Dedication and Determination (1/28/08-2/18/08)

[Dale]

DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION

EXT. MATT'S FRONT PORCH - DAY

Matt's cell phone rings. Matt answers it.

MATT
Yeah? Yeah, I'll be down in a
minute.

Matt grabs his pencils and book covers. He begins to walk to
the school.


INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY

Matt walks into the cafeteria and is soon surrounded by
football players on the team.

ADAM
Hey, look at this little b*tch.

MATT
f*ck off, douche bag.

DEREK
Oooh, listen to him talk smack.

ADAM
Really not too smart on your part.
I advise that you apologize.

MATT
Screw you.

ADAM
Keep talking.

MATT
Man, shut the hell up, I will
knock your ass out right now.

Derek turns Matt around and punches him in the stomach. Adam
turns him around again and punches Matt in the face. Matt
falls.


EXT. FOOTBALL TEAM'S PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

9 MONTHS LATER

Football team is running the lap. The coaches are talking.

COACH JACKSON
You don't think that this plan we
have is gonna be going hard on
them?

COACH KAMPMAN
Personally, I don't think that
we're being hard enough on them.

Coach Kampman walks over to the team who has just finished
running.

COACH KAMPMAN
Time for some Up-Downs! On the
whistle!

Coach Kampman blows the whistle, and the team drops. They
get up, and he does it again. They drop again. He begins to
speed up, and they continue to drop and get back up. He
blows the whistle twice, and they stop.

COACH SCHNYDER
Time for your individuals! Get!

The team goes to different parts of the field, according to
position.


INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Matt is sitting at his locker, towel around his waist. One
of his friends, Jesse, walks over to him as he gets dressed.

JESSE
Nice to see some new guys out.

MATT
Well, I couldn't play any football
recently.

JESSE
Couldn't hack it?

MATT
It's not that I couldn't hack it,
I just had a shoulder injury, and
I couldn't play for 6 weeks. We
only had 8 games that year, I saw
it as pointless to even keep
going. I gave up a lot of stuff
for football, and if I wasn't
gonna play, I wasn't gonna stay.

JESSE
I see. So what you do in your
spare time. You know, when you're
not at practice or in the weight
room?

MATT
At my house, playing Madden.

JESSE
Seems like you're a pretty big
football fan. Who's your favorite
NFL team?

MATT
Green Bay. Say what you want, but
they're gonna be big this year,
just watch.

JESSE
You live close don't you?

MATT
Yeah, like, right across the
street, you wanna come?

JESSE
Sure, I'll kick your ass in a game
of Madden before I go to my house.

MATT
It's on, boy.

Matt grabs his bag and they walk out of the locker room.


INT. HALLWAY AT SCHOOL - DAY

Matt is walking down the hall and passes one of his friends,
and one of the cheerleaders, Katelynn.

MATT
What's up?

KATELYNN
Oh, hey Matt. Not much, how are
you doing?

MATT
I'm doing alright.

KATELYNN
Saw you guys practicing the other
day.

MATT
Really?

KATELYNN
Yeah, and you guys have to get
your act together if you want to
win this year.

MATT
What's that supposed to mean?

KATELYNN
Well, you guys aren't at the top
of your game. It looks like
there's room for improvement.

MATT
How do you know that? You've seen
us practice. That means that half
of our team is good, because they
were running all over the other
half. It doesn't help that the
other half was JV kids, since we
don't have many Varsity guys.

KATELYNN
Hey, I think I'm entitled to my
opinion.

MATT
Never said you weren't but you're
turning into everyone else. You
have no belief in your football
team. I hate when you guys do this
shit. We work for the whole
off-season. Spend every moment
that we can in the weight room, we
do everything in our power, so you
guys can tell us that we suck.

The late bell rings, and Matt looks at the clock.

MATT
Shit! I'll see you later, alright?

KATELYNN
Yep, see you later.

Matt runs off and Katelynn walks off the other direction.


INT. COACH JACKSON'S CLASSROOM - DAY

Matt walks in. Everyone looks at him. He waves, and the
class starts laughing.

COACH JACKSON
You're late. You got a reason?

MATT
No sir. I have no excuse for being
late, and I'm ashamed of myself.

COACH JACKSON
Matt, you were late, it's not the
end of the world. Now get to your
seat.

MATT
Alright.

Matt walks over to his seat and Jesse sits right next to
him.

JESSE
We're not doing anything in here
today, in case you didn't
remember.

MATT
Yeah, totally forgot.

JESSE
Why were you late though,
seriously?

MATT
I was talking to Katelynn. Arguing
with her. She said the team
sucked, I argued for us.

JESSE
Why do you even bother to talk to
that freaking whore, Matt?

MATT
Whore? That's how you're gonna
handle this situation? She's
entitled to her opinion, man. I
was just explaining our situation
out. I don't think she's a whore
though, and I know you don't think
so, either.

JESSE
You guys going out?

MATT
No, she's with Donovan. He's like,
18 and in 10th grade.

JESSE
Oh, I know who you're talking
about. He's not a stupid kid, I
don't know how he fails to get
through school. Probably gonna
drop out eventually.

MATT
Maybe when they break up I'll ask
her out. But I'm gonna wait first,
I'm weighing my options right now,
and my chances with most of the
cheerleaders aren't looking too
damn bad to be honest.

JESSE
Which one you thinking about?

MATT
Probably gonna try to get with
Deavon, but I might try Amber,
too.

JESSE
Thought you might try Natalie.

MATT
No, she's a full blown out whore
if I ever saw one.

JESSE
(Laughing)
Yeah she is.

MATT
Hey, what are you doing after
practice tonight?

JESSE
Going to the doctor. Why?

MATT
I'm thinking about having a Halo
party tonight, and I wanted to see
if you'd come. The more the
merrier.

JESSE
Yeah, I'm gonna be busy. Sorry
though.

MATT
Oh, it's no problem.

JESSE
Alright, cool.


EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

It's the end of practice, and Coach Jackson has the team
circled around him.

COACH JACKSON
That practice was alright, but I
feel that we can do better.
Tomorrow, I want you guys to come
out here, and show me that you
want to win. Show me that you want
to take Blue Mountain out of here.
Show me that you want to win more
than they do!

Coach Jackson nods, dismissing the team. The players take
their pads off and start their march to the locker room.


EXT. GAME 1 @ BLUE MOUNTAIN - NIGHT

The team is getting dressed for the game. They have their
pads on and are getting their helmets on.

COACH JACKSON
We're here tonight! We're ready to
go! Are we ready?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Are we ready?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Then get out there, and take their
heads off!

The team leaves the locker room in two straight lines, one
right next to the other. They get down to the entrance to
the field and run between the two lines of cheerleaders and
the band. They go over to their sideline and wait for the
game to get under way.

ADAM
This is what we've practiced for!
Are we ready to show everyone that
we have what it takes? Derek, are
we ready to win?

