He was running from, not to, and not running, but fleeing. / Scared witless.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: Eric recognizes that the boy he sees running away is a victim of bullying. He also recognizes when he sees Griffin and his group of friends that they are the ones who are responsible for the bullying.

Griffin had a way about him, a certain kind of natural leadership that Eric respected. Words came easily to Griffin; his smile was bright and winning. Eric felt almost envious; Griffin seemed to possess a quality he lacked, a presence.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: Even though Eric recognizes that Griffin is a bully, and realizes that Griffin is testing him, trying to determine how Eric will react to him, Eric still admires Griffin. Griffin’s personality is what attracts others to him and makes them want so badly to be his friend.

What an idiot. Thanking these guys for not stealing his ball! Actually...
-- Narrator (Chapter 3)