Summary

Chapter 8, East Versus West, I – As the fourth game of the season approaches –against Odessa High –Coach Gaines brings the team together for a talk. Losing to Odessa High is considered even worse than a Democrat becoming President. Through the story of a Confederate scout named Sam Davis who refused to betray a friend who also happened to be a Union scout, Gaines drives home the importance of loyalty and brotherhood, especially in a game against their crosstown rival. Gaines and the coaches then withdraw so the captains can speak to the team. Ivory explains to the team that the Odessa High players have to be hit fast and hard, and not allowed to get ahead. The game is hosted at Ratliff Stadium, where more than fifteen thousand people show up to watch. For...