17 miami

8/8/2019 17 Miami

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GOAL TO GO

Episode 2.17

“Miami”

by David Polk

8/8/2019 17 Miami


2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Charlottelearning that she has terminal cancer.

TEASERFADE IN:

EXT. BEHIND FOOD KING – NIGHT

A WHITE COLLEGE GUY, on his knees, his face seriouslyswollen and bruised, is hit hard in the mouth. BloodSPURTS as the blow from a fist sends him to the ground.

INT. FOOD KING – CONTINUOUS

Pretty, petite Suzy Johnson is supervising a group of DELTA PLEDGES wearing Delta pink t-shirts and tight white jeans.Jeni Kim is among them. They’re almost the only customersin the store.

SUZYLet’s go, ladies. Just because theFood King is open all night doesn’t

mean we have all night. Those fresh-baked cannolis have to be at the Sigma

house before sunrise. As they walk through the aisle collecting ingredients, Suzy

catches sight of someone in Frozen Foods.

EXT. BEHIND FOOD KING – CONTINUOUS

The white college guy, beaten to a pulp, writhes on theground. ANGLE ON a pair of expensive high-top athleticshoes that step up to the college guy. PULL BACK and wesee the shoes belong to Moze, the pasty white gangsta

wannabe who sold steroids to Ronnie Taylor. Behind Mozeare two BLACK THUGS.

MOZEI try to be reasonable. Don’t Ifellas?

The thugs are like stone. Moze stands over the collegeguy, leans close to speak in his ear.

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4.

IPHONEMore tired than excited...Coach hasbeen working us pretty hard inpractice. And the media just makesthings crazier.

She glances at the freezer door, which he’s still holdingopen. He shuts it.

SUZYWarren, the Delta’s are having a partyat the Rivers mansion on Sunday night.To celebrate the game. You should comeby.

IPHONEUm...well...I got the impression from Portia and Achilles that they weren’tgoing to be going to any more Deltaparties.

SUZYThat’s okay. It’s not them I’m inviting, Warren.

EXT. BEHIND FOOD KING – CONTINUOUS

Moze pistol whips the college guy one last time. He looks

admiringly at the Glock then flicks off the safety,chambers it with a smooth, practiced stroke of ganstabravado.

MOZEMotherfuckers gots to know that I meanbeeyaznez when I say I wants my money.

He shoots the college guy in the back.

INT./EXT. FOOD KING – NIGHT

The Delta pledges walk through the sliding doors. Suzy andiPhone hang a few feet behind.

IPHONELook, Suzy, I appreciate you inviting

me on Sunday but...

SUZYBut what Warren? It will be fun.

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5.

IPHONEI know, but...Well I don’t really fitin at those –

SCREAMS from the pledges just as iPhone and Suzy exit thestore. iPhone comes along side of them, sees what they’re

looking at.The college guy has crawled round to the corner of thestore. He’s spitting blood and bleeding from the gunshotto his back. iPhone runs to help him.

IPHONEHe’s been shot! Okay bud, hang in...

Suzy joins him.

SUZYOh God, Warren! What do we do?!

IPHONE(to the girls gatheringround)

One of you, call 9-1-1! Now!

END TEASER

ACT ONEEXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DAWN

In what has become an almost daily regimen, Achilles Addamsand Ricky “Burner” Turner are alone in the stadium, inshorts and t-shirts, running pass plays.

At an imaginary line of scrimmage Burner, on Achilles’left, goes in motion, trotting toward Achilles.

ACHILLES

Hut-hut!

Achilles drops back, Burner cuts up the field. Achilleslooks to his right (away from Burner) then, without lookingin Burner’s direction, he lofts a pass high into the air.Burner runs underneath the pass and catches it in stride,just as he crosses the goal line.

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6.

INT. DALLAS’ DORM ROOM – DAWN

Dallas Morales and Cara Trzcinski have just made love andthey’re kissing in bed. A LOUD KNOCK on the door and theyreact.

DALLASWhat the fu –

CARA Could you tell your groupies to waituntil I’ve at least left the bed?

He smiles at her.

DALLAS(ref. the door)

I told this one you’d be up for athreesome.

CARA Dream on, Casanova.

Another loud KNOCK.

BREWSTER VOICE (O.S.)Morales, you up?

Dallas gets out of bed naked, grabs a pair of jeans on and

opens the door.DALLAS

Brewster! What the fuck, man, it’s sixthirty in the morning.

BREWSTERSorry, Morales. You knew HectorSanchez, right?

DALLASYeah. We went to high school and Chico

State together. So?

BREWSTERHe’s dead, man. Somebody shot him lastnight.

Dallas is stunned. Cara has put on one of Dallas’ t-shirtsand come up next to him.

CARA Dallas? You okay?

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7.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S HOME – BATHROOM – DAWN

Charlotte is sitting on the side of the bathtub in herrobe. She’s deep in thought, still coming to grips withthe reality that she will die of Leukemia.

We hear a PHONE RING O.S. After a couple of beats, a softKNOCK on the door gets Charlotte’s attention.

CHARLOTTEYes, come in.

Her husband Ronald Fraser enters, a somber expression onhis face.

RONALDChar...

CHARLOTTEYes, dear. What is it?

RONALDCampus Security is on the phone. Oneof your athletes, a baseball playernamed Sanchez. He’s been shot...andkilled.

Charlotte rises, immediately comes out of self-pity.

CHARLOTTEOh my.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET – DAY

Billy Donahue is finishing up his morning run. He reacheshis house, picks the newspaper up from the driveway and

walks around the side of the house.

INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN – DAY

Gale Donahue is on the phone when Billy comes in.

GALEOh here he is now, Charlotte.

She hands Billy the phone. As he takes it, she turns thekitchen television on.

BILLYYeah Charlotte, what’s up?

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8.

As Billy listens to the phone, Gale finds the news ontelevision.

BILLYThat’s awful, Charlotte, just awful.Gale’s found the story on the news.

(listens)No, what does it have to do with thefootball program?

INT. CHARLOTTE’S OFFICE – DAY

Charlotte is standing at her desk.

CHARLOTTEWarren Sitren found Hector outside asupermarket last night.

INTERCUT BILLY/CHARLOTTE

BILLYJesus.

CHARLOTTEYes. The police said that Hector wasbrutally beaten before he was shot.Finding him must have been a traumaticexperience for Warren. I want to bring

in a psychologist – a counselor – tospeak with him, if that’s alright withyou.

BILLYOf course, Charlotte. Let’s do

whatever is necessary. What about theboy’s folks? Have they been notified?

CHARLOTTEYes. I spoke to them just beforecalling you.

BILLYI’m sorry, Charlotte. I know that musthave been tough.

Charlotte looks at the PHOTO of her two daughters on herdesk: very pretty young women.

CHARLOTTEIt was a lot tougher for them.

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9.

EXT. HOSMER COMPLEX – DAY

Television satellite trucks are lined up outside the mainbuilding of the football complex.

Billy drives his Range Rover to a guard shack in front of

the coaches’ parking lot. A GUARD (JOSE) steps out. Billyrolls down the window.

JOSEGood morning, Coach.

BILLY‘Morning, Jose. Looks like you’ve gota few more guests this morning.

JOSEYes, Coach. And there are others atthe main campus. Now they’ve got theMiami game and last night’s shooting tokeep them busy.

Billy rolls up his window and drives through to hisreserved parking spot.

INT. BILLY’S OUTER OFFICE/OFFICE – DAY

Billy walks in and Donna grabs his schedule, stands up,

follows him into his office.DONNA

(ref. the schedule)Dr. Webb has asked that you have lunchalone with Mr. Pennebaker today. Sheand Chancellor Reed will be dealing

with the police on the Sanchezshooting. It’s justterrible...terrible what happened tothat boy. You have a three o’clock

with Ms. Cross – she says the

deposition should take an hour, perhapsan hour and a half. Oh, and Mr. Flynnhas asked for two more 30-minutetimeslots today for satellite mediainterviews with you and several of theplayers – Achilles, Burner, Cole,Dallas...He would like at least one ofthe timeslots this morning. The secondcan be at the usual time.

