19 zero blitz

8/8/2019 19 Zero Blitz

1/52

GOAL TO GO

Episode 2.19

Zero Blitz

by David Polk


2/52

2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Gabrielleleaving Billys office and the Hoz at dawn.

TEASERFADE IN:

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (VERSUS FRESNO STATE) - DAY

A HEAVY RAIN falls but the stadium is filled to capacity.On the field, a Fresno State RUNNING BACK takes a handoffand breaks through the line. He takes only a few stepsbefore being NAILED by linebacker Cole Seavers.

Moments later Cole SLAMS into a RECEIVER. The tackle is soviolent that it knocks the receivers helmet off.

INT. VETERANS HOSPITAL (NURSES STATION) DAY

At the nurses station the DUTY NURSE is stirred by analarm. She gets up and rushes down the hallway.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM 402 CONTINUOUS

The duty nurse comes in and looks at the electronicreadouts hooked to the MAN in the first bed. Sheimmediately checks his vitals. The man is frail andconvulsing. He is CHUCK SEAVERS (55). The duty nursepresses the INTERCOM.

DUTY NURSECode blue in room four-oh-two!

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (VERSUS FRESNO STATE) DAY

The Fresno State QUARTERBACK takes the snap, drops back andthrows the ball over the middle. Cole steps in front of aTIGHT END and intercepts the pass. He gets a block from adefensive teammate and runs 55 yards for a touchdown.

In the end zone, Cole thrusts his fists in the air andshouts triumphantly at the top of his lungs. Sea Devilsfans go wild; Cole is mobbed by his teammates.


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3.

BLACKLEDGE (V.O.)Cole Seavers is just having a careergame this afternoon. That touchdown

was the eleventh of the redshirtseniors college career and it givesthe Sea Devils a twenty-four to ten

lead late in the fourth quarter.SANDERSON (V.O.)

You know, Seavers truly is the heartand soul of this Sea Devils defense.Coach Donahue has said many times thathe built this team around Seavers, andthat the linebacker sets the standardfor Wa Tech football on both sides ofthe ball.

Cole returns to the sideline, where he is congratulated byhead coach Billy Donahue and other teammates, includingDallas Morales Pete Mitchell and Burner Turner.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM 402 ROOM DAY

The duty nurse has been joined by other NURSES and aDOCTOR. Theyre trying desperately to revive ChuckSeavers. Its not looking good.

INT. SEA DEVILS LOCKER ROOM DAYThe jubilant but relaxed atmosphere of the winning lockerroom. Most players have stripped down to their pads; a feware already headed for the showers with towels around their

waist.

Sandy Sanderson is interviewing Cole in front of hislocker. Hes in shoulder pads and football pants, facestill smeared with sweat and black eye paint.

SANDERSON

Cole, you had just an incredible game -ten tackles, two sacks and that fifty-five yard interception for a touchdownlate. After four years on the bottom of the pile in the WAC, has it finallyall come together for you and this SeaDevils defense?


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4.

COLEWeve put together a couple of goodgames on both sides of the ball but

weve got a lot more football to playthis season. So I wouldnt say weveput anything together yet.

SANDERSONThe defense kept running back ChanceDaley in check all afternoon. Youvegot to feel good about holding theHeisman hopeful to only thirty-fiveyards rushing, his worst performance intwo years as a starter.

COLEWe feel good about getting the W.Thats the only stat that matters.

SANDERSONThanks, Cole. Good luck the rest ofthe season.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM 402 DAY

The doctor closes Chuck Seavers eyes; the nurses go aboutthe routine of preparing the deceased to be removed from the room.

INT. VETERANS HOSPITAL (NURSES STATION) LATER

The duty nurse is going down a CHECKLIST. We see a lot ofstandard medical lingo. Near the bottom of the sheet:

ECU Next of kin, Cole Seavers (son)

END TEASER


5/52

5.

ACT ONE

INT. COLES APARTMENT DAY

We hear a shower running.

Looking around, we see that the apartment is Spartan butsurprisingly tidy: leather sofa and chair, cocktail table,floor lamp, and a flat screen television in the main room.

In the bedroom we find a queen sized bed. Asleep in it isa pretty blond we recognize from previous episodes. Hername is WHITNEY DRYSDALE (18). A cell phone RINGS. Whitney

wakes, finds it on the night table is about to answer.

COLE (O.S.)Dont answer that.

Hes naked and still wet from the shower. Hes ripped muscles on muscles and hard as a rock. Whitney falls back

on her pillow. He takes the phone, puts it on the table.

WHITNEYIts the same number as before.Portland area code.

COLEI know.

He opens a drawer. We see that the UNDERWEAR is neatlyarranged inside. He takes out a pair of briefs.

WHITNEYMother?

COLENo.

WHITNEYOld girlfriend back home?

COLEHell no.

Cole pulls on jeans and a crew sweater. He goes to thebed, gives Whitney a peck on the cheek.

WHITNEYFather?


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6.

COLESee you at West Egg in an hour.

He grabs the phone and puts it in his pocket.

WHITNEY

Okay. Are you ever going to call them back, whoever it is?

COLE(on his way out)

No.

INT. WEIGHT ROOM DAY

Cole is alone lifting weights. The CLOCK on the wall tellsus its 8 a.m. In a SERIES OF SHOTS we see him go througha routine bench press, leg press, curls, flies, etc.

EXT. CHICKEN SHACK DAY

To establish the shabby fast-food restaurant that used tobe a Kentucky Fried Chicken.

A black SUV pulls up followed by several marked andunmarked police cars. UNIFORMED OFFICERS quickly set up aperimeter on the street. PLAINCLOTHES OFFICERS go inside,

guns drawn.

INT. CHICKEN SHACK CONTINUOUS

The REGULARS are hanging out, eating and shooting the shit.They freeze without having to be told when the officersrush in. One of them, LIEUTENANT SEARS, looks at the fatcounterman, who - wanting no trouble - shifts his eyes tothe back room.

INT. CHICKEN SHACK (BACK ROOM) CONTINUOUS

Moze, the gangsta wannabe, his girlfriend and two thugs arechilling, eating chicken and biscuits. The door burstsopen.

The plainclothes cops are on them before they know whatshappening, roughly cuffing them all, including the girl.


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7.

INT. STUDENT UNION DAY

Achilles and Portia are having a snack between classes.SINORICE (20) stops at their table.

SINORICE

Hi, Portia.PORTIA

Hi, Sinorice. What up?

SINORICEI was wondering: would you be able toswitch shifts with me at the clothesdrive on Wednesday? My History term papers due on Friday and Im not evenclose to being done.

Portia pulls out her IPHONE and quickly checks herschedule. She makes the adjustments.

PORTIA There. No problem.

SINORICEThanks so much, Portia. Youre adream.

