In 1925, thePottsville Maroons, a semi-pro football team from the heart of Pennsylvaniacoal country, joined the still young National Football League. Comprised mainlyof hardscrabble miners (including several future Hall of Famers) and led byflamboyant player-coach Dick Rauch, the Maroons did the unthinkable anddominated the NFL. In the finalgame of that first season, the team traveled to Chicago to face the ChicagoCardinals, which had the best record in the league. Viewed by many as thechampionship game for 1925, the Maroons overcame a Windy City snowstorm to defeatthe Cardinals 21-7. But fanswanted more. As news of their success spread throughout the country, a movementbegan to have the Maroons face a team of All-Stars from the University of NotreDame that featured the Four Horsemen. On a neutral field in Philadelphia, theMaroons defeated the Horsemen and company 9-7. The shoe that Charlie Berry usedto kick the winning field goal was bronzed for eternity. And the Maroonsmistakenly thought the NFL championship awaited them. In February1926, the NFL owners, citing league violations against the Maroons for theirexhibition game, awarded the title to the Chicago Cardinals. Initially theyrefused it. For 80 years, Pottsville has fought to have its championshiprestored, and in Marooned their remarkable story is told at last.