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    GOAL TO GO

    Episode 3.32

    Buckeyes

    by

    David Polk

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    2.RECAP

    We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Achilleswalking down Main Street with Portias billboard in b.g.

    TEASER

    FADE IN:

    EXT. SEATTLE NIGHT

    To establish a rainy night.

    INT. GABRIELLES BEDROOM NIGHT

    We hear the SOUNDS of passionate lovemaking. SLOW REVEAL

    of Gabrielle Woods and Billy Donahue having sex.

    DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. GABRIELLES BEDROOM LATER

    Gabrielle and Billy lay in each others arms.

    GABRIELLEI love making love to the sound of therain.

    BILLYI love making love to you.

    They kiss softly. Then

    BILLYI should get going soon.

    GABRIELLE(beat)

    What do you tell her...about where you

    go?

    BILLYShe doesnt ask.

    GABRIELLEDo you think she knows were togetheragain?

    BILLYNo, I dont think she does.

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    3.GABRIELLE

    (beat)Is it because you still make love toher?

    Beat.

    GABRIELLEIt doesnt matter. Its different now,anyway.

    BILLYDifferent?

    GABRIELLEYes. When we met we were both carryingloads of baggage. I was running away

    from my disaster of a marriage withDavid; you were fighting for your joband dealing with well, Gale. Iadmit, for a minute there - just a tiny

    minute - I wanted to take you from herjust to rub her nose in it. And I knowthat being with me was your way ofdealing with hearing no in bed forover a year. But now were togetherfor no other reason than because we

    want to be. All that baggage is gone.

    Billy absorbs her words. Then

    BILLYShell know, eventually. And life willget unpleasant when she does.

    GABRIELLE(looks up at him)

    Can you handle it, Billy? Are we worthit?

    BILLY(beat)

    Yeah, I can handle it. And yes, weare.

    They kiss again. He gets out of bed.

    BILLYIts not Gale Im worried about anyway.

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    5.ANNOUNCER (V.O., CONTD.)

    one team in the country, the Ohio StateBuckeyes. Now I know this one seemslike a long shot, but dont count theDevils out. Achilles Addams comes offa three-week suspension for an off-the-field altercation, the defense isfeeling its oats after a gutsy showingagainst Boise State, and heres aninteresting stat head coach BillyDonahue has never lost to a number oneranked team.

    BILLY(to himself, surprised)

    Really?

    ANNOUNCER (V.O.)Thats right, sports fans. We lookedit up. As a player and as offensivecoordinator at Texas A&M, Donahue wentup against number one-ranked teams sixtimes and won all six of those games.

    And we all know about last yearsstunner against the Miami Hurricanes...

    BILLY(to himself)

    Hmmm. Well what do you know?

    BILLYS POV A CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD

    Its hazard lights BLINKING. CLOSE ON a Baby on BoardSIGN stuck in the cars rear window.

    RETURN TO SCENE

    Billy turns off the radio as he passes the disabledvehicle. He hits his TURN SIGNAL and pulls onto the sideof the road.

    EXT. ROADSIDE NIGHT

    Billy approaches the disabled car, shielding his eyes fromthe rain and the cars HIGH BEAM headlights. The driver, aYOUNG WOMAN (20s), gets out of the car.

    BILLYHi. You alright?

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    6.YOUNG WOMAN

    Yeah. Thanks for stopping. I dontknow whats wrong with it.

    BILLYTheres a Chevron station about a mileup. I can give you a lift and you canstay there until a tow comes.

    YOUNG WOMAN(very relieved)

    That would be great!

    BILLYAnybody else in the car with you?

    YOUNG WOMAN

    Yeah, my son.

    BILLY(comforting smile)

    Okay, well lets get him and we can getout of this rain.

    YOUNG WOMANThank you so much!

    She follows Billy and he opens the rear door of the car.He sticks his head in. No baby. He turns to ask the woman

    where

    BAM! Billy is CLOBBERED by a TIRE IRON to the face. Hefalls against the car, then takes another blow to the head.He collapses to the ground on his back. A MAN riflesthrough his pockets, takes his wallet, his watch, etc.

    BILLYS POV THE YOUNG WOMAN AND MAN

    Run to his Range Rover, climb inside and drive off.

    RETURN TO SCENE

    A stream of blood runs from Billys head to his face. Hiseyes flutter closed. SLOW ZOOM OUT to a CRANE SHOT of himlying next to the disabled car, rain pouring down.

    SMASH CUT TO TITLES.

    END OF TEASER

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    7.ACT ONE

    FADE IN:

    INT. DONAHUE MASTER BEDROOM NIGHT

    Gale Donahue is asleep. The telephone RINGS. She wakes,looks at the CLOCK: 1:15 a.m.