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10.

Billy’s seated behind his desk now. Donna stands in frontof him. It’s obvious that he’s bewildered.

INT. ESPN OFFICES (L.A.) – DAY

Gabrielle Woods is in a meeting with several ESPN REPORTERSand PRODUCERS. Their boss is ERNIE GREENE (40s), anintense man in a wrinkled shirt and colorful tie.

GREENEMiami – Washington Tech: hardly aratings extravaganza.

REPORTER #1Yeah, after a close one againstClemson, the ‘Canes stuck it toVirginia Tech with a vengeance. Lookslike your old buddy Billy Donahue is infor an old fashioned ass kicking onnational television this Saturday,Gabrielle.

GABRIELLEThat’s what the odds makers tell me.

GREENEWell, the game itself may turn out tobe a snorefest, but anytime the

Donahues are on national television it makes for good ratings. Viewers ate upthat Miss America-Mr. Heisman piece youdid last year, Gabrielle. The ratings

were off the charts.

GABRIELLEThanks. Like they say, the story wroteitself.

GREENEThat’s exactly why national wants you

to do something similar for the Miamigame.

GABRIELLEWhat? But Ernie, I’m not covering WaTech – or college football for that

matter - anymore.

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11.

GREENELook, Gabbie -

(she hates that name)Gabrielle: Brent, Kirk and Lisa aregoing to have their hands full tryingto turn chicken shit into chicken salad

if the ‘Canes open up a can of whup asson Wa Tech. We need to keep peopletuned in. You’re tight with theDonahues so this should be a cakewalkfor you.

Off Gabrielle’s look of exasperation...

INT. JIM FLYNN’S OFFICE – DAY

Wa Tech’s PR man is behind his desk talking on the hands-free headset phone, Jerry McGuire-style.

FLYNNRoss, you can’t be serious. You can’treport that she guaranteed a win overMiami.

(listens)Well, for starters how about becauseshe never said it.

(listens)No Ross, what Gale said was she

wouldn’t bet against her husband andhis team.(listens)

Look, Ross. This is Wolf Ryan’sdaughter we’re talking about. Whatelse do you expect her to say? ...

Flynn’s secretary, GRETA, comes in and hands him a note.He reads it and bolts upright.

FLYNNLook, Ross, I’d love to keep going

around on this until the cows comehome, I really would, but I can’t. Sohere’s how we’ve got to leave it: youprint that Gale Donahue “guarantees” a

win over Miami and I guarantee the nexttime the former Miss Texas talks to youshe’ll be wearing an Oklahoma jerseyand singing “Boomer Sooner.” Got it?

(listens)Good.

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12.

He punches a button to hang up. Then stands up and looksat Greta with wide eyes.

FLYNNGreta are you serious?! Is heserious?!

GRETA I guess. I just took the message.

FLYNNFrom Donna?

GRETA No, it was the Coach himself.

FLYNNHe’s killing me, Greta! It’sWednesday. The game is Saturday night.We can’t just stop talking to the pressthree days before the biggest game inWa Tech history!

Greta just stares at him.

INT. BILLY’S OFFICE – LATER

Billy is finishing up a conversation with iPhone.

BILLYLook, what you experienced was prettygruesome. It won’t hurt just to spendan hour talking about it with someone

who can help you deal with it.

IPHONEI’m all right, Coach. Really I am.

BILLYI’m sure you are, iPhone. Just do it

for me and Mrs. Donahue – she’s worriedabout you too, you know – okay?

IPHONEOkay, Coach.

They stand and Billy walks him to the door, his hand on thebig lineman’s shoulder. When iPhone leaves the office, Jim Flynn almost jumps out his chair in the waiting area.

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13.

FLYNNCoach, we’ve got to talk about this banon media...

BILLY(ignoring Flynn)

iPhone, Mrs. Donahue wants you to comeout to the house for dinner tonight.Okay?

IPHONEOkay, Coach.

Billy looks at Flynn impassively.

BILLYCome on in, Jim.

They sit at Billy’s desk.

FLYNNCoach, we’re days away from the biggestgame in the school’s history. I don’tthink we can afford to go dark on mediaright now.

BILLYHave you taken many calls about HectorSanchez?

FLYNNWhat? Oh, a few. We’re holding ajoint press briefing with the police ateleven. A few local reporters are oncampus trying to get studentreaction...Coach, Fox Sports hasalready sent a crew to do on-the-fieldinterviews with players after our lastpractice. And there are two crews upfrom Miami who want to do the story ofhow Achilles jilted the ‘Canes to come

to Wa Tech. You can’t buy this kind ofexposure, Coach. Well, you can butit’d cost millions!

BILLYWell they’re just out of luck, Jim.We’re done doing interviews until afterthe game.

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14.

FLYNN(flustered)

But Coach!

BILLYYou saw the news reports this morning,

Jim. A young man is dead and the mediais using that tragedy as a teaser tolead in to their coverage of a footballgame. How many interviews with myplayers do you think will end up with aquestion or two about Sanchez? “Didyou know him?” “Will something likethis take your focus off of Miami?”That’s bullshit, Jim. I’m not going tostand for it. It’s demeaning to theboy and to his family.

FLYNNWe’ll have to cancel interviews that

we’ve already agreed to in addition tothe one’s you want me to turn down.What do I tell the press, Coach?

BILLYTell them the truth. That we’ll do allof our talking on the field Saturdaynight. If those vultures in the pressstill want to talk to us after it’s

over, fine.

INT. MOTEL 6 – ROMM 239 – DAY

Portia and Reverend Robeson are hugging good-bye. She’scrying uncontrollably. He tries to comfort her.

REVEREND ROBESONNow, now, Baby Girl. This too shallpass.

He lifts her chin with a finger, kisses her on theforehead.

PORTIA Daddy, I’m going to miss you so much.

(begins balling again)I don’t want you to go, Daddy! I don’t

want you to go!

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15.

REVEREND ROBESONPortia, you know that the Lord has aplan for all of us. And, as circuitousas it may seem, this is His plan for

me. I’ve been weak and I have sinned.Now I must atone for those sins; He

knows that this is the harshestpunishment he could give me, to leave my precious Baby Girl behind. But I

know that if I prove myself worthyagain, He will wash away my sins andreunite us. And then I’ll be worthy ofyour love and respect.

PORTIA Daddy, I never stopped loving you.I’ll never stop loving you...

ACHILLES (O.S.)Taxi’s downstairs.

They turn to see Achilles standing in the doorway. Portiaclings to her father one last time. He holds her face inhis hand, wipes away her tears with both thumbs.

REVEREND ROBESONI love you, Baby Girl. You rememberthat.

PORTIA (fighting tears)I love you, Daddy.

They kiss and hug tightly. He breaks away and goes to thedoor, stops in front of Achilles.

REVEREND ROBESONYou take care of my Baby Girl.

ACHILLES(coolly)

You don’t need to worry about that.

Reverend Robeson holds out his hand to shake. Achillesdoesn’t, just looks impassively in the preacher’s eyes.

ACHILLESThe meter’s running Reverend.

Reverend Robeson nods his head in understanding. Heglances back at Portia one last time, smiles then walkspast Achilles out the door.

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16.

Portia starts to lose it again. Achilles takes her in hisarms and she breaks down in tears.

INT. CHEVY SRR – DAY

Dallas and Cara sit in his roadster in the parking lot ofD’Agostino’s Restaurant. She’s in her waitress uniform ofblack shirt and black khakis.

CARA I don’t have to go in today. I canstay with you.

DALLASStay with me? What for?

CARA You’ve been really quiet since...sincethis morning.

DALLASI’m fine, Red. I don’t need ababysitter.

