Bull In The Ring

(Based on a True Story)

Written By

Frank A. Rossi

And what we say about being born equal -- none of us are born equal, but rather unequal. And yet the talented are no more responsible for their birthright than the underprivileged. And the measure of each should be what each does in a specific situation.

- Vince Lombardi -

PROPERTY OF: FIRST DRAFT Frank A. Rossi Studios P.O. Box 1102 Buffalo, NY 14220 (716) 713-5527

Registered WGA WEST: #1426669 2.

Long before the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, or

President Johnson's passing of the civil rights bill, a bunch of kids, their coaches and administration made a decision that would resonate around the country 50 years later. It is possible that in his, I Have a Dream Speech , Dr. King was talking directly to the 1958 University of Buffalo football program when he said, "A man should not be judged by the color of his skin but by the content of his character." Well, you gentlemen of the 1958 University of Buffalo

Football Bulls -- the content of your character that fall day when you voted to not go without your fellow warriors is what

Dr. King's whole life was dedicated to.

- Reverend Jesse Jackson - January 4th , 2009

International Bowl 3.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY A LEGEND READS: BUFFALO, NY (SEPTEMBER 13TH 2008)

OPEN ON: Covering their faces, the tension too unbearable to look, thousands of UNIVERSITY at BUFFALO STUDENTS, FANS and ALUMNI. The scoreboard reads: UB 24 TEMPLE 21 with 45 ticks remaining in the contest. It’s 4th and goal for the Owls at the UB eleven yard line. The local TV ANNOUNCERS voices kick in from the press box. REVEAL: Color Commentator, BIG LOU DEVINO (48). BIG LOU is a TONY SIRACUSA type with a penchant for sarcasm. He is eating from a plate of chicken wings. Adjacent to BIG LOU, play-by- play man REVEAL: (32) year old, DICK BEAMISH.

DICK BEAMISH With over 18,000 of UB’s faithful on hand -- including several members of its 1958 Lambert Cup championship team, can this team a half century later hold one more down to secure UB’s MAC opener victory? Enjoying the wings, Lou? BIG LOU DEVINO Nothing to worry about here, Dickie Boy. This year’s Bulls, a team of destiny. (Re: wings) Want one? Various shots of the CROWD, along with several CLOSE UPS on a group of four MEN standing together in the stands. All appear to be in their early (70’s). ATOP THE STADIUM - In a private box marked RICH PRODUCTS, we observe a handsome, hazel eyed AFRICAN/AMERICAN male appearing in his early (60’s). The MAN exudes a look of serenity. He motions down to the four MEN to join him. One looks up, waves him off, then returns to the game.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Fifty years ago this season, the University of Buffalo, a private institution back then, was invited to play in the school’s first and only bowl game --

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) -- but our boys got screwed Bulls fans. Well, not this year. I predict we win the Mac championship and play in our first major college bowl game. Back to you, Dick. 4.

INSIDE THE BOOTH - DICK BEAMISH Considering the team has never been to a bowl game in its one hundred and fourteen year history, aren’t you going out on a pretty big limb here, Lou? BIG LOU DEVINO We ran over UTEP in the home opener, then last week played 15th ranked Pitt even through three. Make it a big tree, Dick. A Redwood. Something that can hold my stout frame. Our championship season starts right here, right now!

ON THE FIELD - TEMPLE approaches the line of scrimmage. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Dimcelle barks out signals -- takes the snap from the gun, then throws the fade to Francis in the endzone. Oh my God, did he catch that? Yes! Touchdown Temple! What happened there, Lou? A deafening silence fills the stands.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Coach called the right defense. DB got burned on the inside fake.

TEMPLE lines up, kicks the extra point. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) With the point after good, Temple takes a 31-28 lead with just thirty-eight ticks remaining in the game.

TEMPLE gets ready for the kickoff. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) What does UB need to do here? BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) They need to run it back for a touchdown, or I’m afraid it may be Deja Vu all over again for this year’s Bulls team. 5.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Brownell kicks off. Roosevelt sprints to retrieve the angled kick, then at the last second lets it dribble out of bounds at the twenty-five. The good news there, no time came off the clock.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Extra, Extra, read all about it. The ball gets placed on the forty. What a bonehead play by Brownell. Destiny, Dickie Boy, Destiny. On the first play from scrimmage.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Willy lines up in the gun, and fires an incomplete pass to Roosevelt on the out pattern. Wait, there’s a flag on the play -- BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) -- early Christmas present. Ten yards for defensive holding. WILLY approaches the line, drops back in the shotgun.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Willy drops back. He drills it to Rice over the middle for ten yards and a UB first down. Time is not an ally for the Bulls here, folks. At this point, they need at least another twenty yards or so to have any shot at a field goal. On the next play.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Willy in the gun, unleashes a rifle over the middle to Roosevelt for a gain of twenty! UB calls time out with four seconds left, the ball placed on the Temple thirty-five. Bulls options here, Lou?

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Fifty-two yard field goal, or Roosevelt in the endzone on the Hail Mary. That kid can sky over Temple’s D backs. Hit’em on the Rosary play. 6.

IN THE HUDDLE - 6’5” 220 pound, DREW WILLY. DREW WILLY Trips right, Naaman in the endzone. (off Naaman’s look) DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) The entire stadium is on its collective feet here, folks! Various reaction shots from: the COACHES, PLAYERS on the sidelines, our FOUR older MEN in the stands, and our MAN in the PRIVATE BOX. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Willy takes the snap in the gun, drops back, then rolls to his right -- unleashing a Hail Mary to Roosevelt in the endzone. With four defenders surrounding him, Roosevelt goes up for ball. Did he come down with it?

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Damn right he did! DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Touchdown Bulls! Touchdown Bulls! Touchdown Bulls with the game clock expired. It’s pandemonium here in Buffalo, NY as the UB fans storm the field. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) They certainly pulled that one out of their butts. DICK BEAMISH Can you say that on cable access?

BIG LOU DEVINO I don’t know can you?

VARIOUS SHOTS: Of the screaming FANS, the four older MEN high- fiving each other in the stands, and our African/American MAN cheering quietly in the RICH PRODUCTS box.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY PLAYERS spray each other with GATORADE, water BOTTLES, you name it. Standing in the center of the melee, REVEAL: A drenched and ecstatic head coach, TURNER GILL (45). 7.

COACH GILL is a handsome, athletic looking African/American man with a passion for coaching. Talking with him, REVEAL: Buffalo News Reporter, ROD MCKISSIC (30’s).

COACH GILL -- my hands went up and I was screaming thank you lord, thank you, lord. (looks up) We owe you one on this one, sir. Sitting in a corner of the locker room, the four older GENTLEMEN talk with another reporter. REVEAL: FRANK A. ROSSI, late (40’s). ROSSI stands, recorder in hand. ROSSI You’re Jack “Bear” Dempsey. 6’2, you played at 220. In 1958 you were a twenty year old junior tackle, heavily recruited by Coach Schwartzwalder at Syracuse -- whose team went on to win the national championship in 59 with Heisman Trophy winner, Ernie Davis.

JACK DEMPSEY Wouldn’t change a thing, Rossi. ROSSI looks to the next man sitting on the bench.

ROSSI Ray “Razor” Paolini. Junior center, twenty years old, played at 215. My dad actually worked at your parents butcher shop growing up as a teenager. They called you Razor because you shaved a “B” on your chest before the season opener. A foreshadowing -- something you may have known even back then?

RAY PAOLINI This team, this year, they’re special. Their coach is special.

PAOLINI glances toward COACH GILL. ROSSI Fate coming full circle, Mr. Paolini? RAY PAOLINI (knowing smile) Ray. ROSSI moves to the next man. 8.

ROSSI Mr. Bill “Brogie” Brogan. Great punter, fullback and linebacker who served four years in the Marines before taking the GI bill to go to college. Junior, twenty-two, 5’10” any you played at 190.

BILL BROGAN That was many years ago.

ROSSI And Nick Bottini. Senior Cocaptain, twenty-two, 6’1 192. Your parents emigrated to the States from Italy. Same as my dad. NICK BOTTINI Dove avenuto tuo padre?

ROSSI Mio padre avenuto di Napoli.

JACK DEMPSEY So how can we help you, kid? ROSSI I’m doing research for a book on your 58 team. And what happened at the end of that season that still has people talking about it fifty years later. JACK DEMPSEY And maybe hit the jackpot, Frankie?

ROSSI Money’s just another tool in the box, Bear. Your decision fifty years ago and why, now that interests me. JACK DEMPSEY tosses a football to ROSSI, who instinctively looks the ball into his hands, tucks it away and smiles. JACK DEMPSEY Four years varsity running back at Colgate. Same school and position as Offie. Fred Dunlop said you were a tough kid, a stand up guy. 9.

RAY PAOLINI You played ball, Frank? (Off nod) Then you know there was nothing heroic about what we did. BILL BROGAN You boys would have done the same.

ROSSI Maybe. But the act itself was heroic, gentlemen. And I’d like to tell people why. BILL BROGAN You want to talk to a hero? (Off nod) He’s standing over there. The MEN men look over to the MAN we saw in the private box. REVEAL: WILLIE EVANS. WILLIE is a very handsome, young looking and well dressed, AFRICAN/AMERICAN man of (72). He sports a UB hat and sweater over his custom made clothes. He is conversing with two of today’s heroes, REVEAL: Running back, JAMES STARKS and wide out, NAAMAN ROOSEVELT.

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DUSK The clean up CREW busies itself, as the last of the MEDIA and PLAYERS exit the locker room. ROSSI shakes hands with JACK DEMPSEY, who is the last of our four older MEN to exit. He then approaches WILLIE EVANS, who is sitting on a bench, today’s program in hand.

ROSSI Mr. Evans?

WILLIE glances up, observes an audio recorder in ROSSI’S hand. WILLIE speaks with a purposeful, melodic tonality. WILLIE EVANS Yes. ROSSI My name is Frank Rossi, sir. WILLIE EVANS Bill Brogan mentioned you may want to speak with me. Although, I’m not quite certain as to why? 10.

ROSSI Mind if I sit down, Mr. Evans? (Off nod) I understand Coach Gill asked you to speak with the team before today’s game. You think your pep talk had anything to do with the miracle victory out there today?

WILLIE EVANS I have been teaching and coaching for over forty years, Mr. Rossi.

ROSSI Frank.

WILLIE EVANS Kids need guidance, Frank. Motivation originates from within.

WILLIE stands, moves to exit. ROSSI calls out to him. ROSSI Men at times are masters of their fate. WILLIE EVANS (Stops, then) How noble in reason.

ROSSI Julius Ceasar and Hamlet.

WILLIE EVANS (Turns) Two tragic figures. ROSSI And masters of their fate? Perhaps like this year’s UB football team? A now less guarded and intrigued, WILLIE approaches FRANK.

WILLIE EVANS What is it you wish of me, Frank?

ROSSI I want to write a book, Mr. Evans. A book about a group of young college athletes who a half century ago -- long before civil rights, and long before Dr. King’s march on Washington, refused to allow --

ROSSI picks up a football off the floor. 11.

ROSSI (CONT’D) society’s prejudices to cloud their judgement on probably one of the most important decisions of their lives. And sir, I’d like to write the story from the perspective of the hero -- the man most profoundly impacted by that decision during Thanksgiving week of 1958. WILLIE EVANS My teammates were the heroes. I suggest you speak with them. ROSSI They insisted I speak with you. (Pause) Only you knew what it was like to be one of only two African- Americans on that ill fated team, Mr. Evans. And with Mike Wilson passing -- well, will you help me? Will you help me explain how sports transcends race? Jesse Owens did it in Munich. Jackie Robinson in Brooklyn. WILLIE EVANS Men much more talented than I. ROSSI You got the call from Coach Lombardi during that 58 season. A big smile overtakes WILLIE. It quickly subsides.

WILLIE EVANS My love’s more richer than my tongue.

ROSSI We all have our exits and our entrances.

ROSSI stands and moves toward the chalkboard. He begins drawing an offensive lineup with X’s inside circles.

ROSSI (CONT’D) We’re a special breed. I’d like to tell people why.

WILLIE finds himself moving toward the chalkboard. 12.

ROSSI(CONT’D) You remember that season? Do you remember how it started, Mr. Evans?

WILLIE EVANS (looks to board, then Rossi) Willie.

EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - LATE AFTERNOON A LEGEND READS: BUFFALO, NY (AUGUST 1958)

A large orange light contrasts the otherwise BLUE sky. It’s source, the mammoth BETHLEHEM STEEL PLANT located on the edge of mighty LAKE ERIE. Thousands of WORKERS enter and exit the various gates with expert precision. To the west of the PLANT, a bustling sunny day in downtown Buffalo. MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM towers over the buildings. People walk the streets -- the WOMEN in poodle skirts, Capri pants, high hair, cardigan sweaters, scarfs, etc. The MEN, the majority dressed in suits and FEDORA hats. The others, white T-shirts, jeans and sneakers.

FORD THUNDERBIRDS, CHRYSLER IMPERIALS and CHEVY IMPALAS cruise the city streets. In the background, we hear the song, SPEEDO blasting out of a 58 CADILLAC ELDORADO.

Moving farther west, we pass by WOOLWORTH’S Drug Store, several small clothing SHOPS, an ESSO gas station. The sign reads: Leaded Gasoline 24 cents a gallon.

A mile west of downtown we observe a sprawling college CAMPUS. The inscription on the main building reads: UNIVERSITY of BUFFALO. Behind the school, a large building, its sign reads, VETERANS HOSPITAL. A hundred feet or so in front of the hospital sits a modest football STADIUM. EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

A LEGEND READS: (AUGUST 21ST 1958) OPEN ON: An exhausted football PLAYER dressed in practice equipment. Our PLAYER, his arms and feet churning in a stationary position, moves his head like a swivel, looking for his next ATTACKER from a plethora of large football PLAYERS surrounding him in a tightening circle. Suddenly, a number is shouted OFF SCREEN and a PLAYER sprints toward our WARRIOR in the ring’s center -- crashing into him head on. Our WARRIOR knocks his would be ASSAILANT to the ground with a right crushing forearm. Another number is called and a second ATTACKER springs into action. 13.

At the last moment, our MAN in the center turns abruptly, meeting his next ATTACKER with a right shoulder -- sending our second PLAYER on his butt.

Seemingly out of nowhere, a third ATTACKER with incredible speed is in on our WARRIOR. With his back turned, our third JUGGERNAUT yells out to our MAN in the middle.

PLAYER III Bill! Hearing this, BILL turns at the last moment -- the two WARRIORS colliding head on in the middle of ring. Both are simultaneously sent to the ground, their helmets removed. OFF SCREEN we hear a MAN’S voice BARKING obscenities.

MALE VOICE (O.S.) Evans. You son-of-a-- REVEAL: Our 3rd ATTACKER,(21) year old 6’1 African/American junior running back, WILLIE EVANS. WILLIE is a handsome man with penetrating light hazel eyes. He extends his hand to REVEAL: (22) year old 5’10” 200 pound Junior Fullback, BILL “BROGIE” BROGAN. BROGIE, a JOE PALOOKA look alike from the comic strip, grabs WILLIE’S hand and the two raise to their feet. The verbal berating continues OFF SCREEN. MALE VOICE (O.S.) This is a battlefield gentlemen, not a God Damn sock hop on American Bandstand!

PULLBACK TO REVEAL: (55) year old head coach, RICHARD “OFFIE” OFFENHAMER. Standing 6’0” tall and sporting a buzz cut, this stocky man wears knit shorts, a white T-shirt and black high top CONVERSE all-star sneakers. Wearing a WHISTLE and BASEBALL cap, OFFIE carries his ever present clipboard. He sprints into the ring, glares at the two MEN. COACH OFFIE This drill is named after a bull, Mr. Brogan. Do you know why? (To group) Because a bull, gentlemen is the most honorable and well respected battler on the planet. It accepts it fate and fights to the death. Accept the challenges in life, then and only then can you feel the exhilaration of victory. OFFIE gestures to BROGAN, who puts his helmet back on, then begins running laps. 14.

COACH OFFIE And don’t stop until I tell you, you mick bastard!

OFFIE then marches over to WILLIE. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) A team is like an Army, Willie. It breathes as one. And you will not disrupt its breathing.

OFFIE gestures to WILLIE, who takes off running. OFFIE then motions his PLAYERS in toward him. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) There is no room on this team for any individual heroic crap. (calls out) Bukaty!

REVEAL: GORDON ”GORDO” BUKATY, (19). At 6’1 180 pounds, this handsome Sophomore QUARTERBACK with blue eyes, dark hair and high cheekbones has a knack for spontaneity. BUKATY enters the center of the ring, as OFFIE continues his tirade.

COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) We are all fighting for the same thing, to be victorious. And I’m the God Damn four star General leading this division. You boys got that?

Reactions of disbelief emit from several PLAYERS. BUKATY addresses OFFIE. GORDO BUKATY Ready for the ambush, General Patton, sir. The PLAYERS quietly erupt with laughter. OFFIE notices this, then shifts his attention to one of his assistant coaches. REVEAL: KARL KLUCKHOHN, late (20’s). An egotistical SOB with a chip on his shoulder, this former All-America linebacker from Colgate University is constantly riding the players. COACH KLUCKHOHN You heard coach. BUKATY’S demeanor immediately changes. He begins running in place, his head on a swivel, his feet constantly moving.