    INT. HOSPITAL ROOM NIGHT

    Dr. Camille Jones is talking with Gale.

    DR. JONESThe CAT scan and x-rays came backnegative. Theres no neural damage

    and, aside from the cracked septum, nosignificant permanent damage to theface or skull. He should be back onhis feet again in a week or so. Iexpect a full recovery, Mrs. Donahue.

    GALEThank you, Dr. Jones. What now?

    Gale looks over at Billy, head and face wrapped inbandages, asleep in bed.

    DR. JONESHes sedated now. Well keep him herefor observation for another day, maybetwo. Then hes free to go home.

    (off Gales reaction)Im afraid hell have to miss the OhioState game, Mrs. Donahue.

    GALEYes, of course. Of course thats notimportant. Thank you again, Doctor.

    Dr. Jones offers a comforting smile and exits. Gale goesto Billy, touches his face tenderly.

    GALEOh, Billy honey.

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    9.CHIEF

    Not at the moment, but were on it.The Coachs SUV is equipped withLowjack. And weve dusted the strandedcar for prints. Weve already put outan APB for possible suspects.

    Gale looks straight into the chiefs eyes. Theres asteely Texas Justice resolve in her soft voice.

    GALESal, I want you to find whoever didthis to my husband. I want thembrought to justice. Understand?

    CHIEFYes, maam. I will personally lead the

    investigation.

    INT. MOTEL ROOM DAY

    Bob Garcia is asleep. PAN the room and we FIND an emptyBOTTLE OF JACK DANIELS on the desk. Clothes strewn about.

    The bedside phone RINGS and Bob stirs awake to answer it.

    BOBHello.

    CHARLOTTE (V.O.)Coach Garcia?

    BOBYeah.

    CHARLOTTE (V.O.)Bob, Charlotte Webb. We need to talk.Is this a bad time?

    Bob is hung over. He struggles to pull it together.

    BOBYes...I mean no, its a good time.Whats up?

    CHARLOTTE (V.O.)(beat)

    Whats up? Coach, have you not seenthe news this morning?

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    10.BOB

    (struggling)Uh...Um

    CHARLOTTE (V.O.)Billy Donahue was assaulted last nighton Route 31. Hes in the hospital.Ive been trying to reach you allnight. Is your cell phone dead?

    BOB(sobering)

    Oh my God! Is he alright?

    CHARLOTTE (V.O.)Hell recover. But not beforeSaturday.

    BOBSaturday. But we play Ohio StateSaturday.

    CHARLOTTE (V.O.)Right. I need you and the otherassistant in my office 20 minutes ago.

    INT. GABRIELLES APARTMENT DAY

    Gabrielle steps out of the shower, pulls on a short, sexyrobe. We stay with her through the apartment to the livingroom. She opens the curtains and we see the high rise viewof Seattle. In the kitchen, she starts a pot of coffee,switches on the television.

    ON THE TELEVISION, ESPNs Sandy Sanderson wears a grimexpression as he reports. Over this, VIDEO FOOTAGE of thediscovered Range Rover on the side of the road.

    SANDERSON (V.O.)

    ...Police in Maitland say Donahuesblack Range Rover was found this

    morning, approximately 150 miles awayfrom where the Coach was beaten andleft unconscious by his assailant.

    Gabrielle looks at the television, at the PHOTO of Billythat appears over Sandersons shoulder. Shes utterly inshock. Chief DAgostino appears ONSCREEN in a tapedinterview.

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    11.CHIEF (V.O.)

    Were getting support from lawenforcement officials across the state

    who are assisting us in efforts toapprehend those responsible for thissenseless and violent crime...

    Gabrielle sways and faints, falling to the kitchen floor.

    INT. CAT & DALLAS APARTMENT DAY

    Dallas Morales and Cara Cat Trzcinski stare at thetelevision as a local newscaster gives her report fromoutside the hospital.

    CAT

    Dallas, you have to go to the hospital.

    DALLASI dont know, Red. It looks prettycrazy down there.

    CATDallas, hes your father. You have togo to him. He needs you.

    They exchange a look. She reaches out, touches his arm insupport.

    INT. SHOWER DAY

    Achilles Addams and Portia Addams are having steamy make upsex. When theyre done, they step out of the shower anddry each other off.

    INT. BEDROOM LATER

    Portias in jeans and bra deciding which sweater to wear.She has two to choose from. Achilles comes in, ready to go.

    ACHILLESBabe, weve got to hit it. Im goingto be late for Anatomy and youve gotyour Geopolitical Studies midterm.

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    13.INTERCUT: SASHA/BOB/ACHILLES/PORTIA

    SASHAPortia, were trying to reach Achilles.Its urgent.

    BOBAchilles, Coach Garcia.

    ACHILLESYeah, Coach. Whats up?

    PORTIAHes right here. Whats wrong?

