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by Joseph Bricky (blayde99@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Comedy User Review:

A High School drop out gets a second chance at being cool when he returns as an undercover cop. To solve a murder, he must infiltrate the varsity football team.

FADE IN:

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

From the top of the highest lights, fog hangs low over a
small high school football stadium.

At ground level, the field is freshly chalked and pristine.

SCOREBOARD - Home: 0 Visitors: 0 Quarter: 1 Time: 12:00

The scoreboard reveals we're in Chowchilla, California, a
small farming community in the Central Valley, Redskin
Country.

The stadium is bristling with pre-game activity. The home
crowd is excited and dressed warmly.

Behind the home bench, cheerleaders stretch.

In the stands, the marching band PLAYS the school fight
song. A BEAUTIFUL GIRL, lips caressing an alto sax,
distracts a couple of NERDY LOOKING DRUMMERS.

On the visitors side, the Dos Palos Broncos are laughing and
joking around. The coach is smiling and relaxed.

The Redskin side is quiet, almost sullen. COACH STROUD, 42,
a natural leader and motivator, paces the sideline,
reassuring his players.

INT. C.U.H.S. VARSITY LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

JACK TAYLOR, 19, a young man with boyish good looks and a
world class arm, sits on a bench putting on his football
shoes in a hurry. His hair is wet. Behind him, we see
clothes hanging in his locker. As we get closer, a single
drop falls to the floor revealing a pool of water.

The sound of cleats CLICKING on a concrete floor echo
through an empty corridor as Jack continues to dress. The
locker room door flies open and BANGS against the wall.

KURT RICHARDSON, 17, athletic but shy, bursts into the room
followed by TYREE JOHNSON, 17, smooth on and off the field.

TY
Bout time you showed up. The coach
is freaking out.

KURT
No time for warm-ups. We're about
to kick off.

JACK
Sorry bro. Something came up that
couldn't wait.

KURT
You look like you just showered
with your clothes on. What's up
with that?

JACK
You don't want to know.

TY
In case you forgot, we have the
Valley Championship game in oh,
about five minutes. You might
think about grabbin' your helmet
and gettin' up on outta here. Just
sayin!

Jack is now tying his shoes as fast as he can.

JACK
One, more knot, and I'm...

TY
You want some help?

JACK
No, I got it.

Jack finishes and stands up, the room spins. He hesitates,
then steadies himself. Kurt notices something is amiss.

KURT
You all right?

            JACK
      (Feigning
       Confidence)
I'm good, I'm good. We got some
payback to hand out.

TY
Awe, hell yeah we do.

Jack leads both boys out of the room at a brisk trot.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

The Redskin Varsity football squad is huddled on the
sideline with Coach Stroud giving them last-minute
direction.

As Jack, Ty and Kurt arrive, the entire team erupts into
loud cheers.

Coach Stroud sees Jack and a look of relief comes over him
as he motions with his arms to bring it down and listen.

The team goes silent, all eyes on coach.

COACH STROUD
Take a knee, boys.

The players in front go down on knees. The coach gazes
across the field at the other sideline then motions with his
head in that direction.

COACH STROUD
You see those guys laughing? The
Broncos don't think you have a
chance.

Most of the team looks over at the Bronco sideline.

COACH STROUD (CONT'D)
Who do you think they're laughing
at?

ALL
Us. Us coach.

COACH STROUD
That's right. They think this
team is a joke. Well... are you?
Is this team a joke?

ALL
No. No.

JACK
Hell no, coach!

COACH STROUD
I'd say it's time to prove it. And
there's only three things left to
do.

Coach Stroud holds up his index finger then points it at the
other team.

COACH STROUD (CONT'D)
First, we wipe those smiles off
their faces. I want every one of
you to hit the first guy you see
like you have a rocket strapped to
your ass.

TY
Amen coach.

Kurt slaps Ty on the helmet.

Coach raises a second finger.

COACH STROUD
No stupid mistakes. No false
starts. No jumping off-sides. And,
no quitting on a play.

Coach raises a third finger.

COACH STROUD (CONT'D)
Save nothing. Nothing for your
girlfriend, Richardson. Nothing
for the dance, Ty. Leave it all
out on that field.

The coach makes a fist.

COACH STROUD (CONT'D)
(Louder)
Can you do this?

ALL
Yes. Yes coach.

COACH STROUD
(Even Louder)
Are you sure?

ALL
Yes coach. Yes.

TY
You know we can!

COACH STROUD
(Loudest)
Then, let the Broncos know they
have a fight ahead of them. Who
are we?

ALL
Redskins. Redskins. Redskins.

The chanting continues louder and louder as the players
bounce up and down. The home crowd joins in until it
crescendos into a deafoning roar. Finally, the coach
motions quiet. The team settles down and the crowd follows.

COACH STROUD
That's right. Bring it in. Bring
it in.

The team comes together in a massive huddle.

COACH STROUD
All right, all right, it's show
time. Kick off team get out
there. Defense on three. One,
two, three.

ALL
Defense!

The team breaks. The kick off squad heads out to the field.

The referee blows his whistle and the ball is kicked.

INT. MADERA SHERIFF DEPT. CAPT. SMITH OFFICE - DAY

SUPER - FOUR MONTHS EARLIER

Jack Taylor sits in front of a large wooden desk with a name
sign reading "Captain Smith."

Jack's uniform is now that of a Madera County Sheriff's
deputy.

ROB RODRIGUEZ, 30, homicide detective, sits next to Jack
wearing plain clothes with a Glock .40 strapped to his hip.

CAPTAIN SMITH, 54, ex-Marine Officer, thinks he's still in,
enters the room, sits down and lights up a cigar. Jack
muffles a cough and attempts to pretend it doesn't bother
him. Behind the captain, you clearly see a no smoking sign.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Deputy Taylor, do you know why
you're here?

The captain puffs as he talks.

JACK
Rod said something about a special
assignment?

CAPTAIN SMITH
We don't normally put rookies
undercover, but we have a
situation. And, Rodriguez tells
me you're the only one who can
pull it off.

ROD
As you can see, sir, he has the
look and from what I understand,
he's a helluva football player.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Is that true? Can you play ball?

JACK
I played quite a bit in the
military.

CAPTAIN SMITH
What does that mean?

ROD
His file says he QB'd the All-Army
team.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Really?

JACK
Yeah, I did.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Well, it's not quite All-Marine
football, but, I guess you'll do.

JACK
Great! But, what's this have to
do with undercover work?

ROD
The Chowchilla Redskin's all-star
quarterback washed up on shore at
Eastman Lake two weeks ago. The
report showed high levels of
heroin and the date rape drug
Rufilin.

JACK
Roofies?

CAPTAIN SMITH
Exactly. It doesn't add up. He
was a straight "A" student with a
bright future. This was no
accident. And we're gonna get to
the bottom of it. You son, have
an important role to play.

JACK
You want me to infiltrate the
football team?

CAPTAIN SMITH
I need you to get on the squad and
get close to the players. Find
out what you can and report back.

JACK
Sounds easy enough.

CAPTAIN SMITH
(To Rob)
Make sure he gets a full briefing.

Captain Smith notices a deputy pacing nervously at his door.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Looks like my 2 O'clock is here.
If there's nothing else, you're
dismissed.

Jack and Rob exit as the next officer enters.

OPEN OFFICE AREA WITH CUBICLES

CONTINUOUS Rob and Jack walk through the HQ.

JACK
You know I hated high school.

ROD
Who hates high school?

JACK
I was small -- constantly picked
on. I couldn't wait to join the
army.

ROD
I doubt anyone will mess with you
now.

JACK
I'm not worried, but exactly how
long will I need to be there?

ROD
Three, maybe four months tops. It
depends on you.

JACK
So roughly equivalent to a year in
Iraq.

Rod laughs.

ROD
How was Iraq?

JACK
It sucked. Almost as bad as my
freshman year.

ROD
It won't be that bad. You'll be
staying with a friend of the
Captain... Bill Richardson.

JACK
Is he --

ROD
-- an ex-marine like the Captain.
Yeah. A retired colonel.

JACK
Oh great. Back to boot camp as
well.

ROD
He's not nearly as bad as the
Captain.

JACK
That's a relief.

JACK
Don't worry about Bill. His boy
Kurt will help you get on the
team. They have another kid,
Sarah, band type, she won't be
(MORE)

JACK (cont'd)
much help.

JACK
That was me. In the band -- up in
the stands.

ROD
You, band?

JACK
Yeah, that's what kids my size
did.

ROD
We're not sending you there to
play the piccolo?

JACK
(Indignant)
I played the drums.

They reach the door and shake hands.

EXT. RICHARDSON HOUSE, CHOWCHILLA, CA - NIGHT

A white county sedan drives away revealing Jack with a green
duffel bag. He walks up the driveway as BILL RICHARDSON,
46, stands tall at the front door, awaiting his new recruit.

BILL
Welcome, trooper. You must be
Jack Taylor.

JACK
I won't be having to do push ups
will I?

BILL
I see Captain Smith has been
talking to you. Lies, all lies.

Bill gives Jack a firm, dominating hand shake and pats him
heartily on the back as they walk through the door.

INT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT

Bill guides Jack down the hallway.

BILL
That's Kurt's room.

10.

Motioning to the room on the end.

BILL (CONT'D)
This is your room, and that...

Bill looks Jack square in the eyes.

BILL (CONT'D)
...that room's off-limits,
soldier.

JACK
Daughter's room, right?

BILL
Sarah's not as old as she looks.

JACK
Got it sir. Off-limits. That
won't be a problem.

BILL
Great! Dinner's at 1900 hours. I
know you understand what that
means.

INT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - JACK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jack is busy hanging clothes in the closet. Kurt is laying
with his back on the bed, feet on the floor, tossing a
football to the ceiling.

KURT
You're a senior, right?

JACK
Yeah.

KURT
Me too, finally. School just
started, so you haven't missed
much. Our first game isn't for
three weeks.

Jack stops what he was doing and turns toward Kurt who
continues playing catch with himself.

JACK
How's your team this year?

KURT
Not that great.

11.

JACK
Why's that?

KURT
You didn't hear what happened?

JACK
No.

KURT
Our Q.B. drowned. They say he got
stoned and took a midnight swim.

JACK
Dude that's awful.

KURT
I don't buy it, though. Drew was
clean -- and the best QB in the
area. Now, all we have is Rick.

JACK
What's wrong with Rick?

KURT
He can't throw for shit. But
you'll have to ask my sister what
else is wrong with the guy. They
just broke up.

SARAH Richardson, 17, should be a cheerleader but has better
things to do, opens the door and walks in like she owns the
place. We recognize her as the beautiful sax player from
the opening scene.

SARAH
You must be the foster kid.

JACK
You must be the band geek. We
were just talking about you.

SARAH
What? About how smart and
talented I am?

KURT
Like that would ever happen. No.
We were talking about your
ex-boyfriend and my slim chances
of ever catching a pass this year.

12.

SARAH
Oh. I'm so over that guy.
Besides, you can't catch, anyway.

KURT
And how would you know?

Sarah knocks the ball out of Kurt's hand as he tries to
catch it. Kurt quickly retrieves it and holds it out of
Sarah's reach.

SARAH
(To Jack)
Last year, wide open in the end
zone, the ball hits him square in
the hands -- dropped! He thinks I
don't watch.

KURT
One pass. Geez! What about the
other 40 I caught? All you do is
blow a flute -- how hard is that?

SARAH
(Correcting)
Saxophone.

JACK
It's actually a difficult
instrument to play.

KURT
Whoa! Are you some kind of band
geek too?

JACK
Well, I did play the drums, but
it's been a while.

SARAH
Not cool enough for you anymore?

JACK
No. I just don't have time right
now.

Jack motions for the ball. Kurt tosses it to him quickly as
Sarah attempts to intercept it.

            KURT
      (Pleased with
       himself)
Ha!

13.

SARAH
There's more to life than just
football.

KURT
Yeah. There's video games.

Sarah turns to leave and pauses halfway out the door.

SARAH
Good night -- what's the word for
nerdy jock? Oh yeah, bench
warmer.

Sarah playfully sticks her tongue out and then disappears
behind the door.

JACK
Is she always like that?

KURT
I'm afraid so.

EXT. C.U.H.S. - MAIN CAMPUS - DAY

Kurt and Jack walk out of the parking lot onto the main
campus. Students are milling around in groups. Many of
them have cell phones and are talking or texting.

KURT
Hey there's my crew. You'll find
the office is over there --

Kurt points in the direction of the administration building.
A large sign above the door reads OFFICE.

KURT
-- where it says, office.

JACK
Thanks. I never would have found
it.

KURT
See ya bro.

LATER - JUST OUTSIDE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Jack is about to open the door when Sarah appears and
startles him.

14.

JACK
You like sneaking up on people?

SARAH
No. The Colonel, I mean my dad,
said to make sure you found the
office.

JACK
I'm here --

Jack looks up and points at the sign.

JACK (CONT'D)
-- where it says office.

SARAH
Wow. You are smart for a jock.
Follow me.

Jack follows.

JACK
I'm not a jock.

SARAH
If it looks like a duck and quacks
like a duck...

JACK
I'm not a duck... err... jock.

Sarah laughs as she opens the door to the office.

INT. C.U.H.S. ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - DAY

Sarah and Jack walk through the door. The office is hectic.
The bell rings and students quickly exit. Secretaries and
student assistants buzz about behind the counter. One of
the assistants steps up to the counter.

STUDENT ASSISTANT
Hey Sarah, who's this?

The assistant looks Jack up and down.

STUDENT ASSISTANT (CONT'D)
Are you new here?

JACK
Yeah, I'm...

15.

SARAH
(Interrupting)
He's the foster kid staying with
us. Can you tell Ms. Silverman
her transfer student is here.

STUDENT ASSISTANT
(To Jack)
Just go back. I'll be right here
if you need me.

Sarah leads Jack to the back office. The assistant watches
him the entire way. Sarah notices the attention and shrugs.

SARAH
OK. Sit here, new meat.

Sarah turns and starts to leave, then looks back.

SARAH
Try not to wander off.

JACK
I won't. I may, actually, need
some classes.

MS. SILVERMAN'S OFFICE

MS. SILVERMAN, age 42, in a low cut blouse flaunting her
implants, bends over at her computer screen, occasionally
looking up to see if Jack is staring. He is.

MS. SILVERMAN
So, Jonathan.

JACK
Call me Jack.

MS. SILVERMAN
It looks like you only need 30
units to graduate.

JACK
Really?

