GOAL TO GO

Episode 4.43

“Nittany Lions”

by

David Polk
 2.

RECAP

We Recap events from Previous Episodes, ending on Gale, in

a sexy negligee, welcoming Parker into her hotel suite.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – DAY

A spirited, HARD-HITTING SCRIMMAGE. Powerful running back

Crash 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 punt
return, Linc Ossling slices and weaves through would-be
tacklers on his way to a touchdown...

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO – DAY

Local sportscaster Felix Foxx interviews Billy Donahue.

FELIX
Coach, the good news is preseason polls
have the Sea Devils ranked twelfth in
the country, our highest preseason
ranking ever. The not-so-good news is
you face four teams ranked in the top
10, two of them – Penn State and LSU –
without Achilles Addams. Expectations
are sky high for the team this year.
What’s your outlook?

BILLY
You know Felix, our goals are always
pretty straight-forward going into the
season: 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 three
of those goals this year.

FELIX
Yes, but you and athletic director
Charlotte Webb have defined success for
this program as making an appearance in
a BCS National Championship. Many
think this season is your best shot to
do it. Can you get there this year,
Coach?
 3.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – DAY

Nate and two other QUARTERBACKS, including Ricky Boone,

work on footwork and passing drills; defensive players –
cornerback Shaun Ellis, linebacker Brew Brewster and
lineman Kwame Epstein – plant bone rattling hits on
receivers and running backs in tackling drills; Jet Johnson
catches 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:

FELIX
Warren “iPhone” Sitren, you’re a
consensus All-American, one of only a
handful of offensive linemen coming
into the season as a leading candidate
for the Outland Trophy, and one of the
senior leaders of this team. This is
your last chance to make it to the
national championship game. How
important is it to you personally?

IPHONE
Wow. I mean, there are a lot of games
to play between next week and the
national championship game. I like to
think we’re the best team in the
country, but we’ll just have to play
every game and see how it pans out.

FELIX
Jet, last year you really came into
your own, with over 800 yards receiving
and 9 touchdown catches. Are you
concerned you’ll miss opportunities to
add to those numbers with Achilles out
for three or four games?

JET
I’m not concerned. This is an
explosive team and the passing game
will be important. So I expect to be a
big part of the offense this year,
before and after the Iceman comes back.
 4.

FELIX
I’m with middle linebacker and
defensive captain Nate “Brew” Brewster.
Nate, this is known as an offensive
team but the defense has really
matured. With so much talk about the
loss of Achilles Addams against tough
opponents early, has the defense been
overlooked?

BREW
Yeah, but that’s okay with us. We want
to be overlooked, right up until we
smash people in the mouth. With the
Iceman out for a few weeks, we know
it’s going to be up to us to make
things happen, take control of the
tempo of those games. Bring it on,
baby! Bring it on!

FELIX
Nate, after Achilles Addams’ accident,
you cut your summer short and came back
to Maitland to prepare to step in as
the starting quarterback of this team.
It’s going to be up to you to lead the
Devils past powerhouses Penn State and
LSU. Are you ready?

NATE
Yeah, I’m ready. We know we have a
couple of big, important games early
on, but we know what we have to do to
achieve 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 and
players 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 we
head to Pocatello. I’m really pleased
with the effort you all put in this
summer and with the progress that each
(MORE)
 5.

BILLY (CONT’D.)
and every one of you has made. I
shouldn’t have to tell you this, but I
will just for emphasis. We’ve set big
goals as a team this season, but big
goals are achieved one step at a time.
Idaho State is the most important game
we have this season because it’s the
next game. That’s how we take them,
one game at a time, one step at a time
until we reach our ultimate goal. Rest
up tonight, gentlemen. Buses leave for
the airport at 11 sharp...

INT. BOOSTER DINNER – NIGHT

CAMERA PANS the ballroom and we find familiar faces among

the BOOSTERS: Charlotte Webb and her husband Ronald Fraser,
Champ and Kendra Sussman, newlywed PR woman Sasha Mendez
and her HUSHAND, the Mayor and his Wife, team doctor
Natalia Rockov, coaches and their wives, among others.

Billy and Gale Donahue are a portrait of the happy couple

at their table. Gale is spellbinding; Billy smiling and
confident. No one has any idea that they’re separated.

INT. RECEPTION AREA – LATER

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

FELIX
I’m with Coach Donahue and the First
Lady of Sea Devils Football, the
beautiful and always charming Gale
Donahue.

GALE
Thank you, Felix. You’re always so
kind. And so handsome.

FELIX
Thanks. Mrs. D., this has got to be
exciting for you – the Devils enter the
season in striking distance of a
national championship. Does it take
you back to the days of when your
father, the great Wolf Ryan, coached
his powerhouse teams at Texas A&M.
 6.

GALE
It does, Felix, very much. And Billy’s
built a team this year that reminds me
a lot of the one he led to victory over
Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl, when we
were seniors at A&M. Daddy felt that
was the best win of his career.

FELIX
That’d be an appropriate irony,
wouldn’t it? Notre Dame is ranked
number one and the BCS National
Championship will be played January 12
at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

GALE
(feigned surprise)
Oh, really?! Well wouldn’t that be
something, Billy Honey?

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

FELIX
Two seasons ago you resumed a tradition
started by your mother, Rose Ryan,
traveling to every away game with the
team. Can we expect you to continue to
be the team’s official good luck charm?

Gale is caught off guard. Billy clocks her reaction.

GALE
Well, our boys have one of the best
coaches in college football, so I don’t
think they’ll need much luck.

FELIX
So will you be joining the team for
Friday night’s game in Pocatello?

BILLY
You know, we’ve got a little ankle
biter at home these days, Felix. That
puts a real crimp in Gale’s ability to
travel 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 he

drives. He pulls into the driveway of their home.