    BOBCoach Donahues been in an accident.

    SASHACoach Donahues in the hospital.

    PORTIAOh my!

    ACHILLESWhat kind of an accident?

    BOB A carjacking. Last night.

    ACHILLESJeez! Is he alright?

    SASHAPortia, I need to talk with Achillesbefore he goes outside.

    BOBHe will be. But weve got Saturday tothink about.

    PORTIAWhy? Whats outside?

    EXT. FRONT OF APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY

    Satellite trucks and camera crews crowd the street andsidewalk in front of the apartment building. Achilles andPortia step outside and are assaulted by lights,

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    14.microphones and questions. Sasha emerges from the crowdand steps in to run interference for them...

    INT. HOSPITAL ROOM DAY

    Billys propped up in bed. His head is bandaged, faceblack and blue from bruises and stitches. Gale slides astraw in his mouth. His eyes say, Thank you as he sipshis juice.

    GALENow you just take it easy, Billy honey.

    CHIEFCoach, based on your description of the

    woman, weve narrowed the list of

    females to four suspects with a similarM-O. Its very likely that the man isher husband or a boyfriend.

    Billy speaks with difficulty and in a low whisper.

    BILLYThank you, chief.

    GALEYes, thank you, chief. Now I thinkits best if Billy can rest withoutthinking of police business.

    CHIEFCertainly, Mrs. Donahue.

    As the chief exits we notice J.R. standing in the room.Hes unaccustomed to seeing his father vulnerable. Billyclocks his anxiety, tries to ease it with a look. But aSHARP PAIN causes a convulsion. J.R. reacts, frightened.

    GALE

    J.R., Sweetheart, please go get thenurse...Now.

    J.R. starts to leave.

    BILLY(easing back)

    No, wait...Its okay. Im okay. J.R.,come over here, son.

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    15.J.R.

    Yeah, Dad?

    BILLYIm going to be alright, son. Youunderstand?

    J.R.Yes.

    GALEOf course you are, Billy.

    (to J.R.)Your fathers going to be fine,Sweetheart. And Chief DAgostino isgoing to catch those awful people whodid this to him and put them away.

    J.R.I know...

    (then)Dad, what were you doing out there solate anyway?

    Gale and Billy exchange a look.

    INT. GABRIELLES APARTMENT DAY

    Gabrielle is distraught. Martinique Martie Woods triesto calm her daughter Gabrielle over a cup of tea.

    GABRIELLEI dont want to hear that, Mom. Imnot going to hear it.

    MARTIEHoney, I know you want to see him. Butbe reasonable. You know better thananyone how the media works. There are

    reporters all over the place. You showup and whats already a media circusturns into an even bigger sideshow.

    GABRIELLEWhat do you expect me to do, just sithere?! He needs me, Mom!

    MARTIEHe has his wife, Elle.

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    16.Gabrielle reacts, angry.

    MARTIEYou dont want to hear this either, Iknow, but the man has a family andthats who he wants to be with rightnow. Not you.

    GABRIELLEYoure right. I dont want to hear it!

    She gets up and goes to the kitchen. Martie follows.

    MARTIEElle, use your head, honey.

    GABRIELLE

    Stop it, Mom! Just stop it! Look, Iknow exactly what youre thinking.

    MARTIEYou dont know what Im thinking, youonly think you do.

    GABRIELLENo, I know what youre thinking.

    MARTIEWhat am I thinking?

    GABRIELLE(full of emotion)

    That he deserved this for cheating onhis wife. That I deserve to be feelinglike crap because Ive been sneakingaround with a married man like somelittle tramp!

    MARTIEElle, baby...

    GABRIELLENo, Mom, dont try to deny it! Eversince I told you about me and Billyyouve been badmouthing him and nip,nip, nipping away at me.

    MARTIE(beat)

    Elle...its just that you deservebetter.

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    18.Billys ASSISTANT COACHES, among them Bob, Joe Mercer andJoe Dumars, team physician Natalia Rockov and her TRAINERS.

    CHARLOTTEThe good news is Coach Donahue willleave the hospital Saturday morning anddoctors expect him to make a fullrecovery. He can be back on thepractice field in a week. The not-so-good news is youll face the Ohio StateBuckeyes without your head coach. NowIve talked to Coach Donahue and Ivetalked to all of the assistants. Theyassure me that youre ready for thisgame. Youre all healthy, you have agreat game plan, and youve been well-coached all season. So there are

    absolutely no excuses for you not to goout there Saturday night and play toyour full potential.

    (beat)Ive conferred with Coach Donahue andall of the coaches. We all agree thatin Coach Donahues absence, CoachGarcia will serve as acting head coach.Coach, do you want to say anything tothe team?

    Bob steps up. Hes still unshaven, eyes sunken from anight of drinking alone in his motel room.