CARA I know...It’s just, well, from what yousaid I got the idea that you and Hector

were friends.

DALLASWe are...were. Look, I’ll be alright,okay.

CARA Okay. I’ll come by your room rightafter work –

DALLASCara!

(beat)

Weren’t you and Cake going to look atthat apartment together after work?

CARA Yeah.

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17.

DALLASSo do that!

(then, softer) And after, maybe we can go over to

Josie’s and shoot a little pool beforecurfew.

CARA Okay Dallas.

She leans over and kisses him on the mouth before gettingout of the car.

EXT. QUAD – DAY

iPhone is walking across the quad. His IPHONE rings and hepulls it from his pocket.

IPHONEHello?

INT. DELTA HOUSE (HALLWAY) – DAY

Suzy’s on her cell phone.

SUZYWarren. Hi.

INTERCUT IPHONE/SUZY

IPHONESuzy? Hi. How did you know my cellphone number?

SUZYI’m a Delta, Warren. We get what we

want.

IPHONE

Oh. You wanted my cell phone number?

SUZYI wanted to know how you’re doing. Areyou okay? What happened last night wasawful. Simply awful.

IPHONEYeah, it was. But I’m fine. How areyou?

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18.

SUZYI’ve never seen anyone die before,Warren. It was...

(begins tearing up)It was just horrible to see someone inso much pain.

IPHONEHey, Suzy. It’s alright. It’sokay...Hey I just talked to a griefcounselor. It was kinda weird atfirst, but it turned out to be not sobad. I’m sure he’d talk to you if you

want.

SUZYMaybe...maybe I could just talk to you,Warren.

IPHONE...Okay.

INT. GABRIELLE’S OFFICE – DAY

Gabrielle’s on the speakerphone.

GABRIELLEWhat do you mean no more interviews

until after the game?!FLYNN (V.O.)

Just that, Gabrielle. Coach Donahuehas made a decision and that’s that.

GABRIELLEJim, I’m talking about a major feature.We’d tease it in promos for the gamestarting tomorrow and air it duringhalftime, just like the other piece Idid for the network.

FLYNN (V.O.)Gabrielle, you’re preaching to thechoir here, alright. But forget it.Coach is dead set against doing any

more media before the game.

GABRIELLE And what does the A-D have to say about

it?

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19.

FLYNN (V.O.)Dr. Webb has more pressing matters todeal with today.

GABRIELLE Are you serious, Jim? You’re playing

on national television in three days.What’s more important than that?

FLYNN (V.O.)You mean you haven’t followed thestory? One of our baseball players wasshot to death last night just offcampus.

GABRIELLEOh my God, Jim. I didn’t know.

FLYNN (V.O.)It’s been a real shock to the campus.So far it’s been more of a local story.The police are all over it; hopefully

we’ll catch the bastards responsiblesoon.

GABRIELLEJim, how is Dr. Webb holding up?

FLYNN (V.O.)

You know how she is. She’s got it allunder control.

GABRIELLEOkay. Good...Jim, I hope youunderstand, but I’m going to have to godirectly to Coach Donahue with myinterview request. No offense, butthe network brass won’t be satisfied

with a “No” from the PR department.

FLYNN (V.O.)

None taken, and suit yourself. I thinkCoach has a soft spot for you,Gabrielle, but this time it’s going totake more than sweet talk to change his

mind.

GABRIELLEThanks for the heads up, Jim.

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20.

INT. BILLY’S OFFICE – MINUTES LATER

Billy is on the phone when Donna comes in.

BILLYI’m sorry, Harold, but I’m going to

have to bail on lunch today.(listens)Yeah, I know, Saunders is an importantsupporter of the program. I just can’tget away today. Something else hascome up.

(listens)Great. Thanks for understanding andI’ll see you both down in Miami.

After he hangs up.

DONNA I didn’t schedule anything else for youat lunchtime, Coach.

BILLYI know, Donna. I just don’t want todeal with boosters today. EspeciallyHarold and his big shot buddies.

A beat while Donna tries to read him. Then

DONNA Ms. Woods from ESPN is on hold. She’sbeen holding for about twenty minutes.Said it’s important and that she’salready talked to Mr. Flynn.

INT. GABRIELLE’S OFFICE – ONE MINUTE LATER

GABRIELLEBilly you’ve got to be reasonable.

INT. BILLY’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

BILLYReasonable? How reasonable is it tohave you of all people doing aninterview with Gale and me? That’sjust crazy, Elle. Crazy.

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21.

INTERCUT GABRIELLE/BILLY

GABRIELLEBilly, do you honestly think I want todo this?! That I want to sit downacross from that woman and ask her

about your relationship?! I just wantto throw up every time I think aboutit. And believe me, Billy, I’ve triedsix ways from Sunday to get out ofdoing this interview. But network

wants an exclusive and they expect meto deliver. It’s my job...my career.

BILLYWhat are you saying, Elle?

Beat.

GABRIELLEI’m saying that if I can’t come throughon this then...

She stops abruptly.

BILLYIf you can’t come through on this,

what, Elle?

GABRIELLEThen maybe I don’t get the promotion toBristol.

END OF ACT ONE

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22.

ACT TWO

INT. D’AGOSTINO’S – DAY

Achilles and Portia are at a table. She’s still saddenedby her father’s departure. Cara comes over with bread for

their table.CARA

(ignores Achilles)Hi Portia.

PORTIA Hello Cara.

Cara clocks her melancholy mood.

CARA You alright? You look a little down.

PORTIA (brightens)

I’m fine, Cara. Just a little tiredtoday.

ACHILLESYou going to tell us the lunch specialsor do we have to guess?

Cara looks at him, doesn’t say a word. Then she returnsher attention to Portia.

CARA (to Portia)

We have an Italian Wedding soup today – but that may be a little heavy for you.I recommend the prosciutto and melonsalad. It’s light and it’s delicious.

PORTIA That sounds good. I’ll have that.

Achilles is looking at his MENU to decide. Cara takes itfrom him. He reacts “What the f--?”

CARA (to Portia)

I’ll be right back with Iced Tea.

Achilles watches her go and looks at Portia. She’s alreadydeep in thought about her father again.

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23.

Cara puts in the lunch order, grabs a PITCHER of ICED TEA and crosses the restaurant back to their table. She poursa glass for Portia. Then she intentionally misses

Achilles’ glass and pours the rest of the tea directly ontohis lap. He reacts, nearly jumping from the chair.

ACHILLESWhat! What are you doing?!

CARA (feigned concern)

Oh...I’m so sorry. Please...forgive me.

ACHILLESWhat is wrong with you?

Portia is unconcerned. Cara walks away toward the kitchen. Achilles uses his napkin but it’s useless. He goes to the

bathroom.

INT. BATHROOM – DAY

Achilles uses paper towels to soak up most of the liquidfrom his jeans.

INT. D’AGOSITINO’S (WAITRESS STATION) – MOMENTS LATER

Achilles approaches Cara, the tea stain comically clear onhis jeans. WAITRESSES make themselves scarce.

ACHILLESWhat the hell, Lesbot?

CARA (angrily)

It was bad enough that you knew Lindsay was screwing around on me and didn’t

say anything about it. But now, when

there’s no reason for you to hang out with him, you’re going on gambling

trips together?

ACHILLES(ref. his wet jeans)

Is that what this is about?

CARA You’re an asshole.

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24.

ACHILLESLindsay was a dick to you, I know. AndI’m sorry I didn’t say something backthen. But he was my roommate and it

wasn’t my place to stick my nose in hisbusiness. Plus, that was before you

and me started hanging out. Besidesyou’re over him now, right? You andMorales are tight, right?

CARA Of course we’re tight, asshole! That’snot the point.

ACHILLESSo what the hell is the point?!

CARA You’re a guy. I would think you’d knowthis by now. It’s supposed to be “brosbefore ho’s.” And here’s a hint foryou, Einstein: in this scenario Lindsayis the “ho.”