GALE
(beat)
Goodnight, Billy Honey.

Just before she opens the door –

BILLY
We leave for Pocatello tomorrow at 11.
Just when were you planning on telling
me you’re not going?

GALE
I’d hoped to tell you tonight. Right
now, before we said goodnight. I’m
sorry you had to find out the way you
did, Billy.

BILLY
Are you at least going to tell me why?
Or was my made up answer the truth?

GALE
Thank you for that. You’ve always been
good at calling audibles... The
Pennebaker board is holding a special
meeting this weekend and I have to
attend.

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 like
that... with such disdain?
(off his reaction)
Is it because you’re upset that I chose
business over football, or is it
because you think my place is in the
stands cheering you on and not in a
board room making decisions?
 8.

BILLY
Don’t put words in my mouth, Gale –

GALE
Well that’s what you meant, isn’t it?

BILLY
That’s not what I said and it’s not
what I meant, Gale.

GALE
Parker thinks I’m bringing a fresh
perspective to the board. I’ve already
influenced two significant business
investments.

BILLY
Oh come on, Gale. We’ve been through
this. Parker St. John is interested in
one thing and one thing only, Duncan’s
controlling interest in the company.

GALE
That’s not the only thing he’s
interested in, Billy.

Beat.

BILLY
What the hell’s that supposed to mean?

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

BILLY
(sternly)
Gale.

GALE
Goodnight, Billy.

She gets out and closes the door.

BILLY
(realizing, angrily)
Gale!

She goes inside the house. Billy grips the wheel of the
SUV, 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. She
closes her eyes. Her heart is racing. She breathes deeply
to remain calm. After a long couple of beats we hear
Billy’s Range Rover drive away.

INT. AIRPORT GATE – DAY

Billy steps out of the jetway, followed by coaches and

players. They’re met by local REPORTERS. The questions
come fast and furiously but Billy ignores them, walking
through the gauntlet of cameras and microphones without so
much as a word.

INT. BOARDROOM – DAY

The Pennebaker Industries board of directors goes through

binders as CFO Clark Kimbrough gives a slide presentation
about the Tucci Microsystems acquisition. Gale and CEO
Parker St. John resist the urge to exchange discreet
glances, focusing instead on the business at hand.

INT. VISITING LOCKER ROOM – SUNSET

Billy leaves the coaches’ office and enters the adjoining

locker room. There is a quiet intensity about him – like a
ticking time bomb. Players are dressed and ready to take
the field. They gather around their coach without having
to be told. Billy speaks without emotion, his eyes and
face are impassive, but his urgency is haltingly clear.

BILLY
Twelve steps. One goal. Win a
national championship. Nothing else
matters. Every game counts. How we
win is as important as winning itself.
There are no second chances. No
excuses. Twelve steps. We take the
first step tonight. Padre.

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

CHAPLAIN
Our father, who art in Heaven, hallowed
be thy name...
 10.

INT. HOLT ARENA (VERSUS IDAHO STATE) – NIGHT

MONTAGE #1 – ANNIHILATION

QUICK CUTS of the Sea Devils taking it to the Idaho State

Bengals. The defense is tenacious, sacking the Bengals
quarterback repeatedly and crushing receivers and running
backs when they so much as sniff the football; cornerback
Shaun Ellis intercepts a pass and runs it back for a
touchdown; 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 and
seemingly scoring at will; Nate Hughes throws three
touchdowns – two to wideout Jet Johnson and one to tight
end Junior Tuiososopo;

On the sideline, Billy calls the offensive plays from his

LAMINATED PLAY SHEET; he spurs his players like Ming the
Merciless, at one point shouting at middle linebacker Brew
Brewster to “Destroy that bastard!” (an Idaho State running
back), 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’s

head coach, Bull Heffernan (who we remember from Season One
as Wah Tech’s offensive coordinator). Billy and Bull don’t
speak; just exchange a curt shake and nod. Billy turns and
strides across the field, ignoring reporters as he goes.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH – NIGHT

Felix is joined in the booth by longtime Wa Tech color

commentator Skeeter Blackledge.

FELIX
Wow! Skeeter, we were expecting a one-
sided game tonight, but that was quite
a performance by the Sea Devils.
 11.

SKEETER
I’ll say. The Devils opened up an
Acme-sized can of whoop ass on a
hapless Idaho State team tonight.
Coach Billy Donahue obviously wanted to
send a message with tonight’s game:
this team can score, with or without
star quarterback Achilles Addams.

FELIX
Well, the Idaho State is not the Penn
State. Far from it. You get the
feeling that the Sea Devils should’ve
saved some of this firepower for the
Nittany Lions, who come into Memorial
Stadium next Saturday night?

SKEETER
This was a confidence-builder, Felix.
Coach Donahue and his coaching staff
don’t expect to score a ton of points
on the Penn State defense, but getting
quarterback 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 players

have already removed their jerseys and pads.

BILLY
One down, eleven to go. Great
intensity. Great execution. On both
sides of the ball and on special teams.
Penn State won’t be this easy. And
they’ll be taking you a lot more
seriously 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. Nate

steps up to take the ball from Billy.
 12.

BILLY
Great game, son. Now take the
positives 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 dress

shirt. She goes to Parker, who is in trousers, and kisses
him tenderly on the lips.

PARKER
I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you
to 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.

PARKER
But it’s such an incredible body.

They kiss deeply. When they stop –

GALE
You’d better get going. Three nights
during the week and now a weekend away
from Gretchen; any woman would be
suspicious by now.

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

PARKER
Yes, about Gretchen. I’ve decided to
end our engagement.
 13.

GALE
What?! Parker, you can’t do that.

PARKER
Gale, how could I possibly go through
with marrying her now that we’ve found
each other?

GALE
(flummoxed)
But, Parker... dear, you and Gretchen
have been planning your wedding for two
years. You and I... It’s been less
than a week, Parker.

