The Eighty Yard Run: In Search of High School Football in America

by Theron Hopkins

THE EIGHTY YARD RUN is the story of a high school football season in America. Over the course of twenty weeks and twenty towns, this book travels from summer practice through the regular season and onto a whole row of state championships that culminate in the Texas 5A state game in San Antonio's Alamodome. It discovers a world wreathed with those Friday night lights that offers up a miraculous spectacle of renewed hope and high drama in such far-flung locales as Hillsborough, North Carolina and Valentine, Nebraska and Sutter, California. But it also finds that the most binding halogen glare is only part of what makes this game so irrestible and so important to all those people who watch it, coach it, and play it, and who can't seem to quite get enough of the rectangular field, the oblong ball, and the young men who offer up their time, their energy, and at least a little bit of their hearts to make magic happen.

Genres: Sports, Football, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Holden Snodgrass]

The book that I was reading is called The 80-Yard Run. This book is about several high school teams all over the country. It tells the stories of football players and coaches. It goes over both practice ,and the games and gives out the feelings of everyone involve. This is not a complete success story there are parts where the coaches and players are going to get fired or get bench. This is a good book thats gets the emotion of high school football ,and giving it all to be able to play on Friday nights. If you are into football you will like this book because when it seems slow or boring you hear a name of a player that is currently in the NFL ,and you will want to read on about one of their games and practice to hear what they were like back then. This book is very interesting and it will keep you going. I know I can relate because I played high school football and this sounds mainly like a normal season for me. I give this book a score 4.5 out of 5.

[Ryan Beltz]

A Spirited Journey into High School Football: A Review of "The 80 Yard Run"


The 80 Yard Run: A Twenty Week Coast to Coast Quest for the Heart of High School Football" by Theron Hopkins offers an intriguing glimpse into the world of high school football across the country. While the book falls short in certain aspects, it succeeds in capturing the essence and spirit of this beloved sport.

One notable aspect of the book is the author's style. Although Theron Hopkins' approach can be likened to that of a stenographer rather than a reporter, it can be argued that this is a result of the nature of the book itself. As a reader, one might wish for more in-depth descriptions of each team, but the limitations on space and time prevent the author from truly delving into the intricacies of each school's football program.

This flaw can be, to some extent, attributed to the structure of the book. It becomes evident that not all teams are equally captivating, and as a result, some chapters may feel less interesting than others. Conversely, the teams that do catch the reader's attention are only explored briefly, leaving one wishing for more insight and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

However, one cannot overlook the commendable effort put forth by the author in his coast-to-coast trek to different football spots. Hopkins successfully conveys the fervor and passion that surround high school football in various parts of the country. This aspect of the book is truly praiseworthy and contributes to the overall appreciation of the spirit of the game.

In conclusion, "The 80 Yard Run" may fall short on certain fronts, such as the limited exploration of teams and the overall structure of the book. However, it undeniably captures the heart and soul of high school football, showcasing the author's dedication in traversing the nation in search of this shared passion.

[Ayden Homedew]

I think that this was an amazing book. I like this because they went from a not so great team at the beginning of their season. Then after weeks of practice and hard work, they started to win more games. My favorite character is the head coach, Danny Rogers. I also like the linebacker that plays for the team, Bill Cunningham. I Like bill because he is a very good football player and a nice team mate. I really like the last game in the book. Because the head coach Danny Rogers gives a very good speech to motivate the team and take the win. Another thing I like about the book is the moral the entire team has about the games. And finally I like that even though the team is practicing in 90 degree weather and still have a good spirit.

[Angela]

Don't judge me, I had my reasons for needing to learn about what it's really like, boots on the ground, to play & coach high school football. And this book did not disappoint. Extremely well researched and written, the book follows 20 hugely diverse high school football teams around the country through a season, with one weekly chapter devoted to each team. Lovely and fascinating. Football and youth football in particular can be hugely controversial and divisive but I thought this was a very well done, fair, and nuanced take on what it's really like.

[Jamie]

You really, really have to like football to appreciate this book.

[Luke]

My highschool is in this book. Go SU.