04x01 - East of Dillon

[bunniefuu]

Paul: Coach Taylor's contract is up for discussion at the board meeting this Saturday.

I love my job, I'm good at it, and I'd like to keep it.

I love you. I just think we should break up.

Matt: You're the only person who's never left me.

I'm not gonna leave you.

I'm gonna stay here for good.

You're gonna go to college, and you're gonna go get a degree.

Do you hear me?

Yeah.

They offered the job to Wade Aikmen.

The board would like to offer you the position of head coach at East Dillon High.

[On Radio] I'm Sammy Meade and folks let me tell you, the sky is dry...

[Cut to Coach putting on his RED East Dillon Lions cap]

Sammy Meade: ...the fields are brown, the drought is long and it has happened: this town has been divided.

[EXT. Taylor house, morning.]

( Julie is giggling and holding Gracie Belle while Tami tries to comb the little girl's hair. Happy family scene. Eric exits the house carrying a baby blanket, hands it to Tami. )

Tami: Thanks, babe. (kisses him) Good luck.

( Eric kisses all his girls and heads to his car. )

Julie: I love you!

[EXT. Matt Sarcen's house.]

( Matt gets into a station wagon that has a sign that reads "Panther Pizza" and he drives off. )

[EXT. Landry Clarke's house.]

( Landry goes to check his mailbox and there is a Dillon Panther's sign with his name on it in the front yard. He opens a letter notifying him that he's been transferred to East Dillon. He's confused and upset. )

[EXT. West Dillon Panthers Football Field]

( Gorgeous field, team hard at work, J.D.s dad, Joe, and new Coach Wade are driving around the field in a golf cart while Buddy tries to chase after them. They just drive faster. )

Buddy: Wade!

Wade: Listen, Buddy, I know!

[EXT. East Dillon Lions Football Field]

( Eric tries to get into the locker room. Graffiti on the outside walls, trashed field. Not good. The door is locked and he's frustrated and starts kicking it, trying to get it to open. )

Custodian: Hey! Que haciendo? Que haceindo, que tu?

Eric: Sorry. Coach Taylor.

Custodian: Que?

Eric: Coach Taylor. Football team. Coach Taylor. I'm trying to...

Custodian: What football team?

Eric: I'm the new coach for the football team.

Custodian: New football team?

Eric: That's right.

Custodian: Okay. Don't kick my door, por favor.

( Eric enters decrepit locker room and sits down in utter disbelief at the circumstances. He hears a noise and turns around, startled to see a Raccoon in a locker. )

Eric: (looking over at where the custodian is standing) You know there's a raccoon in here?

[EXT. Neighborhood alley.]

( Young shirtless black male running down the alley with the police in pursuit and almost gets away when a police car cuts him off. )

Officers: Get down! Get down! On your stomach!!

( He begrudgingly does as ordered. )

[INT. East Dillon Locker Room]

( The potential team members are lining up to get weighed in by Coach and his assistant coach. )

Assistant Coach: Next! Come on, come on. Name?

Calvin: Calvin.

Eric: (to Calvin who is wearing a heavy gold necklace) Take the chain off. (Calvin ignores him) Hey, take the chain off.

Calvin: (holding up the chain) You see this man? It's 18 Gs right here, dog.

Eric: (Unimpressed) Take the chain off and you're going to call me Coach Taylor.

( Calvin takes the chain off. )

( A boy approaches Landry in line to get weighed. )

Kenny: Hey, Landry, man. What's up? (Landry looks at him, uncertain who the guy is) Kenny. Olsen. From JV.

Landry: Yeah...

Assistant Coach: (to Calvin) What position do you want to play?

Calvin: Quarterback.

Kenny: (to Landry) What are position you going for?

Landry: Oh, you know, uh...

Kenny: I'm going for Quarterback.

Assistant Coach: (to another player) What position do you want to play?

1st Player: Quarterback.

2nd Player: Quarterback.

3rd Player: Quarterback.

4th Player: I'm the quarterback.

Eric: (to room) Alright, we've found our quarterback gentlemen. (applause) Step off. Next.

[EXT. East Dillon Football field – Team practice]

Granger: Let's go. Come on, let's run. Go! Come on. You don't run with your hands. All the way up.

Granger: Put your foot in the hole and run on. All the way down.

Granger: Let's go, ladies! Come on, let's go. Come on. Knees up, like this! Put your foot in the hole and you run on.

All: One. Two. Three.

(GROANS)

(COUGHING)

( The team is exhausted after practice. )

Eric: Listen up! I called you all out here today to see what we've got. And after eighteen minutes, I think I've seen enough. (looks over exhausted team) I want you all to go home tonight and think long and hard on how much you want this, on whether you want this. If you don't, that's fine. There's no shame in that. I don't want you wasting my time and I don't want you wasting your time either. If you do want it, then be out here tomorrow morning at six a.m. and we'll get after it. But get your rest tonight, gentlemen. I promise you're gonna need that.

[EXT. East Dillon Football Field]

( Eric is pushing a little, rickety cart around, chalking the field when a police car pulls up and we see the boy from the alley way earlier in the backseat. )

Detective: Hey, Coach. Ken Shaw, 12th precinct.

Eric: Ken Shaw? Your brother used to play ball for me, didn't he?

Ken: Sure did, Mike Shaw.

Eric: That's right. Mike. Linebacker.

Ken: That's right.

Eric: How's he doing?

Ken: He's doing pretty good. Speaks very highly of you.

Eric: Yeah?

Ken: Yeah.

Eric: He ended up playing didn't he?

Ken: He played for a couple of years but he, uh, got hurt so he had to step out.

Eric: Tell him I said hello, would you?

Ken: I will.

Eric: (looks over at the boy) What you got here?

Ken: Well, you've heard of cops and jocks, right?

