our group was dressed in orange and Navy blue. We took the shuttle from the hotel to the Louisiana Superdome. Our shuttle was filled with chants of "Go State Go!"

The Lion fans chanted, "Go Big Blue," along with, "Go Lions."

Jenny, Lois, and Beth joined us as we chanted, "Go State!" A group of guys wearing Lion blue sweatshirts approached us chanting "Show your tits." Angie shouted back, "Y'all ain't got enough beads!"

One of the guys spoke up, "Y'all put on the best tit show of the week!"

We all just laughed.

Jenny, Beth, and Lois left heading toward the tunnel to do their pre-game routines. Excitement was in the air as the bands were playing and the TV cameras were setting up. It was game day in New Orleans!

Everyone was waiting for the gates to open so we could go inside the Superdome. The gates would open at noon—2-1/2 hours before kickoff. The stadium was sold out—77,500 would be watching the Sugar Bowl game, and I was one of them!

We ate lunch while waiting for the gates to open. I ordered another round of black eye peas—I wanted them for 'good luck' today.

Finally, the gates opened and we could go inside the Louisiana Superdome. I heard the sirens escorting one of the teams into the stadium. Cheers of 'Go Lions-Big Blue #1,' could be heard as the band played the Lion fight song. State hadn't yet arrived.

The Superdome was huge inside, as we found our seats on the 50-yard line, 25 rows high behind the State bench. Pop, Ma, me, Debbie, John, Steve, Sally, Elizabeth, William, Jimmy, and Cathy all sat together in the seats Tom got for us. Donna was with Billy and his parent's three rows below us. Angie, Jamie, and Cindy were behind us. I was anxiously waiting for the game to begin.

Both bands were seated in the end zones—State's band was in the south playing the State fight song and State's Alma Mater.

Jenny and the other State cheerleaders were doing their routines as the band was playing. Debbie nudged me, "Don't they look awesome in their orange tops with State's emblem across the front and Navy blue skirts! I HAVE TO BE A STATE CHEERLEADER NEXT YEAR!"

I grinned, "You will be, Sis!"

Finally the teams came onto the field for their pre-game warm ups. The Lions were dressed in their blue jerseys with silver numbers and the players name across the back, silver pants and silver helmets with a blue 'Lion insignia' on the sides.

State was dressed in their white jerseys with orange trim, orange numerals, Navy blue pants, white helmets with Navy blue and orange stripes down the middle and an orange 'State' insignia on the sides. Kickoff was forty-five minutes away.

Both teams left the field after warmups and the bands marched on to perform the pre-game entertainment. State fans cheered as the band playing the State fight song. Jenny and the rest of the cheerleaders did the fight song routine. It was awesome!

The Lion fans weren't to be outdone when their band played the Lion fight song and their cheerleaders took the field.

The captains came out for the coin toss in the middle of the field. State was the visiting team, and Mickey would make the call heads or tails. Mickey called heads and the coin fell to the turf on the Allstate Sugar Bowl emblem in the middle of the field. It was tails. State lost the coin toss and the Lions would receive to start the game.

The Lions quickly showed the crowd of 77,500 why they were undefeated—marching 80 yards in 15 in plays to take a 7-0 lead.

State's first possession was not so successful. Three and out without gaining a yard. Tom dropped a pass which would have given State a first down. John sighed, "Tom's too jacked up—he's got to calm down."

I watched Coach Pete go over to Tom while he sat on the bench with his helmet off. Tom looked dejected.

The Lions moved down the field again, but State's defense finally forced a field goal try. It was good and State trailed 10-0.

State returned the kickoff to the 35. Mickey dropped back to pass and Tom was all alone behind the Lion defenders—it would be a State touchdown. The pass was perfect and Tom looked in position to make the catch, but he dropped the ball. Dejection surrounded the State team and fans.

Mickey dropped back to pass on second down and threw a strike to Tom, but again he let the ball slip through his hands as the Lion defender intercepted the pass. Tom slowly walked off the field with his head down.

The Lions marched 45 yards in 9 plays to make it 17-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Everyone was glum in the stands. I felt so sorry for Tom. He had played such a big part in this season, and today on national TV he was having a horrible game.

State began running the ball but couldn't score. The Lions returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown on the last play of the first half to up their lead to 24-0.

Everyone in the stands realized today wasn't State's day and defeat was inevitable.

John quickly got up from his seat and went to the front row of the stands as Tom was walking off the field. John yelled, "Get your head up bud. Calm down."