COACH KLUCKHOHN (CONT’D) Eleven! 15.

One of the PLAYERS barrels at BUKATY, hitting him head on. Then a series of other PLAYERS in quick succession are called out, their numbers almost overlapping, until BUKATY is buried from behind by -- REVEAL: SAMPSON SANDERS, Junior Tackle (19), 6’1 & 210 pounds. Originally from Tennessee and still sporting his southern drawl, SANDERS is an overly zealous blond haired, blue eyed man with a very quiet demeanor. BUKATY lies on the ground, holding his back. OFFIE steps in.

COACH OFFIE If I had a whole team of Sam Sanders, we’d be number one in the God Damn country -- small school or large. OFFIE motions the TRAINER to attend to BUKATY, then addresses his troops.

COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) Okay, let’s move it over ten.

Several of the PLAYERS hesitate. OFFIE notices this, responds quickly. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D ) Backs and receivers over at the A Frame. Linemen on the bag. The BACKS and RECEIVERS head over to an A FRAME. Attached to it, hanging horizontally is a large lightly padded TELEPHONE POLE. MAGGADINO CONSTRUCTION is written on the padding. The first group of seven PLAYERS secure their ARM pads, then get into three point stances. On the whistle, all move in unison, attacking the pole with voracity. It barely moves. FIFTY YARDS AWAY - a LINEMEN stands opposite a hanging HEAVY BAG. A line of PLAYERS suck wind behind him. On the whistle, the LINEMAN springs from his stance, attacking the bag. The whistle blows, the LINEMAN clutching his shoulder. He grabs the bottom of the bag. Particles of cement fall to the ground. He looks to COACH KLUCKHORN who simply smiles. EXT. FOOTBALL BLEACHERS - SAME

Observing practice from the BLEACHERS, REVEAL: UB Athletic Director, (46) year old, JAMES PEELE. A fastidious talker, who constantly repeats himself, PEELE is dressed in a wool suit, bow tie and white shirt, but stills appears disheveled. Standing next to PEELE, REVEAL: Pharmacist, Business Owner and main UB booster, JOHN HITCHCOCK (45). Also dressed in a suit and tie, HITCHCOCK glances back toward the field. 16.

HITCHCOCK Offie’s working them pretty hard, Jimmy. Seventeen straight days of doubles -- full contact? JIM PEELE The man won’t listen to anything -- to anything I say. HITCHCOCK removes a signed check from his billfold.

HITCHCOCK This covers several of your “bonus babies” scholarships.

JIM PEELE What are you intimating, John? HITCHCOCK glances toward the entrance. Standing alongside a 1958 Black ELDORADO Seville convertible is REVEAL: (44) year old, ANTONIO MAGGADINO. MAGGADINO sports sunglasses, a tanned wool suit, tie and a Bosalino Hemp Fedora. HITCHCOCK waves to him. MAGGADINO gestures back, then enters his car, his DRIVER closing the door behind him. The car exits. HITCHCOCK Mr. Maggadino and I would just like our boys to have a fighting chance this season is all. He hands PEELE the check, then moves to exit.

JIM PEELE I’ll talk to him, John. I’ll talk to him.

HITCHCOCK exits. PEELE then glances back toward the field. EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - SAME

COACH KLUCKHOHN You heard coach. Sanders, in the ring. Several of the PLAYERS ready themselves to punish SANDERS. But after several collisions, the tough junior holds his own.

EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DUSK With the orange glow of the STEEL PLANT in the distance, OFFIE looks to his watch, then to REVEAL: RON LAROCQUE, (20’s). Sporting high-top cleats, black curly hair, this always smiling Graduate-Assistant loves drills. 17.

COACH LAROCQUE Gassers! Linemen up first. Good news is you boys only have to do them twice. WILLIE and BROGAN return from laps, approach REVEAL: NICK BOTTINI. With Romanesque features, huge hands and a square jaw, this religious, play every down salt of the earth young man speaks slowly but with purpose. Nick is a (21) year old, 6’1” 200 pound Senior Cocaptain and offense end.

BOTTINI Sanders bruised Gordo’s ribs. BROGAN We need to have a talk with that little prick. Standing next to BOTTNI, Cocaptain LOUIE “The Bull” REALE. A Cocaptain, (22) and senior at 6’2 & 230 pounds, LOUIE is a monster of a man, with a huge chest and black hair that manages to protrude though every shirt he wears.

REALE Nick and I will handle it. The TEAM begins running GASERS.

OFF TO THE LEFT - OFFIE and another coach review plays on a chalkboard. REVEAL: COACH FRED DUNLOP. A (28) year old and veteran of the Korean War, FRED a graduate of Colgate is the soft spoken intermediary between the PLAYERS and OFFIE. INT. LOCKER ROOM - DUSK

The exhausted PLAYERS enter the locker room. Simple wooden benches affixed to a concrete floor serve as their only form of comfort. Several of the PLAYERS head directly for two large steel CONTAINERS of water. Others drink from the several sink FAUCETS and a HOSE. In the background, ELVIS’S, HARD HEADED WOMAN plays on a transistor radio. GORDO BUKATY enters the locker room singing the song. Then -- GORDO BUKATY Saw that kid in the Aud last April. Anybody else catch him? (off looks of indifference). Nirvana when he sings.

Dragging himself into the locker room, REVEAL: BOB ”BEEF” ADAMS. 18.

This (24) year old, 6’4 220 pound senior defensive end has bushy brown hair and a big chin. BOB served four years in the Navy.

ADAMS Man, everything hurts. Boot camp was a walk in the park compared to this.

ADAMS approaches a PLAYER weighing himself on the scale. REVEAL: Sr. Guard (22) year old, 5’9” 170 pound, JOE “IRISH’ O’GRADY. A large cut decorates the bridge of his nose.

O’GRADY Dropped eight today. A hundred and sixty-two friggen’ pounds! That kraut bastard is gonna burn us out before the first game. (glances at scale) I’m way too little to be playing at this level.

ADAMS makes his way to the TRAINER, REVEAL: JOHN SCIERA,(25). TRAINER What is it today, Beef? ADAMS My left knee, ankle -- I think maybe my shoulder, too. He checks ADAM’S knee and ankle, shakes his head, then hands ADAMS two bags of ice, before moving to the next PLAYER.

Back at the scale steps GORDO BUKATY. It reads 178. O’GRADY That’s what you weighed before this morning’s practice. GORDO BUKATY Actually, Joe I weighed 180. I may need to take it down a notch. Stepping on the scale, a large B shaved on his chest, REVEAL: (20) year old junior center, RAY “RAZOR” PAOLINI. PAOLINI is 6’1” and weighs 205 pounds.

PAOLINI Gordo, how do you do it? (looks to himself) I lost ten pounds today.

BUKATY sits on the scale, crosses his legs. Several of the PLAYERS gather around. 19.

GORDO BUKATY It all starts with the pure nature of the mind. As Bodhidharma preached the Ch'an or Zen, he said : “Once mortals see their nature, all attachments end. Awareness isn't hidden. But you can only find it right now. To find your way, one must relinquish the past.” Today’s practice, gone.

O’GRADY You’re one screwed up Pollock. You know that don’t you?

GORDO BUKATY Just expressing my individuality. Entering the locker room, REVEAL: COACH MIKE RHODES, (31). A UB graduate, MIKE coaches the offensive linemen and ends. COACH RHODES Films at seven. (looks to watch) That leaves you boys about thirty minutes to eat. Several PLAYERS quickly exit. On the radio the song, DONNA from RITCHIE VALENS begins. BOTTINI, REALE and WILLIE are the last to exit the locker room. REALE You guys go. BOTTINI (Knowingly) I’ll save you a steak.

BOTTINI exits. REALE (CONT’D) Willie, when you first met Ethel Jean -- well -- I mean did you know right away?

WILLIE (Nods) So did you, Louie.

WILLIE turns up the radio, then exits. REALE sits back, waits a moment, then begins singing. 20.

INT. DINING HALL KITCHEN - NIGHT Several SERVERS exit the kitchen with an assortment of FOOD and BEVERAGE trays. OFFIE enters from the side door, approaches the head chef, MIKE (20’s). COACH OFFIE Make sure you get enough steaks out there for everyone, Mike. CHEF MIKE But coach I already spent -- COACH OFFIE -- and make sure you have plenty of fruit out there as well. The boys need their fluids. COACH OFFIE begins to exit.

CHEF MIKE Coach --

COACH OFFIE -- just get me a report of the monies you’ve expended so far. I’ll handle Peele. (Exits)

INT. DINING - HALL - NIGHT Massive amounts of FRUIT, MILK, pitchers of water, PASTA and SALADS are being devoured by a hungry group. CHEF MIKE brings out a large tray full of steaks. Within seconds, the PLAYERS snatch them up.

AT ONE OF THE TABLES - REVEAL: (20) year old, Jr. Guard, STAN “TARZAN KOWALSKI. Sporting a crew cut, KOWALSKI is in the process of lifting another player seated in a chair off the ground with one hand. Several of the UNDERCLASSMEN count.

REVEAL: Sophomore defensive back, CARLEY KEATS. At 6’0 and 190 pounds, this (19) year old has light sandy hair and strong looks. CARLEY KEATS Come on, Tarzan.

Next to KEATS, REVEAL: The naysayer in the group, Junior tackle, GEORGE “NEWS” DELANEY. 6’3” (21) and 230 pounds.

DELANEY I don’t think he can -- 21.

Next up, PHIL “BOOM BOOM” BAMFORD. PHIL is a (24) year old sophomore and ex-marine. He’s 5’6 and weighs 220 pounds.

BAMFORD -- he’ll do it! KOWALSKI struggles as the man doing the counting, REVEAL: Senior offensive guard, CHARLIE TIRONE. CHARLIE is (21) years old, 5’9” and 200 pounds. He sports dark rimed glasses and a buzz cut. TIRONE calls out seconds from a stopwatch.

TIRONE Five, six -- the chances of Stan completing this feat based on his internal struggling seems remote. (Looks to stopwatch) Eight, nine, ten! KOWALSKI drops the chair and the player, REVEALING: (19) year old Sophomore Quarterback, JOE “CANNON” OLIVERIO. OLIVERIO bounces off the floor, smiles, then exits. At the table, REVEAL: KENNY “DESERT FOX” BORN. A senior at (22), this blond haired, blue eyed man collects from several of the PLAYERS, approaches BUKATY, hands him the money. GORDO BUKATY Become one with nature and it provides for you. BOTTINI God’s gonna punish you for that, Gordo. GORDO BUKATY Be as gentle as the dove, but as wise as the serpent. INT. TOWER DORM ROOM - EARLY EVENING

Traversing the room, we observe pin up girls, LIZ TAYLOR and MARILYN MONROE. Photos of New York Giant’s star, FRANK GIFFORD and Baltimore Colt Legend, JOHNNY UNITAS fill out the walls. Sitting on the bed is WILLIE, playbook in hand. Pacing the room, a nervous BROGAN.

WILLIE Pro right, 34 vere split, halfback screen left. 22.

BROGAN Check backside for the blitz, then throw a block on the corner to spring you free. WILLIE (Smiles) I like your thinking.

Emotionally spent, BROGAN checks his watch, looks up. BROGAN Damn. (Then) You’d better get home to Jean and Rod. A tentative, WILLIE moves to exit. BROGAN joins him at the door. BROGAN You alright, man? (Pause) Everything okay at home? WILLIE Yeah, yeah, it’s fine. (Pause) Bill, what’s your draft status? BROGAN My draft status? (Off nod) Same as everybody else on the team I guess. 2S, why? WILLIE hands him an envelop, the return address reading SELECTIVE SERVICES. BROGAN removes the letter, begins reading, then looks up. BROGAN (CONT’D) I don’t understand. You’re a full time student, and your married with a kid.

WILLIE Apparently Jim Crow’s made his way into the selective service.

WILLIE takes the letter, moves to exit. BROGAN You need to fight this. WILLIE smiles, nods, then exits. BROGAN reflects a moment, then opens his chemistry book. 23.

EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT A dilapidated NFTA BUS pulls to the curb. Exiting the bus, a Chinese WOMAN, her two CHILDREN, two elderly Negro LADIES, three Caucasian TEENAGERS and WILLIE, dressed in his suit and DOBBS 15 FEDORA hat. The street sign reads: MAIN/FERRY.

Books in hand, WILLIE crosses the street. Standing on the corner waiting for the bus, REVEAL: a (22) year old Negro man, KENNY COPELAND. KENNY is sporting a wool SUIT, leather SHOES, and in his right hand he dangles a pair of DRUM STICKS. In his left, a transistor radio plays, THELONIOUS MONK’S, “ROUND MIDNIGHT”. KENNY Little Evans. How you doin’ my brother? WILLIE I’m doin’. You still at Baffles? KENNY Seven more glorious days.

WILLIE I thought you just got the gig?

KENNY Sixty-five a week and Uncle Sam decides to come callin’.

WILLIE (Pause) It’s peacetime, Kenny. You’ll be cool.

KENNY begins playing his drum sticks on the bus stop BENCH. KENNY They’re sendin’ me to a place called, Vietnam. Apparently, I’m qualified to be what they call a military advisor.

A BUS pulls up. KENNY moves to get on. KENNY (CONT’D) Monk’s jammin’ at Klienhans next week. You goin’? WILLIE (shrugs, then) You be careful man. 24.

Several Caucasian TEENS on the BUS shoot KENNY a look of disgust. KENNY leans back toward WILLIE.

KENNY (CONT’D) So instead of white boys wantin’ to kick my Negro ass, they’ll just be a shade more yellow.

The door closes. KENNY eyes an open seat by the white TEENS. He looks at his suit, then heads toward the back of the bus.

WILLIE walks down FERRY street, passing TASMAN Cleaners, WALLS Bakery & HUANG’S Chinese Laundry. He turns right on PURDY street.

INT. MODEST HOME - NIGHT WILLIE enters the living room of a modest two bedroom lower flat. On the TV, WALTER CRONKITE.

WALTER KRONKITE Columbia English instructor Charles Van Doren denies any wrongdoing when accused in August of receiving answers in a contest on NBC's two year old quiz show, Twenty-One . Van Doren's salary at Columbia is 4,400 a year. To date, he's made 129,000 dollars on the show and a guaranteed 50,000 dollars a year contract to appear on the Today show. In other news, President Eisenhower said today that the Russians --

WILLIE lowers the TV, glances to his wife sitting on the couch, REVEAL: ETHEL JEAN EVANS. ETHEL JEAN is a very attractive Negro woman, mature beyond her (21) years.

WILLIE A teacher would never do that. ETHEL JEAN approaches her husband. ETHEL JEAN Your boyish naivete. (kisses him) That’s what I love about you, Will. WILLIE How’s Rod? 25.

ETHEL JEAN Medicine seems to be working. Your mother said he was carrying the football today claiming to be his dad. (Pause) You eat? (Off nod) What time is your first class tomorrow?

WILLIE I’ll drop Rod at mom’s.

ETHEL JEAN Thanks. (Pause) I’m off to bed. She moves to exit, glances back at WILLIE.

ETHEL JEAN (CONT’D) Anything you want to talk about?

WILLIE Tough day at practice. ETHEL JEAN Offie working you boys too hard again? I need to have a talk with that man. (Willie smiles) Don’t stay up too late.

She exits. WILLIE looks to the TV, notices a REPORTER dressed in a HELMET and camouflage JACKET standing in a jungle. A caption reads, SOUTHEAST VIETNAM.

WILLIE sits on the couch. He removes the draft letter from his pocket, grabs a piece of paper and begins writing.

To Whom It may Concern: My name is Willie Evans and I am a twenty-one year old full time student, married with one child and attending the University of Buffalo. Three of my brothers served in the Korean War. I am writing you citing the Sullivan Brothers -- ROSSI (V.O.) Wow, you wrote to the government? WILLIE (V.O.) One must take action when an unfair action is taken against them. INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The wall clock reads: 1:30AM. WILLIE closes his math book, retrieves the draft letter, slides it into his jacket. 26.

He then walks a short distance, entering his SON’S room. Tossing and turning, the (3) year old coughs in his sleep. A concerned, father kisses his son’s forehead, then exits.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT The moon’s light illuminates the night stand adjacent to the bed. WILLIE retrieves a book from the stand titled, Stride Toward Freedom : The Montgomery Story By Martin Luther King Jr. Underneath the book, a copy of Jet Magazine dated April 1955. WILLIE begins reading KING’S book.

ROSSI (V.O.) Did you guys really have a full contact practice before the Cornell scrimmage?

WILLIE (V.O.) Yes, Frank. Yes we did.

EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY A LEGEND READS: ITHACA, NY (SEPTEMBER 2OTH 1958)

The team is warming up. BUKATY flings a pass over the head of BOTTINI. This, followed by two successive fumbles on handoffs. OFFIE makes his way to the CORNELL side of the field, speaks with their HEAD COACH.