Eric: Yeah, second chance.

Ken: Yeah, second chance program. Yeah, well, we just brought this kid in this morning. You know, he's a decent kid but he's got a record now. Next stop is juvie for him and that's a bad path.

Eric: What kind of trouble you talking about?

Ken: Minor stuff, nothing major. I'm talking about breaking and entering, fighting...

Eric: Nothing major – he didn't k*ll anyone...

Ken: No!

Eric: Not animals...

Ken: No, no. Like I said, these are mostly non-violent offenses.

Eric: What do you mean ‘mostly'?

Ken: You can help him out. (Eric thinks about this a b*at) You wanna meet him?

Eric: Well, since you've brought him all this way... I guess I should.

Ken: I hope so, yeah.

( An officer escorts the boy to where Eric and Ken are talking. )

Eric: How you doin' son? (extends hand) Coach Taylor.

Vince: Vince.

Eric: Vince? Vince you've ever played any football?

Vince: Yeah, all the time.

Eric: Yeah?

Vince: Madden.

Eric: How's that?

Vince: Madden.

Eric: Madden?

Vince: (pronouncing it) Mad. Den.

Eric: (clearly no idea what that means) Madden?

Vince: Madden.

Ken: Video game, coach. Madden.

Eric: Oh.

Ken: Video game.

Eric: Oh, Madden football. You ever play any real football?

Vince: Threw the ball around with my friends.

Eric: You like to run?

Ken: Oh, the boy can run, coach, the boy's is fast. Real fast.

Eric: You like to hit?

Vince: Hit what?

Eric: People.

Vince: Yeah, I like that.

Eric: What would you say if I need you to be here tomorrow morning at six a.m. sharp. Six a.m. sharp means quarter to six.

Vince: I'll be here.

( OPENING CREDITS. )

[INT. W. Dillon Panther's Coach's Conference Room]

Joe: Buddy, you know those people. You can just get them to refile their papers can't you.

Buddy: (shakes head and speaks softly) No...

Wade: We can handle that... That's not such a big deal. Hell, we can fix that... (sees Tami entering and starts applauding) There we go, Tami Taylor.

Tami: (annoyed) Not necessary. (Buddy's spirit is gone as if he can't believe what's going on) Thank you very much.

Wade: (stands up) No, we need to acknowledge what a huge part you played in the redistricting. Because of it, our athletic program is already seeing the positive effects.

Tami: Well, good, good. I hope y'all get everything you deserve this year.

Wade: (not noticing her sarcastic tone) Thank you! Thank you for stepping up and doing the right thing.

Tami: Good, good. Uh, alright, were we gonna talk about football? You all called me down here...

Joe: Were your ears burning cuz we were just talking about you?

Wade: Yup, yup, we were.

Joe: Talking about Friday's festivities.

Wade: Yes. We would love for you to do the coin toss this Friday.

Tami: Uh, the coin toss? Isn't that Mayor Roddell's... doesn't she...

Joe: Nah, we'll handle Lucy. I'll handle her. We want you, Tami.

Tami: Oh. (force smile) Huh.

Joe: We think that it's very important that all of us show that we are all in this together.

( Buddy is rubbing his head in an ‘Oh my God, this cannot seriously be happening' way. )

Joe: So, it would be an honor and it would mean a lot to us and we're thinking that maybe you should call ‘Heads.' (Tami looks around the room to see if Joe is serious or not when he starts laughing) We're just kidding you! You can call whatever you want! (Wade starts laughing, too) You can call whatever you want in the coin toss.

Tami: Okay. Well, I'm honored. Thank you.

Wade: Make sure you think about it.

Tami: Okay, I'm thinking about it.

[INT. College Classroom]

( Tim is lounging on his desk, trying to pay attention as the instructor lectures. On the chalkboard is written ‘Homer.' )

Professor: Your thoughts are my thoughts. My daughter should be yours and you my sons... Every hero has a journey. Early literature is obsessed with that... A process to help him appreciate his life... his love, Penelope, the life he left...

( Suddenly Tim's interest is sparked and he is inspired. He starts gathering his things and walks out of class. Driving home in his truck, he throws his books out the window, looking more relaxed as the drive continues. )

[EXT. E. Dillon Football Field]

( Another shoddy looking practice. )

Assistant Coach: Come on now! Look alive, look alive! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. That's awful! Get'em in a huddle, right now.

Eric: (directing his own team players) You gotta clip your hips, right. Push'em up.

Assistant Coach: (with his players) Put your hands on your knees. Alright, this is called a huddle. You gotta understand what a huddle is. (taps a guy on the shoulder) This is your quarterback right here. He's gonna tell y'all what to do.

Calvin: Just hand us the rock (slang for football), man, for real. It's boring as hell, man.

Assistant Coach: You can have the ball when you can actually run a play. (players chuckle) Alright, knock it off. It's called a huddle.

Calvin: (grabs the football) It's called a rock and it looks like I got it now.

Assistant Coach: You think that's funny?

Calvin: Nah, I'm just joking man.

( Calvin tosses the football at the Asst. Coach and hits him in the nose, causing it to start bleeding. The Asst. Coach starts screaming in pain. )

Calvin: Ah, man. My bad. Hey man, I was just kidding. Hey somebody, get somebody! I'm sorry, Coach.

( Eric runs over to see what's going on as the Asst. Coach holds his bloody nose and walks off the field. )

Assistant Coach: I'm done!

Eric: What's wrong?

Assistant Coach: (knocks the football out of Eric's hand) I'm done!

Eric: Where you going? Coach! Where you going?

( The team looks on, shocked, as Coach looks pissed and confused. )

[INT. Dillon Tech Art Class]

( On a table are charcoal drawings of nude figures, etc. )

Teacher: So, is your focus in metal works or electronics?

