Possums (1998) - full transcript

Boy: Boy, he was hit flatter
than a paper cup.

The possums' quarterback
shines blue

as he jumps up
and heads back to the line.

Can they do it?

Can the possums turn these
last moments into something?

The quarterback
fades back to pass.

But wait, it's
the statue of Liberty play,

with running back Charlie lawton
taking the ball.

Lawton dodges one tackle
and another and...

Oh, no! He tripped
over his own feet!

And yes, it looks like
another fumble



for the old trolley
5-thumbs lawton.

This could mean the end
of an undefeated season

for the possums.

But wait, out of nowhere,

number 33 will Clark
dives in,

scooping up the ball.

He saves the fumble!

Woman: Wilbur!

Wilbur: The crowd's
on its feet.

And he's running.

The 40, the 30, the 20,

the 15, the 5--

woman: Your father
needs some help!

Ok!



And he's tackled at the 2.
The crowd's going wild.

With only 20 seconds
remaining,

the possums call
a time-out.

And while they do that,

let's hear a word
from our sponsors.

Man: Wilbur? Wilbur?

All right! Jeez!

Announcer: We're back,
as the possums break

from the huddle.
It'll be second down and 14.

Johnson wide right.

Rowlett takes the snap
and drops back to pass.

But no, it's the old
statue of Liberty play!

Fumble! We got a loose ball!

Tackle Brian pritchard
scrambles over the field

and comes up with it
at last.

The possums keep the ball.

After that very risky play

it's third down
and 2 yards to go.

Time! Call time-out!

Time-out! Time-out!

Announcer:
Taking their last time-out,

the possums have exactly
7 seconds left

to make something happen.

What a powerful game this
has been tonight, folks,

down to the wire
all the way.

This last play could make
or break the entire season

for the nowata possums.

All: Break!

All: Break!

Announcer:
This is it, folks.

Fourth quarter, final play,
7 seconds to go,

the possums
on their own 45 yard line.

They're set in their usual
wishbone offense.

Rowlett tucked tight
under center.

Burns in motion.

3, 49! Hut, hut, hut!

Announcer:
There's the snap by Fisher.

Rowlett steps back
and searches for his Mark.

And it's a blitz
by prattville

as big Brian bells breaks
through the line.

Rowlett lets it fly

just as he's slammed
into the ground!

Boy, that ball
has got air under it.

Oh, my lord!

I--i can't believe it!

Kevin burns is all
by himself in the end zone.

Finally after 13 years...

It's...an interception?

Prattville's Joe sasser
picks off the ball.

And he's running--
the 25, the 40,

across the 50,

the 30, the 20...

He's gone.

Touchdown.

Touchdown, prattville.

A close game
for the possums,

but one that just wasn't
meant to be, folks.

Final score,
prattville 72,

nowata zero.

And that'll do it

for another heart-pounding
season of possum football.

Be sure and tune in again
next year, folks.

This has been
your buddy, will Clark,

the voice
of k-rig sports.

Thank you. Good night.

Oh, I'm late. The alarm
didn't go off again.

I'll fix it.

You've already
fixed it once.

Buy a new one.

I'm not gonna throw away
a perfectly good alarm clock.

Well, it doesn't look right
for the vice principal

to be late for school.

Oh, I'll take care
of it, honey.

Don't worry.

Oh...

Also, John called
last night.

Looks like
his kid's made it
into the 6-a finals.

He wants to know
if we'd come and see
his game next week.

Will?

Oh, i--i don't know.

This is your son, will.

I got him.
I got him this time.

Will: Ha! I got you
this time, Charlie!

Hold it!
You come back here

and clean that mess up,

you
and your stinkin' dog.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

It's these land mines
all over the place.

That's what
I'm talking about.

Not my Max.
Not my dog.

I've had it with you,
Charlie!

One of these days
I'm gonna stick a cork
up that dog's butt.

Man: Who was that?

The smallwoods,
I believe.

The smallwoods?

I didn't know
they were leaving.

Yeah, he got job
down in Dallas.

Good morning,
gentlemen.

Oh, no, no, no.
I'm the hummingbird.

London's the flowers.

Thank you, will.

Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

A glorious day,
ain't it?

What is up with you?

Almost a touchdown.

So close you could smell it
like an outhouse in August.

And that's just about
what it looked like.

13 years of unanswered
prayers, my friends,

almost came
to an end last night.

But it didn't.

But they almost did.

And guess what.

5 seniors is all
we're gonna lose.

So next year--

we'll have 14 years
without a touchdown?

O ye of little faith.

Unless, of course,
they get enough signatures.

Hmm? What did you say?

Nothing.

No. Something
about signatures.

Don't listen to him.
It's--it's--

it's all that radiation
from the war.

He doesn't know what
he's talking about.

What signatures, London?
I'm warning you.

My wife told me

some people were
passing around a petition

to close down
the high school
football program.

What people?

I don't know.

Who started it?

I don't know.

The mayor.

I knew it!
I knew it!

He's been after the team
for years,

that back-stabbing,
two-faced...

Now I'm gonna put an end
to that right now!

You watch the store
for me, Bob.

Sure.

Oh, I didn't mean--

hush up!

You've lost your
speaking privileges.

Charlie?
Charlie!

What in the hell
do you think
you're doing?

Now listen,
I told you

my dog did not take
a dump on your--

who gave you
the authority to cancel
the football program?

Oh, that.

Listen, I'll see
you gentlemen
in my office.

Bernice will set you up
with some coffee.

Ok.
Thank you.

All right.
Good deal.

Ahem. Now, will--

where is it written
that you can just
arbitrarily--

wait. Hold on now, will.
Let's talk about this
like 2 reasonable adults.

Then it's true.

Well, I'm afraid it is,

but it's not official
just yet.

All I have
is a petition.

Who signed it?

Now listen, will.

For the past several years
the football program's

gone from dismal to...
Downright disheartening.

Did you see
the game last night?

Yes, I did.

And even if
they had scored,

it still would have
been 102 to 7.

72 to 7.

Now next year--

y-you know, you've been
saying that for years,

and frankly, will, people
are just tired of losing.

They've been coming
to me complaining.

Who?

Who?
It doesn't matter who.

But enough people
were upset

that I felt it my duty
to initiate a petition--

I knew it.

