All-American

By
Rhonnie Fordham

229-400-5262
rhonnief@yahoo.com
FADE IN:

EXT. JAMIE’S TRAILER - FRONT YARD - NIGHT

Rural, no neighbors. An old Honda and pristine convertible
sit outside the hideous double-wide.

INT. JAMIE’S TRAILER - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Cramped. A small flat-screen plays muted PORN.

A fat joint lies in a crowded ashtray. Loud MOANING and
GRUNTING fill the room.
JOSEPH FRANCIS, 17, charismatic stud, Caucasian, exhales in
pleasure. He looks away, keeping his right hand clenched.
JOSEPH
(into it)
Fucking perfect...

JAMIE CAMPBELL, 19, trashy hot, topless, leans down in front

of him, performing fellatio on his large cock.
ADRIENNE CAMPBELL, 16, Jamie’s sister, awkward
virgin, watches from the duct-tape-repaired couch,
attracted to the carnal sight.

A large green necklace hangs around her neck, the one

noticeable accessory on this otherwise plain teenager. The
piece of jewelry looks like an antique. A white dove is on
its medallion.

Joseph grabs the back of Jamie’s head, forcing her to gag.

JOSEPH
(ferocious)
Yeah! You like that, bitch!

Jamie pushes back, coughing as she breaks away from his

strong grip.
JOSEPH
What the fuck! I’m not paying you
to tap out!
The apologetic Jamie faces him.
JAMIE
I’m sorry. You’re too big.
 2.

JOSEPH
Yeah, so I know.
Jamie takes a drag off the joint.
With a boyish grin, Joseph looks over at Adrienne.

She admires his body. Joseph pretends not to notice. He

waves her over.
JOSEPH
Your turn.
ADRIENNE
Me?
JOSEPH
Yeah, you.
Coughing, Jamie hits Adrienne’s leg.
JAMIE
Go!

Jamie smashes the joint in the ashtray.

The hesitant Adrienne looks at her.
ADRIENNE
I don’t know.
JAMIE
Goddammit, Adrienne.
JOSEPH
(to Adrienne)
Don’t worry.
Joseph grabs his dick.
JOSEPH
I’ll be gentle.
Jamie stands and pushes Adrienne toward him.
JAMIE
He wants us both, bitch!
ADRIENNE
(uncertain)
Jamie!
 3.

JAMIE
Look, you said you wanted this!
This is what I do, Adrienne!

Joseph grabs Adrienne, drawing her in toward him.

ADRIENNE
(intimidated)
Oh God.

JOSEPH
What? You scared?
Jamie looks toward a counter and sees Joseph’s wallet.

ADRIENNE
Yeah...
Joseph places her hand around his dick.
JOSEPH
Look, we’ll take it slow, alright.
He moves her hand up-and-down, guiding the hand job.
ADRIENNE
(nervous smile)
Mmm. Wow.
Joseph lets her do it on her own. She tugs away, having fun.
JOSEPH
Yeah. You got it now, baby.

Joseph caresses her necklace.

JOSEPH
Just like that.

Jamie opens Joseph’s wallet. A couple of hundreds greet her

desperate eyes.
Joseph leans back, enjoying Adrienne’s touch.

JOSEPH
Doing it like a pro.
ADRIENNE
(cute, meek)
Thanks.

With her other hand, she feels on his chiseled chest.

Jamie pockets two Benjamins.
 4.

ADRIENNE
(to Joseph)
God, it’s so big.

Jamie looks at her.

JAMIE
Try deep-throating it.

Joseph opens his right hand, revealing a switchblade.

JAMIE
I should’ve practiced on horses
before tackling that thing.

Joseph POPS the blade.

ADRIENNE
No shit.
Noticing the flash of silver, Jamie looks on in horror.

JAMIE
Adrienne!
Joseph puts the blade to Adrienne’s throat.

ADRIENNE
(scared)
Oh God!
He turns Adrienne around, making her face Jamie.

JOSEPH
Now for the real fun.
Holding her hands up, Jamie leans toward the sofa.

JAMIE
(pleading)
No! Let her go!
Joseph presses the weapon deeper into Adrienne’s throat,
drawing blood. She squirms in pain.

JOSEPH
Put it back!
The frantic Jamie snatches the hundreds from her pocket.

JAMIE
Here!
She hurls them at Joseph.
 5.

JAMIE
Just let her go! Please!

Jamie’s other hand slides underneath a cushion, grabbing a

hammer’s wooden handle.
JAMIE
Just fucking take me!

JOSEPH
Naw, I can’t just take you.
ADRIENNE
No, please!

JAMIE
She didn’t do anything!
JOSEPH
I prefer threesomes.

JAMIE
(horrified)
No!
With one cool swing, the blade SLIDES across Adrienne’s
throat.

Blood SPURTS out, drenching the carpet.

Tears stream down Jamie’s face as she retrieves the hammer.
Joseph drops the corpse to the floor.

JAMIE
You bastard!
Jamie throws the weapon at him.

JOSEPH
Shit!
He ducks, just avoiding it.

The hammer collides with a photograph on the mantle,

SMASHING glass everywhere.
The picture slides to the floor. Adrienne and Jamie hugging
each other in front of a Christmas tree.

Jamie stares at Joseph, helpless.

Like a vicious taunt, Joseph smiles as he waves the
switchblade back-and-forth.
 6.

JOSEPH
Not smart.
Jamie rushes for the door.
Displaying his gifted athleticism, Joseph charges forward,
snatching her in his arms.
JAMIE
No!

Joseph throws her to the floor, forcing her on her knees.

JOSEPH
(vicious)
You wanted some action, huh?

He grabs the back of her head.

JAMIE
(screaming)
Ah, God!

JOSEPH
Suck on this, bitch!
He JAMS the blade through her mouth, stopping her
mid-scream.

Jamie WHEEZES, coughing up blood.

In an orgasmic manner, Joseph THRUSTS the blade, penetrating
deeper.
Twirling the weapon, he closes his eyes, MOANING, enjoying
every second of it.
Jamie’s hands flail about. Her wide eyes grow weak. She
leans forward, lifeless.
Joseph yanks the blade back out.

Jamie TUMBLES to the ground, SPLASHING into a pool of blood.

Joseph closes the switchblade. Slides on his boxers.

Crouching next to Adrienne’s corpse, he leans in toward the

necklace.
Joseph touches the jewelry, his blood-stained fingers
leaving red marks. He grins and UNDOES the necklace.
 7.

CARY (O.S.)
Mommy?
The startled Joseph turns around.
CARY CAMPBELL, 4, innocent little boy, stands in the
hallway, petrified by the grisly sight.
Joseph hides the switchblade behind his back. He and Cary
maintain intense eye contact.

JOSEPH
Hey there, buddy.
Moving toward Cary, Joseph holds his hand out.
JOSEPH
(false sincerity)
It’s okay.
HALLWAY
Narrow. Cary’s bedroom waits at the end of the hall.

Cary stumbles back, nervous. Joseph follows after him, his

footsteps so methodical.
JOSEPH
Your mommy was just playing a game.

Behind his back, Joseph FLICKS the blade.

JOSEPH
She’s just trying to scare you.

Cary bumps into a counter.

Sensing the kill, Joseph releases a deranged yell as he
raises the switchblade and lunges after Cary.
The frantic Cary runs away, disappearing inside his bedroom.

INT. JOSEPH’S HOUSE - JOSEPH’S BEDROOM - DAY

Sunlight drifts in through a large window.

Posters of favorite sports teams and female models hang

along the walls. Cluttered shelves contain horror DVDs and
sports magazines, all of it meticulously arranged.
A tall cabinet displays Joseph’s football trophies and
academic accolades. All-Region. Honor Roll.
 8.

Various envelopes from different universities overflow on

his dresser. Several of them are from Gordon University,
Joseph’s college of choice. Home Of The Rattlesnakes.
GAIL FRANCIS, 55, Joseph’s quirky and weak mother, awakens
the sleeping Joseph.
GAIL
Joseph!
Still groggy, Joseph groans and looks around.

JOSEPH
What?
GAIL
You’re late.

Joseph holds up his hand.

JOSEPH
I’m fine.

Gail steps back, giving him space.

GAIL
I don’t want you half-asleep,
rushing to class.

Joseph shoos her away.

JOSEPH
There’s no rush. It’s history.
Smiling, Gail heads for the door.

GAIL
It’s still school.
She exits.

Revealing a smug grin, Joseph raises the sheets.

Moist blood drenches through Joseph’s mattress. His
blood-stained switchblade lies underneath his pillow.

EXT. JAMIE’S TRAILER - DAY

Several squad cars are parked next to the eyesore Honda.
POLICE OFFICERS and DETECTIVES investigate the scene.
 9.

INT. JAMIE’S TRAILER - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Jamie and Adrienne sprawl out on the floor, both of them
lying in a sea of red.
Porn still plays on the flatscreen.
Overturned furniture, scattered items. All the signs of a
burglary.

COPS scurry about, taking pictures, checking for

fingerprints.
Officer KEVIN KENNEDY, 28, geeky loser, a camera strapped
around his neck, leans over Jamie’s body, entranced by her
bare breasts.
BEN SMITH, 45, grizzled detective, notices Kevin’s perverse
curiosity. Ben smiles.
BEN
Don’t get a boner, kid.
The startled Kevin looks up real quick.
KEVIN
Naw, man! I was just inspecting.

He glances back at the breasts.

KEVIN
(defensive)
Looking for clues...

Detective LAMAR WILLIS, 38, African-American, intelligent

former athlete, enters, a noticeable limp in his walk.
Straightening up, Kevin faces Lamar, showing respect.

KEVIN
Detective.
Lamar sees the bloodied corpses.

LAMAR
(disturbed)
Jesus Christ.
BEN
Not a pretty sight, eh?

Lamar crouches down next to the bodies. Stares into Jamie’s

haunting eyes.
 10.

LAMAR
Who found them?

Leaning against a wall, Ben nods at Jamie.

BEN
This one’s boyfriend or baby daddy.
Something to that effect.

Lamar inspects Jamie’s vicious wound. The carving.

LAMAR
God...
BEN
(weary)
It’s horrible.
Lamar stands and looks around. Spots Jamie’s purse lying on
the ground. Her open wallet.

LAMAR
(to Ben)
Burglary?
BEN
We found a few dimebags scattered
around. Empty pill bottles. Looks
like another druggie.
LAMAR
Gotcha.

Lamar walks over to the mantle.

BEN
The parents knew the oldest one had
a problem, but didn’t know she was
selling the shit.
Lamar SCRUNCHES something. He glances down.
The Christmas photograph. He notices Adrienne’s green
necklace. The dove.

BEN
Two sisters, one day.
Lamar glances at Adrienne’s body. The necklace is gone.

BEN
Fucking tragedy.
Lamar looks at Jamie. All of her flashy jewelry remains.
 11.

LAMAR
Yeah, it is.

He turns and heads for the hallway.

Ben grabs his shoulder.
BEN
Whoa, hold up, boss.

LAMAR
What?
BEN
Third body.