SHANE
Yeah we are! Get yourselves pumped
up! Get yourselves all ready to
go! You never know when we might
need you, so everyone get
yourselves ready!

The game starts, and Milton starts off strong. The game goes
by and at the end of the 1st Quarter, Milton is leading,
7-0. The end of the first half, Blue Mountain is ahead,
21-7. The game goes on to the 3rd quarter, Blue Mountain
leading, 28-7. Bud, Milton's QB, drops back to pass and is
hit. He goes down, and he doesn't move. The kid who tackled
him goes to the huddle, giving high-fives to his friends.

ADAM
Bud, you alright?

Adam signals for Coach Jackson and the trainer. The two run
on the field and help Bud off. The end of the game rolls by,
the final score 42-7, Blue Mountain.

ANNOUNCER
Tonight's winner is: the Blue
Mountain Eagles. Congratulations!

Milton's team walks off the field, helmets off, heads hung
low. They go back to the locker room and change quietly.
When they get on the bus, a movie is turned on(they are in a
charter bus) and everybody is quiet.


EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

The team is getting started at practice. They do their
stretches and then huddle around the coach.

COACH JACKSON
I know that this wasn't what you
wanted on Friday night. I didn't
want that either. But this week,
we have a chance to redeem
ourselves. We have the chance to
get up to .500. We play our uptown
rivals, Warrior Run. Are we gonna
take that opportunity?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH HARPER
Then I want you guys to go out on
Friday night, give it your all,
and prove that we want to win this
game!

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Go with your position coaches.
We're testing 40 yard dash times
today.

The team goes to their position areas, and they do they do
their 40 yard dash times. When that is done, actual practice
begins. The team practices hard, and their conditioning
coach arrives.

COACH THOMAS
I saw you guys play on Friday
night.

Everyone on the team looks at one another. None of them seem
to know what they want to think.

COACH THOMAS
It wasn't the happiest moment of
my life to see that game. I think
that you guys have a lot of room
for improvement. Blue Mountain is
a good team, but I think that you
guys could have won that game.

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH THOMAS
We're gonna start doing daily
conditioning workouts all week
every week. It starts tonight!

Most of the players let out a groan or moan of some sort.

COACH THOMAS
I don't want to here you guys
complaining. If you guys want to
lose, be my guest, but if you want
to win, I can guarantee that my
workout will work wonders on you
guys.

Most of the team sits back down around him after hearing
this.

COACH THOMAS
One condition though, is that you
guys have to want to do this. No
half-assing it.

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH THOMAS
Alright, enough. It starts now.
Line up at the goal line.

COACH JACKSON
What do you have planned for them
tonight coach?

COACH THOMAS
Speed City.

MATT
What's 'Speed City'?

COACH THOMAS
You run 4 40-yard dashes, then you
run 4 30-yard, then 4 20-yard,
then 4 10-yard. Then you're done.
That's all we're doing tonight.

MATT
Alright. Sounds easy enough.

The team lines up, and Coach Thomas lines up at the 40-yard
line. They do their first one, and line up on him. They do
their next one, and line up back on the goal line. They
continue to do this. They then move back and do the same at
the 30-yard line. Then at the 20. Then at the 10. When
they're done, they circle around, and coach tells them how
he thought practice went.

COACH JACKSON
Gentlemen. You did very well
today, and I think this is a big
improvement on last week. I don't
just say this stuff either.

COACH SCHNYDER
He's right. You guys did awesome
today, and I think at this rate,
we just might beat Warrior Run.
That's what you want, right?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
I can't hear you!

TEAM
(louder this time)
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Alright! Then prove it, come
Friday night!

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Get out of here! Go get changed,
have fun tonight, stay out of
trouble, and come back healthy
tomorrow.


INT. WEIGHT ROOM - DAY

Matt is on a bench, lifting weights. His spotter, Jesse is
right behind him.

JESSE
This is all that you can bench?

MATT
Dude, I haven't been lifting
weights for years.

JESSE
You should have started earlier. I
don't think you're gonna start by
the end of the season at this
rate.

MATT
I know. I'm basically going to
live down here at the end of the
season. After we play
Montoursville, this will be where
you find me.

JESSE
Good, because you're gonna need
it.

MATT
I know. I'm gonna need the weight
room and I'm gonna need Coach
Thomas making me do those
conditioning workouts.

JESSE
Yeah, you gotta love Coach Thomas

MATT
Damn right. That Speed City
workout was the bomb.

JESSE
I guess I'm glad that one of us
liked it.

MATT
It's not that I liked it. I did
like it, but it felt like it could
do something to help me by next
season. You know, tht's what we're
hoping for.

JESSE
Yeah, hopefully we get onto some
amazing stuff though.

MATT
Well, I'm not sure about amazing
as in cool, but what I heard was
that it will get harder up to
midseason, and then it's all
downhill from there.

JESSE
I didn't hear Coach say that, but
I heard on TV that that's what
you're supposed to do. It will do
the least damage and you'll be
better off that way.

MATT
Yeah, I heard it on TV, too.

JESSE
Well, I guess we'll see how that
turns out. I've heard from some of
the older kids that his workouts
work wonders, and he's one of the
best conditioning coaches in the
entire state.

MATT
I heard that he gets his workouts
from the best guys in the world.
He goes to their websites and
stuff, and they have some of the
workouts on there.

Adam and Derek come down.

ADAM
What's up?

Matt lays back and starts to lift again, trying to make it
look like he's not ignoring Adam, but to ignore Adam at the
same time.

JESSE
What's up Adam?

DEREK
That's all he's got on there?
Damn, I thought I was bad.

JESSE
It isn't too much less than you,
is it?

DEREK
What's he got on there? 115?

MATT
(still lifting)
Yep.

DEREK
Yeah, not too much less than me
then. I get 135 out.

Matt finishes his set and sits up. He stretches his arms
out, and gets up.

MATT
Damn. I know I could have gotten
more. I'm too tired to do it now,
though.

ADAM
You three ready for the game?

MATT
Heh. Against Warrior Run?

ADAM
Yeah, you ready for it?

MATT
Hell yeah I'm ready. I've been
waiting for this game.

ADAM
You want to help us win, right?

MATT
I know I'm not gonna get to play,
but it would be cool to see us
win.

ADAM
I'm glad you're showing team
spirit though. A lot of people
think that we don't have it in us
to win any games this season.

Matt picks up two 50 pound barbels and starts doing side
shoulder raises.

MATT
I love the fact that they base
this judgment off of our first
game of the season though. I think
that's the best part of them not
believing in us.

DEREK
I know. I laugh every time I think
about it. It's not funny, but I
just love that nobody has faith.
It pisses me off to be honest.

ADAM
We gotta get our act together. We
have to go out there and show
everyone that we know what we're
doing. We have to show them we can
win.