Matt: My focus is in art.

Teacher: What kind of art are you interested in, Matt?

Matt: (confused by the question) Uh, I don't know. The kind that I do, I guess.

Teacher: Well, that's the thing, Matt. I don't know that I would quite call this art.

Matt: Well, what would you call it?

Teacher: I would call it drawing without a point of view. It's not that I don't like it but it's not saying anything.

Matt: (defensively) Well, they thought it was saying something at the Art Institute of Chicago when they accepted me. And that's a much better art school than Dillon Tech.

Teacher: Then why are you here at Dillon Tech?

( And there's the big question. )

[INT. Billy and Mindy Riggins' Home]

( Mindy, Billy and Tim are having dinner in the dining room. This is no longer the party pad of Billy and Tim. This house has a woman's touch – Mindy's. Mindy and Tim are seated at opposite ends of the table with Billy in the middle. )

Mindy: Hey kiddo, so do you have a plan or something?

Tim: What do you mean?

Mindy: For life.

Tim: For life?

Mindy: To do...

Tim: Riggins Riggs.

Mindy: That's your plan?

Tim: (taking a drink of beer) Mm..mm.

( Billy isn't saying a word, just keeping his head down and focusing on his food. )

Mindy: Awesome. So, where you gonna stay?

Tim: What do you mean?

Mindy: Live?

Tim: Billy, tater me.

Mindy: Live – in Dillon.

Tim: I'm gonna stay right here.

Mindy: Here?

Tim: Yeah.

Mindy: Yeah, that's great. (looking all doe eyed at Billy) Hey baby, can I talk to you for a second? Over here. (she gets up from the table, big fake smile on her face) Alright.

( Billy complies but there is dread on his face. )

Tim: (on food) So good.

Mindy: Yeah, it's real good.

[INT. W. Dillon High School]

( Tami is walking down the halls. )

Tami: (to various people at gathering for school meeting) How are you? Good to see you. Thanks for coming. How's your dad?

( In the corner, Eric chats up his old assistant coaches. )

Eric: Gentlemen, how you doing?

Assistant Coach: Same old, you?

Eric: How you doing? Alright?

Eric: (looks around first and whispers) I hear Wade's got himself a golf cart out there, is that the case?

Mac: The man loves his ride.

Assistant Coach: We move the ball 15 yards down field, he drives to the next huddle.

Eric: (alluding to E. Dillon) Why don't you all come on over? Why dontcha all come over?

( The Asst. Coaches all exchange looks but no one's speaking up. )

Mac: That'd be nice but I don't think I could explain it to Susan, you know. Job security and all that stuff.

Eric: Right.

Mac: Not young enough to take the pay cut and all those chances, you know.

Eric: (nice but sad) Alright.

Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, Principal Taylor.

( Tami goes up to a podium. )

Tami: Hey everybody. Nice to see y'all. Thanks for coming out. I'm just thrilled to welcome everybody to another great year at Dillon High. And before I get going with the events tonight I really just want to say thank you...

Parent 1: I have a question.

Tami: Um, we're gonna have a Q&A at the end so...

Parent 1: (ignores her) Why is my child being forced from this school?

Tami: Nobody is being forced...

Parent 2: That's exactly what happened!

Tami: No, I'm sorry... Now nobody is being forced...

Teen: I don't want to go to a different school!

Parent 1: That's right!

Tami: First of all, I'd like to just clarify, we are going to have a Q&A at the...

Parent 3: My parents went to this school before you ever even heard of Dillon High.

Parent 2: Yeah, exactly!

Tami: We'll take up this issue in a moment but we can't all talk over each other.

Parent 3: I'm not sending my child to that hell hole with that element...!

Tami: Alright, first of all, let's not refer to East Dillon in this way. I do not tolerate...

Parent 1: Would you say the two schools are equal?

Tami: Yes, I would.

Parent 1: Would you send your child to that school?

Tami: I would. She was has been zoned for West Dillon and she is going to West Dillon. However, I do look at the two schools equally...

Parent 3: We know what that means...!

Parent 1: Why should my kid go if your child's not going?

Parent 2: You should send her there!

Tami: It's impossible to get anything accomplished this way, y'all.

( A lot of angry parents and yelling so cannot decipher anymore but I think that was the point. Tami is just standing there, forced to take the as*ault while Eric and Julie sit in the cafeteria taking it all in. Meanwhile, Joe is sitting there smugly laughing. )

[INT. SEARS Dept. Store – Repairs]

( Eric walks in with a dated piece of equipment – maybe a VCR or editing equipment. The Sears employee's nametag reads "STAN" )

Eric: Hey, how you doin' today?

Stan: Whoa, haven't seen one of these in awhile.

Eric: Yeah, something's wrong with it and gotta get it repaired if that's alright.

Stan: I won't do it.

Eric: (dumbfounded) What?

Stan: Sir, it's garbage. It's garbage now and it was garbage back in 1992. It clearly wasn't purchased here. (Eric is shocked) If you think I'm gonna let the finest high school football coach in the state of Texas walk out that door with a box of garbage you do not know me.

Eric: You got a manager around here I can talk to?

Stan: Stan Traub and I'm a great admirer Coach Taylor.

Eric: (shakes hands) Well, thank you Stan. Traub? How do I know that name?

Stan: Nobeck County. Pop Warner Coach of the Year 2005. Second Place finisher 2006, 7 and 8.

Eric: Nu-uh.

Stan: I also faxed six or seven of my resumes to you at East Dillon. I left you a couple of messages on your voicemail.

Eric: (takes a wary step back) Oh, yeah, that's it. Yeah.

Stan: I know how you can handle South King next Friday.

Eric: How's that?

Stan: You run that spread but that QB's gonna freeze up on you if you blitz with...

Eric: You got a repair guy around here, Stan?