PORTIA

No worries.SINORICE

(leaving)Bye Achilles.

He nods good-bye.

ACHILLESI thought we were going to the moviesWednesday.

PORTIA Lets go Sunday after dinner instead.

ACHILLESBut I was going to play poker with thecrew on Sunday.

PORTIA I thought you promised Cara you werentgoing to hang out with her ex anymore.


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8.

ACHILLESLindsays not going to be there. Hesback in L.A. all weekend.

PORTIA Screwing some nasty skank no doubt.

ACHILLESProbably. And for the record, I didntpromise Cara anything.

PORTIA Whatever.

She starts clearing away her things to go. He looks ather, debating whether to say whats on his mind.

PORTIA Lets go, well be late for class.

She stands and he follows.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM DAY

Moze is at table, hands manacled behind his back. He wearsa grim expression. A stream of cigarette smoke blows inhis face. Across the table from him, Lt. Sears is blowing.

SEARSLook Fred, I dont have to tell youyoure facing some serious shit here.Murder one, conspiracy to commit

murder, illegal sports betting...Thisis just the shit we nabbed you fortoday. Ambitious young man likeyourself, Im sure well find a trunkload of other shit we can stick to you.

MOZE(tough guy)

I want to see my lawyer.

SEARS And I want that pretty little officer

sitting at reception to blow me. Aintgonna happen. At least not in theimmediate future.

MOZEI know my rights. You gotta let mecall a lawyer.


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9.

SEARSYoull get your call, Fred, but notuntil I pull my foot out of your skinnyass. And that ambulance chasing lawyerof yours aint going to stop you from catching at least twenty in a maximum

security prison. And if you keep mehere too long and make me miss my CSIMiami, I guarantee youll end upgetting an injection thats afterabout 15 years of getting injected upthe ass by all the new boyfriendsyoull make on death row.

Moze wilts, knows Sears has all the cards. Sears blowsanother stream of smoke in his face and smiles wickedly.

INT. CARAS BEDROOM DAY

Cara plops down on a futon, folds her legs yoga-style.

DALLAS And were supposed to do it on that?

CARA When youre feeling especiallyromantic, yes. The kinky stuff wecan do on the floor or against the

wall.DALLAS

I was thinking the bathroom and thekitchen...

CARA No-no-noooo, Casanova. Cake and I haveagreed that some places are strictlyoff limits.

DALLAS

(smiles)But those are the best places.

CAKE (O.S.)Best places for what?

Cake crosses the empty apartment to the doorway of thebedroom. Shes looking mighty fine in black jeans, anexpensive sweater and a fucia leather jacket.


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10.

DALLASUm...well...

CARA I was just telling Casanova here thattheres no banging allowed in the

bathroom or kitchen.CAKE

Yeah, if you dont mind. I mean, Ilove my girl here, but I dont want toeat breakfast on the table after shesbeen on it. You know?

CARA Well you dont have to say it likethat. Its not like Im loving theidea of hopping in the shower after youand some douche bag have been going atit in there.

CAKEDouche bag? Are you forgetting who you

went out with before Dallas?

DALLASUh...you think we could change

Cara gets up from the futon, starts toward her, ready to

rumble.CARA

Why you little Dago bitch.

CAKESlut.

DALLASHey, guys...

Dallas is about stop a catfight when the girls give one

another a peck on the cheek and smile.

CAKEIm late for the restaurant. Got tofly.

CARA See you later.


11/52

11.

CAKE(to Dallas)

Seriously Dallas, no sex in the kitchenor the bathroom. Got it?

DALLAS

Yes, maam.She smiles and heads out the front door of the apartment.Cara looks at him, a lustful twinkle in her eyes.

CARA Maam? Hmmmm. Do I need to gethandcuffs and a whip?

EXT. APARTMENT DAY

Cake gets in her Porsche Boxster and drives off.

INT. CAKES PORSCHE - MOVING LATER

Shes driving down a street, ALTERNATIVE MUSIC cranking onthe stereo. We hear an ENGINE ROAR. Cake checks herrearview mirror. A motorcycles comes up fast and blowspast her.

EXT. MOTORCYCLE MOVING DAY Achilles is zooming down the street on his Agusta. He

leans into a right turn, goes past the police station andguns it on his way out of the center of town.

STRETCH OF ROAD LATER

Achilles is booking down the road at over 100 MPH.

INT. BILLYS OFFICE DAY

Billys standing in front of the big window gazing downonto the football field. He turns when Cole comes in.

COLEYou wanted to see me, Coach?

BILLYCole. Come in, have a seat.

They both sit at his desk.


12/52

12.

BILLYIm afraid I have some bad news foryou, Cole...Your fathers passed away.Im very sorry, son.

Cole stares at him.

COLEOkay. That it, Coach? I was about tohit the film room for a couple of hoursbefore practice.

BILLY(a quizzical look)

The Veterans Hospital called me whenthey couldnt reach you...He passed onSaturday afternoon. During the game.

Cole just stares impassively.

COLEOkay. Thanks, Coach. Is that all?

BILLYLook, Cole, I lost my father when I wasa kid, I know what that feels like. Soif you want talk...I know what youregoing through.

COLE All due respect, Coach, I dont thinkyou do.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBBS OFFICE DAY

Billy comes in. Charlotte is there along with attorneyIris Cross and Police Chief Sal DAgostino.

CHARLOTTEBilly, we have a problem.

BILLYNo offense, but isnt it always aproblem when the three of you are inthe same room?

CHIEF DAGOSTINOCoach, weve arrested the man whokilled Chuck Sanchez. A punk namedFrederick Moseby.


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13.

They all take a seat.

BILLYOkay. Thats great. Right?

CHIEF DAGOSTINO

Yes Coach, it is. He admitted toparticipating in the shooting but, ofcourse, he claims one of his boys wasthe actual trigger man. Assuming forthe sake of argument that thats true,he wants to cop a plea using some ofthe other information he has on illegalactivity in the area.

BILLY And Im here because?

CHARLOTTEBilly, Moseby is involved in an illegalsports gambling ring. Hes been linkedto bookmaking on high school andcollege sports throughout the PacificNorthwest.

BILLY And? ...

IRIS

Moseby gave a list of his clients tothe police. Several Wa Tech athletesare involved. Most, like Sanchez, areon the baseball team but...

She hands the list to Billy. He takes it and is readingthe names when

CHARLOTTEYour son is on the list, Billy.

BILLY

J.R.? But hes kept his nose clean for m

CHARLOTTENot J.R., Billy.


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14.

INT. DONAHUE STUDY SUNSET

Billy is standing, waiting. Gale comes in with Dallas andCara. Billy reacts to seeing Cara with him.

BILLY

I thought youd come alone.Cara reacts to the tone of his voice.