MATT
Yeah that's the thing. We have to
get the whole team in sync with
each other. Even our back-ups have
to know what they're doing. That's
the trouble with it.

Matt finishes with the barbels and moves over to the leg
press. He hops down and positions himself on the seat.

MATT
We're gonna have a hell of a time
doing it, too.

JESSE
Yeah we are.

ADAM
Yes, you guys. But we have to do
it. It's our only chance to win.

MATT
Don't worry, Adam. I want to win
as much as you do.

ADAM
Good.


EXT. GAME 2 V. WARRIOR RUN - NIGHT

The team is gathered around Coach Jackson, as Warrior Run is
their coach.

COACH JACKSON
Alright you guys, here it is! It's
our rivals from up the road!

COACH KAMPMAN
That's right, losing is not an
option! Not an option!

COACH SCHNYDER
Everybody's gotta pitch in a
little bit tonight you guys. Each
and every one of you is important
to our team!

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
How bad do you guys want it
tonight? Or should I reword the
question... Do you want to win
tonight?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
What time is it?

TEAM
Game time!

COACH KAMPMAN
Tonight, I want you to go out
there, and play this game like you
want to win it. I know that there
may be some good blood and some
bad blood here, because we have
two former teammates who play for
them, but we need to leave that
behind us. Don't do any talking. I
want you to let the scoreboard do
that talking. You understand?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Then get out there, and play that
game!

The captains come back from midfield and announce that
Milton will kick off first.

COACH JACKSON
Kickoff team. Take somebody's head
off while you're out there!
Nothing better than to force a
fumble on the kick off, right?

TEAM
That's right!

COACH JACKSON
Get out there and do it, then.

TEAM
(Calmer than usual)
Yes sir.

(Game montage)

Milton kicks off, and stops the return team fairly quickly.
Milton forces a punt, but the ball is fumbled and returned
for a touchdown. Milton returns the next kick to the
opponents 12, but the ball is fumbled and recovered by
Warrior Run. Warrior Run scores again. This goes on, Warrior
run scoring fairly often, up until half time, 28-0 Warrior
Run winning.

Team is in the locker room.

COACH JACKSON
Is this what you guys want? It is
the second biggest game of our
season! It is our Tomato Bowl, and
you guys are getting your asses
handed to you.

The entire team has their head down, sweat dripping from
their heads.

COACH JACKSON
I know that this isn't what you
all want! I know you want to win
this game!

COACH KAMPMAN
There really isn't anything we can
say. You all just need to pull
your heads out of your asses and
win this God Damn game!

The team comes from their locker room and run onto the
field. Warrior Run watches the team go out, and they smile
the whole time. The second half starts, and Milton receives.
They get to inside the ten and Bud, Milton's QB, throws an
interception, which is somehow, returned for a TD. This
continues with Milton not doing much of anything, and
Warrior Run winning. This goes up until the end of the game.

ANNOUNCER
I'd like to thank everybody for
coming out tonight, the final
score of tonight's game, Warrior
Run 43, Milton 0.

The team walks into the locker room, heads hung low. They
sit in there lockers and put all of their game equipment in
the cage to be washed. They then go back to their lockers
and get their stuff ready for Tuesday's practice.

COACH JACKSON
I don't know what to say to you. I
did everything in my power to help
you out. A coach can't win a game
alone. It's all up to what you can
do! It was there, you guys had a
huge chance, multiple chances, and
you blew it. I just... Words can't
explain it.

Most of the kids leave. Matt is still sitting in his locker.
He is hanging his head in his hands, and Coach Jackson sees
him.

COACH JACKSON
You gonna be alright?

MATT
(Picks head up)
Oh yeah, I'm alright. Don't worry
about it, coach.

COACH JACKSON
Alright. See you Tuesday then.

MATT
Yeah, see you Tuesday.

[Dale]

INT. CAFETERIA - DAY

Matt and Jesse are talking to Deavon, Katelynn, and Natalie
at lunch.

JESSE
Man, our team really has got to
pick it's shit up.

MATT
We do Jesse. 0-2 isn't the start
that anyone on the team was
looking for.

DEAVON
Don't worry. I'm sure you guys
will get the win that you're due
for.

MATT
I'm not so sure. If we don't win
soon, I think we might just lose
hope. Keep playing just to finish
the season.

JESSE
Yeah, it'll be to the point where
we say 'forget winning'.

MATT
No man, don't say that. If we get
to that point, I will have to kill
myself.

NATALIE
Actually think you're gonna win
this week?

MATT
Well, yeah. It's only Lewisburg.

Garrett, Jerry, Shane, Katelynn, and Tiana come over.

GARRETT
What's up?

DEAVON
Garrett, be completely honest. How
do you think you guys are gonna do
this year? Like when are you gonna
win your first game?

GARRETT
To be completely honest, I think
we'll win this Friday night. You
know, we're playing Lewisburg. Not
too great of a team.

MATT
See? I told you all that we're
gonna win this week.

KATELYNN
You're gonna win this week?

SHANE
Hell yeah we're gonna win this
week! We're gonna kick the hell
out of Lewisburg!

MATT
Now that's the spirit that I love
seeing.

SHANE
I'm glad to see that you're
showing team spirit.

MATT
Man! Why would I not show team
spirit?

GERRY
No offense, but you just seem like
the type of player who wouldn't
show complete support to our team.

MATT
Now that is some hardcore bull. I
am the biggest team player that
I've ever met.

GARRETT
And to be honest, it's a good
thing to know. Sorry about my idea
of you earlier.

MATT
It's good. Don't worry about it.

GERRY
If it's all good, then why did you
complain about it to begin with?

MATT
I wasn't complaining, I was just
saying that I usually do show team
spirit. I'm just that kind of
person, I guess.

SHANE
Good, we need that kind of person
on our team. A lot of us are just
there. They're just there to wear
the jersey. That's all that makes
them happy. They don't care about
winning. All they care about is
the popularity.

JESSE
I hate those people. The freaking
douche bags.

MATT
I guess you just got to ignore
that shit. It annoys me too.

Matt takes his tray to the other end of the cafeteria.


INT. GAME 3 @ LEWISBURG IN AWAY LOCKER ROOM - DAY

COACH JACKSON
Alright you guys. Here it is. Our
first win is 48 minutes away. We
have one goal tonight, for one
team, and it's all in one game.

TEAM
Yes sir.

COACH JACKSON
Well, you haven't proven to me
that you want it yet, so I'll let
you all in here together, and you
can talk about it.

Coach Jackson walks out of the locker room, and the players
just sit around. Adam is the first one to get up.

ADAM
So you guys are just going to sit
here? Jesus Christ! I mean, come
on people! I don't even know if
it's worth it if nobody's going to
do anything here! You guys claim
that we're motivated, but it sure
as hell doesn't look like it!