I am not making them
sign it.

Oh, yeah, well,
I'm sure you're
not trying

to convince 'em
otherwise, either.

Listen, the money'll be
better used elsewhere, will.

Now I've got
to get inside.

Look, I'll, uh,

talk to you when
the petition's done

and it comes to a vote,
all right?

If you get
enough signatures.

I'm gonna fight you
on this, Charlie.

Well, you better hope you
do better than the possums.

Will: Just walk away, folks.
Walk away, please.

Help nowata save
the possums.

Sir. Drop that pen, sir.

This is a war,
and that's their weapon.

Thank you very much.
Keep our possums in nowata.

Hey, Paul.

You got another year
as quarterback, partner.

Don't give that up.
Tell your folks.

Don't sign it, ok?

That-a-boy.

Save our possums, kids.

Can I have one of those?

Sure.

Whoa, whoa!
What are you doing?

Doing what I should
have done ages ago.

I hate football.

I never wanted to coach
the dang sport.

I can't help it.
I teach history.

It doesn't mean
I coach football, too.

It makes me vomit.

Judas, brutus,
and Benedict Arnold.

Of all people,

I thought you fellas
were with me.

Well, we are.
It's just that--

you, too, Bob?

Just look at him.
Poor man.

You talk
to him yet?

No.

I can't even
look him in the eye.

I feel like I shot
his best dog.

London: Me, too.

I even sent
my wife in to get
the feed yesterday.

I miss the bench.

Yeah.
Yeah.

Elizabeth: I thought
we promised

never to discuss
that sport

in this house.

I'm sorry, Elizabeth,

but I have to talk
to somebody.

Nobody else seems
to care.

The petition's complete,

the town's voting
the team away tomorrow night,

and my wife won't even
let me talk about football

in my own house--
there, I've said it.

What are you
going to do?

Hell, I don't know.

Will: I know the possums
aren't the greatest team
in the world.

You got that right.

Will: We've never been
to the state championships,

we haven't had
a winning season

in 25 years.

Heck, we haven't scored
a touchdown in--

all: 13 years.

13 years. Right.

But you don't shoot
your dog just because
he stops hunting.

I do.

Folks, listen.

This whole thing
isn't about me.

A-a-and it's
not about you.

And it--it's not about
some crummy football team.

It's--it's about...

It's about cool nights
and--and Autumn leaves

and--and--and smoke
coming out of chimneys

and...

It's about those kids
going out there

every Friday night
and playing their guts out.

Hell, I don't know.

It just seems to me that...

If we cancel
this football program...

We're sending out a message
that we've given up.

And I don't think
that's a message

that we ought
to be sending.

Folks, please.

Vote this petition down.

Let's keep the possums.

Thank you.

Well, thank you, will.

That was very moving.

But I think we've
already made up our minds.

Excuse me.

Could I say something?

Sure. Come on up.

On behalf of
the nowata possums

and all the students
of nowata high,

I'd just like to say...

That we're tired
of being invited

to other people's
homecomings

because they know
they can beat us.

It's demoralizing.

Please cancel the team.

Thank you.

Well, I reckon we've heard
just about all that needs
to be said on the subject.

I guess it's time
to take a vote.

Any objections? Good.

All in favor of the petition
please raise your hands.

Um, all opposed?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...

7.

7. Well, by an almost
unanimous vote,

the petition passes.
The program is canceled.

And now to the next order
of business,

that pothole
on old coyote road.

Mr. Clark?
Mr. Clark?

Yeah.

Uh...

What?

Uh, I'm sorry

I'm not old enough
yet to vote.

I would have,
you know.

I appreciate it, son,

but it wouldn't have
done much good, anyway.

Elizabeth:
Will, get up.

I never heard
the alarm go off.

It's been broken
for over a year.

Come on, get up.

Tell me again about
that big sophomore.

The one you said would
make a great center.

You said that,
not me.

Now get up.
You're gonna be late.

What is this, week 4?

They'd be battling
marysville or...

Will?

Ok, ok.

See you tonight.

Mmm.

Ooh, nice legs.

Oh, god!

Mangy, flea-bitten,
half-breed!

Dadgum it!

The muses
in classical mythology

were goddesses
of literature.

Chapter 6 through 9
are due on Monday.

Don't be surprised
by a quiz.

Sarah, can I talk
to you a minute?

You know, you should
seriously think

about writing.
You have
a real gift.

Sarah:
Oh, I don't know.

It's always been
just a hobby.

Well, think about it.

Excuse me, you, uh,

dropped your, uh, folder.

Oh, thank you.

Hey, I'll carry those
for you.

Thanks, Paul.

Yeah, no problem.

Oh, hey, are you going
to the lake tonight?

I don't know.

Everybody always goes
to the lake.

What else
is there to do?

See you, Josh.

Jake.

My name's Jake.

Jake?
Huh?

The office still hasn't
received your records

and it's been
over a year.

I know. My stepdad
and mom's divorce

has been kind of, uh--

don't worry. I'll talk
to my mom about it.

You make sure you do.

I will. Thanks.

Hey, guys...

Look what
I bought yesterday.

I was over in
the wooly gardens,

saw it in
a hunting store.

Couldn't resist.
It's nice, isn't it?

It's all right.

Well, I guess
it's official then.

London: I hear it's
gonna be a big one.

Bigger than the one
in Johnson falls.

Yeah, I hear that, too.

Do--do you ever think
before you speak?

They're gonna tear down
the football stadium

to build that store.

It's all right.
I was just talking.

I swear, you are
dumber than dirt.

Y-you ought to try

that thinking thing
some time.

Sorry, son,
we're closed.

Oh, actually,
Mr. Clark, sir,

I came in
to apply for a job.

You're looking at the entire
workforce right here.

Well, I just thought

that maybe if you
needed some help,

may--

I appreciate
the offer,

but we don't need
any help right now.

Thank you.

Ok.

I--I'll leave my resume
just in case.

Jake: Blue, 42!
Blue, 42!

Set, hut!

He dodges left,
he finds his man deep--

hey!

What are you doing
out here?

Man, you scared me
to death.

Sorry about that.

What are you doing
out here?

I'm just playing.

By yourself
in the dark?

So?

What are you doing
out here?

Just looking around.