Beat. Achilles looks her over, focusing on her chest.

ACHILLESYeah well...you’re definitely more likea bro in some areas.

She smirks then punches him playfully, but hard, in thesolar plexus. He doubles over.

CARA Don’t ever choose him over me again,Einstein.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBB’S OFFICE – DAY

Charlotte is meeting with Police Chief Sal D’Agostino, who

we should remember from Season One.

CHIEF D’AGOSTINOMr. Sanchez racked up some prettysizable debts to bookies and shylocksfrom here to L.A. Apparently, he hadquite a gambling problem. He’s beenbetting on sports since he was injunior high. It finally caught up tohim.

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25.

CHARLOTTE Any leads on which of those people

killed him, Chief?

CHIEF D’AGOSTINOUnfortunately, iPhone and the sorority

girls didn’t see anyone in the area when they found him. But we’ve got ashort list of suspects.

CHARLOTTEGood. I know we’re aligned on thisChief. I want the bastards who killedHector.

CHIEF D’AGOSTINOWe’re on it. We’ve already picked up acouple of people for questioning.

(beat)Look Dr. Webb, you should know mydepartment has been investigatingillegal sports gambling in town forsome time now. I’m afraid Mr. Sanchezisn’t the only Wa Tech athlete involvedin a gambling ring on campus.

Charlotte’s ire is apparent.

CHARLOTTE

Chief, why am I only now learning of aninvestigation into student-athletegambling on my campus?

INT. JOSEPHINE’S PIZZERIA – SUNSET

The popular eatery is buzzing with locals.

ANGLE ON Cara’s taut ass in skintight jeans as she leansover the pool table, lining up a tough shot.

DALLASTwenty bucks says you choke on thatshot, Red.

She flashes a mischievous grin.

CARA Make it fifty. And how many times do Ihave to tell you, don’t call me Red.

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26.

DALLASRight. Sorry about that. Red.

She takes the shot and misses. He stands there holding hispool cue, grinning. She frowns and digs in her pocket forthe cash. Knows she doesn’t have it.

CARA Sorry, Casanova, I’m tapped out.

(moves very close to him)Guess you’ll just have to beat it outof me tonight.

He reacts, turns away just before she kisses him.

CARA Dallas, what is it?

AT A TABLE – LATER

DALLASMe and Hector were in rival gangs inhigh school, but we became teammates onthe baseball team. Eventually webecame friends too. We both alwaysneeded money. Betting on games was aneasy way to get it...It was legal and

we didn’t have to gang bang for it.

CARA But Dallas, baby, it’s illegal to beton your own team.

DALLASWe never did that...At least I neverdid. But by the time we went to juniorcollege, we started laying down bigbets on games. We made most of our

money on basketball. When we got to WaTech --

CARA (interrupts, frightened)

Dallas...are you mixed up with the samepeople Hector was dealing with?

Off Dallas...

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27.

INT. DONAHUE FOYER/DINING ROOM – SUNSET

iPhone is greeted in the foyer by Gale. She gives him a motherly hug and kiss.

GALE

Warren, how are you dear?IPHONE

I’m fine, Mrs. D.

Billy comes in and gives him a slap on the bicep.

BILLYGood practice today, iPhone. I hopeyou saved your appetite because Gale’s

whipped up quite a feast.

She takes him by the arm and leads him into the diningroom. J.R. Donahue and Gracie Wellington are already atthe table, talking. J.R. stands to greet the big lineman.

J.R.Hey, iPhone.

IPHONEHey, J.R.

GALE

(ref. Gracie)J.R., honey, don’t be rude.

J.R.Oh, yeah. This is my girlfriend,Gracie.

GRACIEHi iPhone.

GALEThe boys in the locker room call him

that, Gracie. His name is Warren.

GRACIEOh, sorry. Hello Warren.

IPHONEHi Gracie.

Gale gestures to a chair across from Gracie.

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28.

GALEWarren, sit down here. Dinner will beserved in just a minute. Gracie, wouldyou mind?

She motions for Gracie to help her in the kitchen.

GRACIEOh! Yes, of course, Mrs. Donahue.

They leave.

J.R.So iPhone, they said on the news thatyou were with a bunch of sorority girls

when you found Sanchez. What’s up withthat?

BILLY(warning)

J.R.

IPHONEWe were just coming out of the FoodKing at the same time.

J.R. At twelve thirty?

BILLYJ.R., really.

J.R.Sorry Dad. Just trying to makeconversation.

BILLYWell it’s not the right conversation to

make at the dinner table.

J.R.

But dinner’s not here yet.

Billy bores into J.R. with his eyes.

IPHONEIt’s alright, Coach. I’d be curioustoo if it was somebody else.

(to J.R.)The Deltas were doing some midnightshopping for a pledge assignment. I

was there because I had the munchies.

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29.

J.R.That was way past curfew, wasn’t it?

IPHONE(sheepishly)

Yeah...

BILLY And Coach Garcia made him run stadium

stairs for it. The next time you breaka team rule, Sitren, you’ll be runningstairs and pulling splinters out ofyour ass for two games.

INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

Gale and Gracie are preparing to take dinner into thedining room. Gracie’s putting vegetables into a servingdish, her back to Gale.

GALEThat’s a cute outfit, Gracie.

Gracie turns to face her.

GRACIEThank you. I got it on sale at Benji’sBoutique.

GALE(not surprised)

Really?(then a discerning look)

Gracie...

GRACIEYes? Is something wrong?

Gracie checks her blouse for food stains.

GALEPink really isn’t the new black if it’snot slenderizing, dear.

Gale’s words are worse than a grease splatter. Gracie issuddenly and totally self-conscious.

INT. DONAHUE DINING ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Gale and Gracie come out with food and put it on the table.

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30.

IPHONE(eyeing rib roast)

That smells great, Mrs. D.

GALEThank you, Warren. Don’t be shy. I

made this for you so eat all you want.Gracie puts a bowl of mashed potatoes down in front ofBilly. He clocks her consternation.

BILLYGracie, are you alright?

GRACIE(covers)

Oh I’m fine, Coach.

INT. RONNIE TAYLOR’S DORM ROOM – NIGHT

320-pound offensive tackle Ronnie Taylor sits on his bed wearing only briefs. He carefully fills a syringe with

steroids from a vial. Then he stands up and, after a moment’s hesitation, plunges the needle into his butt.

INT. BURNER AND MIA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Mia Cartwright is on the bed, packing a duffel bag.BURNER (O.S.)

(calling out)Mia, baby, where’s that hand lotion Iuse? I can’t find it.

MIA (calls out)

You ran out, boo. I’ll get you some more this weekend.

Burner comes from another room. He’s stressed out over thelotion.

BURNERBut I need it for the game.

MIA Ricky, baby, you wear gloves in thegame. You don’t need lotion to helpyou catch the ball.

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31.

BURNERBut you told me you read somewhere thatthat’s Jerry Rice’s favorite lotion.It kept his hands soft and helpedincrease his feel for the ball.

MIA Really? I told you that?

BURNERYeah! You did!

Mia moves the duffel off the bed, stands and loops her armsaround his waist.

MIA (smiles)

Boo, I lied. I wanted you to have softhands when you rubbed them all over mybody.

Burner relaxes, grins his trademark grin.

BURNERI’m pretty sure they’re still soft from the last of the lotion.

MIA Uh-huh...you better let me be the judge

of that.They kiss deeply.

BURNER AND MIA’S BEDROOM – LATER

Burner and Mia lie naked in each other’s arms.

BURNERTheir corners are so good. When youlook at the film it’s like they’realready in the NFL.

MIA You’re going to do fine, boo. You and

Achilles have worked your asses offgetting ready for this game.

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32.

BURNERBut it’s the College Football Game ofthe Week. Everybody’s going to be

watching. NFL scouts...Everybody.What if we get blown out?

