"Almost every kid who ever punts a football dreams about playing at the college or professional level, and competition has gotten tougher, with a few colleges actually drafting middle-school students. This is the case for Travis, a rising eighth-grader. Fast-paced action and well-written game scenarios follow Travis during a two-year period as he tries to deal with divorced parents, sibling rivalry, media attention, and the typical rigors of school and social life. When events turn dark--a fellow athlete dies during practice, and a college booster offers Travis steroids--Travis turns to his older brother, who vigorously comes to his aid, resulting in the collapse of their college plans but also the redirection of both boys' lives. Travis' primary first-person narrative is interspersed with brief interludes from his brother and occasional newspaper articles. Travis' love for the game and simultaneous confusion over the pressure to win at all costs seems absolutely authentic. This engaging read will resonate with middle schoolers, especially aspiring athletes, and accompanying publicity should generate considerable buzz."--Booklist.