We welcome authors Scott Burson and Sam Smathers to In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, to discuss their new book, From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown (now available for preorder) from Orange Frazer Press.

Both Burson and Smathers have deep ties to Athens County and bring two different perspectives to the journey of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow from his days playing for Smathers in the area's youth football program and Burson's background growing up in Athens with a father who organized the areas youth recreation programs back in the '60s.

Both could bring a great deal of information on the growth and development of Burrow. However, much like the standout quarterback, both looked to bring those who've watched Burrow rise from local high school standout at The Plains (Ohio) Athens High School to Heisman Trophy winner and College Football National Champion at LSU after a three-year stay at Ohio State to the overall No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Bengals.

While interviewing over 60 people from Burrow's hometown and the blessing of Joe's parents, Jimmy and Robin Burrow, who read each chapter as the book was coming together. 

Smathers, who was Burrow's first football coach, and Burson have put together, in great detail, the stories and experiences of what it was like to watch the kid everyone still calls Joey, just a kid from The Plains, go from neighborhood kid to NFL Superstar.