    BOBWe have one more day to prepare forOhio State. I know its going to behard to do, but lets stay focused,keep the routine thats served us sofar this season. Its what CoachDonahue would expect of us.

    INT. BOBS OFFICE DAY

    Bob is in the office with the door closed. Hes on hiscell phone. We hear it RINGING then

    ELYSE (V.O.)Hi, youve reached Elyse. Leave a

    message.

    Beep.

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    19.BOB

    Elyse, please call me back. I reallyneed to talk to you. Please, itsimportant.

    INT. ELYSES OFFICE DAY

    Elyse Johansson sits behind the desk in her tiny facultyoffice. We notice that theres a bruise on her pretty facethat shes tried to cover with makeup. Her husband,professor Greg Nelson, is at the door.

    GREG(ref. cell phone)

    Elyse, arent you going to answer that?

    ELYSEI can tell from the caller i.d. itsjust another telemarketer.

    GREGIts such a pain now that theyvegotten hold of cell phone lists.

    Anyway, as I was saying, Ill pickGraham up from daycare at three and wecan leave before the town fills up withcrazies for this Ohio State game. TheRabinskis will meet us down at thelake house tonight at around 7:30.

    ELYSE(smiles)

    Itll be nice to get away for theweekend. Greg, Ive been feeling likewe need to reconnect.

    GREGYeah, me too.

    (comes over, kisses her)

    Ill catch you later.

    After hes gone, Elyse stares down at her cell phone.

    INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR/ROOM - SUNSET

    Dallas and Cat stand outside of Billys room. She saysgood-bye to him with a kiss then he goes inside.Gale and J.R. are with Billy. They welcome Dallas with

    warm smiles.

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    20.Cat watches through the open door and we see her emotion atBillys reaction when he sees his son. Then she turns and

    walks down the corridor.

    EXT. HOSPITAL SUNSET

    Cat comes out of the hospital, walks through the circulardrive toward the parking lot.

    INT. VOLVO SPORT COUPE SUNSET

    Gabrielle watches Cat go to her Mustang, get inside anddrive off. Then Gabrielle waits...

    INT. HOSPITAL ROOM NIGHT

    Nurse LEXI hands a PAPER CUP with PILLS to Billy. He downsthem with a drink from a DIXIE CUP and reacts to the water.

    BILLYHey Lexi, I thought we had a deal.Wheres the Scotch?!

    Lexi smiles. J.R. and Dallas react, embarrassed.

    GALEDont mind him, Lexi.

    LEXIHes a naughty one, Mrs. Donahue. Howdo you put up with him?

    GALE(smiles)

    Its not easy, believe me.

    LEXI

    Ill be in before my shift ends tocheck on you again, Coach.

    BILLY(winks)

    Ill be right here, waiting.

    Lexi blushes, smiles admiringly at Gale and leaves.

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    21.DALLAS

    Id better head out too, Coach.Curfew.

    BILLY(grins with pain)

    No way will I be an excuse for youbreaking curfew.

    (then, sincerely)Thanks for stopping by, Dallas.

    Gale stands and embraces Dallas, caresses and kisses hischeek. He blushes. He still cant resist her charm.

    GALEYes, Dallas, thanks for coming to spendtime with your father.

    J.R.Ill drop you off at your apartment.

    After the boys go, Gale perches on the side of Billys bed.

    GALEHes a good one, that Dallas. Ceciliadid a good job.

    BILLYAnd her husband.

    GALEYes, him too. But theres a lot of youin Dallas, Billy. I can feel it.

    (long beat)Billy honey, why were you on Route 31last night? Where were you comingfrom?

    He looks at her for another long beat, deciding.

    BILLYI was with Bob...out at the Motel 6.

    GALE(accepting, not believing)

    So Mimi really threw him out?

    BILLYYes.

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    22.GALE

    Its very sad. They seemed so happy.Ill go to see her tomorrow.

    (he nods)What about Bob? Can he handle a gameas big as Ohio State with what hesgoing through?

    OFF Billys conflicted emotion...

    EXT. HOSPITAL NIGHT

    Gale exits and crosses the circular driveway to her Jaguar,which is waiting for her, a STATE TROOPER attending. Shegets inside, says good-night to the trooper and drives off.

    INT. SPORTS COUPE/EXT. HOSPITAL NIGHT

    Gabrielle watches the Jaguar until it turns onto the mainroad, then she gets out of the car and goes inside thehospital.

    INT. HOSPITAL ROOM NIGHT

    Gabrielle comes into the room quietly. Shes almostovercome with emotion at the sight of Billy resting withbandages on his face and head. He looks over at her.Tries to prop himself. She hurries to help him.

    GABRIELLEHere, let me.

    He takes hold of her arm. Looks into her eyes.