PARKER
Frankly, I thought you’d be pleased.
With you and Billy separated and me
free of any commitments to Gretchen, we
can pursue our relationship with no
strings attached.

GALE
But calling off your wedding is such a
drastic step, Parker. We’ve only just
begun to know each other.

Parker reacts to her reticence.

PARKER
Is 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 through
her simultaneously.

PARKER
It’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 together
there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
 14.

PARKER
But?

GALE
But 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 to

him and he stands to greet her.

BILLY
Mattie, thanks for coming.

MATTIE
Of course, Billy.

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

WAITRESS
Specials are on the flier on your
table. May I start you off with
something to drink, Ms. Weiss?

MATTIE
Just iced tea for now, thank you.

The Waitress leaves.

BILLY
Is 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.

MATTIE
Why don’t you ask her yourself when you
see her?

BILLY
I’m asking you, Mattie.
 15.

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

BILLY
I thought our “arrangement” was to do
what’s best for Gale.

MATTIE
Yes, and that continues to be the case.

BILLY
Really? Is that why you’re feeding her
antidepressants again?

The Waitress returns with Mattie’s iced tea.

WAITRESS
Have you decided on anything to eat?

MATTIE
I won’t be eating this afternoon.

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

MATTIE
Billy, I hope you know how very sorry I
am that you and Gale are living apart.
I also hope you know that I would never
do anything to bring her harm.

BILLY
And bringing prescription meds back
into the picture isn’t causing her
harm?

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.

BILLY
I want to know about her and this
Parker St. John character.
 16.

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

BILLY
Bullshit! You know everything there is
to know about my wife, Mattie. Is she
sleeping with him?

Beat. Mattie stares at him.

MATTIE
You’ve brought this on yourself, Billy.
Why did you have to tell Gale that you
loved another woman? You of all people
know that that is the one thing she
can’t handle.

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

MATTIE
I’m sorry, Billy, but I have to go now.
(she stands)
Please talk to Gale. It’s not too late
to 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.

MATTIE
Of course I didn’t say anything.

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

MATTIE
He doesn’t have to know for sure, Gale.
He’s already beside himself. What
possessed you to even hint that Parker
was interested in you?

GALE (V.O.)
Oh, I don’t know, Mattie! Maybe it was
the way Billy reacted when I told him I
chose 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.

MATTIE
I told him to talk with you, to try to
fix things between you. Will you be
home soon?

GALE (V.O.)
I leave the Le Meridian after we’re
done talking. I’ll spend the rest of
the day at home with Duncan, if Billy
decides to call or stop by.

Mattie pulls into a parking lot.

MATTIE
I’m at the gym now. I’ll see you in
the morning. Darryl and I have dinner
plans, but as always feel free to call
if you need anything.

They hang up. Mattie finds a parking spot and shuts off
the engine. Just as the doors automatically unlock, the
passenger 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.

MATTIE
No, you’re just crazy. Get out of my
car!

CHAMP
Have you given any thought to my
proposal?

MATTIE
(covering)
What? What proposal?

CHAMP
Mattie, please. There’s no need to
pretend. One of the things I find so
irresistible about you is your
inability to bullshit. Germanic
directness is so sexy in a woman.

MATTIE
How is this for directness? If you
don’t get out of my car immediately
I’ll report you to the police,
Chancellor.

Beat. They stare at each other. He produces a BUSINESS

CARD and puts it on the divider between them.

CHAMP
My friend and I are having drinks
Wednesday evening. I hope you can make
it.

He opens the door and climbs out of the car. Beat. Mattie
looks 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 a

sweat on a treadmill. The MUSIC in her earbuds is
ALTERNATIVE ROCK but the treadmill MONITOR is on ESPN. We
hear the debate between Sandy Sanderson, Colin Cowherd and
Desmond Howard, see VIDEO FOOTAGE of the Sea Devils blowout
over Idaho State.

ON MONITOR

SANDY (V.O.)
There’s been a lot of backlash against
Washington Tech head coach Billy
Donahue, who’s Sea Devils absolutely
embarrassed Idaho State on Friday
night, 59 – 3. Did the coach go
overboard?

COLIN (V.O.)
Absolutely not! Look, college football
and figure skating are about as far
apart as two sports can get, but
everybody agrees they have one thing in
common. Style points count big. If
Billy Donahue has any hope of making it
to the Big Game come January twelfth,
he’s going to have to win big when he
has a chance to, like Friday night in
Pocatello.

DESMOND (V.O.)
You’re right, Colin, how you win in
college football is just as important
as winning. But I disagree with Coach
Donahue rubbing Idaho State’s nose in
it the way he did. Bull Heffernan was
a loyal assistant to Coach Donahue for
three seasons. He didn’t deserve to
have his team dismantled they way they
were. Donahue should at least have
benched his starters in the fourth
quarter.

SANDY (V.O.)
To that point, could it be Coach
Donahue saw this game as a way to give
his starters as much confidence as
possible before Penn State goes to
Maitland next Saturday?
 20.

DESMOND (V.O.)
No doubt. When the Nittany Lions come
to town, Nate Hughes, Jet Johnson,
Crash Davis and the rest of that Sea
Devils offense will need all the
confidence they can muster. Number six
Penn State has one of the best defenses
in the country and without their
gunslinger Achilles Addams, Washington
Tech will have a tough time scoring.

COLIN (V.O.)
Scoring?! Guys, without Achilles
Addams, Wa Tech will be lucky if they
even move the ball. In fact, I’m going
on record right now as saying the
Nittany Lions give the Sea Devils a
taste of their own medicine and hold
them to three points – or less!

