Jackson Free Press

From Friday nights at small-town high schools to Monday evenings in NFL stadiums, fans around the country are ready for some football.

In Mississippi, the sport is King. If the 2006 USA Football title of "Best Football State" in the nation wasn't enough to convince the whole country, these books based on Mississippi football definitely will be. Some may be a bit hard to track down, but they're worth the effort.

"Y'all vs. Us: Thrilling Tales of Mississippi's Hottest High School Rivalries" by Xavier M., Martin F. and Xavier M. Frascogna Jr. (Mississippi Sports Council, 2008, $34.95)

Everyone remembers his or her biggest high-school football rivalry. On the night those two teams met, the entire town shut down, and everyone was dressed in school colors and yelling friendly insults at the opposing fans. "Y'all vs. Us" brings those rivalries to print. This book chronicles 15 of Mississippi's most infamous rivalries including West Jones vs. Wayne County, Jackson Academy vs. Jackson Prep and Clinton vs. Madison Central. It explores the history and traditions of each school and how the community responds and is affected by their team and the rivalry.

All of this makes it a great title chock full of Mississippi football history.

"The Courting of Marcus Dupree" by Willie Morris (University Press of Mississippi, 1992, $30)
You probably know Marcus Dupree because of the college injuries that plagued him or the ESPN story of his fall from football. But this book by Mississippi's own late Willie Morris gives an embracing account of Dupree at 17 as he became almost an overnight sensation bringing a small town, state and country to their feet with his amazing talent. Morris spoke with teachers, coaches, family members and, most importantly, Dupree himself in this moving account of the player during his senior season in Philadelphia, Miss. If you saw the documentary, you'll most assuredly want this "story before the story."
"Gridiron Gold" by Xavier M., Martin F. and Xavier M. Frascogna Jr. (Velocity Sports and Entertainment, 2007, $42.75)
Coaches are some of the best motivators and often have the most inspiring stories to tell. If you are in need of inspiration, "Gridiron Gold" is a must read. Through interviews with some of Mississippi's most well-known and respected football coaches, untold stories of determination, drive, pain and victory sprinkle this reader's delight. A historical read that will make you laugh and cry.

"I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to the Blind Side and Beyond" by Michael Oher with Don Yeager (Gotham Books, 2011, $26)
The movie, "The Blind Side" pulled at our heartstrings with a touching account of former Ole Miss standout and Baltimore Raven player Michael Oher. But the movie barely scratches the surface. "I Beat the Odds" is Oher's personal account of his life. The graphic details of his mother's crack habit, his homelessness and his life in general take you deeper into this amazing man's life and his redemption. Once you pick up this powerful and moving autobiography, you won't put it down.

"Gridiron Glory: Celebrating 100 Years of Mississippi Football" by Xavier M., Martin F. and Xavier M. Frascogna Jr. (Mississippi Sports Council, 2010, $32.95)
Any true foot­ball fan knows that the best part of the game is sitting under the lights watching the action. You will always treasure those moments. "Gridiron Glory" is a collection of photographs that depict 100 years of Mississippi football. This collection of black-and-white and color shots takes you from 1905 to South Panola's 2009 State Championship win. This pictorial account is almost as entertaining as being there.