Stan: I can help Coach.

Eric: I just need to get this...

Stan: Coach Taylor. I got you covered. Now, I'm the real deal. I'm good. I'm cheap. I'm volunteer cheap. You will not regret this.

( Eric just stands there and stares at him, uncertain but not protesting either. )

[INT. Matt's car during his delivery route.]

Julie: So, I think it'll be fun.

Matt: But it's a panther party.

Julie: It's not a panther party.

Matt: Julie, Beth is a cheerleader, Friday is the first game, I think we can acquiesce to the fact that it's a panther party.

Julie: Devon's going to be there and Landry's going to be there... It's like a kick-back.

( Matt sh**t her a ‘gimme a break' look. )

Julie: Fine. Let's stay in and we'll watch The Deadliest Catch marathon... Oh, look! We can get pizza after your shift and eat leftover pizza.

Matt: Okay, fine, we'll go. (pulls into the driveway of the McCoy Mansion) I have to deliver a pizza right now.

( Matt walks up long steps and J.D. McCoy answers the door. )


J.D.: Hey, Matt.

Matt: Hey. Here are your pizzas.

J.D.: (waves to Julie who waves back) So, so do you like make your girlfriend deliver pizza with you all the time?

Matt: No. Um, $18.75.

J.D.: (pulling money out of his wallet) Kinda sucks you didn't go to Chicago like you were supposed to.

Matt: Yeah...

J.D.: I was totally going to go for Julie this year.

( Matt gives him a subtle ‘f*ck you' look. )


J.D.: I'm just kidding. Hey, weren't these supposed to have those cinnamon sticks?

Matt: Nope. (turns and walks away) Thanks for the tip.

[EXT. E. Dillon Football Field]

( Practice. Stan's there but he's wearing his Sears shirt. )

Eric: Let's go! Hustle up!

( Run play that goes awry. )

Eric: Hey! What are you doing? What are you doing?

Stan: What are you doing?

Eric: What hole are you supposed to be going through? What was that 24-power?

Vince: Four.

Eric: The four hole? Then go through the four hole.

Stan: The four hole!

Eric: Come on, now.

( Run another play. )

Eric: What are you doing now? What a second! What are you doing? (walks up to Vince and quieter now) Vince, what are you doing?

Vince: I'm moving closer!

Eric: You're k*lling me here.

Vince: What?

Eric: You're moving closer and adjust your stance...

Vince: (interrupting) I moved closer!

Eric: Don't talk back to me! Those fellas in the little stripped uniforms, they're gonna throw those little flags and how many yards is that gonna be?

Vince: Five yards.

Eric: That's right. It's gonna be five yards. Here's what you're gonna want to do: this right over here. This is the four hole and you'll go through the four hole and once you get through there you're gonna keep going downhill don't you?

Vince: Yes, sir.

Eric: Come on! Let's go!

( Run another play only this time it goes according to plan and Vince scores a touchdown. )

Eric: g*dd*mn, I did not expect that.

Stan: I cannot believe what I just witnessed. That's genius, Coach. This is exactly why I am here. I'm serious. I got goose-bumps.

Eric: That's good. (walks to the players) Hey Vince, that was damn nice. Damn nice. (to others) What do we got next?

[EXT. House, pool party.]

( Devon and Landry are sitting at a nearby table talking. )

Landry: You're going?

Devon: So pretty rough over at East Dillon?

Landry: It's rough, to say the least. I'm constantly, like ready. I got a piece on me at all times.

( She laughs. )

[Cut with Julie entering the party.]


J.D.: Julie Taylor!

Julie: Hey, J.D.

J.D.: So where's pizza man?

Julie: Um, he's gonna meet me later.

J.D.: Oh.

Devon: My mom said she'd die before she'd send me there.

Landry: So, like, she would literally end her life?

Devon: Hunger strike probably.


J.D.: Hey, you know Luke?

( Luke appears. It's clear that J.D. is drunk and not a pleasant one. )

Luke: Hey.

Julie: Yeah, hi.

Luke: You gonna come watch me make history on Friday night?

Julie: Um, actually I'm gonna go see the Lions play.

J.D.: I have news for you. Your dad's coaching a team that's not gonna have one ‘W' all season.

( Julie gives him a tight smile just like her momma. )


J.D.: But, I'm liking your chances, Julie Taylor.

( He runs his hand over her hair. )

Luke: Alright, hey, hey. (pulls J.D. back) He's been kicking a few back.

J.D.: You know, your dad could still be coaching for Dillon. My dad gave your dad a sh*t.

Julie: Yeah?

J.D.: Mm...hmm.

( In the background we see Matt has arrived. )

Julie: Well, your dad's an ass.

J.D.: Okay, so now I gotta throw you in the pool.

( J.D. picks up Julie and heads to the pool. )

Julie: Stop it.

Luke: (lamely) Hey, J.D.

Julie: STOP IT!

Matt: What? Hey!!

Julie: Stop it!!

J.D.: Gonna throw you in the pool.

( Her screams get the attention of others and Landry stands up as Matt rushes to help Julie. )

Matt: (taking hold of Julie) What are you doing? What the hell's the matter with you? Get off her. Don't ever put your damn hands on my girlfriend, okay?

J.D.: What's your problem, Saracen?

( Matt shoves him. )

Matt: Shut the hell up!

Julie: Matt!

( Matt and J.D. fight while Julie shouts for them to stop. Landry and Luke break it up. )

Matt: What, Landry?

Julie: Matt!

Landry: What are you doing?

J.D.: Coach should never have taken me out of the game, Saracen. He just felt sorry for you is all. You suck!

Landry: (to J.D.) Just shut up.

J.D.: Listen to me, Saracen. You suck!

Matt: (maybe words too close to home turns to Julie as he walks away) I'm really glad this wasn't a panther party.

