Famed defensive end Bubba Smith menacing opposing quarterbacks while wearing a New Orleans Saints uniform. Bruising running back Larry Csonka breaking tackles on his way to the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Future Hall-of-Fame defensive back Ken Houston returning an interception for a touchdown as the New Orleans defense sparks a victory for the Saints. All could have been possible had the New Orleans Saints front office had the scouting competence and foresight to draft the likes of Smith, Csonka and Houston. Instead, trades and draft selections for the likes of soon-forgotten players such as Gary Cuozzo, Les Kelley and Kevin Hardy helped to set a tone for futility that haunted the NFL franchise for many years. Unlike previous books about the New Orleans Saints that have either been an ode to the team or anecdotes about some of the team's more colorful characters, When the Saints Came Marching In: What the New Orleans NFL franchise did wrong (and sometimes right) in its expansion years is a comprehensive look at the crucial first five seasons of the New Orleans NFL franchise and how early decisions impacted the team. The book also takes a look at what the Saints might have done differently from 1967-1971 that could have taken the team in an alternate direction.

Famed defensive end Bubba Smith menacing opposing quarterbacks while wearing a New Orleans Saints uniform. Bruising running back Larry Csonka breaking tackles on his way to the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. Future Hall-of-Fame defensive back Ken Houston returning an interception for a touchdown as the New Orleans defense sparks a victory for the Saints. All could have been possible had the New Orleans Saints front office had the scouting competence and foresight to draft the likes of Smith, Csonka and Houston. Instead, trades and draft selections for the likes of soon-forgotten players such as Gary Cuozzo, Les Kelley and Kevin Hardy helped to set a tone for futility that haunted the NFL franchise for many years. Unlike previous books about the New Orleans Saints that have either been an ode to the team or anecdotes about some of the team's more colorful characters, When the Saints Came Marching In: What the New Orleans NFL franchise did wrong (and sometimes right) in its expansion years is a comprehensive look at the crucial first five seasons of the New Orleans NFL franchise and how early decisions impacted the team. The book also takes a look at what the Saints might have done differently from 1967-1971 that could have taken the team in an alternate direction.

Why a book about a man who weighed in the neighborhood of 400 pounds, stuttered, and died before the age of 60? If you were one of a legion of Norman Swanner's friends, you know why. For those in his orbit, Norman became a modern-day folk hero. He was truly a bigger-than-life character. He could hold court with anyone. To Norman, there was no such thing as a stranger. From the moment you met him, you felt like you had known the Big Boy for years. If you were having a bad day, you couldn't help but end up with a smile on your face and a chuckle in your heart upon running into the Big Boy. The exploits of most folk heroes end up being tall tales. In the case of Norman Swanner, the tales are actually true. As time passes, the legend that has become the Big Boy will surely morph itself into something that stretches the imagination. In the meantime, his family and friends can take solace in the fact that they knew some not-so-long-ago legend, but a real flesh-and-blood man who did something the rest of us can only hope to achieve - to leave the world a little bit of a better place than he found it. Big Boy: The Life and (Often Hilarious) Times of Norman Swanner recounts the fun times and big heart of a very special man, told by the people who knew him best.

"Football at St. James is a religion and people in St. James go to church every Friday night." That old saying typifies the passion the people of St. James, La., have for high school football. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River among sugarcane fields and petrochemical plants of southeast Louisiana, St. James High School has a storied gridiron tradition. St. James High School football began in 1930 with fewer than 20 players. From that humble beginning, the Wildcats have gone on to capture countless district titles and four state championships. The Wildcats: A History of St. James High School Football recounts the exploits of players and coaches who helped make football Friday nights such a special event.

David Richard, a former Lutcher High School star running back and head coach of the 1983 state champion Bulldogs, may have offered the best definition of "Lutcher football." "It's a football that's an attitude. We are good. We will play hard every down. No matter the situation, we can overcome the situation. They (Lutcher players) know they will be supported by the fans. It's an expectation from the parents and fans to expect them to play a certain way. When kids know that expectation is on them, they will perform to that level." That understanding has allowed the Lutcher football to perform at a consistently high level. A perennial favorite as a district and playoff contender, the Bulldogs have captured five state championships. The Bulldogs: A History of Lutcher High School Football examines how teenage boys for generations have come together through hard work, dedication and sacrifice to form something greater than the individual sum of their parts - to create an ever-evolving definition of "Lutcher football."