LAMAR
A third one?
Ben lets go.

BEN
Just warning you.
Lamar looks down the hall.
Cops walk in and out of Cary’s bedroom, their once-hardened
expressions full of disturbed terror.
BEN
Little bastard didn’t have a
chance.

Lamar faces Ben, confused.

LAMAR
You saying one person pulled all
this off?

Nodding, Kevin SNAPS another picture.

KEVIN
Yes sir.

Lamar studies all the room’s gore and mayhem, incredulous.

LAMAR
Must’ve been one strong cat.
BEN
(recognizing Lamar’s
disbelief)
You got your sixth sense going?
That "Leapin’ Lamar" intuition.
 12.

LAMAR
(smirking)
I guess you could say that.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY

Crowded. TEACHERS stand outside their classrooms.

In between blocks, students converse and chill. LOSERS

struggle with their lockers.
Joseph and his girlfriend HEATHER STONE, 17, subversive
cheerleader, walk together, holding hands.

Jealous classmates watch them as they pass by.

HEATHER
(excited)
You’re gonna do great. Another
monster game!

JOSEPH
(sly)
I appreciate the confidence boost.
HEATHER
(grinning)
I know. It’s not like you need it.
Chuckling, he leans over, caressing her green necklace.
Adrienne’s jewelry.

JOSEPH
You’re wearing it well.
HEATHER
Why thank you.

Heather raises the necklace with pride.

HEATHER
Someone really cool gave it to me.

JOSEPH
Oh, yeah?
HEATHER
I don’t know if you know him or
not. He’s tall, dark, and handsome.
Plays football.
Joseph stops her.
 13.

HEATHER
Pretty good player actually.
JOSEPH
(smiling)
I like him already.

They share a kiss.

The teachers stare at Joseph and Heather, too intimidated to
stop the couples’ excessive PDA.

A NERD gawks at the sight, the most live action he’ll ever
get during high school.
Heather grabs Joseph’s hand and places it on the dove
medallion, both of them clutching it.

Standing outside a history classroom, GARY SLATER, 42,

Joseph’s rugged and bullish coach, spots the couple.
HEATHER
(playful)
I love you, boo.
Glaring, Gary steps toward them.
GARY
(barking)
Francis!
Joseph sees him and groans.
JOSEPH
Aw, shit...

Heather flashes him a mischievous grin.

HEATHER
Don’t tell me you’re scared?

JOSEPH
No, fuck no.
Heather grabs his hand.

HEATHER
(mischievous)
Come on.
She leads Joseph away. Gary snatches his arm.
 14.

GARY
Hold it, son!
The annoyed Joseph faces him.
JOSEPH
Coach--
GARY
Where the heck were you this
morning?

Joseph pulls away.

JOSEPH
I was busy--

Enraged, Gary yanks his arm back.

GARY
That’s your fifth absence, buddy!
You’re cutting it awfully close!

STICKLER TEACHER watches Gary from across the hall.

STICKLER TEACHER
Coach!
Gary glances at her.

STICKLER TEACHER
Leave him alone!
Gary confronts the defiant Joseph. Reluctantly, Gary
relinquishes his grip.

Heather leans in, clinging to Joseph’s arm.

HEATHER
Honestly, coach, he was with me. My
car broke down.

GARY
Humph! I bet.
Gary glares at them as Heather leads Joseph away. Joseph
flashes him a victorious smile.

JOSEPH
See you at practice.
The bell RINGS. Like the signaling of a race, students
scramble for class.
 15.

Gary looks over at Stickler Teacher. She shakes her head in

disapproval.

INT. POLICE STATION - LAMAR’S OFFICE - DAY

Boxes of files scatter across the floor. A narrow window
provides the only solace in this otherwise-claustrophobic
space.

Lamar’s framed high school jersey conquers a wall. An old

football stands on a shelf. 1996 All-Region Team. A clipped
headline: Leapin’ Lamar Saves The Season!
A picture of Lamar’s family sits on his desk. LEE, 37, his
beleaguered wife, DANIELLE, 10, nerdy daughter, and JASON,
7, scrawny son.
Lamar stares at his computer screen. A newspaper article
from the Grady County Gazette. March 21, 2016.

The headline: LOCAL GIRL MUTILATED IN DRUG ROBBERY.

A picture of JENNY CRAWFORD, 21, strung out yet still
pretty, lurks underneath it. In the photo, she looks
innocent for once. A flamboyant blue bracelet decorates her
wrist.

Lamar reads through the article, focusing on key phrases

like "believed to be drug-related," "vicious knife wounds,"
"found naked," and "no suspects."
Taking a deep breath, Lamar turns away. Stares at his
jersey. Whigham High Wasps. Number seven.
Lamar opens a desk drawer. A collection of newspaper
clippings lie inside, all of them from the Whigham press.

One headline stands out: SIMPSON VINDICATED BY FORMER

FOOTBALL HERO.
A photo shows KEITH SIMPSON, middle-aged black male, lower
class, and his relieved family smiling with Lamar.

Lamar grins with pride.

He flips through the pile, discovering another headline:
CHASE OLDMAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT.
The photo shows CHASE OLDMAN, high school football player.

A smaller photo of Lamar lurks beneath Chase’s pic. The

detective who brought down the jock.
 16.

BEN (O.S.)
Lamar.
Lamar looks up, startled.
LAMAR
Yeah.
Ben waits in the doorway.
BEN
(smiling)
You alright?
Lamar SHUTS the drawer.
LAMAR
Yeah, what’s up?
BEN
(impatient)
The game starts in thirty.

LAMAR
Yeah, I think I’m gonna have to
bail on this one, man.
BEN
That’s three times now--

LAMAR
I know.
BEN
Alright. Suit yourself.

Ben walks away.

Moving the mouse, Lamar reads through the rest of the
article.

BEN (O.S.)
Say I’ve been meaning to ask you.
Lamar looks up real quick.

Ben stands in the doorway.

BEN
Whatcha think of this kid?
 17.

LAMAR
(grinning)
Who? "Jumpin’ Joe?"
BEN
Yeah. Kid’s sure got a Hell of an
arm, don’t he?
LAMAR
No doubt, man...

He looks at the computer screen. Jenny’s photo.

LAMAR
No doubt.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Friday night lights shine down on the glorious gridiron.
Raucous CHEERS erupt from the filled bleachers as Joseph,
wearing number eight, leads the Whigham High Wasps onto the
field.
He winks at Heather.
Smiling, she leads a spirited chant with the rest of the
equally-hot CHEERLEADERS.

INT. PRESS BOX - NIGHT

Large, luxurious room. A long window showcases the flawless
field.

KURT FISHER, 49, eloquent-voiced radio announcer, Southern

gentleman, watches the action, performing the play-by-play.
KURT
And here comes Jumpin’ Joe Francis,
our star quarterback! The senior’s
having another phenomenal season
with eighteen-hundred passing yards
to go along with seventeen
touchdowns.
 18.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

A huge scoreboard reads: Wasps 7 - Visitors 7. A minute left
before halftime.
Joseph stares down the Grady County DEFENSE.
JOSEPH
Hut!

The CENTER hikes the ball to Joseph.

His OFFENSIVE LINE falls apart, allowing several defenders
to close in on him.

With excellent agility, Joseph leaps over a diving lineman.

KURT (V.O.)
And Jumpin’ Joe does it again!
Joseph scans the field.

He sees CLIFF GRANT, 17, handsome and soft-spoken wide

receiver, heading for the endzone.
Joseph flings the ball just as a huge defensive end slams
into him.

KURT (V.O.)
Francis gets it off just in time!
Cliff makes the grab and cruises into the endzone.
Touchdown.

KURT (V.O.)
And what a grab by Grant!
Touchdown, Wasps!

Joseph raises his hands as he celebrates with Cliff.

JOSEPH
Let’s get some, motherfucker!
CLIFF
We got it, bro!
The excited Heather yells with joy.
BLEACHERS

The CROWD goes berserk.

Like newlyweds, Gail and RANDY, 60, Joseph’s overbearing
father, embrace.
 19.

STONED FAN
You’re the man, Mr. Francis!

INT. POLICE STATION - LAMAR’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Lamar scrolls through Jenny Crawford’s Facebook page.
He scans Jenny’s photos. Notices her blue bracelet.

Leaning back, Lamar retrieves his cell phone. He stares at

the phone’s wallpaper. A picture of Lee and his kids.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

The scoreboard: Wasps 14 - Visitors 17. Two minutes left in

the game.
Heather leads the cheerleaders in an exuberant routine.

KURT (V.O.)
And it’s desperation time for the
Wasps. Looks like Coach Slater is
going for it on fourth-and-eleven.
BLEACHERS

An anxious crowd remains silent. Gail clutches Randy’s hand,

each of them nervous as Hell.
FIELD

Joseph stands on the opponents’ thirty yard line.

Clapping his hands, Gary runs up the sideline, hollering
like a madman. He locks eyes with Joseph.

GARY
Snap the damn ball already!
Joseph glances over at the excited Heather.
Gary stops next to ROD BRADDOCK, 37, jaded burnout turned
proud assistant coach.
GARY
What the Hell’s he doing?
ROB
Just give him time.
Joseph stares ahead.
 20.

JOSEPH
Hut!

The ball comes flying out. Joseph snags it and scans the
field.
KURT (V.O.)
And Francis drops back.

Joseph spots Cliff flying downfield. Blazing speed.

Joseph lets it fly. A linebacker SLAMS him to the ground.
KURT (V.O.)
He slings it downfield!

A TALL CORNERBACK trails after Cliff.

Cliff leaps for the ball.
GARY
Come on!
The ball collides into Cliff’s chest. He cradles it.
KURT (V.O.)
Grant has it! Unbelievable!

GARY
Yes!
Cliff stumbles to his feet.

Tall Cornerback sticks his hand into Cliff’s arms, POPPING

the ball out.
KURT (V.O.)
And number nine forces the fumble!
Oh my goodness!
His eyes full of ire, Joseph watches a SAFETY snatch the
ball and head the other way.
No one comes close as he reaches the Wasps’ endzone for a
pick six.
KURT (V.O.)
And Grady County has just pulled
off the upset! What a heartbreaking
first loss for our Whigham High!

BLEACHERS
Stunned fans. Gail looks on in dismay.
 21.

RANDY
(fuming)
Goddammit!

FIELD
Cliff watches the enraged Joseph step toward him.
CLIFF
I’m sorry, bro. I thought I had it.
Joseph gives him a harsh shove.
JOSEPH
You just cost us the game, asshole!

The concerned Heather grabs Joseph.

HEATHER
Joseph.

CLIFF
I’m sorry, man!
NIA BANCROFT, 17, Cliff’s cheerleader girlfriend, hugs
Cliff.

NIA
It’s okay, babe.
CLIFF
(upset with himself)
No, he’s right. I should’ve had it.

JOSEPH
(unrelenting)
Yeah, you fucking should’ve!
Heather guides Joseph away.

HEATHER
Come on.
The dejected Cliff looks away. Nia rubs his chest.