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

Mattie’s running program ends. She steps off the treadmill

and WE FOLLOW HER through the gym and down the stairs as
she approaches the Women’s Locker Room. She opens the door
to go inside and CAMERA DROPS OFF and WE TURN into –

INT. WORKOUT ROOM – DAY

Achilles Addams, on his back like a crab and soaked in

sweat, struggles to tug two thick elastic bands with his
arms and legs. Cara “Cat” Trzcinski watches scornfully.

CAT
Maybe 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.

CAT
That’s three, Superstar. Only six more
to go.
 21.

Achilles looks at her, sweat dripping into his eyes.

ACHILLES
You know I’m going to kill you when you
go to sleep tonight, don’t you?

CAT
When I go to sleep tonight you’re going
to beat off in your room like you do
every night, Perv. Let’s go, six more.

EXT. MURPHY’S GYM – DAY

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

CAT
So when do you see Dr. Rocks Off?

ACHILLES
Monday morning. She should clear me to
work on the practice field this week.

CAT
We’ll have to move our sessions to the
morning, before classes start. I’ve
got soccer practice in the afternoons,
and besides, your trainers and
therapists don’t want me in the way.

ACHILLES
Screw what they want. I told Coach and
he agreed, I rehab with you. They’re
welcome to come along for the ride if
they want.

CAT
What happened to killing me in my
sleep?

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

ACHILLES
When you least expect it, Lesbot. When
you 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 of

custom-built homes and several more under construction.

EXT. MODEL HOME – DAY

Mattie’s BMW pulls into the driveway. When she gets out a
couple of CONSTRUCTION WORKERS nod “Hello.” Mattie vaguely
notices 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 Alexis
stands in front of him. They both have suspicious looks on
their faces.

DARRYL
(standing)
Mattie, babe, this is a surprise.

MATTIE
I’d hoped it would be a pleasant one.

DARRYL
It is, babe.

ALEXIS
Hello, Mattie.

MATTIE
Hello, Alexis. How are you?

ALEXIS
I’m doing well. And you?

MATTIE
Very well, thank you.

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

DARRYL
Alexis just happened to be in the area.
 23.

ALEXIS
Yes, 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 the

kitchen, she has a less cordial look for Darryl.

INT. NURSERY – SUNSET

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

GALE
So, 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 big
room 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 on
the big screen television. She switches channels until she
comes to one with BILLY BEING INTERVIEWED. He’s talking
about the Sea Devils’ obliteration of Idaho State and the
look ahead to Penn State.

As he speaks, we see emotion welling up in her eyes. When

the interview ends, she looks at the CORDLESS PHONE in its
cradle. OFF Gale’s loneliness...

INT. SIGMA FRATERNITY HOUSE – NIGHT

A party is rocking and the frat house is crawling with

smokin’ hot sorority girls. Bella Milovich, Jeni Kim and
Riley Yamaguchi are among the Deltas partying with their
president Suzy Johnson. Linc comes up to Jeni with two
CUPS OF PUNCH. He offers one to her.

JENI
Are you trying to get me drunk?

LINC
Nah, I’m old school. It’s laced with
Spanish fly.
 24.

SUZY
That’s not even remotely funny, Linc.

LINC
Sorry, Your Highness.

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

SUZY
Tell me, Linc, when did Sigma parties
become so popular with the mattress and
knee pad set?

RILEY
(off Linc’s puzzlement)
The Gammas.

LINC
I’m not management, ladies, I just work
here. Talk to Saul.

SUZY
I’ll do that. But in case I don’t see
him, let him know that I don’t intend
to let Delta’s reputation be tarnished.
If you boys want to associate with
hookers and skanks, suit yourselves...

Bella and Jeni cover their reactions.

SUZY
We’ll gladly – and easily – find a new
brother house. Omega has been very
interested in forging a new
relationship.

LINC
(mea culpa)
Save it for the honchos, Your Highness.
Me, I joined a fraternity for the free
booze...
(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.

RILEY
Let’s blow this Popsicle stand and see
what Omega’s up to tonight.

Suzy turns and the Deltas follow her through the crowd
toward the exit.

EXT. SIGMA HOUSE – MOMENTS LATER

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

Jeni.

LINC
Jeni, wait up a sec.

She turns.

LINC
Can I talk to you?

The Deltas pause for her.

BELLA
Jeni, come on.

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

Suzy and the others continue on. Bella lingers; even

though Jeni’s eyes tell her not to worry, she does.
Finally Bella leaves them alone.

LINC
(re: Bella)
She really doesn’t like me.

JENI
I told her about the “Thelma and
Louise” thing.

LINC
Well, don’t you see it?

JENI
No, I don’t. So, what is it you want
to talk about?
 26.

LINC
I want to talk about a lot of things.
Your favorite food, the bands you like,
what turns you on...

JENI
Linc, I’ve told you –

LINC
And I asked you to give me one date.
That’s all I’m asking for, Jeni.

JENI
You really have a high opinion of
yourself, don’t you? One date is all
it’d take to turn me completely around?

LINC
I just have a feeling about us, Jen.

Beat. She is attracted to him, but –

JENI
Why didn’t you tell me you were on the
football team?

LINC
Excuse me?

JENI
When we met, why didn’t you tell me you
were a football player?

LINC
I wasn’t at the time. It started out
as a joke. The guys in the house
started a pool – it got up to $4,000 –
that I couldn’t make the team as a
walk-on. Do you have something against
football players?

JENI
Only that I don’t date them.

LINC
Seriously?

JENI
Seriously.
 27.

LINC
Well that doesn’t make any sense. The
Queen Bee is practically married to
iPhone Sitren. And that Jamaican girl
from Delta house – I forget her name –
she actually did marry a tight end who
graduated a couple of years ago. And
what about your own sister and Achi –

JENI
(tersely)
Lincoln, I don’t need a history lesson.

LINC
I’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.