Beat. She senses his fear.MIA

Ricky. Look at me.(he does)

No matter what happens on Saturdaynight, you’re still going to be my mancome Sunday morning.

END OF ACT TWO

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33.

ACT THREE

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BEDROOM – DAWN

ANGLE ON a digital clock: 6:09 a.m. It turns to 6:10 andthe ALARM BUZZES. Billy’s hand comes into frame, turns off

the alarm. He rolls over, exhausted. WIDEN to show Galelying next to him. She gives him a peck on the lips.

GALEBetter cut your run to five miles this

morning, honey. We’re already behindschedule.

(a naughty grin)Sorry about that.

She gets out of bed, walks naked into the bathroom. Wehear the shower start. Billy stares at the ceiling.

INT. ACHILLES’ LOFT – DAY

ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN: local news coverage of the SeaDevils arriving at the airport for their flight to Miami.Billy and Gale walk hand-in-hand past cameras and reportersonto the jet way. Gale smiles politely but doesn’t stop toanswer questions. Over this, sportscaster Sandy Sandersonreports...

SANDERSON (V.O.)In contrast to their departure for anaway game two weeks ago, Coach and Mrs.Donahue didn’t stop for interviews this

morning before boarding the team planefor Miami. The Sea Devils have hadabsolutely no contact with the mediasince Coach Donahue yesterday bannedall interviews, saying in a pressrelease that he and his players wouldresume normal communications after theMiami game. Despite the bunker

mentality of their head coach, SeaDevils players appeared to be in goodspirits this morning...

Players walk past the camera. They seem relaxed: runningback Crash Davis mugs and mouths “Hi Mom”, flanker GregEricsson (who we remember from Season One) gives a thumbsup, Cole Seavers sneers good-naturedly, Burner grinsconfidently, Achilles nods coolly...

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34.

PORTIA

is at the kitchen counter watching Achilles on television.With her father leaving the country and Achilles goingacross the country, we sense the depth of her loneliness.

INT. MEETING ROOM – DAY

Gale sits at a table. Waiting. A door opens behind herand Gabrielle Woods comes in. Gale stands. The two womenstare at each other for a long beat. (This should remind usof their bitch session in Episode 13, only instead of

wearing evening gowns they’re both in business suits).

Months have passed since they last spoke but it’s stillcolder than Antarctica in the room.

GALESo where do you want to do this?

GABRIELLEWe’ve set up outside, on the sideline.

GALE All right. Let’s go.

Gale walks past Gabrielle toward the door.

GABRIELLEGale.

Gale turns but doesn’t speak. Just looks at her.

GABRIELLEWhy are you doing this?

Beat.

GALEMy “husband” suggested that landing

this exclusive would all but guaranteeyour promotion to ESPN headquarters inBristol. I much prefer that you be aseven-hour flight away than two hours.

GABRIELLESo he told you about that?

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35.

GALEUnlike your “ex”, my husband tells meeverything. He told me about you,didn’t he?

GABRIELLE

Only because he knew it was the only way I’d stay with him.

Beat.

GALE(a small, victory smile)

Ironic, don’t you think?

She turns and leaves.

EXT. LAND SHARK STADIUM – LATER

The stands are empty. On the field, the grounds crewprepares the field for the game, which is still a day away.

On the visitors’ sideline, Gabrielle is doing a stand upinterview with Gale. They take a break and Gabrielle givesinstructions to her CAMERAMAN and PRODUCER. A MAKEUP

ARTIST is giving Gale a touch up.

GABRIELLE

Intercut video from vintage Texas A&Mgames with Coach Ryan on the sidelines with newer footage of Coach Donahue on

the sidelines this season and last.But no Cotton Bowl video from the NotreDame game. Also, there should be videoof Mrs. Donahue from the A&M games. I

want that woven in too.

PRODUCERGot it, Gabrielle.

GABRIELLEI just have a couple more questions,Gale, if that’s alright?

GALE(pleasantly)

Of course Elle, not at all.

Gabrielle reacts to Gale’s use of “Elle”.

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36.

GABRIELLEThank you.

(to crew) Alright, let’s wrap this. I don’t want

to take any more of Mrs. Donahue’s timethan absolutely necessary.

Gale smiles at Gabrielle and we know the hatred behind hersmile has no bounds. Gabrielle and Gale take theirpositions and the bright CAMERA LIGHTS pop on.

CAMERAMANWhenever you’re ready.

GABRIELLESo Gale, over the bye week youreportedly told the media in Maitlandthat you expect the Sea Devils to upsetthe Hurricanes. That’s a pretty boldstatement. Would you like to clarify?

Gabrielle smiles, thinks she’s cornered her adversary.

GALEGabrielle, I don’t think I need toclarify what I said, but if you thinkit would help, I can simplify mystatement.

GABRIELLEPlease. Do.

GALEThe Sea Devils will beat the Hurricanestomorrow night.

The cameraman reacts: “Did she just say what I think shesaid?” The producer’s mouth drops along with the pen she

was taking notes with. The makeup artist blushes.Gabrielle stares. Gale just smiles.

INT. JIM FLYNN’S HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Jim Flynn is on his cell phone taking serious heat. Wehear a VOICE SCREAMING through the phone. We can only makeout a few words: “...unacceptable!” and “...double dealingson of a bitch!”

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37.

FLYNNRoss, Ross, Ross. Listen Ross. Sheagreed to the exclusive without myknowledge! I swear I didn’t know! Shedidn’t even tell Coach Donahue!

More vitriol through the phone: “...lying bastard!” Flynnlooks forlornly at the television.

ON THE TELEVISION: VIDEO of Gale’s interview withGabrielle. In the top corner of the screen the word “ESPNExclusive”. The chyron below Gale’s smiling face reads:“Coach’s wife predicts upset of No. 1 ranked ‘Canes.”

INT. VISITORS’ LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

The mood in the locker room is tighter than a nun’s ass onSunday. Some players try to relax with headphones,

meditation, etc., while others zone out.

INT. VISTING COACHES’ OFFICE – CONTINUOUS

Billy and Achilles are alone, side-by-side, hunched over inchairs. Billy’s voice is soft, steady, comforting.

BILLYThe media’s made a lot out of you

coming back here to play the school youstiff armed a year ago. Theirquarterback, Willis, he’s looking toprove he didn’t get the job by default.

Achilles nods.

BILLYTheir defense won’t be satisfied withshutting you down, they want toembarrass you...They’ll go forturnovers. They figure you’ll crack

after one or two interceptions.

Achilles nods.

BILLY Achilles...nobody’s expecting you to be

perfect tonight so don’t psycheyourself out there. What I am expecting is for you to lead this team

(MORE)

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38.

BILLY (CONT’D.) with character and courage...I told you

once that the words “quarterback” and“leader” are synonymous, that once youfigured out how to make those guys outthere follow you you’d be the true

leader of this team.(beat)This is your team now Achilles, andtonight those guys would follow youinto hell. Your job is to bring them back with their pride intact.

The words sink in. They look into each other’s eyes.

BILLYYou don’t have to be perfect, Achilles.

(beat)You just have to win.

SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. LAND SHARK STADIUM - NIGHT

More than 76,000 crazed fans are crammed into the stadium.The excitement is palpable: bands are playing; cheerleadersare jumping and gyrating; mascots are flipping out. Thisis what college football is all about.

ON THE SIDELINE ABC Sports reporter LISA SALTER is bringing us up to speed moments before kickoff.

LISA I talked with Miami head coach RandyWagner and asked him about all the hypesurrounding tonight’s game. I asked

whether he felt thirty fifth-rankedWashington Tech deserved to be in thenational spotlight against his number

one ‘Canes, and he said that all weekhe’s reminded his players the SeaDevils are a dangerous, up and comingteam and not to overlook them. I alsoasked him if his defense has doneanything special to prepare for WaTech’s sophomore quarterback Achilles

Addams, who has the best quarterbackrating in college football right now,averages 320 yards passing a game and

(MORE)

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39.

