Game Changer

Teddy Youngblood was hit hard during football camp. He collapses and is sent to the hospital, where he waits in a coma. Family members stop by to say hello and offer some encouraging words. A school friend sets up an online presence to give teammates and friends a place to share thoughts and prayers. However, the visits and posts start to take a darker turn as rumors start circulating, questioning whether the hit was simply part of the game. So much of the town loves the game, and it is a big part of the high school culture. No one wants anything to ruin the sport, but there are some who can’t live with the secret, and something this big can’t hide forever.

Greenwald composes a story skillfully woven from text messages, hospital entries, doctor’s notes, newspaper articles, and the poetry of the dialogue shared in Teddy’s rooms. Teddy’s own thoughts are noted throughout, though in his coma, much doesn’t make sense until the explosive conclusion. Game Changer is a statement of the inherent dangers of such a violent sport combined with the immaturity of high school players. A fast read, this story focuses on the dark side of a favorite pastime.