MATTIE
Forgive me, Darryl, but I’m having a
hard time believing Alexis merely
wanted your advice about whether to
build or buy her next home.

DARRYL
What’s so hard to buy about that?
Alexis knows I have a lot of insight
into the new home market.

MATTIE
She’s a CPA and a licensed realtor,
Darryl.

DARRYL
Mattie, babe, she wanted to bounce a
couple of ideas past me, I gave her my
opinion, no big deal.

Beat.

MATTIE
Were you and Alexis kissing before I
came in?
 28.

Darryl practically chokes on his food. Mattie continues

dining, unfazed.

DARRYL
Mathilda, are you insane?! Put aside
for the moment the fact that I’m
completely in love with you and
consider this: Alexis dragged me
through hell before she humiliated me
in divorce court.

MATTIE
Which is why I find it hard to believe
she’d come to you for advice. I’m not
a fool, Darryl. I know you never
really got over Alexis.

INT. DONAHUE HOME - NIGHT

VARIOUS SHOTS of the darkened home – living room, great

room, recreation room, J.R. and Gracie’s bedrooms, the
nursery where Duncan sleeps peacefully.

INT. DONAHUE MASTER BATHROOM – NIGHT

The room is bright with lights from the vanity. Gale sits
in front of the mirror, staring trance-like at her
reflection. 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 in

front of her. The sexy Russian team physician moves her
hands 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.

CAT
Well, Doc?

DR. ROCKOV
I’ll let Achilles give you the details.
But I’ll say this, he’s quite a
physical specimen.

Achilles comes up behind them dressed in jeans and a polo

shirt. He smiles.

ACHILLES
Hear that, Cara? “Quite a physical
specimen.”

CAT
So’s a chimpanzee.

Dr. Rockov chuckles at their sibling-like ribbing.

DR. ROCKOV
I’ll go see Coach Donahue right away,
Achilles.

ACHILLES
Thank you, Dr. Rockov.

She smiles and leaves them.

CAT
Well?
 30.

ACHILLES
I’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 of

FOUR WORKMEN. They try to be inconspicuous about checking
her out but can’t help but mug at each other after she
passes. “Damn she’s hot!” WE STAY with the workmen and
see what they’re working on: A MEMORIAL DISPLAY for Harold
and 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.

GALE
Thanks. You were good too, Kendra.

KENDRA
Are we still on for lunch?

GALE
Definitely.

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 for
her with the Pennebaker board was
incredibly courageous.

GALE
Thank you, Kendra. Maria was a
beautiful, caring person and I loved
her very much. It was only right that
any memorial in town with Pennebaker on
it recognize her as well as Harold.
 31.

KENDRA
Too often the woman behind the man is
forgotten. Thanks to you, when the
stadium is officially renamed this
weekend, the women of Maitland will be
reminded that their contributions are
of equal importance.

EXT. COUNTRY CLUB PARKING LOT - DAY

Gale and Kendra walk to their cars. Kendra has something

on her mind and just has to get it out.

KENDRA
Gale, can I ask a personal question?

GALE
Alright. What is it, Kendra?

KENDRA
You and Billy have been married for
what, 20 years?

GALE
Twenty-two.

KENDRA
I know every marriage has rough patches
– look at what happened to poor Mimi
Garcia and Bob. But you and Billy seem
so rock solid. I remember seeing the
interview you did with that ESPN
reporter, Gabrielle Woods, and thinking
how rare it is for a celebrity couple
to stay together. You’re like the Paul
Newman and Joanne Woodward of sports.

Gale covers her apprehension and guilt.

GALE
Billy and I are not perfect, far from
it. Me least of all.

KENDRA
Oh Gale, honey, we’ve all had our run-
ins with drugs and alcohol. I can’t
think of a single friend who hasn’t
needed something to help her cope now
and again. At least you had the guts
to admit it.
 32.

GALE
Kendra... are you and Champ having
problems?

INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Champ and Bella have intense sex on the floor. She’s on

top. He comes hard and loudly. She fakes it.

EXT. HOTEL ROOM BALCONY – LATER

Bella, in a hotel robe, stands on the balcony looking out

over the lights of Vancouver. Champ comes out with two
glasses of champagne. He hands one to her. She takes a
sip. He puts and arm around her shoulder, kisses her
temple.

CHAMP
(softly)
You make me so happy, baby.

BELLA
I’m glad.

CHAMP
You 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 eyes
expertly masking her unhappiness.

EXT. MEMORIAL STADIUM (PRACTICE) – DAY

QUICK CUTS of the team going through drills; Billy has

intense face time with Nate as backup Ricky Boone watches
and listens closely; defensive coordinator Joe Mercer
lambastes Brew Brewster and his defense; offensive and
defensive linemen bang each other in the trenches;
linebackers slam into running backs; running backs juke
past linebackers; defensive backs do tip drills; and
receivers catch passes...

Far away from the main action, Achilles sprints, wearing a

harness that’s attached to a long bungee cord. A TRAINER
tries 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 Penn

State Nittany Lions.

INT. JOSEPHINE’S PIZZERIA – SUNSET

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

PIPER
We have a real shot at advancing in the
NCAA tournament this year, if we stay
healthy.

ACHILLES
And if “some people” play selflessly
instead of trying to score every goal
on their own.

CAT
Why don’t you just kiss my happy Jewish
ass, Einstein?

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

Piper and Tabitha laugh.

CAT
Don’t humor him.
(to Achilles)
What do you know about how I play?
Have you even been to a single women’s
soccer game since you’ve been at Wa
Tech?

ACHILLES
I don’t have to go to the games to know
you’re a showboat.
 34.

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

PIPER
Yeah, it’d help a lot to have you in
the stands. You’d get more people to
come out to the games.

CAT
Don’t make his head bigger than it is.

Just then a tall, redhead stops at their table. Achilles

and the girls look up at Kyndall Cummings.

