43 nittany lions

8/8/2019 43 Nittany Lions

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GOAL TO GO

Episode 4.43“Nittany Lions”

by

David Polk



2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Gale, ina sexy negligee, welcoming Parker into her hotel suite.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – DAY

A spirited, HARD-HITTING SCRIMMAGE. Powerful running backCrash Davis jukes and pounds his way through the defense;looking sharp, quarterback Nate Hughes directs the offense,hitting receivers on crisp, well-timed passes; on a puntreturn, Linc Ossling slices and weaves through would-betacklers on his way to a touchdown...

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO – DAY

Local sportscaster Felix Foxx interviews Billy Donahue.

FELIXCoach, the good news is preseason pollshave the Sea Devils ranked twelfth inthe country, our highest preseasonranking ever. The not-so-good news isyou face four teams ranked in the top10, two of them – Penn State and LSU –

without Achilles Addams. Expectationsare sky high for the team this year.What’s your outlook?

BILLYYou know Felix, our goals are alwayspretty straight-forward going into theseason: first, play smart and execute;second, win the conference and third,

make it to a bowl game in January. I’m

confident that we can achieve all threeof those goals this year.

FELIXYes, but you and athletic directorCharlotte Webb have defined success forthis program as making an appearance ina BCS National Championship. Manythink this season is your best shot todo it. Can you get there this year,Coach?



3.


Nate and two other QUARTERBACKS, including Ricky Boone, work on footwork and passing drills; defensive players –

cornerback Shaun Ellis, linebacker Brew Brewster andlineman Kwame Epstein – plant bone rattling hits onreceivers and running backs in tackling drills; Jet Johnsoncatches a short screen pass and turns on the afterburners,scorching the defense for a sensational touchdown...

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO – DAY

Felix does interviews with players:

FELIXWarren “iPhone” Sitren, you’re a

consensus All-American, one of only ahandful of offensive linemen cominginto the season as a leading candidatefor the Outland Trophy, and one of thesenior leaders of this team. This isyour last chance to make it to thenational championship game. Howimportant is it to you personally?

IPHONEWow. I mean, there are a lot of gamesto play between next week and thenational championship game. I like tothink we’re the best team in thecountry, but we’ll just have to playevery game and see how it pans out.

FELIXJet, last year you really came intoyour own, with over 800 yards receivingand 9 touchdown catches. Are youconcerned you’ll miss opportunities toadd to those numbers with Achilles out

for three or four games?JET

I’m not concerned. This is anexplosive team and the passing game

will be important. So I expect to be abig part of the offense this year,before and after the Iceman comes back.



4.

FELIXI’m with middle linebacker anddefensive captain Nate “Brew” Brewster.Nate, this is known as an offensiveteam but the defense has really

matured. With so much talk about theloss of Achilles Addams against toughopponents early, has the defense beenoverlooked?

BREWYeah, but that’s okay with us. We wantto be overlooked, right up until wesmash people in the mouth. With theIceman out for a few weeks, we knowit’s going to be up to us to makethings happen, take control of the

tempo of those games. Bring it on,baby! Bring it on!

FELIXNate, after Achilles Addams’ accident,you cut your summer short and came backto Maitland to prepare to step in asthe starting quarterback of this team.It’s going to be up to you to lead theDevils past powerhouses Penn State andLSU. Are you ready?

NATEYeah, I’m ready. We know we have acouple of big, important games earlyon, but we know what we have to do toachieve our goals. I’m ready to do

what it takes to lead this team.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – SUNSET

Players are still going at it hard when an AIR HORN BLARES,

signaling the end of practice. Billy goes to midfield andplayers and coaches gather round. We see familiar FACES.Noticeably absent is Achilles Addams.

BILLY Alright, listen up. Way to finish

strong in the last practice before wehead to Pocatello. I’m really pleased

with the effort you all put in thissummer and with the progress that each

(MORE)



5.

BILLY (CONT’D.)and every one of you has made. Ishouldn’t have to tell you this, but I

will just for emphasis. We’ve set biggoals as a team this season, but biggoals are achieved one step at a time.Idaho State is the most important game

we have this season because it’s thenext game. That’s how we take them,one game at a time, one step at a timeuntil we reach our ultimate goal. Restup tonight, gentlemen. Buses leave forthe airport at 11 sharp...

INT. BOOSTER DINNER – NIGHT

CAMERA PANS the ballroom and we find familiar faces amongthe BOOSTERS: Charlotte Webb and her husband Ronald Fraser,Champ and Kendra Sussman, newlywed PR woman Sasha Mendezand her HUSHAND, the Mayor and his Wife, team doctorNatalia Rockov, coaches and their wives, among others.

Billy and Gale Donahue are a portrait of the happy coupleat their table. Gale is spellbinding; Billy smiling andconfident. No one has any idea that they’re separated.

INT. RECEPTION AREA – LATER

Felix and his CAMERAMAN have caught up to Billy and Gale.

FELIXI’m with Coach Donahue and the FirstLady of Sea Devils Football, thebeautiful and always charming GaleDonahue.

GALEThank you, Felix. You’re always so

kind. And so handsome.FELIX

Thanks. Mrs. D., this has got to beexciting for you – the Devils enter theseason in striking distance of anational championship. Does it takeyou back to the days of when yourfather, the great Wolf Ryan, coachedhis powerhouse teams at Texas A&M.



6.

GALEIt does, Felix, very much. And Billy’sbuilt a team this year that reminds mea lot of the one he led to victory overNotre Dame in the Cotton Bowl, when we

were seniors at A&M. Daddy felt that was the best win of his career.

FELIXThat’d be an appropriate irony,

wouldn’t it? Notre Dame is rankednumber one and the BCS NationalChampionship will be played January 12at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

GALE(feigned surprise)

Oh, really?! Well wouldn’t that besomething, Billy Honey?

Billy smiles, goes along. The press is putty in her hands.

FELIXTwo seasons ago you resumed a traditionstarted by your mother, Rose Ryan,traveling to every away game with theteam. Can we expect you to continue tobe the team’s official good luck charm?

Gale is caught off guard. Billy clocks her reaction.

GALEWell, our boys have one of the bestcoaches in college football, so I don’tthink they’ll need much luck.

FELIXSo will you be joining the team forFriday night’s game in Pocatello?

BILLYYou know, we’ve got a little anklebiter at home these days, Felix. Thatputs a real crimp in Gale’s ability totravel with the team.

Gale smiles, goes along. They exchange a look as we...

SMASH TO MAIN TITLES.

END TEASER



7.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. RANGE ROVER – MOVING – NIGHT

Billy and Gale stare straight ahead in silence as hedrives. He pulls into the driveway of their home.

GALE(beat)

Goodnight, Billy Honey.

Just before she opens the door –

BILLYWe leave for Pocatello tomorrow at 11.

Just when were you planning on telling me you’re not going?

GALEI’d hoped to tell you tonight. Rightnow, before we said goodnight. I’m sorry you had to find out the way youdid, Billy.

BILLY Are you at least going to tell me why?

Or was my made up answer the truth?

GALEThank you for that. You’ve always beengood at calling audibles... ThePennebaker board is holding a special

meeting this weekend and I have toattend.

BILLY Are you serious? You’re missing the

first game of the season for some

trumped up corporate board meeting?GALE

Yes, Billy. And why do you say it likethat... with such disdain?