DEREK
He's right. You guys sit there,
and you tell us that you want it.
Lewisburg has been talking smack
all week, and now it's time for us
to show them what we have! Just
sitting around like this, it's not
gonna help us out!

TYLER
They have, you guys. They have
been talking about us all week. If
that doesn't piss you off, if it
doesn't even upset you in the
slightest, then you really don't
deserve to be here.

ADAM
That's right! You guys need to get
pissed off! This is bullshit! Even
our own peers at our own school
aren't showing any support to our
football team!

TYLER
We got to go out there and show
them what we have! When we have to
prove to our own friends at our
school, there is some problem, and
it's a big problem, too.

ADAM
So you guys just think about that
for a minute.

The team just sits there, thinking about what they just
heard.

ADAM
So are you with us, or what?

MATT
I'm with you!

ADAM
You're in?

MATT
You're damn right I'm in!

The rest of the team gets into the circle, and they put
their hands in.

ADAM
Kick ass on three. One, two,
three...

TEAM
Kick ass!


EXT. GAME 3 @ LEWISBURG - NIGHT

(Game Montage)


The game starts off, and Milton starts pretty strong,
stopping all the scores Lewisburg has in mind. Bud throws a
deep pass, and the pass is caught by Gerry. Shane runs for
73 yards. Lewisburg makes some strong plays, too. Nobody
scores. At the end of the first quarter, the score is 0-0.
The next quarter, Lewisburg plays harder. They throw some
deep passes and make some strong runs. This goes on the the
second quarter. At the end of the first half, the score is
14-0, Lewisburg is winning.

(Second Half)

The second half starts good for Milton. They stop Lewisburg
from scoring, and injure their starting Quarterback.
Lewisburg tries throwing, but the ball gets intercepted and
run back by Milton for a touchdown. The end of the third
quarter, the score is 14-7, Lewisburg still winning. In the
fourth quarter, Milton's players start to get hurt. The JV
team is called in, and Milton scores again, the score 14-14.
The team falls apart, and the final score of the game is
33-14, Lewisburg wins.

ANNOUNCER
Tonight's winners are: The
Lewisburg Green Dragons!
Congratulations to Lewisburg, and
please, drive home safely.

Milton gets their stuff from the locker room and gets on the
bus. The bus leaves shortly thereafter, and nobody talks to
each other for the rest of the night.


INT. TRAINER'S ROOM - DAY

MATT
We're all healthy, right?

JAMES
Yeah, we're good for the most
part. Some of us are hurt, but
it's nothing that we won't live
through.

MATT
Well, is everyone healthy to play
Selinsgrove? We're gonna need our
starters if we want to beat them.

TYRONE
Man, sounds like someone has no
faith in our backup players.
What's your problem, Matt?

MATT
I don't have a problem. I just
think that if we want to win,
everybody needs to be healthy.
Especially our starters.

Coach Thomas walks by the room and sees all the kids in the
trainer's room.

COACH THOMAS
Whoa. Who's hurt and who isn't?

The people who aren't hurt raise their hands and Coach
Thomas nods after seeing them.

COACH THOMAS
Alright, good. Because half of the
team's in this room, and I was
making sure that we had enough
people to play this week.

JAMES
Yep, basically everyone in here is
going to be able to play this
Friday night, if needed. The odds
that we will be needed aren't the
most likely, though, but we're
here.

COACH THOMAS
Well yeah, don't say you won't be
needed, because there is the
possibility of you guys getting in
there to play eventually. It's
nice to see people in here though.
Don't ignore your injuries.

TYRONE
Don't worry Coach. None of us
plans to ignore our injuries.

COACH THOMAS
Well, I'm sure that somebody would
be bound to ignore an injury.
Matt, you took some pretty good
hits against Lewisburg. Are you
sure you're alright?

MATT
Don't worry Coach. I'm fine.

Coach Thomas raises an eyebrow at Matt.

MATT
Coach! I'm fine. I swear that I'm
fine, don't worry about me, let me
do that for you.

COACH THOMAS
I'm just making sure. I think
you're the best backup we have at
the lineman positions.

MATT
I'll remember that on Friday
night. Until then, good luck with
getting us in shape.


INT. SCHOOL ON FRIDAY - DAY

Matt walks into the school, and sees a sea of red. The first
thing he does is go over to Adam's table.

MATT
What the f*ck is going on? Why is
everyone wearing red?

ADAM
Today's our game against
Selinsgrove.

MATT
You gotta f'n love school
spirit.

ADAM
Yeah you do.


EXT. GAME 4 @ SELINSGROVE - NIGHT

Milton's team just took their sideline and the captains go
onto the field for the coin toss. Selinsgrove wins, chooses
to receive. Milton's captains run off and the kicking team
takes the field. Milton kicks off, Selinsgrove returns for a
TD. Selinsgrove kicks off then, and the ball is fumbled,
Selinsgrove returns the fumble for a touchdown.

COACH JACKSON
Come on!

A tackle is made on Milton's running back, and when he gets
up, he is hit again. He gets back up, and once again, he
gets hit. No penalty is called on the play, and Coach
Kampman storms onto the field.

COACH KAMPMAN
Are you blind? What the hell is
your problem?

OFFICIAL
Sir, please get off of the field.

COACH KAMPMAN
No! I'm not leaving this field!
That play was bullshit!

OFFICIAL
I am asking you to please get back
onto the sideline. Is that really
too much to ask?

COACH KAMPMAN
Is it too much to ask for a
penalty on that play? He was hit 3
times!

OFFICIAL
I personally saw no penalty.

COACH KAMPMAN
How did you not see a penalty? It
was right in front of your God
damn face! What is wrong with your
eyes today?

OFFICIAL
There is nothing wrong with my
eyes, now please get onto the
sideline.

COACH KAMPMAN
I'm not getting off the field
until I get an explanation!

The official throws a flag, signaling an unsportsmanlike
conduct call on Coach Kampman.

COACH KAMPMAN
What the hell is that flag about?

Coach Kampman gets right into the official's face.

COACH KAMPMAN
Let me tell you something! I
didn't coach this offensive line
for calls like this! I coached
them, expecting a fair game, and
you're basically handing them the
f'n win!

There is another flag thrown, the same penalty.

COACH KAMPMAN
What? What the hell is this shit?

Coach Jackson drags Coach Kampman to the sideline. Coach
Kampman sits down on the bench and starts asking players
what their view is.

COACH JACKSON
Coach, please don't do that again.
I don't need anyone getting
ejected. That is actually the last
thing I'd want.

The game finishes really bad for Milton. The final score is
42-7, Selinsgrove wins.


EXT. @ SELINSGROVE(JV GAME) - DAY

Milton's Junior Varsity team is playing against
Selinsgrove's. The game isn't quite as long, and it doesn't
go too well for Milton. Four JV players can't play due to
injury, so Milton's got a real short roster. Milton takes an
early lead, 6-0. Selinsgrove strikes back, tying at 6-6.
Matt is making a tackle, and gets hit head-on with a
teammate. Matt goes down.

