Mississippi Library Association

Y'all Vs Us, Thrilling Tales of Mississippi's Hottest High School Football Rivalries

Frascogna, Xavier M., Jr., Xavier M. Frascogna, III, and Martin F. Frascogna.
Y’all Vs Us, Thrilling Tales of Mississippi’s Hottest High School Football Rivalries.
Jackson: Mississippi Sports Council, 2008.
391 pp. $34.95 (hardcover)

In this second book about Mississippi football, the authors present the story of fifteen intense rivalries found in Mississippi and provide excellent representation of the impact these rivalries have on the people and the communities. Players and coaches also are noted, along with many other details that allow the reader to gain an increased insight and understanding into the particular role of rivalry in Mississippi football.
For example, the authors provide quotes from other participants, such as radio announcers, to help the reader understand what these football games mean to everyone. A quote from a principal notes the pride felt by the community: “Those are our kids…those kids on the field are a representation of the community and what it stands for” (14). Still another quote from a mayor and county resident states, “Nothing has galvanized this community like Wayne County football…”(42). Even families of the football players are united by the games, as is evidenced by a quote from one player: “I remember seeing my dad. He’s not a very emotional guy…I will never forget the smile on his face after the game. He came up and gave me the biggest hug” (198).
The book presents views from the perspectives of football players, which are likely to be biased. However, it is important to understand what this game means to people from all perspectives, including the perspective of the players. One quote from a Biloxi football player helps the reader understand this game goes to the heart of everyone of all ages and genders: “My grandmother doesn’t know anything about Biloxi football, but she knows when we are going to play Gulfport” (377).
This book is a valuable source for sports players, coaches, and the public. Community leaders would benefit from understanding the assistance a rivalry football game would provide in uniting the community, as it has done in Mississippi.
Weaknesses of the book are few, but include the need for more information to set the scenes portrayed, as the continuity at times jumps from one paragraph to another. This book provides more than just a portrayal of the game of football.
This book is recommended for academic and public libraries since it contributes to the body of literature related to an understanding of human nature.

William L. Bahr
Assistant Director
Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System

Entry Filed under: Book Reviews
Posted on: January 5th, 2009