Jimmy gets in a fight with his bully John during a football game. This causes Jimmy to get kicked off the team by the coach. Jimmy is upset about this because John has been bullying him for a year and the coach will not listen to Jimmy's side of the story. Jimmy goes to visit his mother in the hospital, who has cancer, to talk about his troubles.

1. For The Love Of The Game
Joey Kaigler

2. CU – Television
Bears and Bengals game is on. Cutler throws game winning
pass to receiver in the end zone. Screams of excitement
come from the background.
Int. Family Rec Room – Evening
A fifteen year old boy and his father are shown cheering in
excitement. The boys name is JIMMY and the father’s name is
MICHAEL. They high-five.
Michael
Boy that was so exciting I need more food
Jimmy
Get me some too will ya?
Michael goes to the kitchen, getting two hamburgers and
bringing them back to the family room. He hands one to
Jimmy.
Jimmy
Thanks
Michael
You’re welcome. Hey how come you never make any spectacular
catches like that?
He says it jokingly but Jimmy seems to have taken it
seriously.
Jimmy
(looking down) Cause I’m not good enough
Jump Cut
Int. Classroom - Day

3. Two days later. It’s a Monday morning and Jimmy is in
school. He is sitting in a math class vigorously taking
notes when his friend Morgan taps him on the shoulder.
MORGAN is also a 15-year-old boy who has been friends with
Jimmy for quite some time.
Morgan
Dude do you get this stuff?
Jimmy
Yeah mostly. It’s just algorithms it’s not that hard.
Morgan
Easy for you to say, on my last test I got confused and
answered something algorithm of the cave.
Jimmy thinks for a moment
Jimmy
You mean allegory?
Morgan
Yeah whatever man, I get things confused a lot.
A few seconds of silence
Morgan
Hey when’s the first game?
Jimmy
Saturday
Morgan
Okay cool, you gonna have any spectacular catches to get
the season started?
Jimmy
That’s funny my dad asked me the same th...

4. Mr. Titusville
Boys!!
Both boys jump. The teacher MR. TITUSVILLE has heard enough
of their conversation and put an end it. Mr. Titusville is
probably least respected person in the school, mostly
because of his name. The students blatantly mispronounce
his name so the beginning sounds like Tit.
Mr. Titusville
You boys want to share to the class what you’re talking
about?
Morgan
No we’re good
Mr. Titusville
Okay then. Well I would like to get back to my lesson.
Morgan
(Quietly) Be my guest.
Mr. Titusville continues teaching.
Morgan
Fuckin Titus
Jimmy
I know right?
Jimmy is about to say something else but realizes that his
classmate JOHN is looking at him. Jimmy looks away and
down.
Jump Cut
Ext. Football Practice Field - Day

5. It is after school and there is a football practice. Jimmy
is doing drills with the rest of his teammates. The head
coach, COACH TILLMAN is leading them.
Coach Tillman
Alright boys lets line up! Captains up front!
The five captains of the team come to the front while
everybody else gets into rows. The captains lead the team
in warm ups.
Coach Tillman
Alright now get in your groups! O-line, D-line, running
backs, wide receivers, D-backs, and quarterbacks. Go on get
to your position groups!
Jimmy runs to his group. He is a wide receive and joins up
with them and the wide receiver COACH TATE.
Coach Tate
Alright you guys are probably still in hibernation from
last year so practice today will be dedicated you waking
you grizzly bears up. I want two lines, we’re doing
catching drills.
They all get into two single file lines with Coach Tate in
between them. The players run forward 3 steps, slant
inwards and catch the ball that Tate throws to them. Jimmy
is second in line. When it is his turn he juggles the ball
a little bit but holds on.
Coach Tate
Be sure to look it in Jimmy!
Jimmy
Got it Coach
When Jimmy comes up again he is focused on making the catch
cleanly, but right as he’s starting to run his is tripped
from behind. Jimmy stumbles and falls down. He looks behind
him ands sees John smirking at him.