(off his reaction)Is it because you’re upset that I chosebusiness over football, or is itbecause you think my place is in thestands cheering you on and not in aboard room making decisions?



8.

BILLYDon’t put words in my mouth, Gale –

GALEWell that’s what you meant, isn’t it?

BILLYThat’s not what I said and it’s not

what I meant, Gale.

GALEParker thinks I’m bringing a freshperspective to the board. I’ve alreadyinfluenced two significant businessinvestments.

BILLY

Oh come on, Gale. We’ve been throughthis. Parker St. John is interested inone thing and one thing only, Duncan’scontrolling interest in the company.

GALEThat’s not the only thing he’sinterested in, Billy.

Beat.

BILLYWhat the hell’s that supposed to mean?

She stares at him. Then she opens the door to get out.

BILLY(sternly)

Gale.

GALEGoodnight, Billy.

She gets out and closes the door.BILLY

(realizing, angrily)Gale!

She goes inside the house. Billy grips the wheel of theSUV, fuming, his blue eyes burning holes through the

windshield.



9.

INT. DONAHUE FOYER – SAME TIME

Gale closes the door behind her then leans against it. Shecloses her eyes. Her heart is racing. She breathes deeplyto remain calm. After a long couple of beats we hearBilly’s Range Rover drive away.

INT. AIRPORT GATE – DAY

Billy steps out of the jetway, followed by coaches andplayers. They’re met by local REPORTERS. The questionscome fast and furiously but Billy ignores them, walkingthrough the gauntlet of cameras and microphones without so

much as a word.

INT. BOARDROOM – DAYThe Pennebaker Industries board of directors goes throughbinders as CFO Clark Kimbrough gives a slide presentationabout the Tucci Microsystems acquisition. Gale and CEOParker St. John resist the urge to exchange discreetglances, focusing instead on the business at hand.

INT. VISITING LOCKER ROOM – SUNSET

Billy leaves the coaches’ office and enters the adjoininglocker room. There is a quiet intensity about him – like aticking time bomb. Players are dressed and ready to takethe field. They gather around their coach without havingto be told. Billy speaks without emotion, his eyes andface are impassive, but his urgency is haltingly clear.

BILLYTwelve steps. One goal. Win anational championship. Nothing else

matters. Every game counts. How we win is as important as winning itself.

There are no second chances. Noexcuses. Twelve steps. We take thefirst step tonight. Padre.

The team CHAPLAIN steps into the center of the room andbegins reciting a prayer, which the players repeat.

CHAPLAINOur father, who art in Heaven, hallowedbe thy name...



10.

INT. HOLT ARENA (VERSUS IDAHO STATE) – NIGHT

MONTAGE #1 – ANNIHILATION

QUICK CUTS of the Sea Devils taking it to the Idaho StateBengals. The defense is tenacious, sacking the Bengalsquarterback repeatedly and crushing receivers and runningbacks when they so much as sniff the football; cornerbackShaun Ellis intercepts a pass and runs it back for atouchdown; Linc returns a punt for another score;

On offense, Crash Davis is a human highlight reel, juking,stiff-arming and plowing over Idaho State defenders andseemingly scoring at will; Nate Hughes throws threetouchdowns – two to wideout Jet Johnson and one to tightend Junior Tuiososopo;

On the sideline, Billy calls the offensive plays from hisLAMINATED PLAY SHEET; he spurs his players like Ming theMerciless, at one point shouting at middle linebacker BrewBrewster to “Destroy that bastard!” (an Idaho State runningback), which Brew proceeds to do.

SCOREBOARD

Idaho State 3, Washington Tech 59

END MONTAGE

INT. HOLT ARENA – LATER

Billy walks to midfield to shake hands with Idaho State’shead coach, Bull Heffernan (who we remember from Season Oneas Wah Tech’s offensive coordinator). Billy and Bull don’tspeak; just exchange a curt shake and nod. Billy turns andstrides across the field, ignoring reporters as he goes.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH – NIGHT

Felix is joined in the booth by longtime Wa Tech colorcommentator Skeeter Blackledge.

FELIXWow! Skeeter, we were expecting a one-sided game tonight, but that was quitea performance by the Sea Devils.



11.

SKEETERI’ll say. The Devils opened up an

Acme-sized can of whoop ass on ahapless Idaho State team tonight.Coach Billy Donahue obviously wanted tosend a message with tonight’s game:this team can score, with or withoutstar quarterback Achilles Addams.

FELIXWell, the Idaho State is not the PennState. Far from it. You get thefeeling that the Sea Devils should’vesaved some of this firepower for theNittany Lions, who come into MemorialStadium next Saturday night?

SKEETERThis was a confidence-builder, Felix.Coach Donahue and his coaching staffdon’t expect to score a ton of pointson the Penn State defense, but gettingquarterback Nate Hughes comfortable,that’s what tonight was all about.

INT. VISITING LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Billy’s in the center of the locker room. Some playershave already removed their jerseys and pads.

BILLYOne down, eleven to go. Greatintensity. Great execution. On bothsides of the ball and on special teams.Penn State won’t be this easy. Andthey’ll be taking you a lot moreseriously after you put up 59 points.So you’d better start getting ready.Believe me, they’ve already started...

Coach Dumars.(he tosses a ball to Billy)Game ball goes to Nate Hughes.

The players give it up for the backup quarterback. Natesteps up to take the ball from Billy.



12.

BILLYGreat game, son. Now take thepositives from tonight and channel them into a solid week of practice next

week. Same goes for everybody... Padre

The team Chaplain steps up to recite a prayer...

INT. SUITE 605, BEDROOM – NIGHT

Gale and Parker make sensuous love in bed with him on top.They both come.

INT. SUITE 605, DINING AREA – LATER

Gale comes out of the bedroom wearing only Parker’s dressshirt. She goes to Parker, who is in trousers, and kisseshim tenderly on the lips.

PARKERI’m afraid I’m going to have to ask youto undress again.

GALE And I’m starting to think you’re only

interested in me for my body.

He presses her close to him so she can feel his arousal.She likes it.

PARKERBut it’s such an incredible body.

They kiss deeply. When they stop –

GALEYou’d better get going. Three nightsduring the week and now a weekend away

from Gretchen; any woman would besuspicious by now.

He hands her a robe and she takes the shirt off. He putsthe shirt on and she covers herself with the robe.

PARKERYes, about Gretchen. I’ve decided toend our engagement.



13.

GALEWhat?! Parker, you can’t do that.

PARKERGale, how could I possibly go through

with marrying her now that we’ve foundeach other?

GALE(flummoxed)

But, Parker... dear, you and Gretchenhave been planning your wedding for twoyears. You and I... It’s been lessthan a week, Parker.

PARKERFrankly, I thought you’d be pleased.

With you and Billy separated and mefree of any commitments to Gretchen, wecan pursue our relationship with nostrings attached.

GALEBut calling off your wedding is such adrastic step, Parker. We’ve only justbegun to know each other.

Parker reacts to her reticence.

PARKERIs there something you’re not telling

me, Gale?

GALE(turns away from him)

Of course not, Parker. It’s just...

He comes up behind her, puts his hands on her shoulders,speaks close to her ear, sending warmth and a chill throughher simultaneously.

PARKERIt’s just what, my love?

GALE(turns back, looks in his eyes)

Parker, dear, being with you is so wonderful. I absolutely lose myself in

your arms and when we’re togetherthere’s nowhere else I’d rather be.