TYRONE
Get the f*ck up!

JAMES
Yo! Get out of his face and give
the boy some room!

TYRONE
Get up, and stop being a damn
pussy, Matt!

JAMES
You flipping out like that isn't
going to make him get up any
quicker!

Matt gets up, and finishes out the game. The final score is
Selinsgrove 22, Milton 6. When the team gets home, Matt and
Nate both have severe headaches. Nate is diagnosed with a
concussion during the ride, and Matt just takes some Advil.


INT. TRAINER'S ROOM - DAY

TRAINER
Yep, you've got a concussion.

MATT
What? No, you... No, you can't be
serious.

TRAINER
I'm completely serious, Matt.
You've got a mild concussion. I
think you should be back in a week
or so.

MATT
This can't be happening. I want to
play against Shikellimy. Is there
any way?

TRAINER
Not unless you get through this
concussion within the next two
hours until practice starts. Matt,
you're just going to have to deal
with this.

MATT
Alright.

Matt leaves the trainer's office, shutting the door on his
way out. He opens the locker room door, and picks up his
helmet. Nobody else is in the locker room, and he just sits
there, helmet in his hands. He throws it across the room and
screams. He stays on his knees, tears in his eyes. Coach
Jackson sees him, and waves. Matt waves back, and goes back
to his locker. He takes the pads out of his game pants and
puts them in his practice pants. He then waits for the rest
of the team to get to the locker room so that practice can
get rolling.


INT. COACH SCHNYDER'S ROOM - DAY

Coach Schnyder and Matt are in his office, talking.

COACH SCHNYDER
I wasn't there yesterday, but
Coach Jackson told me that you
weren't practicing yesterday. May
I ask why you aren't?

MATT
Concussion.

COACH SCHNYDER
That's a shame. How long are you
expected to miss?

MATT
Trainer told me I'd be out for
about a week. I should be back in
time for the Northern York game.

COACH SCHNYDER
Well, you probably won't play
against Northern York, so...
You'll be back to play against
Danville, then. Right?

MATT
Yeah, that is right.

COACH SCHNYDER
Alrighty then. Looks like we've
got our work cut out for us
against Shik's JV team then. I
heard that their JV is better than
the Varsity.

MATT
Shouldn't they be the varsity
then?

COACH SCHNYDER
Yeah, you'd think.

MATT
Alright. Well, I'm gonna be late
for class, so do you mind if I get
out of your hair?

COACH SCHNYDER
No, no, go ahead.

MATT
Alright cool. See you at practice
then I guess.

COACH SCHNYDER
Yeah, see you there.

Matt walks out of the office and over to his locker. He gets
the books he's going to need and he goes down the hall to
where his next class is.

[Dale]

EXT. GAME 5 VS. SHIKELLAMY - NIGHT

COACH JACKSON
Alright you guys. This is a team
that has a record just as bad as
we do. It is time to see who the
better team is. Will it be us?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Good. Kick team, get your asses
out there and take off someone's
head!

Milton kicks off and the ball is fumbled on the return.
Milton recovers. On the next play, Milton runs for a
touchdown. They kick off again, and the kick is returned for
a touchdown. Shikellamy kicks, and Milton returns it to the
50. The first pass is intercepted and Shikellamy returns it
for a touchdown. There is no scoring, just a lot of punts,
up until the end of the first half. The team then moves to
the locker room, amid a lot of cheering from their half of
the stadium. They all go out smiling, and it is midget
football night, so a lot of the players high-five the kids
along the pathway for the team to get out.

COACH JACKSON
(in the locker
room)
You guys are making me pretty
proud out there. It could be
better, but you are acting like
you want to play football out
there.

The teammates look at one another, smiling.

COACH JACKSON
Guys, tonight, whether we win or
lose, we're going to know one
thing. We're going to know that we
played our hardest out there.
We're going to know that we went
out there swinging as hard as we
could and we got good punches in,
knocking them off of their feet.
And if we win, we got a win on our
hands, gentlemen! That's what
we've been waiting for, right?

TEAM
Yes sir!

COACH JACKSON
Then play an awesome second half!

The team gets up, clapping each other's hands, and putting
their helmets back on to play the second half. The injured
players, including Matt, wait until everyone is lined up to
go out. When they get into the stadium and right beside the
field, Adam turns around in front of the rest of the team.
The injured players go over to the bench and get ready for
the second half, Matt talking to one of the cheerleaders.

ADAM
Alright guys, this is it! Are we
gonna take this win? Think about
what Coach told us! Go out there,
and play as hard as you possibly
can!

The team gets pumped and runs out onto the field, hearing
all of the cheers of the crowd, most of the players are
smiling. Adam points at the scoreboard, but nobody can hear
what he's saying because of the band. The second half
starts, and Milton goes strong. They score on their first
drive, tying the score. The ball just goes back and forth
for the 3rd quarter, not much of anything happens, and then
in the 4th quarter, Milton gets the ball back. They waste 8
of the 12 minutes they have, trying to burn off the clock.
They score, and go for two. The two point conversion fails,
and Shikellamy returns the next kick for a touchdown. That
conversion also fails, and the game goes into OT, 20-20.

COACH JACKSON
Alright you guys. Time to show
everyone that this game truly does
matter to us. Get your asses out
there, and win this game!

Freeze Frame

MATT (VO)
Don't worry, this is the only time
I'm gonna do this. You gotta know
how a PIAA OT works. You start ten
yards from the endzone, and you
have four downs to get it in. Then
the other team gets a shot. This
goes on until someone scores and
the other team doesn't.

The frame starts moving again, showing Shikellamy with the
ball. They score on the first play, and get the extra point.
Milton gets their shot, and they return right back with a
score as well. On the extra point, the center screws up the
snap, and the ball flies to the left. The quarterback picks
up the ball and runs with it. He dives for the endzone and 6
players all collide around the 1 yard line. The crowd is
cheering and the refs run to the ball, blowing the whistles.
When the pile clears, the ball is at the 1 and Milton loses
the game, the final score is 27-26.

COACH JACKSON
Alright you guys. You did
everything that you could. I know,
it wasn't a win, like we wanted,
but it was all we could give. It
moves us to 0-5, and next week we
face Northern York. That gives you
guys a 2 and a half hour bus trip
to think about how you're going to
win this game.

The team goes into the locker room to change, and the fans
all leave the stadium right behind them.


EXT. GAME 6 @ NORTHERN YORK - NIGHT

The team is sitting on the bleachers about 150 yards from
Northern York's stadium. They are all talking to each other,
with about a half hour left until game time. Everyone is
dressed for the game, except for the injured. They are all
talking to each other, and the coaches are making plans.
When the coaches call, the team lines up, ready to go into
the stadium.