6. Jimmy
John what the hell!
John
Jimmy it’s not my fault you can’t keep your balance
Jimmy
You son of a —
Coach Tate
Jimmy you son a bitch! You need to be able to run before
you can catch, get in the back of the line!
Jimmy
Coach he tripped me!
Coach Tate
Jimmy I swear to Christ if I hear another word from you
you’ll be playing our first game in a leather helmet. Back
of the line!
Jimmy furiously gets to the back of the line.
Jump Cut
It’s about an hour later. The whole team is doing a
scrimmage each other.
Coach Tillman
Okay I want the first offense and the first defense out
there to start things off! Lets see how badly we can kick
our own asses.
Jimmy and John are both starting receivers on the first
offense. They both take their positions on opposite sides
of the offense. The rest of the first offense lines up
while the first defense gets in position too. The first
play is a running play. Second play the quarterback throws
to John who catches it. John looks at Jimmy with a

7. confident look on his face. Jimmy can only look back at
him. The third play the quarterback throws to Jimmy who
catches it. Jimmy gives the stare back to John who grimaces
back.
Quarterback
Set, hike!
Next play the quarterback throws to Jimmy but John
seemingly out of nowhere and catches the ball instead.
Coach Tillman
John what are you doing? That play was meant for Jimmy
John
He didn’t get there fast enough so I felt like I had to
make up for it somehow.
Jimmy
Bullshit. Coach he didn’t even run his route he just came
straight for me.
John
You should be focusing on your own routes Jimmy not on
mine. This is why you’re not good enough Jimmy, you can’t
do the simple things.
This seems to have hit Jimmy really hard.
Coach Tillman
John please leave the asshole coaching to me. Jimmy you
gotta be quicker off the snap, that ball could be
intercepted in a game.
Jimmy
(Dejectedly) Got it coach
Coach Tillman

8. Alright boys lets get back to work. I want the second
defense out there with the second offense. Lets move! Lets
move!
Jump Cut
Int. Kitchen - Night
It is later in the evening. Jimmy and his dad are eating
dinner at the table.
Michael
So, how did school go today
Jimmy
School was fine
Michael nods.
Michael
Hm, okay. How’s Morgan, is he doing alright?
Jimmy
Yeah dad Morgan’s fine
Michael
Okay good, good.
A few moments of silence
Michael
Hey today was your first football practice wasn’t it? How’d
that go?
Jimmy
(He hesitates) It was fine dad.

9. Michael looks at him for a moment
Michael
It was John wasn’t it?
Jimmy
(Raising his voice) Dad why does it matter?
Michael
(Also raising his voice) What do you mean why does it
matter? I’m your father Jimmy whether you like it or not
and not going to let you get bullied by some half wit kid.
Jimmy
Dad he’s my problem I can take care of it myself
Michael
And how are you going to do that Jimmy? You’ve tried to get
him off your back for a year now you just think he’s going
to stop cause you ask him nicely? I was bullied when I was
a kid too and we didn’t take things like that, we stood up
and defended for ourselves.
Jimmy
What are you suggesting dad, that I fight him? Cause that’s
not gonna happen I’m not like that. There are other ways
the handle this.
Michael
Well unless you don’t come up with a way to stop this soon
I’ll step in and end it myself.
Jimmy
Dad please don’t. I’ll end it myself I promise.
Michael

10. Okay. I’ll trust you for now. I just worry about you cause
with your mom in the…
Jimmy
Don’t talk about mom.
A few moments of silence
Michael
I’ll try to make it to your first game too, would you like
that?
Jimmy
(Indifferently) Sure dad I’d love it.
Jump Cut
Ext. Football Field – Morning
It’s the day of the game. Many people are in attendance.
Jimmy and his teammates are sitting on the sidelines
listening to their coach.
Coach Tillman
Alright boys it’s the first game of the season. This is
your opportunity to show what you’ve learned and how we’ve
improved from last year. Just remember all the work we did
in practice and put it into play in the game and we’ll be
fine. Let’s get em boys. On three Soldiers! One, two,
three!
Entire Team
Soldiers!
The announcer comes on the intercom and announces the teams
Announcer
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our first game of the
football season. It’s great to have you all on this
beautiful day. Now to get things started please welcome our
visitors the Attleboro Kings.

11. There is a light applause as Attleboro, the opponent, comes
out onto the field. Jimmy looks on as they get themselves
pumped for the game. He turns and sees John laughing with
his friends. Attleboro walks off after they finish.
Announcer
Now please give a roaring welcome to our Springfield
Soldiers!!
There is a roaring applause from the crowed. Many people
are screaming and whistling. Jimmy looks up and spots his
dad in the crowd. He gives him a thumbs up. Jimmy smiles
and runs onto the field with his teammates to get pumped up
for the game.
Jump Cut
Kickoff. The Kings got the ball first. The kickoff return
man brings it up to the 20-yard line.
Coach Tillman
Alright first defense lets go you’re up!
The first defense comes on and forces a punt after a short
drive. The crowd is excited. The defense comes off the
field.
Coach Tillman
Nice job boys, very nice. Alright first offense you’re up!
Jimmy, John, and the first offense come on the field. Their
quarterback NATHAN tells them the play
Nathan
Alright guys we’re starting with the half back draw. Break!
They line up. Nathan snaps and hands it to the running back
for five yards.
Nathan
Okay next is double slants. Jimmy you’re my first target.

12. Jimmy
Okay Nate.
Nathan
Break!
Jimmy and John line up on the same side of the field about
10 feet apart. Nathan snaps the ball. Jimmy and John both
run a slant in the same direction but John purposely cuts
right in front of Jimmy to block him off. Nathan hesitates
to throw but the pressure is getting to him so he throws to
John who catches it and gains 20 yards.
Jimmy
John why are you cutting in front of me you knew that pass
was meant for me.
John
Jimmy why are you complaining? I put us in good field
position, you couldn’t have caught the ball anyway even if
you were open.
Jimmy
John you’re so ignorant and selfish sometimes it’s crazy,
how do you sleep at night knowing you’re the kind of person
you are?
John took a step towards Jimmy about to say something but
Nathan cut him off.
Nathan
Are you girls done yet or do you have more gossip to talk
about?
John and Jimmy both look at each and get back in the
huddle.
Nathan
Thanks for that catch John you really saved me there.

13. John
Yeah I saw you were in trouble so I tried to help you out
Nathan
Jimmy you gotta do a better job of getting open
Jimmy shakes his head and rolls his eyes. The next two
passes went to John and on the second one he scored a
touchdown. Soldiers were up 7-0.
Jump Cut
Soldiers are on offense. It’s the fourth quarter. Score is
20-17 favoring the Kings.
Nathan
Okay guys this drive may mean the game. No fucking around
from any one of you.
All of the players look serious.
Nathan
Okay, we’re doing trips left. Jimmy you’re the main target
again so if you mess up so help me god I’ll kick your ass
so hard your grandchildren will have the mark.
Jimmy nods.
Nathan
Alright lets do it.
The offense lines up and the defense gets in position
across from them. Nathan snaps and the receivers run their
routes. John comes closer to Jimmy but he fends him off.
John comes back trying to cut of Jimmy but he keeps trying
to push him away. They both trip and fall. Nathan tries to
throw but gets sacked.
Jimmy

14. John are you out of your goddam mind!? Why do you keep
trying to cut in front of me, you cost us the game!
John
Jimmy shut the fuck up! You tripped me, if I hadn’t of
fallen I could caught it and scored!
Jimmy
It’s your own fault! You keep trying to get in my way and
it’s really fucking annoying!
John
Jimmy why can’t you just face the fact that you weren’t
meant for this? You can’t be a receiver. You’re not fast
enough, strong enough, you don’t even catch right. I
deserve to be the top receiver for this team more than you.
I put in all the hard work to get here. I deserve the
spotlight.
Jimmy
That’s what this is about, the spotlight? Well fuck, take
it! I just play for the love of the game but if you’re
really that selfish then god help you cause you really
don’t deserve shit.
John
Oh come on, don’t you feel like you want the same thing at
least a little? Don’t tell me that the competition doesn’t
get your blood flowing. Don’t you care?
Jimmy takes a step towards John about to say something but
thinks better of it and backs off. Then Nathan comes over.
Nathan
Jimmy you little shit! I told you not to fuck up, that was
a loss of ten yards! And what were you doing pushing John
like that!?

15. John
He didn’t know Nathan it’s not his fault, his mom didn’t
teach him any better.
Jimmy bolts towards John screaming and tackles him to the
ground. The refs start blowing whistles and the benches
from both sides empty onto the field while they’re
scrapping on the ground. Coach Tillman pulls Jimmy off of
John.
Coach Tillman
(Sinister) Come with me
Jump Cut
Int. Athletic Directors Office - Day
Coach Tillman is with Jimmy and his father in the athletic
office. He is not yelling but his voice is raised.
Coach Tillman
Mr. Stewart, your son has been a real pain for me lately.
This is not the first altercation he’s had with John, it’s
happened several times in practice already, and this time
it caused us a loss in our first game.
Michael
Mr. Tillman I know my son and he is a very well behaved
boy. I’m telling you my son is the victim here, John has
been bullying for a year now and he’s tried everything from
telling teachers and the principle but they can’t seem to
do anything about it.
Coach Tillman
Well from what I’ve seen it seems like it’s the other way
around. I have not seen John perform any type of action
that would provoke any hostile reaction like the one your
son had today. I’m sorry sir but I’ll have to kick your son
off the football team
Jimmy

16. What!? Are you serious that’s not fair this isn’t even my
fault!
Coach Tillman
Jimmy unless you can prove it I’m going to have to go with
what I see, I’m sorry but you’re off the team.
Jimmy sits there in silence with his mouth open.
Michael
Please Mr. Tillman isn’t there anything I can do? Can’t you
talk to John’s parents about this and get their opinion on
their child’s behavior?
Coach Tillman
I plan to talk with them but I suspect they’ll say nothing
except ‘our son is always a wonderfully behaved boy’ in
that case I can’t exactly call them liars and have John
suspended so there’s really not much I can do. I’m sorry
gentlemen but you’ll have to leave now.
Jimmy and Michael walk out.
Michael tries to talk to Jimmy but he stops him.
Jimmy
I want to see mom
Jump Cut
Int. Hospital - Evening
Michael and Jimmy are in a hospital hallway. Michael is
talking to DR. LELAND.
Michael
How’s she doing today Doc?
Dr. Leland

17. Same as before, her cancer is stabilized but there’s no way
to tell right now how long it’ll take for her condition to
improve.
Michael
Ah, well we can only hope for the best
Dr. Leland
Mhm, how are you doing Jimmy?
Jimmy
Terrible, I got kicked off the football team today for
something that wasn’t even my fault.
Dr. Leland
Oh I’m sorry to hear that Jimmy. Well if it’s any
consolation your mom would love to see you now.
Dr. Leland shows Jimmy inside the hospital room where his
mom is. Lying down on the bed face up is Jimmy’s mom
ISABELLE. She smiles as he comes in. Michael follows behind
him.
Isabelle
There are my boys.
Jimmy
Hey mom.
Jimmy walks over to her
How are you feeling?
Isabelle
Oh I’m fine, just chugging along. How is football coming
honey? I’ve been dreaming of the day I can come home and
watch you play.

18. Jimmy
Not good, I got kicked off the football team today mom and
it wasn’t even my fault.
Isabelle
Oh no don’t tell me, was it John?
Jimmy nods.
Isabelle
Michael would you give us a minute please
Michael
Sure thing
Michael steps outside into the hallway.
Isabelle
Jimmy I’m getting tired of hearing this John kid always
getting you in trouble, I thought your dad told me you
would handle it?
Jimmy
Yeah, I thought I would but things sort of got out of hand.
Isabelle
Jimmy I know you think you can handle everything, you’ve
always been like that. Nothing ever usually fazes you, but
sometimes you do it to a fault. You think you can handle
more than you really can. Don’t you remember the time you
broke your leg? You said you could jump off the swing and
land even though I said you couldn’t but you did it anyway.
This is the same thing, you can’t handle John all by
yourself.
Jimmy
So what do you think I should do?

19. Isabelle
You should get help. And try and figure out why he’s
bothering you so much.
Jimmy
Well he hates me because I was taking the spotlight away
from him on the team but now that I’m gone he should have
no reason to bother me.
Isabelle
So does that solve our problem?
Jimmy
I wish, but I can’t live without football, I love to play.
I need to get back on the team.
Isabelle
Well honey I honestly don’t know how you’re going to do
that but I do believe that everything happens for a reason
so hopefully we’ll all learn a lesson from this.
Jimmy
I hope so.
Michael comes back inside
Michael
Jimmy it’s getting late we should go and let your mother
rest.
Jimmy
Okay. Bye mom, I love you.
Isabelle
Bye honey, may our hopes and dreams come true.

20. Jump Cut
Int. Classroom – Morning
Four days later. Jimmy and Morgan are in math together with
Mr. Titusville giving another lecture.
Morgan
You alright bro?
Jimmy
Yeah I’ll be fine, I just need some time by myself to
think.
Morgan
Alright whatever you say.
Jimmy
What is that supposed to mean?
Morgan
Nothing I’m just saying do whatever you want, take your
time by yourself.
Jimmy is staring at Morgan curiously
Jimmy
I feel like your being sarcastic.
Morgan
I feel like you’re being an idiot, oh wait I’m right. Get
your head out of your ass Jimmy.
Jimmy
Don’t call me an idiot Morgan, what kind of guys name is
Morgan anyway?
Morgan
Morgan Freeman?

21. Jimmy
(Shrugging) Eh
Morgan
So did you hear about John?
Jimmy
No what about him?
Morgan
He fractured his leg in practice yesterday he’s probably
out for the season.
Jimmy
What!?
Mr. Titusville
Quiet boys!
Jimmy and Morgan
Sorry Mr. Titusville
Jimmy looks to wear John sits in the class but he isn’t
there.
Jimmy
Jesus that’s crazy, the entire season? That sucks.
Morgan
Yeah I know, I almost feel sorry for the guy. Isn’t that
awesome though he totally deserved that.
Jimmy
You bet he did.

22. Jump Cut
Int. Kitchen - Night
Jimmy is at home with his dad. They are eating dinner.
Jimmy
Dad did you hear? John fractured his leg yesterday in
practice, he might be out for the season!
Michael
Wow really? Who told you that?
Jimmy
Morgan did.
Michael
Wow that’s pretty unbelievable, the entire season, that’s a
tough price to pay.
Jimmy
I know it really is, he deserved it though.
Michael was going to say something but the phone rings.
Michael goes to pick it up.
Michael
It’s for you. It’s Coach Tillman.
Jimmy
Really? Gimmie!
Jimmy excitedly grabs the phone.
Jimmy
Hello?
Coach Tillman

23. Listen Jimmy I’m just going to cut to the chase here, we’re
losing players left in right. John’s out for weeks with an
injury and we lost Danny, one of our other wide receivers
cause his grades were poor, we’re asking you to come back.
Jimmy
Really? Wow this was all pretty fast, yes of course I’ll
come back!
Coach Tillman
Okay, don’t let all this go to your head either we wouldn’t
be doing this unless it was absolutely necessary. And I
don’t want to see you causing any more trouble either you
hear me? Or I swear you’ll be kicked off again.
Jimmy
Don’t worry coach I got it.
Coach Tillman
Okay good, I’ll see you at practice tomorrow.
Jimmy
You got it coach.
They hang up. Jimmy goes back to the dinner table with his
father.
Jimmy
Well dad I’m back on the team. I told you I could handle
this.
Michael
(Halfheartedly) Yeah Jimmy, I guess I shouldn’t have
doubted you.
Jimmy
Yep. I can’t wait to tell Morgan tomorrow

24. Jump Cut
Int. Classroom - Day
The next day. Jimmy and Morgan are in Mr. Titusville’s
class.
Jimmy
Morgan guess what? Coach Tillman called me yesterday saying
he wants me back on the team!
Morgan
Wow really? Dude that’s awesome. Happened kinda fast didn’t
it? Only a few days.
Jimmy
Yeah that surprised me but whatever the sooner the better I
guess.
Morgan
Yeah I suppose
Jump Cut
Ext. Football Practice Field - Day.
Practice after school. Jimmy is doing wide receiver drills
with Coach Tate.
Coach Tate
Alright boys lets get going. I want two lines again. We’re
doing the same catching drills as before.
The wide receivers get in two lines with Coach Tate in
between them. He is throwing to each line on after another
as they run their routes. Jimmy is coming up next.
Coach Tate
Remember to look it in Jimmy.
Jimmy
Got it

25. Jimmy runs three steps forward and cuts in on a slant. Tate
throws the ball to Jimmy who jumps and carefully watches
the ball as it enters his hands for the catch.
Coach Tate
Yes! There you go, nice job Jimmy.
Jimmy runs to the back of the line with a smile on his
face.
As the weeks go by, Jimmy improves as a wide receiver and
earns the respect of being the top receiver on the team.
After the first loss the team is undefeated. He never sees
John in Mr. Titusville’s class. He watches football with
his dad every time there is a Bears game on, though Jimmy
feels like his dad is upset about something but he doesn’t
know what and never bothers to ask. His mom’s condition
also gets better. He and Michael visit every so often.
After practice one day about eight weeks later.
Int. Locker Room.
Nathan
Hey good job today at practice Jimmy, it’s good to see
you’re improving.
Jimmy
Thanks Nate, I’ve really been putting in the work.
Nathan
We’ll make the playoffs at this rate, maybe even the
championship.
Jimmy
Wow the championship. I’ve dreamt of making it there but I
never thought it would actually happen.

26. Nathan
Well we’re not there yet, we still got a long way to go so
stop dreaming and get back in reality.
Jimmy
Yeah you’re right. Well I bet we wouldn’t have gotten this
far with John still on the team right? Haha.
Nathan looks at Jimmy with a concerned look on his face.
Nathan
Jimmy do you even know what happened?
Jimmy
No, I feel like I never know when something important
happens.
Nathan
His mom got in a car accident last week. She’s in pretty
serious condition.
Jimmy can’t say anything, he just stares at Nathan with his
mouth open.
Nathan
Yeah that’s what I thought, I’d be more careful of what I
say next time.
Nathan walks away leaving Jimmy staring into space with a
shocked look on his face.
Jump Cut
Int. Hospital. Night
Jimmy and his dad are visiting Isabelle. Jimmy and his dad
walk in her room.
Michael

27. There she is, hey Isabelle.
Isabelle
There are my boys. I missed you guys.
Michael
Well we missed you too, how are you feeling?
Isabelle
Still chugging along. Dr. Leland actually thinks I’m
getting better.
Michael
Yeah I’d believe it, you look very good actually.
Isabelle smiles. She sees Jimmy in the corner of the room.
He looks upset.
Isabelle
(addressing Jimmy) How about you dear? How are you?
Jimmy
(Slowly walking over) I feel awful mom.
Isabelle
Why are you sick?
Jimmy
No I mean I’m in a bad mood.
Isabelle
Why’s that? You got back on the team just like you wanted.
Jimmy

28. Yeah.
Isabelle
And John isn’t on the team anymore right?
Jimmy
Yeah
Isabelle
So why are you upset?
Jimmy thinks. The silence is very intense
Jimmy
Because I lost sight of who I am mom. I used to play
football because I loved the sport. I loved getting dirty
and tackling and running and everything about it. But ever
since John’s been off the team it’s all been about being
better than him. I don’t play for the love of the game
anymore I play to be better than everyone else and it’s a
terrible way to be and I hate it.
Jimmy starts to cry a little bit. Isabelle smiles and looks
at Michael who is smiling too and nods.
Isabelle
Well it’s about time you finally realized Jimmy.
Jimmy looks up at her still sobbing.
Jimmy
What do you mean?
Isabelle
I mean your dad and I have been worried about you. You
haven’t been the same lately. You’ve always had some
ignorance in you but it had been getting worse, I wanted
your dad to say something to you but he didn’t want to, he

29. really believed you would learn by yourself and I guess he
was right.
Jimmy looks at both of them confused.
Jimmy
Um okay, this is weird. You’re telling me you knew this
whole time but you trusted me enough to figure it out on my
own even after I couldn’t handle John?
Isabelle
Well I didn’t but your dad did.
Jimmy
My god, well I hate to say this but I wouldn’t have been
able to realize all this if his mom hadn’t gotten in that
accident.
Isabelle
Maybe you should go tell him that. He’s in the room four
doors down.
Jimmy
What? Really?
Jimmy leaves and goes to the room four doors down. He opens
the door. Sitting down in a chair facing the door is John.
He has a cast on his leg. In the hospital bed is his mom.
She has several cuts and bruises on her. John is looking at
her very solemnly.
Jimmy
Um. Hey John.
John
Hey Jimmy
Jimmy walks over and sits down in a chair next to John

30. Jimmy
…How’s your leg doing?
John
It’s intact.
Jimmy
That’s good that’s good.
There is a silence for a few seconds.
Jimmy
Hey I’m sorry about your mom. My mom is the most important
thing in the world to me and she’s had cancer for two years
so I know what it’s like and it’s not your fault, but you
know I realized something-
John
(Cutting him off) No Jimmy you’re wrong.
Jimmy
(Surprised) But… I…
John
I’m the one who didn’t know what it was like and it is my
fault. I didn’t know what you were going through with your
mom and how much she meant to you, but now I know.
Jimmy
Oh wow, well um, I’m glad you realized that.
John
You know Jimmy you’re lucky to have the dad you have. One
that trusts and believes in you. My dad wanted the best out

31. of me too but he would push me so hard to be the best that
it would come at the cost of other people. As a kid he
would force me to not think about my teammates as my
friends but competition. He wanted me to have the
spotlight. So I guess that’s why am the way I am now, but
it’s a terrible way to be and I realize I should just be
playing for the love of the game.
Jimmy
Wow, well I’m sorry about that. Your father I mean.
John
Yeah, he’s in jail now anyway so it’s whatever.
Jimmy
Oh god, for what?
John
Drag racing.
Jimmy
Oh.
John
I don’t know if you knew this or not but our dads used to
be friends.
Jimmy
Really? You’re kidding.
John
No my mom told me, but ever since my dad got arrested nine
years ago they haven’t spoken since. Your dad tried to keep
him out of trouble and it worked for a while but he
couldn’t keep it up and well, now dad’s in jail.
Jimmy

32. Wow
John
To think it’s been nine years and I still hear my dads
voice in my head yelling at me.
There is a knock at the door. It is Michael, he comes in.
Michael
Jimmy we’re leaving
Jimmy
Okay
Jimmy gets up and walks towards the door.
Jimmy
Bye John, I hope you get better soon.
John
I hope so too.
Fade to Jump Cut
It is three weeks later. The Springfield Soldiers just won
the last playoff game and are headed to the championship.
Int. Locker Room.
Coach Tillman
Great job boys that was one hell of a win. I couldn’t be
happier with the way we played out there you guys really
played your asses off. Playing till the very end is always
my motto and you guys delivered, congratulations we’re
going to the championship!

33. There is a loud roar and applause from the team. They are
stomping their feet and slamming lockers in their
excitement.
Coach Tillman
And I also want to say that was one hell of a game winning
touchdown pass Nathan threw.
Another loud roar and applause from the team. Nathan stands
up and pumps his fist in the air.
Coach Tillman
And hey I got even more good news. I got news from the
hospital that John has made an early recovery and should be
coming back next week.
An even louder roar from the team. Jimmy seems surprised.
He doesn’t know whether to be excited or not.
Coach Tillman
Congratulations again boys, and before we leave lets remind
ourselves. Who are we!?
Entire Team
Soldiers!
Coach Tillman
Who are we!?
Entire Team
Soldiers!
Coach Tillman
Who are we!?
Entire Team
SOLDIERS!!

34. The team begins to pack their things to go home. Jimmy
doesn’t move. He stares into space. Nathan comes along and
pats him on the back. It scares him.
Nathan
Good job today Jim, I’m proud of ya. Isn’t great we’re
getting John back too? With the both of you at receivers,
no one can stop us.
Jimmy
(Uncertain) Yeah, no one can.
Jump Cut
Int. Classroom – Day
Jimmy and Morgan are walking into Mr. Titusville’s class
and sit down.
Morgan
Hey bro congrats you brought our school to the
championship.
Jimmy
Yeah it’s awesome I’ve been dreaming of this.
Morgan
You don’t sound very excited.
Jimmy
Well because John got better early and he’s coming back.
Morgan
Well didn’t you say at the hospital he had changed? Like he
got nicer or something?
Jimmy

35. Yeah but, I mean, I just wasn’t expecting him to back this
year. It just really threw me off.
The bell rings. Mr. Titusville starts his lesson. About a
minute in, John walks in. Everybody in the room looks at
his as he slowly walks to his seat.
Morgan
That was awkward
Jimmy is silent.
Jump Cut
Ext. Football Practice Field – Day
Last practice before Championship. Jimmy is getting ready
for practice when he sees John getting ready too. Jimmy
walks up to him.
Jimmy
Um, hey John.
John
Oh hey Jimmy.
Jimmy
So, that’s good you’re feeling better, your leg that is.
John
Yeah that early recovery really came out of nowhere but
I’ll take it.
Jimmy
Yeah. (Pause) Well it’s good to have you back, hopefully
you can give more depth to our team.
John
Thanks Jimmy I hope I can too.

36. After warm-ups, everybody gets in their position groups.
The wide receivers do wide receiver drills. Jimmy and John
both do their drills normally though Jimmy occasionally
looks back at John behind him in line.
Coach Tate
Alright good job guys, remember wide receivers don’t only
catch they block too, so if another receiver or a running
back has the ball you have to block defenders.
Throughout the practice Jimmy continues to pay close
attention to John and what he does but John never gets in
Jimmy’s way at all during practice.
Jump Cut
Int. Family Rec Room – Night
Jimmy and Michael are watching a Bears game against the
Lions. The Bears are about to lose.
Jimmy
This game is so stupid.
Michael
Yeah, lots of dumb mistakes.
Jimmy
Do you think this is foreshadowing what’s going to happen
in our game?
Michael
Na those are two completely different things.
The game ends.
Jimmy
So dumb.
Michael

37. Yeah.
Jimmy
I hope we play better than that.
Michael
For your sake I hope so. So what’s this I hear about John
being back on the team?
Jimmy
How’d you hear that?
Michael
I saw your coach at the grocery store today
Jimmy
Wow, Tillman at a grocery store? I can’t even picture it.
Michael
So is he better now or what?
Jimmy
Who John? Oh yeah he recovered early, miracle of God.
Michael
Jimmy I don’t want you talking to John.
Jimmy
What why? He’s actually pretty cool now, he hasn’t been
bothering me at practice and I can finally enjoy it now, I
think over time we could actually be friends.
Michael
I just don’t think it’s a good idea to be –
Jimmy

38. Why cause you’re afraid he’ll turn out like his dad cause
you were too weak to protect him?
Jimmy stops talking and looks at the disappointment in his
dad’s face
Jimmy
I’m sorry dad I didn’t mean that.
Michael
No it’s fine, and you’re right I couldn’t stop him. I tried
but I just couldn’t and I don’t want you to go through the
same thing.
Michael looks down. It appears as though he might cry.
Jimmy stands up and goes to him and pats him on the back.
Jimmy
Dad you know I love you and I would never do anything like
what John’s dad did. And I can’t say the same for John but
I can promise you it won’t be me you have to worry about.
Michael looks up and smiles. They hug.
Jimmy
Right now I’m only focused on the game. That’s my goal
winning the championship.
Jump Cut
Ext. Football Field – Night
It’s game day. The Springfield Soldiers are on the
sidelines. On the other side is their opponent the
Attleboro Kings. Nathan notices the irony.
Nathan
Sweet revenge
The announcer announces both teams. A young girl sings the
national anthem. The coach gets the player pumped with