J.D.: It's MY Dillon now!

Julie: Matt...

[INT. Riggins' Residence – nursery]

( Tim and Billy are painting the nursery. )

Tim: Okay Billy, I gotta be honest with you. This is kind of gross. I mean, whatever happened to just pink or blue? Boy or girl?

Billy: Mindy doesn't want to know if it's a boy or girl so that's why we use neutral tones.

Tim: Which is puke in this case?

Billy: It's ‘mustard', Jackass.

Tim: Billy, if I threw up on this wall you wouldn't even know it cuz this colors puke.

Billy: It's mustard.

Tim: Agree to disagree.

Billy: Seriously, do you have a problem with it?

Tim: (grins) Whatever.

Billy: Whatever?

( Billy shoves Tim. )

Tim: Billy, watch yourself.

Billy: Shut your mouth.

Tim: Watch yourself.

Billy: Or what? What are you gonna do? Huh?

( Billy shoves Tim so hard he falls back. They fight. )

Tim: Billy, what the hell?

Billy: You come into my house and act like this?

Tim: Get off of me! (shoves Billy off) What the hell was that? I made joke.

Billy: It's not a freaking joke! You're throwing away your whole life, man! I busted my ass for eight years to try and put you through college and you can't even make it through September!

Tim: You and Lyla wanted me to go to college. I never said once that I wanted to go to college.

Billy: What are you going to do? I don't know what you're thinking sometimes. You think you're gonna waltz back in here and everything's going to be okay? I got a wife, Tim. I'm about to be a dad. There's no room for you here.

Tim: Guess you're right. You know what Billy? All I wanted to do was come home.

( Tim leaves. )

[INT. W. Dillon High Hallway]

( Tami is walking with someone from the school administration and a uniformed officer or security guard. )

Tami: I don't like that we have to do this.

Admin: There are nine students here that have been notified about their transfer and are refusing to change schools. What choice do we have?

( Tami knocks on a classroom door. )

Tami: Ms. Cody? I'm sorry to interrupt y'all. Um, Devon honey, I'm gonna need you to come with me.

Devon: Should I bring all my stuff?

Tami: That'd be good.

( Classroom and Julie watch as Devon gets up to leave. )

Tami: Thank you

( Julie gets up and looks down hallway as they walk away. )

[EXT. Saracen home.]

( Landry and Matt are throwing the football through a spare tire. )

Landry: Pull the slot machine and elbow the midget in the face. You understand though, I'm always going to be a panther in my heart.

Matt: Landry, who cares? Panthers are a bunch of idiots this year anyway.

Landry: Yeah but they're a bunch of talented, fast idiots. And we're just a bunch of sucky idiots.

Matt: Alright, so look: in the panther's, you're a scrub right? But on the Lions, you might actually get to play in some games. You might even start!

Landry: So you're trying to encourage me by saying that the lions are bad enough that someone as bad as me might actually see some playing time?

Matt: Yeah, basically.

( Grandma comes out of the house. )

Grandma: Matthew?

Matt: Yes, grandma.

Grandma: Matthew why aren't you throwing the ball? You know you got a game on Friday night and Coach Taylor's gonna expect you to be ready, son.

Matt: Grandma, remember, I'm not on the team anymore. And coach isn't either.

Grandma: (laughs) Yeah, that'll be the day. I adore you. Coach Taylor not a panther. (she turns to leave but stops, looking at Landry) Landry?

Landry: Huh?

Grandma: Stop throwing the ball, you look like a girl.

Landry: Okay, I'm gonna throw one more.

( Landry throws a mock pose. )

Grandma: No! You look like a girl. You're just a funny looking creature there.

Landry: It's good seeing you. (waits until she's gone before looking at Matt) She seems to be doing well.

Matt: (ignoring) Do you think it's a bad sign that Julie ain't call me back yet?

Landry: Probably not a good sign. You did kinda look like a jackass at the party the other night.

Matt: But J.D. is a chump! He's pretentious, he's...

Landry: Aren't you supposed to rise above that? Aren't you supposed to turn the other cheek? In your typical Matt Saracen kind of way.

Matt: Yeah.

Landry: Take the high road.

Matt: Right. Take the high road. That's what Matt always does.

Landry: Get behind me Satan...

( Matt throws the football into the tire. )

[INT. Bar]

( Tim is at the bar drinking when the hot, older woman bartender chats him up. )

Bartender: Dog?

Tim: Brother.

( She pours him a sh*t. )

Bartender: Bottoms up.

( They each take a sh*t. )

Bartender: What's your name?

( Tim gives her a look like he knows exactly how this will play out. )

[EXT. E. Dillon Football Field]

( Team is huddled as Coach talks. )

Eric: Olan, you need to tighten up your splints. We're going to be running the ball, we're going to be playing defense.

Stan: Defense!

Eric: (doing his best to tolerate and ignore Stan) You need to figure out why it is you're out here...

( As Coach is talking, at the back of the gathering is Calvin and Landry. )

Calvin: This dude can talk, man. Feel like I'm listening to an informerical.

( Landry sh**t him a ‘shut up' look so Calvin redirects his attention to him. )

Calvin: (scrutinizing Landry) You're a funny looking dude, man. Kinda look like Opie, you know? Let's understand (he sprays Landry with his water bottle) Maybe if I shine you up...

Landry: Do you really need like a toy or something to pay attention? Will you please just shut up and listen to him...?

( Calvin jumps on Landry and a fight ensues. The rest of the team is now focused on the fight shouting, "Fight! Fight!" The other coaches try to break it up and Coach just stands there, seething with anger. )

[INT. E. Dillon Locker Room]

( Team is waiting for coach and there is tension in the air as Calvin is sh**ting Landry dirty looks. Door slams and coach enters )

Eric: Cowards! Cowards! That's what you all look like. A bunch of cowards. You all look like a bunch of dumb asses out there. You don't fight on my field! Y'all want to fight? Go ahead and fight but not on my field and not in my colors. You got me? Is that understood?

