Pop by Gordon Korman

I read this book for Battle of the Books.  I am not usually a fan of any books dealing with sports because I don't get into the feel and excitement of the game.  However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
I will try to not give away too much, but this book has multiple layers to it, it is not just about sports.  It deals with a frustration of the main character being forced to move to a new community.  Even worse, he has to struggle to make the varsity team in his new town because the coach and the team is not willing that adding anyone to the lineup to a successful team is a good idea.  In fact, they feel that you shouldn't mess with perfection. 
Plus, there is the mystery of the 50 year old that keeps appearing to practice with him in the local park.  This mystery 50 year old teaches him to love a different aspect of football.  He teaches him to love a good tackle, which provides him with a skill that the team does need.
I would recommend this book to any student, but especially those that want a book about sports that explores more than just the game.