14.

PARKERBut?

GALEBut I’m not ready to close the door on

my life with Billy.

EXT. CAFÉ – DAY

Billy sits at a table. Mattie Weiss makes her way over tohim and he stands to greet her.

BILLYMattie, thanks for coming.

MATTIE

Of course, Billy.They sit. A WAITRESS comes over and refills Billy’s coffee.

WAITRESSSpecials are on the flier on yourtable. May I start you off withsomething to drink, Ms. Weiss?

MATTIEJust iced tea for now, thank you.

The Waitress leaves.

BILLYIs Gale back from her board meeting?

MATTIE(lying)

Yes.

BILLY And how’d that go?

She gives him a look. Knows he’s poking around.

MATTIEWhy don’t you ask her yourself when yousee her?

BILLYI’m asking you, Mattie.



15.

MATTIE(beat)

That’s not our arrangement anymore,Billy. It hasn’t been for a long time.

BILLYI thought our “arrangement” was to do

what’s best for Gale.

MATTIEYes, and that continues to be the case.

BILLYReally? Is that why you’re feeding herantidepressants again?

The Waitress returns with Mattie’s iced tea.

WAITRESSHave you decided on anything to eat?

MATTIEI won’t be eating this afternoon.

The Waitress looks at Billy, who signals with his eyes thathe won’t be ordering either. She clocks the tensionbetween them and leaves.

MATTIEBilly, I hope you know how very sorry Iam that you and Gale are living apart.I also hope you know that I would neverdo anything to bring her harm.

BILLY And bringing prescription meds back

into the picture isn’t causing herharm?

MATTIE

There are times when medication is warranted. She was falling to pieces when she thought she would lose Duncan,

Billy. You know that.

Beat.

BILLYI want to know about her and thisParker St. John character.



16.

MATTIEI can’t tell you what I don’t know,Billy.

BILLYBullshit! You know everything there isto know about my wife, Mattie. Is shesleeping with him?

Beat. Mattie stares at him.

MATTIEYou’ve brought this on yourself, Billy.Why did you have to tell Gale that youloved another woman? You of all peopleknow that that is the one thing shecan’t handle.

Billy doesn’t have a response. Mattie glances at her watch.

MATTIEI’m sorry, Billy, but I have to go now.

(she stands)Please talk to Gale. It’s not too lateto fix this.

He watches her walk away as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE



17.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. BMW COUPE – MOVING – DAY

Mattie is on her hands free car phone.

MATTIEOf course I didn’t say anything.

GALE (V.O.)Thank goodness. It would be a disasterif Billy knew for sure.

MATTIEHe doesn’t have to know for sure, Gale.

He’s already beside himself. Whatpossessed you to even hint that Parker was interested in you?

GALE (V.O.)Oh, I don’t know, Mattie! Maybe it wasthe way Billy reacted when I told him Ichose the board meeting over the game.He says things have changed for him;

well things have changed for me too,Mattie. Billy has to respect that.

MATTIEI told him to talk with you, to try tofix things between you. Will you behome soon?

GALE (V.O.)I leave the Le Meridian after we’redone talking. I’ll spend the rest ofthe day at home with Duncan, if Billydecides to call or stop by.

Mattie pulls into a parking lot.MATTIE

I’m at the gym now. I’ll see you inthe morning. Darryl and I have dinnerplans, but as always feel free to callif you need anything.

They hang up. Mattie finds a parking spot and shuts offthe engine. Just as the doors automatically unlock, thepassenger door opens. Mattie turns, startled. It’s Champ.



18.

CHAMP(charming smile)

Hello, Mattie.

MATTIE(pissed off)

Have you lost your mind?!

CHAMP As a matter of fact, I have. I’m crazy

about you, Mattie.

MATTIENo, you’re just crazy. Get out of mycar!

CHAMP

Have you given any thought to myproposal?

MATTIE(covering)

What? What proposal?

CHAMPMattie, please. There’s no need topretend. One of the things I find soirresistible about you is yourinability to bullshit. Germanicdirectness is so sexy in a woman.

MATTIEHow is this for directness? If youdon’t get out of my car immediatelyI’ll report you to the police,Chancellor.

Beat. They stare at each other. He produces a BUSINESSCARD and puts it on the divider between them.

CHAMPMy friend and I are having drinksWednesday evening. I hope you can makeit.

He opens the door and climbs out of the car. Beat. Mattielooks down at the card. It’s a restaurant in Vancouver.



19.

INT. MURPHY’S GYM – DAY

Mattie, looking pretty damn hot in Spandex, has worked up asweat on a treadmill. The MUSIC in her earbuds is

ALTERNATIVE ROCK but the treadmill MONITOR is on ESPN. Wehear the debate between Sandy Sanderson, Colin Cowherd andDesmond Howard, see VIDEO FOOTAGE of the Sea Devils blowoutover Idaho State.

ON MONITOR

SANDY (V.O.)There’s been a lot of backlash againstWashington Tech head coach BillyDonahue, who’s Sea Devils absolutelyembarrassed Idaho State on Fridaynight, 59 – 3. Did the coach go

overboard?COLIN (V.O.)

Absolutely not! Look, college footballand figure skating are about as farapart as two sports can get, buteverybody agrees they have one thing incommon. Style points count big. IfBilly Donahue has any hope of making itto the Big Game come January twelfth,he’s going to have to win big when hehas a chance to, like Friday night inPocatello.

DESMOND (V.O.)You’re right, Colin, how you win incollege football is just as importantas winning. But I disagree with CoachDonahue rubbing Idaho State’s nose init the way he did. Bull Heffernan wasa loyal assistant to Coach Donahue forthree seasons. He didn’t deserve tohave his team dismantled they way they

were. Donahue should at least havebenched his starters in the fourthquarter.

SANDY (V.O.)To that point, could it be CoachDonahue saw this game as a way to givehis starters as much confidence aspossible before Penn State goes toMaitland next Saturday?



20.

DESMOND (V.O.)No doubt. When the Nittany Lions cometo town, Nate Hughes, Jet Johnson,Crash Davis and the rest of that SeaDevils offense will need all theconfidence they can muster. Number sixPenn State has one of the best defensesin the country and without theirgunslinger Achilles Addams, WashingtonTech will have a tough time scoring.

COLIN (V.O.)Scoring?! Guys, without Achilles

Addams, Wa Tech will be lucky if theyeven move the ball. In fact, I’m goingon record right now as saying theNittany Lions give the Sea Devils a

taste of their own medicine and holdthem to three points – or less!

SANDY (V.O.)Well, you heard it here first, folks...

Mattie’s running program ends. She steps off the treadmilland WE FOLLOW HER through the gym and down the stairs asshe approaches the Women’s Locker Room. She opens the doorto go inside and CAMERA DROPS OFF and WE TURN into –

INT. WORKOUT ROOM – DAY

Achilles Addams, on his back like a crab and soaked insweat, struggles to tug two thick elastic bands with hisarms and legs. Cara “Cat” Trzcinski watches scornfully.

CATMaybe you should just stop now. I

mean, if you’re not even going to try.

ACHILLES

Maybe you should just shut up!CAT

Whatever.

She looks at her fingernails and SIGHS LOUDLY to annoy him. Achilles finishes a rep.

CATThat’s three, Superstar. Only six moreto go.



21.

Achilles looks at her, sweat dripping into his eyes.