Team: Yes, sir.

Eric: You don't fight in my house! Let me tell you something else, there's no talking back on the field. There's no wearing earrings. There's no jewelry. There's no damn necklaces out there! There's no talking to each other. There's you shutting up and there's me talking! (looks at Calvin and Landry) You two. You two are gonna make it right, right now! Make it right, right now.

Landry: (stands up right away) I apologize. Okay?

Calvin: (gives Landry a scrutinizing look) Screw you, Rudy.

Eric: (gets up in Calvin's face) You get your stuff and get out of here! You get your stuff and get out of here right now! Get it right now and get the hell out of my house! Get the hell out of my house! Go! Go! Pack it up and get out!

( Calvin sh*ts him a dirty look and walks off. )

Eric: (to team) If there's anyone else in here who doesn't want to be here, get out right now!

( A player leaves. )

Eric: Get the hell out of my house if you don't want to be here! (more players leave) Get out now! You don't want to be here, then leave!

( The other Asst. Coaches remain quietly watching. )

Eric: Anyone else?

Player: No sir.

Eric: Anybody else?

Team: No sir.

Eric: (walks up to Vince) We're good?

Vince: I wanna play coach. I wanna play.

[INT. Bedroom]

( We see two bodies tangled up in bed as we hear a girl's voice singing "The Star Spangled Banner." )

Girl: Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light. What so proudly we hail at the twilight's last gleaming..."

( At hearing the singing, Tim jumps out of bed (dressed in black boxer briefs and showing off a very chiseled body) before pulling on his clothes. He sneaks down the hall as the girl continues singing. )

Girl: Whose bright stripes and bright stars...

( He enters the kitchen and we find a girl singing into a tape recorder. She stops singing when she spots him looking very uncomfortable as he pulls on his shoes. )

Girl: Aren't you Tim Riggins?

( He does his best to ignore her while buttoning up his pants. )

Girl: Panthers Tim Riggins? I know you hear me talking to you.

Tim: Yeah.

Girl: I wonder if my mom knows she slept with you? Well, I mean, duh, she knows she slept with you but it was dark, maybe she didn't realize it was Tim Riggins. So, um, is she alive back there?

Tim: She's alive.

Girl: Is she going to be in any condition to drive anytime soon? Yeah, see, that's what I thought. Look, whatever you did to her, way to go #33, but I need a ride to school.

[EXT. Neighborhood street.]

( The girl from earlier is sitting in behind the wheel of Tim's truck as he works on the engine. )

Tim: Okay, try it again.

( Girl tries but engine won't turn over. )

Tim: Okay.

Girl: Your truck always break down?

Tim: Sometimes.

Girl: Why don't you get a new truck? (he rolls his eyes but she can't see him) So did you hear me singing this morning? Sounded pretty good, huh?

( He's still ignoring her. )

Girl: Kinda wants to make you want to stand up, put your hand over your heart...

Tim: Yeah, like Faith Hill.

Girl: For real? I love her! I could sing for you if you wanted to.

Tim: Try it again.

( Truck still won't start. )

Tim: Okay.

Girl: So what's it like being the guy who used to be Tim Riggins?

Tim: I'm still Tim Riggins.

Girl: Yeah, but, you know what I mean though. You're all center of the universe in Texas one year and then the next, boom, fall off a cliff.

Tim: Yeah, you know, I haven't really thought about it.

Girl: So what do you do with yourself now?

Tim: How far is your school from here?

Girl: Not far... why?

Tim: You gonna need to walk.

( Girl rolls her eyes and grabs her stuff, exiting the truck. )

Girl: Well, guys don't usually do repeat performances with my mom so I guess I won't be seeing you again.

Tim: Okay.

Girl: Good luck, Tim Riggins. I hope you find what you're looking for.

[INT. E. Dillon Athletic Office]

( Eric and Stan are in his office going through the roster. )

Eric: There's only eighteen here.

Stan: Yeah, well, I guess a few more of them decided to take you up on your offer to have them leave. That was a risky move. That might not have paid off.

Eric: I really wish you'd learn to filter your thoughts a little better. That'd be really helpful.

Stan: Filter my thoughts.

Eric: Malcolm left, too?

Stan: Malcolm left, too. Yeah. Malcolm left too.

Eric: Alright, here's what we're going to do. We're going to line up the power Iowa and perfect the five and the six...

Stan: Perfect the five and the six.

Eric: We're going to power the ball down the field and keep the ball away from South King...

Stan: We're going to power the ball down the field and keep the ball...

Eric: (slams hand on desk) You need to stop doing that. You need to stop repeating everything I say!

Stan: Yeah.

Eric: It's freaking me out.

( Door opens up and one of the Asst. Coaches from W. Dillon Panthers appears. )

Assistant Coach: You know we got no chance to win this game.

Eric: What in the hell you doing here?

Assistant Coach: I came to coach them up.

Eric: Not with that hat on you're not.

Assistant Coach: You got another one?

( Eric takes his off his own head and throws it at him. )

Eric: It's the last one I got. We're out of money.

Assistant Coach: (putting on the other hat) S'right.

[GAME NIGHT]

( sh*ts of a some businesses supporting Lions, some supporting Panthers. )

Sammy Meade (on radio): Folks, it is here. D-Day. Not one, but two football games in our little town. Will redistricting destroy Dillon football as we know it...?

[INT. Taylor Kitchen]

( Eric is getting coffee as Tami exits another room. )

Tami: It smells funny in there...

( Tami enters the kitchen carrying her coffee mug. )

Eric: Hey.

