Zambrano is a young thief who only has one chance to join the legendary prison American football team known as the Dogs of Santa Martha: to play for them. The Dogs, also known as The 4th Company, are a squadron of inmates who work for the administration that runs the jail. They control the vice and the privileges of the jail. His hopes are dashed because they work for the administration. Cars are stolen, banks are robbed, and other crimes are committed by people who work for the government. The story takes place during the presidency of López Portillo and his men.