39. their “Soldiers!” chant. Then before they take the field,
John speaks up.
John
Hey guys I have something to say. I haven’t always been the
best teammate to a few of you guys but I just want to let
you know that, well, I want this championship just as much
as you guys and I realize the only way to do this is to
play as a one collective unit, as a team. We have to play
like we love the game of football like it’s our lives. So
lets get it guys, lets bring her home.
The team lets out one giant and final hoorah. Jimmy looks
towards the stands and in there he sees his dad, Morgan,
and his mom. They all wave. Jimmy smiles and waves back as
a tear rolls down his face. He takes the field with his
teammates.
The Soldiers kick it off to the Kings. They get a field
goal on their first drive. Then they kickoff to the
soldiers. They get into their huddle.
Nathan
Okay guys we’re not messing around anymore with these guys,
we’re gonna stick it right to them. We’re gonna do double
slants. John and Jimmy you’re my main two targets.
John and Jimmy
Alright.
Nathan
Alright, break!
They line up. Nathan snaps the ball and decides to throw to
Jimmy for ten yards. They huddle
Nathan
Nice catch Jimmy.
Jimmy

40. Thanks.
Nathan
Alright next are curls. Break!
Nathan snaps and throws to John for 10 yards. The Soldiers
march down the field but are stopped and forced to take a
field goal. By the end of the quarter the score is 3 to 3.
In the second quarter the Kings score a touchdown. The
Soldiers score one too by John but he gets injured on the
play and has to leave the game. Jimmy tries to talk to him
before he leaves.
Jimmy
Hey John wait! You can’t leave!
John
Don’t worry about me Jimmy I’ll be fine
Jimmy watches John head to the locker room
Jimmy
I hope so.
No one scores in the third quarter so going into the fourth
the score is 10 to 10.
On the sidelines, the team is not feeling too certain they
can win the game. Some of the linemen are complaining and
saying it was hopeless.
Nathan
Would you guys shut up!? We can win without John, you just
gotta have hope.
Jimmy stays quiet.
The Kings take the field and score a field goal. The score
is 13 to 10 favoring the Kings. The Soldiers take
possession and Nathan calls the play in the huddle and

41. snaps. He throws to Jimmy who catches it but immediately
gets hit very hard and drops the ball for an incompletion.
Jimmy stays on the ground in obvious pain. Morgan, Michael
and Isabelle all stand up in concern. Jimmy starts crawling
and coughing in pain. He is about to give up hope when
suddenly he is grabbed from the back and pulled up. He
turns around to see John standing there.
Jimmy
John? (cough) What are you doing here?
John
I’m here to save your ass.
Jimmy can only give John a confused look.
John
Tillman cleared me to play. I only got knocked around a
little. I told you I’d be fine.
Jimmy
Well that’s good cause (pant) we need you.
John smiles as they return to the huddle
Nathan
Shit Jimmy are you okay? I wouldn’t have thrown that if I
knew you’d get popped like that.
Jimmy
Don’t worry I’m fine.
Nathan
Okay guys, I’m fucking sick and tired of this team so lets
get out there and play some fucking good ass football,
sound like a plan?
The whole team smirks and laughs and cheers. Nathan calls
the play. It is a pass to John for a long gain. There are

42. only 20 seconds left on the clock though. Nathan calls the
next and final play.
Nathan
It’s going to you Jimmy, all we need is a touchdown and
it’s ours.
Jimmy stays silent. They all line up in their positions.
Nathan
Ready… set… hike!
Nathan drops back and waits. Jimmy accidently slips when he
starts to run but he quickly gathers himself just as Nathan
throws the ball. Jimmy almost misses it but he jumps and
looks the ball into his hands for the catch.
Michael
Spectacular.
Morgan looks at Michael and then back to the field.
Jimmy sprints towards the end zone dodging defenders as he
goes.
Coach Tillman
Go! Go! Go!
Jimmy keeps running. The crowd starts to stand up as he
gets closer. Jimmy starts to get tired. He has one defender
left until he scores. Jimmy tries to juke him but it
doesn’t work and he is about to get tackled until John
comes and blocks him. Jimmy jumps over them and dives in
the end zone. The crowd cheers, some yell in anger. The
teams cheers and runs towards Jimmy in the end zone. John
picks up Jimmy and puts him on his shoulders as they
celebrate the Springfield Soldiers championship.
The End