Tami: (indicating coffee) Can I have a little bit of that?

Eric: (pouring her some coffee) You look nice.

Tami: Thank you.

Eric: We need some more cream.

Tami: Okay, I'll try to get that this weekend.

( She turns around, showing him the back of her dress. )

Tami: Can you... Do you see that hook back there? Can you just get that hook for me right there? (Eric starts hooking her dress) Thank you. I can't believe I'm going to miss your game tonight. It's the first game of our entire relationship...

( They start talking over each other. )

Eric: This'll be a good one for you to miss.

Tami: ...that I'm going to miss. I'm sad about it.

Eric: Yes, sweetie but you get to flip the coin...

Tami: Aren't you sad about it?

Eric: ...and that's a very critical role you have.

Tami: You a little stressed out about it?

Eric: No.

Tami: Don't be brave.

Eric: Nah, nothing to be stressed out. (finishes with her dress) There you go, I gotcha.

Tami: See, you know what I'm going to do?

Eric: What's that?

Tami: I'm gonna flip my coin and then I'm gonna sneak out...

Eric: Mm...hmm...

( Eric moves in closer to her and they mumble between kisses. )

Tami: And I'm gonna come over to East Dillon

Eric: Mm...hmm...

Tami: I'm gonna watch y'all get your 'W's.

Eric: Flip the coin.

( Eric and Tami get affectionate. )

Julie: Okay...(entering the room and watching the scene) gross, gross, gross...

Eric: Hey, sweetie, how you doing?

Tami: Hi honey.

( Julie goes to the refrigerator. )

Tami: Are you ready for school?

Julie: I, uh, I think I am going to go to east Dillon this year.

Tami: What?

( The parents are stunned. )

Julie: Well, uh, Devon goes there and Landry goes there and all my other friends have graduated though, I think that's a really good move for me. (They just stare at her) You keep saying that East Dillon is just as good as West Dillon. And I just think that it would be beneficial for our family if I went to East Dillon.

( Tami and Eric are at a loss for words - how can they argue this? )

Julie: Alright good. It's decided.

( Julie leaves. )

Eric: (whispers to Tami) Say something.

Tami: (finally finding her voice starts trailing after Julie) No. No!

[EXT. E. Dillon Football Field]

( Crew is setting up the signage. )

[INT. E. Dillon Locker Room]

( The team is nervous as they await their first game. Legs bouncing up and down, nervous expressions, etc. )

Player: (singing to himself) I'm going on my b*ttlefield for my w*r. And I promise him that I - I will serve him ‘til I die. I'm going on the b*ttlefield for my w*r...

Assistant Coach: Here we go. Take a knee.

Eric: How we doing on time? We're good.

Assistant Coach: We're good.

Eric: Alright, everybody got what they need?

Team: Yes, sir.

Eric: Everybody squared away with the equipment?

Team: Yes, sir.

Eric: Alright, listen up now. A few of you've been here before. A few of you have not. One thing we've all got to do tonight is we've got to focus. The game plan. The fundamentals gentlemen. Moving the sticks. That's what we're going to be out there doing. And listen fellas, there's a joy to this game – is there not?

Team: Yes, sir!

Eric: There's a passion and a pleasure to this game. There's a reason why we're all out here. Other than the fact that the pride it gives us. And the respect that it demands, we love to play the game. So let's go out there and let's have fun tonight. Do you understand me?

Team: Yes, sir.

Eric: Because tomorrow, if you give 100% of yourself tonight people are gonna look at you differently. People are gonna think of you differently. And I promise you, you're gonna look and think differently about yourselves. Clear eyes, full hearts...

Landry: Can't lose.

Eric: Clear eyes, full hearts...

Players: Can't lose.

Eric: Let's hear it gentlemen. Clear eyes, full hearts...

Team: Can't lose!

Eric: Let's go play some football. Let's go!

( The team rushes out pumped to play. )

Eric: Let's go play some football! Let's go, let's go!

[EXT. W. Dillon Panthers]

( Crowd is pumped up waving blue and yellow. The place is packed and energetic. )

Sammy Meade (on radio): Opening night here in Panther Stadium and I'll tell you this crowd is pumped up!

[EXT. E. Dillon Lions]

( Quieter, a few in the crowd but mostly the stands are empty as the girl whose mom Tim slept with is singing the National Anthem. )

Girl: (singing) Oh, say does that star spangled banner wave... for the land of the free...

Stan: Free!!

( Coach sh**t him a look. )

Girl: (singing) and the home of the brave!

[EXT. W. Dillon]

Wade: (in a huddle with his team) We've got four quarters to play your hearts out boys! Do you understand that?

Team: Yes!

Wade: Go Panthers! Go deep!

Wade: (to Tami as she heads to make the coin toss) We win the toss we want to go D.

Tami: Go D.

Wade: That means we're kicking off so we want to go D.

Tami: Alright.

( Tami approaches the middle of the field with the ref and three members of both teams. J.D. is leading the Panthers, the football players have hands clutched as is tradition. )

Wade: (his voice in the background) Defense! We're kicking off!

Tami: Let's go boys.

Wade: (shouting the background) Tami! We like heads! Tami!! We like heads!

( She smiles and keeps walking. )

Tami: (to Ref) How you doing? Tami Taylor. Nice to meet you.

Ref: (to players) Gentlemen, shake hands, introduce yourselves.

( Players do as told. )

Tami: (to visiting football players) Welcome. Nice to meet you. Welcome.

Ref: Principal Taylor, as honorary captain, she's gonna call the toss. We have heads and we have tails, what are you gonna call?

Tami: Tails.

Ref: (tosses coin) The call is tails. (catches coin) Tails it is.

( J.D. is smugly thrilled. )

Ref: Your choice.

Tami: Um, we will take the ball. Offense.

Wade: (off in the distance) What'd she say?

