A Quarter-Back's Pluck: A Story of College Football

"A Quarter-Back's Pluck: A Story of College Football" by Lester Chadwick is a tale set in the world of early 20th-century college life, highlighting the bond between three sophomore friends—Phil Clinton, Tom Parsons, and Sidney Henderson—as they juggle their studies and the thrilling world of college football at Randall College; the story explores the themes of friendship, rivalry, and personal challenges, introducing a dynamic where the boys’ camaraderie coexists with budding tensions, particularly involving a rival named Fred Langridge, setting up conflicts on and off the field; as the trio of friends playfully settle into their dorm room, moving furniture and joking, the story quickly hints at trouble stirred up by Phil’s football aspirations and the concerns surrounding his mother’s well-being, creating a backdrop where the cheerful tone shifts to highlight the serious tests Phil faces, potentially losing his spot on the team due to a shoulder injury and having his mother's health at risk as well, showing his character tested to see if he can overcome obstacles in sports and family matters.