ACHILLESYou know I’m going to kill you when yougo to sleep tonight, don’t you?

CATWhen I go to sleep tonight you’re goingto beat off in your room like you doevery night, Perv. Let’s go, six more.

EXT. MURPHY’S GYM – DAY

Achilles and Cat leave the gym in street clothes and walkto the parking lot.

CATSo when do you see Dr. Rocks Off?

ACHILLESMonday morning. She should clear me to

work on the practice field this week.

CATWe’ll have to move our sessions to the

morning, before classes start. I’vegot soccer practice in the afternoons,and besides, your trainers andtherapists don’t want me in the way.

ACHILLESScrew what they want. I told Coach andhe agreed, I rehab with you. They’re

welcome to come along for the ride ifthey want.

CATWhat happened to killing me in mysleep?

He smacks her ass hard. She reacts angrily, “Ow! Dammit!”

ACHILLESWhen you least expect it, Lesbot. Whenyou least expect it.

She punches him in the shoulder as they reach his Mustang.



22.

EXT. NEW HOME SITE – DAY

To establish a familiar development with a handful ofcustom-built homes and several more under construction.

EXT. MODEL HOME – DAY

Mattie’s BMW pulls into the driveway. When she gets out acouple of CONSTRUCTION WORKERS nod “Hello.” Mattie vaguelynotices that they seem a bit nervous.

INT. MODEL HOME – DAY

The front door opens and Mattie enters the furnished home.She goes to the kitchen and stops abruptly. Her husband

Darryl Banks is at the kitchen table; his ex-wife Alexisstands in front of him. They both have suspicious looks ontheir faces.

DARRYL(standing)

Mattie, babe, this is a surprise.

MATTIEI’d hoped it would be a pleasant one.

DARRYLIt is, babe.

ALEXISHello, Mattie.

MATTIEHello, Alexis. How are you?

ALEXISI’m doing well. And you?

MATTIEVery well, thank you.

Mattie’s eyes shift back to Darryl. “Explanation please?”

DARRYL Alexis just happened to be in the area.



23.

ALEXISYes, but I really should get going now.Thanks again, Darryl, for your advice.Nice to see you again, Mattie.

Mattie smiles cordially. After Alexis has left thekitchen, she has a less cordial look for Darryl.

INT. NURSERY – SUNSET

Gale is reading a book to Duncan, who is drifting to sleep.

GALESo, if you give a mouse a cookie...

She stops when she sees Duncan has drifted off. She gently

puts him in his crib, turns on the BABY MONITOR and exits.

INT. DONAHUE GREAT ROOM – SUNSET

Gale enters the room and stops midway across. It’s a bigroom and from it we have a sense of the home’s emptiness.She goes to the bar and pours herself a glass of wine.Then she takes a seat on a large leather sofa and clicks onthe big screen television. She switches channels until shecomes to one with BILLY BEING INTERVIEWED. He’s talkingabout the Sea Devils’ obliteration of Idaho State and thelook ahead to Penn State.

As he speaks, we see emotion welling up in her eyes. Whenthe interview ends, she looks at the CORDLESS PHONE in itscradle. OFF Gale’s loneliness...

INT. SIGMA FRATERNITY HOUSE – NIGHT

A party is rocking and the frat house is crawling withsmokin’ hot sorority girls. Bella Milovich, Jeni Kim and

Riley Yamaguchi are among the Deltas partying with theirpresident Suzy Johnson. Linc comes up to Jeni with twoCUPS OF PUNCH. He offers one to her.

JENI Are you trying to get me drunk?

LINCNah, I’m old school. It’s laced withSpanish fly.



24.

SUZYThat’s not even remotely funny, Linc.

LINCSorry, Your Highness.

Suzy looks around the room. She’s checking out GIRLS whoare a just a tad bit sleazy.

SUZYTell me, Linc, when did Sigma partiesbecome so popular with the mattress andknee pad set?

RILEY(off Linc’s puzzlement)

The Gammas.

LINCI’m not management, ladies, I just workhere. Talk to Saul.

SUZYI’ll do that. But in case I don’t seehim, let him know that I don’t intendto let Delta’s reputation be tarnished.If you boys want to associate withhookers and skanks, suit yourselves...

Bella and Jeni cover their reactions.

SUZYWe’ll gladly – and easily – find a newbrother house. Omega has been veryinterested in forging a newrelationship.

LINC(mea culpa)

Save it for the honchos, Your Highness.

Me, I joined a fraternity for the freebooze...(looks at Jeni)

...and the pretty girls.

BELLA You’re right, Suzy. We can do better.Much better.

She steals a glance at Jeni and their eyes meet briefly.



25.

RILEYLet’s blow this Popsicle stand and see

what Omega’s up to tonight.

Suzy turns and the Deltas follow her through the crowdtoward the exit.

EXT. SIGMA HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER

Suzy leads the Deltas out of the house. Linc catches up toJeni.

LINCJeni, wait up a sec.

She turns.

LINCCan I talk to you?

The Deltas pause for her.

BELLA Jeni, come on.

JENIOmega house is just down the street.I’ll catch up, okay?

Suzy and the others continue on. Bella lingers; eventhough Jeni’s eyes tell her not to worry, she does.Finally Bella leaves them alone.

LINC(re: Bella)

She really doesn’t like me.

JENII told her about the “Thelma and

Louise” thing.LINC

Well, don’t you see it?

JENINo, I don’t. So, what is it you wantto talk about?



26.

LINCI want to talk about a lot of things.Your favorite food, the bands you like,

what turns you on...

JENILinc, I’ve told you –

LINC And I asked you to give me one date.

That’s all I’m asking for, Jeni.

JENIYou really have a high opinion ofyourself, don’t you? One date is allit’d take to turn me completely around?

LINCI just have a feeling about us, Jen.

Beat. She is attracted to him, but –

JENIWhy didn’t you tell me you were on thefootball team?

LINCExcuse me?

JENIWhen we met, why didn’t you tell me you

were a football player?

LINCI wasn’t at the time. It started outas a joke. The guys in the housestarted a pool – it got up to $4,000 – that I couldn’t make the team as a

walk-on. Do you have something againstfootball players?

JENIOnly that I don’t date them.

LINCSeriously?

JENISeriously.



27.

LINCWell that doesn’t make any sense. TheQueen Bee is practically married toiPhone Sitren. And that Jamaican girlfrom Delta house – I forget her name – she actually did marry a tight end whograduated a couple of years ago. And

what about your own sister and Achi –

JENI(tersely)

Lincoln, I don’t need a history lesson.

LINCI’m sorry, Jeni. Look, I really,really like you. Really. Like you.Just one date.

OFF Jeni considering...

INT. D’AGOSTINO’S RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Darryl and Mattie are having a candlelit dinner.

MATTIEForgive me, Darryl, but I’m having ahard time believing Alexis merely

wanted your advice about whether tobuild or buy her next home.

DARRYLWhat’s so hard to buy about that?

Alexis knows I have a lot of insightinto the new home market.

MATTIEShe’s a CPA and a licensed realtor,Darryl.

DARRYLMattie, babe, she wanted to bounce acouple of ideas past me, I gave her myopinion, no big deal.

Beat.

MATTIEWere you and Alexis kissing before Icame in?



28.

Darryl practically chokes on his food. Mattie continuesdining, unfazed.