NIA
Don’t worry about it. It’s one
catch...
CLIFF
(to himself)
Fuck!
Heather and Joseph walk across the field.
 22.

HEATHER
Look, you can get past this. Just
dominate Homecoming.
JOSEPH
It doesn’t matter! We can’t lose
any more division games!
Heather stops Joseph, making him face her.
HEATHER
Babe, relax! Just listen to me.
She rubs Joseph’s chest, calming him down.
HEATHER
Just do your thing, babe. Be
prepared for Homecoming. You’re
gonna kill Colquitt!
JOSEPH
(still pissed)
Not if that fucker can’t catch the
ball! Goddamn stone hands.
Heather gives him a kiss.
HEATHER
Look, let’s go to my place,
alright.
She rests her hand against his cheek.
HEATHER
We’ll get this off your mind, boo.

Joseph grabs Heather’s waist, eyeing her sexy cheerleader

uniform.
JOSEPH
Leave it on, will you.
Grinning, Heather backs away.
HEATHER
Just for you, stud.
 23.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

Upscale facility. Small offices lurk in the back.
Players change into their street clothes.

Joseph steps inside, still angry.

Gary grabs his shoulder.
GARY
So much for "Jumpin’ Joe."
Joseph pulls back, breaking away from him.
JOSEPH
You saw it! The bitch coughed it
up!
GARY
It was a little off-target--
JOSEPH
What are you, blind? It was right
on the money!
Other players watch the confrontation.
GARY
You’re not the team, boy! There’s
sixty other players on this roster
and you don’t see them blaming each
other!
JOSEPH
Yeah, you’re right.
Joseph leans in toward Gary.
JOSEPH
I’ll just blame it on your
sorryass.
A few players "ooh" in excitement.
Gary snatches Joseph’s arm, pulling him closer.

GARY
What’d you say to me, boy?
Joseph shoves him back.
 24.

JOSEPH
Learn how to coach, faggot!

GARY
Let me tell you something,
Francis--
JOSEPH
No, let me tell you something,
fucker! I’m tired of making your
incompetent ass look good by
winning all these Goddamn games!
Breathing heavy, Gary goes silent as he glares at him.

JOSEPH
Yeah, that’s what I thought. You’re
just a pussyass bitch stuck
coaching high school football. Just
another fucking burnout.

Rob enters just as Gary raises his fist.

The stunned Rob stops him.
ROB
Gary, what the Hell?
Sneering, Joseph heads for his locker.
His teammates watch him, intimidated yet impressed.

ROB
(to Gary)
Shit, just leave him alone already!

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Bright streetlights. Not many cars left. Heather waits by

the fence.
Now dressed in his name brand clothes, Joseph leans down
next to his parents’ car, right outside the driver’s side
window.
Straining to see, Heather notices the volatile Randy sitting
behind the wheel. Randy and Joseph continue to argue.
In the passenger’s seat, Gail tries to play peacemaker.

Joseph pulls back, ignoring Randy.

Enraged, Randy yanks Joseph back by his shirt collar.
 25.

RANDY
(yelling)
You trying to embarrass us!
JOSEPH
(unusually weak)
No--
Randy slaps Joseph across the face.
RANDY
You fucking loser!
GAIL
(horrified)
Randy!

Joseph pushes Randy back. He walks toward Heather.

Heather turns away, trying not to act nosy.
RANDY
(yelling, to Gail)
Shut the Hell up!

EXT. HEATHER’S HOUSE - FRONT YARD - NIGHT

A nice suburban home. Joseph’s convertible sits in the
driveway.

INT. HEATHER’S HOUSE - HEATHER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Unusual magazine collages decorate Heather’s bedroom walls.
Vulnerable heartthrobs, horror movie stills, old singers.
Not the typical set-up for the captain of the cheerleading
team.
A bookshelf showcases Heather’s great taste in literature.
Her DVD collection even more impressive.
In bed, Heather cuddles up next to the naked Joseph. She
wears her cheerleading outfit, the top hanging down,
revealing her gorgeous breasts. She rubs her hand against
his face.

HEATHER
(almost motherly)
He’ll get over it, honestly, you
played great.
 26.

JOSEPH
(pouting)
I know I did.
HEATHER
Your dad just wants you to succeed.
He wants you to be great so bad--
JOSEPH
(subtle anger)
We could’ve won it too. The fucker
had it. Right in his hands--
Heather kisses Joseph, silencing him.
He grabs her arms. Looks into her pretty eyes.

JOSEPH
I’m getting into Gordon! That bitch
ain’t keeping me out!
HEATHER
(confident)
And you will, boo. I promise.
She feels on his muscular physique.
HEATHER
You got the grades, the talent.

JOSEPH
(weak smile)
Maybe I need you out there instead
of Cliff.

HEATHER
Mmm, you want me to be your number
one receiver?
Joseph takes off her outfit, revealing her luscious body.

JOSEPH
(wicked)
You already are.
HEATHER
(disgusted)
Gross! Really?
Cackling, Joseph fondles her breasts.
 27.

JOSEPH
Yeah, I’m gonna go long in that
mouth.
Heather slaps the shit out of him.

JOSEPH
(painful)
Aw, fuck!
HEATHER
Pig!
Joseph rubs his face. The fresh red mark.
JOSEPH
Goddammit, Heather!

HEATHER
(strength)
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m not
like all those other sluts, Joseph.

JOSEPH
(apologetic)
I know, babe. I’m sorry.
Heather caresses his face.

HEATHER
So don’t try and treat me like them
then.
JOSEPH
I won’t, alright.
Joseph traces his fingers along her green necklace.
JOSEPH
I won’t ever, babe.

Heather smiles as he leans in a little closer.

JOSEPH
(sincere)
I love you.

They lock lips, the chemistry and passion so obvious.

 28.

EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT

Hideous colors. More like a roach motel than a decent
apartment complex.
The parking lot is full of unsavory vehicles.

A corner apartment still has the lights on inside.

INT. LAMAR’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Bland. Not exactly comfortable. Bare countertops except for

a few pictures of Lamar’s family.
Crammed boxes litter the floor.

The Campbell sisters’ case file scatters across the coffee

table. All the grisly crime scene photos.
Sitting on a sofa, Lamar stares at his laptop. The same
article about Chase Oldman and Keith Simpson.

BEN (V.O.)
Whatcha think of this kid?
Lamar leans back, lost in thought.
BEN (V.O.)
Kid’s sure got a Hell of an arm,
don’t he?

INT. LOCKER ROOM - ROB’S OFFICE - DAY (FLASHBACK)

A year ago. Wasps’ posters and even a team calendar cover

the walls. Whigham High’s number one fan.
Rob sits at his desk, uneasy. The stern Lamar stands next to
him.

Joseph slouches in the chair in front of them. Lamar

continues his questioning.
LAMAR
(to Joseph, agitated)
Mr. Francis, were you at the party
or not?
Joseph remains quiet, disinterested.
 29.

LAMAR
(confrontational)
What? You only respond to "Jumpin’
Joe"--
Rob holds his hand out toward Lamar.
ROB
(defensive)
Hey, ease up on him!
Like a predator sensing weakness, Lamar pushes Rob’s hand
away as he steps toward Joseph.
LAMAR
(to Joseph)
I got a witness saying y’all went
together! You mean to sit there and
tell me, you’ve--
JOSEPH
Look, I already told you! I left
early!
Lamar glowers, not satisfied.
JOSEPH
(sly)
You think we shared her, huh? Is
that what you’re counting on,
detective? You think me and Chase
were that "close?"

LAMAR
Watch it, "Jumpin’ Joe."
JOSEPH
(cold)
No problem. "Leapin’ Lamar."
ROB
(to Lamar)
Look, are you done? The boy don’t
know anything.

Joseph cracks a smile.

JOSEPH
(to Lamar)
What happened to you anyways?
You’ve got this mystique swirling
around you. I figured you were
playing in the AFL or overseas or
something.
 30.

LAMAR
(still serious)
Injuries took care of that I’m
afraid.

JOSEPH
At least you’re not coaching high
school.
ROB
Lamar, I can assure you. Chase is a
good boy now.
LAMAR
(to Rob)
So I’ve heard.

Joseph looks at Rob.

JOSEPH
Can I go now?
ROB
Yeah--
Lamar points at Joseph.
LAMAR
(dominant)
I tell you when to leave!
ROB
Goddammit, Lamar--

LAMAR
(to Joseph)
All I’ve gotten is a bunch of vague
bullshit outta you and the rest--
JOSEPH
I’ve got practice, detective. Come
on.
He grins.
JOSEPH
You should understand.
BACK TO PRESENT DAY
 31.

INT. LAMAR’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Lamar shuts the laptop.
Biting his lip, he glances over at a framed photo showing
him and Lee hugging each other in the endzone. Lamar in his
football uniform, Lee in her cheerleading outfit. Homecoming
1996.
LEE (V.O.)
(upset)
You don’t have to play the hero
every time, Lamar.
LAMAR (V.O.)
(determined)
And if I didn’t, what would’ve
happened to Keith Simpson then,
huh?
LEE (V.O.)
(voice rising)
Why do you keep putting us through
this! Wasn’t the Oldman boy enough!
LAMAR (V.O.)
Lee--
LEE (V.O.)
You’re never gonna be the hero to
them, Lamar! You’re just the nigger
that killed their season! The
Oldmans made sure of that!
The bad memories hitting him like a linebacker, Lamar turns
away, restless.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

Afternoon. Gary and Rob watch the team line up at practice.

Joseph steps onto the field, late but ready to play.
BROCK LOOMIS, 16, arrogant redneck, stands at center.

BROCK
(hollering play)
Arlington eighty!
Players and coaches stop and look over at Joseph, awkward.
 32.

CLIFF
Shit!
ROB
(to Gary)
You better explain.

Joseph jogs up to Gary.

JOSEPH
I’m ready.

Gary extends his arm out, stopping Joseph.

GARY
I’m afraid that won’t be necessary,
boy.

Glaring, Joseph knocks his hand away.

JOSEPH
What the Hell are you talking
about?

GARY
We decided on a two-game
suspension.
JOSEPH
Two games? Are you fucking kidding
me?
GARY
You made this decision Friday
night, son.

JOSEPH
Fuck that!
Joseph walks toward the players.

Brock raises his arms, upset.

BROCK
What are you doing?
JOSEPH
Get the fuck off the field!
BROCK
But--
 33.

JOSEPH
JV practices in an hour, asshole!
Cliff stops Joseph.
CLIFF
Yo, man, chill.
Gary walks up to Joseph.
Everyone watches, anticipating the confrontation.

GARY
Brock’s starting, Joseph.
JOSEPH
(to Gary)
Homecoming and Stanwyck? Are you
fucking retarded?
GARY
It was your decision, Francis!

Breaking away from Cliff, Joseph confronts Gary.

JOSEPH
This team ain’t shit without me!
Not with your stupidass calling the
shots!

Gary just stares at him, his anger boiling over.

Rob rushes toward Joseph.
ROB
(trying to calm him)
Joseph!
BROCK
Goddamn, man, I ain’t that bad.