Tami: Have a great game.

J.D.: (shocked) We wanted defense.

Ref: Gentlemen, please step around, look right here.

Wade: What she'd say? What she'd say?

( Joe McCoy is in the stands looking puzzled and stunned. )


J.D.: Offense!

Wade: Offense?

Tami: (smiling) You all have a great game now.

( She smiles as she walks off the field. )

Wade: Change of plans! Change of plans! Listen up!!!

( In the stands, Joe McCoy just has this look on his face knowing just why Tami did what she did. )

[EXT. E. Dillon Football Game]

Announcer: And here we go folks. Oh, it's a long high beautiful kick and East Dillon football is back. Vince Howard to the goal line. Finds a lane to the outside.

Eric: Run it! Run it!

Stan: Come on!

Announcer: Oh my. This kid can go. He is fast. Brutal hit. Vince Howard is down. Oh my, I can't believe this kid is getting up.

Olsen: Twenty-four power.

Eric: Hey, keep your focus. Keep your focus. Get them out there.

Stan: Kick butt, gentlemen. Let's go, let's go!

( Team in huddle. )

Olsen: Twenty-four power on one. Twenty-four power on one. Ready?

Team: Break!

Announcer: This it is folks. Olsen bringing the Lions to the line.

Olsen: Ready, set, down!

Announcer: There's the snap. (he throws it between Olsen's legs and the football tumbles to the ground) Oh, my, I think that went right through his legs.

Eric: What are you doing?

Announcer: Fumble! First play from scrimmage and we are not off to a pretty start here in East Dillon.

Eric: Come on now!

Announcer: Olsen opens left. Quick toss to Howard, trying to go on the outside, he's got nowhere to go. Oh, my.

Eric: Don't gimme that!

Announcer: Vince Howard gets drilled to the backfield. He got dessimated on that play, folks.

( The team is struggling and arguing. )

Vince: You're too slow.

t*nk: I am blocking...

Olsen: Shut up! Barracuda right twist!

Player: What?

Player: That's not the play.

Olsen: Yeah, it is.

Player: No, it's not.

Landry: It's Oklahoma right twist.

Olsen: Oklahoma right. Ready!

Announcer: Olsen back to pass. Pressure coming. Olsen goes down hard.

Eric: What is that?

Stan: What is that?

Eric: What is that?! Come on, open your eyes!

Announcer: South King on the speed sweep. He's got the outside. Fantastic blocking. He could go folks! Oh, my, here we go! Touchdown South King.

Eric: Someone get him off the field! Get him off the field!

Announcer: Late in the second quarter. South King back to pass. Got a man. Reservations for six. Another South King touchdown.

( Lions in huddle. )

Olsen: Come on guys, get in here. Get in tight.

Vince: Let's go guys.

Olsen: It's twenty-eight bounce. Twenty-eight bounce.

t*nk: I can't even feel my arms.

Player: So what, I'm...

Olsen: Landry, twenty eight bounce.

Landry: I heard you. I got it.

Vince: Ready?

Team: Break!

Anouncer: Olsen back to pass. They need something here, folks. Across the middle, oh a kick back by South King. (A Lions pass is caught by South King and moans everywhere.) He's gotta lane to the outside. Howard's got an angle. Oh my, Vince Howard is cracked at the forty. Another South King touchdown.

( Game is just getting worse and worse. Eric sees his team getting k*lled out there and can't do a damn thing about it. )

( HALF-TIME on the clock. )

Stadium Announcer: Coach Taylor is known for his remarkable half-time adjustments but I don't know if there is an adjustment to this. This is as bad as anything I have ever seen on a football field.

[INT. E. Dillon Locker Room]

( The team is a mess. Injuries everywhere. )

Assistant Coach: Can you flex it for me? Outside?

Vince: Mmm...

Assistant Coach: Okay, relax.

Vince: I can't stop.

Assistant Coach: Easy, just relax.

Vince: I can't stop my feet from twitching.

( Eric enters and all eyes fly to him. )

Assistant Coach: He didn't break it but he's got a hell of a high ankle sprain.

Vince: (looking at Asst. Coach) Tell him, tell him I can still go.

Assistant Coach: (reluctant) Alright, we'll tape it and see.

Vince: I can still play... I can still play...

Eric: I hear you. I hear you.

Eric (to another player): What'd we got?

Stan: He's gonna need stitches.

Eric: (to large player) t*nk, how are you doing?

t*nk: Solid.

( This gives Eric a small proud smile before he turns to Landry. )

Eric: Y'alright? (Landry nods when he notices some injury inside his mouth - a tooth maybe) What'd you got?

Landry: Nothing just...

Eric: (sticks his finger in Landry's mouth) This hurt?

Landry: Aiyee! (Eric pulls his finger out) I think it's alright.

( Music: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Sufjan Stevens )

[EXT. Football Field]

( Eric, looking visibly upset and conflicted walks under the bleachers and we see Tami has arrived. She watches as he approaches one of the refs. Coach is shaken by this but it needs to be done. )

Ref: Hey coach, we've still got a few more minutes. You've got a few more minutes.

Eric: (quietly) We gotta call the game.

Ref: You what?

Eric: I said we gotta call the game.

Ref: Coach, are you sure...?

Eric: Yeah, I gotta call the damn game.

Ref: Just like that?

Eric: What do you want - a dissertation or something?

Ref (sympathetically): Coach, I understand your upset...

Eric: Fine, Harvey. We would like to forfeit the game. How does that sound? Is that what you want to hear?

Ref: Okay, fine. (nods and walks onto the field to make announcement) Game is over. Dillon has forfeited. South King has won.

( Boos from the crowd – what little there is – and we see Tami arrived in time to watch Coach walking off the field. )

Man: Get him out of here! Get him out of here!