DARRYLMathilda, are you insane?! Put asidefor the moment the fact that I’m completely in love with you andconsider this: Alexis dragged methrough hell before she humiliated mein divorce court.

MATTIEWhich is why I find it hard to believeshe’d come to you for advice. I’m nota fool, Darryl. I know you neverreally got over Alexis.

INT. DONAHUE HOME - NIGHT

VARIOUS SHOTS of the darkened home – living room, greatroom, recreation room, J.R. and Gracie’s bedrooms, thenursery where Duncan sleeps peacefully.

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BATHROOM – NIGHT

The room is bright with lights from the vanity. Gale sitsin front of the mirror, staring trance-like at herreflection. A package of ANTIDEPRESSANTS is on the counter.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO



29.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. EXAM ROOM – DAY

Dr. Natalia Rockov examines Achilles, who stands naked infront of her. The sexy Russian team physician moves herhands clinically over his body and we see the scars from his six-hour surgery. Achilles resists springing a boner.

INT. HOSMER COMPLEX, MEDICAL CENTER – LATER

Cat is in the waiting area and stands when she sees Dr.Rockov approaching.

CATWell, Doc?

DR. ROCKOVI’ll let Achilles give you the details.But I’ll say this, he’s quite aphysical specimen.

Achilles comes up behind them dressed in jeans and a poloshirt. He smiles.

ACHILLESHear that, Cara? “Quite a physicalspecimen.”

CATSo’s a chimpanzee.

Dr. Rockov chuckles at their sibling-like ribbing.

DR. ROCKOVI’ll go see Coach Donahue right away,

Achilles.

ACHILLESThank you, Dr. Rockov.

She smiles and leaves them.

CATWell?



30.

ACHILLESI’m cleared for non-contact workouts

with the team starting this afternoon.

INT. HOSMER COMPLEX, CORRIDOR – DAY

Dr. Rockov walks down a corridor, approaching a group ofFOUR WORKMEN. They try to be inconspicuous about checkingher out but can’t help but mug at each other after shepasses. “Damn she’s hot!” WE STAY with the workmen andsee what they’re working on: A MEMORIAL DISPLAY for Haroldand Maria Pennebaker.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Gale and Kendra Sussman play a game of tennis. Gale wins match point with a wicked backhand. They meet at the net.

KENDRA Very good game, Gale. That last shot

was terrific.

GALEThanks. You were good too, Kendra.

KENDRA Are we still on for lunch?

GALEDefinitely.

INT. COUNTRY CLUB RESTAURANT – DAY

Gale and Kendra dine on salad and iced tea.

KENDRA I think it’s just wonderful what you’ve

done for Maria, Gale. Standing up forher with the Pennebaker board wasincredibly courageous.

GALEThank you, Kendra. Maria was abeautiful, caring person and I lovedher very much. It was only right thatany memorial in town with Pennebaker onit recognize her as well as Harold.



32.

GALEKendra... are you and Champ havingproblems?

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Champ and Bella have intense sex on the floor. She’s ontop. He comes hard and loudly. She fakes it.

EXT. HOTEL ROOM BALCONY – LATER

Bella, in a hotel robe, stands on the balcony looking outover the lights of Vancouver. Champ comes out with twoglasses of champagne. He hands one to her. She takes asip. He puts and arm around her shoulder, kisses her

temple.CHAMP

(softly)You make me so happy, baby.

BELLA I’m glad.

CHAMPYou don’t mind our role-playing?

BELLA (German accent)

Whatever pleases you, my love.

He pulls her close. She stares out at the city, her eyesexpertly masking her unhappiness.


QUICK CUTS of the team going through drills; Billy has

intense face time with Nate as backup Ricky Boone watchesand listens closely; defensive coordinator Joe Mercerlambastes Brew Brewster and his defense; offensive anddefensive linemen bang each other in the trenches;linebackers slam into running backs; running backs jukepast linebackers; defensive backs do tip drills; andreceivers catch passes...

Far away from the main action, Achilles sprints, wearing aharness that’s attached to a long bungee cord. A TRAINERtries to hold him back...



33.

INT. TEAM MEETING ROOMS (VARIOUS SHOTS) – DAY

Offensive and defensive coaches go over plays and schemes with their units.

INT. FILM ROOMS (VARIOUS SHOTS) – SUNSET

Offensive and defensive players study film of the PennState Nittany Lions.

INT. JOSEPHINE’S PIZZERIA – SUNSET

Achilles and Cat are having dinner with soccer player PiperRuhl and her pretty black girlfriend Tabitha Russell.

PIPERWe have a real shot at advancing in theNCAA tournament this year, if we stayhealthy.

ACHILLES And if “some people” play selflessly

instead of trying to score every goalon their own.

CATWhy don’t you just kiss my happy Jewishass, Einstein?

ACHILLESHow many times do I have to tell you,that’s Morales’ job and he can have it.

Piper and Tabitha laugh.

CATDon’t humor him.

(to Achilles)

What do you know about how I play?Have you even been to a single women’ssoccer game since you’ve been at WaTech?

ACHILLESI don’t have to go to the games to knowyou’re a showboat.



34.

TABITHA You should go to the games, Achilles.I mean, since you won’t be able to geton the football field for a few weeks,you can show your support for the

women’s team.

PIPERYeah, it’d help a lot to have you inthe stands. You’d get more people tocome out to the games.

CATDon’t make his head bigger than it is.

Just then a tall, redhead stops at their table. Achillesand the girls look up at Kyndall Cummings.

KYNDALLHi, Achilles.

ACHILLESKyndall?

Achilles, Tabitha and Piper do a double take. The formerPortia Addams wannabe has dyed and restyled her hair yetagain. Now she bears a striking resemblance to –

CATWhat’s going on with you, Kyndall?

KYNDALL(missing the real question)

Hi, Cat. How’ve you been?

CATLet’s go to the little girls’ room andI’ll tell you.

Kyndall is confused. Cat gets up and takes her arm,

leading her away. Piper and Tabitha watch, not knowing what to make of the girl’s transformation.

INT. LADIES’ ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

Cat guides Kyndall in with a final shove. A COED at thesink senses trouble and gets the heck out of Dodge.



35.

KYNDALLOw! You’re hurting my arm. What’s the

matter, Cat?

Cat turns her toward the mirror so they’re looking atthemselves side by side.

CATWhat do you see?

KYNDALLI don’t understand, Cat.

CAT(pressing)

What do you see, Kyndall?!

KYNDALLUs?

CATNo, Kyndall. I see me and I see youtrying to be me.

KYNDALLI just dyed and cut my hair, Cat.What’s the big deal?

CATHere’s the big deal, Kyndall. I know

what happened with Portia and I know what you did at Achilles’ apartment when she left. You’re a sick twist.

KYNDALLCat –

CATShut up! Now I want you to getsomething through that thick, empty

head of yours. I’m not Portia and I’m not a “Good Christian.” I’m an OldTestament Jew who believes in “smiting”

my enemies. So here’s the deal: Achilles Addams is off limits to you.

Forever. Period. The End. Dye yourhair back to brown or blue or whateverthe hell it was. And if I so much ascatch you looking at my roommate funny,I’ll stick my foot so far up your fatass that you’ll be licking my toes.



36.

INT. JOSEPHINE’S PIZZERIA – MOMENTS LATER

Cat rejoins Achilles, Piper and Tabitha.

PIPERWhat was that all about, Cat?