Tom looked at John just shook his head and continued walking toward the locker room.

John returned to his seat, "Pete has to do something—Tom has given up."

The public address system blared, "Scores from the today's bowl games—Cotton Bowl, University 17, Aggies 10. At the half—Orange Bowl, final—Gators 24, Irish 20. The #2 Irish went down to their first defeat of the season. A Lion win over State and a Bruin loss in the Rose Bowl would give the Lions the National championship. The Bruins and Lions tied in the first game of the season 24-24.

Pop finally spoke, "These kids came out of nowhere this year and to finish 10-2, conference champions and to be in the Sugar Bowl is an accomplishment to be proud of—they shouldn't be ashamed!"

Steve said, "Hey, everyone there is still a second half to play—don't give up!"

Sally, Debbie, and I walked down to the front row and talked with Jenny and the cheerleaders.

Jenny looked me in the eyes, "He'll do better this second half—just watch. Mickey will bring him out of it. Trust me."

I said, "I hope so," and returned to my seat.

State received the kickoff and returned the ball to the 25-yard line. Mickey threw a first down pass toward Tom, but he once again dropped the ball. State fans booed Tom. I had tears in my eyes.

I watched as Mickey slapped Tom on the helmet in the huddle.

State came to the line for 2nd and 10 from the 25. Mickey dropped back to pass and threw a pass in Tom's direction, but once again Tom dropped the ball. State fans booed louder. A fan near our seats yelled. 'Get the bum outa-there!' My heart sank and tears filled my eyes as I looked in Ma and Pop's direction.

Mickey once again slapped Tom on the helmet in the huddle. A replacement came onto the field—the second string tight end. Mickey waved him off and called time out.

Mickey and Tom went to the sidelines. Coach Pete was talking to Tom while Mickey talked with Coach Lewis. Mickey grabbed Tom by the arm as they returned to the huddle.

I just wanted Tom out of the game so he wouldn't get booed anymore. It broke my heart to see him so dejected.

State was faced with a 3rd and 10. My mind drifted back to the first game of the season when Tom made a big catch against Bulldogs and ran 61 yards for the winning touchdown on a 4th and 7 play. I was praying something good would happen on this play!

Mickey dropped back and fired a quick pass to Tom over the middle—this time he caught the pass and broke two tackles finally being dragged down after a 15-yard gain! The boos turned to cheers.

State was in business with a first down at the State 40. Mickey fired another pass to Tom over the middle. He hung on again and gained 9 yards. The State crowd woke up as State was gaining momentum.

Mickey fired a pass into the flat and Richardson gained 12 more yards. State was on the Lion 39-yard line. It was the first time State had crossed midfield all game.

Mickey dropped back on first down and Tom was wide open on the same play he dropped in the first quarter. Mickey fired a perfect pass and Tom caught the ball at the Lion 20 and ran untouched into the end zone. State fans were cheering wildly. There were no longer any boos. The 'bum' was still in the game! The extra point, and State trailed 24-7.

State appeared to be a different team. Everyone on the State sideline had their head up. I remembered the Tiger game when State got behind early, but came within a point of pulling the game out.

State's defense held and forced a punt. State got the ball on the State 35. Mickey handed off to Richardson and he turned the corner behind a block by Tom for 25 yards to the Lion's 40. State fans were excited.

Mickey dropped back to pass and found Richardson all alone at the Lion 15. First down State!

State came to the line and Mickey ran a quarterback draw—the same play he scored on against University and Tom once again threw a big block near the goal line, allowing Mickey to dive into the end zone. The extra point was good. State trailed 24-14 at the end of third quarter.

The State fans were once again cheering and not booing. Everyone was excited again and I was the happiest of them all as Tom was once again playing like he was capable of—tonight may be a good time in my room!

The public address system announced, "Final score from the Cotton Bowl—University 24, Aggies 24. First Quarter from the Rose Bowl—Bucks 17, Bruins 0."

Pop cheered, "If State can pull this out, they'll be the only team to win eleven games in the conference."

Steve replied, "These kids have character. Most would have given up, being down by 24, but they're fighting back. If the defense can hold and the offense gets a quick score, State's right back in this game."

The fourth quarter was about to begin and Debbie whispered, "If State wins, let's fuck'm all night in our room! Best friends fucking their boyfriends together!"

I just grinned, "Debbie, if they win, I'll fuck Tom cowgirl all night, but not next to you and John!"

Debbie said, "Damn! Why not? That would be so hot!"

