The Monthly Chronic-les of Life
Chapter 11: Strategy Sessions and Silent Strength
September 25th: Youngstown, Ohio
The early morning light filtered through the blinds of Paul Shellback’s office at Youngstown High, casting a soft glow on the playbooks scattered across his desk. The Cleveland High game was just days away, and the pressure was palpable. This was more than just a football game—it was a chance to prove what his team was made of.
Paul leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he tried to clear his mind. The past few days had been a whirlwind of strategy sessions, drills, and team meetings, leaving little time for anything else. But as intense as the preparation had been, Paul knew that the key to victory wasn’t just about physical readiness—it was about mental clarity.
He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of Steel Valley Hemp CBG Full Spectrum Tincture Oil 1200 Mg. Paul had been using the tincture to help maintain focus and reduce stress during this crucial week. Unscrewing the cap, he placed a dropper under his tongue, letting the oil work its way through his system. The earthy flavor was calming, grounding him as he prepared for another long day.
Paul knew he needed to step up his game—extra strength was essential. CBG had been known to help with what Paul was going through, keeping him sharp and centered when it mattered most.
Just as Paul was beginning to feel the effects of the tincture, his assistant coach, Mike Thompson, knocked on the door and poked his head in. “Morning, Coach. Got a minute?”
“Sure, Mike. Come on in,” Paul said, motioning for him to take a seat.
Mike walked in, carrying a stack of papers and a tablet. He looked as worn as Paul felt, but there was a determined glint in his eye. “I’ve been going over the film from Cleveland’s last three games,” he began, handing Paul the tablet. “Their offense is solid, but I think we’ve found a few weak spots we can exploit.”
Paul took the tablet and started scrolling through the clips, nodding as Mike pointed out key plays. “You’re right. Their secondary is leaving gaps, especially on the left side. We can definitely take advantage of that with some well-timed passes.”
Mike smiled, his confidence infectious. “Exactly. I’ve been working with Tyler on his timing. If he can hit those spots, we’ll be in good shape.”
Paul appreciated Mike’s enthusiasm, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to consider. “What about their defense? They’ve got a strong line. We need to make sure our guys are ready for that kind of pressure.”
Mike nodded, flipping to another set of clips. “I’ve been thinking about that too. We’ll need to adjust our blocking schemes and make sure the linemen are quick off the snap. It’s going to be a tough battle in the trenches, but I think our guys are up for it.”
Paul studied the clips, his mind racing with possibilities. The Cleveland game was going to be a test of everything they had worked for, but he knew they had the tools to succeed. “Alright, let’s get the guys together for a walkthrough this afternoon. I want to make sure everyone’s on the same page.”
Mike stood up, gathering his papers. “You got it, Coach. I’ll get them ready.”
As Mike left the office, Paul took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day ahead. The tincture was helping, but he knew that balance was key. He needed to stay focused, but he also needed to keep his stress in check. Too much pressure, and the team could crack under the weight of expectations.
Before heading out to the field, Paul grabbed his phone and sent a quick text to Christy.
Game prep in full swing. Can’t wait to tell you all about it after we win.
A few moments later, his phone buzzed with her response.
I’ll be cheering for you! Just remember to take a moment for yourself. You’ve got this.
Paul smiled, her words a reminder of the balance he was striving to maintain. As much as he loved coaching and the thrill of competition, he knew that life was about more than just the next game. It was about finding harmony in the chaos, a lesson he was learning more each day.
With renewed determination, Paul made his way to the field. The team was already gathering, the players stretching and warming up under the morning sun. There was a buzz in the air—a mix of excitement and nerves that Paul recognized all too well.
“Alright, listen up!” Paul called out, gathering the team around him. “We’ve got a big game coming up, and I know you’re all feeling the pressure. But remember, we’ve trained for this. You know what you need to do. Trust your instincts, trust each other, and give it everything you’ve got.”
The players nodded, their faces serious but determined. Paul could see the resolve in their eyes, a reflection of his own. This was their moment, and they were ready to seize it.
As they moved into their walkthrough, Paul watched closely, making mental notes and offering guidance where needed. The team was sharp, executing plays with precision and focus. It was clear that the preparation was paying off.
By the time practice wrapped up, Paul felt a surge of pride. The team was ready—now it was just a matter of keeping them in the right mindset until game day.
As the players headed off the field, Paul lingered for a moment, looking out over the empty stadium. The stands would soon be filled with cheering fans, the air thick with anticipation. But for now, it was quiet, peaceful—a moment of calm before the storm.
Paul reached into his pocket and pulled out the tincture bottle, giving it a small shake. He knew there would be more stressful days ahead, but he felt prepared to handle them. With the support of his team, his friends, and Christy, Paul was ready to take on whatever came next.
He looked over and saw Adam Greenleaf pop back a THC caramel and wash it down with two hits off his new Strawberry Cough vape pen. Adam caught Paul’s eye and grinned, holding up the caramel. “Patsy’s CBD Butter Cream Caramels, man—these things are magic. And this Strawberry Cough? Smooth as silk. You should try it sometime.”
Paul laughed, shaking his head. “You and your stash, Adam. Just make sure you’re not howling at practice tomorrow.”
Adam winked, taking another puff. “Don’t worry, Coach. I’m saving the howling for after we win.”
To be continued…
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Guiding Questions:- How will the team’s preparation and Paul’s leadership play out during the big game against Cleveland High?
- What challenges will arise on game day, and how will Paul and his team respond?
- How will Paul’s relationship with Christy continue to influence his approach to both coaching and life?