Do you know how you feel when you see your son doin' good, doin' somethin' special? It kind of put a lump in your throat. 'The first I seen him carry that ball, he busted that line for 80 yards. He was almost unprepared for what it felt like to watch his own flesh and blood out there on that field. They had been separated for some time, and it was the first time James senior had ever seen his son play football at Permian. His father, who lived in Houston, had been in the stands that night. It had been there during the Abilene High game when he gained 232 yards on eight carries and scored touchdowns of 62 yards, 80 yards, and 67 yards. But there were other times when that emotion made him spellbinding and untouchable. He easily got rattled, particularly when things weren't going well, and there were times on the field when he seemed as frazzled as a child. He had played his junior year with a kind of seething emotion that sometimes dissolved into quick frustration and discouragement. Author Buzz Bissinger discusses his book.'He thought he was the best.'Īs 'Friday Night Lights' his theaters this Friday and the ESPN Book Club debuts on, takes an in-depth look at the story of Odessa (Texas) Permian High School football: 'Miles had the attitude,' said former teammate Art Wagner with admiration. It was something else, more than just strength or speed, a kind of invincible fire that burned within him, an unquenchable feeling that no one on that field, no one, was as good as he was.

There were a thousand kids in Texas who fit that description. They weren't interested in him just because he was big and looked imposing in a football uniform. Looking forward to watching you play later this season.' 'James - we are in New York preparing for the kickoff classic and enjoying the sights. Booby, we feel that you are one of these few select players.' 'The entire Houston Cougar football staff has been in the process of putting together the top list of high school senior football players in Texas.

You are in a situation that many young athletes dream about.' 'You had an outstanding junior year at Permian and I am sure your senior year will be even better.

Friday night lights by hg bissinger