MS. SILVERMAN
This is strange. Were you at some
sort of military academy?

JACK
What? I mean yes. I've had lots
of military school... uh...
training.

16.

MS. SILVERMAN
Four classes and you're done. But,
I can't let you leave early
without a job, so I've filled out
your schedule with electives.

She hands Jack a slip of paper. He spots Home Economics and
Glee Club on his class schedule.

JACK
You put me in Glee Club and Home
ec?

MS. SILVERMAN
Sorry, dear. That's all we
have... well, unless you want to
be a P.E. assistant the whole
afternoon.

JACK
I do. Really.

MS. SILVERMAN
Of course, you'll have to get the
coach to sign off.

JACK
Where do I find him?

MS. SILVERMAN
His office is inside the boys
locker room, next to the gym.

Mrs. Silverman moves out from behind her desk and hands Jack
a new schedule. As Jack turns to leave, Ms. Silverman wraps
her arm around his shoulder, pressing her breast against
him, then whispers in his ear.

MS. SILVERMAN
You just let me know if there's
anything else I can do for you.
Anything!

Jack eases away from her out the door.

JACK
You've done quite enough, thanks.

Jack cringes as he exits.

17.

EXT. C.U.H.S. - MAIN CAMPUS - DAY

Jack strolls across the campus taking in the scene.

Students are walking, talking, texting and chatting.

Jack's cell phone is pressed against his ear.

JACK
(Loud)
You sent them my real transcripts!

ROD (V.O.)
Relax. You're from Oregon. No
one's gonna recognize you.

JACK
Yeah, I guess you're right. Hey,
if I pass four classes I'll get a
real diploma.

ROD
Don't go gettin' ideas. You won't
be there that long. Just make the
team and make an impact.

JACK
All right --

Jack reaches the gym and sees the sign that reads, "BOYS
LOCKER ROOM."

JACK
-- gotta go.

Jack opens the locker room door and reacts to something in
the air.

JACK
(To self)
I remember this place. You never
forget that smell.

INT. C.U.H.S. - BOYS LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Jack walks down a hallway as two freshman boys approach.

Meet GILBERT, 14, poster child for nerdy freshman, and
JEROME, 14, chunky, confident without the chops to back it
up. We recognize them as the two drummers from the opening
scene.

18.

Looking slightly scared, both boys quickly move to the side,
pressing their backs against the wall. As Jack reaches
them, he starts to say something when Jerome hurriedly pulls
a dollar out of his pocket and presents it to Jack.

At first Jack looks puzzled, then chuckles.

JACK
Hey guys. I'm not here to take
your lunch money.

Gilbert and Jerome look surprised.

JEROME
You're not? Cool!

Jerome quickly shoves the dollar back into his pocket.

JACK
Do you know where I can find the
coach's office?

Gilbert and Jerome point in the direction Jack is headed.

JACK
Thanks guys.

Realizing they aren't about to be eaten, both boys open up.

GILBERT
The coach's office is down there
on the right.

JEROME
The sign on the door says coach.

JACK
Thank God for signs.

The two boys wait until Jack is sufficiently down the
hallway then scramble in the other direction.

JEROME
I thought lunch was history.

GILBERT
Me too.

At the end of the hall, Jack stumbles upon the Varsity
locker room, a place he was never allowed to enter.
Realizing this, he quickly walks to the far door when he is
suddenly blocked by RICK MARTINI JR., 18, the self appointed
King of C.U.H.S.

19.

On either side stand the twins, BERT and BART Baker, 17, the
right side of the Redskin offensive line.

JACK
Hey have you...

RICK
(Interrupting)
You lost?

BERT
What do you think you're...

Rick raises his hand near Bert's mouth. Bert stops mid
sentence.

JACK
I'm looking for the coach's
office.

With a smile on his face, Rick extends his hand to Jack.

RICK
I'm Rick, Rick Martini. You
probably heard of me -- varsity
quarterback.

Jack accepts the gesture and shake's Rick's hand.

JACK
Actually, I have.

RICK
Of course you have. I'll show you
the way.

Rick grabs Jack by the arm, escorts him down a hallway with
Bert and Bart close behind snickering under their breath.

RICK
This your first year here?

JACK
I just transferred in.

RICK
That's great.

They arrive at a propped open door.

20.

RICK
Here you go. The coach is right
in here.

Rick gives Jack a little help getting through the door. In
the process, Bert closes it behind Jack. As the door closes,
you see the sign, "GIRLS LOCKER ROOM." Rick and his cronies
chuckle as they run back down the hallway.

INT. OUTSIDE GIRLS LOCKER ROOM DOOR - DAY

The door bursts open. You hear a chorus of girls SCREAMING.
Jack leaps out, then slows to a walk.

JACK
(To self)
Where was that sign when I needed
it?

INT. COACH STROUD'S OFFICE - DAY

Coach Stroud sits at his desk sizing up Jack who is seated
opposite him.

Behind the coach you see numerous football championship
trophies. His ball cap says "REDSKIN FOOTBALL" on it. The
coach notices the ad slip in Jack's hand and motions for it.

COACH STROUD
Give me the ad slip.

Jack eagerly hands it over.

COACH STROUD
Three p.e. classes? You bored
kid?

JACK
No. Just avoiding Home Economics
and Glee Club.

COACH STROUD
I don't really need another
assistant -- what school did you
play for?

JACK
I've never played high school
ball.

The coach seems surprised.

21.

COACH STROUD
A kid your size? You must have
had one of those soccer moms that
didn't want you to get hurt.

JACK
No. I grew up playing football. I
just haven't played in high
school, yet.

COACH STROUD
All right. I'll sign off.

Coach Stroud scribbles on the ad slip with his pen and hands
the slip to Jack.

COACH STROUD (CONT'D)
I need players for the practice
squad 7th period. You'll work out
with the team until the last bell.
If it turns out you have more
than just size, we'll see about a
permanent spot on the team.

JACK
Sounds good to me.

COACH STROUD
Go find a locker in the varsity
football room. It's back that
way.

JACK
Will do coach.

Jack rises and starts to leave, but the coach isn't quite
done.

COACH STROUD
Then go find the equipment room
and grab a helmet and pads. Don't
grab a new one. Those are reserved
for starters. Got it?

JACK
Got it coach.

Jack slips out the door.

22.

INT. C.U.H.S. CAFETERIA - DAY

With lunch tray in hand, Jack faces the rows of cafeteria
tables. He sees the jock table, it's full.

The hot girls giggle and text each other at another table as
he walks through. It's quite crowded and he's running out
of options.

Finally, he sees Gilbert and Jerome at a table in the far
corner with an open seat. He heads straight for it.

JACK
Hey guys. Looks like you didn't
lose your lunch money. You mind
if I...

Jack sits down without waiting for an answer. Startled, the
group sits silent. (beat)

JACK
Thanks!

Finally, Gilbert gets up the nerve to say something.

GILBERT
We lose it a lot. Our lunch
money.

JACK
I bet you do. So did I when I was
your age. Now, they have to be
more creative with me.

JEROME
You get messed with too? No way.

JACK
Yeah. Right after I saw you, some
'tard named Rick and a couple of
large book ends showed me the
girls locker room.

JEROME
You mean Bert and Bart Baker. We
call them the Bubba twins.

Jack laughs.

JACK
Fitting.

23.

GILBERT
Sometimes they just give us
wedgies.

JEROME
Or shove us into lockers. It
depends on their mood.

GILBERT
I've missed a week of lunches
already, thanks to the Bubbas.

JEROME
I don't fit in a locker, so I just
get a lot of wedgies.

Jerome adjusts his shorts a little.

Jack tries to muffle a laugh, but can't.

JACK
Is it just those two?

GILBERT
Rick and some other seniors mess
with us too, but it's mostly the
Bubba's.

JACK
I bet their mom still walks them
to the short bus in the morning.

ALL
Laughs.

Jerome makes a retard face.

JACK
O.K. Listen up guys.

Jack leans in, and motions for a huddle.

JACK (CONT'D)
I'll never take your lunch money
-- or shove you in a locker. It's
not cool, so don't worry about me
from now on. Got it?

GILBERT
Cool!

Sarah appears behind Jack at the table. He doesn't notice
her at first.

24.

SARAH
For an ex-band geek, you sure
managed to land right in the
middle of band central. Nice
work.

Startled, Jack turns and realizes it's Sarah.

JACK
Band what?

GILBERT
Hi Sarah.

Sarah ignores Gilbert's hello and continues her teasing of
Jack. Jack turns back around and feins indifference.

SARAH
Yep. Welcome to the drum line.

JEROME
Wassup Sarah my girl. You comin'
over later?

SARAH
Not funny, Jerome. Try to remember
that bad attention is not
necessarily better than no
attention at all.

Sarah turns her focus back to Jack who is still casually
eating.

SARAH
So, what instrument did you say
you played?

JACK
(To the Group)
I play the drums.

ALL
Cool. Right on.

SARAH
You should see if Jack can keep a
beat.

Sarah walks off in the direction of a table full of girls.

JEROME
You know Sarah?

25.

JACK
Yeah, I'm staying with her family.

JEROME
You lucky dog. I would crawl
through broken glass...

JACK
(Admonishing)
Dude!

GILBERT
You got skills or what?

JACK
Yeah, I still got 'em.

Jerome begins knocking out a drum CADENCE on the table.
Gilbert and the rest of the crew join in. Jack picks it up
quickly as the table starts to shake and the guys are all
smiles.

JEROME
You still got 'em. Check you out.

Several tables away, Rick hears the noise and looks for the
cause of the disturbance. Once he spots the boys having
fun, he stands up on a cafeteria bench and shouts in their
direction.

RICK
Knock it off nerd herd. I'm
eating lunch here.

Bert and Bart look at the boys and scowl. Everyone stops
except Jack who continues for a couple more beats until he
realizes he's the only one tapping.

Satisfied, Rick sits back down.

            GILBERT
      (Whispering to
       Jack)
It's best to do what he says.

JACK
It's O.K. I get it.

EXT. C.U.H.S. - P.E. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

SUPER - 5TH PERIOD

26.

Boys in P.E. clothes mill around in groups.

Enter assistant COACH BARNES, 35, gruff and experienced.
Kurt and Jack toss a football back and forth as the coach
rounds up the class.

Jack's powerful arm becomes apparent as he fires a bullet
Kurt's way. Kurt corrals the ball then shakes off the
sting in his fingers.

COACH BARNES
Listen up.

Coach Barnes separates the group in half.

COACH BARNES
You all grab the red flags. The
rest of you put on yellow and
start with the ball on the 20.

Coach blows the whistle. Kurt turns to Jack.

KURT
Cool. We're on the same team.

In the huddle, Kurt looks around then takes over.

KURT
Barry, I need you to hike the
ball.

Kurt motions to several boys.

KURT
I need you guys to block.

He then turns to JAVIER CONTRERAS, 17, varsity running back
and a close friend.

KURT (CONT'D)
Javier, you take the slot.
Everyone else just block. Oh yeah
-- Jack, you're the QB. Let's see
what you got.

JACK
Thanks buddy.

KURT
My hands still sting from your
fastball. I wanna see how far you
can throw.

27.

JACK
Let's find out. Go long. Javier,
give me five and out.

The players emerge from the huddle.

Jack, in a shotgun formation, signals for the ball from
center. Jack fades back and fires a long pass down the
sideline. Kurt catches it and easily out runs defenders for
a touchdown.

Kurt trots back into the huddle, smiling. Javier pulls on
Jack's shirt.

KURT
Not bad. Not bad.

JAVIER
Hey hit me. I'm gonna be open all
day.

JACK
No problem. Run a slant.

Kurt turns to Jack as he begins jogging to his position.

KURT
Where did you say you played?

JACK
I just play for fun.

The ball is snapped for the extra point. Kurt starts his
pattern. Javier cuts behind him. Jack avoids the rush with
the ease of a seasoned player.

Coach Stroud walks up as Coach Barnes watches the action
from the sideline.

Jack easily dodges another attempted flag pull and floats a
touch pass to Javier in the back of the end zone.

Coach Stroud stops behind Coach Barnes.

COACH BARNES
You ever see this kid before?

COACH STROUD
Yeah. I just put him on the
practice squad. He says he's never
played high school ball.

28.

COACH BARNES
I'll keep my eye on him.

COACH STROUD
You do that.

MONTAGE

-- Jack passes to Kurt

-- Jack passes to Javier

-- Jack avoids tacklers and scores

-- Coach Barnes writes notes on a clipboard

-- Coach Barnes blows his whistle.

END MONTAGE

COACH BARNES
Hit the showers boys. Play time's
over.

Jack and Kurt walk toward the locker room. Coach Stroud
waits for them at the door.

COACH STROUD
Nice hands, Richardson. And you,
son, where did you learn to throw
the football?

JACK
My dad mostly. But, I've had
other help.

COACH STROUD
Quarterback camp?

JACK
No. Not exactly.

Coach Stroud gets distracted by several boys horsing around.
He starts to walk off and turns back briefly.

COACH STROUD
O.K. See you both at practice.

KURT
What did he mean see you both at
practice?

29.

JACK
I made the practice squad.

KURT
That's awesome. We are so short
of good players.

JACK
It's just the practice squad.

KURT
Don't worry, you'll make the team.

JACK
You already have a quarterback.

KURT
Dude, you're way better than him.

JACK
You think I have a shot?

KURT
Yeah. I do.

Jack smiles

INT. C.U.H.S. BOYS LOCKER ROOM - LATER - DAY

Jack, picking up towels, hears a commotion in the hallway
and darts over to investigate. Bert has Gilbert pinned
against the wall.

BERT
I said...

In a very poor attempt at Ebonics pimp slang.

BERT
...who's yo pimp, boy?

JACK
(dead pan)
I'm...

As he walks toward's them.

JACK (CONT'D)
...his pimp.

Bert laughs.

30.

JACK
I said, I'm his pimp! You gotta
problem with one of my ho's, you
talk to me.

BERT
This kid?

JACK
Yeah, he's mine.

BERT
And you are?

JACK
Jack Taylor. We've met, remember.

Jack moves in between Bert and Gilbert. Jack puffs up and
gets in Bert's face. Bert lets go and Gilbert quickly
escapes and runs out the door, peeking back from a much
safer vantage.

BERT
Oh yeah. You ever find your
panties in the girl's locker room?

Jack plants his finger in Bert's chest and pushes him with
it. Bert seems surprised.

JACK
That kid there --

Jack motions with his head to Gilbert, still watching.

JACK (CONT'D)
-- Don't touch him. Don't take
his lunch money. Don't even look
at him.

