Playing His Game

by Topher Blaze

Henry Becker has always played by the rules—on the football field, at school, and in his relationships. A small-town football star in Foundry, South Dakota, Henry is expected to be strong, straight, and destined for greatness. But beneath the jersey, Henry is struggling. With a drunk, absentee father, a hardworking but overbearing mother, and a best friend who doesn’t see the cracks forming, Henry feels trapped between who he is who he "should" be.

As senior year unfolds, Henry finds himself at the center of scandalous rumors, battling identity, betrayal, and self-discovery. A fleeting romance, a painful breakup, and a devastating act of violence send him spiraling into uncertainty. Henry’s lifelong friendships start to crumble. His sexuality is no longer a secret, and the whispers in the hallways grow louder.

With college looming and Foundry High turning against him, Henry must decide if he’ll keep playing the game everyone else expects him to or finally take control of his own future. As Henry prepares to leave Foundry behind, one question Who is he, really, when the game is over?

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2025