By yourself
in the dark?

You got a nice arm
on you, son.

You want some light?

You know how to
turn on the lights?

You ever see
any games?

Watched every one
last year.

I just never stood
on the field.

You got asthma
or something?

Something.

Here. Have one.

Oh, I'm only 17.

It's only
root beer, son.

Oh.
I.b.c.

Drink only
the best.

Thanks.

Damn.

Had an arm on me
when I was your age.

Not fair, is it?

Nope. No, it's not.

I'm Jake Malloy.

Hi, Jake.

You're new around
here, aren't you?

Been here
over a year.

Oh, that's right.

Your mom works
over at Phil's.

Hey, I'm sorry
I was so short

with you
at the store.

That's ok.

You can call me will.

It's actually wilbur,

but only my wife
can call me that.

Hey.

Would we have
played marysville
or sepulpa tonight?

Marysville, I think.

Would have been
a heck of a game, too.

Most of their team
graduated last year.

Nothing
but inexperience.

Possums only lost 5.

Only 5 seniors.

And the way they played
the last game last year,

mmm,
really showed potential.

Paul rowlett's arm?

Yeah, and that, uh--
that big, uh, sophomore.

The--the--the--

Ron foreman.

Right.

I hear he'd have made
a hell of a center.

A great center.

Might have been
a heck of a season.

Yeah, it might
have been.

Ah, what am
I thinking?

Would have just
got beaten worse.

Maybe not.

Believe me,
it would have been

a slaughter
all the way.

Maybe not.

Hey, will?

Yeah.

Thanks for the root beer,
I guess.

Sure.

Hey, will?

Mm-hmm?

Oh, I just wanted to say

I enjoyed listening
to your games.

You made losing almost
kind of exciting.

Thanks.

Jake...

Get in.

What?

Get in.

It's nice.

We're back, fans.

2 minutes to go left
in the third quarter.

Uh, marysville has
the lead 17 to 10.

Marysville has the ball,
but despite

their home-field advantage,

they're having
a real tough go

against this year's
great possum defense.

Sperry fades back to pass,
and pow--

w-wait a second.

What are you doing?

I--

will: What a hit
by possum linebacker--

what did he say?

Paul...

Will: I tell you, folks,

these possums have really
turned their defense around.

Marysville's
usually unstoppable--

you guys.

Guys, you gotta
hear this.

Will: And they're stopped
at their own 35.

What an opportunity
for the possums

as they take possession
of the ball.

Quarterback Paul rowlett

gets a play
from the sidelines

and rushes in.

Prattville's safeties...

Oh, god.

Will: There's the snap,

and it's handed off
to dwyer,

who breaks up the center.

He dodges left, then right.

And oh, my goodness,

I can't believe it.

He's across the 20,

the 15, the 5.

Oh, yes!
Touchdown, possums!

Holy smokes,
what a play!

Ha ha!

And, uh, there's
an injured player
at the goal line.

We're gonna take
a quick time-out here

and go to our sponsors.

What the hell
do you think
you're doing?

Earl, I just--

you just nothing.
You can't break in here--

I didn't break in here.
I have a key, Earl.

But--but you can't be
broadcasting a game--

oh, boy.

K.r.i.g.

No. No, sir.

Nowata didn't get
their team back.

Well, i--i know
they're playing better,

but--but--

yes, sir.

Well, thank you.

Well?

Well, he said,
"keep up the good work,"

but that's not--

see, there are
people who want
to hear the games.

The town needs
a team to support.

Oh, man.

K.r.i.g.

Yes, ma'am, I know
the team is canceled.

W-w-well,
wait a minute.

They're not
really playing--

tell 'em it's like
a radio play.

It's--it's like
a radio play.

Well, we're back, fans.

While we were gone,
the extra point was made.

The score's tied now,
17 to 17,

as the possums kick off
to marysville.

Want a root beer?
It's still cold.

No, thanks.

Well, 2 advertisers
canceled.

Possums: 27,
marysville: 24.

Great game.

Possums record is
3 wins, 1 loss.

We can't do this.

I'll pay
for the advertising.

And I'll sponsor
the whole thing.

It's not right. It--

the town needs this.

Oh, I don't know.

Earl...

Please.

If I get any calls--

you won't. I promise.

Thanks!

Oh, Jake,
I'll see you
at 7:30 sharp.

Don't be late.
Store's busy
on Saturday.

Thanks.

You know,
I don't get it.

Saturdays are usually
our busiest day.

Maybe it's a holiday.

Wanna go get
something to eat?
I'm buying.

Sure.

Hey, everybody.
How's it going?

Howdy, boys.

Missed you today.

Yup.
Had a lot of work
to do today.

Yeah, real busy.

Yup. Real busy.

Mind if we join you?

Well, I don't know
if there's room enough in here

for you
and your football team.

What are you doing here?

Will's buying me dinner.

Well, that's nice of you.

Thank you, by the way,
for giving my son a job.

Oh, he's a great worker.

Well, you let me know
if he gives you any trouble.

Come on, mom.

What can I get you?

I think I'll have
the special.

I think I'll have
a hamburger and a coke.

You'll have the special
and a milk.

Mom!

That sounds good.
I'll have a glass
of milk myself.

You got it.

Oh, great.

Hey, will.

Charlie.

I, uh, heard
the game last night.

Did you?

Mm-hmm.

Best record
the possums ever had.

Mm-hmm.

I hear we're
playing again next week.

Yup.

Well, I tell you,
I'm not too happy about that.

I, uh, suppose you wouldn't
call it off, would you?

Nope.

Thought not.

Ok. Just be careful, will.

I'll be watching.

Here you go, boys.

You know,
if you're gonna
do this right,

you gotta get
the players' names straight.

You were butcherin' 'em
all over the place
last night.

Bobby ennis.

Carl's younger brother?

Yup.

Ooh! There he is,
Phil's son.

Oh?

Ron foreman--

center.
Center.

And it's possums 12,
hogart 7.

There's the snap,
and the--

oh, it's a blitz
by the possum defense!

Johnson scrambling.
He's scrambling, and--

oh! He's brought down hard
by Carl ennis

and brother Bobby ennis.

For a 7-yard loss.

Great team this year.

There's a pass.

Whoo! Whoo!
Whoo-ooo-ooo!