Before Cat can answer, they look over as Kyndall leaves theLadies’ Room and crosses the restaurant to the exit, tearsstreaming down her face.

CATI just told Kyndall that the new look’snot really working for her.

EXT. RESTAURANT/BAR – SUNSET

A white BMW Coupe pulls to a stop at a valet stand. TheVALET opens the door and Mattie steps out, sizzling hot ina skimpy evening dress and strap high-heels.

INT. RESTAURANT/BAR - CONTINUOUS

An upscale nightspot full of thirty- and fortysomethings.Mattie enters and more than a few male eyes turn todiscreetly check her out. She scans the bar area, wherePATRONS sit at bistro tables enjoying cocktails.

Mattie spots Champ. Beat. She inhales deeply, “Here wego.” She’s about to walk toward him when Sasha Mendezcomes into frame, dressed to entice. Champ stands and theykiss cheek to cheek. Mattie recognizes Sasha and stopscold.

CHAMP

Senses eyes on him and looks at the spot where Mattie wasstanding. She’s not there now.

MATTIE

Having lost her nerve, hides behind a partition.

Champ and Sasha sit.

SASHA Has your friend arrived?



37.

CHAMP(eyes Mattie’s spot)

No... not yet.

EXT. RESTAURANT/BAR – CONTINUOUS

Mattie exits and gives her ticket to a VALET. She anxiously waits for her car. “What the hell was I thinking?!”

INT. RESTAURANT/BAR – CONTINUOUS

Champ takes a sip of his Scotch-rocks. He looks up andcatches a glimpse of Mattie as she tips the valet and getsinside her BMW. OFF his reaction...

INT. BELLA & JENI’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Bella and Jeni roll around playfully in bed after makinglove.

BELLA Jeni, you’re an angel. I love you so

much.

JENII love you too, Bella.

BELLA I’ve never been as happy, felt ascomplete, as when I’m with you. Ithink we were made to be together.

Beat. They share a loving gaze then kiss.

INT. GARAGE – NIGHT

Darryl is shaping a large piece of wood on a power lathe.He stops working when the garage door opens and Mattie’sBMW pulls in. He takes off his protective goggles andgloves as she gets out of the car. She’s changed into lessprovocative clothes.

DARRYLHey, babe. How was girls’ night out?

MATTIEFine. Why are you working so late?



38.

DARRYLWasn’t tired. Wanted to do something

with my hands.

She seems to consider something, then starts toward thedoor that leads into the house. As she passes him –

DARRYLMattie. You’re not still pissed about

Alexis stopping by are you?

Beat. She walks back to him and touches his face gently with one hand.

MATTIENo Darryl, dear, I’m not.

She kisses his lips tenderly then turns for the house. Asshe’s going inside –

MATTIEDon’t stay up too late. And becareful. You have other things to do

with those hands besides woodwork.

She gives him a small, forgiving smile which he returns with one of his own as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE



39.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM – DAWN

QUICK CUTS of Achilles working out with Cat and hisphysical therapist; he sprints down the field with an openparachute strapped to his back for resistance; cuts throughan obstacle course of tackling dummies; jumps “leap frog”style at five yard intervals; back peddles fast down thefield. We know the workout is done when Cat jumps on him and rides piggyback. He spins around, trying to throw heroff. They fall to the ground laughing.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM, MAIN ENTRANCE - DAY

The Memorial Stadium renaming ceremony is a big event.Hundreds are on hand and the NEWS MEDIA are out in force.

QUICK CUTS of Billy and Gale (with Duncan), Champ andKendra, Charlotte and Ronald, the Mayor and his wife,Parker and his fiancé Gretchen Corbett among dozens ofdignitaries who glad-hand and pose for grip and grinphotos. Sasha keeps everything moving like clockwork.

SASHA Coach, Mrs. Donahue.

She comes up to Billy and Gale, who are talking with Tonyand Sofia D’Agostino and other boosters.

SASHA Excuse me, but we’re just about readyfor the unveiling. If you’ll follow meto the podium, please?

GALEYes, of course. Billy Honey, would you

bring Duncan?Billy takes the toddler from his nanny, Beatrice. He andGale follow Sasha. Billy’s face hardens when he seesParker talking earnestly with the Mayor, Champ and Kendra.Gale and Parker exchange a look and so do Parker and Billy.The tension in the love triangle is thick.

PARKERGale, Coach Donahue, so good to see youagain.



40.

GALEHello, Parker.

Parker extends a hand to Billy, who doesn’t take it.

GALE(covering)

Well, Sasha dear, where do you want us?

Sasha gets them in position then goes to the podium.

SASHA (into microphone)

If I can have your attention please?We’re ready to begin...

Time passes as a SERIES OF DIGNITARIES speechify. The

ceremony culminates when the Mayor is joined by Parker andGale at the main gate of the stadium.

MAYOR(into microphone)

Gale, as a driving force behind thePennebaker Industries stadium renovation project, and as the lovingguardian of Duncan Pennebaker, wouldyou do us the honor?

Gale takes her place, with Duncan in her arms.

GALE(into microphone)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. On behalfof Duncan and in memory of his parents,

my dear friends Harold and MariaPennebaker, it is my distinct honor and

with great joy, that I formally renameMaitland Memorial Stadium, “Harold andMaria Pennebaker Memorial Stadium.”

She helps Duncan pull a cord, a mock symbol for the real mechanical activity of lowering a curtain high above the main entrance REVEALING the new name etched in the stone.

The crowd APPLAUDS. Cameras WHIR. Duncan smiles happily.Gale kisses and hugs him.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM – LATER

Festivities are wrapping up. Billy and Gale, still holdingDuncan, are talking to a MARRIED COUPLE. Billy spies



41.

Parker and Gretchen talking to the Sussmans. He excuseshimself and starts toward them.

GALEBilly... Billy Honey.

He ignores her. She can’t get away from the couple and canonly watch him go, trying to cover her concern. Billyapproaches...

CHAMPCoach! I was just telling Parker andGretchen how much they’ll enjoytomorrow’s game against Penn State. Ihope you don’t make a liar out of me.

BILLY

We’ll try not to, Champ. Gretchen, doyou mind if I steal a few minutes withParker?

GRETCHENOf course not, Coach. Take your time.

The two men walk off together. Gale watches from adistance, her worry growing.

EXT. SPOT APART FROM THE CROWD – DAY

Billy and Parker face each other.

PARKERYes, Coach, what is it you wanted totalk about?

BILLYStay away from my wife.

PARKER

Coach... Billy, surely you know theidiom “What’s good for the goose isgood for the gander?”

BILLYI know that if we weren’t surrounded bycameras and reporters I’d kick your assinto next week.



42.

PARKERI’m sure you would. I’m also quite surethat Gale would be waiting for me whenI got there.

Billy’s jaw tightens and he clinches his fists at his side.

INT. DONAHUE GREAT ROOM – DAY

Gale gives a sleepy Duncan to Beatrice.

BEATRICELet’s go, little man. You’ve had a bigday and you’re due a nap.

GALE

Thank you, Beatrice. As Beatrice exits, she clocks Billy’s subterranean ire.

When she’s gone, Billy and Gale stare at each other for along, uncomfortable beat. Then –

GALEWould you like a drink?

She doesn’t wait for an answer. She goes to the bar andpours him a Scotch-rocks. She takes it to him, holds itout. He takes it.