DALLASSorry, Coach, but Red and I were on our

way to dinner. I figured this wouldnttake long...

CARA I can meet you later, Dallas.

DALLASNo, Red

BILLY(interrupts)

Thats a good idea, Cat.

Gale takes Caras arm gently.

GALELets leave them alone, dear.

After the women leave,

DALLAS(puzzled)

Whats up, Coach?

BILLYDo you know Frederick Moseby?

Dallas looks him in the eyes. Its clear that he does.

BILLYOr maybe you know him by the name Moze.

DALLASLook, Coach I

BILLY(interrupts, irate)

What the hell were you thinking?!


15/52

15.

DALLASI never bet on Wa Tech games, Coach.

And since Ive been here Ive only beta few times. Two grand at the most.

BILLY

Two thousand dollars?! Where the fuckdid you get that kind of money?! Doyou have any idea what kind of shitpile youre in? The shit pile youveput your teammates in?

DALLASI havent done anything illegal.

BILLYWell if stupid were against the law,youd be a fucking felon!

DALLAS(Latin temper rising)

Dont talk to me like that! I said Inever bet on our games!

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS

Sitting on the sofa, Cara and Gale overhear the shouting match going on in the study.

BILLY (O.S.)What the hell are you doing getting

mixed up with scum bags like thisMoseby character?!

DALLAS (O.S.)Since when are you in charge of who Ican and cant associate with?!

INT. DONAHUE STUDY CONTINUOUS

BILLYDo you have any idea the positionyouve put me in?! What this might doto the program if it gets out that thecoachs son is mixed up in sportsgambling?!


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16.

DALLAS(explodes)

Screw you! My father is dead! Sodont you try to pull that fatherbullshit on me! If youre so goddamn

worried about how this is going to make

you look, dont worry about kicking meoff the team, I quit!

This stops Billy like a stiff right hook.

DALLASIm out of here!

He flings the door open and strides out. Billy just watches him go.

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS

Cara joins Dallas on the way to the front door.

GALEDallas!

The authority in Gales voice stops him. He turns and theylock eyes.

INT. GALES OFFICE MOMENTS LATERDallas and Gale come in. She closes the door.

GALESit down.

(he hesitates)Sit down.

He does.

DALLAS

Theres nothing to say, Mrs. Donahue.I dont need football and I sure ashell dont need him.

A couple of beats. She just looks at him, allows the someof the steam to blow away.


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17.

GALEDo you really think what happened inthere was about football? Youre hisson...

(off his reaction)Youre his son, Dallas. I know your

father - the man who raised you withyour mother - loved you. But I alsoknow that the man down the hall lovesyou too. Believe me, I know.

Dallas looks at her. Listens.

GALEThat first day I met you, at thebarbecue, there was something aboutyou. I couldnt put my finger on itthen, but now it seems so obvious.From the moment I met you I knew, deepdown inside, that you were the onlypart of him that he could ever love

more than he loves me. Because youcame from his first true love. Hesalways regretted his decision to leaveyou and your mother.

(beat)Dallas, I have an idea how you musthave felt when she told you about yourfather. Maybe it was something like

how I felt when I realized the man Iveloved for more than half my life mightchose differently if he had a secondchance.

(beat, remembering)That feeling can make us do foolishthings. Things we regret for alifetime. If you leave him now,Dallas, youll be making the same

mistake he made 22 years ago...Give him a chance to do what he couldnt dothen. And give yourself a chance to do

what you came here to do...get to knowyour father.

INT. DONAHUE LIVING ROOM LATER

Cara looks up as Dallas walks into the room. They exchangea look then he goes back into the study. The door closes.

END OF ACT ONE


18/52

18.

ACT TWO

INT. COLES APARTMENT NIGHT

Cole is looking through a BOX filled with old PHOTOS andMEMENTOS. He stares at one of the photos its of him as

a 10-year-old with his father and mother, EMMA SEAVERS, andhis teenage sister, CLAIRE. Cole is the only one smiling.

FLASHBACK INT. SEAVERS HOME NIGHT (11 YEARS EARLIER)

Chuck, a lean, powerfully built man in mechanics overalls,and Emma Seavers are arguing bitterly. Hes falling downdrunk. Shes in tears, almost hysterical.

EMMA Youre an animal! Pig! A filthybeast!

He grabs at her, attempting to control and fondle her atthe same time. She tears away, swings a LAMP at him like abaseball bat, breaking it across his back.

CHUCK SEAVERS(slurring)

Come on, baby. Sonly cause I neededyou so, so...so bad.

YOUNG COLE (11) cowers behind the door of the adjoining

room. When his father falls to his knees in a drunkenstupor, Cole turns and runs, disappearing in the dark hall.

CLAIRES ROOM - CONTINUOUS

CLAIRE (16) is on her bed curled in the fetal position,crying her eyes out. Cole rushes in and shuts the door.He goes to her and reaches out a hand to comfort her. Sherecoils.

CLAIREDont touch me! Dont touch me! Get

out!

RETURN TO PRESENT DAY COLES APARTMENT NIGHT

Cole puts the photo away, closes the box.


19/52

19.

INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN DAY

Billy is finishing up a cup of coffee. Gale sits acrossfrom him at the counter. She glances at her mother, RoseRyan, eating in the breakfast room next door, then

GALEBilly, honey, whats going to happen with Dallas?

BILLYI dont know. He says he didnt gambleon Wa Tech games

GALE And he didnt.

BILLYHow can I know that for sure? How canI believe him?

GALEBecause he told you he didnt. Andbecause hes your son.

BILLYThis is bad, Gale. Charlottes astickler when it comes to ethicalviolations. Whether it goes public or

not shell insist that I suspend him. At least for a few games, maybe eventhe rest of the season.

GALEHave you...spoken to Cecilia yet?

He looks at her.

BILLYNo. I havent.

GALECall her this morning.

He nods appreciatively.

GALE And after that, you march right into

Charlottes office and tell her youllquit before you suspend your own son.


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20.

BILLYI cant do that Gale.

GALEYou can and you will. And youllinsist that Chief DAgostino keep that

list confidential.BILLY

Gale...

GALEI dont have to tell you know how manyof Daddys players got in trouble withthe police. And how many of them weresuspended? You think Daddy let the ADor even the college president tell him how to run his program? Not when he

was winning, which was most of thetime.

BILLYThat was then. Things are a lotdifferent than in Wolfs day.

GALEBilly, the one thing that never changesin college football is that winningcoaches call the shots. Youre a

winning coach now. Youll do this toprotect your program...and your son.

INT. BILLYS OFFICE DAY

Cole comes in and sits down.

BILLYCole, I understand your fathersfuneral is this Saturday. Of course Iknow how tough this is

COLEDont worry, Coach. Theres no wayIll miss the Boise State game.

