Drew Jubera

Even if you don't like football, which I definitely do not, you can enjoy Jubera's book on a small Southern town and its football team. Written in the vein of Friday Night Lights, this book is also down South, this time in Valdosta, GA. The book deals with the Wildcats, a legendary team that has more wins than any other team in the US. After two long reigns of demi-god coaches, the team starts to crumble as the school goes through a number of coaches in rapid succession while losing many talented players to the county school.
Through Jubera's writing, we get to know many of the players well. A majority of the players are poor and black, and as the reader might imagine, they lead rough lives. Unfortunately, playing on this high school team may be the highlight of their lives. The coach is a likable, moral good ol' boy (I mean this as a compliment in this case) completely devoted to his job. The coach is so devoted, I began to wonder how long his marriage can last with as many hours as he puts in year round.
This book is as much the sociology of a small, Southern town as it is a sports book, and as a result can easily be enjoyed by a non-football fan. Some of the issues the book tackles, are white flight and the resulting segregation of school, poverty and violence, and what elements make community. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid sports book or a person interested in the South.… (més)