COACH JACKSON
It's time you guys. Get ready to
kick some Northern York ass!

The team goes into the stadium and lines up on the opposite
sideline. Northern York then comes through in the tunnel
they have coming from their locker room. The tunnel comes
from under the highway, directly from the stadium. The roar
of the crowd sounds like a college football game, and Milton
just stands there, in awe of Northern York's team's size.
Northern York has 80+ kids, and Milton has 40-45. The game
is about to start, Milton will kick-off.

COACH JACKSON
Alright you guys, go out there and
get your jobs done.

Milton kicks off and Brandon Bower, the kicker, charges down
field and nails their returner. The returner drops the ball
and Bower grabs it and scores for Milton. The returner is on
the ground, holding his knee. The trainers come and help him
off the field. Milton kicks the extra point, getting a quick
lead, 7-0. On the next kick, Northern York scores. The score
is now 7-7. Milton goes to receive, and the return is a
fumble, Northern York returns it for a touchdown. The score
is 14-7, and Northern York gets their biggest running back,
standing 6' 5" and weighing 273 pounds, out onto the field.
He runs 85 yards for a touchdown right away. This keeps on
going for the first half, and Milton is behind 42-7.

The team heads out to the locker room.

COACH KAMPMAN
You guys need to get your god damn
heads outta your asses and do
something out there! We shouldn't
be behind by that much!

COACH JACKSON
Coach, that team is ranked 13th in
the state. I think we have a
reason to be behind by that much.

COACH KAMPMAN
Then why the hell are we playing
them?

COACH JACKSON
Because the coach before me was a
dumb ass. Don't ask questions.

COACH KAMPMAN
Alright.

COACH JACKSON
You guys do have to get out there
and play hard. Show them that we
have something left in us. Their
players try to intimidate us, but
they're not that good. That's
their weapon, and it has worked
for them all season. We need to do
something. Take out their big
running back. Tackle low, and try
to take out his legs. If he can't
run, they can't score.

ADAM
He's right. Their quarterback is a
no-threat. He's nothing without
the running back.

SHANE
So listen to coach. Go out there
and hit him low. With any luck,
we'll injure him. We're gonna need
that.

COACH JACKSON
You guys are all playing like
you're scared of him. I know that
you can take him down, you just
have to try for once. Go out there
and hit somebody! We give you pads
to hit people!

The team leaves the locker room, and the players all stand
on the sideline. The captains go out again, while the
announcer talks.

ANNOUNCER
In a PIAA mercy rule, if a team is
up by 35 points or more at half
time, the clock will not stop at
any time during the course of the
game except the end of a quarter,
a team timeout or an official
timeout. Good luck to both teams
in the second half.

The teams take the field for the second half. Not much
action. Northern York scores on their first drive, and
Milton does the same, Northern York scores again, and both
teams miss their extra point. Northern York finishes out the
game with a score, finishing the game 62-20.


INT. SCHOOL - DAY

The team is at a players' meeting in the cafeteria first
period on Monday. They are waiting for Coach Jackson. He
arrives and it gets underway.

COACH JACKSON
Alright, let's get down to
business. First off, we had a few
quitters after Friday's game. Does
anyone know why they quit?

ADAM
Simple coach. They're a bunch of
pussies that can't handle a loss.
We have had 6 losses now, and none
of us have quit yet!

MATT
I think Adam's onto something
Coach! They just couldn't handle
it.

COACH JACKSON
Alright, well, next off. I know we
took a pretty bad beating on
Friday, so I'm giving you today
off, because a lot of us have
short term injuries that will be
better tomorrow, so have some fun
today. Just don't go out and do
anything stupid.

JAMES
No problem.

Coach Jackson looks through his papers.

COACH JACKSON
Danville's quarterback. Who knows
him? Anyone?

Nobody knows him personally, but everyone says they've heard
of him.

COACH JACKSON
Yeah, how did you hear of him?

DEREK
Because he's the third best passer
in the state, Coach.

COACH JACKSON
Yeah, right behind Terrelle Pryor
of Jeannette and some kid near
Pittsburgh. Shoop's a good
quarterback, so we're going to
have to cover his receivers really
well. We're going to be putting
tight coverage on every play, so
expect a win.

TEAM
Yes sir.

Coach Jackson looks through the papers he brought, then he
looks right back up at the team again.

COACH JACKSON
Actually, I think that may be all
that I have for ya. Have fun
today, and like I said, don't do
anything really stupid.

TEAM
Yes sir.

The team leaves the cafeteria and go to their separate
classes.


EXT. ALUMNI FIELD AT HOMECOMING PEP RALLY - NIGHT

Milton goes through its yearly pep rally. They start with
the father-son tug-of-war game. The football players win,
keeping the sons' record at 9-0 over the years. The next
event is the boys vs. girls relay race. It has all kinds of
crazy things like, bouncing a ping-pong ball on the paddle
while running 10 yards, and other stuff like that. The girls
win, and the next thing is the male cheerleader routine. The
football players, soccer players, and basketball players who
are being male cheerleaders have short shorts on, and
they're dancing to songs as cheerleaders would. When that is
over, Coach Jackson takes the field.

COACH JACKSON
I would like to give you all a
taste of what it is like in a
locker room right before a game
for us. I'm going to basically
give the speech I give every
Friday before we take the field.
So guys, if you'd be kind enough
to get down here.

All the players come down to the field, and they circle
around Coach Jackson. They all get down on one knee, and
wait for him to start.

COACH JACKSON
Guys, we haven't been off to the
strongest start. We haven't lived
up to the expectations set for us.
But I want you all to know that it
isn't over, until the end of game
10. If you'd be kind enough to
stick around with your teammates,
whether we win or lose tonight,
you are a team, and nothing can
separate that bond.

The players all nod every once in a while, looking at one
another while Coach Jackson talks.

COACH JACKSON
You guys are as close as brothers
now, and there is nothing that can
change that. It will always be
like that, and nothing is going to
stop that goes on now. You will
remember each other forever, and
that is a guarantee. Now get
yourselves out there, and win this
game! Don't do it for yourself, do
it for the guy next to you. Do it
for your team! Whoever you do it
for, just go out and do it!
Dedication and Determination on 3!
1, 2, 3...

TEAM
Dedication and Determination!
Dedication and Determination!
Dedication and Determination!

The team jumps around the field for a while, all pumped up
with the cheering crowd, and it isn't even the night of the
game yet. They leave, and the night ends with the
cheerleaders dancing.


EXT. GAME 7 VS. DANVILLE (MILTON HOMECOMING GAME) - NIGHT

Milton wins the coin toss and elects to receive. The first
kick if returned for a touchdown and Milton gets the extra
point, so the score is 7-0. Milton kicks off and Danville
returns it to the 30. They go through the whole first
quarter on this drive, getting short gains. They score and
tie the game, 7-7. In the second quarter, there isn't very
much action. A lot of punts. At the beginning of the
quarter, Milton kicks a field goal, and at the end, Danville
kicks a field goal. Danville's band takes the field at
half-time, as Milton and Danville's football teams leave the
field and go into their locker rooms.

