Permian Panthers: Key Figures & Their Journeys

Key Figures of Permian Football

Boobie Miles: Permian's Star Prospect

Boobie, whose real name is James Earl Miles Jr., is one of six players the book focuses on. Even in his junior year, he was considered a top prospect by colleges nationwide. Boobie is clearly talented, but also cocky and self-absorbed. Coming from an impoverished background, he was adopted by his uncle, L.V. Miles. Boobie suffers a career-ending knee injury early in his final season.

Brian Chavez: Academic & Athletic Talent

Brian is the only Hispanic player on the Permian team. He is relentless on the field, punishing opponents every play. Unlike other players on the team, Brian is academically gifted. He is at the top of his class and has the unique advantage of securing a scholarship with or without his football skills.

Ivory Christian: Ambivalent Linebacker

Ivory is a middle linebacker for the Panthers. Ivory's ritual of nervous vomiting before games becomes a source of comfort for other players. He discovers religion early, which sets him apart from his teammates. Although extremely talented, Ivory feels ambivalent about the game. He often questions his motives for playing until he feels the rush upon entering the field.

Mike Winchell: Dedicated Quarterback

Mike is the team's quarterback. Although he lacks confidence, Coach Gaines considers him one of the most dedicated and disciplined players he has coached. Mike Winchell would have liked to play college football but lacks the size and speed for that level.

Don Billingsley: Fullback & Hell-Raiser

Don is a fullback on the team. He is known for being a hell-raiser on and off the field. He struggles to control his drinking and partying throughout the book.

Jerrod McDougal: Fearless Lineman

Jerrod is a somewhat undersized offensive lineman for Permian. He is fearless on the field and a crowd favorite. After high school, Jerrod has trouble letting go of football and settling into a 'normal life.'

Nate Hearne: Assistant Coach

Nate Hearne, an African American assistant coach at Permian—one of the very few—convinces Boobie to stay on the team early in the season after Comer takes Boobie's starting job.

Gary Gaines: Permian Panthers Coach

Gary Gaines, coach of the Permian Panthers, is tagged by some in the community as 'too soft' to lead his team to the ultimate goal: a state championship. Although Permian loses to Carter in the state semifinals in 1988, Bissinger reports that in 1989, Permian wins the state title, guaranteeing Gaines keeps his job—at least for a while, as the culture of West Texas football demands continued success.

Tony Chavez: Prominent Latino Lawyer

Tony Chavez, Brian Chavez's father, worked his way through university and law school to become a prominent Latino lawyer in the east side of Odessa, Permian's home base and a community dominated by white middle-class families.