WILLIE (V.O.) Mr. Offenhammer did not tolerate less than a one hundred percent effort at all times. EXT. FIELD MOMENTS LATER - DAY

The UB PLAYERS are engaged in a full contact scrimmage. The Cornell PLAYERS look on in amazement. EXT. BLEACHERS - SAME

In a heated discussion, AD PEELE turns to the school’s chancellor, REVEAL: CLIFFORD FURNAS (51). Tall, balding and impeccably dressed, this former Olympic Athlete and Assistant Secretary of Defense is very articulate. JIM PEELE -- you see, you see, Chancellor Furnas? Sometimes I think he actually believes he’s an extension of his hero, General Patton. 27.

CHANCELLOR FURNAS I knew the late general, Mr. Peele. Offie’s style like George’s may be a little unorthodox, but their results can not be questioned. JIM PEELE Sir, our boys are not fighting a war out there. CHANCELLOR FURNAS Agreed. But Offie’s dedication to his players and this university has been exemplary.

JIM PEELE His players hate him, sir. CHANCELLOR FURNAS But they do however respect him. INT. LOCKER ROOM - AFTERNOON

The exhausted PLAYERS enter the locker room. ADAMS Man, everything hurts.

ADAMS grabs the TRAINER by the shoulder. BROGAN You Navy boys always complain about everything? ADAMS You ever get your ass kicked like that in the Marines, Brogie?

SAM SANDERS goes to one knee, prays in silence. O’GRADY (to Sam) Shut up, you hick bastard. O’GRADY still sporting that persistent gouge over the bridge of his nose, looks to his weight on the scale.

O’GRADY (CONT’D) Look at this shit. 158 pounds. To himself) I’m way too little to be playing at this level. 28.

BUKATY stands at his locker, seemingly oblivious to the day’s events. Playing from his transistor radio, The Coasters “CHARLIE BROWN.” BUKATY lowers the radio, and in rhythm begins slapping both his hands on his thighs and chest. GORDO BUKATY Hambone, Hambone, where you been? All round ’ the world and back again. Hambone, Hambone, what did you do? I got a train and I fairly flew. Hambone, Hambone where did you go? BUKATY looks to his teammates, grabs a towel, enters the shower. BROGIE sits next to WILLIE.

BROGAN That was a hell of a run, Willie.

WILLIE Thanks. (Pause) I am not going to make the season if Mr. Offenhamer keeps pushing us like this.

BROGAN None of us will.

BROGAN glances over to REALE. He waves BROGAN and WILLIE over. TIRONE and BOTTINI join them. All observe the line of PLAYERS forming to see the TRAINER.

TIRONE At this rate, the laws of attrition will have us ineligible to field a team by our third game.

REALE I’ll talk to coach.

In steps the coaches . OFFIE steps onto a bench. COACH OFFIE Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men. Today, you got your asses handed to you by a inferior team who beat you in the fourth quarter. We need to work on our endurance. May God have mercy upon our upcoming enemies, because I won’t. BUKATY and BEAR DEMPSEY head toward the shower. 29.

GORDO BUKATY You think the old man really believes that shit?

BEAR DEMPSEY No one’s ever had the courage to ask him.

A seething, OFFIE grabs the bench he was standing on -- flings it into the wall.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY A LEGEND READS: HOMECOMING, ROTARY FIELD (October 18th 2008)

The sold out stadium CROWD is on their feet. The score reads: UB 24 ARMY 24. 05 seconds remain on the clock. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) With over 21,000 fans on hand -- the largest crowd in UB history, it all comes down to a final field goal attempt by the Army kicker.

Shots of the FANS, COACHING STAFF, PLAYERS fill the frame. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Mooney fumbles. His first of the year. And then with less than two minutes to go, we tie the game. Destiny, Dickie Boy. This one’s going to OT -- second one in as many weeks. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Maybe. But if Campbell hits this, UB’s championship season hopes are all but extinguished.

In the RICH PRODUCTS box, WILLIE sits, his demeanor stoic. ROSSI is on one knee. Sitting next to WILLIE, Athletic Director, WARD EMANUEL, African/American, late (40’s).

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) A nice shot there folks of Willie Evans, the hero from the 58 squad, along with current UB Athletic Director, Ward Emanuel. A great player himself during his days at Michigan.

ON THE FIELD - The ball is snapped. 30.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) (CONT’D) The snap is perfect. The kick’s on its way -- it’s heading straight for the middle of the posts. It looks good. No folks, it’s short! Short by a good ten feet!

The CROWD erupts in excitement. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) (CONT’D) The ball just seemed to die there, Lou. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Wind came off the lake and killed it. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) The lake’s twenty miles away.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Divine Intervention, Dickie Boy.

INT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - MOMENTS LATER The FANS are on their feet, as UB’S field goal kicker readies himself for an attempt.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Principe’s gold on this one.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) If he can hit this thirty-four yarder, UB will definitely escape with a nail bitter here. (Pause) The snap is clean. The kick is on its way. It’s good! UB wins! UB wins! UB wins in overtime!!

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) No doubt from this fan, Dick. INSIDE THE PRESS BOX - A jubilant, WARD EMMANUEL hugs WILLIE. As the celebration calms down, in steps REVEAL:(72) year old, BOB RICH.

BOB RICH The dream season continues, Willie? WILLIE It’s nice for the kids, Mr. Rich. 31.

BOB RICH Anything you need?

WILLIE This is wonderful. Thank you, sir. BOB RICH You ever going to call me, Bob? A warm smile from WILLIE. BILL BROGAN, BEAR DEMPSEY, RAY PAOLINI and NICK BOTTINI enter the box. BOB RICH shakes their hands, then turns to a WAITER. BOB RICH Keep the food and drinks coming understand, son? WAITER Yes sir, Mr. Rich.

WILLIE and ROSSI observe BOB RICH exit. ROSSI How do you know him, Willie? WILLIE Mr. Rich and I went to grade school together. ROSSI And you two have maintained a friendship this long? WILLIE You give respect, you get respect back, Frank. DOWN ON THE FIELD - COACH GILL is giving an interview.

ROSSI Talk to me about Harvard. Your first game of the 58 season. How was Coach Patton before that one? WILLIE lets out an uncharacteristic loud laugh.

WILLIE Mr. Offenhamer definitely had several Pattonesque qualities. I recall us having a special escort to the airport that Friday before the Harvard game. 32.

EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY A LEGEND READS: BUFFALO, NY (September 26th 1958)

The whaling sounds of POLICE CARS traveling through the city streets DEAFEN the neighborhood. As we PULLBACK on the POLICE cars, we observe them giving an escort to the UB team BUS. The song, TEQUILA by The Champs plays, as the school BUS makes its way into the airport. ROSSI (V.O.) A police escort took you guys to the airport? WILLIE (V.O.) And the train station. We were the only game in town back then. The NFL didn’t come to Buffalo until 1960. And Mr. Offenhamer took full advantage of that. EXT. RUNWAY - DAY

The TEAM boards the MOHAWK Prop Plane. All the PLAYERS and COACHES are dressed in suits and ties, with overcoats and hats. WILLIE is impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, overcoat and a DOBBS 15 FEDORA.

ROSSI (V.O.) The whole team dressed like that?

WILLIE (V.O.) Every game. Coach saw to it. ROSSI (V.O.) Your suit, not off the rack. WILLIE (V.O.) I was a tailor in high school. Worked for a great man named Sal Cordo. He made me three suits when I graduated high school.

WILLIE reaches the steps. OFFIE stands there, dressed similar to his other idol, VINCE LOMBARDI. He looks to WILLIE, smiles. WILLIE enters the plane.

INT. PLANE - DAY Sitting next to BROGAN in the front row, WILLIE pulls out the Buffalo Evening News: The headline reads: 33.

GRID RATINGS GIVE HARVARD FOUR TD'S OVER BUFFALO BULLS. Friday Sept. 26th -- Harvard Nationally ranked 17th. WILLIE shows the headline to BROGAN.

WILLIE then looks to the sidebar: AP:(staff writer) The U.S. Supreme Court meets in special term and rules unanimously September 29 that schools at Little Rock, Ark., must integrate according to schedule. The Court's decision in Cooper v. Aaron implements its ruling in the 1954 case of Brown v. Board of Education. WILLIE closes the paper, then removes MARTIN LUTHER KING’S, STRIDE TOWARD FREEDOM.

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT COACH KLUCKHORN approaches several of the PLAYERS eating snacks, talking, etc. COACH KLUCKHOHN Bed check ten minutes.

He then knocks on a few doors, opens them; BEAR DEMPSEY and PAOLINI’S room. REALE and BOTTINI’S room and finally --

INT. WILLIE AND BROGAN’S ROOM - NIGHT COACH KLUCKHORN enters.

COACH KLUCKHOHN You boys ready for tomorrow? We don’t want a repeat of Cornell. Silver spoon fed pansies kicking our ass. (He glances at Dr. King’s book) And reading that colored propaganda ain’t gonna help us win tomorrow, Willie.

WILLIE Yes, sir.

He exits. BROGAN and WILLIE settle in their beds. BROGAN (Shouts toward door) You weren’t good enough to make it in the pros, coach! Time to move on and let it go.

The door rattles, then stops. BROGAN enters his bed, glancing over at the book WILLIE’S reading.

BROGAN Dr. King still in the hospital? 34.

WILLIE (Nods) The stab wound just missed his heart.

BROGAN I’ll pray for him. He’s a good man, Willie. What’s his book about?

WILLIE It’s about a Negro woman named Rosa Parks, who one day just wanted to ride the bus home from work. And how eighteen months later, with Dr. King’s help, the Supreme Court passed Browder vs. Gayle forbidding racial segregation on Montgomery busses. Another knock on the door. The BOYS look to each other.

WILLIE (Hesitant) Come in.

In steps a somewhat inebriated, HITCHCOCK. HITCHCOCK Feeling good about tomorrow, boys?

BROGAN Mr. Hithcock.

HITCHCOCK I hear we have five starters out. Can we win without them?

BROGAN Yes sir, Mr. Hitchcock we can. HITCHCOCK You mean with the spread? It’s twenty-seven points. BROGAN We’ll beat’em without the spread. HITCHCOCK Willie? WILLIE Like the man said. 35.

HITCHCOCK You sure you gentlemen don’t want a piece of this?

BROGAN pulls out a twenty dollar bill, hands it to HITCHCOCK. BROGAN No points. Straight up. HITCHCOCK nods, shuts the lights, exits.

WILLIE Watch yourself with him. BROGAN The man lives vicariously through us, Willie. (Pause) He’s harmless. Suddenly, a slue of EGGS smash against the second floor window. BROGAN jumps out of bed, approaches the window. WILLIE joins him. OUTSIDE THE WINDOW - Two FIGURES dressed in white sheets stand defiantly on the lawn. A SIGN in one of the MEN’S hands reads: “Like Belong With Like” Nigger Lover. The MEN see BROGAN and WILLIE, then quickly drop the sign and flee into the woods in back of the hotel.

WILLIE It’s a long trip from Selma. You think they’d be more tired.

WILLIE and BROGAN laugh. Moments later, the two enter their beds, BROGAN shutting the lights.

WILLIE Bill? BROGAN Yeah? WILLIE Rooming with me, you may not sleep well on the road this season. BROGAN I’ll get used to it. WILLIE You sure?

BROGAN One hundred percent sure. 36.

WILLIE Thanks.

BROGAN stares up at the ceiling. He then looks over to WILLIE. BROGAN gets up, turns on the light, then sits at the edge of WILLIE’S bed.

BROGAN One night our platoon was surrounded by it seemed like half the Red damn army. We fought all night. Stayed in our foxholes like little rats. But there was this one guy, Bobby Greene from Harlem. Let everyone know it, too. (Smiles) He just turned eighteen, same as me. Anyway, Bobby kept running between fox holes that night resupplying our unit with enough ammo to hold till’ morning. Did all that with three bullet holes in his back. Never complained, not even once. Bobby Greene from Harlem never made it back with us. Strange, the only color I used to remember from that night was red -- until now. (Looks to window) Cowards. EXT. HARVARD STADIUM - DAY

A LEGEND READS: HARVARD STADIUM (September 27th 1958) A rain soaked field. The scoreboard reads: Harvard 3 Visitors 0. In the press box, UB radio commentator, MIKE BAYLESS (20’s) continues with his broadcast. MIKE BAYLESS (O.S.) -- with time running out in the third quarter of this defensive struggle, it’s fourth and five for Harvard from their own nine yard line. A short punt here, or a turnover could be a real game changer for our UB boys.

INSIDE THE DEFENSIVE HUDDLE - BROGAN talks to his troops. BROGAN Bear, can you hit your man, then chip off and push out the end? Nick’ll fill in your gap. 37.

Defensive tackle, BEAR DEMPSEY glares at BOTTINI. BEAR DEMPSEY Right off my ass. BROGAN Willie, you come off the end and take out their middle blocker. (To O’Grady) I’ll get the center, you get through anyway you can.

O’GRADY Don’t worry about me. (smiles at Evans) Use your speed and take out that prick. (To group) You boys confuse those Ivy league bastards, I’ll block it. O’GRADY glances at SAM SANDERS who has taken a knee.

O’GRADY God helps those who help themselves, Sampson.

BOTTINI He’ll punish you for that, Joe.

O’GRADY Just tell’em to wait till I block the God Damn kick.

The ball is snapped. BEAR DEMPSEY takes out two MEN. BOTTINI hooks inside the gap. WILLIE sprints in and buries his MAN, as BROGAN holds up the center allowing O’GRADY to literally crawl between the CENTER’S legs.

With a straight path to the punter, O’GRADY swallows up the kick -- sending it into the endzone. BOTTINI recovers it for a UB TOUCHDOWN. The scoreboard reads: HARVARD 3 VISITORS 6. The UB sideline erupts. On the field, BOTTINI is mobbed by his defensive TEAMMATES. With the extra point attempt blocked, OFFIE greets his PLAYERS on the sideline, encouraging them with slaps on their butts. Behind the UB bench, we observe FIVE PLAYERS in street clothes.

UP IN STANDS - HITCHCOCK lets out a big sigh of relief. 38.

EXT. HARVARD STADIUM - LATER THAT DAY With less than one minute left on the scoreboard clock, it’s 4th and goal on the UB seven yard line. HARVARD lines up for a field goal that would tie the game at 6. ON THE UB SIDELINE - COACH OFFIE screams out to his players.

COACH OFFIE Stay in your regular defense, boys! (Looks to Dunlop) A tie is not an option here, Freddie. Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. Remember that one day when you’re a head coach. Abruptly, HARVARD switches to its normal offense, running a pass option right. The QUARTERBACK throws it to an open receiver in the endzone. At the last moment, WILLIE comes out of nowhere, deflects the pass, causing it to fall harmlessly to the ground. The gun sounds ending the game. The UB PLAYERS and 3,000 of their faithful storm the field.

ON THE SIDELINE - CY KRITZER , late (40’s) with the Buffalo Evening News speaks with OFFIE.

CY KRITZER You just beat the 17th ranked team in the country. Great call on the blocked punt, coach.

COACH OFFIE Our boys made that call, Cy. They never figured they could lose this game. There was no question about it when they went to block the kick. Our boys were digging up a play to block the kick when Harvard got the ball on the nine yard line. CY KRITZER You got Cortland next, coach. COACH OFFIE If we can stay healthy, our boys can play with anybody in the country. MONTAGE:

BUFFALO NEWS front page headline reads: De Gaulle Vote Crushes Communism. MUSIC: Danny & The Juniors At The Hop . 39.

SIDE BAR READS: AP Sept. 29th Appalachian 7 Go From Lap Of Luxury to Scrubbing Jail -- Eat Canned meatloaf Instead of Steaks, Sleep on Cots with Blankets for mattresses.

Meeting took place November 14th 1957. A home meeting took place at Joe Babara's place. Frank Valenti, Costenzi Valenti jailed with Paul Castellano for refusing to talk.

SPORTS HEADLINE: Bulls Gain National Fame With Upset Of Harvard. INSERT: Pic of O'Grady story by By Dick Johnston. Bottini picked up fumble in endzone as O'Grady blocked punt.

BUFFALO NEWS Monday Sept. 29th - AP: HIGH COURT BARS SCHOOL LEASING: Evasive Schemes Of Segregation Are Struck Down. Unanimous Opinion Elaborates on Earlier Ruling Ordering Quick Little Rock Integration. The Supreme court declared today that states can not resort to evasive schemes to continue racial segregation in schools.

INT. SELECTIVE SERVICE WAITING AREA - DAY MALE VOICE (O.S.) Willie Evans.

Willie sets the paper down, stands. A STAFF SARGENT leads him into a small office.

INT. SMALL OFFICE - SAME The SARGENT takes out a slue of letters from his desk, throws them on the floor.

STAFF SARGENT You haven’t better things to do with your time, Mr. Evans?

WILLIE I attend UB, work full time in the off season, and have a wife and three year old son, sir. STAFF SARGENT You claim status change with the Sullivan case. (Pause) Did you know that those five men -- all brothers -- went down with their ship in the Pacific? WILLIE My three brothers served in Korea, sir. 40.

STAFF SARGENT None of them died did they?