We both laughed and gave each other high five's.

State's defense held the Lions and the punt went out of bounds on the State 29.

Mickey brought the offense up and threw a quick 12-yard pass to Tom who lateraled to Richardson and 'Rich' headed toward the south end zone. Everyone was screaming and yelling as 'Rich' cut back across the field picking up blockers and went into the end zone for a touchdown, a 71-yard pass and run! State was back in the game, trailing 24-21, after the extra point.

State fans were going wild—orange and black banners were being waved throughout the Superdome—there were no more boo birds!

I heard Angie and Jamie screaming, "Go State," in their seats above us. Billy gave everyone a thumbs up. I was hugging Ma and Debbie—everyone was giving high five's. Steve reminded everyone, "Didn't I tell you not to give up! We run that same play—hook and lateral."

State's defense had to hold the Lions to give the offense another chance. Time was running out.

The defense did its job and forced a punt. State took over at the State 30. The Lion defense was on its heels. State had the momentum.

Mickey brought the offense to the line and threw a quick pass over the middle to Tom for 12 yards. Another pass to Tom for 17 yards.

The ball was on the Lion 41 yard line with 2:50 left to play. Mickey took the snap and threw a screen pass to Richardson. The offensive linemen did their job and cleared a path for Rich to the Lion 12-yard line.

State fans were cheering wildly. We were all yelling and screaming, "Go State!"

Mickey took the snap and rolled out. The receivers were covered, so he tucked the ball and dove toward the goal, being stopped at the 4. First and goal!

Richardson took the hand-off, and behind the blocking of the 'bum' tight end and tackle, plowed into the end zone. The extra point was good. State had the lead 28-24, after being behind 24-0 at the half. The State fans were no longer booing Tom.

State's band played the fight song as the fans waved their banners! Jenny and the cheerleaders did their fight song routine waving their pom-poms to the crowd. I was hugging Ma and Pop. I heard Angie and Jamie screaming above us, "Go State Go!"

State kicked off and the Lion kick return specialist got behind a wall of blockers and headed toward the north end zone, going 100 yards! State fans were deflated. The comeback was so close, but so far away. The Lion fight song was heard throughout the Superdome as the Lions regained the lead 31-28 with 70 seconds left on the clock. State fans began leaving the Superdome. Lion fans began celebrating a possible National championship as the Bruins were losing in the Rose Bowl.

The kick off went out of the end zone. State got the ball on the 20.

Some of the fans behind us left their seats. Angie, Jamie, and Cindy immediately took their place.

Steve asked John, "How good is the field goal kicker?"

John replied, "Not very accurate until inside the 20. He's a crap shoot anywhere else."

Steve continued, "They have to move the ball 60 yards with no timeouts left. It'll be tough, since the defense will be in prevent. They'll have to use the sidelines and get out of bounds."

Sally looked at Debbie, "This is the most exciting time to be a cheerleader—a cheerleader's dream—the game is on the line and your team has the ball with a chance to win! Watch Jenny and the State cheerleaders—you'll see what it's all about!"

Debbie watched Jenny, Beth, and Lois leading the fans in cheers, "Go State Go," as the band played the State fight song. The crowd was sitting on the edge of their seats as State came to the line.

The Lions were in a prevent defense, giving State the middle of the field.

Mickey dropped back to pass and hit Tom over the middle for 15 yards to the State 35. The clock was stopped as the chains were moved.

The ball was marked ready for play and Mickey downed the ball. The clock was stopped with 55 seconds remaining.

Steve told John, "They have to either get out of bounds or down the ball immediately. Time for maybe three plays and a field goal."

Mickey threw over the middle again and Tom made the catch, broke a tackle, and headed toward the sideline. John yelled, "Get out of bounds!"

Tom didn't get out of bounds, but turned up field and was finally tackled at the Lion 40. The clock was stopped as the chains were being moved.

Mickey immediately downed the ball with 30 seconds remaining. State needed 20 more yards to try a field goal.

The State fans were going wild. Debbie was watching as Jenny led the crowd cheering State on—we were all yelling and hollering, "Go State!"

State fans that left their seats early were standing in the aisles of the ramps as State made a last-ditch attempt to tie the game.

Mickey brought the offense to the line. The backfield was empty as State was sending out all eligible receivers against the prevent defense of the Lions. State needed 20 more yards.

Mickey took the snap and dropped back to pass, but instead he pitched the ball to Tom on an unexpected run-the end around reverse—the same play that scored a touchdown against University!