Chapter 29: The Wicks and the Bombs follows the Cubs as they navigate through a critical stage of their playoff journey, emphasizing their resilience and determination. The chapter starts with Steve Howell, the defensive coordinator for the Leadership Military Academy Wolfpack, reflecting on his team’s early exit from the playoffs and his thoughts on the Cubs’ potential. Howell, while disappointed by his team’s loss, is confident that the Cubs will make it to the championship game. However, he predicts that despite their drive and grit, the Cubs will eventually lose to Faith Baptist, the team he believes will be their strongest challenge. His reflection on the Cubs’ playoff run highlights the admiration he has for their growth throughout the season, and his respectful acknowledgment of their journey adds a layer of emotional depth to the story.

The Cubs are next pitted against the renowned Flintridge Prep Wolves, a team with a rich football history and a roster of exceptional talent, including Ramses Barden, a former NFL player, and Russell White, a standout college running back. Flintridge’s coaching staff, led by White, maintains a calm yet confident approach, treating the Cubs no differently from any other team they have faced. White’s emphasis on ignoring the Cubs’ deafness and focusing solely on their abilities underscores the competitive nature of the game. However, the Cubs’ unity and strong communication, shaped by their shared experience of deafness, become their secret weapon. The team’s ability to communicate silently and effectively with one another provides them with an edge that even Flintridge, despite their physical advantages, will struggle to overcome. This underlying dynamic between the teams sets the stage for an intense, high-stakes matchup.

As the game begins, the Cubs start strong, scoring first and quickly building momentum. Their early success gives them a temporary sense of confidence, but the Flintridge Wolves respond almost immediately, striking back with a series of offensive plays that expose weaknesses in the Cubs’ defense. The score becomes tight as both teams go back and forth, with each side adjusting their strategies in response to the other’s moves. The Cubs’ coaches begin to grow concerned as they realize that their defensive line is not as solid as they initially thought. As Flintridge exploits these vulnerabilities, the Cubs find themselves struggling to maintain their lead. Yet, through it all, the Cubs demonstrate their unwavering spirit, drawing strength from their sense of unity and their shared experience as a team of deaf players. They know that their bond is what sets them apart from other teams and motivates them to push through adversity.

Despite the mounting pressure, the Cubs manage to hold on to a narrow lead at halftime. Their defense continues to face challenges as Flintridge adapts to their tactics and gains ground. The Cubs’ coaching staff takes this time to reassess their approach, realizing that adjustments need to be made quickly to keep their lead intact. The second half begins with renewed energy as Trevin, the Cubs’ quarterback, makes a remarkable pass to Gio, who catches the ball and scores a crucial touchdown, expanding their lead. This pivotal moment lifts the Cubs’ spirits, and the team begins to regain control of the game. With their offensive momentum back in full force, they capitalize on the opportunity to extend their lead further. By the time the game concludes, the Cubs have secured a decisive 58–28 victory, an impressive win that propels them to the championship. However, Coach Adams, ever mindful of the team’s past losses, shows the players the painful score of their previous championship defeat. This reminder serves as a powerful motivator, urging the Cubs to stay focused on their ultimate goal: redemption and the chance to prove their true potential on the biggest stage.