COACH JACKSON
You guys are doing awesome out
there! We're definitely giving
these guys a run for their money!
We've been shutting down Andrew
Shoop all night! Keep it up, this
is the best you've played so far
this season!

The second half starts out pretty slow, with a few quick
punts. Danville strikes first with a field goal. Milton
quickly comes back and scores a touchdown. They play
aggressive and go for two. The quarterback has nobody to
throw to, so he finds some open field and runs, giving
Milton the lead, 18-13. Danville gets stuck kicking another
field goal as the third quarter ends, Milton leading 18-16.

COACH JACKSON
Great job, keep up the good work.
Don't screw this up, and we may
have it made.

The team goes out and dominates in the fourth quarter. In
their first possession, Milton scores another touchdown,
goes for 2 again, and makes it, the score now 26-16.
Danville strikes right back with a field goal. Milton has 5
minutes left to play, and they get the ball back. They start
driving down the field, and eat the clock. With 6 seconds
left, they call a timeout. They kick a field goal and win
the game, 29-19. They all celebrate the win, and even in the
locker room, they are happy.

The coaches are in their office, talking about the game, and
the plan for next week.

COACH JACKSON
Well, 1-6 isn't the best record,
but it seems like it works for
them.

COACH HARPER
The record isn't what's important
to these guys. What's important to
these guys is that they have
someone to guide them through
life.

COACH SCHNYDER
He's right. They don't need a
state championship to get by. They
just need someone to believe in
them. And, that's basically what
we're here for.

COACH JACKSON
Well, whatever. It's good either
way. We're not the coaches with
the winless record, and they'll be
accepted as a team by their peers
at school now.

COACH WOODARD
It's pretty sad that it took that
much for the team to get
acceptance at school. They should
be accepted for having the guts to
go out there week after week.

COACH JACKSON
Yeah, but, that's high school in
2007. It costs you an arm and a
leg to get accepted. You put your
health on the line every Friday
night, and get no respect for it.


INT. WEIGHT ROOM - DAY

Matt is in the weight room, benching again. He is doing 135
this time, and Derek and Garrett come down.

DEREK
What's up? I see you got more
weight on.

MATT
Yeah, it's a shame I can't play
yet.

GARRETT
Still affected by that concussion?
I find that pretty hard to
believe.

MATT
How do you find it hard to
believe?

GARRETT
It doesn't take you that long to
get over a concussion.

MATT
Apparently it does.

DEREK
Or you're just faking it.

MATT
Why would I be faking it?

DEREK
You could be looking for
attention, or pity.

MATT
I don't give a shit if I get
attention, and I sure as hell
don't want anyone's pity.

DEREK
Well then you're just faking it
because you're too lazy to play,
and you just want to be on the
sidelines all year.

MATT
(sarcastically)
Yep, you caught me.

GARRETT
We all know you're faking it, so
just give up the act now.

MATT
It's not an act, douche bag!

GARRETT
Whatever.

Matt leaves the room in frustration.


INT. TRAINER'S OFFICE - DAY

TRAINER
Matt. You took the test again, and
Dr. Mackeroy said you're ready to
play again.

MATT
Alright.

TRAINER
You aren't allowed to go full pads
yet though. Just running for now.

MATT
When can I go full pads?

TRAINER
Tuesday.

MATT
Alright. That'll work for me, I
guess.

TRAINER
Hope so, because it's your only
option.

MATT
Yeah, I guess it is. Unless I was
playing without your permission.

TRAINER
In which case I have permission to
pull you from practice and from
the next game.

MATT
Oh yeah, you can do that.

TRAINER
That's right, now get ready for
practice.


EXT. GAME 8 @ JERSEY SHORE - NIGHT

The field is seen, and Milton's team is taking the field.
While they get ready for the game, Matt has another voice
over.

MATT (VO)
Alright, I told you that was the
only time, but I lied. You have to
know that Jersey Shore's referees
have been proven to be the most
biased referees in the state.
You'll see what I mean in a
minute.

The game starts and on Milton's opening kick-off, the refs
make their first biased call. Milton strips the ball, and
runs back for a touchdown, and the refs said that the player
was down by contact, when he stood on his feet the whole
play, and he was talking to one of the referees when he
should have been going after Milton's player who scored.
Jersey Shore gets the ball back, and they score on the first
play. Milton receives next, and they go to the opposite 1
yard line, and Shane hits the ground. He puts the ball down,
and a kid from Jersey Shore grabs the ball and runs with it,
scoring. The refs then blow the whistle and the coaches
argue.

COACH JACKSON
He was down! How did they score if
he was down?

OFFICIAL
Coach, I know what I'm doing. Now
please get off of the field.

COACH JACKSON
How much is their coach paying
you? Is it really enough to screw
our team?

OFFICIAL
They're not paying me, I know what
I'm doing.

COACH JACKSON
(charging onto the
field)
No! You don't know what you're
doing! You're f'n our team out
of a game that we came all the way
up to this shit hole to play! Now
f'n reverse that call!

The ref throws a flag.

JAMES
What the f*ck was that f'n
flag about? This is bullshit!

Another flag is thrown. James throws his helmet. Another
flag is thrown.

COACH HARPER
Go sit on the bench! We won't have
any of that attitude on this team!

MATT
Coach Thomas, as this is my first
year, how bad are the refs here,
on a normal occasion?

COACH THOMAS
They're this bad every year, don't
worry. This isn't anything
different then when we play here
any other time.

MATT
Alright, so these refs are this
shitty?

COACH THOMAS
Year after year, yep, same old
stuff. They never have been fair.

MATT
Well, I was just making sure I
didn't see the first time this has
happened in our team history.

The rest of the game goes this bad, and the final score is
Jersey Shore 33, Milton 16. The team packs up and goes home,
knowing that they should have won. Everyone is quiet on the
bus ride home, and rarely is anything said between each
other.

[Dale]

EXT. GAME 9 VS. MIFFLINBURG - NIGHT

There is a huge downpour of rain. The rain is coming like a
hurricane in Florida, and the teams are out on the field
doing stretches. When the game gets started, Milton has the
ball first. They return the kick to midfield, but it is
fumbled, and recovered by Mifflinburg. Mifflinburg takes the
ball almost to the end zone, but on a pass play, the ball is
intercepted. There are a lot of turnovers in the first half,
but not much scoring in the first quarter. In the second
quarter, Milton's quarterback gets sacked in the end zone
for a safety, and Mifflinburg gets a field goal. Milton gets
a safety as well, along with a field goal and a touchdown.
At the end of the first half, the score is 8-5, Milton with
a very slim lead.

