Some books sneak up on you. Soul Food in A2 Footbrawl and Beyond by Coach Paul Test is one of those. It starts as a high school football memoir and slowly opens into something much deeper—something about family, forgiveness, purpose, and faith. It’s about the moments that define us, on and off the field. It’s about stumbling and standing tall. Most of all, it’s about feeding not just the body, but the soul.
Coach Test takes us beyond the sport. The book reminds us that success isn’t always about championships—it’s about character. In Soul Food in A2 Footbrawl and Beyond, he shares how one night in October 2012—labeled the “footbrawl” by the media—forced him to reevaluate everything. Instead of running from the chaos, he leaned into grace. The lesson? You’re not always in control, and that’s okay—because God is.
“Blues and greens grew up seeing each other as bad and sad, but they really didn’t know each other. Some blues Went a whole lifetime without even talking to A green. They did not know each other because they stayed in their own territories they did not go to the same churches for school or shopping centers.”
—Soul Food in A2 Footbrawl and Beyond, Bella Donna, p. 28
Be Enlightened by the Book
The heart of this book is one unforgettable night during a football rivalry that went sideways—and how the author handled the aftermath. It wasn’t just a scuffle on the field. It was a turning point. While others pointed fingers, Coach Test prayed. He stood by his players, even when the media didn’t. What he learned was powerful: real leadership shows up when life doesn’t go according to plan. The incident revealed more about integrity, grace, and humility than any scoreboard ever could.
But this isn’t just about that night. The book goes further back and dives deep into the life of Coach Test—from his early coaching years with legends like Chuck Lori, to mentoring young men who had no father figures. Through powerful stories of mentoring, racial healing, family trials, and even unexpected blessings (like gaining custody of his daughter through prayer and fasting), Coach Test proves that football is just the beginning. The stories of his players, his brothers, his coaches, and his faith come together in a beautiful patchwork of hard-earned wisdom and soul-deep honesty.
And then there’s the “soul food”—a phrase that takes on new meaning in this book. Yes, there are stories about dances and soul music, but the real food is in the lessons. Coach Test dishes out truth through storytelling: Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors, the Rainbow People, his own moments of weakness and strength. He doesn’t pretend to be perfect. He’s been angry, hurt, humbled—but always grounded in his faith. That’s what makes this book not just a sports memoir, but a testimony.
Who is this Coach
Coach Paul Test has been a pillar in Ann Arbor’s football scene for over four decades. His legacy goes far beyond wins and losses. Known for building character in his players, Coach Test has served as a mentor, father figure, and spiritual guide to hundreds of young men. His love for the game is matched only by his passion for people, and it shows in every chapter of this book.
What sets Coach Test apart is his heart. Whether he’s recounting state championship victories or life-shaping failures, he brings a raw, unfiltered honesty to the page. With humor, humility, and hope, he walks readers through what it means to live with purpose. His stories remind us that no matter how tough life gets, God’s grace is tougher—and that’s the real win.
If you are ready to embark on a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about exploring a country, Soul Food in A2 Footbrawl and Beyond is a must-read. The book invites you to reflect, forgive, and feed your soul through every twist of life’s game.
Soul Food in A2 Footbrawl and Beyond
Now available at Kravitz and Sons Bookstore.
Grab your copy today and experience the magic for yourself.
Soul Food In A2: Footbrawl and Beyond
We are challenged every day with adversity. We would like to think we are in control of all that transpires in our lives; however, we are not in control, but God is. Faith allows us to discern what God is accomplishing in our lives. Faith gives us confidence to trust in Him. Soul Food reminds us all that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of that which we cannot see. It provides for us a means of expression that brings us hope. Football is one vehicle that provides a competitive environment. It is a tough, hard-nosed…