Yeah, yeah!
Go! Go, possums!

Go!

Touchdown, possums! Yes!
What a run!

Kevin burns
laid a powerful block
on somebody in there,

and opened up a hole
big enough to drive
a double-wide through.

Pryor just waltzed
into the end zone untouched.

Man, this crowd is
going wild tonight.

Whoo! Whoo!
Whoo-ooo-ooo!

Hey, hey!
What are you doing?!

Nobody's listening
to the silly thing.

Well, I was!

The possums are
doing good,

now, turn that back on.

Suit yourself.

Will: Ouch! What a tackle.

He went down like a 29-cent
pair of socks!

Come on, Max.
Do your stuff, Max.

Come on, Max.

All right, folks.
This could be 5 wins
in a row for the possums,

bringing their season record
to 6 and 1.

12 seconds remaining.
Score tied 13 apiece.

And here we go.

Rowlett back to pass.
There's the snap.

It's a blitz
by the uleg mustangs.

Rowlett scrambles right,
and lets one fly.

And it's caught
by the possums.

Yeah!
Yeah!

Touchdown, possums! Yes!

Don't you think
this thing's gettin'
just a little out of hand?

Maybe.

At least we're winning.

Winning?

How can we be winning
when we don't even...

Have a team.

Thank god
you're finally here.

I told you I had
a meeting in prattville.

The mayor of uleg
called this morning

regarding
last Friday's game.

What'd he say?

Apparently he had
already called the mayors
of Salem Springs and Hobart

because they called at least
already twice this morning!

All right, um, um,
get Sam from uleg
on the phone first.

And i--i want
to talk to Earl

over
at the radio station
right now.

Sam and Earl, yes, sir.

Hi.

Is there anything
I can help you with?

Yeah.

Oh, hi, Justin.

Jake.
Jake.

That's right. I'm sorry.
I'm terrible with names.

I didn't know
you worked here.

Oh, recently.

Oh, I need something
for my cat.

Cat, ok.

She's in heat.

Thanks.

Earl's here.

I can see that.

Oh. Yes.

Guess so.

Well, ok,
I'll be out here
if you need me.

Thank you, bernice.

You know what I've spent
most of this day doing?

I have no idea.

Well, I'll tell you.

I've been trying
to pacify mayors

all across this state.

Mayors of towns that...

Mayors of towns
that you say we've
beaten in football.

And?

And? And you gotta put
a stop to this nonsense!

Nowata doesn't have
a football team, Earl.

I know.

Well, then, stop will
from pretending we do!

No.

No?

You heard me, Charlie.
It's my radio station,

and I'll broadcast
whatever I choose.

And as long as will is paying
for his airtime,

he can do anything
he wants to do.

But it's a lie.

It's not a lie.
It's like a fantasy of sorts.

That's the same thing!

Besides, I kinda like it.

Well, we've got
some good news
from the sidelines.

Rowlett's shoulder injury
is not too serious,

but it is questionable

as to whether he's gonna be able
to return to the game tonight.

And with the possums
down by 3,

this could place
their winning streak
in serious jeopardy.

For the first time
this season,

backup quarterback Jake Malloy
steps in for the possums.

I could've taken
that hit.

And they're lining up
against the union bulldogs.

Back the hand-off to lawton,
and it's a fake.

Malloy's found a hole,
and he's at the 20...

The 15...The 5...Touchdown!

Oh, quarterback draw by
backup quarterback Jake Malloy.

You're doing good!

Way to go, Jake.
All right.

I can run the 100
in 11 seconds.

Yeah, sure you can.

I did it last year.

You never did any--

hi, Jake.

Hi. How you doing?

Congratulations
on your touchdown.

Thanks.

There's the new quarterback
right there: Jake Malloy.

You finished cleaning up
in the back?

Yup.

Where'd you find that?

In the stock room.

Did you play?

Little bit.
Second string.

What I was good at
was announcing.

What about that clipping
on the wall.

Said you were scouted
by all the big colleges.

That wasn't me.
That was my son.

I didn't know
you had a son.

Yup. Lives up
in bartlesville.

How old is he?

27. He's an assistant coach
at bartlesville high.

You don't talk
about him much.

You got a good arm.
You gotta work it.

I kinda
screwed up there.

Halfway through
John's senior year

he messed up his knee
a little bit.

Doctor said it wasn't
anything serious,

but he ought
to keep off of it.

We had a big game
coming up,

and I convinced him
he should play.

Screwed up his knee
for good.

What position did he play?

Quarterback.
He was a damn good one, too.

Here. Throw me one.

Good toss.

Let's see what you got.
Come on.

That's all right.

Come on, we know
you got a good arm,

I wanna see how good
you can scramble.

I just...Uh...

What? Come on.

I just don't like
getting hit.

Why not?
You're gonna play football,
you're gonna get hit.

I just don't, ok?

How about I just teach you
how not to get hit?

Come on.
I'm not gonna hurt you.

See if you can get by me.

Oh, not bad, but next time,
you gotta--

Jake?

Jake!

Jake, I'm sorry!

Hey, sweetheart,
what are you doing here?

What's this?

Look, how many times
do I have to say I'm sorry?

I'm sorry, ok?

No, you're not,

or you wouldn't
have done it
in the first place.

Well, what do you
want me to do?

I can't talk football
with you.

Oh, don't
give me that, will.

I've always
supported you.

When you
gave up announcing
and came back here

to take over
your father's business,

I supported you!

I came back
because I had to.

No, you didn't!

You felt obliged,
and I understood that.

But you can't just
make these decisions
without talking to me.

Look, it's only gonna be
for a little while.

You don't get it!

This is me!
This is our home!

And you're gonna
mortgage it all away

on some team
that doesn't even exist!

Why does this mean
so much to you?!

Wait.

You shouldn't be the one
that has to leave.

I'll go.

Fine.

Noble 23, nowata 7.

With only
a few minutes remaining,

this looks like it could be
the end of the possums'
winning streak at last.

That said,
there's a time-out on the field,

and, uh, time, I guess,

for us to hear
from our sponsor--me.

Touchdown, Malloy!

Hi.

Hey. How'd you get
the lights on?

I just--

you know,
someone showed me.

What are you doing here?

Well, I run...Sometimes.

On Friday night?