    BILLYElle...

    She cant hold back any longer. She breaks down in tears.He embraces her.

    BILLYIts okay, Elle. Im okay.

    GABRIELLE(sobbing)

    But you could have been killed, Billy.If you werent with me none of this

    would have happened.

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    23.BILLY

    Elle, dont...

    GABRIELLE(sobbing)

    Its true, Billy. I almost got youkilled.

    He takes her shoulders, looks her in the eyes.

    BILLYYou listen to me, Elle, what happenedhas nothing to do with our beingtogether. Its a coincidence. Plainand simple...Okay?

    She gathers her emotions, aided by a stroke of his thumb to

    wipe away her tears. They kiss tenderly.

    FADE OUT.

    END OF ACT ONE

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    26.SASHA

    Thatll do it for now, guys...

    INT. BOBS OFFICE DAY

    Bob is alone, clearly anxious. He looks at his cell phone,debating whether to call Elyse again. He picks it up.

    CHARLOTTE (O.S.)Bob.

    Bob puts the phone down, looks up at Charlotte in thedoorway.

    BOBDr. Webb. Yes.

    CHARLOTTEPutting the finishing touches on thegame plan?

    BOBUh, yes.

    CHARLOTTEI know this is a terrible time to getyour first experience as a head coach.Having Achilles back on the fieldshould help tremendously.

    BOBYeah. And the defense is comingtogether at the right time too.

    She clocks his nervousness.

    CHARLOTTEBob, I just want you to know that notonly does Coach Donahue have faith in

    you, so do I.

    BOBThanks, Dr. Webb. That means a lot.

    CHARLOTTEWell, Ill let you get back to work.Just remember what Billy said do whatyou do best, and let the boys take careof the rest. Good luck tonight, Bob.

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    27.After shes gone, he picks up the cell phone, dials.

    INT. RESTAURANT DAY

    Elyse and Greg are having lunch with PAUL and RACHELRABINSKI, a scholarly couple (40s).

    RACHELIts been 20 years since we were inParis. I can hardly wait to get back.

    ELYSEGreg and I havent been since ourhoneymoon six years ago. Its sobeautiful in the spring.

    Elyses cell phone RINGS. She answers without checkingcaller i.d.

    ELYSEThis might be the babysitter. Hello?

    BOB (V.O.)Elyse, please dont hang up.

    ELYSE(covering)

    Oh, hello Christina. Im having lunchnow, with Greg and the Rabinskis.

    BOB (V.O.)I have to talk to you. Just for a

    minute. Please.

    Elyse stands to excuse herself.

    ELYSE(to table)

    Its Christina. She has a question

    about Grahams snack. Ill just be aminute.

    Elyse goes to a private spot in the restaurant.

    ELYSE(tersely)

    Bob, have you lost your mind?! Youknow Im with Greg! I cant talk toyou now. I cant do this anymore!

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    28.INT. BOBS OFFICE - DAY

    BOBI had to talk to you, Elyse. To hearyour voice.

    INTERCUT ELYSE/BOB

    ELYSEIts not enough that your marriage isruined?! You want to ruin mine too?!

    BOBBut, Elyse, I just needed to hear yourvoice. Billy was attacked two nightsago and he cant coach the game.I...Im coaching tonight against Ohio

    State...

    Elyse looks over at the table where Greg and the Rabinskisare chatting. Greg shares a look with her. Smiles.

    ELYSEI cant deal with this now, Bob. Imsorry. Please dont call me again.

    BOBElyse, please

    Click. Shes hung up on him.

    INT. CHAMP SUSSMANS OFFICE DAY

    Champ and Sasha have just finished having sex and aregetting dressed.

    CHAMPSo everythings set for tonight?

    SASHAYes. If we win, its all beenarranged. But you know thats a bigif Champ.

    He kisses her on the lips.

    CHAMPHave faith, Sasha, baby. That half a

    million isnt going to go to waste.

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    29.INT. CONTROL BOOTH NIGHT

    Kirk Herbstreit and Brent Musburger do their pre-game.

    BRENTHere we are at Maitland MemorialStadium in Maitland, Washington and thehouse is jammed packed for tonights

    match-up between the number eighteenWashington Tech Sea Devils and thenations number one team, the OhioState Buckeyes.

    KIRKIts the most important game to evertake place in this 50-year-old stadium.Ohio States heavily favored, but the

    Sea Devils have their All-Americanquarterback Achilles Addams back in thelineup after a three-week suspension.

    EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM NIGHT

    Achilles warms up on the sideline throwing passes...

    BRENT (V.O.)The Sea Devils are a completelydifferent team without number 10. Intwo games without him they managed only250 total yards of offense, most ofthem on the ground with sophomoretailback Crash Davis. Thats compared

    with an average of 400 yards of offensewhen Addams is on the field.

