Coach of the Year (1980) - full transcript
Jim Brandon, a former player of the Chigago Bears, has been paralysed during the Vietnam-war. When he returns, he tries to get a job as a football-coach, but he doesn't succeed. After a visit to the youth-prison St.Charles he thinks of becoming the football- coach there. He decides to do it, 'cause he likes the challenge. The boys, young delinquents, don't accept him, but he goes all out to be accepted.
-Come on!
Come on!
Get your butt in here.
-Let's get the hell out of here!
-All right, let's go up.
Man down there.
There's a man down there!
Put it down!
-[SCREAMS]
-You keep firing.
Cover me!
[CROWD CHEERING]
[HELICOPTER WINGS]
[CROWD CHEERING]
[HELICOPTER WINGS]
[CROWD CHEERING]
[HELICOPTER WINGS]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
--[INAUDIBLE], what's
happening you old rascal?
Good to see ya.
-How you doing, Eddie?
-I'm here.
-I guess they didn't find out
about your police record, huh?
[BOTH LAUGH]
-Hold my calls, OK Donna?
Come on in, Jimmy.
Not bad, huh?
-Not bad at all.
--[CHUCKLES] What'll
you have, Jimmy?
-You got any beer
in there, hotshot?
-I got everything.
-I'll take a beer.
-One day I'm here and
already it hits the fan.
You know that kid Carver?
The one they signed
for Penn State?
-Sure, the fullback.
-Right.
Well, to celebrate
his signing, we
take him out to
dinner last night.
[INAUDIBLE]
Nice place.
Halfway through dinner,
Lansky and Meyer
stop by the table, welcome
the kid, the whole shot.
Just before they
get ready to leave,
what do you think
they tell the kid?
"Hey, what kind of
car they get ya?"
Just to break my stones, right?
And I assume the kid knows
they're screwing around, right?
-Right.
-8 o'clock this morning I get
a phone call from his attorney.
And he wants to know when
the car's being delivered.
Do you know that
took me all morning
to straighten that mess out?
--[LAUGHS] I guess you
didn't get a chance
to talk to the
main man then, huh?
-Jim, I already
took care of that.
It's in the bag.
The only thing we
have to discuss
is a start date for you.
-Eddie, doesn't training
camp start next week?
-That's right.
They start on the seventh.
-I'd probably be most effective
working with receivers.
But whatever.
I mean, even linemen.
-Jim, there's no
question we all consider
you a valuable
asset to this team.
But what we have in mind is
more of a-- well, [INAUDIBLE].
You'll be looking
at films to analyze.
But, uh--
-But what?
-Heck, we haven't even
figured out a title yet.
You're going to be
doing a lot of things,
scouting, public relations.
You're gonna like
the salary, Jim.
Not only that, they have a
complete medical package that's
probably the best
in the country.
-What about coaching?
-I'm afraid that's just
not in the cards, Jim?
-Why?
I want to know why.
O'Bradovich, we
talked about coaching!
Now, I want to know why!
-They, uh-- I-- they don't
think you can cut it.
-You can't even say it.
You know that's a lie.
Now what is it?
Am I gonna make some of the
players a little uncomfortable?
Is that it?
-Is that so unreasonable?
The way the game's played
today, it's a real concern
to our players that they
could wind up, well, hurt.
And hurt bad.
It doesn't do any good
for them to constantly
be reminded of it.
-Blinders for everyone.
Is that it?
What does that have
to do with coaching?
-It's bad for business.
Jimmy, you and I both know
that's the bottom line.
We're running a major
corporation here.
You ought to be thankful they're
offering you any kind of job
at all.
[SIGHS] Jimmy.
We've been friends a long time.
Please.
Take the weekend.
Think about it.
-I already have.
You can take your
PR job and shove it.
Thanks for the
beer, O'Bradovich.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
WOMAN ON TV: Have to tell
the police sooner or later.
I didn't come here
for a lecture, April.
Tom is innocent.
-Did you tell Andy I wanted him
home before I leave for work?
-Since when is Andy ever home
before you leave for work?
--[SIGHS] Well,
when do you start?
The job, when do you start?
-I don't start.
I turned it down.
-The Chicago Bears offered you
a job and you turned it down.
What were all the letters
and phone calls for?
-They offered me a
public relations job.
I'm a football player.
I don't know the first thing
about public relations work.
-They offered you
a job, didn't they?
-You know what?
You should worry less
about me and more
about that kid of yours.
-Look.
As soon as Andy is through
with school this year,
I'm getting a place of my own.
-Good.
I'll help you move.
I find it interesting, though,
that when your old man walked
out on you and you
weren't working
and my VA check was
paying for everything,
you weren't talking
about moving out then.
-Look, we didn't get
along when we were kids,
and we still don't.
I thought at least you and
Andy would hit it off--
-No, that isn't
what you thought.
You thought I'd
take care of him.
That is what you thought.
So you could recapture
your teenage years.
But now you've got a son,
and he's holding you back.
And guess what?
I don't blame ya.
-Look, why can't you
take care of him?
You got something better
to with your life?
Why can't you give a little?
-Give a little?
How much do you want me to give?
How about these?
How much do you want me to give?
[DOORBELL RINGS]
-Mrs. DeFalco?
-Yes?
-I'm with the Juvenile Division.
Are you Andrew DeFalco's mother?
-Is he all right?
-No, we have him
in custody downtown
at the Juvenile
Detention Center.
He was arrested
for armed robbery.
-Oh my god.
I tried to contact your father.
-I won't hold my
breath waiting for him.
-I don't even know
what to tell him.
-Tell him I'm sorry I
didn't get away with it.
-How can you do
this to me again?
-Mrs. DeFalco, your
attorney is here.
-I read the arresting
officer's report.
Not an easy situation
to deal with.
-Mr. Reisman, when do think
my nephew will be released?
-He's not going to be released.
The boy's got priors.
He's already in violation
of his probation.
They might want to
try them as an adult.
-They can't!
-We'll try not to
let that happen.
-But we're still looking
at a major felony
in which a gun was used.
And that plus the
boy's prior arrest
usually means time in a state
Correctional Institution.
-There are other alternatives.
A lot depends on the judge.
Now, given the
right circumstances,
the judge might be persuaded to
release him into your custody
again.
-Are you working, Mrs. DeFalco?
-I-- I'm an airline
passenger rep.
-Well, frankly the boy's
chances of being released
in your custody would be
greater if you weren't
working, for a
little while anyway.
-I can't afford not to work.
MR. REISMAN: You
have to look at this
from the judge's point of view.
-The judge's point of view?
It's my life too!
Where do I come in?
-We'll do everything we can.
-We can work this out.
-I don't want your help.
I don't want to work it out.
I want the state to take care
of him, to have custody of him.
I want them to.
I can't handle him anymore, OK?
I can't handle him!
Do you understand me?
I just can't do it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[DOGS BARKING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[PRISONERS SHOUTING]
-Quite a rap sheet you got here.
You're cute, all right.
But you know something?
As of a few minutes ago, you
just turned over a new leaf.
'Cause the only person that
makes trouble in this joint
is me.
Everything seems to be in order.
We have a bunk
for him in J Ward.
-Before you put this
boy in Population,
make sure he doesn't have any
rifles or hand grenades on him.
-Come with me.
Right over there.
[LAUGHS] Take your clothes off.
-What for?
-You heard the man.
Gonna search ya.
-They did that over at Juvenile.
-Not the way we do it.
This is different.
This is what we call
a cavity search.
This is it, Sweet Pea.
-My name is Andy!
-Whatever you say, Sweet Pea.
Now, you just make up
your bunk real nice.
Because I'm going
to be back to check
in on ya in a little while.
-Some dump, huh?
That was McLeash.
We call him The Mouth.
Got to watch him, Jack.
-Really?
And here I was thinking
he was a nice guy.
-You're from Juvy Hall, right?
Yeah, I can tell,
man, you're from Juvy.
Well let me tell
you something, Jack.
That place is Disneyland
compared to this hole.
In this place you do hard time.
And I mean hard time.
-I thought visiting
day was Sunday.
-After today it is.
This is part of
your orientation.
-Just like the
first day of school.
-Well, you know, there
are papers to be signed,
things like that.
-So did you sign me in?
-Andy.
I know I never gave
you much of my time.
But I really think I know
how you feel right now.
-You want to do
something for me?
-Sure.
-Well, get me out of this dump.
-I can't.
That's something you've
gotta do for yourself.
-Just leave me alone.
You never gave a damn
about me when I was home.
So what do you say we
just leave it like that.
And don't tell me.
Let me guess.
She couldn't make it
'cause she had to work.
[SHOUTING]
-Ready, set!
Get that.
Come on, come on!
Let's go.
Come on, get back.
Let's get it right this time.
Break!
Let's go!
Ready, set, hut
one, hut two, hut!
Just rest a minute.
I'll be right back.
-Play much ball?
-Nah.
Nah, I played
baseball in college.
Never really got into football.
I'm just filling in.
-Those boys keep
hitting like that,
they're going to get hurt.
Know what to do, if you
don't mind me telling ya?
Should have them get under
the opponent, hit like this.
Keep the elbows in.
Otherwise they're going to
dislocate their shoulders.
-Hey, thanks.
-OK.
COACH: Hey you guys,
come in here a minute!
-You want the job?
-No thanks.
I want to coach, but not here.
-Are you here to
see your nephew?
-Yeah.
You?
-I do counseling here.
-It do any good?
-Sometimes.
How'd it go with your nephew.
-Didn't.
-Hey, I wasn't kidding
about that coaching job.
If you didn't want to
take it permanently,
you could take the six-week
temporary assignmnt.
I've got a friend who's
on the supervisory board,
and I'm sure if you told
him you wanted the job--
-But I don't.
-I could give it a push
from my end as well.
My boss does the hiring.
-Don't push, lady.
Look, my nephew may be a part
of your caseload, but I'm not.
EDDIE: Whatever you
want, sweetheart.
Want to bet your
house, your car?
I can handle that too.
I'm always here.
Don't worry.
Just make sure I haven't got
to come and find you, OK?
Later.
Hey, Jim, I've been
waiting for you.
Hey, get this guy
a vodka and tonic,
and bring me another one, too.
And hold my calls.
-What are you so cheerful about?
-Cheerful?
Two of my customers caught
the double at Arlington today.
It was a big one.
And both of the
bums had a 50 on it.
Don't talk to me
about being cheerful.
So what happened?
-They backed out.
They offered me a job in the
public relations department.
-Good money?
-What do I know about
public relations?
I'm a coach!
It's give the vet a break time.
They jerked me around, Eddie.
-Listen, how do
you think I feel?
I go out, order a new Caddy
and the Cubs [INAUDIBLE]
all this inside information
you're going to get me.
You cost me, man.
--[CHUCKLES] I thought it was
gonna be different this time.
I really did.
-You can't expect
this kind of thing
from these able-bodied dummies.
You know that.
-Aw, please.
Come on, Eddie.
You sound like some VA consult.
What am I supposed
to do, accept it?
-No.
You keep swinging.
Hey, you know what we can do?
We can go up to
the vets hospital.
We'll get some of
the guys together.
We're go through a picket
line around this place.
When you see it, you'll
call it gimpdemania.
-[LAUGHS] Gimpdemania, huh?
-That's not the
only team, you know.
-This was my shot.
-There'll be other shots.
-Yeah, sure.
-Like St. Charles Correctional.
Know what they did?
They offered me a job
as athletic director.
-Babysitting for a bunch
of juvenile delinquents.
Who needs that?
-I may be in a chair.
But I'm still a man, and I
want to be treated like a man.
-Listen, pal, the
hell with them.
Stay home.
They did this to you.
Let the government
take care of you.
Let 'em pay!
-Yeah.
-The temporary athletic
director, he's here.
-I forgot all about that.
Well, he's probably
[INAUDIBLE] nephew.
I hope this one's not
some child molester.
-He's, uh-- he's
in a wheelchair.
-What they trying to do to me?
Well, Mr. Brandon.
Haven't I seen you here before?
-Probably.
My nephew is one of your
students, Andy DeFalco.
-Oh, yeah.
I'm afraid there's been some
mix-up up about this job.