KYNDALL
Hi, Achilles.

ACHILLES
Kyndall?

Achilles, Tabitha and Piper do a double take. The former

Portia Addams wannabe has dyed and restyled her hair yet
again. Now she bears a striking resemblance to –

CAT
What’s going on with you, Kyndall?

KYNDALL
(missing the real question)
Hi, Cat. How’ve you been?

CAT
Let’s go to the little girls’ room and
I’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 the

sink senses trouble and gets the heck out of Dodge.
 35.

KYNDALL
Ow! You’re hurting my arm. What’s the
matter, Cat?

Cat turns her toward the mirror so they’re looking at

themselves side by side.

CAT
What do you see?

KYNDALL
I don’t understand, Cat.

CAT
(pressing)
What do you see, Kyndall?!

KYNDALL
Us?

CAT
No, Kyndall. I see me and I see you
trying to be me.

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

CAT
Here’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.

KYNDALL
Cat –

CAT
Shut up! Now I want you to get
something through that thick, empty
head of yours. I’m not Portia and I’m
not a “Good Christian.” I’m an Old
Testament Jew who believes in “smiting”
my enemies. So here’s the deal:
Achilles Addams is off limits to you.
Forever. Period. The End. Dye your
hair back to brown or blue or whatever
the hell it was. And if I so much as
catch you looking at my roommate funny,
I’ll stick my foot so far up your fat
ass that you’ll be licking my toes.
 36.

INT. JOSEPHINE’S PIZZERIA – MOMENTS LATER

Cat rejoins Achilles, Piper and Tabitha.

PIPER
What was that all about, Cat?

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

CAT
I just told Kyndall that the new look’s
not really working for her.

EXT. RESTAURANT/BAR – SUNSET

A white BMW Coupe pulls to a stop at a valet stand. The

VALET opens the door and Mattie steps out, sizzling hot in
a 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 to
discreetly check her out. She scans the bar area, where
PATRONS sit at bistro tables enjoying cocktails.

Mattie spots Champ. Beat. She inhales deeply, “Here we

go.” She’s about to walk toward him when Sasha Mendez
comes into frame, dressed to entice. Champ stands and they
kiss cheek to cheek. Mattie recognizes Sasha and stops
cold.

CHAMP

Senses eyes on him and looks at the spot where Mattie was
standing. 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 and

catches a glimpse of Mattie as she tips the valet and gets
inside her BMW. OFF his reaction...

INT. BELLA & JENI’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Bella and Jeni roll around playfully in bed after making

love.

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

JENI
I love you too, Bella.

BELLA
I’ve never been as happy, felt as
complete, as when I’m with you. I
think 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’s
BMW pulls in. He takes off his protective goggles and
gloves as she gets out of the car. She’s changed into less
provocative clothes.

DARRYL
Hey, babe. How was girls’ night out?

MATTIE
Fine. Why are you working so late?
 38.

DARRYL
Wasn’t tired. Wanted to do something
with my hands.

She seems to consider something, then starts toward the

door that leads into the house. As she passes him –

DARRYL
Mattie. 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.

MATTIE
No Darryl, dear, I’m not.

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

MATTIE
Don’t stay up too late. And be
careful. 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 his

physical therapist; he sprints down the field with an open
parachute strapped to his back for resistance; cuts through
an obstacle course of tackling dummies; jumps “leap frog”
style at five yard intervals; back peddles fast down the
field. We know the workout is done when Cat jumps on him
and rides piggyback. He spins around, trying to throw her
off. 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 and

Kendra, Charlotte and Ronald, the Mayor and his wife,
Parker and his fiancé Gretchen Corbett among dozens of
dignitaries who glad-hand and pose for grip and grin
photos. Sasha keeps everything moving like clockwork.

SASHA
Coach, Mrs. Donahue.

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

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

GALE
Yes, of course. Billy Honey, would you
bring Duncan?

Billy takes the toddler from his nanny, Beatrice. He and

Gale follow Sasha. Billy’s face hardens when he sees
Parker 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.

PARKER
Gale, Coach Donahue, so good to see you
again.
 40.

GALE
Hello, 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 and
Gale at the main gate of the stadium.

MAYOR
(into microphone)
Gale, as a driving force behind the
Pennebaker Industries stadium
renovation project, and as the loving
guardian of Duncan Pennebaker, would
you do us the honor?

Gale takes her place, with Duncan in her arms.

GALE
(into microphone)
Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. On behalf
of Duncan and in memory of his parents,
my dear friends Harold and Maria
Pennebaker, it is my distinct honor and
with great joy, that I formally rename
Maitland Memorial Stadium, “Harold and
Maria 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 holding

Duncan, are talking to a MARRIED COUPLE. Billy spies
 41.

Parker and Gretchen talking to the Sussmans. He excuses

himself and starts toward them.

GALE
Billy... Billy Honey.

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

CHAMP
Coach! I was just telling Parker and
Gretchen how much they’ll enjoy
tomorrow’s game against Penn State. I
hope you don’t make a liar out of me.

BILLY
We’ll try not to, Champ. Gretchen, do
you mind if I steal a few minutes with
Parker?

GRETCHEN
Of course not, Coach. Take your time.

The two men walk off together. Gale watches from a

distance, her worry growing.

EXT. SPOT APART FROM THE CROWD – DAY

Billy and Parker face each other.

PARKER
Yes, Coach, what is it you wanted to
talk about?

BILLY
Stay away from my wife.

PARKER
Coach... Billy, surely you know the
idiom “What’s good for the goose is
good for the gander?”

BILLY
I know that if we weren’t surrounded by
cameras and reporters I’d kick your ass
into next week.
 42.

PARKER
I’m sure you would. I’m also quite sure
that Gale would be waiting for me when
I 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.