Well, you know, i--

do me a favor.

What?

Time me.

What?
Time me.

To the 50-yard line
and back.

Ok.

50 yards and back.

Go!

What's it say?

16 seconds.

Damn! Damn.

All right, do it again,
but this time,

be sure
and press the stop button

as soon as I cross
the finish line.

All right.

Go!

I still say
that Paul rowlett

was suffering from
last week's injury.

He wasn't playing
his own game.

No, no, it was
the offensive line.

Rowlett
played great,

but the line kept
letting the defense
through.

It's been their
problem all season.

Hey, my son's the center

and he doesn't let
anybody through.

That's true.
I've seen the boy.

Heh. He wouldn't let
anybody through.

I think
you've had enough.

You're all full of it!

Heh. Noble's got
a run-and-shoot offense.

The possums haven't seen
anything like it
all year long.

Hey, it threw 'em.

That blevins kid,
he's got some tricks
up his sleeve.

Yeah, we'll get 'em
this--

we'll get 'em
this next week.

You know we're gonna be
ready for 'em.

That's right.

So, I'll see you
Friday night then?

Ok.

Hey, you guys.

Whoa, whoa,
whoa, whoa, whoa.

What happened to you?

These football players.

They beat you up?

What? No, I tripped
runnin' over here.

Well, these
football players--

no--no, wait.

The most amazing
girl ever

asked me out
on a date.

But these
football players,

I thought I was dead,

but then they said
they loved the games.

I gotta tell Mr. Clark.

It's closed.

What? Why?

I don't know.

He was acting
kind of strange.

'Cause he's--he's been
jumpin' down my throat

for the least
little things lately.

See? It's not
in my head.

It's some kind
of mid-life crisis.

The highs and the lows--

I saw a lot of it
in the service.

The only thing
you saw in the service

is pots and pans.

A good chef
knows his men.

Bob: Advertising.

What?

Maybe it's all
that advertising.

He has to pay for
the football games,
doesn't he?

That's true. With that
maxi mart comin' in,

he could be worried
about his business.

Yeah, I heard
over in Johnson falls

when the maxi mart
moved in,

half the local businesses
closed down.

I'll bet that's it.

I'll tell you
one thing.

I'm not gonna
shop there.

Neither am I...

Unless, of course,
I can't find it
anywhere else

and, well,
you gotta.

Right.

Right. Well, only then
would it be ok.

Only then.

Hey, that's Clark.

Will on radio: Well,
it's almost full capacity
here at stillwater.

I guess I shouldn't
be surprised

since the winner of this game
heads for the playoffs.

The score's all tied up,
13-all.

And there's the kickoff--

a high-flying kick
deep into possum territory.

And Eric dryer
fields it at the 10.

No--no. Throw it--
throw it to Eric!

Throw it to Eric!

Will: He's at the 25,
the 30, the 35,

the 40, and bam!

He's knocked
out of bounds

by stillwater's
Eddie Taylor.

Hey, Mr. Clark.

Jeez, you scared me,
Calvin.

Sorry.

Here we go.

Hey, how can you
be here

and announcing the game
at the same time?

Well, I recorded it
earlier, Calvin.

Oh.

You want some
hot chocolate?

Sure.

I must have
drank it all.

I--i can go
get some more.

No, that's ok.
Thanks.

It's a...

It's a good game
tonight.

Hut! Hut!

Will on radio:
Barry gilmore scoops it up

and runs it in
for a touchdown!

Yeah.

Touchdown, possums!

Whoa, they've made
the playoffs!

Touchdown, possums!
For the first time

in the history
of nowata--

TV announcer:
And thanks to what
almost feels like summer...

Hey.

What are you doin' here?

I thought you'd be off
announcing the game.

No, I recorded it
earlier. Uh...

Are you ok?

The news,
it's shocking.

Honey, uh...

Uh, I can't
go on like this.

I love you.

I'm not gonna let anything
come between us.

I've decided to stop
doin' the games.

What? The--the possums
are in the playoffs.
You can't just stop.

Elizabeth,
you were the one that--

you can't just
start somethin'
and not finish it.

But I thought
you didn't--

me? No.
I prefer not.

But the town--
you have to.

Really?

Don't make me
repeat myself.

Hey, wait a minute.

How did you know
about the possums
bein' in the playoffs?

Elizabeth:
What did you say?

TV announcer: And finally,

as the high school football
playoffs begin,

there's an unexpected entry
in the state's 2-a division.

The nowata possums clinched
a spot in the playoffs

with a 23-20 win over
the stillwater vikings.

Ha ha. That's right.

Haven't had
a team all year,

but the local
sports announcer

has created a winning season
for the imaginary team.

Oh, god.

So, uh,
you wanna sit down?

Sure.

So do you always
take your dates out
to feed stores?

Well, you know,
watched the big freezin'
in the lake,

so I thought this would
round off the tour
of nowata quite nicely.

I never thought
about that.

You're so right.

What are you gonna do
after graduation?

I don't know.
How 'bout you?

I've been thinkin'
a lot about it.

I've grown up here
most of my life,

and all I know is I wanna
do something exciting...

Maybe politics
or a writer.

I've always written.

Really? Me, too.
Well, sometimes.

What do you write?

I don't know.
You know,
stories mostly--

bits and pieces
of stuff.

Is that what
you wanna do?

I don't know.
For a long time,

I thought
when I graduated

I'd just
jump on a bus
and disappear.

So what do you
think now?

Right now,
I'm just enjoyin'

sittin' here
with you.

Me, too.

That's good wood, Bob.

Where'd you find it?

Around.

Here you go.

Thanks, Jake.

Beautiful mornin'.

Thanks, son.

Heck of a game
last night.

What the hell are you
up to now, will?

What are you
talkin' about?

Don't play stupid
with me.

Not only have you
turned this town

into a statewide joke,

but now you're destroying
private property as well.

Don't point at me,
Charlie.

What private property?

The maxi mart billboard,
will.

You cut it down.

Will: Why, that's
a bigger load of manure

than that slop-fed
pig dog of yours

dumps in my yard
every mornin',
and you know it.

Charlie:
You can't stop it.

Construction starts
next month,

and ripping down the sign
isn't gonna help anything.

I didn't rip down
any sign.

