ODESSA, Texas — The 1990 book about Permian High School's storied football program stirred anger in this West Texas city with its allegations of racism and a win-at-all-costs mind-set.
People were so mad that a local bookstore canceled a book signing by author H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger, and "Buzz off, Bissinger" T-shirts popped up all over town.
Nearly 15 years later, as "Friday Night Lights" is being made into a movie, some folks are feeling apprehensive.
"We're just praying for a different light with the movie," said Marca Washburn, a senior at Permian during the 1988 season chronicled in the book.
"I want to believe the best," said Washburn, now a general manager at an Odessa hotel. "It's still Hollywood, but I feel pretty good about the movie."
Filming for the movie, which stars Billy Bob Thornton as Permian's coach, wrapped in Odessa last week. It's expected to hit theaters in October.
Bissinger's book came out a few years after the release of "The Secret of the Mojo," an upbeat tribute to the Permian program and traditions.
Bissinger said his book is larger than Permian.
"The book is about the greatness, exuberance, pageantry and also the real darkness that can be high school football in Texas," he said. "The question is: How faithful will they be to the book? And I can't know that until I see it."
The book is still a point of discussion among former players.
James Miles, a black running back featured in the book, said it was realistic in its descriptions of racism. But he said Odessa is much different now.
"At that point in time that's the way it was," said Miles, now working in the home renovation business. "Since then, this town has changed a lot because you live and you learn. You hear what I'm saying? I'm talking everyone. Blacks, Hispanics, whites."
Brian Chavez, another ex-player, recalled pressure to dislike the book.
But what a difference a few years can make, said Chavez, now a criminal defense attorney in Odessa.
"I think it's done a 180-degree turn," he said. "Everyone is real excited. I don't know if that's Hollywood or just a change of the times, a change in attitudes. It's 15 years later. It's a different generation."
One difference former players may like about the movie is how the season ended.
Permian finished the 1988 season 12-3, losing in the semifinals of the state tournament. In the movie, Permian makes it to the title game before losing.
Another thing Odessans already like is the money the film pumped into the local economy. Actors and crew members occupied 200 hotel rooms, ate hundreds of meals and bought plenty of goods. City officials estimate the three-week shoot brought $3.4 million into the economy.
"This is certainly not going to hurt us," Odessa Mayor Larry Melton said. "Odessa is being spotlighted across the nation. These young people who worked hard are getting recognition. I think people are sort of excited to have stars in town and the telling of a great legend, our football team."
Whether that legend comes out the way Odessans want remains to be seen.
"There's a chance the movie will cast a good light on the town; you never know," said Tim O'Connell, the team's trainer in 1988 and trainer for the actor-players in the movie.
O'Connell has knocked the book as sensationalism, but he's eager to see the film.
"From what I've seen and what I've been around, it's going to be a very good movie," he said.