-You mean the job's
been filled already?
-I don't know what they
sent you down here for,
but the only job I
have open is that
of temporary athletic director.
It's not an office job.
-Athletic director's
the job I applied for.
-Well, it's not
going to work out.
You see, I'm-- I'm very
short on staff and I--
I don't have the
time to train you.
-I'm not asking you to train me.
No, let me rephrase that.
I'm not asking
you to do anything
special for me, Mr. Turner.
-You're not?
Well, you've got to understand.
This is not some Sesame Street
playground we're running here.
-I understand what
we're talking about.
I took special education
courses in college.
MR. TURNER: You think that means
anything to these kids here?
Uh-uh.
The only way you're going
to gain their respect
is if you're capable of
dropping them in their tracks.
-I thought we were out of the
dark ages a long time ago.
-Mr. Turner, you
should know what we're
dealing with here
because of Andy.
Before a kid makes a state
institution like this,
he's already been
arrested 10 or 12 times.
And that's not for
shoplifting, either.
When you're alone
with these kids,
you're in physical danger!
-So is everyone else.
If that's what it is,
then that's what it is.
-You take on these kids,
you're asking for trouble!
-You're wrong.
I already have trouble.
And the only thing
that makes it worse
is people making
more of me being
in this wheelchair than
is really necessary.
-I'm just not getting
through to you, am I?
-I'm afraid you're
a little late.
You see, I didn't want this job.
But now I'm committed
to it for six weeks.
Goodbye, Mr. Turner.
-Man!
-Oh, come on, man!
[ARGUING AND SHOUTING]
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Throw me the football!
[ARGUING AND SHOUTING]
-Hut one.
Hut two.
-I got it now!
Hey, what's happening?
Thought you were gonna
throw it to me, man!
-You ready to play
some football?
-Little late, aren't ya?
You supposed to be Joe
Volunteer or something?
-I'm on the payroll.
I'm your athletic director.
-Well that's going to
work out just right.
'Cause as far as I'm concerned--
-Give me the ball!
---you're no different
from the rest
of the creeps the
run this place.
-I said give me the ball, man.
-I don't see your name on it.
-Well, I'll show it to you!
[CROWD YELLING]
-Break it up!
Break it up!
Break it up!
-You two just earned
yourself some room time.
Get out of here!
First you've got to
get their attention.
-That's all right, Sweetlife.
You got the best of him.
[SOUNDS OF PLAYING PING PONG]
--[INAUDIBLE] never
played no game before.
-That's the ace on you.
[INAUDIBLE] Here's your queen.
And I'm out, suckers.
Count 'em up.
What you got, man?
You better give it up.
35--
-I want in.
--[LAUGHS] Better deal this child
in or he'll tell his uncle.
He here to take care of you?
-I take care of
myself, sweetheart.
-I can dig it.
Sure wish my uncle worked here.
Give me some weekend passes,
he bring me some reefer,
you know what I mean.
He tuck you in at night?
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-What's going on here?
-The table fell.
-Peanut, what are
you doing back here?
-Grand theft auto.
-You can hardly see
over the steering wheel.
-I had a partner.
I steered, and he
worked the pedals.
I mean, we was a team!
Until they nailed us.
-How you doing, Andy?
-He's got his uncle here
to take care of him.
That's how he's doing.
-And you wonder why you get
into fights all the time.
-Look, baby, I'm just
telling you like it is.
-All right, folks,
who we playing?
Who want in?
-You can't fight the
whole world, Sweetlife.
Don't you know that?
-I get the rages to take
care of him and his uncle.
-You've already lost
a lot of privileges.
Now who's the loser?
-The loser's the one who
don't get up off the floor.
-What if it's you?
-Well then, that's one more
dead nigger in this world.
And that won't make much more
of a difference, will it?
-I know you don't mean that.
-I don't?
Well look, baby.
I started out long
time ago as a loser.
You know what I am?
I'm a seven-letter
word, mistake.
-Let's get right down
to it, all right?
-You want to get down?
-Let's keep it on
quiet, gentlemen.
You get in, take your
shower, and get out.
It's not a swimming pool.
Anybody who doesn't wash
his hair sees the barber.
-Hey coach!
You gonna give me some
booty after a while?
How 'bout it?
We got some unfinished business.
You got to show
some respect, bro.
So how 'bout you make
up my bed right now?
-How about you take the pipe?
[CROWD SHOUTING]
-You had enough, nigger? 'Cause
if you have, it's over for now.
-No, man.
Let me tell you
something, nigger.
It ain't over.
Sometime you're
gonna have to sleep.
And when you do, I'm gonna
bury my shoe in your face.
-Check this brother
out, trying to be mean.
This child is fierce!
-All right, party's over.
I want everybody in their
bunk in two minutes.
[CROWD COMPLAINING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Tried to call you today.
-Well you didn't try very hard.
I was there all day.
-I got that transfer.
I start at Miami International
Airport tomorrow.
The girl whose job I'm
taking is getting married.
And I got her apartment too.
So I really lucked out.
And along with that
transfer I got a raise.
But of course, I guess it's
because I'll be working
with the worst kind
of passenger problems,
like when they get bumped
from flights and things.
-Don'st waste much time, do you?
-What's that supposed to mean?
I applied for this
transfer weeks ago.
You know that.
-It's funny how things work
out sometimes, isn't it?
-Merissa says it's
probably a good thing
that he got caught at this age.
They change so easily.
How is he?
Is he doing well?
-Andy?
Oh, Andy's fine.
He's doing just fine.
-It's your leave.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Let me have it.
I said, let me have it!
Now!
You just earned
yourself some room time.
Now the rest of you, when
I say I want this ball,
I don't want to wait.
I'm gonna teach football.
Where you going?
I already know how
to play football.
-I didn't say anything
about playing.
I said "teach."
I teach, you learn.
I'm your coach.
-Yeah?
Well then, what are you
doing in a place like this?
-Yeah!
-Yeah, that's right!
-So why don't you
just lighten up
and give us the ball, Wheels?
[CROWD SHOUTING IN AGREEMENT]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Now all of you have
earned some room time!
Now get over there
and form two lines.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
All right!
All right.
Way to go.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Boom!
That's it!
That's the to
stick.That's the way.
-This dude is crazy if he
thinks we're gonna keep this up.
-You got any suggestions?
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Hey!
-Need some help there?
-I can handle it.
I can handle it.
Who told you guys
to get out of line?
Get back in line.
Hear what I said?
I said get back in line!
-[CHUCKLING] You are beautiful.
Really beautiful.
I'll call you back later.
Don't you quit at five?
-Where are they?
-Locked up.
Room time, per
your instructions.
-Tell my boys I
want to see them.
-Haven't you had
enough for one day?
-Just tell them I want
to see them, please.
-All right, listen up.
Jim's here and he wants
everybody in the day room.
Now, hotshots.
-Thanks.
-All right!
Told you the coach
wasn't such a bad dude.
-Wouldn't bet on it, Shorty.
-Anybody want to play rummy 500?
Come on.
Hey, Coach!
I got to talk to you, man!!
-Yeah?
What is it?
-Hey, Coach.
I ain't supposed
to be here, man.
You know, I don't want
to finger at nobody.
But I just ain't
supposed to be here.
-They didn't put you
here for missing school.
-I'll tell you what
the deal was, man.
I was hanging out in
front of the candy store.
Next thing you
know, I got busted,
'cause I looked like this sucker
who stole some [INAUDIBLE]
and knocked over a liquor store.
And without a lawyer,
what you supposed to do?
-All right, you guys.
Listen up!
I got something I
want to say to you.
I'm starting a football
team, and I want all of you
to participate.
Practice starts
tomorrow at 10:00 AM.
-We ain't playing
for you, Wheels.
-You don't have to.
It's a matter of choice.
Playing on this team and staying
on the same is a privilege.
You're gonna have to earn it.
-Yeah, well, you know,
we'll make our own team.
-Right!
-Yeah!
-Wrong!
I'm the athletic director
and I pick the teams.
Now, anyone that doesn't
want to participate
will be assigned
field maintenance.
Cutting the grass, painting,
that sort of thing.
-Is that supposed to worry
us or something, man?
-Take it any way you want.
Those of you who want to make
the team, 10:00 AM, sharp.
Now back to the room.
-Aw, man.
[CROWD GROANS]
-Makes you feel good all over,
doing something for these kids.
So appreciative.
[SCREAMING]
-I don't need this, loverboy.
-Get back, man!
Stay away!
They're gonna get you!
-Why's he in there?
-Every time one of these kids
gets out on a court date,
comes back loaded.
-On what?
-You name it.
PCP, I'd guess.
-[INAUDIBLE] Get away!
[INAUDIBLE]
-All right, hey, you just--
you're going to the C ward!
-What's the C ward?
-CRMD, man, Crazy Rats Must Die.
It's bad news.
Once you go there, you
don't come back the same.
HECTOR: Rats, man!
Rats!
-McLeash!
Give me the key.
-Get my butt in the sling
over that little space cadet?
No way.
They code says CRMD, and
that's where he's going!
-I don't give a damn
about that code.
Give me the key!
HECTOR: Get away from me!
Get away!
Leave me alone!
Dammit!
Get away!
Leave me alone!
Get away from me!
They're gonna get you!
-Hector.
It's me, Coach.
Take it easy.
-No!
They're all over the damn place!
-Take it easy.
-Just keep them away
from me, please!
-Take it easy!
-They're gonna get me!
-Take it easy.
They're not gonna get you.
They're not gonna get you!
Take it easy!
-Look at 'em!
-Where are they?
-They're over there!
-Over there.
-Please, get 'em!
-I see one.
I got him.
-Over there!
-I got him, too.
HECTOR: Now over here.
Over here!
Please!
JIM: I got him.
HECTOR: Please, over there!
Right over there!
Over there!
Right over there.
-Look!
They're leaving.
See?
They're leaving.
Watch!
They're going!
Watch!
See?
They left.
They left, didn't they?
-[CRYING]
-You're all right.
You're all right.
You hear me?
You're all right.
They're not gonna get you, son.
HECTOR: [SOBBING]
JIM: (WHISPERING) They're
not gonna get you, son.
You're all right.
They're not gonna get you, son.
-You boys ready
to play football?
-We figure it's better
than cutting the grass.
-Get to it.
-Come on, man.
Let's get to it.
-Hike!
All right, way to catch!
Good hands, man.
Way to catch!
Looking good,
Hector, looking good.
Aw, Andy, come on!
If you can touch it
you can catch it!
-No kidding, Coach!
JIM: Come on, hustle back here.
Don't you walk back!
Hustle back!
Take off your shirts.
-Oh, Coach, this is so sudden.
-I didn't know.
-Yeah, man.
-All right, come on.
You guys got to receive.
Get down there.
Little two-handed touch.
Touch, you guys, come on!
-This is it, guys,
maximum security area.
Right, Warden Turner?
-Superintendent This is
a maximum security cell.
It is only used when someone is
beyond the control of the staff
and extreme corrective
action is necessary.
-Is this where you give
them bread and water?
-We don't do that here, kid.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Come on!
-Curtis!
I said this was
two-handed touch!
All right, huddle up again.
Call another play.
-Jim Brandon, this is
Mr. Forester, a teacher
with the Montclair
group of boys.
-How do you do.
-We have what you might call
a scared straight program
at Montclair.
Get the boys out into the
world, show them what it's like.
-Hey, nice hands, huh?
-Love the hand!
How about that pass?
-No wonder these
guys are locked up.
[LAUGHTER]
-Yeah, we'll see
how funny you think
it is when I stick my
foot in your mouth.
-All right, let's go
back to the bus, boys.
Hey, let's go.
Back to the bus.
-Come on, you guys, be cool.
Be cool.
-What, are we just going to let
them chumps get away with that?
-Don't even think about it.
Give me that ball.
All right, five laps.
-You better go on!
[CROWD SHOUTING]
-Get out of here!
-Jim Brandon, right?
I thought I recognized you.
I was a big fan of yours
when you were with the Bears.
You do volunteer work here?
-No, no.
I'm full-time coach here.
-I coach these kids
from Montclair.
Last year we were undefeated.
Great looking bunch
of boys, aren't they?
-Does that excuse them from
making fun of my guys today?
-Oh, that.
They didn't mean
anything by that.
-How about a game?
-A game?
-Football.
Your boys against mine,
next Saturday, right here.
-You can't be serious.
My boys won their
division last year.
It's too ridiculous, really.
-We'll see about that
next Saturday, Coach.
[CROWD LAUGHING]
-Man, are you kidding?
-No, no, I'm not kidding!
You're going to
play 'em Saturday.
-All right, all right.
We'll wipe the clean
off of them dudes.
-Yeah!
[CROWD CHEERING]
-They're going
down for the count!
-Hey, that one kid
with the blond hair,
don't anybody get him,
because he's mine.
-Hey, now, wait a minute.
Number one, no one is
going to get anyone.
We're playing football.
Number two, these guys
practice all the time.
They're good.
-Yeah?
Well good ain't
making it, Wheels,
because we gonna be dynamite!
[CROWD LAUGHS AND CHEERS]
-Hey, Dynamite, who's in
charge of the equipment?
-Where you been, brother?
-No equipment?
SWEETLIFE: Sorry, brother.
Sorry.
JIM: Hi, Eddie.
-Hey, Jim!
Just think, I used to
fly one of these things.
What do you say we go
to track this afternoon?
I think I got something
here in a second.
-No, I can't, Eddie.
I got to get the team
ready for Saturday.
-The team?
A bunch of little punks,
now it's the team?
-You know what you ought to do?
You oughta show them
how to do that sometime.
I bet they'd really enjoy it.
-Yeah, they'd love it.
Especially the glue.
-Eddie, um, I need some help.
-Shoot.
-I need equipment for
the football team.
-How much?
-The whole team.
-Right in the back
room I got shelves
full of football equipment.
Take whatever you need.
-No, now look, I'm serious.
-What do I look like,
a sporting goods store?
All right.
I know this kid.
He's a degenerate gambler.
He's with me for a big price.
Anybody else, I'd send 'em
up for a long lunch by now.
His old man owns a
sporting goods store.
-Hey!
Hut one!
Hut two!
-Oh, hey!
Washington!
Washington, what did
you flinch for, man?
If it hadn't been
for Palmer that
would have been a touchdown!
-I'm not gonna allow it.
-Well, I'm committed to it.
-You'll just have
to call it off.
-What is wrong with this
school playing another school?
-You see that barbed wire?
Does that look like a school?
This is an institution!
-These boys have
been working hard.
They deserve a chance to play.
-Kids, huh?
You see that little
darling, Sweetlife?
He's headed for hard time.
When he leaves here,
he's going to Sheridan.
When he leaves Sheridan,
he's going to Joliet.
And your own nephew, god
bless America on him,
arrested 12 times before
his 13th birthday.
Let's not forget Hector.
You don't need to
teach him how to hit.
He hit every liquor
store on the south side.
And you want to bring
another team in here?
-Hector!
Good catch, Hector!
That's the way!
Good hands, man!
Listen, as coach of
this team I think
I ought to be able to
make that decision.
-Is that right?
All right, I'm gonna let
you learn the hard way.
I'm also gonna let you
do all the paperwork.
-Fine.
-Where'd you get those helmets?
-Donation.
-Regulations say donations must
go through proper channels.
More paperwork.
I'm gonna let you do that too.
-Fine!
[WHISTLE BLOWS] All right, you
guys, that's it for the day.
10 laps and hit the shower!
Good day!
Where you going?
-I hurt my leg, Coach.
-Oh, that's too bad.
You won't be able to play
in the game Saturday.
10 laps, Sweetlife.
Come on [INAUDIBLE]!
Run, you guys!
-What's their record?
-Last year they were undefeated.
-Hey, forget about their record.
You guys are undefeated, too.
-We beat somebody
I don't know about?
[LAUGHTER]
-All right.
Get out there and play football.
-Yeah!
-Go!
ALL: One, two, three, one!
One, two, three, two!
One, two, three, three!
One, two, three, four!
-Ready?
ALL: Ready!
-Ready?
ALL: Ready!
-Again!
ALL: One, two, three!
One, two, three!
One, two, three!
ALL: Three!
One, two, three, four!
One, two, three, five!
ALL: One, two, three!
-Run in place!
-One, two, three, six!
COACH FORESTER: Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-OK, St. Charles call it.
-Heads.
-Make sure it doesn't
have two heads, ref.
-Tails.
-We'll receive.
[CROWD CHEERING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-[SHOUTING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-15 yard, personal foul.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-15 yards, personal foul.
-What do you mean 15 yards, ref?
-Cool it, or you're
out of the game.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Hector, middle on two.
Ready, break!
[CHEERING]
-Hey, maybe if you
chromed the football,
you know, so it looks
more like a hubcap?
REFEREE: Break it up!
Break it up!
Break it up!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
REFEREE: Break it up!
Break it up!
-What you groaning about, Chump?
Just a game.
-I hurt my ankle, that's all.
-That's right, tear it down.
You guys were really fantastic.
You're not a team.
You know what you are?
You're a mob!
-We got a few licks in, Coach.
ALL: Yeah!
-Yeah, you bloodied some noses.
Are you guys proud of that?
What about all that training?
What about the game?
-What about the way we
knocked them on their butt?
[CHEERING]
-Yeah, we could have beat
them if we wanted to.
-No, you couldn't.
You don't win football
games by breaking heads.
That isn't what it takes.
-You ain't got what
it takes, either.
Else you wouldn't be here, man!
ALL: Yeah!
-Yeah, you're a
loser, same as us.
-You said you wanted
to play football.
I thought we were a team!
-No, man, you said we
wanted to play football.
That game was for you!
We was just your show pony, man!
-You threw us to the lions, man.
Why?
-Because I thought I could
pull you boys together,
so you'd know what it's like to
play as a team, what it means!
-Well that's your
college stuff, man.
Maybe [INAUDIBLE]
for them punks,
but that doesn't
mean a think to us,
because we ain't going nowhere.
[CROWD SHOUTS IN AGREEMENT]
-What about your
self-respect, huh, Hector?
Maybe you're right.
Maybe all you boys
aren't going nowhere.
-Why don't you just go coach
them outsiders, Wheels?
They dig all that jive.
[CROWD SHOUTS IN AGREEMENT]
-Hey, you take it easy!
Get out of my way, Calvin.
-Whoa, what are you doing here?
Aren't you supposed to be
out doing your Monday morning
post-game critique?
Watching game films, discussing
key plays, that sort of thing?
Huh?
Well, I can't say
that I blame ya.
-What do you want, Turner?
-Well, you know that
fella, uh, what's
his name, Forester, their coach?
He's mad!
He called me there.
You want to know what he said?
-I'm not interested.
-He said that he
blames you personally
and that his team
is a disaster area.
Oh, and McLeash said
the team doesn't
want anything to do with you.
-McLeash has got a big mouth.
You want something
to worry about?
You worry about McLeash.
-Yeah.
If it hadn't been
for civil service
he'd been gone a long time ago.
But look!
The point is, you
had the misfortune
of picking the worst
group imaginable.
Now, forget who
talked you into this.
That's not important.
I've got an opening in records.
You can finish out
your six weeks there.
-I'm a coach, not a file clerk.
-Come on, James.
Go!
I got it!
-Hold it!
Give me the ball.
-Are you kidding, man?
We can't play
basketball with this.
It's got points, see?
-First we start on our defense.
Not that our offense
is any better,
but we've got to
start some place.
-What for?
-What for?
The rematch.
That's what for.
You guys proved
they could beat you.
Now let's prove
we can beat them.
-Hey, man, we tried that once.
It didn't work.
-You've got that right.
We only got one chance.
That's to fight our
way out from under.
We ought to start at Montclair.
Let's go there.
Let's beat them there
like they beat us here.
What do you say, guys?
-I tell you what, Wheels.
I think it's worth a shot.
I'd like to get down on
our freckle-faced friends,
know what I mean?
-And we can whip them,
just like they whipped us.
-Hey, I'd go another shot.
-All right!
-All right, you guys.
Let's get out there,
and let's get to work!
-Let's go!
-All right.
-Hey.
You really think
we can beat them?
-No way we can.
-What was that all about?
-Well, you heard
what the man said.
Play on their field.
I mean, once I get outside
this joint I'm done.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
COACH FORESTER: John, you've
got to get in there quickly.
You've got to make
that X quicker!
Now try it again.
This is a surprise.
-Merissa Laine, I'd like
you to meet Coach Forester.
-It's a pleasure to meet you.
Your team looks very impressive.
-Just what is it I can
do for you, Mr. Brandon?
-I'd like to arrange another
meeting between our two teams.
-After what happened
the other day?
-No, this is different.
This is for charity.
It's a benefit for
the Underprivileged
Children's Fund.
Mrs. Stanton is in
charge of the event.
It's their big
annual fundraising.
-Dean Stanton's wife?
-Yes, Mrs. Stanton.
-Just when did you say this
game was going to be played.
-Two weeks from this Saturday.
-It's a pleasure to meet you.
-How did you know that Dean
Stanton's wife was the head
of the Underpriveleged
Children's Fund?
-She's not.
But he doesn't know that.
-Is something the
matter with your head?
Are you brain
damaged or something?
I want to know.
-It was the only way
we could get the game.
-Do you realize what kind
of a security problem
you're talking about?
-I'll take the responsibility.
-It's not yours to take!
The state has something
to say about--
-I just want to play
a football game.
I don't want to change
the Constitution.
-Do you know why they put
fences around this place?
It's not to keep people
out, it's to keep people in!
That's why an
institution of this kind
does not take the population
to picnics or ball games,
because it's a problem!
I've got 12 pages of
directives and regulations
governing transportation
to take one
kid on a morning hospital visit.
-This game means
something to these kids.
Pulling together for this
game can prove to them
that they've got a chance,
that they don't have
to be institutions like this
for the rest of their lives.
-They don't give a
damn about this game.
The only thing on their mind
is hitting that blacktop.
-What I said the other
day about cutting out?
I was just jiving, man.
-Oh yeah?
-I mean, it's a dumb rule.
You know what I'm saying?
-Sure.
-What about you?
-Hell, I'm not doing 10
months in this place.
If I see daylight,
I'm splitting.
-Hey, well, you ain't
got a chance, man.
-I'll write to you.
-Look, son.
I got it all worked out, and
you ain't screwing it up.
-There's no way
you're stopping me.
-[INAUDIBLE] My thing is set.
We'll do it together, man.
And not because I like you.
'Cause I don't.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Aw, man, don't tell me,
mystery burgers again?
-We're on quiet, gentleman.
Now, if you're not
hungry, just say so
and we'll fix you up with
a little kitchen duty.
-Sit down.
I was watching you help
the other guys today.
I want you to know I
really appreciate it.
Every team needs
a natural leader,
someone to spark
on the other guys.
Yeah, well, you know, we got
to get ready for the big day.
-Right.
-This food ain't helping much,
though, I'll tell you that.
Third time this week
they give us this junk.
-I'll look into it for you.
I think the idea is you'll never
remember any of the counseling.
But if the memory of
that food stays with you,
you won't be back.
-Well, that's fine if
you're here for a week.
But they want to keep
me here for a long haul,
attempted murder and all.
I tried to kill my
mother with a golf club.
She was so smacked up.
She started pulling my sister's
hair and beating her up,
'cause she wouldn't stop crying.
For all I know, she could
have killed her, you know?
Somehow hearing
my sister crying,
it made it worse than if
it was happening to me.
Later, man.
-OK.
Where's the decimal point?
Now, see, that wasn't
so hard, was it?
-Why do I have to do this?
I'm gonna be a boxer like Duran.
Boxers don't need this junk!
-You do care about staying
on the team, don't you?
-Yeah.
-Get to it.
That's a two.
-Pizza and soft drinks, huh?
You buy that for them
with your own money?
-I didn't buy it for you,
McLeash, that's for damn sure.
Where are my boys,
in the day room?
-The whole damn pack field.
-Thanks.
-Well all right!
Let's get them boxes over here!
-Hey, wait a minute.
These guys been working?
-Very hard.
-All right.
[CHATTING EXCITEDLY]
-Hey, Coach, you think
there are gonna be
and scouts at the game?
-What for?
-The pros!
I'm ready!
-Hey, where's Andy?
-Uh, in the dorm, I think.
-Sweetlife, go get him.
That is Andy's.
-But everybody knows
Andy don't like pizza.
-Who said he don't?
-He told me!
-[LAUGHS]
-Hey man, there's pizza outside.
-Not interested.
-What's wrong with you?
-Nothing.
-So what's that nothing you
just put under your pillow?
-This.
Just a letter from my old lady.
Found herself an airline pilot.
He wants to marry her.
Not bad, right?
I mean, uh, those guys
make a lot of bread.
Guy drives a Vette.
He's got his own boat.
He lives in California
with his three kids.
I mean, it sounds
like a nice family.
I almost forgot.
She says she hopes and prays
that I'm getting along OK.
-Hey man, pizza's getting cold.
Let's go.
[LAUGHTER]
-Hey, Andy, saved
you some pizza!
-You eat it.
-Say what?
It's mine?
All right!
-Andy, what were you
doing in the room?
-I had to get something
ready for class tomorrow.
-Need any help?
Sure?
Thank you.
I got this feeling
inside like I used
to have when I was playing
ball, just before a game.
Butterflies.
Feels good.
I haven't had it
for a long time.
I've been faking it
for a lot of years.
-I liked watching you tonight.
It was like being
part of a family.
-You know, for a
long time I never
thought I was gonna
be a part of anything.
I was numb for a year
after it happened.
Then it took me another
year to make my mind up,
whether I wanted
to go on or not.
Merissa, was I angry.
I wouldn't listen to anything.
I want these boys to know
that they've got a chance.
That's why this game
is so important.
And it's important
to me to know that I
can give these boys that chance.
-Welcome home.
-Come on!
Way to go!
All right!
-What in the hell was that?
You don't tell those
boneheads to block
they're gonna get the
quarterback killed!
-I called for a defensive blitz.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-OK you guys, come on!
Hustle up, hustle up!
Come on, hustle in here.
I want to thank all
of you for a good day.
There'll be no laps today.
[CHEERING]
-Tomorrow is gonna be for real.
All right, listen up.
I want to see you
all upstairs, now.
-All right, who did it?
-All right, all right.
Hold it down.
Move over a little bit.
Give me some room.
Here you go.
Don't just stand there.
Open 'em up!
-All right!
[EXCITED CHATTER]
-OK, you're the coach.
Take 'em down to the locker
room and have 'em out!
-I ain't never wore a
real uniform before.
-And you never will again if
there's any funny business
out there tomorrow,
I guarantee it.
Now, don't you guys
get the idea I did this
because I'm crazy about
you. 'Cause I'm not.
You'll be representing
this institution tomorrow.
I want you to look presentable.
[CHATTERING]
-Now, 22 of your are leaving
for the football field,
and 22 of you are coming back!
You got it?
-Yeah.
-(SHOUTING) You got it?
ALL: Yes, sir!
[CROWD CHEERING AND MARCHING
BAND PLAYING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Hold it down!
Hold it down!
You get off this bus
in a column of twos.
That means no
pushing, no grabbing,
no bugalooing, or so help me.
You got it?
-Yes, sir!
-Let's go!
[APPLAUSE]
[CHEERING AND CATCALLING]
-Hey, hey!
Check out the blonde, man.
I think she digs me!
-If I have to blow this
whistle one more time
it's back on the
bus for all of you!
-All right, let's go!
Come on!
[CHEERING]
-Don't want any injuries.
-We'll take care of it.
-OK.
Good luck, folks.
[CHEERING]
-Uh, anybody got any pills,
uh, reefer, something?
Just kidding.
-You're a good team.
You can beat these guys.
How about it?
-Fight!
-Fight!
[CHANTING]
ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to Montclair Stadium for
today's game between Montclair
and the visiting
team, St. Charles.
First I'd like to introduce
last year's defending
champions, the
Montclair Vikings.
Number 44, William Marks.
Number 10, Guy Massey.
Number 5, Glen Lundstrom.
-You need me I'll be right here.
So, they all ready?
-They're ready.
-They're gonna get
their butts kicked.
-We'll see.
-One false move and I'll send
them all back to the box.
-Hey.
Hey, that blonde, man.
She wants me!
-It looks like they
finked out on you.
-Don't worry, man.
The Rangers will be here.
-Yeah, we'll see.
ANNOUNCER: And now the starting
lineup for St. Charles.
Number 12, Monroe Johnson.
Number 24, Hector Estrada.
Number 84, Andy DeFalco.
And number 22, Pepe
"Peanuts" Rodriguez.
Number 33, Mark Pruett.
Number 35--
-How you doing, Coach?
Good looking bunch of
boys you got there.
-Thank you.
-How you think you're
going to do this afternoon?
-Well, let me put it this way.
The last time these two teams
met, my guys won 28 to nothing.
-Me myself, I like
the underdogs.
Would you like to place a
little money on your team?
-Sure.
It's a ridiculous
bet, of course.
But you've got a few dollars
you want to throw away,
it's like money in the bank.
-Shall we say, uh, $500?
-All right.
-What's happening, brothers?
-All right.
-White, your call to toss.
-Tails.
-Tails it is.
You win.
-We'll receive.
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
ANNOUNCER: --is
defending the south goal.
Montclair in blue is kicking
off and defending the north.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
[CROWD CHEERING]
-All right!
-I'm telling you, man,
that chick digs me!
-Never mind that now!
Get back in here!
-What are you in for?
-Murder, chump.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Break!
-OK, ready, down!
Set!
Hut one!
Hike two!
[CROWD CHEERING]
ANNOUNCER: Looks like he's
going all the way, number 44.
Touchdown!
-Roger, Roger!
Come here.
Block that kick.
Block that kick!
ANNOUNCER: It's good!
7-0, Montclair!
[CALLING TO EACH OTHER]
-OK, ready?
Down!
Hut one!
Hut two!
Get in there!
Get in!
JIM: Come on, get
back in the game.
Get back in the game.
You all right?
-Yeah, man.
Let me in, man.
-No, you take a rest.
Get in there for him.
Come on, get in there for him!
You all right?
-Yeah, I'm all right.
-Sit down on the bench.
All right, come on, St. Charles!
None of that fighting stuff.
-All right, that's it.
I'm gonna punch that number
22 right upside his head.
Then maybe he'll pick on
somebody his own size.
-No, we can't do that brothers.
But we can run a
play to his side.
Quarterback sweep left on two.
Everybody, quarterback
sweep left on two.
Ready?
Break!
[SHOUTING]
[WHISTLES BLOWING]
REFEREE: Break it up.
Break it up.
[CROWD CHEERING]
ANNOUNCER: He's in there!
[CHEERING]
REFEREE: Break it up.
Break it up!
ALL: Break!
All right, let's get 'em!
-Everybody down!
Set!
Hut one!
Hike two!
[WHISTLES BLOWING]
-Hike two!
Hike three!
-Get in there!
Get in!
ALL: Break!
-All right, let's go!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Down!
Hut one!
Hike two!
ANNOUNCER: Touchdown!
And the conversion is good!
Montclair, 14, St. Charles, 7.
And that brings us to the end
of the half as the Montclair
Tigers lead St. Charles 14-7.
And now, for your
halftime entertainment,
the Montclair High School
marching band with their salute
to the '80s.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[CHEERING]
-You guys are playing one hell
of a game, I'll tell you that.
-Whose scoreboard
are you looking at?
-Hey, you can beat them.
You just have to tighten
your defense up a little bit.
-Look, there's no question
we can beat these guys.
It's scoring on them
that's the problem.
[ALL SHOUT IN AGREEMENT]
-Try 41 long, Hector
up the middle.
Here, some oranges.
You're looking good, man.
-Hey, Jim, I got to talk to you.
-In a minute, Eddie.
You guys want me to
send in defensive plays?
Is that what you want?
Washington, my linebacker?
-No, sir.
-How about you, Mark?
-No, Coach.
-Well get to that
quarterback, will ya?
-We'll take care of it.
-OK, Good second half.
-I think you got some trouble.
Those are the
Rangers over there.
And they're not here because
they like charity events.
I think they're here
to spring your boys.
-No, you've got to
be wrong, Eddie.
-I'd love to be
wrong, believe me.
But what if I'm right?
I just bet Mr.
personality over there
$500 that your
team was gonna win.
What are you gonna do?
-What am I supposed to do?
Tell Turner?
He'll call the game.
I'm gonna bet they don't run.
-I say it's five
to one against you.
Bad bet.
ANNOUNCER: Well,
the teams are back
in the field for the
start of the second half.
Montclair has
elected to receive.
The ball's in the air, and
the second half is underway.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
ANNOUNCER: --run through it,
with [INAUDIBLE] Montclair.
And now the all-critical
extra point.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
ANNOUNCER: And
[INAUDIBLE] scores
in a surprising two
point conversion.
It's a St. Charles
lead for the first time
in the ball game, 15-14.
[CHEERING]
-Louie!
Louie!
Stop 'em!
Come on, Louie, stop them!
[CHEERING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Peanut!
-Peanut!
ANNOUNCER: Uh-oh,
Rodriguez is down.
It looks like he was
injured on the play.
That [INAUDIBLE] extra
point makes the score 20-15.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's
give this young man a big h
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-[SHOUTING PLAYS]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Way to go, baby!
-The dude at the fence.
When he takes off his
jacket, that's the signal.
-All right!
-Get 'em!
-[SHOUTING PLAYS]
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-What is it with you, man?
I was wide open.
-Just do your thing, man.
Let me do mine, OK?
Come on.
-Hut one!
Hut two!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-All right!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-All right!
That's some defense!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-[INAUDIBLE] Time out.
Bring the chains in.
ANNOUNCER: It looks like
fourth and about a foot
from [INAUDIBLE].
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
[PLAYERS SHOUTING]
ANNOUNCER: [INAUDIBLE]
is lining up. [INAUDIBLE]
gonna go for it!
[INAUDIBLE]
[WHISTLES BLOWING]
--[INAUDIBLE] go out
there and get it!
-That's it, man.
Ready?
-Yeah.
-You know something?
We could beat these suckers.
-Hell, 10 more months
isn't that long.
Let's do it.
-Let's do it.
[SHOUTING TO EACH OTHER]
-I'm gonna knock your teeth out.
-Somebody done that
a long time ago.
You the one who
ought to worry, punk.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Hut one!
Hut two!
[CROWD CHEERING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Should we go for the
first down, Coach?
-No, no, no.
Go for Hector.
Get some blocking.
Tell him to block for you.
Go on.
-Here we go, third down!
-Ready, break!
[SHOUTING TO EACH OTHER]
-Hut one!
Hut two!
ANNOUNCER: [INAUDIBLE] with
the loss of three yards.
And time is called
with six seconds
left to play in the game.
-St. Charles!
St. Charles!
ANNOUNCER: --touchdown to win.
A field goal won't do it.
TEAM: St. Charles!
St. Charles!
-All right, all right.
What are we going to do?
-We're gonna win this game.
That's what we're gonna do.
Ready?
ALL: Break!
-My boys are gonna do it!
-[SHOUTING PLAYS]
[MUFFLED SOUND OF CHEERING
CROWD]
[SILENCE]
[CROWD CHEERING]
-St. Charles!
-Hey, way to go!
Way to go!
-All right!
Nice catch, Andy!
-Nice catch!
-Nice catch!
-Took you long enough
to throw the ball.
-'Cause you were
out of position.
I had to wait a year
for you to get over.
-Hi.
-Hi.
-My school's having a
party this Saturday.
Would you like to go?
-I'd love to, but, uh, I can't.
-Oh?
-Maybe some other time.
-When?
-How about 1982?
-Beats running, doesn't it?
-Yeah, I guess.
I don't know how I'll
feel about it tomorrow.
-How's it feel?
You OK?
-Yeah.
-You sure?
-Well, I was just thinking,
you'll be leaving,
and it's just lousy we
won't be seeing you again.
-Hey, I'm not going anywhere.