    KIRK (V.O.)He is the heart and soul of this teamalright. But while the playmaker onthe field is back, the Sea Devils will

    go up against the number one team inthe country without their number one

    man. Head coach Billy Donahue, who wasthe victim of a carjacking just twonights ago, wont be in the stadiumtonight. Offensive coordinator BobGarcia will take over for Donahue onthe sideline for tonights game.

    Bob stands on the sideline, intensely studying hislaminated PLAY SHEET.

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    30.BRENT (V.O.)

    For an update on Coach Donahuesstatus, lets go to Wendi Nix on thesideline.

    WENDIBrent, coach Donahue left the hospitalthis morning and seemed to be in verygood spirits, even joking withreporters about his condition. Hes athome tonight with his wife Gale. ButDonahue wont be tuning into the game.His doctors told him to avoid anyexcitement and when I spoke to Gale afew minutes ago, she said shes put herfoot down. She wont allow the coachnear a television tonight. Brent.

    INT. CONTROL BOOTH NIGHT

    BRENTWell, knowing Gale Donahue Id say thecoach will just have to read about thisone tomorrow. Our thoughts and best

    wishes go out to Billy and Gale Donahuetonight.

    INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN NIGHT

    CLOSE ON Billys face. Hes focused intently on something.WIDEN and we see hes sitting at the table, staring at atelevision screen. Its off.

    Gale puts a piece of PIE and a CUP OF COFFEE in front ofhim, sits down across from him. We also notice a SCRABBLEBOARD on the table. One word is on the board: MIRACLE.

    GALE

    Okay, Billy honey, its your turn.

    EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM NIGHT

    Its moments before kickoff. On the sideline, Sea Devilssurround Achilles. Theyre already worked up, but he getsthem even more pumped...

    ACHILLESWhose house it this?!

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    31.SEA DEVILS

    Our house!

    ACHILLESWHOSE HOUSE IS THIS?!

    SEA DEVILSOUR HOUSE!

    ACHILLESAnd in our house, Sea Devils rule!!!WHOO-AHHHH!

    SEA DEVILSWHOOO-AHHHH!

    MONTAGE 1 BUCKEYES DRIVE

    The Buckeyes take the kickoff and start at their own 30-yard-line. They march down the field methodically, plowingthrough the Sea Devils defense with runs and passes;

    On the sideline Bob, defensive coordinator Joe Mercer andcoaches and players grow increasingly concerned. In thestands, the sold out crowd is subdued;

    At the 10-yard-line the Buckeyes appear ready to scoretheir first touchdown of the night.

    KIRK (V.O.)This has just been a textbook openingdrive by the Bucks. Danielson bringsthem to the line of scrimmage.

    BRENT (V.O.)The Buckeyes have the best red zoneoffense in all of college football.They rarely come away empty handed oncethey get inside the 20.

    DANIELSON, the Buckeyes quarterback, takes the snap andfakes a handoff to his RUNNING BACK. He fires a pass overthe middle and its

    BRENT (V.O.)Intercepted!

    Dallas has picked off the pass and is running it back.Danielson dives and trips him up from behind.

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    32.BRENT (V.O.)

    And its the quarterback Danielson whomakes a touchdown saving tackle at theBuckeye 39-yard-line.

    The Sea Devils sideline erupts. Fans are ecstatic.

    END MONTAGE

    IN THE STANDS

    Charlotte, Ronald, Champ and his wife Kendra Sussman cheerwith others in the VIP section. Then Champ notices someonein another section of the stands. Delta SORORITY GIRLS,decked out in Delta pink football jerseys, are celebratingthe interception. Bella is with them. Champ stares ather, dumbfounded.

    KENDRAChamp, honey, what is it?

    CHAMP(recovers)

    Nothing. Great pick by Dallas, huh?

    INT. TRZCINSKI HOME NIGHT

    Ed Trzcinski and his family wife Gloria, sons Aaron andNeil and their wives and Aarons young son - arecelebrating Dallas interception. The front door opens andCat comes in. The celebrating stops all goes quietexcept for the sound of the television.

    Cat and Ed stare at each other for a long, emotion-filledmoment. Then he goes to her. They embrace and she beginsto cry, buries her head in his chest.

    CAT(sobbing)

    Im sorry, Dad...

    EDShhhhh. Its alright, baby...

    Ed puts his arm around her and guides her to the sofa. Catexchanges a look with Gloria, who offers a small smile.Cat returns the gesture to seal their peace pact.

    Aaron sits on the sofa.

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    34.Finally the play comes in by hand signals.

    ACHILLES(to huddle)

    88 Fox, motion left, X follow, on two.

    Achilles brings them to the line again. Reads the defense.Doesnt like what he sees.

