The Opening

With the whole stadium buzzing, Norman Osborn arrived at the Wolves' sideline with a few staff members, hauling three boxes of the latest helmets.

Steve stared at Norman Osborn in confusion. Pointing at the boxes of new helmets, he grinned and asked, "What's this? A new sponsorship from Osborn Corporation?"

Norman Osborn's long face was stern as he tossed Steve an over-ear communicator and said gravely, "I only found out today that you've been relying on shouting to communicate your plays.

"These are professional tactical communication helmets used by NFL teams. They'll let you communicate smoothly with your quarterback and defensive captain.

"I thought that as a battle-hardened veteran, you'd know to give your 'soldiers' the best equipment. But..."

Steve looked at Coach Bill in astonishment. "Is this even legal?

"Isn't this cheating?"

Coach Bill chuckled as he opened a box and looked inside. They were all custom tactical communication helmets. Judging by the smell of paint that hadn't quite dried, he figured the school's wealthy board member must have had them rushed through overnight.

He took out a helmet and tossed it to Steve. "It's legal. The Regis High School quarterback and defensive captain have them too.

"Actually, they're standard equipment for most teams. They're very useful, aside from being too expensive."

Steve frowned at Coach Bill. "Why didn't anyone tell me? We've played so many games relying on our voices alone?"

Coach Bill chuckled and shook the thin playbook in his hand. "When would we ever need these? If all we do is yell 'Charge, charge, charge,' there's no need to waste money on them."

Hearing that, Steve gave Norman Osborn an awkward smile. "Well, thanks for the sponsorship..."

Norman Osborn shot the old-fashioned soldier a disdainful look, picked up a new helmet, and jogged over to Harry,