colt running down the field , one hand out , one arm tucked and holding the ball ; colt dipping his shoulder , landing a blow , blocking for his runner ; colt walking to the sideline , yanking at the snaps of his chin guard then pulling off his helmet , his hair wet with sweat and a mess , his face the picture of what my father called , `` in the zone '' ; the crash of the pads , the grunts of the players , the cheers from the stands .