Draw the Line

In East Texas, a region primarily made up of small, country towns, football is more than a sport for young men. It's a means of modeling character, instilling discipline, and pride—a way of life led by a brotherhood of coaches; each generation molding the next. On the football field and off, coaches lead not only their teams but also the towns, garnering respect for their dedication and will to succeed, sometimes against great odds. The ethos of East Texas is especially embodied in the story of Jeff Traylor, former head coach of the Gilmer Buckeyes, and his long-time coaching staff. This is the story of the coach, the team, and the region.