BERT
Or what?

Bert puffs up to Jack. They're now in each other's face.

JACK
Do you really want to find out?

BERT
What if I touch you?

Bert attempts to shove Jack with both hands. Jack
intercepts Bert's right arm and quickly puts him in an arm
bar then forces him to the floor.

31.

JACK
This is what happens, bitch.

Jack twists Bert's arm and shoves his face into the floor
with his knee now on the back of Bert's thick neck. He
winces in pain as Jack applies more pressure.

JACK
If you ever mess with one of my
ho's again, it's your ass. We
clear?

BERT
What?

JACK
You heard me, fat boy.

BERT
O.K. O.K.

Jack let's go and Bert struggles to his feet then stumbles
toward the door.

BERT
I was just playin.'

Bert hastily exits.

Gilbert stares in amazement.

JACK
(To self)
Some things never change.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

The team is split into several groups.

Kurt and the receivers take turns running routes with TY
throwing passes.

MONTAGE - TY THROWING PASSES

-- Ty overthrows Kurt.

-- Ty underthrows Jack.

-- Coach Stroud winces.

-- Ty bounces a passe in Javier's direction. It's not
pretty.

32.

END MONTAGE

Coach Stroud, shaking his head in disgust walks over to the
receiver corps.

COACH STROUD
(To Jack)
Number 12, swap out with Ty and
throw for awhile.

JACK
Will do, coach.

Ty flips the ball to Jack from a few yards away and heads
back into the receiver line.

TY
I hope you can do better.

KURT
(To Ty)
He couldn't do much worse.

TY
You can't throw either, bi'atch.

The players in earshot laugh.

MONTAGE - JACK THROWING ACCURATE PASSES

-- Jack throws a quick post to Kurt.

-- Jack throws a long post to Ty who makes a nice catch.

-- Coach Stroud smiles in approval.

-- Jack hits Javier on a slant.

-- Coach Stroud smiles.

END MONTAGE

Coach Stroud blows his WHISTLE.

COACH STROUD
Get some water. Then I want first
teams on the field, full contact.

LATER

The starting offense and defense line up with Rick at the QB
position. Bert and Bart take their positions at right guard

33.

and tackle.

Coach Stroud calls a play just behind the huddle MOS.

MONTAGE - RUNNING PLAYS

-- Rick hands off to Javier for a short gain.

-- Rick makes a bad toss to Javier for a fumble.

-- Coach Stroud rolls his eyes.

END MONTAGE

Jack watches from the back with the other second stringers.

The offense huddles up for another play.

COACH STROUD
Listen up. Time for some pass
plays. Let's start with a slot
right 87 post.

MONTAGE - RICK THROWING PASSES

-- Rick misses Ty wide on an out.

-- Kurt is wide open, the ball is thrown elsewhere.

-- Rick overthrows Ty.

-- Coach Stroud rolls his eyes, again.

END MONTAGE

COACH STROUD
(To Coach Barnes)
Let's rotate some people in.

Jack and several other players sub-in on defense. Coach
Barnes directs the action. Jack lines up at the strong
safety position.

In the offensive huddle.

RICK
Come on Tyree. Catch the ball.

TY
You overthrew me by two feet.

RICK
I thought you could jump.

34.

COACH STROUD
Knock it off. Same play the other
way. Run it again.

The teams line up.

The ball is snapped, Rick fades back to pass.

Ty makes his cut to the post. Jack reads the move, gets
position on Ty and intercepts the underthrown ball.

Jack takes a couple of steps and fires the ball on a tight
rope 25 yards back to Rick. The ball goes right through his
hands and hits him in the facemask, rocking his head back.
Rick is pissed. Several players laugh.

Now, the entire team knows Jack has a world class arm,
especially Rick.

BACK AT THE HUDDLE

RICK
You could have come back for the
ball. You're making me look bad.

TY
Oh, you don't need my help there.

KURT
I was wide open -- again.

COACH STROUD
Rick, check down if it's not
there. And Ty, you gotta come
back for the ball. Clear?

RICK
Yeah coach.

TY
Yes coach.

COACH STROUD
Let's keep it short this time.
Ninety-six Slant on two.

MAIN FIELD

The center hikes the ball to Rick who takes three quick
steps and fires it at Kurt slanting over the middle. The
ball is thrown high, Kurt barely gets a finger on it. Jack,
moving in from safety, snags the ball off the tip. Jack
dodges tacklers until the whistle blows.

35.

KURT
Nice grab.

JACK
Thanks. That wasn't your fault.

KURT
I know. It's all good.

Jack and Kurt arrive at the water station.

KURT
You looked good out there.

JACK
Thanks. You were right. Rick
can't throw for shit.

They both laugh.

The school bell rings. Several of the practice players turn
and start walking towards the locker room. Rick walks up
with Bert and Bart in tow.

RICK
Isn't it about time you headed for
the girls locker room with the
rest of the scabs?

BART
Yeah, real players only, man.

KURT
He picked you off -- more than
once.

RICK
It's not my fault you can't catch.

KURT
You don't even throw to me, so
how...

JACK
(Interrupting)
He's right. I'm only a practice
player. I'll see ya later man.

Jack turns and starts walking towards the locker room. After
about 20 yards, Coach Stroud notices Jack leaving and has a
quick huddle with Coach Barnes who's nodding in affirmation.

36.

COACH STROUD
Hey number 12. Where do you think
you're going?

Jack stops and turns around.

JACK
Showers coach.

COACH STROUD
Get back over here.

Jack jogs back and stops in front of the two coaches.

COACH STROUD
I don't know where you learned to
play. And, you have some catching
up to do, but I have a full-time
spot for you if you want it.

Jack looks at Kurt who's miming yes, yes, yes.

COACH BARNES
What's it gonna be son?

JACK
I'm in. All in.

Kurt pumps his fist as the two coaches pat Jack on the
helmet and shoulder pads.

COACH STROUD
Great. Go with coach Barnes.

Coach Barnes and Jack jog back to the defensive area.

RICK
(To Bart and Bert)
That kid's starting to annoy me.

Bert and Bart nod.

BERT
He's already on my list.

EXT. C.U.H.S. PARKING LOT - DAY

Jack is leaning up against Kurt's car with a Bluetooth
device in his ear, cell phone in hand.

JACK
I made the team.

37.

ROD
(V.O.)
That's great. The Captain will be
pleased. You find anything out
yet?

JACK
Yeah. You were wrong. Colonel
Richardson is just like the
Captain.

ROD
(V.O.)
I know...

Rod laughs. Jack pulls out the ear piece.

ROD
...I hope you like push ups.

JACK
Very funny. I'll call you in a
few days.

Kurt walks up. His hair is damp and freshly combed.

Jack quickly pushes the end call button.

KURT
Who was that? You got a
girlfriend already?

JACK
No. Not even close.

INT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - JACK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Kurt and Jack lounge on the bed, side-by-side, going over
the Redskin playbook.

KURT
...I'm just sayin' you need to
memorize the offense.

JACK
I'm cool playing safety. It's a
lot of fun.

KURT
Yeah, but what if Rick gets hurt.
We don't have a backup.

38.

JACK
You're right.

KURT
We can practice on weekends to get
you up to speed.

The door opens. Sarah, wearing a sexy top and short shorts,
stands in the doorway.

KURT
Don't you ever knock?

SARAH
Why? Are you two doing something
you shouldn't?

KURT
Gross.

JACK
It's cool. What's up?

SARAH
Dinner's up in two minutes.

KURT
Ah crap. We don't want to be
late.

Kurt jumps up.

JACK
What happens if we're late,
pushups?

KURT
Lots of them.

JACK
I knew it.

Sarah notices both playbooks and seizes the opportunity to
tease.

SARAH
It sure didn't take you long.

JACK
Excuse me?

39.

SARAH
I didn't know they gave
benchwarmers playbooks.

KURT
Very funny.

JACK
Hey. I'm starting at safety.

SARAH
Isn't that where they put fast
guys who can't catch? I guess you
and Kurt have something in common.

Kurt picks up the football and tosses it at Sarah who uses
the door as a shield. The ball bounces off. She sticks her
head back in and flashes a satisfied grin.

KURT
How did I get so lucky?

JACK
I was thinking the same thing
myself.

Kurt shoves Jack.

KURT
I know she's hot. But still a
brat.

JACK
You're right there.

INT. KURT'S CAR - NIGHT

Kurt and Jack, looking exhausted from practice cruise
through a suburban neighborhood.

JACK
That was a tough practice. I
can't believe I made it through my
first week.

KURT
You did great. One more week
'till our first game. You think
we're ready?

40.

JACK
Our D is looking good. The
running game is shaping up. But...

KURT
Our passing game sucks. I know.

JACK
Hey, we'll do all right.

KURT
Against Dos Palos? Have you seen
their run defense? Our only
chance is to throw the ball,
and...

Kurt Shrugs.

JACK
Good point.

A text message comes across Kurt's cell phone. He looks at
it.

KURT
Party at Ty's house tonight. You
game?

JACK
Definitely. I was wondering what
you all did for fun on a Friday
night.

EXT. TY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Kurt and Jack walk up to the front door of Ty's typical
suburban house and ring the bell. As Ty opens the door, the
sound of video games fill the air.

TY
What's up my brothers. Come in,
come in.

KURT
What's up man. Who's coming?

TY
Javier and a bunch of the guys.

KURT
Cool. What are we playing?

41.

The three of them walk into the house.

INT. TY'S HOUSE - NIGHT

Jack turns the corner to the den revealing an entire room
filled with gaming consoles and computers. No girls. No
beer. Just dudes.

JACK
(Astonished)
Video games. So where's the beer?

TY
Not here my brother from another
mother.

JACK
And cheerleaders. Where are the
cheerleaders?

KURT
Definitely not here.

JACK
Wow. So this is what you all do
for fun?

Ty picks up a video controller and hands it to Jack. Ty
then points at the screen where you see the intro for Madden
Football.

TY
This shit teaches you how to read
defenses.

JACK
Oh I can play. This is just not
the party I was expecting.

Javier walks up with a can of Mt. Dew and a large piece of
Pizza.

JAVIER
(Chewing)
Food's in the kitchen. Let's
play, bitches.

TY
I want some of Jack first. He
says he can play.

42.

JACK
You're on.

JAVIER
I got winner. I'll smoke all you
fools.

A SHORT TIME LATER

Jack and Ty are furiously playing. Jack appears to be
having a great time. He stands up, raises his arms in the
air.

JACK
Game over, baby!

TY
Damn, boy. You are good.

INT. KURT'S CAR - NIGHT

KURT
It's almost light.

JACK
Is that a typical Friday night?

KURT
For our crew it is.

JACK
What about the rest of the team?

KURT
Lots of the guys do some partying.
It's mostly harmless.

JACK
Out at the lake?

KURT
Yeah, that's the spot.

JACK
You never go there?

KURT
Rarely. I don't party much.
Besides, none of the cheerleaders
know I exist.

43.

JACK
The best girls aren't always
cheerleaders.

KURT
True. But, the hot ones are.

Jack nods in agreement.

JACK
You don't know of any girls who
might like you?

KURT
There's one. But, I'm worried she
doesn't like me the same way.

JACK
You'll never hit a home run if you
don't step up to the plate -- just
sayin.'

KURT
I'd be happy with a single.

Jack smiles.

JACK
I hear ya.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

SUPER - FIRST LEAGUE GAME V. DOS PALOS

SCORE BOARD - HOME: 7 VISITORS: 28 QUARTER: 4 TIME: 2:38

The Redskin offense, huddled deep in their own territory,
waits for the coach to send in the next play. From the
looks on their faces and the stains on their jerseys, you
can tell it's been a rough first game.

Ty arrives at the huddle and whispers in Rick's ear.

RICK
Strong Right, 36 Blast, on one.
And Bert, try blocking this time.
Ready...

ALL
...Break!

As the team jogs to the line. Bert looks back at Rick.

44.

BERT
Sorry, Rick.

The team jogs to the line of scrimmage with a sense of
urgency.

The cheerleaders watch quietly on the sideline.

The Redskin stands are packed, but the crowd is silent.

The visitors side is roaring.

Back at the line of scrimmage.

RICK
Blue 44, Blue 44, down, set, hut.

Rick hands off to Javier who is met by a hoard of Dos Palos
Broncos for no gain. The clock continues to shrink along
with the Redskins chances of an opening victory.

On the sideline, resigned and doing damage control, Coach
Stroud shuffles players.

COACH STROUD
(To Javier)
Go in for Ty. Run the 36 Blast
again.

Javier nods and runs to the huddle as Ty hurries off the
field.

Standing in the front row behind the home bench meet RICK
MARTINI SR., a rich man with high expectations for his son.
Next to him you see VERN BAKER, father of the Bubba's, and
long-time Martini sidekick.

RICK SR.
(Yelling)
For Christ's sake, throw the damn
ball already.

Vern pulls a metal flask out from under a gaudy Hawaiian
shirt and takes a long sip.

VERN
(Yelling)
We need points, coach.

RICK SR.
(Softly to Vern)
My dog know's more about football
than that guy.

45.

Back in the Redskin huddle.

JAVIER
Coach says run the 36 blast again.

Rick looks up at his father motioning with his arm to throw
the ball. The exchange doesn't go unnoticed by the Redskin
coaching staff.

RICK
Coach must be confused.

KURT
No, he's not.

RICK
Listen up. Slot right, 78 shake,
on one. Javier, get open.

The ball is snapped. Rick drops back with plenty of
protection.

Javier makes a cut to the corner. He's open by several
yards.

Rick launches an off target pass that's easily picked off by
the Dos Palos safety who runs it back for a touchdown,
taunting the Redskin players and showboating the last 20
yards.

Kurt, standing there, watching, gets blindsided by a Dos
Palos player.

The home crowd GROANS. The cheerleaders GROAN.

Coach Stroud throws his clipboard to the ground then quickly
composes himself.

Rick walks off the field and ignores Coach Stroud as he
attempts to talk to him.

A SHORT TIME LATER

The Dos Palos QB kneels as the clock ticks to zero.

The visiting crowd cheers.

Coach Stroud shakes hands with the opposing coach then turns
back toward the home sideline.

DOS PALOS QB
(To Jack)
We own you, bitches.

46.

Kurt starts to go after the guy. Jack holds him back.

JACK
Don't worry about that guy.

SCORE BOARD - HOME: 7 VISITORS: 35 QUARTER: 4 TIME: 0.00

On the Redskin sideline, Coach Stroud gathers the team.