BILLY After Gabrielle, I know I’m in no

position to tell you this, but ParkerSt. John is a big mistake, Gale.

GALEYou think he’s using me to get toDuncan, don’t you?

BILLY

You don’t think that has anything to do with it?

GALEI think he’s very attracted to me...

And I’m very attracted to him... He’s what I need right now, Billy.

Beat. This hurts. A lot. Billy is at a loss for words.He takes a drink then puts his glass on a side table, turnsand slowly walks toward the doorway.



43.

GALEBilly.

(he stops, faces her)You can stop this, Billy... Just comehome.

OFF Billy...

INT. SEA DEVILS LOCKER ROOM – DAY

The mood is tense. Players are dressed for the game, mentally preparing themselves with individual pre-game

rituals. Achilles, in street clothes, offers quiet words ofencouragement to iPhone, Crash, Jet, Nate, etc.

INT. BILLY’S LOCKER ROOM OFFICE – DAYBilly is standing, looking at a white board filled with X’sand O’s. We sense his mind is somewhere other than onfootball. He ignores the KNOCK on the door. Coach JoeMercer enters. Billy turns his head toward him.

MERCERThey’re ready for you, Coach.

BILLY Alright.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH - DAY

ESPN’s Rece Davis and Desmond Howard do pre-game.

RECEWe’re at newly christened PennebakerMemorial Stadium where the numbertwelve Washington Tech Sea Devils lookto upset number six-ranked Penn State

Nittany Lions. I’m Rece Davis along with Mr. Heisman himself, DesmondHoward, and we’ve got the makings for agood one this afternoon.

DESMONDThat’s right, Rece. The Nittany Lionsare favored today, but that’s mainlybecause the Sea Devils will be withouttheir number one quarterback, the

(MORE)



44.

DESMOND (CONT’D.)sensational Achilles Addams. Fifth-year senior Nate Hughes will be undercenter, facing one of the bestlinebacking corps in college football.Even though Hughes threw for threetouchdowns and 250 yards last weekagainst Idaho State, I expect to see alot of junior tailback Crash Davis thisafternoon, Rece.

RECEDavis rushed for a career high 220yards in week one and he’ll definitelyget a lot of touches today. But tostay in this one, it’s the Sea Devilsdefense that will have to step up big.

For more on the defense, let’s go toErin Andrews on the sideline.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM, SIDELINE – DAY

ERIN ANDREWS, the beautiful blond named “America’s SexiestSportscaster”, is on the sideline. In b.g. we see SeaDevils players warming up.

ERINWhen I spoke with defensive coordinatorJoe Mercer, he said stopping theNittany Lions on third down will be thekey to the game. He said if the SeaDevils can force passes on third andfour or third and five, he’s confidenthis linebackers and defensive backs canshut down the Nittany Lions’ shortpassing game, giving Devils quarterbackNate Hughes and the offense a chance tocontrol the clock. Rece.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH – CONTINUOUS

RECEThanks, Erin. We’re moments away from kickoff as the Sea Devils of WashingtonTech get set to take on the Penn StateNittany Lions.



45.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM – DAY

The capacity crowd of 54,000 is on their feet as thekickoff sails high and comes down in Linc Ossling’s arms.He takes it up the field, following blockers then cuttingto his right and finding a seam. He’s pushed out of boundsat the Penn State 45-yard-line.

MONTAGE #2 – THE GAME, FIRST HALF

A hard-hitting defensive battle: The Nittany Lions put thebrakes on Nate, Crash and the Sea Devils offense, but Brew,Kwame, Shaun and the Wa Tech defense put a hurtin’ on PennState’s running backs and receivers, and pressure thequarterback mercilessly on pass plays;

On the sideline, Joe Mercer is like an elephant in need of

Ritalin, shouting and waving his arms like a mad man; Billykeeps his cool as he calls plays from his laminated playsheet, the plays are sent onto the field via hand signalsby Romeo Dumars;

In the stands we find our other characters, includingCharlotte, Gale, Kendra, Mattie, Sasha, Champ, Parker andGretchen, who seems to be at her first football game ever.

END MONTAGE

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM – DAY

Penn State’s offense breaks the huddle and comes to theline of scrimmage. Brew Brewster, Kwame Epstein and the WaTech defense digs in at the 5-yard-line.

RECE (V.O.)Here come the Nittany Lions, third andshort, deep in Sea Devils territory,trying to break a scoreless tie withless than a minute to play in the half.

Penn State’s QUARTERBACK scans the defense, barks out thesignals and takes the snap. He drops back to pass butKwame, a 300-pound defensive lineman, breaks through theline and LEVELS him!

RECE (V.O.) And he’s sacked! That’s sophomore Kwame

Epstein’s second sack of the day and itforces a field goal.



46.

DESMOND (V.O.)Yeah, and maybe even more important,that incredible defensive stand willsend the Sea Devils into the lockerroom on a positive note.

The Penn State kicker kicks the field goal.

SCOREBOARD

Penn State 3, Washington Tech 0, Halftime

EXT. STANDS, VIP SECTION – DAY

Sasha says her goodbyes and heads down toward the field.Mattie prepares to make her way to concessions.

DARRYLI’ll go, babe. What do you want?

MATTIENo, I need the Ladies’ room anyway.Gale, Charlotte, can I get youanything?

CHARLOTTENothing for me, thanks.

GALEI’ll go with you, Mattie.

Parker is asking a clearly bored Gretchen if she’d likeanything. We see her saying ‘No.’

PARKERGale, Mattie, I’ll tag along. In caseyou need an extra pair of hands.

Mattie reacts.

GALE Alright.

EXT. BREEZEWAY, NEAR CONCESSIONS – DAY

Mattie, Gale and Parker make their way down the breezeway.



48.

PARKERI want him to understand, just as I

want you to understand, Gale, I wantyou in my life, by my side and in mybed. And I’m willing to do whatever ittakes to have you.

INT. LADIES’ BATHROOM – DAY

Mattie comes out of a stall and goes to the sink. Whileshe’s there, we hear a TOILET FLUSH and Bella comes out ofa stall. She and Mattie wash their hands next to eachother. The bathroom door opens and Sasha comes in.

SASHA Oh, hi, Mattie.

Mattie covers her unease at coming face-to-face withChamp’s ”friend.”

MATTIEHello, Sasha. Thought you’d be down onthe field by now.

SASHA Nature called.

Sasha feels Bella’s stare. Sasha looks at her and smiles.She has no idea that she shares a man with the coed.

SASHA Hi.

BELLA Hello.

Bella dries her hands and exits.

SASHA

Enjoy the rest of the game, Mattie.She goes into a stall and closes the door. Mattie staresat it for a beat before leaving the bathroom.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM - DAY

Erin stops Billy as the Sea Devils make their way back ontothe field.



49.

ERINCoach, even though you trail by a fieldgoal, you’ve got to feel good aboutyour team’s performance in the firsthalf. What did you tell the team athalftime and what adjustments do youneed to make to keep momentum on yourside?

BILLYOur guys played heads up, hard-nosedfootball the first half and we toldthem to keep that up in the second halffrom the very beginning. We’ve got 30

minutes of football left so we need to maintain focus and composure.

ERINNate Hughes has done a good job of managing the offense but you still

haven’t found the end zone. What doeshe need to do to spark this offense?

BILLYNate’s looking at a pretty gooddefense. We’re satisfied with what he’sdone so far. He just needs to takeadvantage of the little openings thatthey give him.