    ACHILLESCheck! Check! Razor 90! Razor 90!

    The offense adjusts for the audible. Achilles takes thesnap and hands off to Crash Davis, who darts through theline and gets pummeled by Ohio State defenders.

    MONTAGE 2 SEA DEVIL DRIVES

    Its tough going for the offense. Achilles looks to thesideline for plays but we sense hes unhappy with what hesgetting;

    Bob, already uncomfortable and indecisive, is increasinglyannoyed that Achilles is calling audibles;

    Achilles completes a few passes but jittery nerves and thehard-hitting Buckeyes cause receivers Greg Ericsson and JetJohnson to drop more balls than they catch;

    Achilles is flushed out of the pocket more than once andhas to scramble for his life;

    Achilles takes the snap, sets up to pass, but nobodys open not Greg, not Jet, not tight end Junior Tuiososopo sohe braces himself for a hard sack;

    END MONTAGE

    KIRK (V.O.)Brent, even though he was sacked, that

    was a heads up play by Addams. Helooked down field, saw he had noreceivers open and rather than riskthrowing an interception, he protectedthe ball.

    BRENT (V.O.)Addams audibled again on that play.Kirk, as a former quarterback, tell us

    (MORE)

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    36.BRENT (V.O.)

    Its first and goal for the Buckeyes atthe three-yard-line. And with all thebeef lining up out there youve got tofigure coach Jim Tressel is going touse brute strength to push it in.

    KIRK (V.O.)Thats right, Brent. This is classicOhio State football: two yards and acloud of dust.

    Dallas rallies the defense.

    DALLASLets go, D! Hang tough! Hang tough!

    Behind him the fans in the Pit are going crazy. Dallasturns and raises his arms to get them even more amped.

    DALLASYeah! Yeah!

    The Buckeyes come to the line of scrimmage. Danielson setsup behind his center and barks the signals. He takes thesnap and hands off to the fullback, who is STUFFED.

    The Pit goes wild. The Buckeyes come to the line again.

    BRENT (V.O.)Here we go again, second and goal fromthe three-yard-line.

    Danielson fakes a hand off, pivots and fires a pass to aTIGHT END who catches it but is DRILLED in the end zone byDallas. The ball pops out. The REFEREE waves his handsbriskly Incomplete!

    KIRK (V.0.)Did you see the hit that Morales put on

    that tight end?!

    BRENT (V.O.)I think its safe to say that young man

    will feel that one tomorrow.

    INT. TRZCINSKI HOME NIGHT

    ON THE TELEVISION a REPLAY of Dallas devastating hit. Onthe sofa, Cat squeezes Eds hand.

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    38.Fans in the Pit are totally out of control.

    BRENT (V.O.)Oh my! Can you believe it folks?!Four tries from inside the five and theOhio State Buckeyes come up short!

    INT. TRZCINSKI HOME NIGHT

    Ed and Cat jump up and down and hug one another tightly.

    EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM NIGHT

    Dallas returns to the sideline. He exchanges a look withBob then locks eyes with Achilles.

    DALLASGet it done, Q.B.!

    Achilles nods his understanding. Fastens his chinstrap.

    IN THE HUDDLE

    Achilles checks his wristband play sheet, then

    ACHILLESSplit set, sprint option left

    CRASHHey, Q.B., that wasnt the play Coachsent in.

    Before Achilles can respond.

    IPHONEShut it, Crash! Nobody talks in thehuddle but Q.B.

    ACHILLES(in command)

    Split set, speed option left, on two.Ready

    TEAM(totally with him)

    Break!

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    40.ACT THREE

    FADE IN:

    INT. SEA DEVILS LOCKER ROOM NIGHT

    The offense is concentrated in one area, the defense inanother, both squads listening intently to analysis fromtheir coaches. In Billys locker room office, Bob and

    Achilles are nose-to-nose, shouting at each other.

    BOBWho the hell do you think you are?!You dont run this team, son, your jobis to run the plays I send in!

    ACHILLES

    I know what my job is Coach, but Icant do it with the crap youresending in! Is anybody in the bootheven paying attention to whatshappening on the field?!

    BOBYoull run the plays I send in or sohelp me Addams, Ill bench your ass!

    ACHILLESDo that and we wont have any chance of

    winning this game!

    BOBI dont give a shit! Id rather losethan let one player with an overgrownego poison the whole team.

    ACHILLESThen help us, Coach! We can beat theseguys! Theyre bigger and stronger, but

    were faster. You saw it on the last

    drive. They cant keep up if we useour speed.

    (pleading)Coach, please! We need your help.

    OFF Bobs emotion...

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    43.Achilles takes the toss from Crash, looks down field andlaunches a rocket 45 yards through the air to Greg, whocatches it in stride and glides into the end zone, aBuckeye safety trailing hopelessly behind him.