BILLYOh, no, no Cole. You misunderstand.You have to attend your fathersfuneral.


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21.

COLECoach are you serious?! We preparedfor Boise State all summer. Theyreranked number eighteen in the country.We dont beat them we cant crack thetop twenty-five...

BILLYI know all that, Cole. Son, yourfather just died. Being there whenhes laid to rest is more importantthan a football game. Now its goingto be tough, I know, but well find a

way to beat Boise State without you.

COLECoach, I dont want to sit out thegame. Im team captain. I have anobligation...

BILLYYoure not sitting out the game,Cole. Im sitting you out. Underthese circumstances, your obligation toyour sister and niece comes before yourobligation to the team. Theyll needyou with them on Saturday when you saygood-bye to your father.

Billy reads Coles body language.BILLY

Is there a problem, Cole?

COLENo, Coach. No problem.

FLASHBACK EXT. GRAVESITE DAY (10 YEARS EARLIER)

Its raining. Mourners sit under black umbrellas as a

REVEREND gives the sermon.

REVERENDIn sure and certain hope of theresurrection to eternal life throughour Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to

Almighty God our sister Emma Elizabeth;and we commit her body to the ground;earth to earth; ashes to ashes, dust todust. The Lord bless her and keep her,

(MORE)


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22.

REVEREND (CONTD.)the Lord make his face to shine uponher and be gracious unto her and giveher peace. Amen....

Twelve-year-old Cole sits rigidly, staring his mothers

casket. Next to him a BABY CRIES in its mothers arms.The babys mother, Claire, tries to comfort the one-year-old. Next to Claire, Chuck Seavers weeps quietly.

RETURN TO PRESENT BILLYS OFFICE DAY

BILLYDont worry about your arrangements forthe return trip. Gale and I will cometo Portland on Sunday to pay ourrespects. Youll fly back with us.

Off Cole...

INT. ACHILLES LOFT DAY

Achilles is at the kitchen counter studying while Portiacooks. She turns to arrange plates for them on thecounter. When she moves his BOOK BAG a SPEEDING TICKETfalls out.

PORTIA

(holds ticket)Whats this?

He glances up then at his book.

ACHILLESOh, I got that yesterday.

PORTIA (peeved)

Thats it, Lee. Youre getting rid ofthat motorcycle.

ACHILLESCome on Portia, lets not go over thisagain. Im not getting rid of the

motorcycle.

PORTIA Yes, Lee you are. How many speedingtickets have you gotten? Huh? How

much money is that thing going to costus in tickets alone?


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23.

ACHILLESThis isnt about speeding tickets

PORTIA Oh no? What is it about then, Lee?Huh? Tell me?

He cant hold back any more.

ACHILLESIts about you you not wanting toride on the back of a motorcyclebecause you dont like it.

PORTIA (sarcastically)

Yeah, Lee, youre right. Its about me. All about me...Its about me being

afraid youll wind up killing yourselfon that thing. Im surprised CoachDonahue allows it.

ACHILLESWell he does. And if its okay withhim it should be okay with you.

PORTIA Well its not okay with me, Lee.

Beat. ACHILLES

Why do you do this?(off her reaction, What?)

You come here and try to run my life.

PORTIA Finally! Here we go...

ACHILLESNo, really, you sign me up for classes

that I dont want to take; you make mego to parties that I dont want to goto

PORTIA (anger rising)

Dont even! The way I hear it youcouldnt get enough of Delta partiesbefore I got here. Or was it just acertain Delta you couldnt get enoughof, Lee?


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24.

ACHILLES(ignoring her)

You make me play in a poker game soyour scamming father can get out of thecountry

PORTIA Okay, now you need to shut up, Lee.

She turns to the stove.

ACHILLESOh, I get it: its okay for me to win

money and give it to your lying,thieving father, but if I win a

motorcycle fair and square I cant keepthat?

PORTIA (over her shoulder)

Youve got a lot of nerve bad mouthing my father. He treats you like a son, which is more than your broke ass, low-

life, whore-mongering father ever did.

ACHILLESYeah, the Rev treats me like a son likea bum treats a meal ticket.

She turns, near tears, clutching a PARING KNIFE.PORTIA

Why do you say things like that, Lee? After everything weve been through. I

came here because I love you, to be with you, to help you. I forgave you

for what happened. I forgave you forthe Chinese girl

ACHILLES(interrupts)

Korean

She ANGRILY STICKS the knife into his book, just missinghis hands.

PORTIA Whatever! Why do you hurt me this

way?! All I do is do for you. And youhurt me by bad-mouthing the only familyI have in this world besides you.


25/52

25.

A long beat as they stare into each others eyes. Its alot of things but mostly its a test of wills. Finally,

ACHILLESIm keeping the motorcycle, Portia.

She wipes away a tear, pulls the knife from the book.PORTIA

Okay, Lee. But will you please slowdown...for me?

EXT. MOVIE THEATER NIGHT

Achilles and Portia pull up on his motorcycle. He parksout front and they climb off. As they approach the ticketcounter we see a sign: WEDNESDAY NIGHT SPECIALS

INT. MOVIE THEATER (CONCESSIONS) NIGHT

Achilles and Portia are in line. In the line next to them we find Darryl Banks and Mathilda Weiss. Darryl and

Mathilda get their snacks and go into the screening room.

INT. SCREENING ROOM NIGHT

Mathilda and Darryl watch the movie and share popcorn.CLOSE UP: inside the POPCORN BOX: Mathilda plays footsy with Darryls fingers.

EXT. MOVIE THEATER LATER

The movie is letting out. Darryl and Mathilda walk to histruck. Get inside.

INT. MATHILDAS APARTMENT VESTIBULE LATER

The outer door opens and Mathilda and Darryl come inside.She unzips her jacket, pulls out her door key.

MATHILDA I know you prefer to watch the game ontelevision because of your instantreplay, but I think it would be niceto go to the stadium this Saturday,dont you?


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26.

DARRYLYeah, sure, if thats what you want.

She smiles, comes close so their bodies touch, and kisseshim on the cheek. We sense this is their customaryGoodnight kiss.

MATHILDA Good-night, Darryl.

She turns, puts the key in the door.

DARRYLMattie...

MATHILDA (turns)

Yes, Darryl?

DARRYLMattie...This is too hard for me.

Beat.

MATHILDA What are you saying, Darryl?

DARRYLIm saying...What does success look

like for me in this relationship?(shes about to speak, heinterrupts)

And Im not just talking about sexhere, Mattie.

MATHILDA I care about you, Darryl. Very much.

DARRYL And I care about you, too. So where

does that leave us? Or more to the

point, where does that take us? Ishouldve asked this question thatfirst night at the cabin but my head

was already spinning enough. So Im asking you now: Where do you see us six

months from now? A year from now?