Joseph glances at Brock.

JOSEPH
Shut the fuck up, JV!

GARY
You want the rest of the season? Is
that what you want, boy?
Filled with rage, Joseph glares at Gary.
 34.

JOSEPH
You don’t have the balls.

Gary gets in Joseph’s face.

GARY
Try me!
JOSEPH
That bullshit will cost you your
pathetic fucking job and you know
it.
Rob guides Joseph toward the sideline.

ROB
Cool off, Joseph.
Joseph heads for the locker room.
GARY
No, let him stay!
Ignoring him, Joseph keeps walking.
GARY
Hey! Listen to me when I’m talking
to you, boy!
The angry Joseph stops and turns around.
Gary points Joseph over toward the far end of the bench.

GARY
Get your ass over there!
JOSEPH
No, fuck you!

Gary grabs Joseph’s arm.

JOSEPH
Hey, what the fuck?

Gary hurls him toward the bench.

GARY
You heard me, Goddammit!
Joseph stumbles against the bench.

He glances at Cliff who just stares at him along with

the other players. No support.
 35.

GARY
Sit down, boy!
Sulking, Joseph sits on the bench.
Rob confronts the other players.

ROB
Alright, come on, let’s go!
LATER

Brock throws a wobbly pass.

Cliff makes up for it with a spectacular diving catch.
GARY
There we go! That’s what I’m
talking about, Brock!
Gary looks over at Joseph, the two making harsh eye contact.
Gary spits out tobacco. Looks back toward the field.

Holding a paper cup of Gatorade, Cliff sits down next to

Joseph.
CLIFF
Yo, what’s up.

JOSEPH
(cold)
Nice grab.
Chuckling, Cliff gives Joseph a soft hit in the chest. A
bromantic gesture.
CLIFF
Aw, you still ain’t mad about
Friday, are--

JOSEPH
(weak)
Naw, I’m over it.
CLIFF
(excited)
We still good for mama Morrison?
Joseph smiles at him.
 36.

JOSEPH
Oh yeah.
He watches the team practice.
JOSEPH
She’ll be ready.

INT. POLICE STATION - LAMAR’S OFFICE - DAY

Lamar has the Adrienne and Jamie Campbell case file laid out
across his desk. Notes, observations, photographs.
He lifts a copy of the photo from the crime scene. The
Christmas picture. He stares at Adrienne’s green necklace,
fascinated by it.

Lamar looks at the grisly pictures of the sisters’ corpses.

No necklace on Adrienne’s body.
Shaking his head, he lowers the picture. Takes a sip from a
cup of coffee.

Lamar looks at the computer screen. The Campbell sisters’

parents’ names are listed: Colin and Fay Campbell.
He clicks on a link. Sees the parents’ phone number. Their
home address in Colquitt, Georgia.

EXT. COUNTRY HOME - FRONT YARD - DAY

Evening. Secluded shack off the highway. Not much better
than Jamie’s double-wide. A football team flag hangs off the
front porch.
A golf cart, basketball goal, and other luxuries lurk
outside, all of them clashing with the house’s trashy
appearance. Cliff’s sports car sits in the driveway.

INT. COUNTRY HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Messy. Stuffed animals scatter across the floor.
Various photographs show SHELLEY MORRISON, 29, immature mom,
with her five-year-old daughter. MOANING and loud MUSIC echo
from Shelley’s bedroom.
SHELLEY’S BEDROOM
 37.

Clothes pile up in the closet. Make-up stains cover the

dresser mirror. Shelley’s cell phone lies on the dresser,
BLASTING pop music.
Shelley squats on the bed. Cliff pounds her from behind as
she sucks off Joseph. A rough threesome.
Joseph’s jeans lie next to him. His cell phone is on a
nightstand.
CLIFF
(excited)
Goddamn, girl.
He fondles her ass as he thrusts back-and-forth. Shelley
moans with pleasure.

Joseph grins and looks over at Cliff.

JOSEPH
This is a lot better than practice,
ain’t it?

CLIFF
(laughing, imitating AI)
Practice? We talking about
practice?
Joseph’s phone beams and VIBRATES. An incoming call from
Heather.

EXT. COLIN’S TRAILER - FRONT PORCH - DAY

A trampoline and a few junk cars sit in the yard. All of the
mobile homes in the trailer park look just as depressing as
this one.
Holding the file, Lamar steps on to the wooden porch. KNOCKS
on the door.

The door swings open. FAY CAMPBELL, 52, overweight

minimum-wage slave, greets him, a little surprised by his
race.
FAY
Oh, uh, Detective Willis?
LAMAR
Yes, ma’am.
He nods inside.
 38.

LAMAR
May I come in, please?

INT. COUNTRY HOME - SHELLEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Shelley’s annoying POP MUSIC continues to accompany the
steamy three-way. Cliff moans, enjoying the action.

Joseph backs away.

SHELLEY
Hey, where you going?
Cliff stops, confused.

CLIFF
Yeah, why you stopping?
Joseph grabs his cell phone off the nightstand. Three missed
calls from Heather. A text from her: What happened?

JOSEPH
(to Shelley)
You said your kid’s not here?
SHELLEY
No, Thomas has her till the
weekend.
Cliff leans in behind the smiling Shelley.
CLIFF
(seductive)
All by yourself.
Shelley kisses him.

SHELLEY
Mmm, with my favorite boys.
Joseph reaches under his jeans.
Growing impatient, Shelley looks over at him.

SHELLEY
Come over here, baby.
JOSEPH
(cold)
Oh, don’t worry.
Joseph retrieves a pistol.
 39.

JOSEPH
I will.

Shelley screams as Joseph FIRES two slugs into her face,

splattering blood and gray matter over the terrified Cliff.
CLIFF
Oh fuck!

Shelley’s head hits the SQUEAKY mattress.

Angry, Joseph steps toward Cliff, smoke still pouring from
the gun’s barrel.
CLIFF
Joseph, man, I--
Joseph puts the gun to Cliff’s temple.
JOSEPH
(rage)
It was a routine catch!
Cliff trembles in fear.
CLIFF
Shit, man!

JOSEPH
I was supposed to win that game!
That was for us, fucker!
CLIFF
(terrified)
Please. I’m sorry--
Joseph CLICKS the firearm.

CLIFF
Don’t kill me!
JOSEPH
(cold)
Such a waste.

He presses the gun deeper into Cliff’s forehead. Cliff

sweats like an interrogated crook.
CLIFF
Don’t do this to me, man! I can
make it up! We’re fucking bros!
Lowering the firearm, Joseph’s mood changes from rage to
chilling coolness.
 40.

JOSEPH
Come on.

The uneasy Cliff watches him move toward Shelley’s body.

JOSEPH
Help me move her.

INT. COLIN’S TRAILER - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

A large T.V. rests in the corner, a few large stains stuck
to the screen.
Crooked photos hang along the walls. Creases conquer the
carpet.
Lamar sits on the couch.
Fay and her husband COLIN, 53, bitter blue collar worker,
are in their respective recliners.

The open Campbell file sits in Lamar’s lap. He stares down

at the crime scene photo of Adrienne.
LAMAR
Yeah, I don’t see it.

Colin hands the Christmas picture back to Lamar.

COLIN
The police told us it must’ve been
taken with the drugs. A damn shame.

FAY
It belonged to my mother... it
had this dove on it. It was so
lovely.

COLIN
(melancholy)
Adrienne wore it all the damn time.
Lamar glances down at the Christmas pic. The green necklace.

LAMAR
Strange. No other jewelry was
taken.
COLIN
Well, he took that one, alright.
Tears welling up, Fay turns away.
 41.

COLIN
He took everything.

Lamar grabs Fay’s hand. A strong, supportive grip.

LAMAR
(kind)
I’m really sorry, ma’am. I have a
daughter of my own... I can’t
imagine the pain y’all are going
through.
Colin looks at him, a little uncertain how to react.
FAY
(emotions overwhelming her)
Jamie called, but I didn’t answer.
I didn’t know Adrienne was... Oh
God!
COLIN
(unsettled)
She owed us over a thousand
dollars. Wouldn’t go to rehab
either... Goddammit, she just
wouldn’t listen.

A baby’s CRIES echo, startling Lamar.

LILLY (O.S.)
(weak)
Mama.

LILLY CAMPBELL, 9, sickly child, stands near the hallway,

holding a WHINING baby doll.
Fay gets up and goes toward her.

FAY
Oh, Lily.
She nods at the doll Lilly clings to.
FAY
Is he alright?
LILLY
I think he wants a bedtime story.
FAY
We’ll read one together then. Come
on.
Lamar smiles as he watches Fay lead Lilly to her bedroom.
 42.

EXT. COUNTRY HOME - FRONT YARD - NIGHT

Cliff and Joseph carry a heavy black garbage bag toward the
sports car’s trunk. Shelley’s body.
JOSEPH
(sadistic)
Watch your step. We don’t want
another drop now, do we?
Cliff remains quiet, disturbed. They lay the body in the
trunk, right next to Cliff’s football gear.
JOSEPH
(confident)
Yeah, there you go.

Joseph SLAMS the trunk.

Trembling, Cliff turns away.
Joseph runs up the porch. Uses a rag to close the front
door.

JOSEPH
Alright.
He steps toward Cliff.

JOSEPH
Let’s go.
Cliff confronts Joseph, enraged.
CLIFF
I’ll tell them everything. I’ll
confess--
Joseph pins Cliff against the sports car.

JOSEPH
Shut the fuck up!
CLIFF
No, bitch! You’re going to jail!

Placing a hand over Cliff’s mouth, Joseph nods toward the

trunk.
JOSEPH
What do you think’s gonna happen
when they arrest me then, huh? You
think I’ll be the bad guy? I’ll
(MORE)
 43.

JOSEPH (cont’d)
tell them you made me kill that
bitch!

Cliff looks down, defeated.

JOSEPH
Who you think they’re gonna
believe? A white quarterback
playing the concussion card or a
fucking nigger?
Cliff glares at Joseph.
Smiling, Joseph backs away. Pats Cliff on the shoulder.

JOSEPH
Now come on.
Joseph’s phone VIBRATES. Stepping away, he retrieves it.

A phone call from Mom. Joseph answers, ignoring another text

from Heather.
JOSEPH
(pleasant)
Hey, mom.

Turning away, the disturbed Cliff leans against his sports

car.
JOSEPH
I know, I just had a rough day.
Yeah, me and Cliff are just
chillin’. I’ll probably be home
late.
He flashes a chilling smile at Cliff.

JOSEPH
(deadpan)
Mom and pop said hey.

EXT. ABANDONED LOT - NIGHT

Rural. Woods surround the lot. Cliff’s sports car is parked
in the forest, shrouded by tall trees.
Cliff and Joseph tote Shelley’s body through the unkempt
lawn.
They stop at a deep pit. Trash bags and debris pile up
inside of it.
 44.