COACH JACKSON
Wooo! How does it feel? We're up
on a 5-3 team! I bet you that
they're in that locker room trying
to come up with some kind of plan,
and can't figure out why they're
losing to a 1-7 team. You're doing
a good job out there, keep it up
you guys. Make sure you take this
one home!

The team goes out to take the field and Mifflinburg is
already out there. The half starts off strong for
Mifflinburg, and on the opening drive, they get a field goal
in. Milton gets no scoring whatsoever for a few drives.
Mifflinburg gets the ball back, and is forced to kick
another field goal. They attempt a third field goal, which
is blocked, and a fourth, which is made. The current score
being 12-8, Miffliburg, Milton goes to the passing game.
They get the ball way down the field and pass it. Gerry
catches it, scoring the winning touchdown. The whole team is
celebrating, because there isn't enough time left for
Mifflinburg to score. The coaches have their heads buried in
their hands and look down at the thrown flag. The official
takes his spot on the field.

OFFICIAL
Holding on the offense.

COACH JACKSON
Give us a number! Do you have a
number?

OFFICIAL
Number 42.

Number 42 on Milton walks onto the field, telling the coach
that he isn't even in the game.

OFFICIAL
Number 21 then!

COACH KAMPMAN
There isn't even a number 21 on
our f'n team, butthole!

The coaches continue to flip out, but to no avail, and the
game ends 12-8. Milton leaves the field, heads hung low, all
of them thinking the same thing.


INT. WEIGHT ROOM - DAY

Matt is in the weight room, this time doing squats instead
of benching. He finishes his last set and stands by the
rack, stretching out his legs, because they were starting to
tighten up. He sits on a bench and tightens his shoelaces.
Gerry and Jesse come down.

MATT
What's up. How you guys doing
after the last game?

GERRY
Well kinda sucks. That game was
ours for the taking.

MATT
I know. And you even caught the
winning touchdown pass.

JESSE
That's really got to be upsetting
to ya Gerry.

GERRY
It is kind of upsetting. I had
that catch, and it was so perfect.
Then they call a hold on a number
that our team doesn't even have.

Coach Jackson comes in.

COACH JACKSON
Hey you guys. I got good news for
you.

MATT
We could all use that.

COACH JACKSON
It's about playoffs.

MATT
What about them?

COACH JACKSON
We're not mathematically
eliminated yet.

JESSE
Say what?

COACH JACKSON
It's pretty likely that we'll be
in, except our opponent is pretty
tough. We have Montoursville left
to play, as most of you already
know. If we win, then basically,
we have it made.

GERRY
Go on. I'm intrigued.

COACH JACKSON
As of this very second, East
Juniata sits in our playoff spot.
We beat Montoursville, and they
lose to Northwestern Academy, who
is undefeated, then we're in
against Selinsgrove.

MATT
You aren't joking, are you coach?

COACH JACKSON
Not a word of that was a joke. So,
play hard this week, and we get
what we wanted.


EXT. SEASON FINALE VS. MONTOURSVILLE(HOME) - NIGHT

It's a cold night, and the Milton team all have their
Underarmor on. They're doing their before game practice, and
the coaches whistle for them to come into the circle.

COACH JACKSON
Alright, Senior Night. Seniors
stay out here, underclassman, go
into the locker room and think
about the game. Don't think about
anything else. We need to stay
focused. If we win, we're playoff
bound.

The team goes into the locker room.


INT. LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

DEREK
This is it! It's our time to shine
you guys! Shine like diamonds!
Shine like Panthers! Let's show
our classmates what we're made of!
The stadium is more than packed.
There aren't enough seats to go
around. They're standing around
the track, and the cheerleaders
have less space due to crowd
pleasure. Now get your asses out
there, and show those
mutherf*ckers what we can do!

The team runs out of the locker room.


EXT. GAME TIME - NIGHT

The game is the slowest game ever. The drives are nothing
but punt after punt after punt. Bud throws a few passes here
and there, and those are the only gains. One pass goes for
almost 60 yards. Bud picks the ball up and throws it on the
ground when he misses a pass. He gets penalized, and they
lose 5 yards. Milton lines up for the next play, and the
play is on. Bud drops back to pass, and he gets hit hard,
blindsided by two defenders, and one coming right in front
of him. Bud hits the ground. The crowd gasps. There is an
official timeout called, and the trainer runs onto the field
to check on Bud. Bud gets up, and the crowd claps, as a
crowd does in a high school football game. Bud walks off the
field so the trainer can check for any rib injuries. On the
next play, Milton kicks a field goal. When Montoursville
gets the ball, they don't have time to do anything before
half time is called.

COACH JACKSON
We had a decent half. We made some
mental mistakes, but all-in-all,
we're not doing too bad. Just get
out there and start working
harder. I know that you guys want
to win. Go out and prove it to
them. Play like heroes. There are
8 and 9 year old kids that want to
be like you out there, and they
think of you as heroes. Go show
them that you can be heroes.

The second half starts as slow as the first one. A few
player injuries for both sides, leaving both teams playing
backups for the rest of the game. Montoursville scores, and
Milton gets the ball back. Montoursville scores another
touchdown, and another. They score a fourth as time runs out
of the game, and this one is over. Montoursville wins it
28-3.

COACH JACKSON
We did what we could out there. It
was Senior Night, and you didn't
shine like you could have, but
it's not too bad. We won one game.
You can say that's no good, but I
say it's pretty damn good. I'd
rather that than no wins, and I
know a lot of people are with me
on this one. Seniors, this was
your last game on this field, and
possibly your last game ever. I
was glad to have you as part of
this team, and I hate to see such
a good group of kids go. Be safe
in college, have some fun, go to
some parties, stay out of trouble,
you know the whole thing. Most of
all though, remember this team. If
you remember anyone from high
school, then let it be us. We were
the ones who believed in you
through the whole season. Good
times and bad. We didn't sit and
say the team sucked, we didn't
wear the opposing teams colors at
school. We supported each other,
and I want you to remember that.

The team gives their pads back, and some of the seniors sign
posters that the younger guys are passing around for
something to remember the seniors by. They say their last
goodbyes in the locker room. The seniors are sobbing.

SHANE
I'm gonna miss this. I loved
playing for our team. It sucks
that we didn't go to the playoffs.
I guess I'll see the majority of
you all later on in school.

ADAM
Same to you.

MATT (VO)
This is the story of the Milton
Black Panthers. We believed in
each other, we supported each
other, we were there for each
other, through good times, through
bad times, through all the shit.
We had great times, and we wished
we could have had a longer season
than ten games. We wanted the long
season of 15 games and a state
championship trophy. But it didn't
go that way for us. Better luck
next year to us, and goodbye to
the seniors. That's basically our
season in a nutshell.


THE END

[Dale]

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