What will a new coach mean for the team?Tiki and Ronde are ready for their second year on the Eagles, and now that they are older, they might even see some playing time. After last year's great season, this one looks like it can't miss. That is, until Coach Spangler makes the announcement that he is moving up to the high school team and a new coach is stepping in. But no one expected Mr. Wheeler, the history teacher, to be named coach. To most of the guys, it seems that the season is over before it even starts. Tiki knows that Mr. Wheeler had a pro career until an injury forced him to quit, but Tiki needs help to convince the team.Inspired by the middle-school years of NFL superstars Tiki and Ronde Barber,Go Long!is a story of teamwork, perseverance, and what it takes to be a champion on and off the field.

Ronde Barber is a record-holding cornerback who retired after fifteen seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is one of only two cornerbacks selected to the Pro Bowl five times. He is married with two daughters.

Tiki Barber is a record-holding retired running back for the New York Giants. He married and is the father of four children.

Paul Mantell is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including books in the Hardy Boys and Matt Christopher series.

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Chapter One The New "Straw""I'm breakin' this one big-time, Ronde!"Ronde Barber stared back at his identical twin as they faced each other across the line of scrimmage. "In your dreams, Tiki.""Don't blink, or you'll miss me," Tiki shot back.Ronde let out a big yawn, patting his mouth like he was bored. "I'm so scared."Then came the "Hut! Hut!" of the quarterback, Matt Clayton, and Tiki took off like a shot. Ronde backpedaled a few steps, then turned and matched his brother stride for stride.Ronde did not look back for the ball. He kept his focus on Tiki, waiting for him to make his move. Ronde watched his eyes, knowing they would widen just before the key moment.Ronde had learned this trick last season. It was part of his education in how to cover wide receivers. But it sure helped when that receiver was your identical twin.He and Tiki knew each other inside out, backward and forward. They didn't just look alike, they thought alike. Ronde could have covered Tiki with his eyes closed.Sure enough, ten yards downfield, Tiki's eyes widened for the briefest instant. On cue, he faked to the outside, then cut to the inside, straight across the field.Matt Clayton had already let the ball fly, a bullet speeding toward its appointed meeting place with Tiki's chest.But Ronde was one step ahead of them both. He cut in front of Tiki, leapt into the air, and with his outstretched fingertips, knocked away the ball!He landed hard on the grass, but it was worth it to hear Tiki's disappointed groan."Oh, man! You're a pest, Ronde!""I try," Ronde replied, grinning as Tiki reached out a hand to help him up."Man, I'm glad you're on my team," Tiki said, shaking his head.The boys trotted back to the line of scrimmage, where their friend and practice partner, Matt Clayton, was waiting for them."Awesome coverage, dude!" he told Ronde. "Did you spy on us in the huddle?""No way," Ronde said, still smiling. "I just knew.""He finishes my sentences for me all the time," Tiki told Matt."No, you're the one who does that!" Ronde protested."You both do it," Matt said, laughing. "I've heard you. It's weird."All three boys were wearing their old blue Hidden Valley Eagles uniforms from last season. Tiki wore number two, while Ronde had number five.Ronde wondered if the school would retire the number nine now that, starting tomorrow, Matt, last year's Roanoke Reporter All-World quarterback, had graduated and was moving on to Cave Spring High School.In Ronde's opinion, Matt deserved the honor of having his number retired. He'd broken every Hidden Valley record for passing. During the Eagles' run to the District Championship this past season, college scouts had come around to see Matt play -- and the ninth-grade wonder hadn't disappointed them.This would be their last practice together for two years, until the twins made it to high school and they were all reunited.And starting tomorrow, for Tiki and Ronde, it was back to school -- back to the Eagles for another season, this time without Matt as their leader."Why'd you have to go and graduate?" Ronde asked Matt. "Now what are we going to do for a quarterback?""You guys'll be fine," Matt assured them. "The Eagles are even better and deeper this year. And if you're worried about Cody Hansen, don't be. He's a great athlete, and he's got a great throwing arm. I saw him play Peewee League, back when he was in sixth grade.""He didn't play so great last year when he was subbing for you," Tiki said."Don't worry," said Matt. "He just couldn't handle the pressure of coming off the bench. He wasn't prepared to be a starter, that's all. He's much better than he showed last year. You'll see."Ronde had to admit it was true. He and Tiki had been subs last year too. And when they'd gotten their chance to play, they'd had their moments -- but they'd also made bad mistakes.This yea