COACH STROUD
Bring it in. Bring it in and take
a knee. Let's go.

The team comes together. Some of the boys are visibly
upset.

COACH STROUD
Shake it off. The Broncos are
ranked number one in the Valley.
We held their offense to two
touchdowns. You should be proud
of yourselves. Just don't expect
to win a game when you turn the
ball over five times.

EXT. C.U.H.S. PARKING LOT - NIGHT

COACH STROUD walks toward the locker room. He's intercepted
by Rick SR. and Vern who appear out of the darkness.

RICK SR.
Coach. You got a minute?

COACH STROUD
Not really. What do you need
Rick?

RICK SR.
I'm just here to tell you some of
the alumni are concerned.

COACH STROUD
The alumni, right.

RICK SR.
What kind of play calling was
that?

COACH STROUD
This is my team Rick, not your
dealership. I call the shots
here.

47.

Coach turns and opens the locker room door.

RICK SR.
Just tell me why we're still
running the ball with three
minutes left.

Coach Stroud stops, turns back around and gathers his
thoughts for a moment then unloads his frustration on a well
deserving Rick Sr.

COACH STROUD
Oh you wanna know why we were
running. Because your boy already
threw three interceptions. I was
trying not make it four.

RICK SR.
We had...

COACH STROUD
(Interrupting)
Good night, Rick. Thanks for all
your help.

Coach Stroud walks through and closes the door firmly.

RICK SR.
(Yelling)
You better fix that line -- and
teach those boys how to catch a
football.

Rick Sr. turns to Vern.

RICK SR.
What a Jamoke. I wouldn't let
that guy coach pee wee football.

INT. KURT'S CAR - NIGHT

Kurt and Jack bruised and beaten cruise Robertson Blvd.,
Chowchilla's palm tree lined main street.

Kurt suddenly bangs the steering wheel with his fists in a
fit of disgust.

KURT
I'm so pissed!

48.

JACK
The game was closer than the
score, ya know.

KURT
I didn't even catch a pass. At
least you got an interception.

JACK
You blocked well.

KURT
Whatever.

JACK
You wanna head home or try
something different?

KURT
Party at Eastman lake?

JACK
Your sister's right ya know. There
is more to life than football and
video games.

KURT
All right. Let's do it.

Kurt smiles, wheels his car around as Jack hangs on then
cranks up the music.

EXT. THE LAKE SHORE PARK - NIGHT

KURT pulls up to the lake park where campfires light up the
post game party. Students mingle in groups and sip keg beer
from plastic cups.

Kurt and Jack stroll into the mix.

KURT
This is it folks. The non-victory
celebration.

Jack spots Gilbert and Jerome on the fringes of the party.
He and Kurt walk over and exchange greetings.

JACK
So, where's the keg?

49.

GILBERT
It's in the back of the blue 4x4.
When you see a bunch of cowboy
hats, you're there.

JACK
Thanks, brother.

Jack looks around and spots a group of cowboys.

JACK
There it is. Let's go Kurt.

Jack and Kurt walk toward the keg.

JACK
You wanna beer?

KURT
I'm driving.

JACK
Dude. You don't have to drink it,
just hold the cup. It'll raise
your cool factor.

KURT
Count me in.

At the keg, Jack picks up a plastic cup and fills it till
the foam runs over. He slurps the edge and licks his lips.

JACK
Damn, that's good.

Kurt holds out his cup and Jack fills it as well.

At the parking lot, Rick arrives with his entourage. He and
his crew strut into the party like they had just won the
Super Bowl, barreling through Gilbert and friends. The
Bubba's push several of the younger boys over. The rest
quickly scatter.

Jack doesn't notice the King's arrival. He's locked on to a
group of girls hanging out on a picnic table nearby.

Jack points out the opportunity to Kurt who follows him in
the direction of the girls.

JACK
(To Kurt)
Just be yourself. No, I mean try
to be cool.

50.

KURT
Got it. All about the cool.

DARLA and STACY, the "it" girls of the senior class hold
court while several less popular girls gather around them,
basking in their popularity.

Jack and Kurt arrive at the picnic table. Jack makes eye
contact with Darla.

JACK
Darla right?

DARLA
You're number 12 right?

JACK
I'm Jack. And, I'm sure you all
know Kurt.

DARLA
Nice interception.

JACK
You saw that? Right on.

DARLA
(To Kurt)
Are you on the team?

KURT
Yeah. I'm a wide receiver.

DARLA
You're not that wide.

KURT
No. It means...

Jack elbows Kurt who stops mid sentence.

JACK
It means he's a varsity starter.

DARLA
Oh. I didn't know.

STACY
(To Jack)
I've seen you at school a few
times.

51.

JACK
I sit behind you in 4th period
English.

STACY
Oh, right.

Rick and crew walk up and peer over Kurt's shoulder looking
to see what's in his hand.

RICK
Look at that. Kurt's drinkin' a
beer.

KURT
What's the big deal?

RICK
Shouldn't you be home killing orcs
online and eating Cheetos with
your elf friends?

Everyone laughs except Jack and Kurt.

Jack turns to Rick and smiles.

JACK
Shouldn't you be rescuing your
favorite sheep from the Bubba
twins?

KURT
(Sheep Noise)
Ba ah ah ah ah

The girls break into giggles and laughs.

RICK
(To Jack)
Was I talking to you?

BART
(To Bert)
I think he means us.

Bart steps up to Jack but is intercepted by Bert who's
already gone down that road and pushes his brother back. You
can almost smell the testosterone in the air.

BERT
(Under his breath)
Not the guy you wanna mess with,
brother.

52.

BART
But he just...

Rick slaps Bart upside the back of his head.

RICK
Shut up Bart -- take a joke
already. No problem here. Just
came over to get a drink.

Rick and crew walk around Jack and Kurt, slightly bumping
them to get to the girls. A classic cock block.

RICK
Hey ladies, who wants to get me a
beer?

CARLA, 16, a somewhat cute football groupie jumps up from
the table.

CARLA
I will. I will.

Stacy shakes her head at the naive sophomore trotting off
and decides to put Rick back in his place a little.

STACY
You guys sucked! I can't believe
you let Dos Palos beat you.

RICK
We would have won, but my
receivers couldn't get open. I
had to throw the ball up and pray.

Kurt's mouth drops open.

KURT
What the... I was open all night.

RICK
Are you on the team?

BERT
Doh!

Bert and Bart high five each other.

Kurt puffs up and starts towards Rick. The Bubba's
immediately move in front of Rick, ready to block for him.

KURT
Yeah, I'm on the...

53.

Jack grabs Kurt by the shirt and pulls him out of the
confrontation. As Jack and Kurt are walking away, Rick
hurls a parting insult.

RICK
Yeah, teach him how to catch and
then maybe I'll throw him a bone
every once in a while.

Jack and Kurt stop at a safe distance.

JACK
You know he sucks. I know he
sucks. The whole town knows he
sucks. There's no point arguing
about it.

KURT
You're right.

Sarah appears out of the darkness with a beer in hand
followed by VANESSA, 17, Sarah's BFF and a really cute girl.

VANESSA
Hey, Kurt.

SARAH
Holy crap. What are you doing
here?

JACK
My bad.

KURT
I don't know why everyone is so
surprised.

VANESSA
(To Kurt)
You were great out there tonight.

KURT
I didn't even...

Jack elbows Kurt and gives him the come on man look.

KURT
(To Vanessa)
You want something to drink? The
keg's over there.

VANESSA
That would be amazing.

54.

Kurt leads Vanessa off into the darkness toward the keg.

SARAH
I can't believe it. Kurt's at a
real party.

LATER AT A PICNIC TABLE NEAR THE BOAT DOCK

Jack and Sarah watch Kurt and Vanessa getting cozy with
their feet dangling off the boat dock.

The crowd has thinned and the fires are now smoldering
embers of their former selves.

SARAH
She's had a crush on him since
fifth grade. It's about time he
figured it out.

JACK
Some boys are just late bloomers.

SARAH
Oh, look, there he goes -- in for
the kiss.

On the boat dock, Kurt and Vanessa awkwardly embrace.

JACK
Way to go Kurt.

SARAH
Wow. They sure are making up for
lost time.

SPLASH.

Kurt and Vanessa, now in the water, climb back onto the dock
laughing.

BACK AT THE PICNIC TABLE

SARAH
(Yelling)
Nice moves brother.

Jack and Sarah laugh at Kurt's folly. As the laughter
fades, they look around and notice everyone left has coupled
up. Some kissing, some just snuggled up together. An
awkward moment is upon them as they realize they're the only
two not together.

55.

SARAH
It looks like there aren't any
cheerleaders left.

JACK
I hadn't noticed.

Jack leans back and does the classic stretch move leaving an
arm behind Sarah as an opening. It's about as obvious as a
fart in church.

Sarah lays her head on Jack's shoulder. His arm responds by
slowly wrapping around her supple waist.

Jack smells her hair and gives that "Oh My God" look.

Sarah turns her face and stares slowly into his eyes while
running her hands down his muscular back. Suddenly her hand
stops near his right hip. Startled, she moves her hand away
quickly, then puts it back for a further feel. A look of
recognition comes over her.

SARAH
Is that what I think it is? Oh my
God, you're packing.

Sarah jumps up and backs away.

JACK
It's o.k., I can explain.

Jack stands up. Sarah, suddenly sober, comes back looking
for answers.

SARAH
Start explaining.

Kurt and Vanessa walk up, holding hands, their clothes still
dripping. Kurt puts his hand on Jack's shoulder.

KURT
(Whispers)
Thanks.

VANESSA
(To Sarah)
You ready, sis? My mom's gonna be
pissed if I'm not home soon.

SARAH
(To Kurt)
You're sober right?

56.

Kurt nods.

SARAH (CONT.)
Why don't you drive my wet friend
home. I'm sure you two have more
to talk about. Jack can drive me
back in my car.

Vanessa nods in approval.

JACK
I'm sober.

Points at his half full beer cup.

JACK (CONT.)
First beer.

KURT
Oh, o.k.

SARAH
Be safe. We'll see you back at
the house.

INT. SARAH'S CAR - NIGHT

Jack pulls onto the road, the music BLARES. Sarah turns it
off completely. Silence.

SARAH
Are you some kind of gangsta?
Tough guy?

JACK
No. No!

SARAH
Then What?

JACK
Ah Crap. (Beat) Well, actually...

SARAH
This should be interesting.

JACK
...I'm an undercover officer.

SARAH
Holy crap. How old are you? I
was about to kiss you.

57.

JACK
You were?

SARAH
I was. Now answer the question
and tell me why you're here. You
a NARC?

JACK
I'm 19 -- almost 20. I'm not a
narc.

SARAH
You're here trying to find out who
killed Drew, aren't you? Does
Kurt know?

JACK
No. Just your dad. How did
you...

SARAH
(Interrupting)
I knew he and Smith were up to
something. Is Jack Taylor even
your real name?

JACK
Actually, it is.

SARAH
Why would you go undercover and
use your real name?

JACK
I'm not from around here. And,
this is not exactly a dangerous
assignment.

Sarah stares at the windshield.

SARAH
(TO self)
Oh my God. I have a cop living in
my house. A hot cop, but still a
cop.

JACK
You know I can hear you.

SARAH
Sorry. My filter's not working.
When did you graduate?

58.

JACK
I didn't. I joined the army on my
17th birthday.

SARAH
The army?

JACK
I was only in two years. My
HUM-VEE got hit by an I.E.D. and
they let me out early after my
wounds healed. I went to the
Police Academy and here I am.

SARAH
And now you're living in my house,
posing as a high school senior.

JACK
Well, technically, I'm not posing.
If I'm here long enough, I'll
have enough credits for a diploma.

SARAH
Looks like you've got it all
worked out. Play a little
football, arrest a few bad guys,
and earn your diploma.

JACK
Yeah, maybe. Except the part
about catching bad guys. I don't
have a single lead.

SARAH
Then, I guess you should have come
to me sooner.

Jack pulls into the driveway. Bill is standing at the front
door. Neither one of them notice him at first.

JACK
So you know something -- Ah crap.
This looks bad.

SARAH
He doesn't have to know that I
know. Ya know.

JACK
O.K. O.K.

59.

EXT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - NIGHT

The morning twilight can't conceal the displeasure on Bill's
face. He looks like he's been waiting for hours.

Jack and Sarah sheepishly exit the car. Jack approaches Bill
with Sarah ducking behind him for cover.

BILL
Sarah. Go in the house and get
some sleep. I'll speak to you in
the... I mean later.

Sarah quickly moves around Jack and bolts for the door. She
turns back and mouth's SORRY, then hastily makes her way in
the house.

BILL
I can't wait to hear your
explanation, soldier.

JACK
I was working on the case, sir --
out at the lake. Kurt hooked up
with Vanessa, so Sarah was my ride
home.

BILL
That's it?

JACK
She waited around for hours. No
man left behind.

Jack pats Bill on the shoulder.

JACK
You trained her well.

BILL
You better have made some
progress?

JACK
Oh yeah. I'm definitely on to
something.

BILL
All right then. Good work. I'll
pass the news on to the Captain.

60.

INT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - DAY

JACK'S BEDROOM

Jack sleeps in after a long night. As late morning sun hits
his eyes, he rolls over, and there's Sarah, bright eyed and
sitting on his bed.

SARAH
Thanks for covering for me.

Jack stretches and tries to regain his faculties.

JACK
Covering? Oh yeah. I think I
covered for both of us.

SARAH
He can't ground you.

JACK
There's worse things in life than
being grounded.

SARAH
I'll be 18 on November 1st, then
what can he say.

Jack sits up.

JACK
Who's older, you or Kurt?

SARAH
I am by 30 minutes. He hates it.
What about you?

JACK
My birthday's on January 2nd.

Sarah leans in and nuzzles Jack.

SARAH
(Whispers)
We're not that far apart.

JACK
God you smell good. Now get outta
here, tease, before you get me
shot.

Sarah jumps up and skips to the door. As she's about to
close it, she pops her head back in.

61.

SARAH
You still haven't asked me what I
know.

JACK
I will as soon as I get some
clothes on, and maybe a shower.

SARAH
So, hurry up. We have a case to
solve.

The door closes.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

The Redskin first teams square off at the 40 yard line. Kurt
sets up wide left. Jack eyes the offense from the safety
position.

Rick drops back and overthrows Javier. Coach Stroud
cringes. The offense heads back to the huddle.

COACH STROUD
Rick, get some water. Jack, run
the offense for a couple series.

Jack quickly crosses the line of scrimmage and takes his
place in the huddle. Rick storms off tossing his helmet on
the sideline.

COACH STROUD
Time for some passes. Slot right,
87 post on one. Let's go.

The offense sets up on the line of scrimmage.

JACK
Blue 24, Blue 24, down, set, hut,
hut.

Jack takes three steps back and fires the ball to Kurt in
the seam between the corner and safety. Kurt makes a great
catch then a move on the safety and scores.

Rick sees the successful play from the sidelines and kicks
his helmet.

Kurt arrives back at the huddle.

KURT
That's how it's done.

62.

Jack high fives Kurt. Coach Stroud is looking at his play
chart with a smile on his face.

TY
Show me some love brother.

JAVIER
I'll be open, too.

JACK
Don't worry guys. Lots of love to
go around.

COACH STROUD
Good job. Now run the 95 drag.

Bart looks over to Rick on the sideline. Rick nods. Bart
then whispers in Bert's ear.

The team lines up again. The ball is snapped. Jack takes 5
steps back, Bert and Bart let their rushers through.

Jack scrambles away from tacklers and hits Ty on the drag
route.

Ty runs for about fifteen yards before going out of bounds.

On the way back to the huddle, Ty gives Jack a high five.

TY
You da real deal, man. Where have
you been?

Coach Stroud, mad as hell, grabs Bert and Bart by the face
mask and chews them out MOS.

QUICK MONTAGE

-- Bart and Bert seriously blocking with Coach Stroud behind
them.

-- Jack hits Javier on an out.

-- Jack hits Kurt on a corner.

-- Jack scrambles down field for a long gainer.

END MONTAGE

Coach blows his whistle.

63.

COACH STROUD
(Shouting)
Four laps and hit the showers.
Bakers! You owe me eight. Try to
get them done by midnight.

INT. C.U.H.S. LIBRARY - DAY

Jack and Kurt sit alone going over playbooks. Across from
them at the freshman band table, the boys discuss drumming
techniques until Bert, Bart and another senior interrupt
their peace.

Jack spots the harassment.

JACK
Ah, man.

KURT
It's just harmless fun.

JACK
How did you like it when you were
a freshman?

KURT
I didn't.

Jack stands up.

JACK
Exactly.

Jack walks over to the table.

JACK
(To Bart and Bert)
Are we having fun, gentlemen?

BERT
Just sayin' hi to our little band
buddies.

BART
Who are you, the hall monitor?

JACK
(To Bert)
You didn't tell him?

BART
Tell me what?

64.

JACK
It's like this. These boys here
are my ho's. No offense guys. And
I'm their pimp.

JEROME
That's right.

BART
Real funny.

JACK
So, why don't you all move along.
This street corner's mine.

Jack smiles and puts a hand on Bert and Bart's back.

JACK (CONT.)
Go on. Find your own ho's.

BART
I'm not going anywhere.

BERT
We should go. Come on.

Bert coaxes his brother away from the table.

BART
You gonna let that newbie tell us
what to do?

BERT
He's tougher than he looks.

Back at the drum table, Jack takes a seat.

JACK
(To the drum corps)
Sorry, guys. That's all I could
come up with.

JEROME
I'm your Ho.

GILBERT
I'll be your Ho.

JEROME
Pimp Daddy Jack. It kinda has a
ring to it.

The table breaks out laughing.

65.

JACK
Right on. Now, go make me some
money, bitches.

INT. SARAH'S CAR - NIGHT

PARKED ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE RV DEALERSHIP

SARAH
That's it. R.V. World.

JACK
That's your big lead?

SARAH
Yeah. Rick's dad would have done
anything to get him the starting
quarterback job.

JACK
You're saying douche bag senior is
responsible for Drew's death?

SARAH
Pretty much.

JACK
Let's just say you're right.

SARAH
So, you think I am right?

JACK
I'm not saying you're wrong. But,
where's the proof?

SARAH
Did you know Drew worked here
part-time?

JACK
Yeah, I read that.

SARAH
He was here the day he
disappeared.

JACK
But, his car was found parked at
Eastman lake.

66.

SARAH
They could have easily slipped him
the drugs in his lunch -- a drink
-- something.

JACK
I guess that's possible.

SARAH
Don't you think it's funny that
not one person saw him after he
left work?

JACK
Yeah, I do. I think you're on to
something, partner.

Jack pulls out into traffic and drives away while Sarah
tries to conceal how pleased she is with her detective
skills.

EXT. KERMAN LIONS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

SCORE - HOME:14 VIS:0 QTR:3 DOWN:1 TO GO:10 CLOCK:12:00

Down by 14 going into the third quarter, Coach Stroud paces
the sideline. He looks at Rick. Then at Jack.

COACH STROUD
Taylor, warm-up that arm.

Surprised but eager, Jack grabs a football and Kurt runs to
a suitable warm up spot. The two begin throwing the ball
behind the bench. The kick-off team heads out to the field.

The ball is kicked, the Redskin return team tackles the
Kerman player fairly easy.

A COUPLE PLAYS LATER - The scoreboard shows it's 3rd Down,
10 to go.

The pass lands incomplete. On the sideline, the down marker
shows a four.

COACH BARNES
Let's go. Punt return team.

Rick, standing next to Coach Stroud, waits for direction.

67.

COACH STROUD
(To Rick)
Martini. Taylor is going in at
Q.B. Take a breather.

Kurt pumps his fist and mouths yes. Ty does a little happy
dance. Jack quickly puts his helmet on.

Rick stands there in disbelief, then anger.

RICK
You can't do that! This is my
team!

COACH STROUD
It's done. Give it a rest.

RICK
This is bullshit.

As Jack and the rest of the offense trot onto the field,
Rick turns and walks to the back of the player area looking
for his dad in the stands. He sees him, raises his arms in
appeal, then throws his helmet on the ground.

Up in the stands, Rick Sr. sees his son and the realization
begins to show on his face.

RICK SR.
What's goin' on? Junior's not
hurt.

VERN
I think that moron just benched
your boy.

RICK SR.
We'll see about that.

Rick Sr. jumps to his feet and leans over the rail.

RICK SR.
(Yelling)
Hey coach. Have you lost your
mind?

Coach Stroud turns and glares for a brief moment then turns
back around. Rick Sr. sits back down.

RICK SR.
That knuckle head. When I get
done with him, he'll be lucky to
get a job coaching badminton.

68.

QUICK MONTAGE - THE NEXT SERIES

-- Jack completes a medium pass to Kurt.

-- Jack passes to Ty over the middle for another completion.

-- Jack fades back. He's in trouble. Defensive linemen
swarm him, but he miraculously evades the would be tacklers
and hurls a long pass to Kurt in the end zone for a
touchdown.

END MONTAGE

The Redskin fans jump to their feet, cheering.

In the front row, Rick Sr. and Vern remain seated, sulking.

RICK SR.
(To Vern)
Anybody could have thrown that
pass. Did you see how much time
he had?

VERN
He's not that good.

Jack jogs up to the sideline. The coach gives him a pat on
the back as he exits the field.

COACH STROUD
That's what I'm talkin' about.

ON THE FIELD - A SHORT TIME LATER

The Redskin defense tackles the Kerman quarterback for a
loss.

The Lion punter kicks the ball out of bounds.

On the Redskin sideline, Rick walks up to Coach Stroud.

RICK
When do I go back in, coach?

COACH STROUD
You don't. Not at Q.B. If you
wanna help, I could use you at
outside linebacker.

RICK
No thanks. I'll just wait 'till
this guy screws up. It won't be
long.

69.

MONTAGE

-- Jack throws short to Javier who scampers for 20 yards.

-- Jack passes to Kurt for a long gain.

-- Jack passes to Ty for a touchdown.

END MONTAGE

Jack walks off the field with his arms in the air signalling
touchdown. Ty runs towards the ref. with the ball held high
then flips it to him.

SCOREBOARD - HOME:14 VISITORS:14 DOWN:1 QTR: 3 TIME:1:43

Behind the bench, the cheerleaders jump up and down.

LATER

Near the stadium entrance, Rick Sr. and Vern are leaving
early.

RICK SR.
I've seen enough of this garbage.

VERN
Talk about luck.

Back on the field, Jack takes the snap and kneels as the
scoreboard ticks to zero.

SCOREBOARD - HOME:20 VISITORS:28 DOWN:1 QTR: 4 TIME:0:00

The Redskin players celebrate.

EXT. C.U.H.S. MAIN CAMPUS - DAY

Jack and Kurt walk onto the campus, just like any other
Monday morning, only today is different.

They see girls pointing and whispering. All around,
students are giving them various congratulatory gestures.

Darla and Stacy go out of their way to talk to them.

STACY
You guys were awesome.

DARLA
Nice catch, Kurt.

70.

KURT
Thanks.

Stacy's eyes stay on Jack as she walks away.

KURT
I think she gave you "the look."

JACK
No, she didn't give me...

KURT
Oh yeah, it was "the look."

JACK
You think? Wow!

KURT
So, this is what it feels like to
be the star players.

JACK
It's weird. Kinda what I
expected.

KURT
But, lame at the same time. All
we did was win a football game.

Jack nods in agreement.

JACK
And, if we lose next week, back to
normal.

KURT
That's not gonna happen. Not with
you starting.

JACK
You think coach will make me the
starter?

KURT
He better.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Jack struts confidently through the locker room toward the
coach's office.

He sees Gilbert and Jerome dressing out next to a row of

71.

lockers.

A senior passing by has a towel and it looks like he's ready
to smack Gilbert on the back of the head.

Jack stares down the senior. The boy recognizes him and
freezes.

JACK
Don't even think about it.

The boy quickly pulls in the towel and heads off. Jack
keeps walking.

JEROME (O.S.)
Thanks, P.D.

Jack Laughs and continues on. He's almost to the coach's
office when Rick emerges visually upset. Rick sees Jack and
grimaces.

RICK
I hope you're happy?

Jack shrugs ignorance.

RICK
You show up outta nowhere. You
take my job.

Rick attempts to dominate the hallway, expecting Jack to
step aside. He doesn't. A momentary empasse.

JACK
You talked to coach?

Jack stands his ground and Rick backs off.

RICK
Coach said you're starting against
Sierra.

JACK
Sorry, man. We still need you on
Defense.

Rick edges around Jack, avoiding contact, then stops for one
last remark.

RICK
Don't get hurt.

Rick turns and walks away.

72.

INT. R.V. WORLD MANAGER'S OFFICE - DAY

A newspaper slams on a desk.

The local paper headline reads, "Taylor Leads Redskins past
Sierra 42-10."

Then you see who slammed the paper. It's Rick SR. at his
desk with the paper in front of him next to an empty bottle
of vodka. Vern sits in a chair across the room with a
cocktail glass in hand.

RICK SR.
Can you believe this crap? Not
one word about junior.

VERN
He made four tackles.

RICK SR.
Stupid, small town newspaper.

Rick Sr. attempts to find the byline.

RICK SR. (CONT.)
Who wrote this shit?

VERN
I think it was Marty.

RICK SR.
I'll have his ass fired.

VERN
Have you talked to the
Superintendent?

RICK SR.
That son of a bitch won't do
nothing while they're winning.

VERN
So, what do we do boss?

RICK SR.
We wait for the kid to step on his
crank.

VERN
We better hurry. The season will
be over.

73.

RICK SR.
I got something in the works.

EXT. C.U.H.S - MAIN CAMPUS - DAY

The school is bustling with activity. Everywhere, you see
team jerseys and cheerleader outfits.

The band crew walks toward Jack in matching t-shirts that
say: "HO SQUAD" with Jack's number 12 below.

Jack, Kurt and Sarah watch as they approach.

SARAH
Here comes your fan club.

KURT
It's the HO Squad.

Kurt chuckles. Sarah looks confused.

SARAH
What's a HO Squad?

KURT
It's Jack's posse. Or in this
case, his ho's, making him the...

SARAH
Pimp, I get it.

JACK
Honestly, I think they wear them
for protection.

KURT
You might be right. Statistics
show freshman torture has dropped
a record 78 percent since you
arrived.

The crew stops in front of Jack.

JACK
What's up gang? You gonna rock
the house tonight?

JEROME
(Pointing to shirt)
So whatcha think?

74.

JACK
Awesome man. Where do I get one?

Jerome shoves Gilbert in the shoulder.

JEROME
(To Gilbert)
I told you he'd think it was cool.

GILBERT
We came up with a new cadence.

JEROME
You gonna love it, man. It's like
this.

Jerome starts tapping it out on his leg. The rest of the
crew joins in followed by Jack. Sarah rolls her eyes.

JACK
It totally rocks.

SARAH
You really are just a big jock
with a little band geek inside,
aren't you.

Jack flashes Sarah a sheepish grin.

INT. C.U.H.S. LIBRARY - DAY

Sarah and Jack sit at a corner table. Jack's HO squad is
hanging out at their usual table. Bert and Bart walk by the
HO's and completely ignore them.

SARAH
So, how does it feel, Jack?

JACK
What?

SARAH
Come on. How does it feel to be
the king -- the superstar?

JACK
It feels great. I admit it.

SARAH
I knew it.

75.

JACK
It's so much better than my first
try.

SARAH
And, now you can have your pick of
the cheerleaders. I know Stacy
has the hots for you.

JACK
You really think I care?

SARAH
You are a guy?

JACK
O.K., so I care a little, but
that's not it.

SARAH
Then what. You like being
popular?

JACK
No. I care about the team... the
season. I always knew I could do
this. I just never thought I'd
get the chance. But here I am.

SARAH
Isn't it cheating? You're a cop.

JACK
Not right now. I'm officially
enrolled, and I'm eligible until I
turn 20. The season will be over.

SARAH
What happens if you solve the
case?

JACK
I just need to stretch this thing
out until the end of the semester.
If I pass all my classes, I'll
have enough credits to graduate.

SARAH
Don't you have a G.E.D?

76.

JACK
Yeah, I have a G.E.D. A Good
Enough Diploma. It's not the
same.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

SUPER - C.U.H.S. REDSKINS V. YOSEMITE HIGH BADGERS

Jack readies the offense at the opponent 20 yard line. Kurt
and Ty are wide. The new drum cadence BEATS in the
background. The referee blows the whistle. The ball is in
play.

SCORE BOARD - HOME: 28 VISITORS: 7 QUARTER: 4 TIME: 2:05

Jack spots the defender move up to press Kurt.

JACK
Red 19. Red 19. Set, hut hut

Kurt makes a swim move around his man and jets passed him
down the sideline.

Jack launches a long pass. Kurt cradles the ball and trots
in for the score.

The home town crowd jumps to their feet. Everyone is
cheering and congratulating each other. Again, Rick Sr. and
Vern remain seated.

Jack and Kurt run off the field pointing to the stands with
index fingers signifying they're number one.

The celebration is too much. Rick Martini Sr. loses his
cool.

RICK SR.
Enjoy your last touchdown pass you
little shit.

VERN
How's that boss?

RICK SR.
It's time to wipe that smile off
his face.

VERN
Plan B?

77.

RICK SR.
Yeah. Before Junior misses the
whole season.

VERN
You want me to call my guy?

RICK SR.
No, you knuckle head. I got it
covered. Look what happened last
time I let you take care of
things.

Rick and Vern get up to leave, early as usual.

At the water station, Jack looks through the crowd. He makes
eye contact with Sarah in the band section. She smiles and
sticks out her tongue.

In the midst of the cheerleaders, Stacy waits for Jack to
look her way and then he does.

STACY
(To JACK)
Are you going to the homecoming
dance later?

JACK
Yeah, maybe.

STACY
Darla and I will be there. You
have to come.

JACK
I guess there's not much else
going on.

STACY
Great. I'll see you there.

Sarah spots Jack talking to Stacy and rolls her eyes.

SCORE BOARD - HOME: 35 VISITORS: 7 QUARTER: 4 TIME: 0:05

The clock ticks to zero, the whistle blows.

FIELD

REFEREE
Ball game.

78.

INT. C.U.H.S. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - NIGHT

Jack, Kurt, Ty and Javier walk through the door to the
homecoming high school dance.

Hip Hop music BLARES from large speakers. Most of the
attendees sit quietly in the bleachers. A few are out on
the dance floor.

The cheerleaders, now in skin tight cocktail dressses, chat
in a group near the refreshments. Jack's arrival is
definitely noticed by the squad as Stacy whispers in Darla's
ear.

KURT
Hey, there's Vanessa. I'll catch
up later.

Kurt heads straight for Vanessa. Ty makes a break towards
the dance floor and moves right in with a group of girls. He
immediately shows off his smooth moves.

JAVIER
You thirsty? I think I'll get
something to drink.

JACK
Nah, I'm good.

Jack spots Jerome and crew up in the stands and heads for
them. But, Stacy has different plans and intercepts him.

STACY
Hey Jack.

Jack looks Stacy up and down. Wow! Her tight dress shows
off every curve.

JACK
You look great.

STACY
Thanks.

JACK
So, this is homecoming? Somehow I
thought it would be bigger.

STACY
You've never been to a homecoming
dance?

79.

JACK
No. This is my first one.

STACY
They didn't have dances where you
went to school?

JACK
Yeah. They did. I just didn't
go.

STACY
Well, you're here now...

A slow song.

STACY
...and I think that's our song.

Stacy takes Jack by the hand and pulls him onto the dance
floor. She grabs his other hand and brings him closer.
Jack, gives in to the moment.

Sarah notices Jack with Stacy and looks hurt.

The slow music transitions back to hip hop.

JACK
Thanks. That was nice.

STACY
Stay and dance some more.

JACK
I'm pretty banged up. I probably
should just hang out on the
sidelines.

STACY
I'll come find you when it slows
back down.

JACK
Sounds great.

Jack walks off.

Stacy joins a bunch of her girlfriends on the floor.

Jack arrives at the upper bleachers where Gilbert and crew
spectate.

80.

JACK
What's up my HO's?

JEROME
You rocked out there tonight.

ALL
Great game. You were awesome.

JACK
Thanks guys.

GILBERT
We saw you with Stacy?

JEROME
(Rapping)
That girl has it going on...
shakin' that ass... all night
long.

JACK
She is pretty hot.

The boys continue to stare at the hot girls on the floor.
Bert and Bart try to move in and the girls shoo them off.

JEROME
Look at that...

Pointing to Bert and Bart's retreat.

JEROME
They got slammed.

Most of the crew laughs and exchanges high fives.

GILBERT
(To Jack)
What are you doing up here?
Shouldn't you be down there
gettin' busy.

JACK
Actually, I'm good right here.

JEROME
These are the best seats in the
house.

The drooling continues as the girls get naughtier.

81.

JACK
Yes they are.

Another slow song.

From the stands, Rick is seen leading an eager freshman out
on the dance floor.

Stacy looks up and doesn't see Jack. She looks around.

In another area of the bleachers, Vanessa and Kurt take in
the scene as Jack approaches.

Kurt leads Vanessa past Jack revealing Sarah, gorgeous in a
hot little, and I mean little, party dress.

Jack leaps a couple of benches and lands beside her.

JACK
Hey partner.

SARAH
You lose your cheerleader?

JACK
Yeah. I ditched her. Not my type.

JACK
What is your type, Jack?

JACK
You are. Isn't it obvious.

Jack holds his hand out and stands up.

SARAH
Oh. You do like smart and sexy.

Sarah reaches back, takes Jack's hand, and stands up.

JACK
Let's get out of here.

SARAH
Without your favorite cheerleader?

JACK
Knock it off.

Jack and Sarah walk hand-in-hand past the whole school.

On the dance floor, Kurt sees their escape and points it out
to Vanessa.

82.

KURT
(To Vanessa)
Uh oh. The Colonel's not gonna
like this.

Stacy, dancing with another football player, sees Jack and
Sarah walking out and pouts, then shakes it off, and
snuggles up to the guy even more.

Up in the bleachers, Jerome and the crew follow Jack and
Sarah with their eyes as they walk past.

JEROME
That's how it's done. Right
there.

GILBERT
Let's see your moves Jerome.

JEROME
I'm just looking for the right
opportunity. Then, I'm gonna
swoop on it... swoop!

Jack and Sarah exit.

INT. SARAH'S CAR - NIGHT

Sarah's driving down a country road toward the lake. Jack's
in the passenger seat with his feet on the dashboard. A
road sign reads, "Eastman lake 2 miles."

JACK
You think anyone noticed we left?

SARAH
Uh, Yeah! Just about everybody.

JACK
Oh. So you think...

SARAH
...that everyone believes...

JACK
...we're headed to the lake.

SARAH
We are headed to the lake.

JACK
Oh... Oh!

83.

SARAH
It's O.K. I've been 18 for a
week. You're not worried about
what people think are you?

JACK
If we don't count your dad and my
boss, then no. I don't care what
anybody says.

SARAH
You do want to, though, don't you?

JACK
I do. Believe me.

SARAH
He won't kill you for just kissing
me.

JACK
I'm a dude. And you do know what
they say?

SARAH
Bad brakes. I get it.

Sarah looks in the rear view mirror. A car is fast
approaching from behind.

SARAH
Jack...

Jack turns his head and looks over his shoulder.

JACK
...It's been there a while.

SARAH
And you didn't say anything?

The car speeds up and closes distance, then moves into the
other lane. It's closing fast.

JACK
We were talking.

The car moves up along side. Two men in black ski masks
peer at them through the window. The driver of the other
car turns the wheel toward them in an attempt to run them
off the road. The two vehicles collide several times.

84.

SARAH
You're the cop. Now what?

JACK
Hit your brakes. Let them by.

Sarah slams the brakes until the car stops. The other car
passes them and skids to a stop 30 feet away. Jack pulls out
his gun, pulls back and releases the upper receiver. The
gun CLICKS into locked and loaded position.

JACK
(To Sarah)
You might wanna duck or something.

Jack opens the passenger door, jumps out and gets in
position behind it. He points his gun at the car. Two burly
figures emerge and begin to walk toward them. One man has a
crow bar, the other a shotgun.

JACK
(Yelling)
Take one more step and I'll drop
you.

The two men continue.

Jack fires a shot at the man with the shotgun.

The bullet strikes him in the upper thigh. His shotgun goes
off harmlessly into the air. He drops it and grabs his
wounded leg, then limps back to the car.

The man with the crowbar quickly jumps back in the driver's
seat. Once the other man gets in the car it burns rubber as
it leaves.

SARAH
Oh my God you shot him.

JACK
In the leg. You o.k?

SARAH
I'm fine. Let's get out of here
before they come back.

JACK
Good idea. But, I don't think
they're coming back.

Sarah wheels the car around and heads for home.

85.

SARAH
Shouldn't we call the police?

JACK
No. No. They'll pull me.

SARAH
You're not ready to leave?

JACK
No. I'm not.

SARAH
Good.

JACK
We can't hide the damage to the
car, but we don't have to say
anything about a shoot out.

SARAH
Got it.

EXT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - NIGHT

Sarah's banged up car limps on to the driveway. It's late.
Kurt's car is already there. Standing by the door, again,
is Bill Richardson. Jack and Sarah notice him about the
same time. They look at each other.

JACK
We're not talking ourselves out of
this one.

SARAH
Nope.

Jack hurries out of the car. Sarah opens her dented door.
It makes an awful CREAKING sound. She attempts to shut it,
but it's hanging badly. Bill stomps toward the car. He's
fuming.

JACK
Bill. It's not her fault. We
need to talk.

SARAH
(Sugary)
Hey, daddy.

BILL
Go in the house.

86.

SARAH
I didn't do anything wrong.

JACK
Let me explain.

BILL
I said...

SARAH
I'm staying. I know he's a cop.

BILL
Oh Great.

JACK
Someone tried to run us off the
road out by the lake.

BILL
What were you doing...

SARAH
Nothing daddy. I've been helping
him with the case.

BILL
You've been what?

JACK
She figured it out. We can't
prove it yet, but...

BILL
Really? What do you know?

JACK
It's Martini. I mean Mr. Martini.

SARAH
He's obsessed with his son being
the star quarterback. First he
went after Drew. And now, Jack.

BILL
We've suspected him all along, but
we needed...

SARAH
(Interrupting)
You needed bait. Father! You
knew this. And, you let Jack...

87.

JACK
(Interrupting)
Really?

BILL
It's his job. We figured if Jack
could take Rick's spot, his dad
might try something again.

JACK
It wasn't him. He sent a couple
of guys in masks. We got nothing.
No license, no I.D.

BILL
At least we know we were right.
That's a start. And you, young
lady, need to stay clear of this.

SARAH
Oh yeah. I'll just stay home from
school till the end of the year.

BILL
That's not what I mean't. Just no
more late night drives...

Sarah stomps off.

BILL (CONT'D)
...Or dates.

Bill turns to Jack.

BILL (CONT'D)
I don't mind doing my part, but
keep her out of this. We clear?

JACK
Crystal, sir.

INT. FARNESI'S COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Jack and Rod are sitting in a corner booth, away from the
rest of the patrons. Jack is obviously angry.

JACK
So, I was just bait. Was that it?

ROD
Why else would we put a 19 year
old rookie undercover.

88.

JACK
You could have told me.

ROD
The Captain didn't think it was a
good idea. Your first assignment
and all.

JACK
Thanks a lot. I knew this was too
good to be true.

ROD
Hey. I convinced him you could do
this. And you have. You're on
your way.

JACK
I got nothing. No license, no
descriptions. Just a late model
Chrysler.

ROD
The Captain's not gonna like that.

JACK
Those guys were pros. And when
they do come back, it could be a
whole lot worse.

ROD
We'll have backup on stand-by for
you.

JACK
All right, but I'm gonna need my
car.

ROD
I'll drop it off at the house
tonight.

EXT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - NIGHT

Jack sits in the front seat of a new, cherry red Camaro.
Sarah leans into the passenger window.

SARAH
Don't wreck this car.

JACK
Funny.

89.

Sarah starts to open the door. Jack pulls it shut.

JACK
Oh no you don't.

SARAH
Awe. You gonna let my dad tell
you what to do?

JACK
No. But, he's right. You need to
stay away from me until this is
over.

SARAH
How are you suppose to solve this
case without me?

JACK
I'm just the bait, remember.

SARAH
You're more than that. Much more.

JACK
Maybe to the team. But, not to
the department.

SARAH
I was talking about me.

JACK
Sarah. Those guys might come
back. I couldn't live with myself
if something happened to you.

SARAH
I'll be fine. It's you I'm
worried about.

Jack puts the car in gear. Sarah backs away as Jack drives
off. She watches the car until it turns the corner.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Jack and Kurt stroll into the Varsity locker room.

KURT
Their secondary isn't fast, so if
we throw short early, we'll draw
them in.

90.

JACK
We need to look at more of their
game films. I think the left side
is the weakest.

KURT
I agree. Number 22 is probably...

Jack opens his locker and there is Gilbert wearing his HO
shirt, squeezed in and DUCT taped.

JACK
(Interrupting)
Douche bags!

Kurt hurries over to see what the problem is while Jack
carefully pulls Gilbert out of the locker and rips the tape
off of Gilbert's mouth.

GILBERT
They got all of us.

KURT
Oh great.

Jack and Kurt go around opening lockers and freeing the HO
squad. One by one, they are rescued, all except Jerome.

Jack opens the janitor closet revealing:

Jerome, dressed like a mummy with duct tape and gym towels
hanging on the closet wall.

KURT
(To Gilbert)
Who did this?

GILBERT
The Bubbas and a couple other
guys.

JACK
Was Rick one of them?

GILBERT
No. A couple of Bart's friends.

JACK
He never does his own dirty work.

Jack pulls the tape off of Jerome's mouth.

91.

JEROME
(Almost crying)
Get me down from here. This shit
ain't funny.

Kurt and Jack unhitch Jerome from the mop hanger while
Gilbert and the other victims gather. Jerome is now on his
feet, still encased in towels.

GILBERT
We really need a picture of this.

Gilbert snaps a picture with his cell phone while Jack and
Kurt plant kisses on Jerome's terry cloth face.

Gilbert looks down at the snapshot and busts out laughing.

JEROME
You guys suck.

Jack and Kurt laugh as Gilbert shows Jerome the picture. He
finally succumbs to the hilarity of his situation and joins
in.

A SHORT TIME LATER

Jerome is freed from his bonds and players are wandering in.
Jerome and Gilbert begin to feel a little uncertain about
their presence in the holy hall.

            JACK
      (To Gilbert and
       Jerome)
All right guys. Get out of here
while you can and trust me! There
will be a reckoning.

KURT
Count on it.

Without saying a word and having no doubt in their minds,
Gilbert and Jerome race from the locker room to safer
grounds.

With a puzzled look on his face, Jack begins looking around.

JACK
Anybody seen my helmet?

Coach Stroud walks in with a brand new starter helmet.

COACH STROUD
Right here -

92.

The coach tosses it to Jack.

COACH STROUD
- you've earned it.

INT. CAFETERIA - DAY

Jack, Kurt and the Ho squad at the usual table ponder their
next move.

Across the dining hall, Rick and the Bubba's, savoring their
victory, do their best to rub it in by laughing overtly and
retelling the story to everyone MOS.

JACK
I can probably get them kicked off
the team for bullying.

GILBERT
No. No. As dumb as they are, you
need blockers.

JEROME
You weren't the one hanging in the
closet.

KURT
He's right. There's a better way.
Besides, Rick's the one pulling
the strings.

GILBERT
So what should we do?

JACK
(Beat) It depends. How much
payback do you want?

GILBERT
Are we paying them back for this
time only... or all the other
times?

JEROME
I say we pay them back for this
time, the last time, all the other
times... and for all the other
freshman, too.

93.

JACK
Well, all right. This is gonna
take some planning, but I have a
few ideas.

The group huddles and begins planning MOS.

INT. JACK'S CAR - NIGHT

Jack's Camaro rolls out of the high school parking lot onto
the city street. He is alone.

From half a block away, a sedan pulls out and begins to
follow at a distance.

Jack spots the car in the rear view, reaches down, and hits
a speed dial button on his cell phone. A bluetooth device
sticks out from his ear. A weapon is laying on the seat
beside him.

Jack turns a corner, the car is still there.

JACK
It's a late model Chrysler, same
as before. I'm on 11th almost to
Robertson. I'm turning right on
Trinity.

ROD
(V.O.)
Calling it in now. Two patrol
cars are in the vicinity. More
coming.

Jack makes a turn, the car follows him.

JACK
They're closing. Where's my
backup?

ROD
You should see them.

Jack speeds up and continues to look in the rear view.

Suddenly, two police cars appear behind the sedan. Lights go
on.

Jack passes an intersection. Another police car cuts in
behind him and stops in the intersection.

94.

The sedan screeches to a halt. Officers converge with guns
drawn as Jack drives away.

JACK
They got 'em.

ROD
(V.O.)
Excellent. I'll call you as soon
as I know something.

INT. C.U.H.S. VARSITY LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

The locker room is bustling with activity as players don
their uniforms.

Jack applies black grease paint in preparation for the
bright lights. From his locker, a cell phone rings. Jack
looks down at the caller I.D. and quickly picks it up while
hitting the answer button. He hurries out of the locker
room.

JACK
Nice timing. I'm about to play a
football game.

ROD
(V.O.)
The two guys we...

JACK
(Interrupting)
Hang on. I gotta find some
privacy.

Jack ducks into a lonely section of the building.

JACK
Go on.

ROD
(V.O.)
Anyway, they're heavy hitters out
of L.A. We have them both in
custody on weapons charges.

JACK
Did they talk?

            ROD
      (V.O.)
Not much. But one of them had a
bullet hole in his leg. You know
            (MORE)

95.

ROD (cont'd)
anything about that?

JACK
No. Why would I?

ROD
(V.O.)
Nothing you want to add to your
report?

Players are filing by and heading out to the field. Coach
Stroud looks over at Jack.

COACH STROUD
You coming?

Points at his watch.

Jack nods at the coach and returns to his phone call.

JACK
No it's complete. Hey I gotta go.
This is our last game before
playoffs. If we win, we'll have
home...

ROD
(Interrupting)
I wouldn't worry too much about
football. The Captain's pulling
your plug.

JACK
I just need two, maybe three more
weeks. I know he'll make another
move.

ROD
It's over. Martini knows we're on
to him.

JACK
He's not done. I know his type.

The coach pops his head back in and sees Jack still on the
phone.

COACH STROUD
(Yelling)
Taylor, football, now!

Jack covers the phone with his hand.

96.

JACK
(To Coach)
I'm coming.

JACK
(To Rob)
Just stall him, two weeks.

Jack closes his phone and runs back to his locker.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

A football, spirals, hanging for several moments then dives
toward:

Kurt running down the sideline with a defender close behind.
The outstretched arms of the defender attempt to deflect
the long bomb to no avail as Kurt embraces the pass in the
back of the end zone.

The referee signals Touchdown.

The crowd erupts in confident cheers.

Behind the bench, cheerleaders jump up and down.

The Redskin Marching Band BLARES the school fight song.

On the field, Jack, triumphant, pumps his fist then runs
off, arms in the air, echoing the referee. He knows his
last pass sealed the victory.

SCOREBOARD - HOME:34 VISITORS:24 DOWN:1 QTR: 4 TIME:1:27

Jack slows to a walk as he exits the field. Coach Stroud
slows him gives him a quick embrace.

COACH STROUD
Way to close. I knew you could do
it.

JACK
I just throw the ball coach.

COACH STROUD
Yeah right.

Coach gives Jack a friendly smack on the back of the helmet.

At the water station, Jack looks past the admiring
cheerleaders, up through the stands, searching for Sarah and

97.

a look of approval. Jack waits for the music to finish.

She finally looks back. Sticks her tongue out. That's all
he needed. With a smile on his face, he turns around and
watches the clock tick to zero.

SCOREBOARD - HOME:34 VISITORS:24 DOWN:4 QTR: 4 TIME:0:00

The Redskin sideline erupts in a victory celebration.
Players jump up and down, tackle each other, pandimonium.

The crowd is on their feet cheering.

Kurt runs up to Jack and offers a high five. Jack wraps his
arms around Kurt.

KURT
We're in the playoffs baby.

JACK
Three more wins and we're Valley
Champs.

KURT
We may have to face Dos Palos
again.

JACK
God, I hope so.

EXT. C.U.H.S OUTSIDE BOYS LOCKER ROOM - DAY

The HO Squad, prepped for battle, stands ready as Jack
approaches.

JACK
You get everything?

GILBERT
I think so.

JACK
We have fifteen minutes, so let's
go.

ALL
Oh yeah. Heck yeah.

The crew enters.

98.

INT. C.U.H.S. VARSITY LOCKER ROOM - DAY

The room is empty, except for the crew. Jack, with a master
key, quickly opens lockers while each member goes to work.

One by one, locker doors close and each boy gives a thumbs
up.

Gilbert is still busy applying some type of cream to an
athletic supporter as Jack senses they're out of time.

JACK
Quickly, let's get out of here.

GILBERT
Almost finished. Got it.

Gilbert shuts the locker and sets the lock.

JEROME
I can't wait to see the look on
their faces.

The crew hurries out of the room. Jack shuts the door
behind them.

LATER

The locker room is full of players dressing for practice.

Bart squeezes into dirty practice pants and lets out a loud
fart.

Kent grabs his helmet and heads out the door.

Bert slams a protein drink and BURPS obnoxiously.

Jack, ready to go, sits in front of his locker watching the
scene unfold with a cheesy grin on his face.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

The team, wearing practice jerseys is gathered in a
semi-circle around Coach Stroud, some standing, some on
knees.

In the front row of the stands, the HO squad watches and
waits.

RICK
(To Bart)
What are those tools doing here?

99.

BART
You want me to run 'em off?

RICK
You have any duck tape left?

BERT
I do.

RICK
Let them stay.

All three mischievously smile at each other.

COACH STROUD
I know you want another shot at
the Broncos, but tomorrow's game
is the one that counts.

Something isn't right with Bart's jock. He pulls on it
through his pants.

COACH STROUD
Their rush defense ranked --

Bart, now panicking, repeatedly pulls at his jock.

COACH STROUD
-- what's the problem Baker?

The HO Squad is now standing, leaning over the rail, all
eyes on Bart.

BART
I don't know Coach? Hot. My jock
is hot.

ALL
Laughs.

BART
It's really hot.

Bart bolts out of the group and runs toward the water
station.

BART
(Screaming)
My balls -- fire.

Bart arrives at the water table and furiously douses
himself, shoving water bottles down his pants and shaking
them vigorously.

100.

The HO squad is now falling out of the stands laughing.

JEROME
(To Gilbert)
I told you pepper spray would
work.

Bart looks up in the stands and sees the laughter. His
expression changes from pain and humiliation to fury. But,
the burning in his crotch is not quenched. He pulls off his
pants and runs off in the direction of the locker room with
his big hairy butt cheeks flapping.

The Coach attempts to refocus the team.

COACH STROUD
All right. Show's over. Eyes on
me.

Now, Bert seems to be having a problem with gas. His
stomach GRUMBLES loud enough for the coach to notice as he
winces in pain. Coach Barnes is not amused.

COACH STROUD
As I was saying, they have one of
the best defenses...

The volcano in Bert's stomach erupts in a massive fart. The
team APPLAUDS. Rick shoves him.

COACH BARNES
Knock it off Baker.

RICK
Dude! Go take a crap or
something.

Bert puts his hand on his backside as his bowels go off
again. He begins to walk out of the mass of players, then
speeds up into a penquin walk, still holding his backside.
The locker room appears to be a mile away.

COACH STROUD
Anyone else need a break before we
get started?

ALL
No Coach.

Bert has almost reached the locker room.

A loud butt BELCH, the back of his pants go brown.

101.

BERT
Awe man.

Several cheerleaders hear and smell Bert as he waggles by.

DARLA
Oh, gross.

STACY
Oh. My. God.

Bert, now past the cheerleaders, walks with both hands on
his backside attempting to no avail to hide the brown gravy
in his pants.

DARLA
He didn't. O.M.G. He did.

The girls laugh and scream as they run off.

BACK AT THE STADIUM

Rick walks off the field and begins to remove his helmet.
Jack and Kurt, already on the sideline, cringe in
anticipation as it slowly comes off.

In the stands, the HO Squad breathlessly awaits the
unveiling.

The helmet is off. Kent's hair is covered in pink dye.

Kurt and Jack turn away from Kent to disguise their
laughter.

Rick becomes suspicious. He begins looking around and
checking himself.

TY
Nice look. Who's your stylist?

Rick wipes the now pink sweat off his forehead and examines
his fingers. He looks at Kurt and Jack who no longer
disguise their laughter.

He sees the HO Squad in the stands, still laughing.

He wipes both hands through his hair and now they are
covered in pink. Furious, he grabs his helmet and heads
toward the locker room.

102.

RICK
(To Jack)
Nobody messes with Rick Martini.
Nobody.

JACK
Get over yourself, Rick.

Rick takes a step toward Jack. Jack lets go of his helmet
and takes a step toward Rick. Rick changes his mind, then
walks away.

JACK
(Baiting)
What? No backup, no balls?

Rick, walking away, raises his pink hand and gives Jack the
finger without turning around.

EXT. C.U.H.S CAMPUS - HALLWAY - DAY

The corridor is empty except for Jerome.

A school bell RINGS.

Jerome hurries his pace.

At the corner, Bert, in his team jersey appears and blocks
Jerome's escape.

JEROME
Ah crap.

BERT
I did that. And, I think you know
why.

Rick, also wearing his team jersey with shades of pink still
in his hair, steps around the corner.

RICK
He's mine.

Bert grabs Jerome and holds him from behind. Jerome
struggles to no avail. Rick steps up and punches Jerome in
the stomach.

RICK
You wanna tell me...

Pointing at his head.

103.

RICK
...who did this?

JEROME
Your gay barber?

Rick punches Jerome again. Jerome, out of breath, keels
over.

Jack suddenly appears from behind the corner.

JACK
Rick! I'm amazed. You finally
did your own dirty work.

Bert turns and lets go of Jerome who falls to the floor.
Rick steps over Jerome.

RICK
Don't blame me. Blame yourself.

Coach Stroud now appears from behind the same corner. Rick
and Bert gulp.

COACH STROUD
I'm blaming you. Martini, you're
off the team. Clean out your
locker.

Coach points his finger at Bert.

COACH STROUD
And you mister are one mistake
away from joining him. Both of
you, dean's office, now.

Coach grabs Rick by the jersey and pulls him down the
hallway. Bert sheepishly follows. Jack helps Jerome to his
feet.

JACK
You o.k?

JEROME
It was worth it.

EXT. EASTMAN LAKE - NIGHT

A huge celebration party is raging. Most of the high school
is there. A crowd surrounds a keg on ice in the back of a
pickup truck. Another group is gathered around Jack, Kurt
and several of the varsity starters.

104.

Kurt, beer in hand, high fives Ty.

KURT
One to go, baby.

Through the din of celebration, Jack presses his cell phone
to his ear and listens intently. Jack closes his phone and
puts it in his pocket then taps Kurt on the shoulder.

JACK
The Broncos won. Forty-four to
nothing.

KURT
Jesus!

The smile is suddenly gone from Kurt's face.

TY
What was the score?

Javier and several of the other players hear and the word
spreads quickly.

JACK
I said forty-four to zero.

TY
I thought Clovis would give them a
better game.

Jack stands up on the picnic table. The crowd quiets as Jack
motions to gather around.

JACK
It looks like we have a second
shot at Dos Palos.

Many in the crowd grown.

JACK
Hey. What's a Championship game
without the two best teams? I
wouldn't have it any other way.

KURT
We can take those guys.

A spattering of half hearted CHEERS echo Kurt's sentiment.

JACK
We're not the same football team
they met at the beginning of the
season. Not only can we win this
(MORE)

105.

JACK (cont'd)
game, we will win it.

The crowd, beginning to believe erupts in cheers.

JACK
Who are we?

ALL
Redskins!

JACK
Who are we?

ALL
Redskins!

JACK
Redskins, Redskins...

The crowd joins in. The chanting crescendos.

ALL
Redskins, Redskins, Redskins.

PARKING LOT

Rick, Bert and Bart walk toward the celebration. Rick,
quite intoxicated but still in a hurry, outpaces them like a
man on a mission.

As Rick enters the gathering, Jack steps off the table. The
cheers immediately cease.

Rick stops a few feet away from Jack, and suddenly, the
gaggle morphs into a circle awaiting a fight that's been a
long time coming.

RICK
(To Jack)
You think you're the shit, don't
you.

JACK
You're drunk, Rick, go home.

RICK
Did you think I was just gonna let
you get away with this?

JACK
I'm not going to fight you Rick.

106.

RICK
Yeah, you are.

Rick attempts to push Jack, but misses as Jack moves back
and to the side. Rick stumbles.

JACK
You really want to do this?

RICK
Yeah. I'm gonna do you like I did
your girlfriend.

Jack looks over at Sarah. She's shaking her head as in "it
never happened."

Rick throws a punch that grazes the side of Jack's head and
the fight is on. Rick, recklessly attacks Jack until Jack
finally has enough and in a flurry of punches puts Rick
firmly on his backside.

Bleeding, hurt and angry, Rick pleads with his posse.

RICK
Finish that piece of shit.

BERT
Not me, man.

BART
I'm not missing the championship
game.

Rick struggles to his feet, staggering.

RICK
Fuck you then, you retard losers.

BERT
You don't own me.

BART
Yeah. Go sleep it off.

Rick staggers into the darkness. The Bubba twins stay. Both
shake Jack's hand and you can tell they are apologizing MOS.

LATER ON THE DOCK

Jack and Sarah huddle by a fire pit. Most of the crowd is
gone and only a few fires still burn.

Vanessa and Kurt are making out in the distance.

107.

SARAH
One game to go,huh?

JACK
Yeah. If they don't yank me
first.

SARAH
They would do that?

JACK
They are doing that. Not enough
evidence to continue. I guess I
blew it.

SARAH
But, he sent those guys after you.

JACK
They're not talking.

SARAH
So, this is it then?

JACK
Pretty much.

SARAH
At least you have enough credits
to graduate.

JACK
Only if I pass my finals next
week.

SARAH
You'll pass them.

JACK
Not if I don't get to take them.

SARAH
Can't you do anything about it?

JACK
I'm working on that.

EXT. SCHOOL PARKING LOT - DAY

Through the windshield of his Camaro, parked in the school
lot, you see Jack in a heated argument on his cell phone.

108.

Finally, the call ends and Jack, frustrated, tosses the
phone into the back seat.

Kurt walks up wearing his team jersey and gives Jack the
let's go sign. Jack emerges wearing his jersey as well
meaning it's Friday. Game day. The big day.

They strut into the campus and are greeted by well wishers.
The school is abuzz with excitement.

JACK
Two finals to go, and I'm home
free. I'll see you at lunch so we
can go over the adjustments we
talked about.

KURT
Just one left for me. I'm so
ready for this, brother.

The two fist bump and head in opposite directions.

INT. DETECTIVE RODRIGUEZ'S CAR - DAY

Rob is holding his cell phone to his ear. Beat.

INT. JACK'S CAR - DAY

The phone rings in the back seat.

INT. DETECTIVE RODRIGUEZ'S CAR - DAY

Rob gives up and pushes the end button on his phone. He
sets it down and wheels his car in the opposite direction.

INT. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE - DAY

Rodriguez talks to the receptionist MOS then dons a
visitor's pass.

INT. CLASS ROOM - DAY

Jack concentrates on a final and bubbles in an answer.

The door opens and Rob peers in, looking around until he
finally spots Jack. Rob motions Jack to come outside.

Jack gives him the wait a minute sign then answers a couple

109.

more questions quickly. Finally, Jack gets up and hurries
to the door.

EXT. C.U.H.S. - OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM - DAY

Jack exits the classroom, a look of irritation on his face.

JACK
I'm right in the middle of a test.
What are you doing here?

ROD
It's over. The captain wants you
out, now.

JACK
Just tell the captain, two more
tests and a football game. Then I
don't need to be here anymore.

ROD
You've been stalling two weeks. Do
you really want to know what the
captain said?

JACK
No. I can only imagine.

ROD
Let's go. Your debriefing is at
one.

A nerdy looking student opens the classroom door and walks
past Jack and Rob.

NERD
Aced it.

JACK
I'm not going.

ROD
If you don't show up -- this time
tomorrow, you'll have no job and
nowhere to live.

JACK
Just tell the captain, I'll be in
on Monday. Martini may still try
something.

110.

ROD
Why would he?

JACK
Revenge. Now get outta here. I
have a test to finish.

ROD
I'll tell him. But you may not
like the results.

Rob turns away. Jack rushes back into the classroom.

EXT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - JACK'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jack's closet is nearly empty as he hurriedly stuffs clothes
into his duffle bag. Sarah enters the room.

SARAH
I'm gonna miss you, Jack Taylor.

JACK
Not yet. We still have a game to
win. And, I think we may still
have a case.

Sarah moves closer, Jack keeps stuffing clothes into the
duffle bag.

SARAH
What's going on?

JACK
I was followed home. The car is
still down the street.

Jack throws the duffle over his shoulder then gives Sarah a
quick hug.

SARAH
Have you called for backup?

JACK
They pulled the plug. There won't
be any backup.

Sarah gives Jack a big hug and holds on for an extra moment.

SARAH
Be careful.

111.

JACK
I just need to make it to the
school. If I still have a tail,
I'll call it in.

SARAH
O.K. I'll see you at the game.

EXT. RICHARDSON HOUSE - NIGHT

Jack pulls out on to the suburban street.

A large pickup truck tails him from a safe distance.

As Jack drives through the neighborhood, the truck continues
its pursuit. He makes a left turn and the truck doesn't
follow. Jack gives a sigh of relief.

EXT. C.U.H.S. PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Jack opens his car door and steps out. Suddenly, the butt
of a pistol CRACKS Jack in the back of the head.

BLACK

EXT. LAKESHORE - BOAT DOCK - NIGHT

Jack sits in the driver seat of his car, handcuffed to the
steering wheel. He's groggy, fading in and out of
consciousness. Rick Sr. leans into the car to give his
victim a final farewell.

RICK SR.
Looks like you're gonna miss that
game tonight.

JACK
Huh.

RICK SR.
Do you have any idea how much
money I've spent on quarterback
camps, private coaches? A fucking
fortune.

JACK
You think you'll get away with
this?

112.

RICK SR.
After you skip out on the game,
who's gonna miss you?

JACK
Killing me won't get Rick back on
the team.

Rick Sr. slaps Jack in the side of his head.

RICK SR.
If you don't show, what choice do
they have?

JACK
You're wacked, man. Coach would
put our punter in first.

Rick Sr. releases the emergency brake.

RICK SR.
You won't be around to find out.

The car begins to roll.

Rick spits in Jack's direction. A show of disgust.

RICK SR.
Punk ass kid.

Satisfied with his job, Rick Sr. hurriedly leaves the scene
in his large 4x4 truck as the car sinks into the lake.

INT. JACK'S CAR - NIGHT

Jack is wide awake as his car fills up with water. He uses
his elbow to roll the window all the way up in an attempt to
buy time, then struggles with the handcuffs around the
steering wheel.

The car disappears beneath the surface of the lake as
bubbles boil to the surface.

Inside the car, Jack continues to struggle as the water
rises. He attempts to open the glove compartment with his
feet to no avail. Time is running out as his air pocket
shrinks.

Suddenly, the passenger door opens. Water rushes in,
revealing Sarah, fully clothed in her band uniform. She
struggles to free Jack, but his handcuffs keep him trapped.

113.

In the murky waters, Jack motions toward the glove
compartment. Sarah nods and quickly opens it finding a pair
of handcuff keys. After some struggle, the handcuffs open.

At the surface, Jack and Sarah emerge from the water,
gasping for air.

INT. SARAH'S CAR - NIGHT

Both dripping wet, Sarah speeds toward town passing a sign
that reads, "Chowchilla 3 Miles."

JACK
How did you know I was there?

SARAH
When you didn't show for warm-ups,
I had a hunch.

JACK
You're a much better detective
than I'll ever be.

Near the school.

JACK
I'm out of time. Just drop me off
and call your dad.

SARAH
How's your head? Can you play?

JACK
I'll be o.k. That lake water sure
woke me up.

SARAH
Me too.

Sarah's car pulls up to the school parking lot and skids to
a stop.

Jack quickly exits. Before he closes the door, he looks
back at Sarah.

JACK
I guess I owe you one.

SARAH
More than one, buddy.

114.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

SUPER: PRESENT DAY - VALLEY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Jack looks up into the stands. Rick Sr. looks back at Jack.
He panics then scurries out of the stands followed by Vern.

At the gate, police officers arrest Rick Sr. and Vern.

The other team catches the first kickoff and runs it back
for a touchdown.

The extra point is good.

SCOREBOARD HOME: 0 VISITORS 7 Quarter: 1 Time: 11:37

The ball is kicked, the cougar player is tackled.

Jack heads out to the field, the huddle breaks, Jack is
under center calling the play. His head is going in and out
of blurred and solid vision. The ball is snapped, he
passes, the ball off target into the ground in front of his
receiver.

The Redskins punt.

MONTAGE

-- A Bronco runner makes a good gain.

-- A Bronco player catches a long pass.

-- The Redskins stuff a Bronco runner.

-- The down marker moves to four.

-- The field goal is good.

END MONTAGE

SCOREBOARD - Home: 0 Visitors 10 Quarter: 2 Time: 1:49

Jack is at the back of the team area, looking for Sarah in
the band section. She finally shows up. She sees him. She
sticks her tongue out. All is well.

On the sideline, the Redskin coaches stand together talking
MOS. The camera moves in.

COACH STROUD
I don't know what's wrong with
him. He's just off.

115.

COACH BARNES
He didn't exactly get a warm-up.
He'll come out of it.

COACH STROUD
Let's hope so.

The Redskin player is tackled on the kick-off. Jack stands
by the coach listening to directions. He's got his focus
back.

COACH STROUD
We need to exploit that left
corner. Run the out, the X post
then the shake.

JACK
Got it.

MONTAGE

-- Jack completes the out - Kurt runs out of bounds.

-- Ty catches the post and is immediately tackled.

-- Coach calls a time out.

END MONTAGE

On the sideline, Jack and Coach confer MOS.

SCOREBOARD - HOME: 0 Visitors 10 Quarter 2 Time: 00:46

On the field, the ball is snapped. Jack overthrows a ball
to Javier on the right sideline.

The home crowd groans.

Next play, Jack hits Ty for a short gain. The clock is down
to 7 seconds.

Coach calls signals time out.

The teams are lined up. The ball is snapped.

Jack fades back.

The clock ticks down.

Jack hits Kurt in the end zone for a touchdown.

The kick is good.

116.

SCOREBOARD Home: 7 Visitors 10 Quarter: 2 Time: 0:00

INT. C.U.H.S. VARSITY LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

It's half-time. The team sits on benches in the locker
room. The coach is at the head of the mass of players
drawing on a white board.

A door bursts open revealing Captain Smith and two Sheriff's
deputies.

The whole team looks surprised.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Coach, I'm gonna need to talk to
one of your boys. He knows who he
is.

Coach Stroud brushes past several players to face the
Captain.

COACH STROUD
What's this all about?

JACK
It's me coach --

Jack stands up and walks toward the door.

JACK
-- he wants to talk to me.

COACH STROUD
What have you done, son?

JACK
I'll be right back.

To the coach and the team.

JACK
I haven't done anything.

Jack walks out the door with the Captain.

CAPTAIN SMITH
We've got Martini in custody. It's
over. And we're fishing your car
out of the lake at this very
moment.

117.

Jack lets out a sigh of relief.

JACK
The department's gonna pay for it
right?

CAPTAIN SMITH
Don't worry about your car. These
guys will escort you back to
headquarters.

JACK
I'm not going anywhere.

CAPTAIN SMITH
Excuse me, deputy.

JACK
About that. I quit. And if you
want my testimony, you'll get out
of here and let me finish my
football game.

CAPTAIN SMITH
You're throwing away a promising
career, son.

JACK
I don't see it that way, Captain.
I'll be there after the game.

The Captain stands there dumbfounded as Jack exits.

The locker room door opens. Jack walks in and gives a
thumbs up. The team erupts in cheers. Jack jumps up on a
bench and quiets the team.

JACK
Just so you all know. I do
believe. In you, myself and our
coaches. Let's go win this
football game.

The whole team erupts in cheers and excitement.

EXT. C.U.H.S. FOOTBALL STADIUM - NIGHT

MONTAGE

-- Jack throws - Kurt catches a long pass and scores.

-- Ty runs across the goal line, the referee signals

118.

touchdown.

-- Javier scores a touchdown.

-- Kurt scores a touchdown.

END MONTAGE

SCOREBOARD - Home: 35 Visitors: 10 Quarter: 4 Time: 0:07

The clock ticks down. The cheerleaders scream, the home
town fans erupt in cheers and storm the field as the clock
hits zero. The players jump up and down and hug.

The losing team, solemnly walks away.

Jack runs off the field looking for someone. Through the
crowd, Sarah appears. They embrace. Finally, they kiss.
Bill Richardson spots them from the stands and jumps over
the front rail.

He walks up to Jack and Sarah, his arm still around her
waist. He reaches out his hand to Jack.

Kurt runs up and jumps on both of them. All three go down
in a heap laughing.

BILL
Excellent work son. I just want
to tell you -- the room's still
yours if you need it.

JACK
As a matter of fact, I do.

BILL
I will, of course, be putting
double locks on my daughter's
door.

Sarah gives her dad the "not funny" look.

EXT. FRESNO STATE CAMPUS - DAY

Sarah, wearing a Fresno State marching band uniform, walks
into the stadium and takes a seat in the front row of the
stands with her sax in hand.

On the field, the Bull Dog football team is practicing. A
quarterback runs to his right and passes the ball as he
steps out of bounds. He looks up at Sarah. It's Jack. He
smiles.

119.
She flashes a quick grin then gives him the tongue. He laughs and shakes his head.

FADE OUT.

Feedback

From Ricky Nations	Date 2/17/2011
First off, from beginning to end, this was just a fun screenplay to read. STORY: I found the story to move along quickly at a good pace. It had very likeable characters that the reader was immediately drawn to. Of course, I liked the �family� of Jack, Kurt and Sarah. The HO�s were fun and I think many people would be able to relate to them. There are some stories that have constant conflict and bumps in the road. This story just flowed along with a minimal of conflict. For every conflict, there was a solution or retribution. In some ways, this story flowed along in a way that was almost unreal in that almost everything that Jack set out to do, he was not only successful, he was extremely successful. Having said that, on a Friday night after a long week, that is exactly what I am looking for in a movie. CHARACTERS: The characters were well described and as I mentioned earlier, they were likeable. I liked the fact that a hot sister was under the same roof as Jack. This added something �nice� to the story. Also, for some reason as I read this, the main cheerleader character reminded me of the blond cheerleader on Glee, Dianna Argon. DIALOG: In general, the dialog was excellent. You really did a good job with this. SCENES: The scenes moved at a quick and even pace. One scene flowed into another very well. I would not change a thing. TECHNICAL CRAFT: Excellent! CINEMATIC QUALITY: I think the cinematic quality of this screenplay is excellent. It is a solid PG screenplay that involves young, attractive people. Besides a fair number of extras that would be needed, this would be a fairly inexpensive screenplay to make. It would good for a young, new on the scene, break out actor (who would also be inexpensive). I think this has a good shot at making it.

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