-Uh, Coach, I, uh--
well, I just wanted
to say that we couldn't
have done it without you.
And, uh, and that, well--
-Game ball.
We want you to have it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Come on!
Get your butt in here.
-Let's get the hell out of here!
-All right, let's go up.
Man down there.
There's a man down there!
Put it down!
-[SCREAMS]
-You keep firing.
Cover me!
[CROWD CHEERING]
[HELICOPTER WINGS]
[CROWD CHEERING]
[HELICOPTER WINGS]
[CROWD CHEERING]
[HELICOPTER WINGS]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
--[INAUDIBLE], what's
happening you old rascal?
Good to see ya.
-How you doing, Eddie?
-I'm here.
-I guess they didn't find out
about your police record, huh?
[BOTH LAUGH]
-Hold my calls, OK Donna?
Come on in, Jimmy.
Not bad, huh?
-Not bad at all.
--[CHUCKLES] What'll
you have, Jimmy?
-You got any beer
in there, hotshot?
-I got everything.
-I'll take a beer.
-One day I'm here and
already it hits the fan.
You know that kid Carver?
The one they signed
for Penn State?
-Sure, the fullback.
-Right.
Well, to celebrate
his signing, we
take him out to
dinner last night.
[INAUDIBLE]
Nice place.
Halfway through dinner,
Lansky and Meyer
stop by the table, welcome
the kid, the whole shot.
Just before they
get ready to leave,
what do you think
they tell the kid?
"Hey, what kind of
car they get ya?"
Just to break my stones, right?
And I assume the kid knows
they're screwing around, right?
-Right.
-8 o'clock this morning I get
a phone call from his attorney.
And he wants to know when
the car's being delivered.
Do you know that
took me all morning
to straighten that mess out?
--[LAUGHS] I guess you
didn't get a chance
to talk to the
main man then, huh?
-Jim, I already
took care of that.
It's in the bag.
The only thing we
have to discuss
is a start date for you.
-Eddie, doesn't training
camp start next week?
-That's right.
They start on the seventh.
-I'd probably be most effective
working with receivers.
But whatever.
I mean, even linemen.
-Jim, there's no
question we all consider
you a valuable
asset to this team.
But what we have in mind is
more of a-- well, [INAUDIBLE].
You'll be looking
at films to analyze.
But, uh--
-But what?
-Heck, we haven't even
figured out a title yet.
You're going to be
doing a lot of things,
scouting, public relations.
You're gonna like
the salary, Jim.
Not only that, they have a
complete medical package that's
probably the best
in the country.
-What about coaching?
-I'm afraid that's just
not in the cards, Jim?
-Why?
I want to know why.
O'Bradovich, we
talked about coaching!
Now, I want to know why!
-They, uh-- I-- they don't
think you can cut it.
-You can't even say it.
You know that's a lie.
Now what is it?
Am I gonna make some of the
players a little uncomfortable?
Is that it?
-Is that so unreasonable?
The way the game's played
today, it's a real concern
to our players that they
could wind up, well, hurt.
And hurt bad.
It doesn't do any good
for them to constantly
be reminded of it.
-Blinders for everyone.
Is that it?
What does that have
to do with coaching?
-It's bad for business.
Jimmy, you and I both know
that's the bottom line.
We're running a major
corporation here.
You ought to be thankful they're
offering you any kind of job
at all.
[SIGHS] Jimmy.
We've been friends a long time.
Please.
Take the weekend.
Think about it.
-I already have.
You can take your
PR job and shove it.
Thanks for the
beer, O'Bradovich.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
WOMAN ON TV: Have to tell
the police sooner or later.
I didn't come here
for a lecture, April.
Tom is innocent.
-Did you tell Andy I wanted him
home before I leave for work?
-Since when is Andy ever home
before you leave for work?
--[SIGHS] Well,
when do you start?
The job, when do you start?
-I don't start.
I turned it down.
-The Chicago Bears offered you
a job and you turned it down.
What were all the letters
and phone calls for?
-They offered me a
public relations job.
I'm a football player.
I don't know the first thing
about public relations work.
-They offered you
a job, didn't they?
-You know what?
You should worry less
about me and more
about that kid of yours.
-Look.
As soon as Andy is through
with school this year,
I'm getting a place of my own.
-Good.
I'll help you move.
I find it interesting, though,
that when your old man walked
out on you and you
weren't working
and my VA check was
paying for everything,
you weren't talking
about moving out then.
-Look, we didn't get
along when we were kids,
and we still don't.
I thought at least you and
Andy would hit it off--
-No, that isn't
what you thought.
You thought I'd
take care of him.
That is what you thought.
So you could recapture
your teenage years.
But now you've got a son,
and he's holding you back.
And guess what?
I don't blame ya.
-Look, why can't you
take care of him?
You got something better
to with your life?
Why can't you give a little?
-Give a little?
How much do you want me to give?
How about these?
How much do you want me to give?
[DOORBELL RINGS]
-Mrs. DeFalco?
-Yes?
-I'm with the Juvenile Division.
Are you Andrew DeFalco's mother?
-Is he all right?
-No, we have him
in custody downtown
at the Juvenile
Detention Center.
He was arrested
for armed robbery.
-Oh my god.
I tried to contact your father.
-I won't hold my
breath waiting for him.
-I don't even know
what to tell him.
-Tell him I'm sorry I
didn't get away with it.
-How can you do
this to me again?
-Mrs. DeFalco, your
attorney is here.
-I read the arresting
officer's report.
Not an easy situation
to deal with.
-Mr. Reisman, when do think
my nephew will be released?
-He's not going to be released.
The boy's got priors.
He's already in violation
of his probation.
They might want to
try them as an adult.
-They can't!
-We'll try not to
let that happen.
-But we're still looking
at a major felony
in which a gun was used.
And that plus the
boy's prior arrest
usually means time in a state
Correctional Institution.
-There are other alternatives.
A lot depends on the judge.
Now, given the
right circumstances,
the judge might be persuaded to
release him into your custody
again.
-Are you working, Mrs. DeFalco?
-I-- I'm an airline
passenger rep.
-Well, frankly the boy's
chances of being released
in your custody would be
greater if you weren't
working, for a
little while anyway.
-I can't afford not to work.
MR. REISMAN: You
have to look at this
from the judge's point of view.
-The judge's point of view?
It's my life too!
Where do I come in?
-We'll do everything we can.
-We can work this out.
-I don't want your help.
I don't want to work it out.
I want the state to take care
of him, to have custody of him.
I want them to.
I can't handle him anymore, OK?
I can't handle him!
Do you understand me?
I just can't do it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[DOGS BARKING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[PRISONERS SHOUTING]
-Quite a rap sheet you got here.
You're cute, all right.
But you know something?
As of a few minutes ago, you
just turned over a new leaf.
'Cause the only person that
makes trouble in this joint
is me.
Everything seems to be in order.
We have a bunk
for him in J Ward.
-Before you put this
boy in Population,
make sure he doesn't have any
rifles or hand grenades on him.
-Come with me.
Right over there.
[LAUGHS] Take your clothes off.
-What for?
-You heard the man.
Gonna search ya.
-They did that over at Juvenile.
-Not the way we do it.
This is different.
This is what we call
a cavity search.
This is it, Sweet Pea.
-My name is Andy!
-Whatever you say, Sweet Pea.
Now, you just make up
your bunk real nice.
Because I'm going
to be back to check
in on ya in a little while.
-Some dump, huh?
That was McLeash.
We call him The Mouth.
Got to watch him, Jack.
-Really?
And here I was thinking
he was a nice guy.
-You're from Juvy Hall, right?
Yeah, I can tell,
man, you're from Juvy.
Well let me tell
you something, Jack.
That place is Disneyland
compared to this hole.
In this place you do hard time.
And I mean hard time.
-I thought visiting
day was Sunday.
-After today it is.
This is part of
your orientation.
-Just like the
first day of school.
-Well, you know, there
are papers to be signed,
things like that.
-So did you sign me in?
-Andy.
I know I never gave
you much of my time.
But I really think I know
how you feel right now.
-You want to do
something for me?
-Sure.
-Well, get me out of this dump.
-I can't.
That's something you've
gotta do for yourself.
-Just leave me alone.
You never gave a damn
about me when I was home.
So what do you say we
just leave it like that.
And don't tell me.
Let me guess.
She couldn't make it
'cause she had to work.
[SHOUTING]
-Ready, set!
Get that.
Come on, come on!
Let's go.
Come on, get back.
Let's get it right this time.
Break!
Let's go!
Ready, set, hut
one, hut two, hut!
Just rest a minute.
I'll be right back.
-Play much ball?
-Nah.
Nah, I played
baseball in college.
Never really got into football.
I'm just filling in.
-Those boys keep
hitting like that,
they're going to get hurt.
Know what to do, if you
don't mind me telling ya?
Should have them get under
the opponent, hit like this.
Keep the elbows in.
Otherwise they're going to
dislocate their shoulders.
-Hey, thanks.
-OK.
COACH: Hey you guys,
come in here a minute!
-You want the job?
-No thanks.
I want to coach, but not here.
-Are you here to
see your nephew?
-Yeah.
You?
-I do counseling here.
-It do any good?
-Sometimes.
How'd it go with your nephew.
-Didn't.
-Hey, I wasn't kidding
about that coaching job.
If you didn't want to
take it permanently,
you could take the six-week
temporary assignmnt.
I've got a friend who's
on the supervisory board,
and I'm sure if you told
him you wanted the job--
-But I don't.
-I could give it a push
from my end as well.
My boss does the hiring.
-Don't push, lady.
Look, my nephew may be a part
of your caseload, but I'm not.
EDDIE: Whatever you
want, sweetheart.
Want to bet your
house, your car?
I can handle that too.
I'm always here.
Don't worry.
Just make sure I haven't got
to come and find you, OK?
Later.
Hey, Jim, I've been
waiting for you.
Hey, get this guy
a vodka and tonic,
and bring me another one, too.
And hold my calls.
-What are you so cheerful about?
-Cheerful?
Two of my customers caught
the double at Arlington today.
It was a big one.
And both of the
bums had a 50 on it.
Don't talk to me
about being cheerful.
So what happened?
-They backed out.
They offered me a job in the
public relations department.
-Good money?
-What do I know about
public relations?
I'm a coach!
It's give the vet a break time.
They jerked me around, Eddie.
-Listen, how do
you think I feel?
I go out, order a new Caddy
and the Cubs [INAUDIBLE]
all this inside information
you're going to get me.
You cost me, man.
--[CHUCKLES] I thought it was
gonna be different this time.
I really did.
-You can't expect
this kind of thing
from these able-bodied dummies.
You know that.
-Aw, please.
Come on, Eddie.
You sound like some VA consult.
What am I supposed
to do, accept it?
-No.
You keep swinging.
Hey, you know what we can do?
We can go up to
the vets hospital.
We'll get some of
the guys together.
We're go through a picket
line around this place.
When you see it, you'll
call it gimpdemania.
-[LAUGHS] Gimpdemania, huh?
-That's not the
only team, you know.
-This was my shot.
-There'll be other shots.
-Yeah, sure.
-Like St. Charles Correctional.
Know what they did?
They offered me a job
as athletic director.
-Babysitting for a bunch
of juvenile delinquents.
Who needs that?
-I may be in a chair.
But I'm still a man, and I
want to be treated like a man.
-Listen, pal, the
hell with them.
Stay home.
They did this to you.
Let the government
take care of you.
Let 'em pay!
-Yeah.
-The temporary athletic
director, he's here.
-I forgot all about that.
Well, he's probably
[INAUDIBLE] nephew.
I hope this one's not
some child molester.
-He's, uh-- he's
in a wheelchair.
-What they trying to do to me?
Well, Mr. Brandon.
Haven't I seen you here before?
-Probably.
My nephew is one of your
students, Andy DeFalco.
-Oh, yeah.
I'm afraid there's been some
mix-up up about this job.
-You mean the job's
been filled already?
-I don't know what they
sent you down here for,
but the only job I
have open is that
of temporary athletic director.
It's not an office job.
-Athletic director's
the job I applied for.
-Well, it's not
going to work out.
You see, I'm-- I'm very
short on staff and I--
I don't have the
time to train you.
-I'm not asking you to train me.
No, let me rephrase that.
I'm not asking
you to do anything
special for me, Mr. Turner.
-You're not?
Well, you've got to understand.
This is not some Sesame Street
playground we're running here.
-I understand what
we're talking about.
I took special education
courses in college.
MR. TURNER: You think that means
anything to these kids here?
Uh-uh.
The only way you're going
to gain their respect
is if you're capable of
dropping them in their tracks.
-I thought we were out of the
dark ages a long time ago.
-Mr. Turner, you
should know what we're
dealing with here
because of Andy.
Before a kid makes a state
institution like this,
he's already been
arrested 10 or 12 times.
And that's not for
shoplifting, either.
When you're alone
with these kids,
you're in physical danger!
-So is everyone else.
If that's what it is,
then that's what it is.
-You take on these kids,
you're asking for trouble!
-You're wrong.
I already have trouble.
And the only thing
that makes it worse
is people making
more of me being
in this wheelchair than
is really necessary.
-I'm just not getting
through to you, am I?
-I'm afraid you're
a little late.
You see, I didn't want this job.
But now I'm committed
to it for six weeks.
Goodbye, Mr. Turner.
-Man!
-Oh, come on, man!
[ARGUING AND SHOUTING]
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Throw me the football!
[ARGUING AND SHOUTING]
-Hut one.
Hut two.
-I got it now!
Hey, what's happening?
Thought you were gonna
throw it to me, man!
-You ready to play
some football?
-Little late, aren't ya?
You supposed to be Joe
Volunteer or something?
-I'm on the payroll.
I'm your athletic director.
-Well that's going to
work out just right.
'Cause as far as I'm concerned--
-Give me the ball!
---you're no different
from the rest
of the creeps the
run this place.
-I said give me the ball, man.
-I don't see your name on it.
-Well, I'll show it to you!
[CROWD YELLING]
-Break it up!
Break it up!
Break it up!
-You two just earned
yourself some room time.
Get out of here!
First you've got to
get their attention.
-That's all right, Sweetlife.
You got the best of him.
[SOUNDS OF PLAYING PING PONG]
--[INAUDIBLE] never
played no game before.
-That's the ace on you.
[INAUDIBLE] Here's your queen.
And I'm out, suckers.
Count 'em up.
What you got, man?
You better give it up.
35--
-I want in.
--[LAUGHS] Better deal this child
in or he'll tell his uncle.
He here to take care of you?
-I take care of
myself, sweetheart.
-I can dig it.
Sure wish my uncle worked here.
Give me some weekend passes,
he bring me some reefer,
you know what I mean.
He tuck you in at night?
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-What's going on here?
-The table fell.
-Peanut, what are
you doing back here?
-Grand theft auto.
-You can hardly see
over the steering wheel.
-I had a partner.
I steered, and he
worked the pedals.
I mean, we was a team!
Until they nailed us.
-How you doing, Andy?
-He's got his uncle here
to take care of him.
That's how he's doing.
-And you wonder why you get
into fights all the time.
-Look, baby, I'm just
telling you like it is.
-All right, folks,
who we playing?
Who want in?
-You can't fight the
whole world, Sweetlife.
Don't you know that?
-I get the rages to take
care of him and his uncle.
-You've already lost
a lot of privileges.
Now who's the loser?
-The loser's the one who
don't get up off the floor.
-What if it's you?
-Well then, that's one more
dead nigger in this world.
And that won't make much more
of a difference, will it?
-I know you don't mean that.
-I don't?
Well look, baby.
I started out long
time ago as a loser.
You know what I am?
I'm a seven-letter
word, mistake.
-Let's get right down
to it, all right?
-You want to get down?
-Let's keep it on
quiet, gentlemen.
You get in, take your
shower, and get out.
It's not a swimming pool.
Anybody who doesn't wash
his hair sees the barber.
-Hey coach!
You gonna give me some
booty after a while?
How 'bout it?
We got some unfinished business.
You got to show
some respect, bro.
So how 'bout you make
up my bed right now?
-How about you take the pipe?
[CROWD SHOUTING]
-You had enough, nigger? 'Cause
if you have, it's over for now.
-No, man.
Let me tell you
something, nigger.
It ain't over.
Sometime you're
gonna have to sleep.
And when you do, I'm gonna
bury my shoe in your face.
-Check this brother
out, trying to be mean.
This child is fierce!
-All right, party's over.
I want everybody in their
bunk in two minutes.
[CROWD COMPLAINING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Tried to call you today.
-Well you didn't try very hard.
I was there all day.
-I got that transfer.
I start at Miami International
Airport tomorrow.
The girl whose job I'm
taking is getting married.
And I got her apartment too.
So I really lucked out.
And along with that
transfer I got a raise.
But of course, I guess it's
because I'll be working
with the worst kind
of passenger problems,
like when they get bumped
from flights and things.
-Don'st waste much time, do you?
-What's that supposed to mean?
I applied for this
transfer weeks ago.
You know that.
-It's funny how things work
out sometimes, isn't it?
-Merissa says it's
probably a good thing
that he got caught at this age.
They change so easily.
How is he?
Is he doing well?
-Andy?
Oh, Andy's fine.
He's doing just fine.
-It's your leave.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Let me have it.
I said, let me have it!
Now!
You just earned
yourself some room time.
Now the rest of you, when
I say I want this ball,
I don't want to wait.
I'm gonna teach football.
Where you going?
I already know how
to play football.
-I didn't say anything
about playing.
I said "teach."
I teach, you learn.
I'm your coach.
-Yeah?
Well then, what are you
doing in a place like this?
-Yeah!
-Yeah, that's right!
-So why don't you
just lighten up
and give us the ball, Wheels?
[CROWD SHOUTING IN AGREEMENT]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Now all of you have
earned some room time!
Now get over there
and form two lines.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
All right!
All right.
Way to go.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Boom!
That's it!
That's the to
stick.That's the way.
-This dude is crazy if he
thinks we're gonna keep this up.
-You got any suggestions?
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Hey!
-Need some help there?
-I can handle it.
I can handle it.
Who told you guys
to get out of line?
Get back in line.
Hear what I said?
I said get back in line!
-[CHUCKLING] You are beautiful.
Really beautiful.
I'll call you back later.
Don't you quit at five?
-Where are they?
-Locked up.
Room time, per
your instructions.
-Tell my boys I
want to see them.
-Haven't you had
enough for one day?
-Just tell them I want
to see them, please.
-All right, listen up.
Jim's here and he wants
everybody in the day room.
Now, hotshots.
-Thanks.
-All right!
Told you the coach
wasn't such a bad dude.
-Wouldn't bet on it, Shorty.
-Anybody want to play rummy 500?
Come on.
Hey, Coach!
I got to talk to you, man!!
-Yeah?
What is it?
-Hey, Coach.
I ain't supposed
to be here, man.
You know, I don't want
to finger at nobody.
But I just ain't
supposed to be here.
-They didn't put you
here for missing school.
-I'll tell you what
the deal was, man.
I was hanging out in
front of the candy store.
Next thing you
know, I got busted,
'cause I looked like this sucker
who stole some [INAUDIBLE]
and knocked over a liquor store.
And without a lawyer,
what you supposed to do?
-All right, you guys.
Listen up!
I got something I
want to say to you.
I'm starting a football
team, and I want all of you
to participate.
Practice starts
tomorrow at 10:00 AM.
-We ain't playing
for you, Wheels.
-You don't have to.
It's a matter of choice.
Playing on this team and staying
on the same is a privilege.
You're gonna have to earn it.
-Yeah, well, you know,
we'll make our own team.
-Right!
-Yeah!
-Wrong!
I'm the athletic director
and I pick the teams.
Now, anyone that doesn't
want to participate
will be assigned
field maintenance.
Cutting the grass, painting,
that sort of thing.
-Is that supposed to worry
us or something, man?
-Take it any way you want.
Those of you who want to make
the team, 10:00 AM, sharp.
Now back to the room.
-Aw, man.
[CROWD GROANS]
-Makes you feel good all over,
doing something for these kids.
So appreciative.
[SCREAMING]
-I don't need this, loverboy.
-Get back, man!
Stay away!
They're gonna get you!
-Why's he in there?
-Every time one of these kids
gets out on a court date,
comes back loaded.
-On what?
-You name it.
PCP, I'd guess.
-[INAUDIBLE] Get away!
[INAUDIBLE]
-All right, hey, you just--
you're going to the C ward!
-What's the C ward?
-CRMD, man, Crazy Rats Must Die.
It's bad news.
Once you go there, you
don't come back the same.
HECTOR: Rats, man!
Rats!
-McLeash!
Give me the key.
-Get my butt in the sling
over that little space cadet?
No way.
They code says CRMD, and
that's where he's going!
-I don't give a damn
about that code.
Give me the key!
HECTOR: Get away from me!
Get away!
Leave me alone!
Dammit!
Get away!
Leave me alone!
Get away from me!
They're gonna get you!
-Hector.
It's me, Coach.
Take it easy.
-No!
They're all over the damn place!
-Take it easy.
-Just keep them away
from me, please!
-Take it easy!
-They're gonna get me!
-Take it easy.
They're not gonna get you.
They're not gonna get you!
Take it easy!
-Look at 'em!
-Where are they?
-They're over there!
-Over there.
-Please, get 'em!
-I see one.
I got him.
-Over there!
-I got him, too.
HECTOR: Now over here.
Over here!
Please!
JIM: I got him.
HECTOR: Please, over there!
Right over there!
Over there!
Right over there.
-Look!
They're leaving.
See?
They're leaving.
Watch!
They're going!
Watch!
See?
They left.
They left, didn't they?
-[CRYING]
-You're all right.
You're all right.
You hear me?
You're all right.
They're not gonna get you, son.
HECTOR: [SOBBING]
JIM: (WHISPERING) They're
not gonna get you, son.
You're all right.
They're not gonna get you, son.
-You boys ready
to play football?
-We figure it's better
than cutting the grass.
-Get to it.
-Come on, man.
Let's get to it.
-Hike!
All right, way to catch!
Good hands, man.
Way to catch!
Looking good,
Hector, looking good.
Aw, Andy, come on!
If you can touch it
you can catch it!
-No kidding, Coach!
JIM: Come on, hustle back here.
Don't you walk back!
Hustle back!
Take off your shirts.
-Oh, Coach, this is so sudden.
-I didn't know.
-Yeah, man.
-All right, come on.
You guys got to receive.
Get down there.
Little two-handed touch.
Touch, you guys, come on!
-This is it, guys,
maximum security area.
Right, Warden Turner?
-Superintendent This is
a maximum security cell.
It is only used when someone is
beyond the control of the staff
and extreme corrective
action is necessary.
-Is this where you give
them bread and water?
-We don't do that here, kid.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Come on!
-Curtis!
I said this was
two-handed touch!
All right, huddle up again.
Call another play.
-Jim Brandon, this is
Mr. Forester, a teacher
with the Montclair
group of boys.
-How do you do.
-We have what you might call
a scared straight program
at Montclair.
Get the boys out into the
world, show them what it's like.
-Hey, nice hands, huh?
-Love the hand!
How about that pass?
-No wonder these
guys are locked up.
[LAUGHTER]
-Yeah, we'll see
how funny you think
it is when I stick my
foot in your mouth.
-All right, let's go
back to the bus, boys.
Hey, let's go.
Back to the bus.
-Come on, you guys, be cool.
Be cool.
-What, are we just going to let
them chumps get away with that?
-Don't even think about it.
Give me that ball.
All right, five laps.
-You better go on!
[CROWD SHOUTING]
-Get out of here!
-Jim Brandon, right?
I thought I recognized you.
I was a big fan of yours
when you were with the Bears.
You do volunteer work here?
-No, no.
I'm full-time coach here.
-I coach these kids
from Montclair.
Last year we were undefeated.
Great looking bunch
of boys, aren't they?
-Does that excuse them from
making fun of my guys today?
-Oh, that.
They didn't mean
anything by that.
-How about a game?
-A game?
-Football.
Your boys against mine,
next Saturday, right here.
-You can't be serious.
My boys won their
division last year.
It's too ridiculous, really.
-We'll see about that
next Saturday, Coach.
[CROWD LAUGHING]
-Man, are you kidding?
-No, no, I'm not kidding!
You're going to
play 'em Saturday.
-All right, all right.
We'll wipe the clean
off of them dudes.
-Yeah!
[CROWD CHEERING]
-They're going
down for the count!
-Hey, that one kid
with the blond hair,
don't anybody get him,
because he's mine.
-Hey, now, wait a minute.
Number one, no one is
going to get anyone.
We're playing football.
Number two, these guys
practice all the time.
They're good.
-Yeah?
Well good ain't
making it, Wheels,
because we gonna be dynamite!
[CROWD LAUGHS AND CHEERS]
-Hey, Dynamite, who's in
charge of the equipment?
-Where you been, brother?
-No equipment?
SWEETLIFE: Sorry, brother.
Sorry.
JIM: Hi, Eddie.
-Hey, Jim!
Just think, I used to
fly one of these things.
What do you say we go
to track this afternoon?
I think I got something
here in a second.
-No, I can't, Eddie.
I got to get the team
ready for Saturday.
-The team?
A bunch of little punks,
now it's the team?
-You know what you ought to do?
You oughta show them
how to do that sometime.
I bet they'd really enjoy it.
-Yeah, they'd love it.
Especially the glue.
-Eddie, um, I need some help.
-Shoot.
-I need equipment for
the football team.
-How much?
-The whole team.
-Right in the back
room I got shelves
full of football equipment.
Take whatever you need.
-No, now look, I'm serious.
-What do I look like,
a sporting goods store?
All right.
I know this kid.
He's a degenerate gambler.
He's with me for a big price.
Anybody else, I'd send 'em
up for a long lunch by now.
His old man owns a
sporting goods store.
-Hey!
Hut one!
Hut two!
-Oh, hey!
Washington!
Washington, what did
you flinch for, man?
If it hadn't been
for Palmer that
would have been a touchdown!
-I'm not gonna allow it.
-Well, I'm committed to it.
-You'll just have
to call it off.
-What is wrong with this
school playing another school?
-You see that barbed wire?
Does that look like a school?
This is an institution!
-These boys have
been working hard.
They deserve a chance to play.
-Kids, huh?
You see that little
darling, Sweetlife?
He's headed for hard time.
When he leaves here,
he's going to Sheridan.
When he leaves Sheridan,
he's going to Joliet.
And your own nephew, god
bless America on him,
arrested 12 times before
his 13th birthday.
Let's not forget Hector.
You don't need to
teach him how to hit.
He hit every liquor
store on the south side.
And you want to bring
another team in here?
-Hector!
Good catch, Hector!
That's the way!
Good hands, man!
Listen, as coach of
this team I think
I ought to be able to
make that decision.
-Is that right?
All right, I'm gonna let
you learn the hard way.
I'm also gonna let you
do all the paperwork.
-Fine.
-Where'd you get those helmets?
-Donation.
-Regulations say donations must
go through proper channels.
More paperwork.
I'm gonna let you do that too.
-Fine!
[WHISTLE BLOWS] All right, you
guys, that's it for the day.
10 laps and hit the shower!
Good day!
Where you going?
-I hurt my leg, Coach.
-Oh, that's too bad.
You won't be able to play
in the game Saturday.
10 laps, Sweetlife.
Come on [INAUDIBLE]!
Run, you guys!
-What's their record?
-Last year they were undefeated.
-Hey, forget about their record.
You guys are undefeated, too.
-We beat somebody
I don't know about?
[LAUGHTER]
-All right.
Get out there and play football.
-Yeah!
-Go!
ALL: One, two, three, one!
One, two, three, two!
One, two, three, three!
One, two, three, four!
-Ready?
ALL: Ready!
-Ready?
ALL: Ready!
-Again!
ALL: One, two, three!
One, two, three!
One, two, three!
ALL: Three!
One, two, three, four!
One, two, three, five!
ALL: One, two, three!
-Run in place!
-One, two, three, six!
COACH FORESTER: Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
Hit it!
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-OK, St. Charles call it.
-Heads.
-Make sure it doesn't
have two heads, ref.
-Tails.
-We'll receive.
[CROWD CHEERING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-[SHOUTING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-15 yard, personal foul.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-15 yards, personal foul.
-What do you mean 15 yards, ref?
-Cool it, or you're
out of the game.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Hector, middle on two.
Ready, break!
[CHEERING]
-Hey, maybe if you
chromed the football,
you know, so it looks
more like a hubcap?
REFEREE: Break it up!
Break it up!
Break it up!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
REFEREE: Break it up!
Break it up!
-What you groaning about, Chump?
Just a game.
-I hurt my ankle, that's all.
-That's right, tear it down.
You guys were really fantastic.
You're not a team.
You know what you are?
You're a mob!
-We got a few licks in, Coach.
ALL: Yeah!
-Yeah, you bloodied some noses.
Are you guys proud of that?
What about all that training?
What about the game?
-What about the way we
knocked them on their butt?
[CHEERING]
-Yeah, we could have beat
them if we wanted to.
-No, you couldn't.
You don't win football
games by breaking heads.
That isn't what it takes.
-You ain't got what
it takes, either.
Else you wouldn't be here, man!
ALL: Yeah!
-Yeah, you're a
loser, same as us.
-You said you wanted
to play football.
I thought we were a team!
-No, man, you said we
wanted to play football.
That game was for you!
We was just your show pony, man!
-You threw us to the lions, man.
Why?
-Because I thought I could
pull you boys together,
so you'd know what it's like to
play as a team, what it means!
-Well that's your
college stuff, man.
Maybe [INAUDIBLE]
for them punks,
but that doesn't
mean a think to us,
because we ain't going nowhere.
[CROWD SHOUTS IN AGREEMENT]
-What about your
self-respect, huh, Hector?
Maybe you're right.
Maybe all you boys
aren't going nowhere.
-Why don't you just go coach
them outsiders, Wheels?
They dig all that jive.
[CROWD SHOUTS IN AGREEMENT]
-Hey, you take it easy!
Get out of my way, Calvin.
-Whoa, what are you doing here?
Aren't you supposed to be
out doing your Monday morning
post-game critique?
Watching game films, discussing
key plays, that sort of thing?
Huh?
Well, I can't say
that I blame ya.
-What do you want, Turner?
-Well, you know that
fella, uh, what's
his name, Forester, their coach?
He's mad!
He called me there.
You want to know what he said?
-I'm not interested.
-He said that he
blames you personally
and that his team
is a disaster area.
Oh, and McLeash said
the team doesn't
want anything to do with you.
-McLeash has got a big mouth.
You want something
to worry about?
You worry about McLeash.
-Yeah.
If it hadn't been
for civil service
he'd been gone a long time ago.
But look!
The point is, you
had the misfortune
of picking the worst
group imaginable.
Now, forget who
talked you into this.
That's not important.
I've got an opening in records.
You can finish out
your six weeks there.
-I'm a coach, not a file clerk.
-Come on, James.
Go!
I got it!
-Hold it!
Give me the ball.
-Are you kidding, man?
We can't play
basketball with this.
It's got points, see?
-First we start on our defense.
Not that our offense
is any better,
but we've got to
start some place.
-What for?
-What for?
The rematch.
That's what for.
You guys proved
they could beat you.
Now let's prove
we can beat them.
-Hey, man, we tried that once.
It didn't work.
-You've got that right.
We only got one chance.
That's to fight our
way out from under.
We ought to start at Montclair.
Let's go there.
Let's beat them there
like they beat us here.
What do you say, guys?
-I tell you what, Wheels.
I think it's worth a shot.
I'd like to get down on
our freckle-faced friends,
know what I mean?
-And we can whip them,
just like they whipped us.
-Hey, I'd go another shot.
-All right!
-All right, you guys.
Let's get out there,
and let's get to work!
-Let's go!
-All right.
-Hey.
You really think
we can beat them?
-No way we can.
-What was that all about?
-Well, you heard
what the man said.
Play on their field.
I mean, once I get outside
this joint I'm done.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
COACH FORESTER: John, you've
got to get in there quickly.
You've got to make
that X quicker!
Now try it again.
This is a surprise.
-Merissa Laine, I'd like
you to meet Coach Forester.
-It's a pleasure to meet you.
Your team looks very impressive.
-Just what is it I can
do for you, Mr. Brandon?
-I'd like to arrange another
meeting between our two teams.
-After what happened
the other day?
-No, this is different.
This is for charity.
It's a benefit for
the Underprivileged
Children's Fund.
Mrs. Stanton is in
charge of the event.
It's their big
annual fundraising.
-Dean Stanton's wife?
-Yes, Mrs. Stanton.
-Just when did you say this
game was going to be played.
-Two weeks from this Saturday.
-It's a pleasure to meet you.
-How did you know that Dean
Stanton's wife was the head
of the Underpriveleged
Children's Fund?
-She's not.
But he doesn't know that.
-Is something the
matter with your head?
Are you brain
damaged or something?
I want to know.
-It was the only way
we could get the game.
-Do you realize what kind
of a security problem
you're talking about?
-I'll take the responsibility.
-It's not yours to take!
The state has something
to say about--
-I just want to play
a football game.
I don't want to change
the Constitution.
-Do you know why they put
fences around this place?
It's not to keep people
out, it's to keep people in!
That's why an
institution of this kind
does not take the population
to picnics or ball games,
because it's a problem!
I've got 12 pages of
directives and regulations
governing transportation
to take one
kid on a morning hospital visit.
-This game means
something to these kids.
Pulling together for this
game can prove to them
that they've got a chance,
that they don't have
to be institutions like this
for the rest of their lives.
-They don't give a
damn about this game.
The only thing on their mind
is hitting that blacktop.
-What I said the other
day about cutting out?
I was just jiving, man.
-Oh yeah?
-I mean, it's a dumb rule.
You know what I'm saying?
-Sure.
-What about you?
-Hell, I'm not doing 10
months in this place.
If I see daylight,
I'm splitting.
-Hey, well, you ain't
got a chance, man.
-I'll write to you.
-Look, son.
I got it all worked out, and
you ain't screwing it up.
-There's no way
you're stopping me.
-[INAUDIBLE] My thing is set.
We'll do it together, man.
And not because I like you.
'Cause I don't.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Aw, man, don't tell me,
mystery burgers again?
-We're on quiet, gentleman.
Now, if you're not
hungry, just say so
and we'll fix you up with
a little kitchen duty.
-Sit down.
I was watching you help
the other guys today.
I want you to know I
really appreciate it.
Every team needs
a natural leader,
someone to spark
on the other guys.
Yeah, well, you know, we got
to get ready for the big day.
-Right.
-This food ain't helping much,
though, I'll tell you that.
Third time this week
they give us this junk.
-I'll look into it for you.
I think the idea is you'll never
remember any of the counseling.
But if the memory of
that food stays with you,
you won't be back.
-Well, that's fine if
you're here for a week.
But they want to keep
me here for a long haul,
attempted murder and all.
I tried to kill my
mother with a golf club.
She was so smacked up.
She started pulling my sister's
hair and beating her up,
'cause she wouldn't stop crying.
For all I know, she could
have killed her, you know?
Somehow hearing
my sister crying,
it made it worse than if
it was happening to me.
Later, man.
-OK.
Where's the decimal point?
Now, see, that wasn't
so hard, was it?
-Why do I have to do this?
I'm gonna be a boxer like Duran.
Boxers don't need this junk!
-You do care about staying
on the team, don't you?
-Yeah.
-Get to it.
That's a two.
-Pizza and soft drinks, huh?
You buy that for them
with your own money?
-I didn't buy it for you,
McLeash, that's for damn sure.
Where are my boys,
in the day room?
-The whole damn pack field.
-Thanks.
-Well all right!
Let's get them boxes over here!
-Hey, wait a minute.
These guys been working?
-Very hard.
-All right.
[CHATTING EXCITEDLY]
-Hey, Coach, you think
there are gonna be
and scouts at the game?
-What for?
-The pros!
I'm ready!
-Hey, where's Andy?
-Uh, in the dorm, I think.