The teammates cry out as they toss the heavy corpse onto the
growing heap.
Joseph claps his hands together, enjoying the adrenaline.
JOSEPH
(confident)
Don’t worry, man. They’ll never
connect us.
Joseph heads for the car, the nervous Cliff following after
him
CLIFF
Yeah? How do you know?
Joseph smiles at him.

JOSEPH
Experience.
CLIFF
(stunned)
What!
JOSEPH
Hey, I was nervous the first time
too.

CLIFF
What the fuck--
JOSEPH
(calm)
You get more confident as you go
along. It’s just like football.
CLIFF
No, man, they’ll find out! They’ll
arrest us!

Grabbing Cliff’s shoulders, Joseph stares into his eyes.

JOSEPH
You gotta relax, man! This’ll all
be a distant memory in no time.
Soon, they’ll chanting our names,
cheering us on! Worshiping us!
He leans in closer, captivating Cliff.
 45.

JOSEPH
And the best part is no one’ll ever
care! No one’ll ever care as long
as we put up the stats and win
games.

INT. LAMAR’S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Dim lighting. Ugly appliances. Small table.

Leaning against a counter, Lamar nurses yet another cup of
coffee.
Like a tormented insomniac, he looks away, distressed.

Acting on a desperate impulse, Lamar grabs his cell phone.

Calls Lee’s number.
It RINGS and RINGS. Lamar’s empty eyes say it all. She ain’t
picking up.

Disappointed yet not surprised, Lamar ends the call. Takes

another sip from his bland coffee.

INT. HEATHER’S HOUSE - HEATHER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Joseph and Heather cuddle in bed, both of them clothed. She

traces her hand along his face.
HEATHER
(sincere)
I’m sorry, boo. I just thought we
already had plans...
JOSEPH
(pissed)
There was gonna be recruiters
everywhere. Like every fucking
Power Five school and he knew it!
HEATHER
They’ll still offer you. It’s just
two games--
JOSEPH
Not against Stanwyck! They got the
best secondary in the region.

HEATHER
But you’re too talented. They’ll
watch the game film. Your grades.
 46.

JOSEPH
No, they won’t!
HEATHER
(reassuring)
You’ll get into Gordon, Joseph. I
promise you, you will.
JOSEPH
Not if this dickless fuckrag pushes
the "discipline issues."

HEATHER
(strong)
Who cares what he does! They’re
still gonna want you!

JOSEPH
(encouraged)
Yeah...
Heather touches his hair.

HEATHER
They’re gonna want the most
talented, smartest, hottest
quarterback, and that’s you, babe.

She leans in closer.

HEATHER
We’re going to get in together.
Just like we planned.

They share a kiss.

Joseph pulls back.
JOSEPH
(uneasy)
I’m sorry I didn’t answer back. I
guess I was too ashamed. God knows
how pop is gonna react--
HEATHER
(smiling)
It’s okay.
JOSEPH
I had to go somewhere. Get it all
off my mind... talk to Cliff...

Heather rubs his shoulder.

 47.

HEATHER
You’ll play. And you’ll fucking
dominate, baby.
JOSEPH
I know. Coach’s stupidass ain’t
stopping me.
Like a teenage muse, Heather kisses his neck.
HEATHER
(seductive)
You’re gonna carry that team.
She works her way to his lips.
HEATHER
You’re gonna carry them for me.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Joseph sits on a corner bench, dressed in street clothes.

The jubilant Brock enters, surrounded by Cliff and other

excited teammates.
BROCK
They ain’t stopping us! Stanwyck
about to get that ass-whooping!
Joseph watches Cliff and Brock fist bump.
CLIFF
Yo, keep doing your thing, man.
Don’t play scared.
BROCK
(emphatic)
Hell naw! We got this, man!

Brock and the other players walk past Joseph, heading toward
their lockers.
Joseph stands and walks toward Cliff.

JOSEPH
Cliff.
Seeing Joseph, Cliff stops and groans.
 48.

CLIFF
Yo, what the fuck do you want?
JOSEPH
(smiling)
What? You still worried?

Cliff looks around. No one else is nearby.

JOSEPH
You shouldn’t be. Buzzards done
picked that bitch apart by now.
Cliff faces Joseph.
CLIFF
Look, man, just leave me the fuck
alone, alright--
Joseph pins Cliff against the lockers, RATTLING them.
CLIFF
(hurt)
Aw, fuck!
JOSEPH
I think you forgot who your
quarterback is, fucker!

Cliff tries to push Joseph back.

CLIFF
Fucking get off me, man!
Joseph SHOVES him against the lockers once more.

CLIFF
Fuck!
JOSEPH
You wouldn’t want me to throw us
both under the bus now, would you?
Cliff stops struggling. He stares at Joseph, suppressing his
rage.

JOSEPH
They’ll believe me and you know it.
There goes the recruiters, the
dreams. Your family shunned by the
entire community--
 49.

CLIFF
(agitated)
What the fuck do you want?
Joseph loosens his grip.

JOSEPH
Make this your worst game.
CLIFF
No, fuck you!

Joseph gives Cliff a soft slap across the face.

JOSEPH
Come on, buddy. You’re in a slump,
it’s Homecoming. Everyone’ll
understand the pressure.
CLIFF
Naw, man! I got family coming!
JOSEPH
Think of the excuses! You’re
playing with a back-up quarterback!
And a shitty one at that!
With a manic smile, Joseph pats Cliff’s shoulder.

JOSEPH
Look, all you gotta do’s just make
him look bad. Even worse than you
made me look, alright.

CLIFF
Yeah? And then what?
Joseph leans in closer, nose-to-nose.
JOSEPH
Then I take over. Stanwyck High.
The rivalry game. Recruiters
everywhere.
Cliff stares right at Joseph. Joseph knows he has him.

JOSEPH
We’ll be the big stars. Just like
we dreamed of.
 50.

INT. POLICE STATION - LAMAR’S OFFICE - DAY

Lamar opens an e-mail from the Grady County Public Safety.
Clicks on an attachment.
A scanned copy of the Jenny Crawford case file. All the
photos and information.
Lamar stares at the crime scene pictures. Her slashed
throat.
He looks on, stunned.
None of the pics show her wearing the bracelet.

Lamar scrolls over to the next page. Her parents’ contact

information. A phone number for Jack Crawford.
Lamar retrieves his phone and dials the number. Waits in
nervous anticipation.

JACK (V.O.)
(craggy)
Hello?
LAMAR
Hi, is this Jack Crawford?

JACK (V.O.)
Speaking.
LAMAR
Mr. Crawford, I’m Detective Willis
of the Whigham Police Department. I
was just calling to ask you about
the case regarding your daughter--
JACK (V.O.)
(angry)
My daughter? That bitch wasn’t even
mine!
Lamar stares at the crime scene photos. The naked Jenny. The
blood.

LAMAR
Sir, I was just hoping to ask you a
few questions.
JACK (V.O.)
Yeah, here’s a question for you,
detective! Tell me where our money
went! You know the money that
little whore stole from us--
 51.

LAMAR
Mr. Crawford.

JACK (V.O.)
The Goddamn money y’all lazy
sons-of-bitches couldn’t ever find!
LAMAR
(trying to keep his cool)
Sir, I’m with the Whigham Police
Department. We didn’t handle the
case.
JACK (V.O.)
Aw, the Hell with it! Just let it
go! That bitch’ll never be missed!
LAMAR
Mr. Crawford--
JACK (V.O.)
Go to Hell!
LAMAR
Wait--
Jack hangs up.

LAMAR
(frustrated)
Shit!

Lowering the phone, Lamar looks away.

He sees the framed photo of his family. Lee. Danielle.
Jason.
Glancing down at his cell, Lamar checks the calls menu. His
last few calls have all been to Lee, none of them answered.

INT. JOSEPH’S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY

Afternoon. Marble counters. A doorway in the back connects
to a hallway.
Randy stands near the sink, swirling a mixed drink
Joseph sits at the table, picking at his meal.

RANDY
(disappointed)
I can’t believe you, boy. Letting
the whole team down like that.
 52.

Joseph glares at him.

RANDY
That’s not what a quarterback’s
supposed to do, son.

Holding his drink, Randy steps toward him.

RANDY
You got teammates, coaches. All of
them counting on you.

Joseph turns away.

RANDY
Then you go and pull some shit like
that. Get yourself suspended.

Angry, Randy takes a sip.

RANDY
Nope. That’s not the boy I raised.
I raised a Goddamn leader, a man.
Not a Goddamn head case.
Joseph confronts him.
JOSEPH
(agitated)
I guess I wouldn’t know.
Randy slaps Joseph upside the head.
RANDY
You ungrateful little shit!

Fighting back tears, Joseph faces him.

RANDY
All the talent in the world, and
you fucking embarrass us! We go to
all your games, support you. Always
here for you. That’s more than my
father ever did--
Joseph looks down.

JOSEPH
(weak)
I’m sorry, pop...
 53.

RANDY
You’re weak, boy! You’re not a
leader! Just a fucking coward!

Full of pent-up rage, Joseph storms out of the room.

RANDY
Yeah, there you go again!

He follows after Joseph.

RANDY
Just run away, boy! That’s how you
fucking lead!

GAIL (O.S.)
(disapproving)
Randy!
Randy stops and turns around.

Gail stands in the doorway.

GAIL
Leave him alone. He’s--
Scoffing, Randy waves her off as he takes another sip.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

Evening. Homecoming game. Packed stands. An exciting
atmosphere.

P.A. ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you
for showing up for tonight’s early
kick-off. We apologize for the
inconvenience.
The Whigham High Wasps storm the field, cheered on by an
energetic CROWD.
P.A. ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Just a reminder, the Homecoming
dance will be held tonight at nine
o’clock in the gymnasium.
Joseph steps onto the field, the last player out of the
locker room. No helmet or pads. Just a jersey and an
indifferent walk.
Cliff stands in the endzone, awaiting the opening kick.
 54.

P.A. ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

Number seventeen, Cliff Grant, will
be fielding the opening kick.

Joseph scowls on the bench, all alone.

The other players crowd around the fiery Gary. Brock
fidgets. Gary points toward the crowd.

GARY
(domineering)
Most importantly, win it for them!

INT. BAR - DAY

A small joint full of "character" and characters.

Lamar sits at the counter, drinking a cold beer.
GEORGE PHILLIPS, 49, nostalgic loser, sits a few spots down,
nursing a mixed drink.
BARTENDER, 34, deadbeat redneck, leans back, his eyes glued
to the T.V. screen. They all watch the Homecoming game.
Colquitt High leads 7-0.

GEORGE
(outraged)
Hey, where the Hell’s Jumpin’ Joe?
LAMAR
(disgusted, to himself)
Jumpin’ Joe...
He takes another sip.

On screen, Brock drops back. Throws a pass intended for

Cliff.
Cliff stumbles, allowing the CORNERBACK to snag the ball and
head the other way. A soul-crushing pick six.

Lamar and Bartender groan.

GEORGE
What the Hell’s that?
LAMAR
It’s like they ain’t even trying.
The chuckling George looks over at Lamar. He recognizes him.
 55.

GEORGE
(friendly)
Say, you look familiar, man.