LISA (CONT’D.) who hasn’t thrown an interception in

his last four starts, going back lastseason. Coach Wagner said his team hasn’t done anything special for Addams- who turned down a scholarship to the

U - but he expects his two All-Americancornerbacks to have success tonightagainst Addams and the Devils’ vauntedpassing attack.

INT. PADDY AGNEW’S LUXURY BOX – NIGHT

TWO-DOZEN rich ‘Canes fans are boozing and sucking downshrimp cocktail like it’s going out of style. Paddy Agnew,the rotund, gold chain-wearing Miami booster we met inEpisode One, is working the room. He sidles up to a highschool football RECRUIT and slaps him on the back.

AGNEWSo son, you having a great time yet?

RECRUIT(smiles)

Yes sir, Mr. Agnew, a great time!

AGNEWHow many times do I have to tell you?

Call my Paddy. Everybody does.RECRUIT

Okay, sure thing, Paddy.

AGNEWThis game ought to be realinstructional for you. You’ll see whathappens to the players who don’t haveenough sense to accept a scholarship tothe U when it’s handed to them on asilver plate.

RECRUITYou mean Addams?

AGNEWYou damn right I mean Addams. I

wouldn’t be surprised if Phelps andJefferson get five or six picks betweenthem tonight. That’s if the D-line

(MORE)

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40.

AGNEW (CONT’D.)don’t break the boy’s neck first.

(notices someone approaching) Ah...here’s somebody I want you to meet.

The recruit turns to see the Latina beauty from Episode One who slept with Achilles on his recruiting trip to Miami.Her name is MERCEDES. She speaks with a Spanish accent to

Agnew, but smiles invitingly at the recruit.

MERCEDESHello Paddy. Are you going tointroduce me to your new friend?

The recruit is smitten.

END OF ACT THREE

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41.

ACT FOUR

EXT. LAND SHARK STADIUM – NIGHT

WILLIS, the Hurricanes quarterback, reads the defense as heapproaches the line of scrimmage. We see his eyes through

his facemask: he’s cool, confident, in complete control.He barks the signals, takes the snap, drops back and passesto a TIGHT END on a seam pattern. The tight end makes thecatch and is tackled immediately by Dallas at the goalline. His momentum carries him into the end zone.

An OFFICIAL signals touchdown.

‘Canes players celebrate in the end zone. In the stands,fans go wild.

MUSBURGER (V.O.) And so Willis caps a seventy-yard

opening drive with a touchdown striketo his tight end. Kirk, it’s going tobe a long night for the Sea Devils ifthey allow this quarterback to get intoa rhythm.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.)You’ve got that right, Brent. ThisHurricanes offense is one of the most

potent in college football; theycontrol the ball extremely well andthey can score on almost any play from any spot on the field.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)Coach Billy Donahue and the Devilsoffense better have brought their A-game to South Florida tonight or it’sgoing to get ugly.

ON THE SIDELINE

Billy is giving last minute instructions to Achilles.

BILLYOkay, Achilles. No huddle, “lookoffense.” Take it to ‘em.

ACHILLESGot it.

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42.

Billy slaps Achilles’ helmet and the quarterback trots ontothe field toward the huddle.

IN THE HUDDLE

The offense is tense when Achilles steps in.

ACHILLESI hope all you girls took a dump before

we came out, ‘cause there’s no time forshitting around now.

A collective laugh. The tension is broken.

ACHILLES(in command)

Alright, here we go. Let’s makesomething happen. No huddle. Spreadset, Eagle 50, slot curl, X stop n’ go.On one. Ready...

TEAMBreak!

MUSBURGER (V.O.)Here come the Sea Devils, led bysophomore quarterback Achilles Addams.This young man threw for 3,000 yards asa freshman, and coming into tonight’s

game has a quarterback passer rating of173.75, the best in college football.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.)That’ll be a tough stat to hold ontotonight, Brent, going up against thisveteran Hurricanes defensive secondary.

ON THE FIELD

Achilles lines up in the shotgun. He takes the snap from iPhone, sets up in the pocket and looks down field. His

receivers are all covered. A DEFENSIVE LINEMAN breaksthrough and bears down on him. Achilles takes off,scrambling for a first down.

He jumps up off the turf and the Sea Devils hurry back tothe line of scrimmage.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.) Addams is quickly bringing them back to

the line. Maybe Wa Tech offensive(MORE)

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43.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.)coordinator Bob Garcia thinks they cankeep Miami’s defense off balance byrunning a little no huddle to start thegame.

MONTAGE #1 – THE FIRST DRIVE Achilles runs the no huddle offense: hits Burner on a slant

route for 7 yards; tosses a pass to Crash Davis in theflats that gets 6 more yards and a first down; findsEricsson in the seam for a gain of 15 yards; two morepasses to Burner puts the Sea Devils on the right side ofthe 50-yard-line;

The ‘Canes bring the blitz but iPhone, Ronnie Taylor andthe offensive line pick it up; Burner torches a Miamisafety deep in the Cover Two zone for a big gain;

On second and 10 from the Miami 18-yard-line, Achilles seessomething funny in the defense, calls an audible and firesa bullet to Jet Johnson, who catches it in stride and trotsinto the end zone untouched.

END MONTAGE #1

ON THE SIDELINE

Sea Devils players and coaches whoop it up. Billy watches

impassively as Achilles and the offense make their way tothe sideline. He knows there’s still a long way to go.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)Oh my! From the looks of that firstdrive, I’d say the Sea Devils aretrying to send a message that they’renot intimidated by the BCS rankings.

Achilles walks up and down the bench, giving his linemen,including iPhone and Ronnie, encouragement as drink waterand take oxygen.

SCOREBOARD - Miami 7, Wa Tech 7, 3:02, first quarter

INT. DELTA HOUSE (GREAT ROOM) – NIGHT

The GIRLS, including Suzy and her best friend RileyYamaguchi, react to the Sea Devils touchdown. There are afew SIGMA fraternity boys watching with the Deltas,including Suzy’s beau de jour Greg Bradford. Suzy smiles

when she sees iPhone on the screen.

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44.

INT. HELO’S PUB – LATER

The place is packed with locals and students. A cheererupts following a play on the big screen televisions.

ON THE SCREENS: A Miami receiver trying to make a catch

over the middle is HAMMERED by Dallas. The ball pops free.Cara, with Cake and their local GIRLFRIENDS, cheers theloudest for Dallas’ hard tackle that causes the incompletepass.

INT. DARRYL’S CABIN – LATER

Mathilda Weiss, curled up on the sofa, and Darryl Banks, ina La-Z-Boy, react to the TELEVISION SCREEN as a Miamirunning back bursts through a hole in the line and rushesfor a touchdown.


SCOREBOARD - Miami 14, Wa Tech 7, 5:30 left, second quarter

ON THE FIELD

Achilles and the Sea Devils offense go to work again from their own 30-year-line. From the shotgun, Achilles throws

a short pass to his TIGHT END, who rumbles for a firstdown. Hurrying the team back to the line, he then hitsBurner underneath the ‘Canes zone coverage for a 15-yardgain.

MIAMI SIDELINE

COACH WAGNER (40s), athletic with a stern expression, isshowing signs of concern.

WAGNER(into headset)

Look, Stu, we need to get some pressureon this kid, pronto. Get into hishead.

WA TECH SIDELINE

Billy, eyes focused like lasers on the field, is talking toBob Garcia up in the coaches’ booth.

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45.

BILLY(into headset)

They’re going to turn up the heat onour boy, Bob, so keep the routes short.He’s looking good so far.

GARCIA (V.O.)Real good. I think we can catch them off guard with some misdirection.Trips right, Cadillac sixty, H-delay.

ON THE FIELD

Achilles gets the play from an assistant’s hand gestures,stands in the shotgun formation and calls the play at theline.