And if you're caught,
I'll see to it

that you're prosecuted
to the fullest extent
of the law!

Aw, you're talkin' like
a bad movie, Charlie.

I'm warning you, wilbur.

Wilbur?

It just seems
so silly.

I'm tellin' you,
they asked for it.

Really?
Really.

Now don't disappoint 'em.
Come on.

Yeah! Possums!
All right!

And now, the man
who lead the possums
to the playoffs,

Mr. will Clark!

Whoo-ooh!

Both: Whoo!

Well, uh...

I don't quite
know what to say.

Are you ready for
some possum football?!

I'm standing in front
of radio station
krig in nowata

where the fate
of the nowata possums

is to be determined.

Two 2-a state
championship games

are being played
tonight--

the real one
in Myers county,

the fictitious one created
by sports announcer
will Clark.

Bad news for the possums.

Kevin burns
is caught holding.

That's gonna
set 'em back 10 yards.

Costly foul. Costly foul.

Oh, come on!
That wasn't holding.

It's called a block.

Will: ...For the possums.
And with that failed pass,

that'll bring an end
to the third quarter.

Prattville pirates 26,
nowata possums 14.

Will: Rowlett scrambles
to his right,

throws off one tackle,
then another.

He's got bond open
in the flap.

He spots bond.
He lets it fly.

It's going...

Going...

Going...

And it's caught
by bond.

He's at the 15, the 5,
and touchdown, possums!

Go! Go! Go! Whoo!

Possums!

Will: There's the snap.

Wait, it's the draw.

Levitz runs to the right

and heads down field
to the 25.

The 20...
Go!

The 15...
Yeah! Yeah!

The 10...The 5...

Touchdown, possums!

Yes! We've won
the state championship!

Whoo! Yeah, man!

The history of nowata--

the possums have won
the state championship!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Possums! Possums!
Possums! Possums!
Possums!

Sir. Sir.
You better see this.

What?

Oh, no.

Are you will Clark?

Yes, I am.

How dare you!

How dare you
steal the thunder

from our state
championship last night.

What's that
supposed to mean?

Well, all you hear
on television stations

is how you won
the state championship.

We won the state
championship last night.

Well, I'm sorry,
but I can't help that.

Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.

We got
the TV cameras here.

Why don't you admit
nowata didn't win,

prattville did,
and we'll call it even.

Afraid I can't
do that, coach.

No. No way!
No way.

Our team did win
last night.

Yeah!
Yeah!

You coward,
you don't even
have a team.

Coward? Who you
calling a coward?!

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Come on!
Hold on! Hold on!

Break it up.
Stop it, all of you!

What's this all about?!

They're claiming to
be state champions.

We are!
Yeah!
Yeah!

Yeah! Yeah!
Yeah.

You couldn't beat us
when you had a team,

and you can't do
anything about it
now!

Prattville team: Yeah! Yeah!

Yeah, you and your town
are pathetic!

Oh, yeah?! We could
kick your butts tomorrow,

no problem!

We accept
that challenge.

Will, stop it!

We challenge you
to a game.

Nowata versus
prattville.

Everybody just calm down.

No problem.

2 weeks from today,

and we'll give you
home field advantage.

Well, we'll be there
waiting for you.

Don't chicken out on us.
We'll be here.

Don't you worry!

Wait--wait a minute.

Wait. Wait.
You can't do this.

Will, you cannot
do this.

Why not?

We don't have
a team.

Sure, we do.

You don't have
a stadium!

The construction
on the maxi mart
begins next week!

Well, make 'em
change it!

I cannot do that.

Will: Sure, you can.

You're the mayor,
aren't you, Charlie?

Yes, but i--

don't you
understand?!

We have a contract
with these people.

Team: Possums! Possums!
Possums! Possums! Possums!

Oh, my god, Elizabeth,
what have I done?

What have I done?

It's called
testosterone, m'love.

I know. I know.

Now I got the whole
darn town

believing
we can win.

We haven't
beaten prattville
in...

We haven't ever
beaten prattville.

Coach: Aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa!

Hut!

Aw, come on,
you guys!

Blue 42! Hut!

Come on!

Hut!

Damn!

Red 17! Hut!

Throw it to me.

You're a fullback.

Exactly. They'd
never expect it.

Fine. Ok...

You miss it,
it's your butt.

Fake right
and wheel out.

On one. On one.
Ok, ready,

break!
All: Break!

Blue 17!
Blue 17!

Hut!

Damn it!

Well,
at least we got
a good defense.

Will?

Will, are you in here?

It can't be that bad,
can it?

Worse.

Maybe you should call John.

What?!

Your son.

I'm not gonna
drag him into this.

I couldn't.

All right.

Maybe tomorrow
will be better.

Hut!

What are you doing,
Ron?!

I'm playing football!

No, you're not,
because if you were,

I wouldn't be
draggin' my ass

off the ground
every play!

All right?

Get your lard-ass in gear
and block for me!

Come on! Come on!

Hey, hey, hey!

Hey, will.

I'm having
a private moment.

Go away.

Your wife said
you'd be back here.

Traitor.

Well,
I told her it's
real important.

I bet you did.

I want you to
call this thing off.

Believe me,
there's a part of me
that would love to.

Well, then, just
go ahead and do it.

Can't.

You know,
you and I both

love this town, will.

I know we haven't
always seen eye to eye,

but if you
go on ahead
with this game,

you're gonna destroy
what's left of nowata's
spirit.

Y-you've built up
this fantasy team

that our boys just
cannot possibly
live up to.

There is no way
they can win.

Show a little faith
in your town

for god's sake, Charlie.

I don't know
if nowata can stand
another disappointment.

And I just
don't want to--

I just don't want it
to end up like your son,
will.

I know what kind of team
we have, Charlie...

But for the first time
in a long, long time,

this town believes
it can win.

And who knows...
Maybe we will.

Now, do yourself a favor.

Get off my porch,

and don't your ever,
ever, mention anything

about what happened
to my son

around me again.

You're not only
hurting yourself,
will...

You're gonna
shatter the dreams

of all the people
in this town.

Kid: Hello, will.

London: Possums by 3.

Oh, come on,
London,

you gotta be
joking me.

They're gonna win
by at least 2 touchdowns.

I got 20 American dollars
that says so.