WILLIE No, sir. I would be content taking the full time student deferment.

STAFF SARGENT (rips up letters) Get your lazy Mullin-John ass out of here!

WILLIE steps toward the SARGENT, who immediately draws back, then pushes the intercom button. MONTAGE: NEWS CLIPS AND ARTICLES:

On the TV, a REPORTER comments. Intercut with STOCK video and stills of DR. KING.

REPORTER Dr. King today while still recovering from last week’s near fatal stab wound in his chest by a deranged woman in a Harlem book store, issued this statement regarding his attacker. “I feel no ill will toward Mrs. Izola Currey and know that thoughtful people will do all in their power to see that she gets the help she apparently needs if she is to become a free and constructive member of society." Dr. King has once again demonstrated his characteristic calm and Christian charity in this recent press release. BUFFALO EVENING NEWS Monday October 6th, 1958 HEADLINE : Pope Stricken, Receives Last Rites -- BUFFALO EVENINGS NEWS: MAGGADINO, LA DUCA SOUGHT IN VAIN BY SUBPOENA SERVERS. State Investigations Unit Also Seeks Appalachian Host in Further Probe of ‘Meeting’ By Frank Colligan. Two Western New York men who have figured prominently in investigation of the Nov. 14th gathering at Appalachian no longer can be found by subpoena servers. BUFFALO EVENING NEWS: Monday October 6th, 1958. UB has 5 Quarterbacks, All Help Edge Cortland By DICK JOHNSTON . University of Buffalo coach Dick Offenhamer is figuring out what to do with his five quarterbacks. Bill Brogan kicked the winning point to edge Cortland 7-6. 41.

WILLIE (V.O.) The Cortland game was difficult for us. We were all tired. I pulled a thigh muscle and played sparingly. I remember Joe Oliverio led us down the field to win the game.

ROSSI (V.O.) You hadn’t beaten Cortland in several years. Offie had to be happy after this one.

WILLIE (V.O.) I’m not sure happy is the right adjective to use here.

INT. FILM ROOM - DUSK An irate, OFFIE sitting on the back of a chair, stares at the 16mm game film playing on the screen. He is in mid-sentence screaming at BOTTINI. COACH OFFIE You spaghetti bender. Who told you to run a flag route on that play? You could have gotten Bukaty killed! God Damn son-of-a--

SUDDENLY, OFFIE falls backwards off the chair, landing hard on his back. He lies there motionless. BOTTINI and COACH DUNLOP reach him first.

COACH DUNLOP Somebody get Dr. Anain right away.

Moments later, the TRAINER and DR. JOE ANAIN late (20’s) attend to OFFIE. His back tightly wrapped, the two men gingerly remove OFFIE from the meeting.

BOTTINI God struck him down. The same way he struck Saul down from his horse. He can do that you know. WILLIE (V.O.) Both Nick and Lou were very religious. I believe they attended mass every morning before school. ROSSI (V.O.) What happened to Offie? 42.

EXT CITY STREETS - DAY A LEGEND READS: BUFFALO, NY (NOVEMBER 4TH 2008)

The two MEN walk through WILLIE’s old neighborhood. The area is somewhat desolate, with dilapidated buildings, abandoned stores, etc.

WILLIE They put him in traction. He stayed that way until the Friday before we got on the train for Western Reserve. WILLIE glances up, the sign reads, PURDY Street.

WILLIE (CONT’D) Is this a dagger which I see before me? The handle toward my hand. (Rossi shrugs) They continue. WILLIE then stops a moment, points to an old weathered HOUSE.

WILLIE (CONT’D) Her son, Dominic was a mailman. He’d sing opera while delivering the mail. I remember walking with Mrs. Zito to church as a youth. She had to have her holy water.

Two African/American male TEENAGERS dressed in hip clothes, cruise by in a black SEDAN -- the radio blaring a funky jazz tune from the group, SOUL LIVE . They stop, lower the music.

TEENAGER I Hey, Teach! TEENAGER II Hi, Mr. Evans. How’s the wife? Your boys, their latest CD -- (points to stereo) it’s jammin.’

WILLIE Thank you, Addison. I’ll tell them.

TEENAGER I Mr. Evans, got my SAT scores back, UB’s looking pretty good. 43.

WILLIE Good for you, Darnell. Good for you, son.

WILLIE looks to ADDISON. ADDISON College ain’t for me, Mr. Evans. Been lookin’ for a job but -- WILLIE -- call me tomorrow. You got my number, right? A thumbs up from ADDISON. He cranks up the SOUL LIVE tune and drives off slowly. WILLIE (CONT’D) That’s one of my boys CD’s. They’ve written and produced over twenty-five now. ROSSI You and Bobbie must be very proud. A big smile emits from WILLIE.

WILLIE Over there lived Walter Marshall. First black pharmacist in the neighborhood. Next to Walter, Lucille Clifton -- a poet laureate at Columbia University. ROSSI Successful African/Americans, Italians, Jews -- all on the same street. How does that happen? (Pause) In the 1950’s?

WILLIE People seemed to get along better back then. Jobs were -- Two young AFRICAN/AMERICAN WOMEN walk by.

GIRL I Hi, Mr. Evans. GIRL 11 Looking good, Mr. Evans. Better tell your wife to be careful. 44.

WILLIE (Smiles) Nice to see you girls.

ROSSI Quite the ladies man huh, Willie. WILLIE Yes, sir. Been married to the same woman for thirty-four years. Beautiful as ever.

WILLIE begins walking, then stops, turns toward ROSSI. WILLIE (CONT’D) A man needs to have a job, Frank. Something to give him self worth. We lived in our own little communities back then. Color didn’t seem to matter because we were all in the same boat. ROSSI I noticed at the house you still have that copy of Stride Toward Freedom by Dr. King. Was he a hero of yours back then, too?

WILLIE He was a man I respected very much. WILLIE and ROSSI stop in front of 204 Purdy Street.

ROSSI Your old house. (Pause) Your father -- you said he was a chef on the 20th Century Limited, right? You ever travel down south to see anyone -- family maybe? After all, your parents were from Mississippi.

WILLIE slowly turns toward FRANK. WILLIE Jet Magazine, September 1955. You ever see the cover, Frank?

ROSSI Yes sir, I have. Emmett Till, age fourteen. Brutally murdered in Money, Mississippi -- his body discarded into the Tallahatchie River for wolf whistling at a white girl. 45.

WILLIE On September 23rd, the all-white jury, made up of twelve males acquitted both defendants. Deliberations took a little over an hour. One juror said, “If we hadn't stopped to drink pop, it wouldn't have taken that long.” ROSSI stops, notices WILLIE is visibly upset.

ROSSI I’m sorry. You wanna’ take a break, Willie?

WILLIE fights back the emotion, pushes on. WILLIE We played Western Reserve next. I remember Brogan and I were walking to our room -- INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT

A LEGEND READS: (OCTOBER 10TH 1958) Approaching their door, sandwiches in hand are WILLIE and BROGAN. WILLIE puts a key into the door lock. EMERGING FROM THE BACK STAIRWAY - Heading toward the BOYS are four Negro MEN, all dressed in dark suits. WILLIE steps forward. A man, (40’s) greets him. REVEAL: BERTRAM AUSTIN. BERTRAM AUSTIN Mr. Evans? (Extends hand) I’m Bertram Austin with the NAACP. Is it possible for you and Mr. Brogan to speak with us for a few moments?

WILLIE Is this about the Harvard incident? BERTRAM AUSTIN No. We were not made aware of that “incident” until some time later.

WILLIE Then what would you like to speak to us about? You gentlemen need tickets to the game or something? 46.

BERTRAM AUSTIN (Smiles) I was not told of your sense of humor, Mr. Evans.

WILLIE stands there puzzled. BROGAN interjects. BROGAN I believe these gentlemen are here to discuss your rooming with Jim Crow?

WILLIE Is that true, Mr. Austin? BERTRAM AUSTIN Among other things. WILLIE Such as?

BERTRAM AUSTIN Such as, how have your teammates, your school and the city of Buffalo reacted to a Colored rooming with a white man? It’s never been done before, Willie.

WILLIE Give respect get respect, Mr. Austin. My teammates, school and the city of Buffalo have always been very hospitable toward me. BERTRAM AUSTIN Does that hospitality include a Detective Ryan as well? WILLIE A few eggs and racial slurs, Mr. Austin? There are individuals in more need of your good works than me. But thank you for your interest. WILLIE shakes AUSTIN’S hand, then enters his room.

BERTRAM AUSTIN Anything you’d like to add, Mr. Brogan?

BROGAN You really want to help us? 47.

BERTRAM AUSTIN That’s why we’re here.

BROGAN closes the door, walks down the hallway with AUSTIN. INT. LOCKER ROOM -- HALFTIME - DAY

A LEGEND READS: (OCTOBER 11TH 1958) Standing precariously on a flimsy bench, an irate OFFIE spews obscenities at his tired and bewildered team.

COACH OFFIE I don’t give a God Damn what their defense is doing. You boys are playing like a bunch of school girls at a paddy cake contest. 6-3. Where the hell is my offense?

OFFIE steps down, approaches a chalkboard, begins writing. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) (To himself) It’s no wonder I got a God Damn ulcer. BOTTINI cautiously glances toward the ceiling. OFFIE turns, moves away from the board.

COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) It's the unconquerable soul of man, not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory. I don’t care if their bigger, stronger or beat us fifty years in a God Damn row --

BOTTINI takes a knee. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) The good lord ain’t watching over your ass now, Bottini. You’re mine. And so are the rest of you. Now, you’re gonna go out there -- not for me, God Damn it! Years from now when you reflect upon this second half, and believe me you will. You will not ponder on whether you won or lost, but your thoughts will focus on the intestinal fortitude you exhibited here today. If you go back out there and shit the bed, that smell too will remain with you forever. (MORE) 48.

COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) A man is never beaten until he admits it. Now let’s go out there, and let’s take it to them, like there’s no God Damn tomorrow!

The team lets out a forceful CHEER, then exits. EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - LATER THAT DAY

The whistle blows. BROGAN kicks off. The return MAN takes the kick at his two yard line, runs ten yards, then is buried by half the UB kickoff team -- WILLIE leading the charge.

ON THE FIRST PLAY - from scrimmage, O’GRADY takes out the huge FULLBACK’S legs. On the next play, a WESTERN RESERVE LINEMAN takes out O’GRADY’S left knee. O’GRADY hobbles off the field, yelling expletives at the LINEMAN. An incensed, OFFIE sprints onto the field, yells at the lead OFFICIAL. OFFIE then retreats to the sideline, placing his hand gently around O’GRADY’S neck. OFFIE whispers something to him, then returns to the game. ON THE NEXT PLAY - TIRONE, ADAMS, BEAR DEMPSEY and WILLIE blast the LINEMAN who hurt O’GRADY, taking out both his knees. A stretcher removes the PLAYER from the gridiron. The lead OFFICIAL calls both COACHES to center of the field.

Moments later, OFFIE returns to the sideline, addresses his PLAYERS, his focus on TIRONE, ADAMS, BEAR DEMPSEY and WILLIE. COACH OFFIE What you boys did for that little Tird, O’Grady -- admirable. (looks to team) But this game will be won by the team who uses their heads out there. And by the team who smacks leather the hardest. ON THE NEXT - Play, WESTERN RESERVE runs a pitch sweep. The RUNNING BACK crosses the line and out of nowhere, WILLIE takes out his ankles, flipping the player 360 degrees. The PLAYER gets up, then takes himself out of the game.

WESTERN RESERVE PUNTS - And WILLIE returns the short kick ten yards before being hammered by three DEFENDERS. PAOLINI and BAMFORD limp off the field with injuries.

INSIDE THE OFFENSIVE HUDDLE - BUKATY looks to BEAR DEMPSEY. GORDO BUKATY Bear, that cheerleader keeps looking at me. 49.

BEAR DEMPSEY Which one?

BROGAN I don’t know if you two clowns noticed it or not, but we’re in a damn battle here.

GORDO BUKATY (To Players) Flank right, fullback fake dive left, quarterback role out right. Willie, you fake the pitch left. The PLAYERS glare at him. REALE gets in his face.

GORDO BUKATY (CONT’D) (To Reale) They’re keying Brogie and Willie.

REALE It’s your ass.

UB BREAKS THE HUDDLE - Approaches the line. BUKATY takes the snap, fakes the dive to BROGAN, the pitch to WILLIE, then sweeps right. He gains twelve yards before being thrown out of bounds by two DEFENDERS. BUKATY removes a glob of dirt from his face mask and gets up. Standing in front of him, the pretty WESTERN RESERVE CHEERLEADER. GORDO BUKATY Anything happenin’ around here after the game? The CHEERLEADER reacts. BUKATY returns to the huddle.

GORDO BUKATY (CONT’D) (To offense) This time, let’em all come. Flank right, fake 30 dive, halfback screen left. The ball is snapped. BUKATY fakes the dive, then releases a screen to WILLIE. BUKATY is buried by three LINEMAN, as he watches WILLIE pick up twenty-five yards on pure talent. A DIVE, two SWEEPS and three PASSES later, UB is at the WESTERN RESERVE eleven yard line. BUKATY fakes a dive, tosses the same screen to WILLIE, who takes it the distance. The point after is good. WESTERN RESERVE 6 VISITORS 10.

AT THE SIDELINE - The defense huddles up. 50.

REALE Not one first down from here on in.

The PLAYERS look to their SIX injured TEAMMATES on the bench. INT. BRUNNER’S TAVERN - NIGHT

Sitting at a large table, several of the UB football players and their girls. WILLIE and ETHEL JEAN, PAOLINI and KRISTA, (20) REALE and DONNA (20). Also present, O’GRADY and ELAINE (19), BEEF ADAMS and his wife, DIANA (23), BOTTINI, BROGAN and TIRONE fill the remaining seats. The GIRLS are dressed in SWING skirts, MONOGRAMMED blouses, CHIFFON scarf's, SADDLE shoes, pony tails, etc. On the JUKEBOX, GLEN MILLER’S In The Mood kicks in. The group almost in unison, gets up and begins dancing The JITTERBUG. ENTERING THE TAVERN - Together, dancing the Jitterbug are BUKATY and BEAR DEMPSEY. BROGAN joins them at the bar.

GORDO BUKATY (to bartender) Chuckie, a round of drinks for our table.

BUKATY removes several crumpled large BILLS from his pocket. BROGAN I’m not even gonna ask. BEAR DEMPSEY Just rolling dice out back with some of the townies. BROGAN Thought you guys were staying in Cleveland? BEAR DEMPSEY (puts arm around Gordo) Brogie? You are looking at pure genius. Not only was that cheerleader a looker, but her roommate was -- how would you say it, Gordo? GORDO BUKATY Curvaceous?

BEAR DEMPSEY Right. I’m feeling a little parched.

BEAR DEMPSEY takes a pitcher of beer on the bar, downs it in one fell swoop. 51.

Suddenly, several local community college KIDS enter. A large MAN, early (20’s) approaches GORDO. He is dressed in boots, jeans, a white T-shirt and black leather jacket.

LARGE MAN You give us back what we lost, I let you walk out of here in one piece. BUKATY ignores the MAN, pours himself a beer. The MAN knocks the beer out of his hand, spilling it on BUKATY’S suit. BEAR DEMPSEY reacts, as the MAN’S FRIENDS move in. O’GRADY and the UB PLAYERS see this. Instinctively, they rush to their teammates.

BEAR DEMPSEY Time to go, boys. LARGE MAN (to Gordo) You were cheatin’ half breed. Those dice were loaded.

The standoff intensifies, as the LARGE MAN takes BUKATY’S pitcher of BEER, downs it quickly. REALE approaches BUKATY. REALE Maybe you should give him back -- GORDO BUKATY -- I wasn’t cheating, Bull.

LARGE MAN You’re a lying, dumb Pollock.

GORDO BUKATY That may be true, but I wasn’t cheating.

BUKATY takes off his jacket. WILLIE moves in. GORDO BUKATY (CONT’D) Tell him to apologize for calling me a cheater, Bull. If he apologizes, I’ll forget this happened. Otherwise, I can’t be held responsible. REALE takes the MAN aside. 52.

REALE Look, just tell him you’re sorry for calling him a cheat, and he’ll forget the whole thing. LARGE MAN He’ll forget? He’s got my money. I want it back or we rumble. CHARLIE TIRONE steps in.

TIRONE What’s your name? LARGE MAN Skip, why? The UB teams lets out a collective laugh.

TIRONE Skip, we’d prefer not to engage in a physical confrontation with you gentlemen.

A confused, SKIP looks to TIRONE. SKIP You makin’ fun of me? A confused, TIRONE moves away. WILLIE intercedes.

WILLIE On the contrary. We’re just looking for a compromise.

One of the LARGE MAN’S CREW, (20’s) tall, hair greased back, dressed in all leather, gets in WILLIE’S face. GREASER Token nigger gets himself an education, and now he thinks he’s equal to us?

BOTTINI, REALE, O’GRADY and all the UB PLAYERS move in. GORDO BUKATY The apology offer has now been officially rescinded. The BARTENDER reaches for the phone, as the GROUP exits. 53.

