Part 2, Chapter 7 Summary

Mick continues playing hard, not just because he knows it could help him, but because he doesn't know how else to play. After practice the next Monday, Coach Downs asks Mick to come to his office. Because of Mick's hustle and attitude, he is made special teams captain.

His mother is very proud of him, but his father is unfazed by the appointment. His father contends that if Mick is good enough to be captain, he is good enough to start. When Mick asks to start, Coach Downs tells him to stop asking.

Part 2, Chapter 7 Analysis

Mick does make headway on the team, and becomes special teams captain. Although Mick is thrilled with him, his father is quick to remind him that he isn't starting, and this crushes Mick's happiness. Mick goes to Coach Downs to ask him to start, but...