When Coach Gordon suddenly retires, Quinn Brown has to prove to a new coach that he deserves to remain the Spartans' starting quarterback. But Coach Miller's style seems to be throwing Quinn off his game -- and big-mouthed second-string Luke is gunning for Quinn's position.

To top it off, Quinn has been paired up with a peer tutor for math, and the tutor's a new kid everyone's making fun of. Who would have thought that the new kid would be exactly the kind of friend a struggling quarterback needs -- both on and off the football field?

Eric Howling is an advertising creative director and the author of the Lorimer sports novels Head Hunter, Red Zone Rivals, Hoop Magic, Kayak Combat and Drive. As a boy growing up in Montreal, Quebec, he always had a ball or stick or club in his hands. Now Eric's writing stories about playing some of those exciting sports. His books have been shortlisted for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, named Resource Links Year's Best and picked as CCBC Best Books selections. Eric lives in Calgary, Alberta. Follow him on Twitter @erichowling.

Eric Howling's profile page

"[Red Zone Rivals would be great for a middle school library or classroom. This book would be great to open up discussions on disabilities (physical and learning problems), bullying, relationships, illnesses, and dealing with change."

Educator at Successful Teaching/Furman University

"Red Zone Rivals will appeal to both boys and girls, and I would recommend it for any class library. Recommended."

CM Magazine

" Featuring covers clearly labeled with the sport in question, action-packed stories, and characters with diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds...sure to hook sporty middle school students."

School Library Journal

"Great addition to a hi-lo collection for junior high and high school."

Librarian at Munroe Junior High School, NetGalley Reviewer

"The lessons [Quinn learns are part of what we all hope our children will learn in high school, and one of the reasons some parents encourage their children in team sports . . . lessons in maturity, ethical principles, and honourable behaviour."

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