Lamar faces him, confronting the inevitable.

LAMAR
Yeah. I probably do.

He raises his drink.

LAMAR
(no pride)
Leapin’ Lamar.

George walks up to him.

GEORGE
Holy shit, man! How long’s it been
now? Twenty years? Man! Those were
the days.

Nodding, Lamar takes a sip.

LAMAR
Yeah, they were.

GEORGE
(polite yet a little nosy)
What happened after that injury?
The knee in the title game, right?
Lamar lowers his glass.

LAMAR
Nothing I could do about it.
He looks up at the T.V. screen.

Brock now fumbles the ball. A DEFENSIVE LINEMAN recovers it.

BARTENDER
Goddammit!

LAMAR
(to George)
I thought this was gonna be our
year.
GEORGE
Shit, not like ninety-six, man! I
remember going to all those games
with my little brother.
 56.

LAMAR
Yeah?

GEORGE
Hell yeah, dude! That game against
Stanwyck? Like holy shit! What’d
you have? Like four touchdowns?
Glancing at the T.V., Lamar takes another sip.

LAMAR
I ran in another one.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Hideous game. Wasps 10 - Visitors 45. Fourth quarter.

KURT (V.O.)
Count this as a Homecoming for the
ages, folks, but for all the wrong
reasons.
Brock stands at the line.
KURT (V.O.)
Brock Loomis has had a nightmare of
a start to his very young career.
BROCK
Hut!
He snatches the ball and searches for Cliff. Throws it.

A FAST CORNERBACK swoops in.

Cliff doesn’t fight back as Fast Cornerback snags the ball
and hits the jets for another pick six.

KURT (V.O.)
And it just got uglier.
The scoreboard changes. Wasps 7 - Visitors 51.

Brock groans and turns away. His teammates run past him,
none of them offering any support or encouragement.
Cliff looks over toward the sidelines, locking eyes with the
pleased Joseph.

BLEACHERS
Sitting amongst some obnoxious BOO BIRDS, Randy and Gail
watch in dismay. Somehow, Randy’s more pissed than usual.
 57.

DRUNK FAN
(rebel yell)
Put in Jumpin’ Joe!
The cheerleaders do what they can, getting no involvement
from the crowd whatsoever.
During a lame cheer, Heather winks at Joseph.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT (LATER)

The clock winds down to zero. The BUZZER sounds off, a

relief for the demoralized Whigham players.
Rob herds them off toward the locker room.

ROB
Alright, let’s go!
HECKLING FANS serenade Gary with boos and cheap insults.
Joseph meets Heather at mid-field.

BLEACHERS
The drunken Lamar stumbles down the stairway, clutching a
bouquet of flowers.

He sees Lee and the kids walking up the opposite side of the
handrail.
LAMAR
Lee!

DANIELLE
(excited)
Daddy!
Ignoring Lamar, Lee tries to maneuver them away from him.

LAMAR
Hey. Baby, wait!
He grabs Lee’s arm.

LEE
Lamar, this ain’t the place!
LAMAR
(obviously drunk)
Lee, come on! I just need another
chance. I’ll keep it away from
(MORE)
 58.

LAMAR (cont’d)
them, it’ll all stay at work. I’ll
change, I promise.
Aggravated by Lamar’s ambush, Lee pushes him back.

LEE
Are you drunk?
LAMAR
Baby, I’m sorry. I can make it up
to y’all--
Lee walks away. Lamar snatches her arm.
LAMAR
Lee!

TALL FAN, 57, grumpy loyalist, intervenes.

TALL FAN
Hey, leave her alone!

Tall Fan grabs Lamar.

LAMAR
Shit! Let go of me, man!
Lee guides the kids away.

Danielle and Jason wave goodbye.

LAMAR
(desperate)
Danielle! Jason!

The helpless Lamar watches them leave him behind.

Breaking away from Tall Fan, Lamar stumbles back, dropping
the flowers.

LAMAR
Shit!
Tall Fan grabs his shoulder, helping him regain his balance.

TALL FAN
Hey, buddy, you alright?
Disgusted at himself, Lamar shrugs him off.
 59.

LAMAR
I’m fine!
TALL FAN
(recognizing him)
Well, I’ll be damned. You’re not--

Stepping away, Lamar heads for the front row.

LAMAR
(annoyed)
I was!
He staggers up to the front rail.
Looking out, Lamar sees Joseph and Heather talking at
mid-field. The cute All-American couple. Joseph touches
Heather’s neck.
Lamar’s eyes go wide. He sees it.
The necklace.

Lamar looks on, stunned. The same color. Same medallion.

LAMAR
(muttering)
Jesus Christ...

Joseph lifts the dove medallion, rubbing it. He and Heather

lean in for a kiss.
LAMAR
(to himself)
Say it ain’t so, Joe.

Joseph turns and and looks right at Lamar. The two make
brief, intense eye contact.
Heather glances at Lamar. Joseph grabs her hand, leading her
away. She looks back, worried.

Lamar watches them head for the sideline.

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM - NIGHT

Crowded parking lot. Loud MUSIC and CHATTERING teenagers.

A couple of patrol cars wait outside, keeping the party
safe.
 60.

INT. GYMNASIUM - NIGHT

The Homecoming dance. Joseph and Heather occupy the nicest
table, both of them dressed to kill. Nia and the grumpy
Cliff sit with them.

Incessant MUSIC blasts over a large dancefloor.

Most of the other football players are despondent, still
reeling from that gridiron massacre.

Joseph takes a sip from his punch. Heather grabs his arm,
offering support.
HEATHER
I’m sorry about tonight.

Nia leans forward, yelling over the music.

NIA
Just beat Stanwyck and we’re good!
Joseph grins.

HEATHER
Yeah.
NIA
We can’t carry y’all’s sorryasses
every time.
HEATHER
(to Nia)
For real, girl.

JOSEPH
I don’t know. I don’t like our
chances without me.
Annoyed, Cliff shakes his head and looks away.

NIA
No way he’s sitting you next week!
JOSEPH
You don’t think so?

NIA
Hell no! Coach looking like a fool
out there.
 61.

HEATHER
My God. All those boos.
NIA
I thought they was gonna lynch him.

Joseph and Heather laugh.

Noticing Cliff’s despondency, Nia wraps her arm around him.
NIA
You okay, babe?
Cliff offers her a weak smile, feigning happiness.
CLIFF
Yeah, I’m cool.

JOSEPH
We’ll get them next week.
Joseph grins at Cliff, some subtle menace in the gesture.

JOSEPH
Ain’t that right, Cliff?
NIA
(excited, to Heather)
Where’d you get that dress?

HEATHER
Online, believe it or not.
As Nia blabbers on, Cliff glares at Joseph.

INT. LAMAR’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

A row of empty beer cans sit on the coffee table, right next
to Lamar’s laptop.

Lamar looks at the screen, searching through Joseph’s

Facebook page.
He notices Joseph’s relationship status. In A Relationship
With Heather Stone.

Intrigued, Lamar creeps Heather’s page.

 62.

INT. HEATHER’S HOUSE - HEATHER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Heather spreads out in bed, the naked Joseph on top of her.
HEATHER
(excited)
Oh God!
Joseph grinds against her.
JOSEPH
(crude)
You like that?
HEATHER
Yes! Go on, baby...

Heather grabs his ass, a firm grip.

She moans as their violent lovemaking escalates in
intensity.
HEATHER
God...
Leaning in, Joseph plants her a gentle kiss on her lips.

EXT. HEATHER’S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - DAY

A languid afternoon. Lamar, disheveled yet dressed

professionally, KNOCKS on the door.
VIVIEN, 44, Heather’s meek and clean-cut mother, answers.

VIVIEN
(surprised)
Oh. Hello.
LAMAR
Good afternoon, ma’am.
He flashes her his badge.
LAMAR
I’m Detective Willis of the Whigham
Police Department.
VIVIEN
Oh. Detective.
 63.

LAMAR
I’d like to speak to Heather Stone,
please?
Vivien clings to the door, refusing to open it any further.

VIVIEN
Uh, she’s not here at the moment.
I believe she was doing something
after school.

LAMAR
Oh, well--
HEATHER (O.S.)
(determined)
It’s fine, mom.

Heather appears behind Vivien.

Lamar notices Heather’s green necklace.
Busted, Vivien looks away as she holds the door for Lamar.

LAMAR
(to Vivien, still polite)
Thank you, ma’am.

INT. HEATHER’S HOUSE - HEATHER’S BEDROOM - DAY

Heather sits on her bed, nervous.
Lamar stands over her as Vivien waits by the door.

LAMAR
(to Heather)
I’m not sure how much you knew
about the murders.

HEATHER
(nervous)
I don’t know. I--
VIVIEN
(pestering)
Detective, are you sure this is
really necessary?
Heather glares at Vivien.
 64.

HEATHER
Mom!
Lamar faces Vivien, doing his best to be polite.
LAMAR
If you don’t mind, ma’am, I’d
prefer to speak to Heather alone,
please.
Vivien looks over at Heather.

VIVIEN
I’ll be in the living room.
HEATHER
(annoyed)
Okay...
Vivien leaves.
Lamar shuts the door.

HEATHER
I don’t know, I mean it sounded
terrible. Wasn’t there a kid?
LAMAR
I’m afraid so.

HEATHER
(disturbed)
God, all over drugs? Dealers can be
so vicious.

LAMAR
Yeah, they can.
Lamar points at her necklace. The dove.

LAMAR
May I ask where you got that from?
Heather grabs it, defensive.
HEATHER
Why?
LAMAR
There was something missing at the
crime scene.
 65.

HEATHER
(nervous)
Oh.

LAMAR
The girls’ family identified it as
a green necklace. One with a dove
on it.

Lamar steps toward her.

LAMAR
Exactly like the one you’re
wearing.

Heather lowers her hand in defeat.

HEATHER
(weak)
No.

LAMAR
You see it has a very unique
design. It belonged to her
grandmother.
HEATHER
It can’t.
Holding Heather’s gaze, Lamar leans down in front of her.
LAMAR
(harsh)
Now I’m only gonna ask you one more
time, miss. Where did you get it?
Heather looks away.

HEATHER
(cracking)
My boyfriend. He gave it to me.
LAMAR
Did he say where?

Heather shakes her head.

HEATHER
I don’t know...

LAMAR
(unwavering)
There was another girl found a few
months ago. She was just like the
(MORE)
 66.

LAMAR (cont’d)
Campbells. Naked, slaughtered,
mutilated.

HEATHER
(disturbed)
God.
LAMAR
She also had a blue bracelet that
was taken.
Heather’s eyes go wide, petrified.
HEATHER
No...
LAMAR
Do you know where it--
Heather stands and rushes toward her dresser.

Lamar follows after her.

LAMAR
Heather.

Heather pulls out a drawer.

Tons of flamboyant jewelry lie inside. Heather grabs a blue
bracelet.
LAMAR
(alarmed)
Shit!
Heather hands it to him.

LAMAR
Your boyfriend?
HEATHER
(scared)
Yes sir.

Lamar nods at the rest of the jewelry.