    END MONTAGE

    INT. CONTROL BOOTH NIGHT

    Brent and Kirk bring us up to speed.

    BRENTDont try to adjust your sets, folks.Youre not seeing things. As we startthe fourth quarter, the Washington TechSea Devils lead the Ohio State Buckeyes

    24 to nothing.

    KIRKI sure hope head coach Billy Donahue isfollowing doctors orders. Theexcitement here in Memorial Stadium isalmost enough to register on a Richterscale, so its got to be too much forhim at home.

    INT. DONAHUE KITCHEN NIGHT

    CLOSE ON the SCRABBLE BOARD. Its almost full of wordsnow. Next to the board, Billy is tapping a SCRABBLE TILEto release nervous energy.

    GALEBilly honey, would you mind? Imtrying to concentrate.

    BILLY(realizing)

    Oh. Sorry.

    He looks at his watch and then at the blank televisionscreen. When he looks at Gale, shes studying his face.

    GALETheyre most likely starting the fourthquarter around about now, dont youthink, honey?

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    44.BILLY

    Yeah. Theyve got to be in the fourthby now, unless the boys have beencalled for a lot of penalties.

    GALEPenalties always seem to crop up in thebig games.

    BILLYUh-huh. Nerves.

    Without realizing it, hes started tapping the scrabbletile again. Gale looks at it and he stops. Beat.

    GALEBilly...that night, when Dr. Jones

    called, when I heard her voice on theother end of the phone telling me thatyou were in the hospital. I was sofrightened...

    BILLYGale, babe, its alright. Im alrightnow, you know that.

    GALEYes, Billy, I know. But I didnt knowthen. And not knowing, the fear oflosing you, it was almost too much for

    me...The whole drive to the hospital Iworried and I wondered what my lifewould be like without you. And Irealized, Billy...I realized I wouldnt

    want to live without you.

    BILLY(reacts)

    Gale...

    GALEOf course I would Id have to go onfor J.R. and Duncan. But my life wouldnever be the same without you, Billy.I would never be happy again.

    They share a long look. Billy is at a loss, covers hisguilt. Then Gale looks down at her letters. Herexpression suggests that a combination has just come toher. She puts tiles on the board to spell her word.

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    45.GALE

    (satisfied smile)And its a triple-word score, honey.

    ECU WHORE

    OFF Billy staring down at the word...

    EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM NIGHT

    Danielson, the Buckeyes quarterback, steps back and throwsa perfect 20-yard spiral to a WIDE RECEIVER over the

    middle. He makes the catch and runs into the end zone fora touchdown.

    BRENT (V.O.)

    So the Bucks finally get on the board.But its much too little and far toolate.

    KIRK (V.O.)You can say that again, Brent. Thiscertainly isnt the biggest upset incollege football, but its definitelythe biggest win for the Washington TechSea Devils.

    SCOREBOARD OSU 7, WTU 34, 0:58 left in the game

    The most famous CHANT in the history of college footballrises from the stadium as more than 55,000 Sea Devils fansshout in unison:

    FAN CHANTOver-RATED! Over-RATED! Over-RATED!

    Masses of fans pour out of the stands. STADIUM STAFF,SECURITY GUARDS and STATE TROOPERS try to keep them at bay,off of the end zone and the sidelines.

    ON THE FIELD

    Achilles follows the offense to the line of scrimmage.

    BRENT (V.O.)Addams brings them to the line andprepares to take a knee.

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    58.BECKY

    No doubt youve heard of the VirginVault, the womens freshmen dorm,otherwise known as Van Helsing Hall.Its named for my great-grandfather,not the vampire hunter.

    ACHILLESJesus, Becky...Youre them? I mean,your family is that Van Helsing?

    (off her nod)But I dont get it. Why?

    BECKYAchilles, I got pregnant for the wrongreasons. It was selfish and childishof me. I know that now. I was going

    through a lot of emotional crap backthen and I just wanted to hurt a lot ofpeople, my parents being at the top ofthat list. You shouldve seen theirfaces when Angel was born...

    FLASHBACK INT. DELIVERY ROOM DAY

    CLOSE ON the STUNNED FACES of Beckys very white, veryupper crust PARENTS. WIDEN to show a BROWN BABY as itstaken from between Beckys legs. Beckys mother faints.

    RETURN TO PRESENT INT. KOFFEE HOUSE DAY

    BECKYThat was classic. But right after

    Angel was born, when I held her for thefirst time, I realized that my mistake

    was really the best thing thats everhappened to me. One look at her and Ifell totally, completely, helplessly inlove. Shes my whole world, Achilles.

    Because of her, I feel better aboutmyself than I have since, well, sinceever. And because of who I am, becauseof my familys wealth, shell never

    want for anything, Achilles, I promiseyou that.

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