ACHILLESBlue sixty! Blue sixty! Hut-hut-hut!

The ‘Canes come with a double cornerback blitz. Achilleshands off to Crash, who gets a terrific block from Ronniethen skirts off tackle for 8 yards and a first down.

COACH WAGNER

slaps his PLAYSHEET on his hand in frustration.

ACHILLES

calls the next play from the shotgun formation...seessuspicious movement in the Miami defense. He AUDIBLES.

MUSBURGER (V.O.) Addams is changing the play at the

line...

Achilles takes the snap, rolls to his right, gets anawesome block from Ronnie then takes off on a 20-yardscramble before stepping out of bounds at the Miami 40-yard-line.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.)That’s what makes Addams so dangerous;he’s got the arm but he’s also got thelegs that make him a threat to run whenhis receivers are covered.

Back in the shotgun, Achilles looks over the defense, callsout the play. He takes the snap, drops back and zips apass to Burner, who catches it and turns on the jets,racing into the end zone for a touchdown.

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46.

INT. NINA AND JABARI’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Mia raises her arms in triumph at the sight of Burner ONTHE SCREEN racing to the end zone. She’s joined by NinaMiller, Jabari Colvin and Portia.

MIA That’s my baby! Yeah!

MUSBURGER (V.O.) And as we’ve seen on the last two

plays, Addams can also beat you withhis ability to read the defense and

make adjustments, whether on the groundor through the air.

JABARIIt’s like the man says, with Burner youcan’t stop him, you can only hope tocontain him.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)So with less than five minutes in thefirst half, the score is tied atfourteen.

As the game goes to commercial break, Nina gets up from thesofa.

NINA Anybody want something from thekitchen?

JABARII’ll have another brew, baby.

NINA Okay, hun. Mia?

MIA I’m fine.

PORTIA I’ll help you with more chips andsalsa.

Nina and Portia go to the kitchen. Portia opens a bag ofchips. Nina takes a beer and a jar of salsa from thefridge.

NINA Achilles is playing a great game.

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47.

PORTIA Yeah. All of the guys are playinggreat tonight.

NINA He’s so cool under pressure. You know,

that’s why they call him the “Ice Man.”Portia pours salsa into a serving dish.

PORTIA (casually)

Really? I thought there was anotherreason.

Nina stops what she’s doing.

PORTIA Look, Nina, you seem like a nice girl.I like you. So I think you should bethe first to know that I’m going to de-pledge Delta.

NINA Guess I’m not surprised. You neverseemed that interested really...Audra’sgoing to have a cow, you know thatdon’t you?

PORTIA Frankly, she’s one of the reasons Idon’t want to pledge. She’s prettyfake.

Beat.

NINA One of the reasons?

They exchange a knowing look. After a beat,

NINA You know about Valerie don’t you?

PORTIA Yes, I do.

NINA Did he tell you?

PORTIA He didn’t have to.

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48.

NINA Then you probably know she’s my bestfriend.

PORTIA Mmmm-hmmm.

NINA I like you too, Portia, and in a weird

way I think we could be friends. Butyou need to know something: I love mygirl. I’d love her even if we weren’tDeltas. No one’s ever going to breakthe bond between us. Ever.

PORTIA And you should know the same goes for me and Achilles.

JABARI (O.S.)Damn!

Nina and Portia return to the living room.

ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN: a REPLAY of Miami quarterbackWillis hooking tossing a long touchdown pass.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)The ‘Canes strike back on a sixty-five

yard strike from Willis to wideoutMarshaun Thomas giving Miami a twenty-four, seventeen lead with just undertwo minutes left in the half.

END OF ACT FOUR

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49.

ACT FIVE


Dallas, Cole, Pete Mitchell and other Sea Devils defensiveplayers come back to the sideline, dejected.

BILLY(clapping his hands)

Heads up! Heads up! There’s a lot offootball left. Stay focused!

Defensive coordinator Joe Mercer immediately takes thedefensive unit aside and begins coaching them, showing them

what went wrong on the long pass play.

ON THE FIELD

Achilles gets down to business again. He rolls left, hitsEricsson for a 10-yard gain; rolls right, hooks up with histight end for 16 yards; dodges a blitz and runs for a firstdown out of bounds; throws a screen pass to Crash, whogallops for 15 yards before being pushed onto the sideline;fires a strike to Jet over the middle to the Miami 15-yardline...

With the clock ticking down (1:19, 1:18...) Achilles set upin the pocket, looks...looks...He rolls to his left, findsBurner in the corner of the end zone, but two Miami

defenders are on the receiver like a blanket...HERBSTREIT (V.O.)

He’d better look out! Pressure from the back side!

Achilles feels the pressure and takes off for the end zone.Five yards from the goal line, iPhone comes into frame andlevels a linebacker, clearing the way for Achilles to scoreuntouched.

INT. DELTA HOUSE (GREAT ROOM) – CONTINUOUS

Suzy thrusts her arms up!

SUZYYES! Way to go, Warren!

Riley, Greg and the others look at her (“Huh?”). She’soblivious to them. She only has eyes for Warren now.

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51.

WAGNERThey’re playing a tough, smart game.

LISA The Sea Devils seem to be havingsuccess with the “no-huddle” offense.

What adjustments will you have to maketo fend them off in the second half?

WAGNERWe’ve got to come out with moreintensity on both sides of the line ofscrimmage. Play Miami Hurricanesfootball.

LISA Thanks, Coach.

INT. BROADCAST BOOTH – LATER

BRENT MUSBURGER and KIRK HERBSTREIT give an analysis of thefirst half.

MUSBURGERWell, we assumed the Wa Tech Defense

was going to have their hands full, butgoing into halftime it’s the MiamiHurricane’s defense that’s scratching

their heads. They’ve given up almosttwo hundred yards of offense, a buckfifty of that through the air.

HERBSTREITBrent, Achilles Addams has done afantastic job running the no huddle,

which seems to have thrown theHurricanes for a loop. The fast paceplus Addams’ ability to scramble havehad the ‘Canes on their heels most ofthe first half.

MUSBURGERYou know what’s impressed me the mostabout Addams tonight, Kirk – and as aformer quarterback you’ll appreciatethis – he’s twenty four for thirty six

with no interceptions. That’sremarkable considering he’s going upagainst one of the best secondaries incollege football.

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52.

HERBSTREITYou’re right, Brent. It’s amazing.Let’s just hope you haven’t jinxed him.You can bet Miami’s coaching staff is

working to come up a strategy toneutralize Addams in the second half.

INT. HURRICANES LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Coach Wagner is beside himself with fury. Players surroundhim, heads down, bridling at his tirade.

WAGNERThe scoreboard is lying to you! Itsays you’re ahead but you and I know,and everyone watching this game knows,you’re getting your asses handed to youout there! By a team ranked thirty-fifth in the country! You’ve gotthirty minutes of football left toprove you deserve a nationalchampionship. So get your heads out ofyour asses and play Miami Hurricanesfootball!

INT. VISITORS’ LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

In contrast to the Hurricanes locker room, the Sea Devils’locker room is calm, relaxed. Offensive and defensivecoaches tutor their units separately, and trainers tend toinjured players, using Polaroid SNAPSHOTS of Miami’s plays.


The teams come back onto the field for the second half. AsBilly walks to the sideline, he eyes Gabrielle, who istalking to members of her crew. They exchange a look.

Then he looks up into the stands a few rows above whereGabrielle is standing. He finds Gale. She smiles at him.He’s about to smile back when Harold comes into frame, putshis arm around Gale’s shoulder and says something in herear. She smiles and laughs.

Billy’s eyes harden. He puts on his HEADSET and turnstoward the field, ready for another half of football.

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ON THE FIELD

Dallas takes the kickoff and runs to the 25-yard-linebefore he’s tackled.

A YELLOW FLAG is lying on the turf.