Hey, you want
in on this, will?

Bob started a pool
on how badly

we're gonna cream
the pirates.

Aren't you
suppose to be
in school, son?

In a minute.

I'll take the possums
by 7.

Ok, hand it
here, Earl.

Ok, he gave us
his milk money.

Jake: Excuse me, sir,

is there anything
I can help you with?

Young man: Oh, no, thanks.
I just need to speak
with Mr. Clark.

Oh. Hey, will...

Hi, dad.

Your mother just
can't let things be,
can she?

Actually,
I heard about it
on the news.

Uh, nowata's statewide.

Really?

Yeah, yeah.

And, uh,
mom told me.

That's
what I thought.

Yeah, well, she, uh--

she mentioned that
you might need some help

coaching the team.

Well,
she got that wrong.

We're doing
just fine.

Aw, come on, dad,
she told me.

Hell,
she doesn't know

what she's
talking about.

Well, prattville's got
a great team this year.

Hell, you think
I don't know that?

Look,
we're doing fine.

Besides, this is
something that

I don't want you
to get involved in.

And why not?

Because I'm telling you
it's not, all right?

End of discussion.

No, no, no.
I'm sorry, why is it
that whatever you say

always goes, huh?

You know,
I don't have time

to stand here
and argue with you
about this.

I've gotta work
on these plays.

Now, I appreciate
you stopping by,

but I don't want
any of your help.

No. Really, fine.

Glad to see some things
never change, huh?

Oh, oh, by the way,

next time you want
to stop by one
of my practices,

why don't you say hello?

That is, if it's not
too much of an imposition.

John.

John, wait up.

John...

I've bitten off more
than I can chew here,
son.

If I drag you into this
and we fail--

and there's
a high likelihood
we'll fail--

then what I did
to you before--

dad, come on.

I don't blame you for that.

No, maybe you don't.

Hut!

All right!

Hi.

Hi.

You're
looking good.

Yeah.

So, what position
do you play?

I, uh--
I hold the ball.

What?

Well, when the kicker
tries for a field goal,

I hold the ball.

You're a holder.

Well, it's also, like,
backup quarterback.

You're a holder.

Go possums!

Whoo!

Will: John...

Thanks.

Talk to me
after the game.

Go possums!
Go possums!

Yeah!

Go, possums! Yeah!

All right.

Hey, will!
Hey.

We're gonna
cream 'em tonight!

Heh heh heh.

Here, will,
I made you something.

Aw, thanks, Bob.

Good luck.
Thank you.

Heh heh.

Hi, will.
Charlie.

You remember
Pete and Bob

from the maxi mart,
don't you?

Yes, I do.

Referee:
You call it, nowata.

Heads.

Heads.

What do you elect
to do, nowata?

We'll receive.

All right, shake hands.
Have a good, clean game.

Will, over P.A.:
Good evening, folks.

Welcome to another
exciting evening

of possum football.

We've got a capacity crowd
here in nowata tonight

as the teams line up
for the kickoff.

Will: And there it is.

It's taken at the 23
by the possums' Mark parham

who looks right
all the way

to the 32-yard-line

before he's brought down
by prattville.

Whoo!

What a nice return by bond,

and a great
beginning field position

for the possums.

On the lineup,

possums' Mark bond
is wide right.

Paul rowlett
takes the snap,

pitches it back
to Eric pryor,

who finds a hole off-tackle
and runs for a 5,

10, 15-yard gain.

Wow, what a play
by the possums,

and what great blocking
by that offensive line.

They broke a hole
wide open for pryor.

Unbelievable.

Set! Blue 14!

Possums on the 48.

Rowlett searches for his man
and gets it away

just before he's hit
by prattville.

Holy smoke!

John Cox makes a great catch
down at the 12.

What a team we're
seeing tonight, folks,

the possums,
after just 2 plays,

are a breath away
from a touchdown

as they line up at the 12.

Here's the snap.
Rowlett scrambles back,

barely gets one to pryor.

Oh, no! He's hit hard
and the ball is loose,

scooped up by prattville.

He's running.
The 30, the 40...

He's dragged down
at the 45 by Kevin burns.

Close call there
for the possums

as prattville takes
possession of the ball.

Great play by burns.
Best we've seen all season.

Watch, watch.
It's just a fluke.

We'll get 'em
next time.

Yeah, we'll get 'em.
Go possums!

Yeah! Go possums!
Come on! Whoo!

Man in motion.

Prattville's Stanley horton
takes the snap,

drops back, guns a bullet
to Mark Haggerty.

He's hit hard at the 32,
and he fumbles!

The possums come up with it
on their own 27.

I'll tell you, folks,

these kids are scrapping
over the ball

like ducks on a June bug.

This could turn out
to be one heck of a game.

3! 53! Hut!

Whoa! He's sacked
for a big loss!

Third and 6

at prattville's
37 yard line, folks.

Uh, possums
need a break here

late in the second quarter.

Hut!

Rowlett back to pass,
and from the right

prattville's
big Brian bill

chases him
and fumbles!

No one's gonna stop him
as he's across the 30, 20,

the 10.

Touchdown, pirates.

All: That's ok,
that's all right,

get in there
and fight, fight, fight!

6 to nothing with only
seconds remaining, folks,

as prattville lines up
for the extra point.

There's the kick,
and it's blocked

by possums'
Jason Caldwell!

The possums come up
with the ball on the 13

and at the last 2 seconds
take it away.

That'll end the first half.

Unbelievable, folks,

as the nowata possums
have managed to hold off

the state champion
prattville pirates

to a meager 6-point lead.

The prattville pirates
state champions.

You are an embarrassment.

You stink!

I'm embarrassed.
Aren't you embarrassed?

My god, play like that
the first half,

state champions?

They didn't play
a football game

all year long,

and they're kicking
our rear end!

Been together
for 2 weeks!

Hear me! We gotta play
better the second half!

They're embarrassing us.

You can't go back
to prattville!

I can't go back!

We can't go back
to prattville

if we don't
win this game!

You gotta make
something happen
the second half.

You gotta go back
out there and get
at their butts.

And play harder.
Let's get it done, man.

Let's go, man!

Will: Well,
it was an amazing
first half, folks,

as the possums
held off a well-known
prattville offense.