EXT. BAR - NIGHT Outside in the back alley, BEAR DEMPSEY attacks SKIP. REALE goes after the GREASER, taking him out with a right hook. ADAMS, WILLIE, PAOLINI, O’GRADY, TIRONE and the other PLAYERS handle the remaining AGGRESSORS. With the rumble in full force, the WHALING sounds of POLICE SIRENS can be heard in the distance. Moments later, with the red lights upon them, the Community College KIDS exit. BEAR DEMPSEY You JC bastards probably got outstanding warrants! Two Police CARS pull up. Exiting one of the vehicles, REVEAL: OFFICER TOM JULIANO (20’s). He approaches PAOLINI. OFFICER JULIANO Who you guys beatin’ on now, cous’?

PAOLINI hesitates. BEAR DEMPSEY approaches JULIANO. BEAR DEMPSEY Just playing a little touch football, Tommy. Nothing for your guys to worry about.

OFFICER JULIANO looks to SKIP, the only local kid remaining. OFFICER JULIANO What’s your story?

SKIP Game was tied when you boys showed up, officer.

OFFICER JULIANO (Laughs) Go on, get out of here.

SKIP exits. An unmarked CAR arrives on scene. OFFICER JULIANO moves closer to the PLAYERS. OFFICER JULIANO (CONT’D) Nice job beaten’ Reserve today. Made an extra ten spot on the game.

Several PLAYERS laugh. OFFICER JULIANO is then met by REVEAL: DETECTIVE JOHN RYAN, (40’s). RYAN is a solidly built man with attitude. 54.

OFFICER JULIANO (CONT’D) Nothing here, detective. Just a friendly little game of touch football. Right boys? (Off nods) DETECTIVE RYAN walks a few steps with JULIANO.

DETECTIVE RYAN That’s why you’ll always be a uniform, Jules -- no balls.

OFFICER JULIANO motions to the other UNIFORMS. The two SQUAD cars exit. DETECTIVE RYAN then approaches WILLIE, directs him to the side of the building. The UB PLAYERS wait nearby.

DETECTIVE RYAN (CONT’D) I hear you boys played a nice game today, Willie. Might even win a few more this season.

WILLIE We hope so, detective.

DETECTIVE RYAN Now I’m bettin’ three ways to Sunday you had somethin’ to do with startin’ this ruckus. Am I right, Little Evans? (Off look) Thought so. Football or not, we don’t want your kind around here. When you gonna’ learn that? Now, you’re a religious minded colored boy, right? Doesn’t it say in the bible there how each tribe should stay with their own? Forgive me, my geography’s not too good, but ain’t your tribe a continent away? RYAN returns to his vehicle. WILLIE stares at him a long moment, then rejoins his TEAMMATES. BROGAN What he have to say? WILLIE Just congratulating us on today’s game. BEAR DEMPSEY Anybody see Gordo?

Standing at the open door is PAOLINI. 55.

PAOLINI Hey, fellahs?

PAOLINI points inside. The PLAYERS head back into the bar. INT. BRUNNER’S - SAME

Sitting at one of the stools, shooting dice with two PATRONS is BUKATY. Next to him, three full PITCHERS of beer. GORDO BUKATY I figured you guys had it covered. (off glares) Drinks on me? BEAR DEMPSEY holds up a toast.

BEAR DEMPSEY Us against them, boys. Us against them.

BEAR DEMPSEY slides an arm around WILLIE. The PLAYERS join in. WILLIE looks to his teammates, then glances back at his wife, before joining in the toast.

EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DAY We MOVE in on an afternoon practice. On two successive carries, BROGAN and WILLIE fumble the ball. OFF TO THE SIDE - OFFIE is with COACH DUNLOP. Offensive plays decorate the CHALKBOARD in front of them.

ON THE FIELD - BUKATY throws two interceptions. OFFIE flings down his clipboard, sprints to the center of the field, begins pulling players out of the huddle.

COACH OFFIE You boys think Baldwin-Wallace is going to roll over because you had a couple of good games? (looks to Bukaty) Listen, you little pollock bastard, look off your primary receiver. Brogan, you Irish, Mick - - hang onto the ball with two hands in traffic. Willie, hold the ball tight under your God Damn armpit! (Looks up) Strike me dead now Lord. You’d be doing me a favor. OFFIE storms off, then suddenly stops. BUKATY glances over at BEAR DEMPSEY. 56.

GORDO BUKATY Here it comes.

OFFIE GORDO We will execute with expert We will execute with expert precision as did Romulus in precision as did Romulus in his conquest over the his conquest over the Phoenicians in the Phoenicians in the Peloponnesian war. Peloponnesian war. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) And if it requires us to stay here all night to achieve that goal, then by God we shall do it. (To Kluckhorn) Pole for twenty. Same with the heavy bag. Then set up for a full contact scrimmage. Several of the PLAYERS become irate, as OFFIE moves off the field. COACHES KLUCKHORN, RHODES and LAROCQUE quickly move in to organize the PLAYERS. OFFIE reaches down, retrieves his clipboard, then joins COACH DUNLOP at the chalkboard. OFFIE glances back, shouts --

OFFIE GORDO A pint of sweat saves a A pint of sweat saves a gallon of blood. gallon of blood.

The drills begin: PEELE and several of the BOOSTERS including HITCHCOCK look on with great concern.

MONTAGE: SEVERAL FOREARMS SMASH against the lightly padded horizontal hanging Telephone pole marked MAGGADINO CONSTRUCTION.

PLAYERS hit the HEAVY BAG filled with concrete. Within minutes, the TEAM is exhausted. COACH KLUCKHORN blows his whistle. The offense and defense line up for a scrimmage.

INSIDE THE DEFENSIVE HUDDLE: O’GRADY That kraut bastard is out of his mind. Somebody better do something before I go over there and kill that son-of-a-bitch.

TIRONE At this rate of trauma, our bodies will not last past the fourth game. 57.

PAOLINI I could bring in some contaminated meat. (off looks) It would give us a few days rest. GORDO BUKATY Sending the wrong vibes there, daddio. WILLIE intercepts the next pass and takes it into the endzone. A wry smile from OFFIE. Darkness creeps onto the field. OFFIE calls for the offense. The exhausted PLAYERS break the huddle, approach the line. BUKATY takes the snap and inadvertently tosses it over WILLIE’s head. WILLIE sprints back, picks up the ball and is immediately buried by four DEFENDERS. OFFIE runs at BUKATY. COACH OFFIE What happened? GORDO BUKATY Coach, it’s dark I --

COACH OFFIE -- we will stay out here, until I can only see the whites of your eyes, gentlemen. The entire TEAM lets out a sigh. WILLIE approaches OFFIE, removes his helmet.

WILLIE Mr. Offenhamer? (points to his face) Does that mean I can go in now, sir? The group lets out a collective laugh. OFFIE can’t help but chuckle. He quickly gathers himself.

COACH OFFIE Line up for Gassers.

The PLAYERS drag themselves to the line. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) Backs and receivers up first. In the bleachers, HITCHCOCK, PEELE and BOB RICH look on.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY A LEGEND READS: HOMECOMING (OCTOBER 18TH 1958) 58.

The stadium is fulled to capacity. ROSSI (V.O.) What happened in that Baldwin- Wallace game, Willie? WILLIE (V.O.) We got our butts handed to us -- simple as that. MONTAGE: Series of shots: 1st QUARTER 1. BW returns kickoff to 45 yard line. 2. Three successive runs of 12, 15 and 9 yards, followed by a 19 yard TD pass over WILLIE’S head. QUARTER 3: The scoreboard reads: UB 0 VISITORS 19. With three minutes to go, UB recovers a fumble, then turns it over on the very next play. WILLIE (V.0.) Reflecting back on it now. We were tired. The players, coaches, even Mr. Offenhamer.

ROSSI (V.O.) I notice you always refer to Offie as Mr. Offenhamer.

WILLIE (V.O.) You give respect, you get respect. 4th QUARTER: With the scoreboard reading: UB 0 VISITORS 26, and a few seconds remaining, the UB PLAYERS continue the fight -- knocking the BW RUNNING BACK seven yards into the backfield on the game’s final play.

ROSSI (V.O.) Offie must have been livid after that performance.

WILLIE (V.O.) At first, yes. INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY The PLAYERS enter the locker room, some reacting is dismay, others throwing EQUIPMENT at their lockers. There are no injuries, not today. OFFIE stands on a bench. COACH OFFIE You sons-of-bitches embarrassed your school, your families and most importantly, you embarrassed yourselves on there today! 59.

OFFIE steps down from the bench, moves through his PLAYERS. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) One does not measure a man's success by how high he climbs, but how high he bounces back when he hits bottom. We hit bottom out there today. The question is, what are we going to do about it? WILLIE (V.O.) Then, Mr. Offenhamer did something I never thought I’d see. OFFIE heads toward the coaches locker room, stops and turns -- staring straight ahead through his PLAYERS. COACH OFFIE We as coaches need to have a high standard of excellence, a high standard of responsibly. And today, we did not live up to those standards. We failed you boys out there. I failed you boys. This old war horse and his staff will not be out flanked again.

OFFIE opens the coaches locker room door. REPORTER DICK STEDLER with the Buffalo Evening News approaches. DICK STEDLER Comment on the game, Coach? COACH OFFIE We’re going to have to start all over again, and do a lot of work. We got the tar kicked out of us today. Baldwin-Wallace is good, mighty good, but we’re not as bad as we looked out there today. DICK STEDLER You’re on your fourth year of a five year plan to bring recognition to UB’s football program, how do you think that’s going?

COACH OFFIE A man must know his destiny. If he does not recognize it, then he is lost. We’ll be ready for next week, Dick. 60.

OFFIE enters the office, closes the door behind him. INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM - The PLAYERS gather around.

ADAMS You guys don’t want to go in there, I will. What chance do we have when half way through a game you got nothing else to give? O’GRADY I don’t mind givin’ it my all, Bull but not at 158 -- (to himself) I’m way too little to be playing at this level.

REALE Let’s go, Nick.

REALE and BOTTINI approach the closed door. Both men freeze. BUKATY knocks on it for them. OFFIE (O.S.) Who the hell is it? REALE (Pause) It’s Lou and Nick, coach.

The door opens slightly. REALE and BOTTINI take deep breathes and enter. The door closes behind them. Moments later, OFFIE’S screaming can be heard, then silence.

WILLIE (V.O.) The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. After that day things were never the same. We practiced as hard as ever, but I believe we may have hit once, maybe twice a week for the remainder of the season. The credit goes to Mr. Offenhamer. He changed. And we did, too.

ROSSI (V.O.) How so?

WILLIE (V.O.) We began to have fun. EXT. PRACTICE FIELD - DAY

Dressed in half-pads, helmets and shorts, the offense runs several plays with precision accuracy. 61.

PLAYERS high-five each other. The mood is positive, relaxed. OFFIE blows his whistle, sending the team in with daylight left to spare.

INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT The Defiant Ones plays on the MOVIE SCREEN. Shackled together, running from the law are SIDNEY POITIER and TONY CURTIS. In the audience, the UB PLAYERS root the men on. INT. OFFICE - LATE NIGHT

Footage of a COLLEGE football game plays on a 16mm movie PROJECTOR. Behind the desk, OFFIE studies his next opponent. The wall clock reads 11:00PM. COACH DUNLOP retrieves another cannister of game footage from a box on the floor.

MONTAGE : NEWSPAPER ARTICLE HEADLINE: BLAST TRAPS 14 IN VIRGINIA MINE

U.N. Turns Down Red Demand for a Korea Withdrawal (below article) Chinese Troops All Gone Communists Say

SPORTS NEWSPAPER ARTICLE READS: Saturday (October 25th 1958) Bulls Have ‘Unbeaten Record for Columbia’ Only Conqueror Used an Ineligible Player

EXT. CIVIC STADIUM - DAY A LEGEND READS: CIVIC STADIUM BUFFALO, NY (OCTOBER 25TH 1958)

Over 13,000 FANS fill Civic Stadium in downtown Buffalo. The PLAYERS seem loose during their pregame warm ups.

Two STUDENTS trot onto the field with BUSTER the BULL, two chains affixed to the animal’s reins. Standing on the FIELD is actress ELIZABETH TAYLOR (26).

ELIZABETH TAYLOR I’d like to extend my congratulations and offer the University of Buffalo this brand new mascot. Hopefully it will bring the team good fortune throughout the rest of your season. And please, if you folks get a chance, come out and see my new movie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It stars myself and an incredible young actor named, Paul Newman. 62.

On the sideline. BEAR DEMPSEY, WILLIE, BROGAN and BUKATY. BEAR DEMPSEY Twenty says you two don’t hook up. BUKATY eyes TAYLOR, then glances back to BEAR.

GORDO BUKATY A fool soon parts with his money. Standing next to the PLAYERS bench, AD JIM PEELE and Buffalo News Reporter, DICK STEDLER. JIM PEELE As far as we’re concerned, the Baldwin-Wallace game has been played, the score recorded. We’ll take no action, no action in this case, but we’ll accept the decision of the NCAA. Mr. Finowksi however is twenty-four years old and did play three years, three years of Municipal ball with the Cleveland Browns Taxi Squad before joining the Navy. EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD - DAY

On the opening kickoff, Sophomore GEORGE MAUE returns the ball seventy-three yards on a great block by WILLIE, taking out two would be TACKLERS.

On the ensuing play, BUKATY falling down, two DEFENDERS at his feet, flips a shuffle pass to WILLIE. He veers in and out of traffic, traveling thirty-five yards for the game’s first touchdown. UB 7 VISITORS 0. EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER THAT DAY

The scoreboard reads: UB 20 VISITORS 14. One minute remains in quarter three. MIKE BAYLESS’s voice kicks in. MIKE BAYLESS (O.S.) Bulls fans, it’s anybody’s game at this point. UB, a fourteen point underdog in today’s match up, has more than held their own. Maue, Mcdougal and Bukaty, all sophomores have really grown up today, each scoring Touchdowns for the Bulls. It’s fourth and three for Columbia at the UB forty-five. 63.

COLUMBIA approaches the line of scrimmage. MIKE BAYLESS (O.S.) (CONT’D) The quarterback takes the snap, pitches to his right half back. With a convoy in front, Bukaty submarines Federsdpiel, taking him and two would be blockers out of the play. The Bulls hold and take over on downs.

On the field, FEDERSDPIEL tackles BUKATY from behind. BUKATY rises and sends Federsdpiel into the benches with a powerful hit to his jaw. The REFEREE ejects BUKATY from the game. OFFIE pleads his case to no avail.

ON THE NEXT PLAY - OLIVERIO tosses a screen pass to WILLIE, who follows a wall of blockers for a forty yard gain.

ON THE ENSUING PLAY - BROGAN runs it up the gut, running over two DEFENDERS for UB’s fourth touchdown. The CROWD erupts, as the third quarter ends. The score: UB 27 VISITORS 14.

INT. LOCKER ROOM POST GAME - DAY A celebration in full force. SPIRITS spraying, etc.

DICK STEDLER What do you think of your team now, coach?

COACH OFFIE The smack of leather was real music down there, Dick. I am very proud of my boys.

DICK STEDLER Today, Baldwin-Wallace officially forfeited their game against you last week. Were you aware of that? COACH OFFIE To me, we lost the football game. And the score of 26-0 will remain that way as far as I am concerned. But I’ll leave the final decision to the players. DICK STEDLER The players? 64.

COACH OFFIE They’re grown men in that locker room, Dick. Old enough to fight in battle. They’ll decide on whether to accept the forfeit. A puzzled, STEDLER moves over to CHANCELLOR FURNAS.

DICK STEDLER Chancellor Furnas, your reaction to today’s score, sir.

CHANCELLOR FURNAS The victory over Columbia puts the school's athletic development program, now in its fourth of a five year program right on schedule. It is a tremendous victory for our student athletes and this institution. The PLAYERS grab COACHES DUNLOP and RHODES, carrying them to the showers.

INT. RESTAURANT - DAY A LEGEND READS: ANCHOR BAR - BUFFALO, NY (OCTOBER 17TH 2008)

WILLIE and ROSSI sit at a corner booth. The owner, FRANK late (60’s) approaches.

FRANK Willie! WILLIE stands. The two men shake, then hug. WILLIE turns.

WILLIE This is Frank Rossi.

ROSSI stands, shakes the owner’s hand. FRANK Bobbie and the kids good? (Off nod) The waiter takin’ good care of you, gentlemen?

WILLIE Service is excellent as always, Frank. 65.

FRANK Saw you on TV the other day. ESPN. Last big thing we had here was President Clinton. Hope your boys go all the way this season. An EMPLOYEE approaches FRANK. A moment later, FRANK shakes WILLIE and ROSSI’S hand, then moves off with his EMPLOYEE -- stopping to speak with a WAITER. AT THE TABLE - WILLIE puts a twenty dollar bill down.

WILLIE Frank won’t let us pay.

ROSSI hands WILLIE back the twenty, places his money down. ROSSI Give respect, get respect.