LAMAR
He gave you all this?

HEATHER
(pleading)
Yes, but it couldn’t have been him,
detective! He must’ve gotten it
(MORE)
 67.

HEATHER (cont’d)
from somebody else on the team! You
know how those boys are!

LAMAR
Believe me, I do.
He points at the necklace.

LAMAR
(stern)
I’m gonna be needing that, I’m
afraid.
Heather clings to it.

HEATHER
But detective--
LAMAR
Now!

Giving in, Heather hands him the necklace.

HEATHER
But it can’t be him, detective! Not
Joseph!

LAMAR
He may very well be innocent, but
we have to be sure.
HEATHER
(defensive)
He’s a great guy! Honest. He’s so
sweet and--
Lamar steps toward the drawer.

LAMAR
(ignoring her)
I’m gonna need these as well.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Right after practice. Joseph buckles his belt.
Rob emerges from Gary’s office.

ROB
Joseph.
He waves Joseph over.
 68.

ROB
Coach wants to speak to you.
GARY’S OFFICE
A large whiteboard shows countless scribbled-out plays. A
bulletin board overflows with rosters and schedules.
Coaching awards sit on Gary’s desk, right next to a photo of
his wife and kids.

Joseph enters.
Rob closes the door, leaving Joseph and Gary alone.
Like a mafia boss, Gary leans back in his seat, glaring at
Joseph.

JOSEPH
Coach.
Gary throws a local newspaper on the desk.

The headline: Epic Choke! Coach Slater’s Future In Doubt

After Questionable Benching.
GARY
Something tells me you’re behind
all this, Francis.

Grinning, Joseph sits in the chair in front of Gary’s desk.

JOSEPH
That’s a little extreme, coach,
don’t you think.

Gary cracks a deranged smile.

GARY
You think you’re fooling me,
Francis? Come on, boy! Fess up!
Who’d you bribe? Brock? The editor?
JOSEPH
(playing innocent)
I’m just a seventeen-year-old
quarterback, Coach Slater. Are you
really delusional enough to think
that I can just influence the
players, press to do what I want.
Gary slams his fist on the desk.
 69.

GARY
Goddammit, tell me the truth!
Keeping his cool, Joseph smirks.
JOSEPH
Relax, coach.
GARY
What the Hell happened out there?
Brock was playing great all week!

JOSEPH
Better defense? Better coaching?
GARY
They were o and nine! It’s
homecoming, dumbass! We never
schedule contenders!
JOSEPH
Then maybe this team needs a new
voice. A new leader.

GARY
What are you trying to say?
JOSEPH
Look, you’re obviously not getting
the job done. I mean what is this
now, your fourth meltdown in the
last two seasons.
Muttering, Gary looks down at the article.

JOSEPH
That seat’s getting mighty hot now,
isn’t it?
Gary grabs the newspaper. A closer look at the exploitative
headline.
JOSEPH
You lose to Stanwyck, and we’re out
of the playoffs, the season’s over.
You’re fucking canned.

Gary looks at him. Left with no other choice.

JOSEPH
You know there’s only one thing
left you can do.
 70.

GARY
They might keep me around.
Joseph laughs.
JOSEPH
For what? History class? You
fucking suck at that too.
GARY
You bastard!

JOSEPH
(smirking)
You got the best quarterback and
receiver in the state, and you
still can’t win. Jesus Christ,
you’re pathetic.
Gary looks down, Joseph’s calculating pressure making him
crack.
GARY
No...
JOSEPH
You know it, and I know it.
Joseph nods at the headline.

JOSEPH
Apparently they do too.
GARY
(pissed)
Alright!
Gary faces him.
GARY
Alright, boy. You win.
JOSEPH
(cool)
That’s what I thought.

Joseph stands up. Gary leans forward, reaching toward him.

GARY
Wait, this ain’t over!
Joseph knocks his arm away.
 71.

JOSEPH
Yeah it is, asshole! I’m calling
the shots now! You hear me!
GARY
No, you listen to me, boy!
Joseph grabs Gary’s largest trophy.
GARY
(angry)
Hey!
Like he’s wielding a dagger, Joseph points it at him.
JOSEPH
No, you fucking listen to me!

Without hesitation, Joseph hurls the trophy against the

wall, SMASHING it into a hundred pieces.
Gary looks on in dismay, stunned into silence.

Joseph confronts him.

JOSEPH
I do what I want. Got it?

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - PLAYERS’ PARKING LOT - DAY

Evening. Only a few cars left.
Wearing his drawstring bag, Joseph heads for his
convertible.

He stops a few feet away, surprised to see Lamar waiting by

the vehicle.
LAMAR
(harsh)
Jumpin’ Joe.
Ignoring Lamar, Joseph opens his car door.
Lamar shuts it.

LAMAR
I was hoping to ask you a few
questions. If you don’t mind.
 72.

JOSEPH
(glaring)
Regarding?

LAMAR
I don’t know if you heard or not,
what, with your suspension and all,
but there was a pretty ugly murder
out on the county line a couple of
weeks ago.
JOSEPH
(annoyed)
Yeah. Some kinda drug deal gone bad
or something, right?

Lamar stares right at Joseph, confronting him.

LAMAR
We believe so.

JOSEPH
So what does that got to do with
me?
LAMAR
Do you date a Heather Stone?

JOSEPH
Maybe. Why--
LAMAR
She told me y’all were a couple.

JOSEPH
Look, detective--
Lamar pulls out the necklace.

LAMAR
She said you gave her this.
Joseph goes quiet, stunned.

LAMAR
Just like the one stolen from
Adrienne Campbell’s body.
JOSEPH
(panicking)
Look, man, I didn’t steal
shit, alright.
Lamar studies the necklace. The dove engraving.
 73.

LAMAR
It’s got the same dove. Quite a
rare piece actually.
The angry Joseph leans in toward Lamar.

JOSEPH
Look, detective, I bought it! Is it
a fucking crime to buy your
girlfriend some fucking jewelry?

Lamar smiles, pleased to have him rattled.

LAMAR
No, it’s not, Jumpin’ Joe. Not at
all.

Joseph points at the convertible.

JOSEPH
Fuck, man, do you mind? I just got
out of a real tough practice.

LAMAR
(recalling Joseph’s old
comment)
I guess I should understand, huh?
JOSEPH
(cold)
Yeah. A long time ago.
Joseph opens the door.

Lamar grabs it, forcing Joseph to face him.

LAMAR
You know, I always had a bad
feeling about you, "Jumpin’ Joe."
You act like you got everybody
fooled with this bullshit. What,
with this being a "football town"
and all. But you ain’t shit, Mr.
Francis.
Fueled by anger, Joseph pushes Lamar.

In retaliation, Lamar shoves him right back.

Joseph glares at Lamar, stunned yet pissed.
 74.

LAMAR
(smirk)
Just know that I’ll be seeing you,
Joe.
Glowering, Joseph slides in behind the wheel.
LAMAR
Real soon.

Joseph CRANKS the car and backs out.

Lamar watches the convertible disappear out-of-sight.
ROB (O.S.)
What the Hell are you doing?
Lamar whirls around.
Rob stands a few feet away, smoking a cig.

LAMAR
Just asking some questions.
Routine--
Rob steps toward Lamar, a harsh expression on his face.

ROB
Haven’t you done enough?
Like prizefighters, they glare at one another, just inches
apart.

LAMAR
Just doing my job.
Rob flicks his cigarette away.

ROB
That boy ain’t done a Goddamn
thing.
LAMAR
Yeah, y’all tried telling me the
same thing about Chase Oldman.
ROB
Chase was a good boy who made one
bad mistake.

LAMAR
A bad mistake? He raped her while
she was unconscious! That’s more
than a Goddamn mistake!
 75.

Rob pushes Lamar back.

LAMAR
Hey, watch it, fucker!
ROB
You took his future away! And for
what? So that fucking thug Simpson
could be out walking the streets,
doing God knows what else!
LAMAR
That doesn’t make him a rapist!
Rob spits at Lamar’s feet.

ROB
I suggest you leave Joseph alone.
You cost this team enough titles
already, asshole.

Turning around, he walks back to his car.

LAMAR
You know, some things are more
important than hoisting a Goddamn
trophy!

Rob glares at Lamar.

ROB
It’s called teamwork. Something you
never quite learned, "Leapin’
Lamar."
He gets in his car.
Full of simmering rage, Lamar looks away.

INT. JOSEPH’S HOUSE - JOSEPH’S BEDROOM - DAY

The enraged Joseph storms inside. Knocks over a shelf.

JOSEPH
(wild)
Goddammit!
Horror DVD cases fly everywhere.

Joseph staggers to the dresser. Yanks out a drawer.

Pushing aside various gear, Joseph finds his revolver. He
pulls it out, clutching it tight.
 76.

His phone VIBRATES. Joseph checks it.

An incoming call from an unsaved number. He answers.
JOSEPH
Hello?

MICHAEL (V.O.)
Joseph Francis?
JOSEPH
(paranoid)
Yeah, who’s this?
MICHAEL (V.O.)
(polite)
Oh, hi, Joseph. This is Coach
Rosenthal. I’m the offensive
coordinator here at Gordon. I
believe we talked at the spring
camp.
Joseph lowers the gun, shocked.

JOSEPH
Coach Rosenthal. Hey. How are you?
MICHAEL (V.O.)
I’m doing alright. Thanks for
asking. Anyway, I was calling to
ask about the game against Stanwyck
this weekend. It looks like me and
a few of the assistant coaches will
be able to make it.

JOSEPH
Wow! That’s awesome.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
More good news. Looks like Coach
Murphy will be attending as well.
JOSEPH
Coach Murphy? Like three-time
national champion Coach Murphy?

Michael laughs.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
You got it, my man.
Tears of joy trickling down his eyes, Joseph looks away.
 77.

MICHAEL (V.O.)
We were wondering if you’d like to
go out after the game. Maybe give
us a chance to tell you about what
all we have to offer here at
Gordon.

INT. POLICE STATION - LAMAR’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Silence conquers the room and station. The office’s tight
window showcases the suppressing darkness outside.
Anxious, Lamar leans against the wall, staring out the
window.
His computer screen displays an article from Whigham’s local
paper: Mother Reported Missing.
Beneath the headline is a photo of Shelley with her
daughter.
Lamar’s phone VIBRATES. He glances down at it. Doesn’t
recognize the number.
Lamar answers.
LAMAR
Detective Willis.

HEATHER (V.O.)
(panicking)
Detective!
Lamar steps toward his desk, alarmed.

LAMAR
Heather, what’s wrong?
HEATHER (V.O.)
(hesitant)
Joseph called. He wants to meet me,
but--
LAMAR
Where?

HEATHER (V.O.)
The football field. I don’t know
what to do.
 78.

LAMAR
Just hold on, alright! Don’t go
anywhere!
HEATHER (V.O.)
No, he told me not to bring
anyone--
Lamar HITS the desk.
LAMAR
Goddammit, wait for me!