27/52

27.

MATHILDA (beat)

I really hadnt thought that far ahead.

DARRYL

See, thats interesting. If I asked when Mrs. D is speaking at the Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon a year from now you

could tell me the date and time and howlong she was scheduled to talk.

MATHILDA Darryl, please try to understand...

DARRYLI do understand, Mattie. I stepped outon a limb thinking that someone likeyou could be interested in a guy like

me. Then you throw me for a loop withthis Im a lesbian but I think Im falling for you stuff. The problem isthat I dont think Im falling for you,Mattie, I know I am. So if thisromance were creating is just a partof some twelve-step sex addictsanonymous program and thats all it

will ever be, Id like to know now so Ican put the brakes on my feelings. If

you need a friend, Ill be there foryou. But I deserve to know if thatsall this can ever be.

A long beat. She caresses his face and kisses him softlyon the lips.

MATHILDA Everything I feel for you is real,Darryl.

Another soft kiss and she turns, goes inside before he can

speak. Darryl sighs heavily, turns and leaves.

INT. MATHILDAS BATHROOM LATER

Mathilda has just washed her face and is staring at herselfin the mirror, deep in thought. A phone RINGS. Is itDarryl? She quickly leaves the bathroom to answer it.


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28.

INT. MATHILDAS LIVING ROOM CONTINUOUS

Lilys photo is on her IPHONE. Mathilda hesitates thenpushes Answer.

MATHILDA Hello.

EXT. PRACTICE FIELD DAY

The Sea Devils are practicing in full pads. Billy watchesfrom the sideline, taking notes.

COLE (O.S.)Coach.

Billy looks up. Cole is dressed in street clothes jacketand jeans.

BILLYHey, Cole. You all set to go?

COLEYeah, Coach. Just thought Id checkagain before I left for the airport. Iknow what this game means to theprogram.

Billy looks at him for a long beat as we go

FLASHBACK INT. SEAVERS HOME DAY (5 YEARS EARLIER)

Billy sits on the sofa across from 18-year-old Cole and hissister CLAIRE (23). Billy lays on the Texas charm.

BILLYMs. Seavers, I know what yourethinking, Why should I trust mybrothers football future to an

offensive-minded coach?

CLAIRESomething like that, yeah.

BILLYYou know I played for Wolf Ryan. Helived and breathed defense. Was adefensive coordinator for six seasonsbefore he took his first head coaching

(MORE)


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29.

BILLY (CONTD.)job. Hell, some people thought theonly reason I got a shot at playing wasbecause he didnt give two shits aboutthe offense. He believed defense wonchampionships. So do I.

Cole looks at him with eager anticipation.

CLAIREYou know Oregon and Oregon State bothpassed on Cole. Said he was too smallto play middle linebacker. They wouldonly consider him as a defensive back on their scout team. Why are you sohigh on my brother?

BILLYRight now, to win the WAC Ms. Seavers,I have to beat Boise State. To beatBoise State I need a defense thatstough, smart, fast and takes noprisoners. Everything Ive seen aboutyour brother convinces me hes just

what I need to build that defense.

CLAIRESo youre telling me that two PAC-10schools didnt even think he was good

enough to play linebacker for them butyou want to build your entire defensearound him?

BILLYThats right, Ms. Seavers. Andspeaking as an offensive-minded coach,I can tell you, defensive coaches inthe PAC-10 arent the sharpest tools inthe shed.

RETURN TO PRESENT EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

BILLYDont worry about Boise State, Cole.Go home. Your sister needs you now.

END OF ACT TWO


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30.

ACT THREE

INT. HELOS PUB NIGHT

Cake enters and crosses the pub. As she does a CUTE GUY(20s) checks her out. She goes to a table where Cara and

Dallas are sitting. They greet her and she sits down.DALLAS

Look, Im going to hit the road now. Ineed to finish up my Sociology papertonight. See you around, Cake.

CARA Call me after you talk to Coach, okay?

DALLASOkay.

He kisses Cara and leaves.

CAKEUh-oh, that didnt sound good. Whatshe pissed off with Donahue about now?

CARA Ill tell you about some other time.

MEL (20s), the barmaid, comes by.

MELWhat can I get you, Cake?

CAKEHi, Mel. Ill have a Perrier with alime twist.

MELWhat, now that you two have the sameaddress youve got to have the samedrink, too?

Mel frowns and goes off. As Mel clears the frame Caranotices the guy checking Cake out from across the room.

CARA Dont look now, but theres a deliciouspiece of boy candy scoping you out.

CAKEReally?


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31.

Cake looks at the guy. He smiles.

CARA Am I speaking Greek now? What part of

Dont look now didnt you understand?

CAKEHe is cute. But hes not really mytype.

CARA Really? Since when is cute not yourtype?

CAKESince I started working in the kitchenat the restaurant I dont have muchinterest in guys.

Caras face tells us that she understands. Mel comes withCakes glass of water, gives Cara another as well.

CARA Thanks, Mel.

After Mels gone.

CARA So Umbertos got you working as his

sous-chef now? Thats great, Cake.CAKE

We both know thats got more to do with my family owning the place than my

skills as a chef.

CARA You should stop putting yourself down,Cake. Sure, you got the opportunitybecause of your family, but we bothknow Sofia wouldnt risk the reputation

of the restaurant on a lousy chef, noteven if that lousy chef is her onlydaughter.

(Cake smirks at her) Anyway, you must be doing something

right.

They look up and the cute guy is walking to their table.His name is DENNIS GAVIN.


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DENNISHi there. Youre Cat Trzcinski andCake DAgostino, right?

CARA Yeah.

DENNISIm Dennis Gavin.

CAKEHi Dennis.

DENNISListen, some buddies and me are havinga big party after the game thisSaturday night and we were hoping toget a few hot girls to drink our beer.Wed love it if you two could stop by.

CARA (challenging)

So you want us to come to a keg partyand compete with other girls to getlaid by you and your drunk friends?

DENNIS(backpeddling)

No, no. What I mean is...

CAKE(a relax, shes jokingsmile)

She knows what you meant, Dennis.

DENNISLook, you can bring your boyfriends tooif you like. Cara, I know youre goingout with Dallas Morales on the footballteam and Cake, well, Im sure youregoing out with somebody, and hes more

than welcome to come by too...Thats ifyou are going out with somebody...

Cara exchanges a quick glance with Cake and smiles.

CAKEWell think about coming.


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33.

DENNISGreat!

(writes on a scrap of paper)Heres the address. Its off campus.

And heres my phone number. You know,in case you want to call for any

reason. You know.He hands the paper to Cake.

CAKEThanks. Maybe well see you Saturday.

DENNISCool.