BEATRICE
Let’s go, little man. You’ve had a big
day 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 a
long, uncomfortable beat. Then –

GALE
Would you like a drink?

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

BILLY
After Gabrielle, I know I’m in no
position to tell you this, but Parker
St. John is a big mistake, Gale.

GALE
You think he’s using me to get to
Duncan, don’t you?

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

GALE
I 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, turns
and slowly walks toward the doorway.
 43.

GALE
Billy.
(he stops, faces her)
You can stop this, Billy... Just come
home.

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 of
encouragement to iPhone, Crash, Jet, Nate, etc.

INT. BILLY’S LOCKER ROOM OFFICE – DAY

Billy is standing, looking at a white board filled with X’s

and O’s. We sense his mind is somewhere other than on
football. He ignores the KNOCK on the door. Coach Joe
Mercer enters. Billy turns his head toward him.

MERCER
They’re ready for you, Coach.

BILLY
Alright.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH - DAY

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

RECE
We’re at newly christened Pennebaker
Memorial Stadium where the number
twelve Washington Tech Sea Devils look
to upset number six-ranked Penn State
Nittany Lions. I’m Rece Davis along
with Mr. Heisman himself, Desmond
Howard, and we’ve got the makings for a
good one this afternoon.

DESMOND
That’s right, Rece. The Nittany Lions
are favored today, but that’s mainly
because the Sea Devils will be without
their number one quarterback, the
(MORE)
 44.

DESMOND (CONT’D.)
sensational Achilles Addams. Fifth-
year senior Nate Hughes will be under
center, facing one of the best
linebacking corps in college football.
Even though Hughes threw for three
touchdowns and 250 yards last week
against Idaho State, I expect to see a
lot of junior tailback Crash Davis this
afternoon, Rece.

RECE
Davis rushed for a career high 220
yards in week one and he’ll definitely
get a lot of touches today. But to
stay in this one, it’s the Sea Devils
defense that will have to step up big.
For more on the defense, let’s go to
Erin Andrews on the sideline.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM, SIDELINE – DAY

ERIN ANDREWS, the beautiful blond named “America’s Sexiest

Sportscaster”, is on the sideline. In b.g. we see Sea
Devils players warming up.

ERIN
When I spoke with defensive coordinator
Joe Mercer, he said stopping the
Nittany Lions on third down will be the
key to the game. He said if the Sea
Devils can force passes on third and
four or third and five, he’s confident
his linebackers and defensive backs can
shut down the Nittany Lions’ short
passing game, giving Devils quarterback
Nate Hughes and the offense a chance to
control the clock. Rece.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH – CONTINUOUS

RECE
Thanks, Erin. We’re moments away from
kickoff as the Sea Devils of Washington
Tech get set to take on the Penn State
Nittany Lions.
 45.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM – DAY

The capacity crowd of 54,000 is on their feet as the

kickoff sails high and comes down in Linc Ossling’s arms.
He takes it up the field, following blockers then cutting
to his right and finding a seam. He’s pushed out of bounds
at the Penn State 45-yard-line.

MONTAGE #2 – THE GAME, FIRST HALF

A hard-hitting defensive battle: The Nittany Lions put the

brakes on Nate, Crash and the Sea Devils offense, but Brew,
Kwame, Shaun and the Wa Tech defense put a hurtin’ on Penn
State’s running backs and receivers, and pressure the
quarterback 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; Billy
keeps his cool as he calls plays from his laminated play
sheet, the plays are sent onto the field via hand signals
by Romeo Dumars;

In the stands we find our other characters, including

Charlotte, Gale, Kendra, Mattie, Sasha, Champ, Parker and
Gretchen, 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 the

line of scrimmage. Brew Brewster, Kwame Epstein and the Wa
Tech defense digs in at the 5-yard-line.

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

Penn State’s QUARTERBACK scans the defense, barks out the

signals and takes the snap. He drops back to pass but
Kwame, a 300-pound defensive lineman, breaks through the
line and LEVELS him!

RECE (V.O.)
And he’s sacked! That’s sophomore Kwame
Epstein’s second sack of the day and it
forces a field goal.
 46.

DESMOND (V.O.)
Yeah, and maybe even more important,
that incredible defensive stand will
send the Sea Devils into the locker
room 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.

DARRYL
I’ll go, babe. What do you want?

MATTIE
No, I need the Ladies’ room anyway.
Gale, Charlotte, can I get you
anything?

CHARLOTTE
Nothing for me, thanks.

GALE
I’ll go with you, Mattie.

Parker is asking a clearly bored Gretchen if she’d like

anything. We see her saying ‘No.’

PARKER
Gale, Mattie, I’ll tag along. In case
you 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.
 47.

GALE
Mattie, there’s the ladies’ room. And
look, no line. We’ll meet you at that
concession over there.

Mattie can take a hint. She leaves reluctantly.

GALE
Are you and Gretchen having a good
time?

PARKER
I am. But then being near you has that
effect on me.

Fans approach, smiling.

FANS
Hi, Mrs. D!

GALE
(smiling back)
Hello.

PARKER
It seems I’m not the only one who
lights up whenever you’re near.

GALE
Parker, please, dear. Not in public.

PARKER
Of course, forgive me. How was Billy
after our little chat?

GALE
I’m sorry he did that, Parker.

PARKER
I’m not.
(off her reaction)
It gave me a chance to tell him how I
feel about you.

GALE
Parker, this is difficult enough as it
is. Please don’t make matters worse by
provoking Billy.
 48.

PARKER
I want him to understand, just as I
want you to understand, Gale, I want
you in my life, by my side and in my
bed. And I’m willing to do whatever it
takes to have you.

INT. LADIES’ BATHROOM – DAY

Mattie comes out of a stall and goes to the sink. While

she’s there, we hear a TOILET FLUSH and Bella comes out of
a stall. She and Mattie wash their hands next to each
other. The bathroom door opens and Sasha comes in.

