This is the story of Mike Hanlon, a high school football player and a boy of pleasing personality. Mike wants friends but instead of trying to make friends with individuals, he concentrates on becoming friendly with a certain group of boys. However, each time he approaches them, he is re- buffed. He feels left out. His coach notices this and explains to him that cliques always exist and that there are several ways that those left out might react. Mike decides to make friends with individuals and is on his way to social maturity.
