What caused Mr. Donnelly to take notice of Erik? Why does he suddenly become interested in Paul?

Mr. Donnelly took notice of Erik because of his success on the football team.

He knows the coach. He even travels to games as far away as Tennessee. Dad has been after him ever since we moved here to come and see Erik kick. Now that Erik is starting to live up to Dad's bragging, Mr. Donnelly has taken notice.

He becomes intereated in Paul after he learns that he is a member of the Tangerine Middle School soccer team..... the team that is undefeated, and the team that is coached by former track and field star, Betty Bright.

He opened his eyes wide. "I remember! Betty Bright's team! You have those all-star girls playing for you, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"How is your season going?"
"We're number one. We're undefeated. We're breaking all county scoring records."
Mr. Donnelly looked at me with increasing interest. "And you're doing all that with a mixed boy-girl team?"