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - PLAYERS’ PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Dark. Only one car in the spacious parking lot: Joseph’s
convertible.
Lamar pulls up. Kills the headlights.

INT. LAMAR’S CAR - PARKED - DAY

Lamar puts it in park. The uneasy Heather sits in the

passenger’s seat, fidgeting.
HEATHER
(nervous)
He sounded weird. I’ve never seen
him like that.
Lamar pulls the keys out of the ignition.
LAMAR
I talked to him after practice.
HEATHER
What?

LAMAR
(serious)
I think I might’ve scared him.
HEATHER
But he’s never scared.
 79.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

The football field looks eerie in the suffocating darkness,
the empty bleachers so haunting.
Lamar and Heather rush past mid-field, searching for Joseph.
LAMAR
Where the Hell is he!

HEATHER
(scared)
I don’t know!
Bright lights cut on in the Wasps’ endzone.

Lamar and Heather stop, terrified.

HEATHER
Oh God!

They see a few bodies lying in the endzone.

LAMAR
Shit!
Heather rushes forward until Lamar grabs a hold of her.

LAMAR
No, stay back!
Drawing his gun, he leads Heather toward the bodies.

LAMAR
(yelling)
Joseph!
As they near closer, Lamar recognizes the bodies. Three of
them bound-and-gagged in duct tape. Lee, Danielle, Jason.
LAMAR
No!
Covering her mouth, Heather stumbles back.

HEATHER
(disturbed)
Oh God!
Joseph emerges from the Wasps’ locker room, watching with
relish.
Lowering his gun, Lamar leans down next to Lee and the kids.
They’re all unconscious from head wounds.
 80.

LAMAR
(uneasy)
No. Lee.
With unusual strength, Heather grabs Lamar’s arm, forcing
his gun to the side of his head.
LAMAR
No! What--
Heather mashes his trigger finger.

A BULLET blasts into Lamar’s temple.

He falls to the side, right in the middle of the endzone.
His dying eyes stare at his helpless family.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

A fancy, upscale stadium. Incessant CHANTS and CHEERS erupt
from the packed stands.

TEENAGE LAMAR, 17, athlete in his prime, commands the

huddle. He stands a yard away from the endzone.
The scoreboard: Home 27 - Visitors 23. Ten seconds left in
the title game. Fourth-And-Goal.

Teenage Lamar stands behind the CENTER.

TEENAGE LAMAR
Hut!
He grabs the ball. Searches for a target.

SANDERS, a wide-open receiver, claps in the corner, begging

for a throw.
Ignoring him, Teenage Lamar rushes toward the endzone,
leaping over a DOGPILE.

Teenage Lamar hits the ground hard, his leg ensnared by a

HUGE LINEMAN.
The ball slips from his grasp. A fumble.

Going for the ball, a monstrous LINEBACKER jumps on Teenage

Lamar’s vulnerable leg, crushing it.
Teenage Lamar winces in pain.

Another DEFENDER scoops up the ball.

 81.

The clock ticks down to zero. Ballgame.

The stunned Wasp High FAITHFUL look on in disbelief.
Teenage Lamar’s COACH turns and spits, boiling over with
rage.

TEENAGE ROB, back-up quarterback, glares from the Whigham

High sideline.
Writhing in pain, Teenage Lamar grabs his leg. TEENAGE LEE,
cute cheerleader, and a few PLAYERS rush to Teenage Lamar’s
aid.
BACK TO PRESENT DAY

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Teardrops slide down Lamar’s face, mixing in with the blood.
He shuts his eyes. His body goes still.
The excited Joseph jogs over to Heather.

JOSEPH
You were great, babe!
HEATHER
(grinning)
I’m your best teammate, remember?
JOSEPH
(slick)
That makes me your number one fan.

The couple embrace with a kiss.

HEATHER
Glad you enjoyed it, boo.
He hands her a glove.

JOSEPH
Go on, do your thing.
Joseph smiles as he watches her slide on the glove.

Leaning down, Heather snatches the pistol from Lamar’s dead

grip.
JOSEPH
(sincere)
I love you.
 82.

Flashing him a wicked grin, Heather stops in front of Lee

and the kids.

HEATHER
I love you too.
Lee opens her eyes. She squirms, horrified. Unable to
escape.

With cold-blooded glee, Heather fires THREE shots, one into

each head.
Joseph claps, goading Heather on.
Facing him, Heather raises the revolver with pride.

JOSEPH
(in awe)
Unbelievable, babe!

INT. JAMIE’S TRAILER - HALLWAY - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)

Joseph chases the frightened Cary down the hall.
CARY’S BEDROOM

Cheap toys and coloring books scatter about. Family movie

DVDs populate a small shelf.
Cary stumbles inside.
Waiting in front of Cary, Heather holds her arms out toward
him, a malevolent smile on her face.
HEATHER
(facetious)
It’s just me.

Joseph enters. Cary is trapped.

Heather advances toward Cary.
Cary glances back-and-forth at them, unsure what to do.

HEATHER
(soft)
Don’t be scared.
JOSEPH
(to Heather)
You want him?
Heather reaches toward Joseph.
 83.

HEATHER
(excited, to Joseph)
I’d like the honors, please.

The grinning Joseph tosses her the switchblade.

She makes the perfect catch. Raises the blade over Cary.
HEATHER
Come to Heather.
Cary backs away, horrified.
BACK TO PRESENT DAY

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Holding hands, Joseph and Heather walk off the field
together.

Lamar’s corpse is sprawled out in the endzone, the smoking

gun now placed in his hand.
His family lies next to him, all of them dead. Execution
style.

Lee’s shirt has been ripped open, revealing her breasts.

Joseph and Heather’s MO.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

The following morning. Crime scene tape surrounds the

endzone, wrapping around the goalpost.
OFFICERS investigate the grisly scene.
Ben watches Kevin take a photo of the deceased Lamar.

BEN
(upset)
Goddammit, Lamar...

Standing further away, SHERIFF, 62, pot-bellied, yells at

some of the other cops.
SHERIFF
(commanding)
Hurry up! Let’s get this shit
cleaned up before gametime! Move
it!
A DEPUTY, 29, geeky female, approaches Ben and Kevin.
 84.

BEN
(to Deputy)
You hear anything back?
Deputy gives a weak nod.

DEPUTY
Yes sir.
BEN
(dread)
The jewelry?
DEPUTY
(regret having to tell him)
The necklace belonged to the
Campbell girl. We’re inspecting the
other ones now.
Ben turns away, disgusted.
BEN
Jesus Christ.

DEPUTY
He’d been reaching out to the
victims’ families. We found files
from some of the other cases.

Awkward silence.
DEPUTY
(to the saddened Ben)
I’m sorry, sir.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - ROB’S OFFICE - DAY

Rob leans back in his seat, chatting over the phone.

ROB
Yeah, I know, the whole place’s
blowing up. It’s crazy.
His computer screen shows e-mails. Messages from The New
York Times and other outlets. Subject lines like
"Interview," "Information On Willis," "Relation To Killer,"
etc.
ROB
I got the Times, Schlaubach,
Deadspin. Hell, they’re all wanting
to talk to me.
 85.

Smiling triumphantly, Rob leans forward.

ROB
Yeah, they’re looking to burn this
nigger up like always.
He types in a reply to one of the reporter’s e-mails.
ROB
You know the drill when they mess
with them white girls. Goodbye,
football hero, hello, thug.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

The scoreboard: Wasps 23 - Visitors 27. Fourth-And-Goal. Ten

seconds left.
KURT (V.O.)
This is it, folks!

BLEACHERS
The CROWD looks on, nervous.
KURT (V.O.)
Win and in for our Whigham Wasps!
GORDON COACHES sit on the front row, watching with
particular interest.
FIELD

Gary shouts on the sidelines, desperate to keep his job.

Joseph stands on the five-yard-line. He faces the ferocious
Stanwyck LINEMEN, unfazed.

Joseph hollers an audible. HIKES the ball.

The pocket collapses. DEFENDERS come charging in.
Joseph sees Cliff fight for an opening in the endzone. The
same spot where Lamar was killed.
Joseph slings the ball.
KURT (V.O.)
Francis zips it out!

It sails into Cliff’s hands. This time he hangs on for the

game winner.
 86.

KURT (V.O.)
And Grant makes the grab!
Like a Holy Roller, Rob throws his clipboard into the air.
ROB
Yes!
Heather leads the cheerleaders into a frenzied celebration.
BLEACHERS

The crowd goes nuts.

KURT (V.O.)
They’ve done it!

Overcome by joy, Gail hugs Randy close to her.

GAIL
Yes!
RANDY
(overjoyed)
He did it!
Not pissed for once, Randy meets eyes with the happy Joseph.
Smiling, Randy winks at him. Gives him a thumbs-up.

RANDY
(proud, to himself)
Our boy’s a winner... our boy’s a
winner...
Gail kisses him.

KURT (V.O.)
Jumpin’ Joe with another
spectacular performance!
The Gordon Coaches exchange impressed looks. Joseph is the
real deal.
FIELD
Joseph flashes the stoic Gary a smug grin as teammates swarm
around him. A joyous scene.
The disinterested Cliff hands the ball to a REF as he walks
over toward the sideline, avoiding the celebration.
 87.

INT. PRESS BOX - NIGHT

Kurt slaps the desk in excitement.
KURT
Remember this moment, folks!
Cherish it! Jumpin’ Joe has become
the best since.
Kurt goes silent, catching himself.

A REPORTER glares at him.

KURT
(struggling to improv)
Well, the best in Whigham High
history!

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - NIGHT

Heather jumps into Joseph’s arms, ambushing him in the
endzone.

Teammates and cheerleaders cheer them on as they share a

passionate kiss.

EXT. GORDON UNIVERSITY - DAY

Almost a year later. A large sign stands next to the

glorious football field. The bold letters: Welcome To Gordon
University. Home Of The Rattlesnakes!

EXT. GORDON UNIVERSITY - COURTYARD - DAY

Afternoon. Gorgeous campus. Old buildings, pristine lawns.
STUDENTS socialize. Some of them head for class.

Together, Joseph and Heather walk amongst the crowd. Cliff

and Nia are with them, Cliff still uncomfortable around
Joseph.
NIA
What class do y’all got next?
HEATHER
English.
Heather smiles at Joseph.
 88.

HEATHER
We’re in there together.
NIA
Aww, how cute.

Joseph notices a COED checking him out.

HEATHER
Yeah.

Following Joseph’s gaze, Heather sees Coed.

NIA
Y’all wanna meet at the Café?
Heather stops Joseph.

NIA
Heather?
Still intrigued by Coed, Heather looks over at Nia.

HEATHER
Yeah. After class.
The aggravated Cliff leads Nia away.
NIA
(to Cliff)
Boy, hold on!
Heather grabs Joseph’s arm. Nods toward Coed.
HEATHER
What do you think?
With hungry eyes, Joseph observes Coed.
Coed touches her luscious lips, doing her best to get their
attention. A desperate move.

JOSEPH
Perfect.
He flashes the giggling Heather his megawatt smile. Such a
contagious smile.
FADE OUT.
THE END