The two men exit, ROSSI getting the door for WILLIE. EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

A LEGEND READS: HOMECOMING (OCTOBER 18TH 2008) The scoreboard reads: UB 17 ARMY 24. A little over five minutes remain in the contest. ARMY is at UB’s 24 yard line. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Folks, the Cadets can not score here if UB has any hopes of getting to a bowl game this season. And with the 1958 squad being honored today here at halftime -- Lou?

IN THE STANDS - Various shots of the 22,000 fans, the PLAYERS from both teams, the ALUMNI, etc.

WILLIE, ROSSI and BOB RICH sit in the box. In the stands, BEAR, BOTTINI, PAOLINI and BROGAN watch with anticipation. WILLIE waves them up. They decline.

BIG LOU DEVINO The could be De Ja Vu all over again with the 58 Bulls losing to Baldwin-Wallace in their homecoming game. But it won’t be. Fumble on the next play.

DICK BEAMISH Can you say that? 66.

BIG LOU DEVINO Cable, Dickie Boy. Cable.

The QUARTERBACK hands off to his fullback. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Mooney takes the hand off, heads straight up the gut, Fumble! He fumbled the ball at the fifteen. Hawkins picks it up for UB. He’s on his way. The twenty, thirty, he’s at midfield. He needs a block, gets it -- and is finally ridden out of bounds at the Army twenty-four yard line.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Time to tie this baby.

UB runs two successive dives, reaching ARMY’S fifteen yard line. From the NO HUDDLE, UB lines up in the SHOTGUN. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Willy receives the snap, fakes the dive to Starks, then rolls right. Jackson’s in the endzone. Willy throws the fade. (Pause) It’s caught. Caught by Jackson in the endzone for the touchdown! PLAYERS converge on JACKSON. The whole stadium celebrates.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Fourth season of a five year plan. Can’t let the 58 boys down.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) You’re starting to make a believer out of me, Lou.

EXT. STADIUM - LATER THAT DAY The scoreboard reads: OVERTIME: UB 24 ARMY 24. 4th and 2. PRINCIPE lines up for the field goal attempt at the ARMY 7. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) The ball is snapped. Principe hits it. And it’s good from twenty-four yards out. A touchdown here can win it for Army. Should Coach Gill have gone for it there, Lou? 67.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) We’ll find out.

On three successive plays, ARMY loses a total of nine yards. With the scoreboard reading 4th and 20 and UB leading by a score of 27-24, ARMY is forced to attempt a field goal.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) It’s fourth and nineteen from the thirty-four. Campbell needs to hit this fifty-one yarder to send the game into a second overtime or Buffalo wins. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Put the dog out, the milk bottle on the steps, and send those little rug rats to bed, this one’s over.

CAMPBELL gets ready for the kick. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) The snap is clean. Campbell hits it solid. It’s on its way -- it’s no good! No good, it’s short! How did that happen, Lou?

BIG LOU (O.S.) Divine intervention? Or maybe the lake’s closer than you think.

Pandemonium fills the stadium. ON THE FIELD - a REPORTER interviews COACH GILL.

FEMALE REPORTER Coach, Coach Gill! Another overtime game -- second in as many weeks. Only this one went in your favor. COACH GILL is surrounded by his STAFF and PLAYERS.

COACH GILL Before the game I quoted Winston Churchill and told the kids, “never give in, never surrender.” And they didn’t. I’m proud of them. It’s great to have a W.

FEMALE REPORTER How do you feel, coach? 68.

COACH GILL My heart’s fine, no doctors to see this week.

COACH GILL, the PLAYERS and his STAFF are joined by the ARMY team at midfield. All take a knee.

INT. STADIUM PRIVATE BOX - SAME WILLIE and ROSSI sit, seemingly alone in the midst of the large group of PEOPLE in the room. WILLIE looks down to the field where the two TEAMS finish saying a prayer together. WILLIE What a piece of work is man.

ROSSI How infinite in faculty.

WILLIE Amen. The PLAYERS on the field disperse. ROSSI looks to WILLIE.

ROSSI (Pause) What happened that week before the Temple game?

The hesitancy on his face apparent, WILLIE stares ahead, seemingly afraid to go back. ROSSI shuts off his recorder, waits, then puts his hand on WILLIE’S shoulder.

ROSSI Bear said it started with the vote on Monday.

MONTAGE: A series of newspaper ARTICLES and NEWS CLIPS. BUFFALO NEWS SPORTS COMMENT

Spirited, Dynamic These UB Bulls -- By Evening New Sports Writer Dick Stedler From the SQUAWK to the talk of the town. That’s the saga of the University of Buffalo football team which emerged from the depths of a 26-0 defeat by Baldwin- Wallace to a sparkling 34-14 defeat over nationally ranked Columbia University in one week. As UB Chancellor Dr. Clifford Furnas explained. The victory over Columbia puts the school's athletic development program, now in its fourth of a five program “right on schedule." 69.

TV NEWS CLIP: Of ELVIS PRESLEY (still photo) Elvis' GI haircut: Singer Elvis Presley gets his hair cut before entering the army at Fort Chaffee in Barling, Ark. (ELVIS’S DON’T plays in the background) TV COMMERCIAL CLIP: Of WHAM O introducing the HULA HOOP.

INT. BASEMENT - NIGHT A LEGEND READS: CLARK GYMNASIUM (OCTOBER 26TH 1958)

MALE VOICE (O.S.) Bulls Have ‘Unbeaten’ Record for Columbia; Only Conqueror used an Ineligible Player.

PULLBACK TO REVEAL: The entire TEAM sitting in small desk chairs. REALE and BOTTINI head the meeting. ADAMS continues reading from the article.

ADAMS (CONT’D) The twenty-four year old Finowski married and the father of a five month old daughter, finished his high school career in 1953. BEAR DEMPSEY stands.

BEAR DEMPSEY Beef, you finished high school in 53. And you’re married with two kids. ADAMS I didn’t play three years of Municipal ball in Cleveland! Defensive Junior Tackle, BERNIE FAGAN (20), 6’2 250 stands.

BERNIE FAGAN Our freshman team could spank those boys in Muni League by four scores. ADAMS Some of those guys play on the taxi squad for the Browns. Last I heard, they had a pretty good team and coach in Paul Brown. I say we take the win, then follow it up with four more victories. Go to a national bowl game. Screw Dawkins over at Army. 70.

O’GRADY raises his hand to speak. A nod from REALE. O’GRADY Where I come from, South Buffalo. You lose and whine about it, somebody happily kicks your ass, then stabs you in the back with a blade. PAOLINI (stands) Finowski had nothing to do with the outcome, Beef. Standing, notebook in hand, CHARLIE TIRONE.

TIRONE There are numerous ways to view this situation, gentlemen. It is totally feasible we could win our next four encounters. I’d enjoy playing on national television. DELANEY We could lose a game down the road. SANDERS Is your glass always half empty?

REALE Willie?

WILLIE (Pause) I played my worst game in two seasons.

GORDO BUKATY “To Thine Own Self Be True.” I hear you, Willie. Bad Karma to grab a victory this way.

Half out of breath, in steps BILL BROGAN. BROGAN Sorry guys. REALE glances toward BROGAN. The fullback nods back to him. REALE then continues. REALE Unanimous vote -- one way or the other. If not, RWO makes the call. 71.

The PLAYERS begin voting -- writing YES or NO on the makeshift paper ballots lying on their desks.

INT. BASEMENT - LATER THAT NIGHT REALE and BOTTINI finish counting the votes.

REALE Forty-four in favor of taking the loss, one against.

All look to ADAMS. ADAMS It’s my right. I served in Korea same as Finowski. REALE Offie makes the call on this one.

The TEAM disperses. ROSSI (V.O.) Fifty years later and Brogan never told you where he went that afternoon?

WILLIE (V.O.) We have never discussed it. INT. SELECTIVE SERVICE CENTER OFFICE - DAY

BROGAN and NAACP official AUSTIN converse. BROGAN hands AUSTIN several copies of his TEAMMATES draft notices, then exits, as an OFFICER enters the room.

WILLIE (V.O.) That would explain the letter I received a few days later.

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT WILLIE places his books on the kitchen table, glances toward his son, that COUGH ever present. ETHEL JEAN hands him a letter from Selective Services. WILLIE opens it, revealing his new status, 4F. He hugs his wife, picks up his son -- holding him high into the air. WILLIE (V.O.) Man in action, how like an angel. 72.

On the TV in the background, a U.S. Special Forces SOLDIER works with South Vietnam ARVN soldiers in Ban Me Thout, Vietnam.

ROSSI (V.O.) What happened that Thursday, Willie?

EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY Carrying his suit jacket, tie undone, WILLIE makes his way down Main street. In the distance, East Ferry. WILLIE (V.O.) I remember walking home that day feeling pretty good. I had scored well on two papers, and Mr. Offenhamer had taken it easy on us that afternoon.

Three yellow school BUSES pass WILLIE, then turn right onto East Ferry.

Several Negro TEENAGERS sing Achapello in front of TASMAN Cleaners. Other high school KIDS hang around WALL’S Bakery next store.

Suddenly, a side window opens on the last bus. A TEENAGE Caucasian BOY sticks his head out the window -- TEENAGE BOY I You colored boys learn to sing that way back in Africa? The LEAD SINGER instructs his GROUP not to acknowledge the slur. Another COMMENT from the bus. TEENAGE BOY II Sounds good, Porch Monkeys!

A tall, well built TEENAGE Negro BOY grabs a rock, whips it at the bus -- cracking the window and sending broken class into the face of the TEENAGER who made the comment. The BOY screams in pain, his face bloodied. Several windows open simultaneously, racial slurs emitting from all directions.

The Negro TEENS bombard the bus with rocks, cracking several windows. WILLIE sprints to the TEENAGERS, quickly getting all but ONE to stop their onslaught.

ON THE BUS - The BOYS retreat under their seats, as the DRIVER gets on his radio. 73.

BUS DRIVER (frantic, into radio) This is Michaels in 327! Bunch a colored boys just attacked my bus with rocks -- several kids hurt. I’m at Main and East Ferry.

A rock SHATTERS the front window . The BUS DRIVER, his view obstructed, barley avoids the ATTACKER standing in front of the bus. The DRIVER then sideswipes several parked CARS, finally opening the side window and sticking his head out the window to see. A moment later, he safely exits the scene. The TEENAGER who smashed the front window stands defiant in the middle of the street. REVEAL: (19) year old MALCOLM ROGERS. He approaches WILLIE. MALCOLM You sidin’ with them high school punks, Uncle Tom? Those crackers started it. We was mindin’ our own business.

WILLIE stares right through MALCOLM, forcing him back a few steps. WILLIE then turns to the group. WILLIE That’s not the way it’ll go down. And we all know it. Now get out of here before the police show.

Store OWNERS, young KIDS and PARENTS converge on the scene. Several of the BOYS boastfully explain their exploits to whomever will listen.

Suddenly, a slue of squad CARS cover the street from all angles. With guns drawn, dozens of POLICE OFFICERS exit their vehicles and begin rounding up several teenage BOYS.

Moments later, several unmarked POLICE VEHICLES converge on the scene. Exiting one of cars is DETECTIVE RYAN. He approaches the uniform who cuffed MALCOLM. REVEAL: 5’6” SARGENT JOE O’GRADY, (40’s). DETECTIVE RYAN You find out who started this, O’Grady? SARGENT O’GRADY (Laughs) Ain’t nobody talkin’ down here, detective. 74.

DETECTIVE RYAN Then tak’em in.

SARGENT O’GRADY Take in who? DETECTIVE RYAN Everybody. (looks to crowd) The whole lot of them! These ignorant foreigners ain’t taking over my city.

SARGENT O’GRADY approaches his squad car, grabs the radio. EXT. STREET - DUSK

Innocent BYSTANDERS, young and old are hoarded into dozens of PADDY WAGONS. WILLIE pleads with SARGENT O’GRADY over an older MAN and WOMAN being escorted into a crowded WAGON.

WILLIE Mr. O’Grady, please?

SARGENT O’GRADY (Throws up hands) They’ll be out in a few hours, Willie. Now you better get of here before --

WILLIE remains defiant. DETECTIVE RYAN approaches. DETECTIVE RYAN (Looks to O’Grady) What’s the matter with Little Evans here? SARGENT O’GRADY Detective, he came upon the scene after the fact. DETECTIVE RYAN And you believe him? He goes downtown with the rest of them. SARGENT O’GRADY The boy’s got a game on Saturday. DETECTIVE RYAN hesitates a moment. WILLIE then enters the PADDY WAGON voluntarily. DETECTIVE RYAN Make room for the colored superstar. 75.

RYAN closes the back door, locks it -- sending the last WAGON on its way.

INT. JAIL HOLDING AREA - NIGHT Dozens of NEGROES and other MINORITIES stand cramped together like sardines in THREE adjacent holding CELLS. Some of the older FOLKS sit on the limited bench space. ETHEL JEAN EVANS - still dressed in her nurse’s aid uniform, holds WILLIE’S hand.

ETHEL JEAN Rod’s with your parents. How did all this happen, Will?

WILLIE Couple of bus loads of kids coming from the baseball game again. One boy yells out something -- rocks fly. Then, almost on cue, Ryan shows up and arrests the whole neighborhood.

ETHEL JEAN Asshole.

ETHEL JEAN looks behind WILLIE at an older COUPLE (late 60’s) sitting on a hard bench, the WOMAN struggling to breath. ETHEL JEAN Don’t you have a final tomorrow? WILLIE After first period. You?

ETHEL JEAN I’m scheduled to work another double.

SARGENT O’GRADY stands at the entrance door. He glances toward ETHEL JEAN. She nods back, then looks to WILLIE.

ETHEL JEAN I’ll be in the waiting area.

ETHEL JEAN exits. INT. JAIL FRONT DESK AREA - SAME

ETHEL JEAN approaches SARGENT O’GRADY. 76.

ETHEL JEAN Sargent, could you please get those people some water?

SARGENT O’GRADY I’ll have one of my men take care of it right away.

Standing behind the desk is OFFICER JULIANO. OFFICER JULIANO I got it, Sarge. SARGENT O’GRADY I’m sorry, Mrs. Evans but my hands are tied on this one. OFFIE STORMS INTO - The station. ETHEL JEAN smiles at O’GRADY.

ETHEL JEAN Mine aren’t.

O’GRADY smiles back. ETHEL JEAN approaches OFFIE. The two talk a moment, then OFFIE approaches O’GRADY at the desk. COACH OFFIE Joe, I want Willie -- SARGENT O’GRADY (throws up hands) -- no can do, Offie. Talk to Ryan. COACH OFFIE Where is that mick prick?

Exiting from the back room is DETECTIVE RYAN. DETECTIVE RYAN I’m right here. COACH OFFIE I want Evans out of here right now! DETECTIVE RYAN Just as soon as we find out who destroyed fifteen-hundred dollars worth of city property. COACH OFFIE It God Damn sure as hell wasn’t Willie. 77.

OFFICE JULIANO and another UNIFORM return from the back room. OFFICER JULIANO (to O’Grady) Two older folks nearly passed out back there, Sarge. DETECTIVE RYAN (Interjects) Put’em in the lineup first. COACH OFFIE You letting him out or not? DETECTIVE RYAN You don’t want me showin’ any favoritism do you, coach? OFFIE reaches for the desk phone. RYAN glares at O’GRADY, who turns the phone around for OFFIE anyway.

ENTERING THE POLICE STATION - Are BROGAN, PAOLINI, DEMPSEY, ADAMS, O’GRADY, REALE, BOTTINI and BUKATY. O’GRADY approaches the front desk. The others surround ETHEL JEAN.

O’GRADY (to Sargent O’Grady) Pop, where’s Willie?

SARGENT O’GRADY Locked up in back.

SARGENT O’GRADY motions his son toward the back holding area. BROGAN joins him. OFFIE hangs up the phone, moves toward the PLAYERS and ETHEL JEAN.

INT. HOLDING AREA - SAME O’GRADY and BROGAN enter the holding area and are horrified by the scores of PEOPLE locked up in the cramped CELLS. BROGAN makes his way toward the last cell. O’GRADY stops at the second holding pen, approaches MALCOLM. O’GRADY (to Malcolm) Keep lookin’ over your shoulder, nigger. Cause’ one day, I’ll be right behind you. (motions slicing his neck) O’GRADY storms out. BROGAN approaches WILLIE.

BROGAN The guys are out front with Offie and Jean. (MORE) 78.

BROGAN (cont'd) (Off look) Your wife called him, Willie. And boy is he pissed. BROGAN notices MALCOLM staring at him.

BROGAN (CONT’D) That the punk who stabbed O’Grady’s little brother to death? Off WILLIE’S nod.

INT. JAIL - LATER THAT NIGHT Dozens of concerned family MEMBERS surround SARGENT O’GRADY. Off to the side, ETHEL JEAN and the PLAYERS wait for word.

EXITING FROM A BACK OFFICE - REVEAL: CAPTAIN MIKE HOLLENBECK (50), DETECTIVE RYAN, WILLIE, OFFIE, REVEAL: Philanthropist, (45) year old, SEYMOUR KNOX II and BOB RICH.

CAPTAIN HOLLENBECK -- sorry you had to come down here, Mr. Knox. You too, Bob.

