“The corporate sponsor they cited for our disqualification gave up his parental rights thirteen years ago,” Claire said.

“He’s legally a stranger to these boys and has absolutely no standing in their education or in this tournament.”

The clerk stared at the blue ink on the official birth records.

He traced his thumb over the raised state seal on the bottom corner of the parchment.

He looked up at Claire with his mouth slightly open.

“This changes the entire final bracket for the state championship,” the clerk said.

“Yes,” Claire said.