As he walks away, Cara grins at Cake, who rolls her eyes.

INT. DONAHUE GREAT ROOM NIGHT

The television is on ESPN with the sound on mute. Billysin his chair, going over notes from practices. Gale comesin quietly, sits on the arm of the sofa.

GALEBilly.

BILLY

Oh, sorry babe, I didnt notice youcome in.

GALEBilly, I didnt want to get into this

with you before the Fresno State game,and there hasnt been a good time tobring it up until now.

BILLYBring what up, Gale. What is it?

GALELast Friday. You didnt come home thenight before a game. Youve never donethat before, Billy.

BILLYI told you, Gale, I was working lateand fell asleep in my office.


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GALEI know thats what you told me. Icalled several times the officeline and your cell. You didnt answerand you didnt return my messages.

Beat. He knows what shes getting at.BILLY

Gabrielle took the job in Connecticut.Shes gone, Gale. Its over.

We hear a DOORBELL RING. Billy and Gale continue to lookin each others eyes until

J.R. (O.S.)Dad, Dallas is here.

They look over at J.R. and Dallas entering the room.

GALEHello, Dallas dear.

DALLASHi, Mrs. D.

J.R.I told Dallas hed better work on histiming.

(to Dallas)You want some of Moms Texas chiliyoud better get here at dinner time.We dont leave many leftovers on chiliday.

GALEThats not true J.R. and you know it.Dallas, when you and Coach are done,youll find plenty of leftovers in thefridge. Just help yourself.

DALLASThanks, Mrs. D. I might just take youup on that.

J.R.(a mischievous grin)

Good luck, bro. Thats where Im heading now.


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GALECome on, J.R. Your father and Dallashave things to discuss.

On her way out, Gale gives Billy a look.

DALLASCoach.

BILLYDallas, sit down.

They sit across from each other.

BILLYYoure sure theres nothing more toyour dealings with Moseby?

DALLASIve told you everything. Since Iarrived on campus, Ive spoken to him no more than six times. I place bets

with him totaling two thousand, sixhundred dollars on last years NCAA Final Four basketball tournament, andlast years NBA Finals. I never betfootball, college or pro.

BILLY

And the steroids?DALLAS

(beat)I knew that Chuck was juicing. Hestarted back at Chico State. I loanedhim money a couple of times after wegot to Wa Tech. At first I assumed it

was to cover his gambling debts, butthe last time he asked for money Irefused to give it to him and thats

when he told me he needed it to buy

steroids. He was afraid of losing hisscholarship.

BILLY And you gave it to him?

DALLAS(beat)

Coach, we grew up together...once wealmost killed each other in a shootout.

(MORE)


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36.

DALLAS (CONTD.) And now, here we are, the only two

homeboys from the barrio trying to makeit in this ivory tower...Yeah, I gaveit to him.

INT. CHARLOTTE WEBBS OFFICE DAY

Charlotte looks pale, sickly. She pours a glass of waterfrom the pitcher on her desk.

BILLYCharlotte, are you feeling alright?You look like youre coming down withsomething.

CHARLOTTETheres a wicked case of the flu goingaround. Its probably just that.

BILLYWell maybe you should go home, stay inbed for a day or two.

CHARLOTTEIll be fine.

BILLY

Yeah, of course you will, but not untilyouve infected half the athleticdepartment.

CHARLOTTEDont try to change the subject, Billy.This business with Dallas is a fiascoin the making and youre not making itany easier.

BILLYLook, Charlotte, I know Im being an

asshole about this. But Im not aboutto bench Dallas. Not two days beforethe Boise State game. Itll be hardenough to stop their offense withoutCole on the field. Itll be damn nearimpossible without Cole and Dallas.

CHARLOTTEWinning isnt the only thing, Billy,its winning the right way that counts.


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37.

BILLYIm not going to bench him for this,Charlotte and thats that. He didsomething that a thousand other kids onthis campus do every weekend. I dontgive a rats ass about the potential PR

fallout. The programs come too farand theres too much riding on thisgame.

CHARLOTTEIs it just the game, Billy?

BILLY(beat)

I wont turn my back on my son again,Charlotte. Not for you, not for thisuniversity, not for the program. Notfor anyone. Ever.

She sits back in her chair, visibly fatigued, and looks atthe photo of her daughters on the desk. After a beat

CHARLOTTEI thought thats what youd say...Youdbetter keep winning, Billy, because ifthis blows up well both be racking upfrequent flier miles on the speakerscircuit.

END OF ACT THREE


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38.

ACT FOUR

INT. WYNDHAM HALL DAY

Jeni Kim and Bella Milanovich walk down the corridor.

BELLA So are we going to lose our littlekitties at the Boise State team hotelthis Saturday?

JENI(jokingly)

Now youre starting to sound like areal slut.

BELLA Ha! I prefer to think of myself as ourteams secret weapon. How wild wasthat, you and me randomly hooking up

with Fresno States quarterback andstar running back the night before thegame!

JENIYeah, talk about random.

(laughs) And our defense thinks theyre the ones who had those guys dragging by the end

of the game.Both girls laugh. Jeni spies Achilles with iPhone Sitrenin front of a classroom.

JENIHey, Ill catch up with you back at thedorm, okay?

Bella sees who Jeni has her sights set on and continuesdown the hall. Jeni hangs across the classroom from

Achilles, trying to be seen. When he does make eye contact

with her, he says good-bye to iPhone and heads down thestairs. Jeni follows him.

JENI Achilles! Hey, wait up.

He stops on the stairs.

JENIDid you hear me calling you?


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39.

ACHILLESWhat do you want?

JENIWhy are you always so mean to me? Whatdid I do to you?

ACHILLESYou didnt do anything. And Im nottrying to be mean. I just want it tobe crystal clear there can never beanything between me and you.

She gives him a puzzled look. Then concludes,

JENIYou dont like Asians do you?

Achilles reacts. He cant help it. He starts to laugh.

JENI(deeply offended)

You know, I dont think being a racistis at all funny.

This sends him over the edge. Hes practically in tears.

JENII dont know why my sister thought you

were a nice guy. Youre a realasshole! A racist asshole!

She storms past him down the stairs. Hes doubled over with laughter.

INT. NINA & JABARIS APARTMENT DAY

Ninas on her cell phone, looking out the window. Itsrainy outside.

NINA Shes doing fine, Big Sis. The girlsin the house like her and shes pullingher own weight with her pledge sisters.

EXT. UCLA CAMPUS DAY

Its another perfect, sunny day in Southern California.Valerie Kim, former Delta Tau Chi president and Jenisillustrious big sister, is sitting on a bench.


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40.

VALERIEGood. Jennifer can be a real bratsometimes. Now that shes out from under mom and dads thumb, well, I justdont want her to do anything stupid.

