Houston

Darren Taylor is an all-state defensive end on one of the top teams in Houston. Only football promises to take him away from his gang-filled neighborhood in Houston's Third Ward. But during a preseason scrimmage, Darren tears up his right shoulder, taking him out for the season. The sudden uncertainty sends Darren into a spiral, leading to an addiction to pain pills that threatens to end his football career--and, maybe, his life. Houston is from Texas Fridays, an EPIC Press series. Reviewed In Texas Fridays, six high school football teams are profiled from the perspective of a single player. Each young man struggles in his own way to avoid injuries, deal with personal relationships, and recruiting pressure--all while stepping into the role of the star player. The pomp and pageantry of Texas high school football takes center stage, as six high school athletes from completely different backgrounds chase down their dreams under the Friday night lights.