-Sweetlife, go get him.
That is Andy's.
-But everybody knows
Andy don't like pizza.
-Who said he don't?
-He told me!
-[LAUGHS]
-Hey man, there's pizza outside.
-Not interested.
-What's wrong with you?
-Nothing.
-So what's that nothing you
just put under your pillow?
-This.
Just a letter from my old lady.
Found herself an airline pilot.
He wants to marry her.
Not bad, right?
I mean, uh, those guys
make a lot of bread.
Guy drives a Vette.
He's got his own boat.
He lives in California
with his three kids.
I mean, it sounds
like a nice family.
I almost forgot.
She says she hopes and prays
that I'm getting along OK.
-Hey man, pizza's getting cold.
Let's go.
[LAUGHTER]
-Hey, Andy, saved
you some pizza!
-You eat it.
-Say what?
It's mine?
All right!
-Andy, what were you
doing in the room?
-I had to get something
ready for class tomorrow.
-Need any help?
Sure?
Thank you.
I got this feeling
inside like I used
to have when I was playing
ball, just before a game.
Butterflies.
Feels good.
I haven't had it
for a long time.
I've been faking it
for a lot of years.
-I liked watching you tonight.
It was like being
part of a family.
-You know, for a
long time I never
thought I was gonna
be a part of anything.
I was numb for a year
after it happened.
Then it took me another
year to make my mind up,
whether I wanted
to go on or not.
Merissa, was I angry.
I wouldn't listen to anything.
I want these boys to know
that they've got a chance.
That's why this game
is so important.
And it's important
to me to know that I
can give these boys that chance.
-Welcome home.
-Come on!
Way to go!
All right!
-What in the hell was that?
You don't tell those
boneheads to block
they're gonna get the
quarterback killed!
-I called for a defensive blitz.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-OK you guys, come on!
Hustle up, hustle up!
Come on, hustle in here.
I want to thank all
of you for a good day.
There'll be no laps today.
[CHEERING]
-Tomorrow is gonna be for real.
All right, listen up.
I want to see you
all upstairs, now.
-All right, who did it?
-All right, all right.
Hold it down.
Move over a little bit.
Give me some room.
Here you go.
Don't just stand there.
Open 'em up!
-All right!
[EXCITED CHATTER]
-OK, you're the coach.
Take 'em down to the locker
room and have 'em out!
-I ain't never wore a
real uniform before.
-And you never will again if
there's any funny business
out there tomorrow,
I guarantee it.
Now, don't you guys
get the idea I did this
because I'm crazy about
you. 'Cause I'm not.
You'll be representing
this institution tomorrow.
I want you to look presentable.
[CHATTERING]
-Now, 22 of your are leaving
for the football field,
and 22 of you are coming back!
You got it?
-Yeah.
-(SHOUTING) You got it?
ALL: Yes, sir!
[CROWD CHEERING AND MARCHING
BAND PLAYING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Hold it down!
Hold it down!
You get off this bus
in a column of twos.
That means no
pushing, no grabbing,
no bugalooing, or so help me.
You got it?
-Yes, sir!
-Let's go!
[APPLAUSE]
[CHEERING AND CATCALLING]
-Hey, hey!
Check out the blonde, man.
I think she digs me!
-If I have to blow this
whistle one more time
it's back on the
bus for all of you!
-All right, let's go!
Come on!
[CHEERING]
-Don't want any injuries.
-We'll take care of it.
-OK.
Good luck, folks.
[CHEERING]
-Uh, anybody got any pills,
uh, reefer, something?
Just kidding.
-You're a good team.
You can beat these guys.
How about it?
-Fight!
-Fight!
[CHANTING]
ANNOUNCER: Good afternoon,
ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to Montclair Stadium for
today's game between Montclair
and the visiting
team, St. Charles.
First I'd like to introduce
last year's defending
champions, the
Montclair Vikings.
Number 44, William Marks.
Number 10, Guy Massey.
Number 5, Glen Lundstrom.
-You need me I'll be right here.
So, they all ready?
-They're ready.
-They're gonna get
their butts kicked.
-We'll see.
-One false move and I'll send
them all back to the box.
-Hey.
Hey, that blonde, man.
She wants me!
-It looks like they
finked out on you.
-Don't worry, man.
The Rangers will be here.
-Yeah, we'll see.
ANNOUNCER: And now the starting
lineup for St. Charles.
Number 12, Monroe Johnson.
Number 24, Hector Estrada.
Number 84, Andy DeFalco.
And number 22, Pepe
"Peanuts" Rodriguez.
Number 33, Mark Pruett.
Number 35--
-How you doing, Coach?
Good looking bunch of
boys you got there.
-Thank you.
-How you think you're
going to do this afternoon?
-Well, let me put it this way.
The last time these two teams
met, my guys won 28 to nothing.
-Me myself, I like
the underdogs.
Would you like to place a
little money on your team?
-Sure.
It's a ridiculous
bet, of course.
But you've got a few dollars
you want to throw away,
it's like money in the bank.
-Shall we say, uh, $500?
-All right.
-What's happening, brothers?
-All right.
-White, your call to toss.
-Tails.
-Tails it is.
You win.
-We'll receive.
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
ANNOUNCER: --is
defending the south goal.
Montclair in blue is kicking
off and defending the north.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
[CROWD CHEERING]
-All right!
-I'm telling you, man,
that chick digs me!
-Never mind that now!
Get back in here!
-What are you in for?
-Murder, chump.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Break!
-OK, ready, down!
Set!
Hut one!
Hike two!
[CROWD CHEERING]
ANNOUNCER: Looks like he's
going all the way, number 44.
Touchdown!
-Roger, Roger!
Come here.
Block that kick.
Block that kick!
ANNOUNCER: It's good!
7-0, Montclair!
[CALLING TO EACH OTHER]
-OK, ready?
Down!
Hut one!
Hut two!
Get in there!
Get in!
JIM: Come on, get
back in the game.
Get back in the game.
You all right?
-Yeah, man.
Let me in, man.
-No, you take a rest.
Get in there for him.
Come on, get in there for him!
You all right?
-Yeah, I'm all right.
-Sit down on the bench.
All right, come on, St. Charles!
None of that fighting stuff.
-All right, that's it.
I'm gonna punch that number
22 right upside his head.
Then maybe he'll pick on
somebody his own size.
-No, we can't do that brothers.
But we can run a
play to his side.
Quarterback sweep left on two.
Everybody, quarterback
sweep left on two.
Ready?
Break!
[SHOUTING]
[WHISTLES BLOWING]
REFEREE: Break it up.
Break it up.
[CROWD CHEERING]
ANNOUNCER: He's in there!
[CHEERING]
REFEREE: Break it up.
Break it up!
ALL: Break!
All right, let's get 'em!
-Everybody down!
Set!
Hut one!
Hike two!
[WHISTLES BLOWING]
-Hike two!
Hike three!
-Get in there!
Get in!
ALL: Break!
-All right, let's go!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Down!
Hut one!
Hike two!
ANNOUNCER: Touchdown!
And the conversion is good!
Montclair, 14, St. Charles, 7.
And that brings us to the end
of the half as the Montclair
Tigers lead St. Charles 14-7.
And now, for your
halftime entertainment,
the Montclair High School
marching band with their salute
to the '80s.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[CHEERING]
-You guys are playing one hell
of a game, I'll tell you that.
-Whose scoreboard
are you looking at?
-Hey, you can beat them.
You just have to tighten
your defense up a little bit.
-Look, there's no question
we can beat these guys.
It's scoring on them
that's the problem.
[ALL SHOUT IN AGREEMENT]
-Try 41 long, Hector
up the middle.
Here, some oranges.
You're looking good, man.
-Hey, Jim, I got to talk to you.
-In a minute, Eddie.
You guys want me to
send in defensive plays?
Is that what you want?
Washington, my linebacker?
-No, sir.
-How about you, Mark?
-No, Coach.
-Well get to that
quarterback, will ya?
-We'll take care of it.
-OK, Good second half.
-I think you got some trouble.
Those are the
Rangers over there.
And they're not here because
they like charity events.
I think they're here
to spring your boys.
-No, you've got to
be wrong, Eddie.
-I'd love to be
wrong, believe me.
But what if I'm right?
I just bet Mr.
personality over there
$500 that your
team was gonna win.
What are you gonna do?
-What am I supposed to do?
Tell Turner?
He'll call the game.
I'm gonna bet they don't run.
-I say it's five
to one against you.
Bad bet.
ANNOUNCER: Well,
the teams are back
in the field for the
start of the second half.
Montclair has
elected to receive.
The ball's in the air, and
the second half is underway.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
ANNOUNCER: --run through it,
with [INAUDIBLE] Montclair.
And now the all-critical
extra point.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
ANNOUNCER: And
[INAUDIBLE] scores
in a surprising two
point conversion.
It's a St. Charles
lead for the first time
in the ball game, 15-14.
[CHEERING]
-Louie!
Louie!
Stop 'em!
Come on, Louie, stop them!
[CHEERING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Peanut!
-Peanut!
ANNOUNCER: Uh-oh,
Rodriguez is down.
It looks like he was
injured on the play.
That [INAUDIBLE] extra
point makes the score 20-15.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's
give this young man a big h
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-[SHOUTING PLAYS]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Way to go, baby!
-The dude at the fence.
When he takes off his
jacket, that's the signal.
-All right!
-Get 'em!
-[SHOUTING PLAYS]
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-What is it with you, man?
I was wide open.
-Just do your thing, man.
Let me do mine, OK?
Come on.
-Hut one!
Hut two!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-All right!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-All right!
That's some defense!
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-[INAUDIBLE] Time out.
Bring the chains in.
ANNOUNCER: It looks like
fourth and about a foot
from [INAUDIBLE].
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
[PLAYERS SHOUTING]
ANNOUNCER: [INAUDIBLE]
is lining up. [INAUDIBLE]
gonna go for it!
[INAUDIBLE]
[WHISTLES BLOWING]
--[INAUDIBLE] go out
there and get it!
-That's it, man.
Ready?
-Yeah.
-You know something?
We could beat these suckers.
-Hell, 10 more months
isn't that long.
Let's do it.
-Let's do it.
[SHOUTING TO EACH OTHER]
-I'm gonna knock your teeth out.
-Somebody done that
a long time ago.
You the one who
ought to worry, punk.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
-Hut one!
Hut two!
[CROWD CHEERING]
[WHISTLE BLOWING]
-Should we go for the
first down, Coach?
-No, no, no.
Go for Hector.
Get some blocking.
Tell him to block for you.
Go on.
-Here we go, third down!
-Ready, break!
[SHOUTING TO EACH OTHER]
-Hut one!
Hut two!
ANNOUNCER: [INAUDIBLE] with
the loss of three yards.
And time is called
with six seconds
left to play in the game.
-St. Charles!
St. Charles!
ANNOUNCER: --touchdown to win.
A field goal won't do it.
TEAM: St. Charles!
St. Charles!
-All right, all right.
What are we going to do?
-We're gonna win this game.
That's what we're gonna do.
Ready?
ALL: Break!
-My boys are gonna do it!
-[SHOUTING PLAYS]
[MUFFLED SOUND OF CHEERING
CROWD]
[SILENCE]
[CROWD CHEERING]
-St. Charles!
-Hey, way to go!
Way to go!
-All right!
Nice catch, Andy!
-Nice catch!
-Nice catch!
-Took you long enough
to throw the ball.
-'Cause you were
out of position.
I had to wait a year
for you to get over.
-Hi.
-Hi.
-My school's having a
party this Saturday.
Would you like to go?
-I'd love to, but, uh, I can't.
-Oh?
-Maybe some other time.
-When?
-How about 1982?
-Beats running, doesn't it?
-Yeah, I guess.
I don't know how I'll
feel about it tomorrow.
-How's it feel?
You OK?
-Yeah.
-You sure?
-Well, I was just thinking,
you'll be leaving,
and it's just lousy we
won't be seeing you again.
-Hey, I'm not going anywhere.
-Uh, Coach, I, uh--
well, I just wanted
to say that we couldn't
have done it without you.
And, uh, and that, well--
-Game ball.
We want you to have it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]