Touchdown Triumph

By Jake Maddox and Jesus Aburto

Oliver Jeffries is used to moving around. His dad is in the Army, and moving is just part of life. But it finally looks like they'll be staying in one place, and Oliver decides to join Jackson Middle School's football team. Things couldn't be going better: he's the starting wide receiver, his team is undefeated, and he's actually starting to make friends. But when Oliver gets word that his family needs to move again, he's about to lose it all. Does he have the heart to lead his team to victory in one final game?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
• Release date: Aug 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496524669

Jake Maddox

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler – or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps – literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Book preview

Cover

CHAPTER 1

ANOTHER NEW TOWN

Oliver Jeffries sat slumped in the backseat of his parents’ car. His long, lean legs were propped up, knees pressing into the seat in front of him. A pair of headphones blasted bass-thumping hip-hop music that his mom often told him would rattle a screw loose someday.

Oliver looked out the window just as the vehicle passed a large sign on the side of the road. It read: WELCOME TO JACKSON! HOME OF THE FIGHTING BULLDOGS!

Oliver sighed. Another new house in another forgettable town, he thought.

Oliver was no stranger to new towns. His dad was in the Army, which meant their family was often relocated. They had lived in six different places in the past four years. This time it was Jackson, Colorado. By now, Oliver was used to moving around, but that didn’t mean he enjoyed it.

They drove through a nice neighborhood of two-story homes. Towering trees lined the streets, casting afternoon shadows on the lawns. They pulled up next to the curb in front of a yellow house with white trim. A red FOR SALE sign was posted in the front yard with a SOLD sign plastered over it.

Oliver clicked off his music. Even though it was silent now, his ears were still humming.

Home sweet home, Mom said, opening her door.

Again, Oliver added under his breath.

Next to him, Oliver’s seven-year-old sister, Addie, was ready to burst. I can’t wait to pick out my bedroom! she said, her nose pressed against the window.

Knock yourself out, Oliver muttered as they all climbed out of the car and headed inside.

The empty house was more spacious than their last home. More wood floors and less carpeting. The last place they’d lived had had green-and-yellow patterned wallpaper in the kitchen — a color combination that had made Oliver want to puke. Thankfully, this kitchen was neither green nor