The Underdogs

A 12-year-old halfback with a huge passion for football fights to keep his team on the field.
Will Tyler keeps reliving the final play of the previous year’s championship, when his team came so close before his fumble caused the loss to their well-heeled rivals across the river. Unfortunately, budget cuts may keep the town from fielding his team this year. Like other manufacturing towns, Forbes, Pa., has lost jobs and businesses that might sponsor a sports team. Will takes a chance, writes to a national company and comes up with the funds to keep the team going. That was almost the easy part: The team no longer has a coach, former players are not interested and skepticism abounds. One of the few who want to play is Hannah, a new girl show more in town with great ability and as much grit as Will. For Will’s dad, who has agreed to coach, and his teammates, this is nearly a deal-breaker. Sports-loving readers will identify with Will, whose heart and determination leap off the page. His budding friendship with Hannah rings true and contributes to his growth on and off the field. The relationship between Will and his widowed dad provides an emotional touchstone, while the desperation of a small town trying to hang on permeates the story. show less

"My dad once told me it takes no talent to get knocked down, especially in a game like football.
He said it's how you get back up that counts."
Will Tyler is the fastest 12-year-old player in Forbes, PA, and he's desperate for a rematch with the Castle Rock team that beat them in the championship last year. Unfortunately, the town is losing jobs and people are moving out, and that means they haven't got enough money for his team... they barely have enough for the high school team. Will's Hail Mary pass is a letter to the president of New Balance, in which he asks for the $10,000 needed to cover the cost of fielding the team this season. Aside from the money, they barely have enough players, and the coach from last year is gone. When Will show more gets the "go for it!" response from New Balance, he asks his reluctant dad to coach the team, and realizes the only way they'll have enough players is to let the new girl in town play as well. Fortunately, Hannah's tough as nails and can kick the ball to the moon, but the player they really need is Toby. Toby quit two years ago because his father was so awful at the games, and getting him to play again means Mr. Keenan and his nasty mouth will be at the games again. Everywhere Will turns, there are problems and obstacles. Can the Bulldogs keep their hopes alive for a winning season? Great story of heart and talent, with excellent football play-by-play as always from our master sports storyteller! 6th grade and up. show less

Will Tyler may not be the biggest running back around, but no one can touch him when it comes to hitting the hole and finding the end zone. And no one can match his love of the game. When Will has a football in his hand, life can't touch him - his dad isn't so defeated, his town isn't so poor, and everyone has something to cheer for. All of which does him no good if the football season is canceled. With no funding for things like uniforms and a maintained playing field and with every other family moving to find jobs, there's just not enough money or players for a season. It's up to Will to rally the town and give everyone a reason to believe.

Will Tyler may not be the biggest football star, but his heart and hustle make him unstoppable. Facing a season in jeopardy due to school budget cuts and fraying community morale, Will rallies his town to fight back—with resilience, teamwork, and a deep love of the game. A heartfelt and action-packed underdog story that tackles friendship, poverty, and perseverance in a way readers aged 9–12 will find both exciting and uplifting.

Will Tyler, a talented but undersized running back, is about to see his team's season be canceled due to lack of funding and players. Will must rally his community, including his own father, to save the season, finding that football gives his town and his family a reason to believe and a source of hope amidst economic hardship.

Will Tyler may not be the biggest running back around, but no one can touch him when it comes to hitting the hole and finding the end zone. And no one can match his love of the game. When Will has a football in his hand, life can't touch him—his dad isn't so defeated, his town isn't so poor, and everyone has something to cheer for. All of which does him no good if the football season is canceled. With no funding for things like uniforms and a well-maintained playing field, with every other family moving to find jobs, there just isn't enough money or players for a season. It's up to Will to rally the town and give everyone a reason to believe . . .

Maybe because I prefer baseball to football, this is not my favorite Lupica kid's sports books. It was way too predictable. That being said, it is an enjoyable book, with its characters, friendships, and easy banter.