INTERCUT NINA/VALERIENINA

Yeah, I know what you mean.

VALERIEWhat do you mean by that?

NINA Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. HowsRichard?

VALERIEHes great. Between his residency andstudying for boards and my grad schoolschedule, we hardly ever spend any timein the apartment together.

NINA Sounds really crazy. But at least youtwo are finally together.

VALERIE

Yeah. Its great.(beat)So Nina...how is he?

NINA Valerie...

VALERIEIm just curious, okay. Youve met herright?

NINA

Yeah, Ive met her.

VALERIE And?

NINA And she doesnt have horns and a tail.

Sorry.

This subject fills Valerie with nervous energy. Shestands, walks back and forth in front of the bench.


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41.

VALERIEI know I shouldnt care...

NINA Youre right, you shouldnt. Richardsa terrific guy and you love him.

VALERIEI know, Nina. Of course...Its just,

well, the thought of him making love toher in our bed just makes me want topuke.

NINA (offhandedly)

Well its not your bed anymore. Andbesides, you dont need to worry aboutth

VALERIEWhat?

NINA (uh-oh)

What?

VALERIEWhat do you mean I dont need to worryabout that?

NINA Did I say that? I didnt say that.

VALERIEYes you did. You said that.

NINA No, I didnt.

VALERIENina, stop it. Spill. Have they had a

fight?(then, possessively)

Hes not cheating on her with some slutis he?!

NINA Just forget I said anything, okay.

VALERIENina.


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42.

NINA Valerie.

VALERIENina!

NINA (beat)I think shes a virgin.

VALERIE(stunned)

Shut up! No way!

NINA Way.

VALERIEBut theyve been together since they

were sophomores in high school. What makes you think she hasnt had sex with

him?

NINA Valerie, you can never, ever sayanything about this to anybody. Ever!

VALERIENina, who are you talking to here?

NINA (beat)

Okay...A couple of weeks ago, she wasout jogging and went to the emergencyroom for a muscle strain orsomething...Dr. Jones treated her.

VALERIECamille Jones? Deltas president backin the nineties?

NINA Yes. But please Valerie, you cant sayanything to anyone!

Beat.

VALERIE(a sinful smile)

Oh Nina, I wont tell a soul.


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43.

EXT. SEAVERS HOME DAY

A taxi pulls into the driveway of a neatly landscaped,cookie-cutter home in a working class subdivision. Colegets out with a backpack and pauses to look at hischildhood home. We sense dark memories are welling up

inside of him.The taxi pulls away and CLAIRE (28) comes out of the houseto meet her brother. When she reaches him, they stand faceto face and gaze into each others eyes. This is obviouslya bittersweet reunion.

DARBY (O.S.)Uncle Cole! Uncle Cole!

DARBY (12) runs out and hugs Cole. Shes a cute girl, withcurly blonde hair and blue eyes like her mothers.

COLE(hugging her)

Darby, hi.

Only now does Claire smile - a sad smile. Claires husbandBRUCE (30) comes out to greet his brother-in-law with ahandshake.

BRUCEThanks for coming, Cole.

Cole nods stoically.

CLAIRECome on, lets go inside.

INT. SEAVER HOME (BATHROOM) NIGHT

Cole has just finished brushing his teeth. We sense hisuneasiness at being in the room. Claire leans in the opendoorway. He turns to face her.

CLAIREI didnt think you would come.

COLEI wasnt going to but Coach made me.We play Boise State tomorrow.


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44.

CLAIREHe always struck me as a win at anycost sort of guy. Sort of like you.

COLEYeah, well, he said something about

losing his father when he was a kid.Beat.

COLEYou alright?

She nods but we know shes not. Her eyes take in the room.

CLAIRE Are you?

Beat. They embrace and hold each other tightly, her headburied in his shoulder.

CLAIREThank you for coming, Cole.

COLES BEDROOM LATER

Cole lay awake on his childhood bed, stares at the ceiling.

FLASHBACK INT. SEAVER HOME DAY (10 YEARS EARLIER)Young Cole comes into the home, drops his book bag on thesofa and walks into the kitchen. He opens the fridge,looks inside.

YOUNG COLE(calls out)

Mom, theres no orange juice.

He grabs a CARTON OF MILK instead and drinks from it, wipeshis mouth and puts it back inside. He pulls out a piece of

FRIED CHICKEN and starts eating.


Mom, whats for dinner?

He leaves the kitchen, looks for his mother in variousrooms. Not finding her on the first floor, he headsupstairs.


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45.


Mom?

He checks a room. No mom. In another room he findsTODDLER DARBY (2) in a playpen. Cole picks her up.

YOUNG COLEHey little, D. Wheres Nana?

The toddler smiles and says something in baby gibberish.Cole smiles and kisses her. He carries her with him downthe hall.

YOUNG COLEHey, Mom.

He stops, notices the bathroom door ajar.

YOUNG COLEMom?

Sensing somethings wrong, he approaches slowly. Darbygurgles and plays with Coles ear.

CLOSE ON COLES FACE through the crack of the door.

YOUNG COLEMom, you okay?

(nudges the door)Mom?

He opens the door wider and looks inside.

YOUNG COLE(horrified)

MOM!

IN THE BATHROOM

Cole puts Darby down and bursts in. We dont see

everything just a womans arm on the side of the tub anda bathtub filled with water and blood.

RETURN TO PRESENT COLES BEDROOM NIGHT

Cole closes his eyes to try and sleep.

END OF ACT FOUR


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46.

ACT FIVE

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM DAY

The stands are filling up with fans. On the field, bothteams the Sea Devils and their opponents, the Boise State

Broncos go through pre-game warm ups.

INT. SEAVER HOME DAY

Cole is in front of the mirror, straightening his tie. Heputs his sport coat on, leaves the room and goesdownstairs. Bruce, Darby and Claire, dressed for thefuneral, are waiting for him.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM DAY

Achilles takes the snap and drops back to pass. The BoiseState defense comes with a hellacious blitz and sack him hard. Achilles gets up slowly with help from iPhoneSitren.

BLACKLEDGE (V.O.)Ouch! Thats the third time thisafternoon the Broncos defense hasgotten to Addams.

SANDERSON (V.O.)We knew this was going to be a hard-hitting affair theres no love lostbetween these two teams - but its justbeen brutal for both offenses. Neithercan seem to get any momentum in whathas turned into a classic defensivestruggle.

SCOREBOARD Boise State 0, Washington Tech 0, 7:24 4 th Qtr.

EXT. GRAVESITE DAY

MOURNERS listen as the Reverend (the same from Emmasfuneral) presides. Bruces arm is around Clairesshoulder, Coles around Darbys. Coles eyes aretransfixed on the casket...


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47.