SASHA
Oh, hi, Mattie.

Mattie covers her unease at coming face-to-face with

Champ’s ”friend.”

MATTIE
Hello, Sasha. Thought you’d be down on
the 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 stares
at it for a beat before leaving the bathroom.

EXT. PENNEBAKER STADIUM - DAY

Erin stops Billy as the Sea Devils make their way back onto
the field.
 49.

ERIN
Coach, even though you trail by a field
goal, you’ve got to feel good about
your team’s performance in the first
half. What did you tell the team at
halftime and what adjustments do you
need to make to keep momentum on your
side?

BILLY
Our guys played heads up, hard-nosed
football the first half and we told
them to keep that up in the second half
from the very beginning. We’ve got 30
minutes of football left so we need to
maintain focus and composure.

ERIN
Nate Hughes has done a good job of
managing the offense but you still
haven’t found the end zone. What does
he need to do to spark this offense?

BILLY
Nate’s looking at a pretty good
defense. We’re satisfied with what he’s
done so far. He just needs to take
advantage of the little openings that
they give him.

ERIN
Thanks, 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; but
once again the Sea Devils defense comes up big in the Red
Zone, forcing a field goal attempt; Brew blocks the field
goal and coach Mercer jumps up and down like a Broadway
chorus girl, his flabby belly shaking like Jell-O.

The Sea Devils offense tries to pound the ball on the

ground with Crash Davis, but it’s tough going and two
drives end with punts; as the game moves into the fourth
quarter, the Penn State defense starts to bring the heat,
blitzing the run and the pass to shut down the Wa Tech
offense; on third and long, Nate takes the snap from the
shotgun and looks down field and is about to zip a pass to
Jet 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 came
on a delayed blitz and got around right
tackle Ronnie Taylor to lay a
devastating hit on the quarterback
Hughes.

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

RECE (V.O.)
Well, if Hughes can’t return, Coach
Billy Donahue is going to have to put
the game in the hands of true freshman
Ricky 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, Ricky
is getting instructions from Billy.

BILLY
Okay, Boone, we’ve got over eight
minutes on the clock, so you don’t have
to win this thing in the next two
minutes. Understand?

RICKY
Yeah, Coach.

BILLY
We’re going to keep it simple. The key
is to stay focused, stay calm and trust
your teammates to execute.

RICKY
Okay, Coach.

Ricky fastens his chinstrap and glances at Achilles, who’s

right behind Billy. Achilles nods. Ricky feels better.
 51.

IN THE HUDDLE

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

pauses.

IPHONE
It’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 stuffed
at the line of scrimmage; Crash manages to gain 7 yards on
the next play but the Sea Devils are forced to punt; back
on the sideline, Ricky talks on the phone to coaches in the
booth; Achilles talks to him too;

The Sea Devils defense stymies the Penn State offense

again, forcing a punt; when Linc returns the punt 35 yards,
the crowd comes alive, and we find Sigmas and Deltas in the
stands cheering like mad, none more excited than Jeni;

Ricky takes the field again and, with the crowd now into it
big time, begins to move the offense, pitching out to Crash
and completing a couple of short passes to Junior
Tuiososopo to move the Devils into scoring range; on a
second down play, he drops back and fires a pass in the
seam to Jet, but a Penn State linebacker swoops in and –

RECE (V.O.)
It’s INTERCEPTED! The linebacker takes
off... He’s to the 45, the 40, the
30... and he’s finally dragged down at
the 24-yard-line by wideout Jet
Johnson. Oh, my goodness what a costly
mistake by the freshman quarterback.

Billy reacts by talking into his headset to assistant

coaches in the booth. Ricky comes back to the sideline,
distraught. Teammates try to console him as he passes but
he 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 win
this game, THE DEFENSE is going to have
to make something happen! RIGHT HERE!
RIGHT NOW! GET IT DONE!

ON THE FIELD

The Penn State Quarterback reads the defense, leans under

center and takes the snap. He hands off to his tailback,
who gets hammered at the line of scrimmage by Brew. Penn
States tries again, this time with a sweep play, and again
the Sea Devils defense stuffs the run. On third and 7, the
Penn State quarterback drops back and fires a pass to his
tight end, who is hit hard by a Sea Devils linebacker.
It’s FOURTH DOWN.

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

The Penn State field goal unit comes onto the field. The
field 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 even
see 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 sorry
for yourself and get your head back in
this 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 of
this team, knows what the freshman is
going through. He’s been there himself.
And he knows that with three minutes
left to play the Sea Devils are going
to need Ricky Boone to have a shot at
pulling this one out.

ON THE FIELD

Ricky stands in the shotgun and scans the Penn State

defense. He tunes out the crowd noise and CHATTER by
defensive players.

RICKY
Blue 90! Blue 90! Hut-hut!

He takes the snap and hits Jet on a slant route for a

pickup of eight yards. Ricky looks to the sideline.

ON THE SIDELINE

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

RICKY

Takes a snap, rolls right and lofts a pass to Junior, who

hauls it in and rumbles for a first down.

CRASH

Takes a handoff and blasts through the line for a gain of

five yards. On the next play he runs for another six and a
first down at the Penn State 35-yard-line.

RICKY

Fakes a play action handoff, fades back and dumps a screen

pass 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.

BILLY
Devils spread right, 424 tomahawk.

RICKY

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

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

BILLY

Calls the next play.

RICKY

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

RECE (V.O.)
Touchdown Sea Devils!

The stadium erupts! Ricky races to the end zone, jumps

into Junior’s arms and head butts and high fives teammates.

Kicker Vince Leong kicks the extra point.

SCOREBOARD

Penn State 6, Washington Tec 7

The clock winds down and Billy slips off his headset and
trots to midfield as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE