In the 1960s and early 1970s, the Wolverines of Andrew Lewis High (Salem, Virginia) won gridiron acclaim under legendary head coach Eddie Joyce. From 1962 through 1971, the Wolverines won two state titles and finished as a runner-up three times. Though unmentioned in the nationally acclaimed film Remember the Titans, their equally compelling story is chronicled in the author's previous work, The Team the Titans Remember.

Located in a city known for its deep civic pride and passion for sports, especially football, a new era began in 1977 when the newly established Salem High opened its doors to the student bodies from both Andrew Lewis and neighboring Glenvar High, which became middle schools. The football program at Salem struggled for years until a huge turning point in 1983. That was when Willis White was hired as the new head coach and soon turned the team into a winner.

Under White and his immediate successor, the Spartans of Salem have succeeded to the throne once held by the Wolverines and, to date, have played in twelve state championship games and won nine!