FLASHBACK INT. SEAVER HOME SUNSET (5 YEARS EARLIER)

Cole comes in, throws his book bag on the sofa. We hearSCREAMING. Cole rushes to the kitchen.

IN THE KITCHEN

COLEGet your hands off her!

Cole grabs Chuck and spins him around. Seven-year-oldDarby tears away and presses herself in a corner, crying,terrified.

COLE(outraged)

You son of a bitch!

Chuck, in mechanics overalls, stammers away. Hes totallyshit-faced drunk.

COLE(to Darby)

Get out, Darby, go upstairs.Now!

Darby runs out and we hear her feet on the steps.

COLE

(to Chuck)You filthy, drunk! You make me sick!

CHUCK(slurring)

...going to play football incollege...think you can talk to yourfather like a man...

COLEYoure not a father and youre not a

man. Youre a worthless piece of shit!

CHUCK(slurring)

Why you...I can still kick

Chuck swings at him. Cole stops his fist with the palm ofhis hand just inches in front of his face.

ECU COLES EYES: Malice

He rears back and CLOBBERS his father with a vicious right.


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48.

RETURN TO PRESENT - EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM - DAY

Achilles is SACKED again. On the sideline, Billy calls atime out. Trainers trot onto the field.

BLACKLEDGE (V.O.)

That defensive end hit Addams like aMack truck. The young Sea Devilsquarterback has really taken a poundingthis afternoon.

SANDERSON (V.O.)Hes getting up pretty slowly thistime. Lets just hope it isntserious. The Devils cant afford tolose him.

FLASHBACK INT. SEAVERS HOME SUNSET (5 YEARS EARLIER)

Chuck falls back against the stove, grabs a SKILLET andflings it at Cole, who deflects it with his forearm. Colegrabs his father and hits him again and again. Chuck fallsto the floor and Cole kicks him in the gut several times.

COLE(cold as ice)

You get out and dont ever come back.If I see you around here again, I wont

call the police to keep you away. Illjust rip your fucking spine out.

Claire comes into the kitchen and drops the grocery bagsshes carrying.

CLAIREOh my God! Cole! Dad!

RETURN TO PRESENT EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM DAY

Pete Mitchell bull rushes past an offensive lineman andCRUSHES the Boise State quarterback in the backfield.

BLACKLEDGE (V.O.) And Mitchell gets him again! Thats

his second sack today and the fifth forthe team. With their captain andleading tackler Cole Seavers outattending his fathers funeral, thisSea Devils defense has really steppedit up today blitzing like mad dogs!


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49.

SANDERSON (V.O.)Most important, that last sack takesthe Broncos out of field goal range andforces them to punt with less thanthree minutes left to play in the game.

SCOREBOARD Boise State 0, Washington Tech 0, 2:47 4th

Qtr.Dallas stands at the 20 yard line, waiting for the BoiseState punt. The ball is kicked high in the air. When itcomes down, Dallas catches it and immediately dodges aBoise State kamikaze tackler. He runs up the middle of thefield, cuts to his left, gets a few blocks...

He jukes past a would-be tackler then turns on the speed,racing untouched into the end zone for a touchdown. On thesideline, the normally stoic Billy thrusts both hands inthe air in triumph. In the stands, Gale cant help butsmile, as everyone around her in the VIP section goes wild.

Dallas trots back to the sideline, acceptingcongratulations from teammates. Hes walking past Billy

when

BILLYMorales!

(beat, Dallas looks at him)Hell of a play.

DALLASThanks Coach.

EXT. GRAVESITE DAY

The casket is being lowered into the grave. Mourners weep.So do Claire and Darby. Cole eyes the casket unblinkinglyuntil its completely in the ground.

EXT. GRAVESITE LATER

Cole stands looking down at the open grave. Mourners are walking away in the b.g. He spits on his fathers casket

then turns and joins Claire, Darby and Bruce who are waiting for him.


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50.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM NIGHT

Achilles is on the bed in a hospital gown. Portia, Billy,Dr. Jones and team physician, Dr. Stan Fiorenza (who weremember from Season One) stand around him.

DR. JONESThe CAT scan came back negative. Hessuffered a very mild concussion buthes fine.

DR. FIORENZA Theyre going to keep him overnight forobservation, Portia, just as aprecaution.

PORTIA (to Dr. Jones)

Youre sure hes alright?

DR. JONESIm sure, Portia. Like Dr. Fiorenzasaid, its purely a precautionary

measure.

ACHILLESI feel fine, babe. Aside from beingsore as hell from the beat down I tooktoday. Thank iPhone for me Coach.

BILLY(smiles)

Look at it this way, Portia, at leastyou wont have to listen to his whiningtonight.

ACHILLES(a thought, smiling)

Hey! Maybe Ill get a good-lookingnurse to give me a sponge bath.

Billy and the doctors react. Portia smirks and pinches Achilles hard on the shoulder.

ACHILLESOw!

PORTIA Theres your sponge bath.

They all laugh. They leave Achilles and Portia alone. Shekisses him and says good-night.


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51.

INT. HOSPITAL LOBBY MOMENTS LATER

Billy says good-bye to Dr. Fiorenza and Dr. Jones then walks to Gale, J.R. and Dallas. We dont hear them, but

Billy tells Gale that Achilles is alright and she smiles,relieved. Then he takes her hand and they walk out of the

hospital, the boys following them.

INT. SEAVERS HOME NIGHT

Cole stands at the fireplace, staring pensively at thefire. He kneels and we see that in front of him is the boxof photos and mementos he had in his apartment. He beginstossing items into the fire one-by-one.

REVERSE and we Claire, unseen by Cole, standing in the darkhallway behind him.

INT. ACHILLES LOFT NIGHT

Portia, wearing one of Achilles jerseys, is about to climbinto bed. A cell phone RINGS. She answers it.

PORTIA Hello?

REVEREND ROBESON (V.O.)

Baby Girl!PORTIA

Daddy! Oh Daddy, Ive been so worriedabout you!

REVEREND ROBESON (V.O.)Im fine, Baby Girl. Just fine.

PORTIA You made it to Ghana alright then?

REVEREND ROBESON (V.O.)Yes, I did. Im here now.

PORTIA Thank God. When I didnt hear from you, I didnt know what to think. Ivebeen worried out of my mind. Daddy I

miss you so much.

Tears begin to come to her eyes. Shes overcome by asudden rush of emotion.


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52.

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Reverend Robeson stands in front of the window, lookingoutside.

REVEREND ROBESON

I miss you too, Baby Girl. I miss youtoo.

CAMERA PULLS BACK and were looking at Reverend Robesonfrom outside of the window. WIDEN and we see the hotel isa MARRIOTT. WIDEN FURTHER and we see that its in downtownLos Angeles.

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE

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