Two high schools, one suburban and predominantly white, the other Catholic and predominantly black, joined forces to field a football team in 2001. This unique partnership occurred in "hyper-segregated" Milwaukee, where one mile and a world of difference separate the two schools. At suburban Shorewood High School, "football was an afterthought"; Messmer High School didn't even have a team. Seeking additional player talent, the Shorewood coach came up with the idea to partner with Messmer in what would become "the only city-suburban pairing in the nation." This immensely readable account tracks the first difficult season of the "Messwood" team, which struggled mightily to win a game (they didn't), maintain racial harmony, and keep their fiery coach under control. More than a recitation of game statistics and foibles, this engagingly written account infuses personality into the players, staff, and students. Those who love high-school football will find themselves rooting for this diverse group of kids who never gave up, even though they got pounded every week by bigger, better, and more experienced teams. Sue-Ellen Beauregard
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"An excellent example of how young men from totally different backgrounds can come together in pursuit of athletic success." -- Willie Davis, Green Bay Packers great
"Rich and poor, black and white, urban and suburban youth all trying to move to the same snap count." -- Steve Rushin, Sports Illustrated columnist
See all Editorial Reviews
