The Padded Man

By Mitch Unruh

Welcome to the Class of '99 at East Mercer High, where teenage angst, late-night keggers, and a cult-like football culture rule. Jerome Franklin, the team's star tight end, wants out. He's sick of the toxic locker room, the shallow girlfriend, and the endless pressure to perform. But when a bizarre accident leads to a shocking win, the team stumbles onto a twisted strategy: sacrifice the opposing team's mascot...and win the game.

At first, it seems like a coincidence. An owl gets hit by the head coach's truck, they beat the Westview Owls. A player's cat suddenly dies, they crush the Clancy Wildcats. But as the season goes on and mascots get harder to "find," the sacrifices grow darker, and more human. The town, the school, and the team spiral into madness, determined to keep the streak alive.

Jerome is the only one unwilling to play along. His only lifeline is Maddie O'Fallon, a sharp, free-spirited exchange student from Dublin. As chaos deepens, Jerome must make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Maddie and break free from the grip of his teammates, coach, and community.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GHRGH27D
• ISBN13: 9798244305920
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"