how do mike and don see themselves? is it in line with how others see them?

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

Mike is the team’s quarterback. Although he lacks confidence in his abilities, Coach Gaines considers him to be 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 the speed to make it to that level.

Like most of these players the town showers them with praise and unrealistic expectations. These boys believe at least part of the illusion that they can play football after high school but quickly learn how unrealistic this is.