REFEREE(over P.A. system)

Clipping, number 77 on the return team.Fifteen yards from the spot of thefoul. First down.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.)Ouch! Not the way you want to startthe second half. Now the Sea Devils

will start in the shadow of their owngoal post, at the ten yard line.

At the line of scrimmage, Achilles scans the defense from the shotgun. He reads blitz. Audibles. On the snap he

whips a screen pass to Burner. The receiver catches it,jukes a linebacker out of his socks, stiff arms acornerback. Then we see where he gets his nickname: heturns on the afterburners, racing 90 yards for a touchdown.

IN THE STANDS

An NFL SCOUT looks on. He marks something in a NOTEBOOK.

ON THE SIDELINE – MOMENTS LATER

Achilles and Burner congratulate each other. They takecups of water from J.R. Donahue.

MONTAGE #2 – THE SECOND HALF

It’s a hard-hitting, see-saw battle as the Sea Devils gotoe-to-to with the Hurricanes:

Cole, Dallas and Sea Devils defensive players fly all over

the field, trying to hold Willis and the high-powered‘Canes in check;

Achilles directs the no huddle offense with coolefficiency, passing, scrambling and willing his team torespond to every challenge;

On the sidelines, Billy and Wagner shout instructions toplayers on the field and consult with coaches in the boothshigh above the field;

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In the stands, fans are getting their money’s worth; andback in Maitland, our characters cheer the Sea Devils on.

END MONTAGE #2

INT. HELO’S PUB – NIGHT All eyes are glued to the television screens. We FAVOR

Cara in the crowded bar.

CARA (to herself)

Come on, defense. Stop them.

ON A TELEVISION SCREEN: The Hurricanes break the huddle and walk to the line. It’s raining. The graphic on the screen

shows us what we need to know: MIA 45 – WT 41, 2:53, 4 th QTR., ball on the WT 20-yard-line.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)Folks, they don’t get any better thanthis. We’ve had one hell of a footballgame here in South Florida tonight.

HERBSTREIT (V.O.)If the Sea Devils hold Miami to a fieldgoal, they’d still have enough time toforce overtime. But they can’t give up

a touchdown. That would put this gameall out of reach.

Miami quarterback Willis barks out the signals.

EXT. LAND SHARK STADIUM – CONTINUOUS

Willis takes the snap, fakes a handoff, drops back to pass,looks for a receiver...and gets LEVELED by a blitzingDallas Morales. The Miami quarterback fumbles the ball.Defensive end Pete Mitchell recovers the fumble.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)He lost it! Willis lost it! The SeaDevils say they have it. And they do!

INT. HELO’S PUB – CONTINUOUS

Cara is beside herself with joy, jumping and hugging Cake.

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Dallas and the Sea Devils defensive players whoop andholler as they leave the field. Billy slaps their butts asthey reach the sideline. He and Dallas lock eyes – we cansee the head coach is proud of his son. Billy slaps

Dallas’ helmet as he walks by.BILLY

Nice hit, Morales.

Achilles steps up next to Billy.

BILLY Alright, Achilles, you’ve got them

right where you want them now. Two minutes thirty seconds is plenty of

time. You’ve got all of your timeouts. Let’s put together a drive andget it done.

Achilles takes a squirt of water and hands the bottle backto J.R.

ACHILLESGot it, Coach.

IN THE HUDDLE

The players look wide-eyed at Achilles, their unquestionedleader.

ACHILLESListen up. We’ve got plenty of timeand momentum on our side. Line: keepthe pocket tight. Receivers: look theball into your hands. Everybody: staysharp, no stupid mistakes. We’ve gotthese punks right where we want them,so let’s go make it happen...

They break the huddle and come to the line of scrimmage.The rain shower has turned to a tropical downpour.

MUSBURGER (V.O.)Here we go, folks. It’s come down tothis. On the line for the WashingtonTech Sea Devils: nothing but theirpride. For the Miami Hurricanes: ashot at a BCS national championship.

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MONTAGE #3 – THE FINAL DRIVE

Achilles, cool as the other side of the pillow, moves theoffense down the field with passes to Burner, Jet,Ericsson, his tight end, and Crash Davis;

The ‘Canes blitz and SACK Achilles hard at the Wa Tech 45-yard-line. A moment of worry for Sea Devils players,coaches and fans until Achilles pops up and trots back tothe line of scrimmage;

Miami blitzes again: Achilles scrambles, throws to histight end but the pass is INTERCEPTED by a Miamilinebacker. Reaction from our characters on the field, inthe stands and in Maitland...

Then we see a PENALTY FLAG on the muddy turf...

REFEREE(over P.A. system)

Pass interference, defense. Numbertwenty-two. Fifteen yards from thespot of the foul. Automatic FIRSTDOWN!

Coach Wagner goes apoplectic, arguing with the Ref;Hurricanes fas toss beer cups and trash onto the field;Billy claps his approval of the call; our charactersbreathe a huge, collective sigh of relief;

The GAME CLOCK ticks down – 0:15, 0:14, 0:13...

Achilles barks the signals, takes the snap and hits histight end on a curl route underneath at the Miami 45-yard-line; the Sea Devils rush to the line, Achilles follows,calmly reading the defense;

He glances to his left and exchanges a look with Burnerthen calls an audible...

MUSBURGER (V.O.)

Addams is changing the play at theline...

GARCIA (V.O.)What’s he doing?! Coach, there’s nocheck down for that set!

Billy looks on with stoic confidence, knows the game is outof his hands and in the those of his young quarterback...Burner goes in motion toward Achilles and at the snap ofthe ball he turns up field...

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Achilles drops back, looks to his right, his eyes on JetJohnson the whole time; the Hurricanes come with a blitz;iPhone, Ronnie and offensive line hold them off as long asthey can...

Without taking his eyes off Jet on the right, Achilles

steps up into the pocket and throws the ball far down fieldto his left...

We follow the ball through the rain and the night sky inSLOW MOTION. When it comes down, Burner leaps over twoMiami DEFENDERS, catches it and is tackled in the endzone...TOUCHDOWN!

END MONTAGE #3

INTERCUT - FAN REACTION

At Helo’s the crowd is delirious; in the Delta House girlsdance and scream; in the cabin, Mathilda has flung her armsaround Darryl’s neck (will they kiss?); Mia and Portiaembrace and so do Jabari and Nina; in Paddy Agnew’s LuxuryBox, stunned silence, Paddy looks nauseous...


IN THE END ZONE

Burner mobbed by teammates, band members andcheerleaders...

MUSBURGER (V.O.)Believe it folks! No flags, no timeleft on the clock. The Washington TechSea Devils have done the impossible -upset the number one team in thecountry!

ON THE FIELD

Achilles walks calmly back to the sideline, iPhone at hisside, bedlam all around them...

IN COACHES’ BOOTH/ON THE SIDELINE

Bob Garcia and assistants in the booth thrust their fistsand toss pages from their playbooks in the air; on thesideline players pump their fists; Dallas and J.R. highfive each other; players drench Billy with a bucket ofGatorade...

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IN THE STANDS

Gale exchanges a cool look with Gabrielle below her on thesideline; then she finds Billy and smiles at him withsatisfaction...


Lisa Salter is interviewing Achilles and Burner on thefield. Both players are wet from Gatorade.

LISA Achilles, three hundred sixty yards

passing, four touchdowns through theair and no interceptions against one ofthe toughest defenses in football;Burner, one hundred ninety yardsreceiving and three touchdowns. Youtwo were quite a dynamic duo tonight.Tell us about that last hookup for the

winning touchdown – it looked likeyou’ve practiced that play about athousand times.

Both players smile.

BURNERMore like two thousand...

ACHILLESTwo thousand, six hundred-thirty...

BURNER(trademark grin)

Thirty-three, if you count warm-upstoday.

Lisa laughs.

INT. NINA AND JABARI’S APARTMENT – CONTINUOUS

Mia and Portia hold hands on the sofa, beaming with prideand love at their men on the screen

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