And with the entire
second half to play,

who knows
just what these possums

might have in store
for us tonight.

Come on, boys!
You the ones!
You the ones!

Give me 5! 5!

5!

Come on, guys!
You can do it!

You can do it!

Will: The prattville offense
sets up for the kickoff.

You know they've got to be
disappointed so far.

And there it is,
the long, high kick

down to prattville's 15.

Sasser has it,

and look out,
he's at the 20!

The 25, the 30.

He's making this look easy.

The 45, the 50!

No one's gonna catch him.

He's gone.

Touchdown.

Whoo!

Yeah! Yeah!

Touchdown, pirates.

But it's still
early in the game,

and, as we saw
in the first half,

the possums
are really on tonight.

Mark bond and John Cox
set to receive.

And there's the kick.

It's a long one,
deep into possum territory.

Possums' Mark bond
catches the ball,

and he's hit hard!

The ball pops free,

and the pirates
recover on the 3!

Oh, no, this couldn't
come at a worse time
for the possums.

They need
to keep it together

if they're gonna
stay in this game.

44, hut!

Hyuh!

Hey, hey!
Knock it off!

Break it up!

Break it up!

Hut!

Unh!

Hut!

Come on!
You can do it!

Hut!

Hut!

Will: Well, that's it

for the third
quarter, folks,

and it's still
a fairly close game,

with the pirates
only ahead by 27.

We'll be right back
after these messages.

John. John!

John...what the hell
is going on?

Dad, we're getting beat.

Well, I can
see that, but why?
The whole first half--

dad, the first half,
prattville wasn't
playing like this, ok?

Excuse me.

Why don't you
do something?

Well, like what?

Well, hell,
I don't know.

Well, hell,
I'll tell you what.

You think
you can do better,
you have at it.

Listen, guys...

I know we're down,
but if you can just--

if...

Aw, hell.
What am I saying?

You're doing great.

I'm proud of you.

Hell, the fact that you
held these guys

to 6 points
in the first half
is amazing.

Yeah, well,
now we're getting
slaughtered.

Sure, but you're doing
better than last year.

You were down
49 to nothing at this point.

You guys
are doing great,

and with only
2 weeks practice.

Now, a lot
of that's due to--

a lot of that's due
to John.

I mean, he's the best coach
that I've ever seen here.

But a lot of it
is due to you, too.

You guys, you've got--

you've got so much heart.

You've shown me that you
belong on the field
with these guys.

Now I want you
to stop paying attention
to the scoreboard,

get out there,
and slaughter these guys.

Get mean. Get 'em!

Get 'em! Get 'em!

All, chanting:
Get 'em! Get 'em!
Get 'em! Get 'em!

Get 'em! Get 'em!
Get 'em! Get 'em!
Get 'em! Get 'em!

Break!

Ok, now,
come on, you guys!
Let's get on 'em!

Let's get on 'em tough!

Hut!

All right!

We'll get 'em.
We got 'em.

What about,
what about,

what about
our colors shout?

Maroon! Maroon!
Maroon! Maroon!

White, white, white, white,
white, white, white!

Will:
Third and 7,

rowlett tucked tight
behind the center.

He looks left,
then right.

There's the snap,
and he steps back.

He's looking for a receiver.

Rowlett scrambling
as he can't seem
to find anyone,

and there's a break
in the line,

and--oh, no!

What a hit.

He is hummin' like
a tenpenny finish nail

hit with a greasy
ball-peen hammer.

Uh-oh, rowlett's
not getting up,

as coach Clark
runs out on the field.

It's not looking good
for rowlett.

With such an impressive
drive for the possums,

this couldn't come
at a worse time, fans.

Well, he's up,

but he's not putting
any weight on that right leg.

Looks from where I'm sitting
it might be his knee.

Possums are forced to punt.

It's high, travels
only a few yards

before it's picked up
by prattville's Joe sasser.

He easily evades
the first line of possums

and runs down the sideline
to the 40,

45, the 50,

the 40, the 37 yard line,

before he's knocked
out of bounds

by center Ron foreman.

Way to go, son!

Wow! You'd never think

that foreman could
run that fast.

Luckily for
the possums, however,

he kept prattville
from scoring again.

Pirate quarterback is deep,

goes long for lumpkin,
who's wide open!

Oh, no! It looks like
it's--it's--

it's intercepted?

It's intercepted!

Possum safety
Darren gillerwater's

intercepted the ball
and is running.

He's at the 12,
the 15, the 20,

where he's tackled
at the 24 yard line!

17 seconds left
in the game, folks.

Possums rush out
to the field.

All right, Jake,
in for Paul.

What?

In for Paul.

Can't someone else--

come on, let's go.
You're the backup
quarterback.

In there. Go!

Coming in for rowlett

is backup quarterback
Jake Malloy,

his first appearance
tonight.

Come on!

Come on, Jake!

Possums break
from their huddle

and head for the line.

Prattville setting up
for the blitz.

I tell you, it's been
an effective tool for them

all night long.

Malloy's a little cautious

as he heads up
to the line and...

Blue, 32!

Blue, 32!

Hut!

Malloy takes the ball,
drops back to pass.

He's hit hard
at the 15.

Uh-oh.

Malloy isn't getting up.

Jake, you
all right? Huh?

You ok?

I'm fine.

Yeah?

I'm up.

You're gonna be ok?

I'm fine.
Huddle up!

And Malloy looks all right

as he heads back
into the huddle.

7 seconds left
to play in the game.

Think you guys can give me
a little more protection?

Sure.

Good! Hope it's better
than the last time.

All right, this is it.

Mark, it's up to you.
I'm sending it deep.

Throw it to me.
I can get open.

But you're
a fullback.

Exactly.
They'd never expect it.

Mark, you and Cox
head out to split center.

On one, on one. Ready?

All: Break!

Will: Just time enough here,
folks,

for one final play.

Oh, my god.

Oh, my god!

Touchdown, possums!

Touchdown, possums!

Oh, no!

Will: Oh, ho!
I don't believe it!

The first touchdown
scored by the possums

in 14 years!

Good god almighty!
That's my team!

That's my team!

Hey, ref, we won,
didn't we?

Yes, sir.

You did.

Hi.

Hi.

Can't believe it!

Dad! Whoo!

Yeah! We did it!