ERINThanks, Coach. Good luck.

MONTAGE #3 – THE GAME, SECOND HALF

The Nittany Lions open the second half with a punishing,clock-eating drive that goes the length of the field; butonce again the Sea Devils defense comes up big in the RedZone, forcing a field goal attempt; Brew blocks the field

goal and coach Mercer jumps up and down like a Broadwaychorus girl, his flabby belly shaking like Jell-O.

The Sea Devils offense tries to pound the ball on theground with Crash Davis, but it’s tough going and twodrives end with punts; as the game moves into the fourthquarter, the Penn State defense starts to bring the heat,blitzing the run and the pass to shut down the Wa Techoffense; on third and long, Nate takes the snap from theshotgun and looks down field and is about to zip a pass toJet over the middle when he’s HAMMERED by a blitzing



50.

linebacker. He goes down hard and doesn’t move. Dr.Rockov and two trainers rush onto the field.

END MONTAGE

OVER TELEVISION REPLAY

RECE (V.O.)It looks like the linebacker just cameon a delayed blitz and got around righttackle Ronnie Taylor to lay adevastating hit on the quarterbackHughes.

DESMOND (V.O.)Let’s hope this isn’t serious.

RECE (V.O.)Well, if Hughes can’t return, CoachBilly Donahue is going to have to putthe game in the hands of true freshmanRicky Boone, who is warming up.

ON THE SIDELINE

Nate is sitting on the bench, his head tilted back and Dr.Rockov looking for signs of a concussion. Meanwhile, Rickyis getting instructions from Billy.

BILLYOkay, Boone, we’ve got over eight

minutes on the clock, so you don’t haveto win this thing in the next two

minutes. Understand?

RICKYYeah, Coach.

BILLYWe’re going to keep it simple. The key

is to stay focused, stay calm and trustyour teammates to execute.

RICKYOkay, Coach.

Ricky fastens his chinstrap and glances at Achilles, who’sright behind Billy. Achilles nods. Ricky feels better.



51.

IN THE HUDDLE

Ricky steps in to call the play. All eyes are on him. Hepauses.

IPHONEIt’s your show, Boone. You call ‘em,

we run ‘em. We got your back, bud.

Ricky looks at his teammates. His confidence swells.

RICKY Alight, here we go. Deuce Cadillac 99

on two.

MONTAGE #4 – RICKY BOONE’S DEBUT

Ricky takes the snap and hands off to Crash, who is stuffedat the line of scrimmage; Crash manages to gain 7 yards onthe next play but the Sea Devils are forced to punt; backon the sideline, Ricky talks on the phone to coaches in thebooth; Achilles talks to him too;

The Sea Devils defense stymies the Penn State offenseagain, forcing a punt; when Linc returns the punt 35 yards,the crowd comes alive, and we find Sigmas and Deltas in thestands cheering like mad, none more excited than Jeni;

Ricky takes the field again and, with the crowd now into itbig time, begins to move the offense, pitching out to Crashand completing a couple of short passes to JuniorTuiososopo to move the Devils into scoring range; on asecond down play, he drops back and fires a pass in theseam to Jet, but a Penn State linebacker swoops in and –

RECE (V.O.)It’s INTERCEPTED! The linebacker takesoff... He’s to the 45, the 40, the30... and he’s finally dragged down at

the 24-yard-line by wideout JetJohnson. Oh, my goodness what a costly mistake by the freshman quarterback.

Billy reacts by talking into his headset to assistantcoaches in the booth. Ricky comes back to the sideline,distraught. Teammates try to console him as he passes buthe flings his helmet to the ground and plops on the bench.

END MONTAGE



52.

ON THE SIDELINE

Coach Mercer exhorts his defense before they hit the field.

MERCER(hot)

It’s up to YOU! If we’re going to winthis game, THE DEFENSE is going to haveto make something happen! RIGHT HERE!RIGHT NOW! GET IT DONE!

ON THE FIELD

The Penn State Quarterback reads the defense, leans undercenter and takes the snap. He hands off to his tailback,

who gets hammered at the line of scrimmage by Brew. PennStates tries again, this time with a sweep play, and again

the Sea Devils defense stuffs the run. On third and 7, thePenn State quarterback drops back and fires a pass to histight end, who is hit hard by a Sea Devils linebacker.It’s FOURTH DOWN.

RECE (V.O.)Big decision by Penn State now. Do yougo for it on fourth and two or do youtake the three and force the Sea Devilsto score a touchdown to win it?

The Penn State field goal unit comes onto the field. Thefield goal is good.

SCOREBOARD

Penn State 6, Washington Tech 0, 3:03 left to play

ON THE SIDELINE

Achilles talks to Ricky, who is wallowing in self-pity.

ACHILLES

Boone, keep your head up!RICKY

It was a bad read, man. I didn’t evensee the linebacker. Man I blew it!

ACHILLES(hot)

Listen! Nate’s out with a concussion.This team needs a quarterback right now

(MORE)



53.

ACHILLES (CONT’D.)and that’s you! So stop feeling sorryfor yourself and get your head back inthis game!

ON TV

The picture of Achilles spurring Ricky on.

DESMOND (V.O.)Now that’s what you like to see.

Achilles Addams, the true leader ofthis team, knows what the freshman isgoing through. He’s been there himself.

And he knows that with three minutesleft to play the Sea Devils are goingto need Ricky Boone to have a shot at

pulling this one out.ON THE FIELD

Ricky stands in the shotgun and scans the Penn Statedefense. He tunes out the crowd noise and CHATTER bydefensive players.

RICKYBlue 90! Blue 90! Hut-hut!

He takes the snap and hits Jet on a slant route for apickup of eight yards. Ricky looks to the sideline.

ON THE SIDELINE

Billy checks his play sheet and calls plays. Romeo handsigns them in. The clock continues to tick down: 2:15.

RICKY

Takes a snap, rolls right and lofts a pass to Junior, whohauls it in and rumbles for a first down.

CRASH

Takes a handoff and blasts through the line for a gain offive yards. On the next play he runs for another six and afirst down at the Penn State 35-yard-line.

RICKY

Fakes a play action handoff, fades back and dumps a screenpass to Crash, who picks up awesome blocks from iPhone and



54.

Ronnie on his way to a 17 yard gain to the 18-yard-line. As the clock winds down – 0:51 – the offense rushes back to

the line of scrimmage. Ricky looks over at –

BILLY

Who burns a hole in his play sheet with piercing blue eyes.

BILLYDevils spread right, 424 tomahawk.

RICKY

Calls the play at the line from the shotgun, takes thesnap. Penn State brings on a Jailhouse Blitz. Ricky rollsright and is SACKED!

RECE (V.O.) And with no timeouts left, a sack isthe last thing the Devils needed!

BILLY

Calls the next play.

RICKY

Takes the snap, rolls left but the blitz comes hard. Hereverses direction, throws the ball just as he hit... It’scaught at the 5-yard-line by Junior and the big tight enddrags two defenders into the end zone on his back.

RECE (V.O.)Touchdown Sea Devils!

The stadium erupts! Ricky races to the end zone, jumpsinto Junior’s arms and head butts and high fives teammates.

Kicker Vince Leong kicks the extra point.

SCOREBOARDPenn State 6, Washington Tec 7

The clock winds down and Billy slips off his headset and

43 nittany lions

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