KNOX II exits. OFFIE then joins ETHEL JEAN and the PLAYERS. DOZENS OF VICTIMS - Exit the back holding area, WILLIE among them. A few yell expletives at the POLICE before exiting the station. BOB RICH approaches WILLIE. HOLLENBECK glances toward the two of them, then waves RYAN into his office.

BOB RICH Mr. Knox really laid into Hollenbeck.

WILLIE Thank you for coming down, Bob. BOB RICH Anything you need, I’m here for you, Willie. BOB RICH exits. WILLIE joins his wife, OFFIE and the other PLAYERS. INT. BACK OFFICE - SAME

HOLLENBECK continues chewing out RYAN. CAPTAIN HOLLENBECK -- couple of kids throw some rocks and you haul half the damn neighborhood in for Christ’s sake! 79.

DETECTIVE RYAN Cap, tell that to the parents of those kids whose faces were scarred out there today? CAPTAIN HOLLENBECK Spineless bastards deserve a nice reminder of their cowardice every once in a while. (pause) One hundred and two people, John? Half of them over sixty-five?

DETECTIVE RYAN Nobody would talk.

CAPTAIN HOLLENBECK You ever hear of a mug book, or a lineup? Chief’s gonna chew my ass out but good on this one.

INT. FRONT DESK AREA JAIL - LATER THAT NIGHT OFFIE remains with ETHEL JEAN and WILLIE.

COACH OFFIE We have seen better days. (Pause) I’ll give you kids a ride home.

WILLIE Thank you, Mr. Hoffenhamer.

They exit. DETECTIVE RYAN stands alone, seething. EXT. ROTARY FIELD - NIGHT

A LEGEND READS: BUFFALO, NY (NOVEMBER 4TH 2008) The stadium is packed. With 7:46 remaining in the third quarter, the scoreboard clock reads: UB 27 Miami 17.

DICK BEAMISH The UB faithful are really starting to believe, Lou. BIG LOU DEVINO Hence the name, Dickie Boy.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) UB has been the underdog in each of its first eight games, compiling a five-hundred record. (MORE) 80.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) (cont'd) If they win here and again next week, Buffalo will be bowl eligible for the first time in fifty years.

UB stops another drive by Miami. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Eligible don’t get it done, Dick. Not for this team. It’s Mac championship, National Bowl game or bust.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) A pretty tall order there, Lou. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) You’ll soon be a true believer. INT. PRIVATE BOX - SAME

WILLIE appears somber this evening. Looking down on the field, UB holds Miami on a goal line stand. The partisan CROWD erupts. The applause escalates to a deafening roar, as we PAN over to a flat screen TV in the private box.

ON THE SCREEN - Thousands of PEOPLE stand in the rain. A CLOSE UP on OPRAH WINFREY, tears welling, followed by others, WHITE and BLACK. A shot of a very emotional JESSE JACKSON, followed by President Elect, BARACK OBAMA taking the stage. WILLIE stands, his eyes now fixated on the screen. Moments later, tears begin streaming down his face.

ROSSI (V.O.) Having toiled seventy-two years on this earth, only Willie knew what that moment meant. There was no need for me to insult a fellow warrior by asking the inevitable question, how does it feel? The man deserved more than that. At least he did from me. An ESPN reporter later asked the inevitable question. Willie, gracious as always, responded with class and dignity saying -- “The opportunity to cast a ballot for Obama outweighed the outcome, because what mattered most was that a black man had earned the right to win or lose the race for President. ”

WILLIE returns to watching the game. 81.

MONTAGE: A LEGEND READS: (NOVEMBER 1ST - 11TH 1958)

Buffalo Evening News: Headline November 1, 1958: BUFFALO ROLLS OVER TEMPLE 54-6

LEFT SIDE BAR: TIGHT GOVERNOR RACE HOLDING WNY IN DECISIVE ROLE. Presence of Crotty on Ticket may aid Harriman here. ROCKEFELLER Supporters confident

RIGHT SIDE BAR: SEVEN MORE MINORS SAVED AFTER 9 DAYS; ALL ARE IN GOOD SHAPE INSIDE SPORTS SECTION:

Bulls Gain 411 Yards: Offie Finds Some Flaws By Maury May ROSSI (V.O.) Fourteen point underdogs and you tak’em 54-6. What stuck in Offie’s craw that day?

WILLIE (V.O.) I believe we fumbled five or six times that game. But I do recall us forcing nine turnovers. Overall, it was a pretty good day. HEADLINE: Buffalo News Monday Nov. 10th 1958 - Court Orders Little Rock Integration

SIDEBAR READS: School Board Directed To Take Affirmative Steps (U.S. COURT Of Appeals Vacates Order Of Judge Dismissing Pleas for Injunction). Dynamite Wrecks Integrated School In West Virginia INT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT

On the movie screen, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. The PLAYERS stand up and cheer as ELIZABETH TAYLOR exits the bathroom dressed in a slip. BEAR DEMPSEY and a few other PLAYERS raze BUKATY, as PAUL NEWMAN approaches TAYLOR on screen. COACHES DUNLOP and RHODES settle the BOYS down. INT. OFFICE - NIGHT

OFFIE turns off the PROJECTOR, approaches his chalkboard, begins diagramming plays. The phone rings. He answers it, then looks to his watch, it reads: 12:45AM. 82.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT OFFIE quietly enters his bed. Across from him, another single bed. A WOMAN in the bed turns and faces OFFIE. REVEAL: MRS. OFFENHAMER (52). She glances at the clock, shakes her head, then goes back to sleep. OFFIE looks to her, takes his PLAYBOOK off the stand and exits the room -- the family pet, a GERMAN SHEPARD tagging along. Buffalo Evening News Article reads: Wayne Gave UB Coach Chance to Groom Reserves as BULLS DEFEAT WAYNE STATE 44-14.

WILLIE (V.O.) Gordo was phenomenal that day. He led all our scoring drives in the first half. BUFFALO EVENING NEWS: CHARLIE YOUNG SAYS Don't Pass Up That Bowl Bid if a Tangerine or Sun Bowl Bid comes to The University Of Buffalo. Off school Dec. 12th through Jan 5th ROSSI (V.O.) Is that when you guys started thinking seriously about a National bowl game? WILLIE (V.O.) You might say that. INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Several of the PLAYERS read the Buffalo Evening News article. ROSSI (V.O.) What happened at the Lehigh game?

WILLIE (V.O.) You start thinking ahead, you forget the task in front of you. All-in-all, I’d say is was a pretty good day -- especially for me. ROSSI (V.O.) Your Pop? WILLIE (V.O.) Pittsburgh came to see me. EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

A LEGEND READS: LEHIGH STADIUM (NOVEMBER 15th 1958) 83.

The scoreboard clock reads: 5:02 remaining in the 1st quarter. LEHIGH 0 VISITORS 14. WILLIE takes the hand off, sprints off right tackle, picks up a block from BROGAN, then sprints seventy-nine yards to paydirt. IN THE STANDS - REVEAL: Impeccably dressed, JAMES “Pittsburgh” EVANS, (52). A proud father stands, clapping, grinning from ear to ear. ON THE FIELD - WILLIE glances into the stands, his eyes meeting his dad’s.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER THAT DAY The scoreboard clock reads: LEHIGH 0 VISITORS 34. One minute remains on the 3rd quarter clock. With the SUBSTITUTES in the game, WILLIE cheers his TEAMMATES on from the sideline. LEHIGH’S QUARTERBACK tosses a thirty-four yard touchdown pass to his wide RECEIVER making the score 34-7. EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER THAT DAY

The scoreboard now reads 34-17 with 6 minutes remaining in the contest. With the UB STARTERS back in the game, LEHIGH runs a twenty-seven yard sweep to paydirt. A dive up the middle on the extra point and it’s, VISITORS 34 LEHIGH 26.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER THAT DAY With less than 30 seconds remaining in the contest, LEHIGH has the ball on the UB thirteen yard line. INSIDE THE DEFENSIVE HUDDLE -

REALE Time to find out what we’re made of boys.

GORDO BUKATY My man ain’t catchin’ nothin.’ Bad Karma.

WILLIE (looks to Gordo) Switch on the cross if we need to. (Off nod)

Suddenly, SAM SANDERS takes a knee on the field, blesses himself and begins reciting the Our Father . The LEHIGH OFFENSE stands there, not sure what to do, as BOTTINI and REALE join SANDERS. 84.

MOMENTS LATER, the LEHIGH QUARTERBACK drops back to pass. He tosses a strike to an open RECEIVER in the endzone. At the last moment, WILLIE dives in front of the pass, intercepting it before falling to the ground. His TEAMMATES maul him. EXT. PARKING LOT FOOTBALL STADIUM - DUSK

The UB PLAYERS meet with their PARENTS and FRIENDS. With a CAB standing by, PITTSBURGH EVANS stands with his son. PITTSBURGH EVANS How’s Ethel Jean and the boy? WILLIE Good, sir? (Pause) How are you?

PITTSBURGH EVANS Remember that one summer I cooked for President Truman? (Off smile) Got the Pittsburgh to Cleveland run again this week. WILLIE I appreciate you coming all this way to see me play, sir. PITTSBURGH EVANS School going good? WILLIE Fine.

PITTSBURGH EVANS You know, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you play.

PITTSBURGH EVANS looks to his pocket watch, then to WILLIE. PITTSBURGH EVANS (CONT’D) Well, need to keep that schedule. PITTSBURGH EVANS moves toward the cab, stops and turns.

PITTSBURGH EVANS (CONT’D) I’m proud of you, son.

PITTSBURGH exits, leaving a bleary-eyed, WILLIE standing there alone in the crowd. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: BUFFALO EVENING NEWS HEADLINE READS: UB WINS 8TH TOPS BUCKNELL 38-0 Side bar Bulls Dazzling In Bid To Clinch Bowl Invitation Backs unreel series of SCORES Rest on long runs, Passes, 9500 Watch Home Finale. 85.

By Cy Kritzer Buffalo evening news staff reporter ROTARY FIELD Nov. 22 "Tangerine Bowl, here we come." Evans 47 yard run over tackle -

ACTOR BREAKS SOUND BARRIER: Retired Air Force General JAMES STEWART cracked the sound barrier today. (PIC OF STEWART)

INT. LOCKER ROOM - DAY A LEGEND READS: BUFFALO, NY (NOVEMBER 22ND 1958)

The locker room is pandemonium. BUKATY sports an Hawaiian T- shirt. Trainer JOHN SCIERA is taped to a sink in the bathroom. OFFIE passes out CIGARS to his PLAYERS, as several cases of SCHLITZ beer are passed out to the team. SEYMOUR KNOX II steps to the podium, addresses the boys. SEYMOUR KNOX II All you men are invited to dinner this evening at the Saturn Club. Congratulations on a great season. O’GRADY It’s not over yet, Mr. Knox! SEYMOUR KNOX II is handed a beer by O’GRADY. BOB RICH approaches WILLIE, gives him a hug. HITCHCOCK shakes several of the PLAYERS hands. He passes OFFIE, an awkward moment ensues. ADAMS carries in a large crate, punches a hole through it and begins tossing tangerines around the locker room. The other PLAYERS join in.

OFFIE with CY KRITZER: CY KRTIZER Coach Offenhamer, all indications are Florida State. A major against our boys in the Tangerine Bowl. Your thoughts?

COACH OFFIE I’d love to see it happen, Cy. But, the decision to go or not is with our boys. Several of them have jobs starting during break.

BUFFALO EVENING NEWS READS: Bowl Decision Left To UB Squad; Florida State Is Sought as Rival By CY KRITZER The primary decision whether the University Of Buffalo participates in the Tangerine Bowl football game on Dec. 27 in Orland, Florida., today rested with the Bulls' players. 86.

INT. SATURN CLUB - NIGHT Several of the COACHES, PLAYERS, along with their GIRLS make their way to a reserved room in back. (BEAR, GORDY, BOTTINI, ADAMS, REALE, O'GRADY, DELANEY, PAOLINI). SEYMOUR KNOX II greets OFFIE and his staff.

A large CHEER and standing ovation from the MEMBERS in the club. A well dressed, Matre Di (50’s) welcomes the COACHES and PLAYERS, directing them to their seats. WILLIE and ETHEL JEAN approach. The MATRE DI glares at WILLIE.

MATRE DI What are you doing in here, boy? No coloreds allowed.

BROGAN, ETHEL JEAN and the others PLAYERS are taken aback. Several WAITERS approach. SEYMOUR KNOX II interjects.

SEYMOUR KNOX II Mr. Evans and his lovely wife are guests of mine this evening.

MATRE DI Yes sir, Mr. Knox. I’ll take care of it right away.

Several MEMBERS in the club glare at KNOX. BROGAN and ADAMS approach the MATRI DI. ADAMS removes the flower off the man’s lapel and motions to crush it. WILLIE stops him, hands the flower back. WILLIE, ETHEL JEAN and the others then enter the back room. BROGAN remains back with the MATRI DI. BROGAN You take care of it right away. You got that, boy? INT. STUDY - NIGHT

CLOSE ON: Buffalo Evening News Sports Article November 24th 1958: Tangerine Bowl Bid Goes to UB; To Be Accepted -- Florida State Sought as Bulls' Gridiron Opponent in Orlando Encounter Dec. 27 BY CY KRITZER

“We’re for going to Orlando’, said Coach Dick Offenhamer speaking for his staff, ‘but we have a lot of problems.” Several of the UB players plan on working during the Christmas Holidays and have jobs lined up. Willie Evans, the star halfback whose great running was featured in the last five victories is married and starts a part time job next week at Veterans Hospital. 87.

PULLBACK TO REVEAL: ANTONIO MAGGADINO reading the article. On his desk, a large stack of TWENTY dollar bills.

HITCHCOCK Offie hears about any improprieties -- he’ll turn on us like that.

MAGGADINO rises, moves toward a collection of books inside an OAK BOOKCASE. He removes one, starts to open it, stops. MAGGADINO “Men are at war with each other because each man is at war with himself.” Patton crawled on his belly to get that final command.

He moves back toward his desk, picks up the cash. MAGGADINO (CONT’D) I put the odds at 10-1 Offie would do the same to play on national television. He can’t help himself. The man’s ego is simply too big. (Pause) And with a twenty-one point spread against Florida State, that vote better be unanimous.

MAGGADINO hands HITCHCOCK the money. INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

His cough a little better, ROD plays with his toys on the living room floor. ETHEL JEAN and WILLIE sit at the kitchen table a few feet away, the month’s BILLS in front of them.

WILLIE -- you’ve been working doubles for the past three seasons, Jean.

She leans over kisses her husband, then hugs him. ETHEL JEAN The course of true love never did run smooth.

WILLIE I don’t report, I lose my job. ETHEL JEAN So I work a few more shifts. 88.

WILLIE (looks to his son) That’s still barely enough to cover Rod’s medication. A wave of concern overtakes her. Then --

ETHEL JEAN We’ll manage, Will. With the lord’s help, we’ll manage. We always do.

WILLIE glances at the stack of bills on the kitchen table. EXT. BUS STOP - EARLY MORNING

WILLIE waits for the bus. A car passes by loaded with several Negro high school KIDS. One of the BOYS yells out the window.

BOY I You take it to those southern white boys, Willie! Show’em how the uppity Northern Negro is a superior athlete. BOY II Like Jesse Owens with his four golds -- sellin’ Wolf Tickets to Hitler.

The BOYS speed off. WILLIE is then approached by a 1958 Bel- Air CONVERTIBLE. Inside the car, its top up, is HITCHCOCK. HITCHCOCK Morning, Willie. C’mon get in, I’ll give you a ride to your first class.

WILLIE hesitates, then enters the car. It drives off. INT. CAR - SAME

RITCHIE VALEN’S LA BAMBA plays on the radio. Up ahead in the distance, the VA HOSPITAL. A few moments pass. Finally --

HITCHCOCK Buffalo News Player of the year. Congratulations.

WILLIE Thank you, Mr. Hithcock. 89.

HITCHCOCK And there’s no reason for your dream season not to continue.

WILLIE looks out the window, observes several inner city KIDS playing in front of dilapidated city DWELLINGS. With the HOSPITAL now in full view, HITCHCOCK lowers the radio.

HITCHCOCK (CONT’D) The boosters heard about your little situation at the hospital, Willie? WILLIE Situation?

HITCHCOCK What do they pay you there an hour anyway?

WILLIE (Hesitates, then) A dollar-eighty.

HITCHCOCK That’s what, roughly fifteen dollars a day? Three hundred a month -- that about right?

WILLIE Two hundred and eighty-eight.

HITCHCOCK Two hundred and eighty-eight. Now, even with your wife working over - time that’s what, nine hundred a month? And with Rod’s condition -- well, you see where this is going right, Willie?

HITCHCOCK pulls to the side of the road. In full view now, the UB Campus. He removes an envelope from his jacket, hands it to WILLIE.

HITCHCOCK (CONT’D) There’s six months salary in there. Plus an additional fifty. Take Ethel Jean and Rod out for a nice dinner. WILLIE looks inside the envelope. 90.

WILLIE I couldn’t accept this, Mr. Hitchcock.

