Permian Panthers Players
Odessa: The Town and Its People
Football Culture
Coaching and Leadership
Hopes and Pressures
100

This running back is considered the star of the Permian Panthers and carries much of the team’s hopes on his shoulders.

Who is Boobie Miles?

100

Odessa is located in this state, which is known for its intense high school football culture.

What is Texas?

100

The high school football team that Friday Night Lights focuses on.

Who are the Permian Panthers?

100

The head coach of the Permian Panthers introduced in the early chapters.

Who is Coach Gaines?

100

Boobie Miles’ injury in Chapter 5 leads to this devastating realization about his future in football.

What is his football career is in jeopardy or over?

200

This player is known for his intelligence and grit, often compared to his father who also played football.

Who is Mike Winchell?

200

The economy of Odessa boomed thanks to this natural resource in the early 20th century.

What is oil?

200

This phrase describes the overwhelming community support and pressure surrounding the football team.

What is "football is life" or football mania?

200

Coach Gaines faces pressure not only from the community but also from this board that hires and evaluates him.

What is the school board?

200

Mike Winchell feels tremendous pressure because he is expected to fill this leadership role on the team.

What is quarterback or leader?

300

This player struggles with injuries but is key to the Panthers' success.

Who is Brian Chavez?

300

The population of Odessa is divided by race and class, with this area being the wealthier part of town.

What is the east side?

300

Permian’s football games take place at this large stadium, which holds thousands of fans.

What is Ratliff Stadium?

300

Coach Gaines is known for this leadership style, balancing strict discipline with care for his players.

What is tough but compassionate or disciplined?

300

This factor contributes to the heavy emotional burden carried by the Panthers' players.

What is the expectations of the town?

400

Known for his toughness and spirit, this linebacker is one of the team’s emotional leaders.

Who is Ivory Christian?

400

This large event takes place in the fall and is the highlight of the town’s social calendar.

What is Permian Panthers football games?

400

This ritual before games is key to the team’s preparation and bonding.

What is the pep rally?

400

This chapter reveals the deep fear Coach Gaines has of this potential outcome for his team.

What is failure or losing?

400

Many players, like Don Billingsley, struggle with their own performance because they are constantly compared to this person.

What is their father?

500

This player’s father is a former state champion, and the pressure on him to perform is immense.

Who is Don Billingsley?

500

Odessa’s obsession with football leads to a tense and often toxic environment, as described by this author of Friday Night Lights.

Who is H.G. Bissinger?

500

Odessa’s fan base is notorious for showing this emotion, especially after losses.

What is anger or frustration?

500

Coach Gaines often relies on this strategy to inspire his players, focusing on emotional and mental preparation.

What are motivational speeches?

500

For the players, winning is not just about pride, but about this, which can open doors to a better future.

What is college scholarships?