HITCHCOCK Think of it as part of your scholarship. You certainly earned it, son. WILLIE Are the other players getting this money as well? HITCHCOCK The other players aren’t being fired on the first of the month if they don’t show up. Or have a little boy with Cough-Variant Asthma. And medication can be very expensive, Willie. Unless of course you know the right people. HITCHCOCK removes two prescription bottles from the glove box, hands them to WILLIE. WILLIE stares at the offer, then hands the money back to HITCHCOCK. WILLIE Thank you for the ride, Mr. Hitchcock. WILLIE opens the door, moves to exit.

HITCHCOCK A no vote tonight stops your progress dead in its tracks. Think of the NFL scouts that’ll be watching you on TV. Hell, think of your wife and son.

WILLIE stops, this resonates with him. He then returns, placing the prescription bottles on the passenger seat of the convertible. He then exits.

INT. GYMNASIUM BASEMENT - DAY Another heated TEAM discussion in full force. BUKATY and several OTHERS are dressed in beach attire. REALE -- we either all agree to go, right here, right now, or Offie gets the deciding vote. 91.

ADAMS I’m okay with that. No way he turns this one down.

OLIVERIO What about the guys already home on break?

REALE Nick and I spoke with them.

BOTTINI They’re all in favor of going. ADAMS Let’s vote then. All in favor? ADAMS raises his hand, several of the PLAYERS follow suit.

DELANEY I heard it's a long flight . And over the past decade or so there have been several crashes from the changing weather conditions. BEAR DEMPSEY You know why we call you news? Because like the news, everything that comes out of your mouth is always bad.

REALE Any other concerns? PAOLINI stands.

PAOLINI I’ve never been away from my family at Christmas . We always go to church together -- ADAMS -- last I heard, Jesus lived down in Florida, too. BOTTINI You saw what God did to Offie. ADAMS No Nick, I saw what Offie did to Offie. 92.

PAOLINI As long as I can attend mass, then I’m for going.

REALE Anything from the married guys?

ADAMS I work for my wife’s old man. Nothing to worry about there.

REALE Willie? All look to WILLIE. He responds with trepidation.

WILLIE Tell me we can take these guys?

BROGAN Damn right we can! BEAR DEMPSEY stands up.

BEAR DEMPSEY I didn’t pass on Syracuse to stay home and play with myself. (jumps on table) Now these sons-of-bitches are 13th in the country, large schools. I say we go down there, kick some southern ass and put our school on the map. Us against them baby, us against them! A large cheer from the PLAYERS fills the room. Then, the TABLE BEAR is standing on begins to collapse. The table crashes to the floor, BEAR jumping off just in time. OUTSIDE IN THE HALLWAY - OFFIE and DUNLOP pass by.

COACH OFFIE David studied Goliath’s weaknesses for forty days before Saul allowed him to attack. We have thirty-six. Time to get ready for Goliath, Freddie.

NOVEMBER 24TH 1958: BUFFALO EVENING NEWS: HEADLINE READS: RUSS WARNED TO CURB BERLIN ATTACK

SIDEBAR READS: TANGERINE BOWL BID ACCEPTED BY UB. American Airlines Pilots Set To Strike. 93.

INT. OFFICE - NIGHT AD PEELE glances to his phone, the hold button blinking. Across from him, a MAN late (40’s) dressed in a beautiful two piece grey SUIT. REVEAL: MIKE KLEINHAN. PEELE moves from behind his desk. KLEINHAN lifts a beautiful wool tweed SUIT off the chair behind him.

MIKE KLEINHAN You think we can take Florida State, Jimmy?

JIM PEELE An athlete never steps on the field, on the field, unless he feels confident he can the win. PEELE takes the suit, escorts MIKE to the door.

JIM PEELE (CONT’D) There’s forty-five kids. I’ll send, I’ll send a few over at a time. Thank you, Mike.

OUTSIDE IN THE HALLWAY - BEAR DEMPSEY and BOTTINI wait with HITCHCOCK, several BOOSTERS and reporters, DICK STEDLER and CY KRITZER. JIM PEELE (CONT’D) I’ll be with you gentlemen shortly. The Tangerine bowl boys, the bowl boys are on the phone. Dempsey and Bottini, go with Mr. Kleinhan and get fitted for your suits.

PEELE hurries back to the phone, inadvertently leaving the door slightly ajar. He hits the speaker button.

JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) Sorry about that, Jack. What’s up? INTERCUT: SPLIT SCREEN INT. OFFICE - SAME

Sitting at his desk, phone in hand, JACK MORGAN (45). Across from him, several very concerned southern GENTLEMEN dressed in business suits. He looks to the MEN, then reluctantly turns on the speaker phone before addressing PEELE. 94.

JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) Jim, we've got a situation that needs to be resolved.

JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) What, what kind of situation, Jack?

OUTSIDE IN THE HALLWAY - BOTTINI exits with Mr. KLEINHAN. BEAR DEMPSEY remains behind, making his way past the MEN talking in the waiting area. He overhears the following conversation. JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) It appears that the Tangerine Bowl Stadium is owned by a local high school athletic organization, who in turn gave a fifty year lease to a group of local businessmen, who just happen to be sitting in my office this very moment. JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) So what’s, what’s the problem? JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) There's a clause in the lease prohibiting the mixing of races on the gridiron. I’m sorry, Jim. The MEN in the office glare at JACK’S timid approach. An angry PEELE, now speaks with authority and without repetition. JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) What type of archaic beliefs are you promoting down there, Jack? JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) The Elk's club is worried about getting sued if they allow your two Negro boys to play.

JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) To Hell with the Elk's club.

JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) They're a good organization, Jim. All the profits from the game are gonna’ help crippled children.

JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) Except the Colored ones. 95.

JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) Colored and white.

JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) How could you allow this to slip through, Jack?

JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) I just found out about it now. The colored boys could come down, but they would not be allowed to stay, dress -- or play with the team. JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) My God.

JACK MORGAN (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) We’re searching for an alternate site. At this point however, there's just no place big enough to make the game profitable. JIM PEELE (INTO SPEAKER PHONE) I’ll get back to you. INT. OFFIE’S OFFICE - NIGHT

Decorating the walls, several photos of GEORGE PATTON, VINCE LOMBARDI and quotes from each of them. On OFFIE’S desk, a 16mm projector with several canisters of tape adjacent to it. Standing off to the side, writing plays on a chalkboard is COACH DUNLOP. PEELE stands in front of the desk, receiving a tongue lashing from OFFIE. COACH OFFIE -- alternative site, my ass! What kind of message does that send to Willie and Mike?

JIM PEELE Wilson hasn’t played but a few plays all year. And with Evans being selected player of the year, I say we play when they find a site and show those Archaic Neantherdals -- Archaic Neantherdals what our boys are made of. COACH OFFIE Freddie? 96.

COACH DUNLOP (looks to board) Last I heard all NCAA fields were 300 by 160. Our forty-five man roster can hurt Florida State pretty good with that kind of real estate, coach.

OFFIE begins pacing the room. The phone rings. COACH OFFIE (into phone) What? It’s for you.

PEELE takes the phone. JIM PEELE (INTO PHONE) This is Jim Peele. Hello, Jack. (Pause, listens) Are you kidding me? (Pause) Is that their final offer? I’ll get back to you.

PEELE hangs up the phone, looks to OFFIE. JIM PEELE (CONT’D) No viable alternative site. We play at the original venue without Willie and Mike or not at all.

OFFIE continues pacing, then abruptly stops. COACH OFFIE God Damn it! How could you let this happen, Peele? (Pause) The common curse of mankind, folly and ignorance.

OFFIE grabs a cannister of film, flings it against the wall, it’s contents spilling onto the floor. Another cannister destroyed, OFFIE sits behind his desk. He stares at his HEROES a long moment, then speaks softly, almost knowingly.

COACH OFFIE It’s their decision. (Pause) A decision that needs to be left up to our boys. DUNLOP and PEELE look to each other in total disbelief.

INT. CLARK GYMNASIUM - NIGHT ADAMS and O’GRADY are being pushed by BROGAN, DEMPSEY and several other PLAYERS. 97.

BROGAN -- don’t even need to vote on this one, Beef. We all go or nobody goes. The room erupts, supporting BROGAN. O’GRADY interjects.

O’GRADY Coach said vote. So we vote. Raise you hand yeah or nay, clear the air once and for all!

BROGAN Screw you, you racist bastard!

The pushing continues. BEAR DEMPSEY Either we vote here and now, or Offie decides for us. REALE hands the ballots to BOTTINI, who begins passing them out. Some players take them. Most grab the voting ballots, throw them to the ground. BROGAN seethes at BOTTINI for approaching WILLIE with a ballot. WILLIE sits there, motionless -- staring out the window.

REALE We do what coach said! We vote in secret. We vote our conscience. That should pretty much be unanimous. PAOLINI And if it’s not?

GORDO BUKATY Then General George S. Patton decides our future troop movements.

WILLIE remains motionless at a desk much too small for him -- his stare now burning a hole through the window.

BROGAN Then it’s up to us not to let that happen, isn’t it?

ADAMS Let’s just vote in secret like Reale said.

O’GRADY So nobody is unduly influenced. 98.

PAOLINI This ain’t right, Louie. Offie’s all about one thing, Offie.

The PLAYERS look to WILLIE, take their ballots and begin casting their votes. WILLIE sits quietly, continues his stare. As the votes start coming in, we hear REALE OFF SCREEN calling out the votes, repeating the word NO, NO -- FLASHBACK:

EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY A LEGEND READS: (BUFFALO, NY 1948)

(12) year old WILLIE exits the train. JAMES “PITTSBURGH” EVANS, dressed in his CHEF’S uniform, hands his BOY two sandwiches and a miniature professional baseball bat. LITTLE EVANS hugs his dad, clutches his new bat and heads off.

EXT. STREETS - DAY (12) year old WILLIE is stopped by then OFFICER RYAN, who exits his patrol CAR. RYAN takes the bat, breaks it over his knee, before placing WILLIE into the back of his squad car. RYAN’S partner glances back at the youngster, notices tears streaming down the boy’s face.

The NO votes continue being heard in the background. INT. RESTAURANT - DAY

A LEGEND READS: (BUFFALO, NY 1951) (15) year old WILLIE is rejected for a dishwater job. Moments later, a white APPLICANT accepts the position. (15) year old WILLIE, basketball in hand, looks at the front door of the HUMBOLDT YMCA. The TEENAGER looks inside the window at the KIDS playing on a new hardwood floor, then exits. EXT. MAKESHIFT CLUB - DAY A LEGEND READS: (BUFFALO, NY 1955)

(18) year old WILLIE sits with other Black ATHLETES on the steps of their dilapidated makeshift club. One of the Teenage BOYS WOLF WHISTLES at two pretty white Teenage GIRLS walking by. They smile back. 99.

A GROUP of white TEENS approach. Fortunately for the Wolf Whistler, his group outmans the white KIDS by a good five to one. The whistles continue for a moment. WILLIE glares at the PERPETRATOR. Over the deafening silence, we hear the word YES resonating in the background. INT. CLARK GYMNASIUM - NIGHT

BROGAN jumps to his feet, sprints toward O’GRADY, tackles him to the ground. TIRONE, PAOLINI, BUKATY and several other PLAYERS follow.

BROGAN Come on, let’s take it outside you racist, mick.

O’GRADY Get the hell off me!

O’GRADY, a tough kid is own right, gets to his feet quickly, continues. O’GRADY (CONT’D) What Brogie said about me -- no argument from me there, but that ain’t gonna change my vote. (Off looks) Hey, I voted no. Willie’s one of us, man -- he ain’t really black. All glare at ADAMS.

ADAMS I agree with Irish. There’s certainly no color distinction on that field when you’ve been through what we’ve been through together. But that’s not the way society sees it. Now, what if --

The TEAM surrounds ADAMS. WILLIE continues his blank stare. ADAMS (CONT’D) -- just hear me out. What if we go down there, kick their ass and then hand Willie and Mike the game ball on National TV? Several of the PLAYERS yell expletives at ADAMS then exit -- stopping to console WILLIE, tapping him on the shoulder as they leave. O’GRADY does the same before exiting. 100.

REALE, BOTTINI, PAOLINI, DEMPSEY and BROGAN stay behind to talk with ADAMS.

BROGAN Beef, you stay with your vote, Offie decides for us.

BEAR DEMPSEY And we know where that’s going. ADAMS Why not go? Why not make a statement and show this world how messed up it is?!

PAOLINI approaches ADAMS. PAOLINI This time it’s about color, Beef. But what about next time? What if next time they say no Italian or Irish Catholics welcome? Or people with brown or red hair. Where does it end? PAOLINI puts his hand on ADAM’S shoulder.

PAOLINI (CONT’D) Or maybe the welcome mat’s closed to any player without parents. Even though through no fault of his own, that player lost his mother and father in an auto wreck when he was just a boy. Well, we’re sorry boy, really we are, but you’re just not welcome here. The MONSTROUS ADAMS holds a long moment, tears welling in his eyes. He looks at his teammates, then walks over to WILLIE who is now standing. ADAMS then moves to exits, turns and shouts -- ADAMS No! He exits. WILLIE looks to teammates, the tears welling.

INT. COACH’S OFFICE - NIGHT WILLIE knocks on the door. It reads: RWO HEAD COACH.

MALE VOICE (O.S.) (snaps) What do you want? 101.

WILLIE opens the door. INT. OFFICE - SAME

OFFIE packs the two cannisters of game film he destroyed into a metal box. WILLIE stands there pensive, his eyes darting at the damaged cannisters and various pictures of OFFIE’S HEROES and quotations on the walls. COACH OFFIE (CONT’D) Patton, Shakespeare and Lombardi, culturally diverse and yet eerily similar in many respects. WILLIE No act of common passage -- COACH OFFIE -- a strain of rareness. (Pause) Something I can do for you, Willie? WILLIE retrieves a ballot from his pocket, hands it to OFFIE.

WILLIE The boys forgot to give you my vote, Mr. Offenhamer.

OFFIE studies the ballot. COACH OFFIE I was informed the polls were closed, the vote unanimous. WILLIE An unintentional error.

COACH OFFIE (re: ballot) You know what happens if I open this, Willie?

WILLIE steps closer to OFFIE. WILLIE Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men. Take the boys to Florida, Mr. Offenhamer. Their true colors, they’ve showed that to Mike and me tonight. It’s our turn to respond in kind.

WILLIE exits, leaving OFFIE perplexed. 102.

INT. FOOTBALL OFFICE - LATER THAT NIGHT Sitting behind his desk, his legs resting on top of it, a pensive, OFFIE. Standing by the window, COACH DUNLOP -- clipboard in hand. COACH OFFIE -- anything else, Freddie? COACH DUNLOP These are our kids, coach. Each and everyone of them. DUNLOP places the clipboard on the edge of the desk, exits.

AT THE DOOR - Is ANTONIO MAGGADINO. He acknowledges DUNLOP.

MAGGADINO Coach. DUNLOP nods, exits. MAGGADINO knocks on the open door. OFFIE waves him in. MAGGADINO’S eyes focus in on the framed picture of VINCE LOMBARDI. MAGGADINO (CONT’D) Won a lot of money on the Packers. Lombardi always manages to beat the spread.

COACH OFFIE Help’s to have the horses. MAGGADINO That it does. MAGGADINO approaches the photo of LOMBARDI, turns.

MAGGADINO And speaking of horses. Those bonus baby scholarships have certainly paid off. Agree, coach? COACH OFFIE (Nods) And not a bad rate of return on your investment as well? MAGGADINO Like your two heroes here -- take no risk, get no reward. 103.

OFFIE rises, moves toward MAGGADINO, then straightens the framed photo of LOMBARDI.

MAGGADINO takes out two cigars, offers one to OFFIE, who accepts. MAGGADINO clips OFFIE’S cigar, lights it. COACH OFFIE Montecristo 58. Impressive. What can I do for you, Mr. Maggadino? MAGGADINO You can go down to Orlando and put this school on the map. COACH OFFIE Believe me, I’d love to. Unfortunately, my boys voted tonight not to go.

MAGGADINO Hence my little visit. MAGGADINO lights his cigar, then moves toward the window. He looks out at the VA HOSPITAL across the street. As he does, OFFIE takes a seat behind his desk. MAGGADINO (CONT’D) Came in six months early on that building. Said it couldn’t be done. (Turns) Now, I’ve never asked anything of you, Offie. Agreed? The fact that you almost always cover the spread without my interference -- a bonus for me. (stares at him) But now I’m asking.

MAGGADINO flicks his ashes into an ashtray on the desk. MAGGADINO (CONT’D) You and your boys be on that plane next month to Florida. COACH OFFIE And if were not? MAGGADINO It’s hard to win without those horses right, coach? COACH OFFIE It certainly is. OFFIE takes a puff from his cigar, then addresses MAGGADINO. 104.

COACH OFFIE We’ll play. But win or lose, you double your contribution to the program next season. MAGGADINO Happy to do it, coach. After your boys beat the spread. COACH OFFIE Like you said, take no risk, get no reward. No strings on this one, Mr. Maggadino. MAGGADINO remains silent. OFFIE stands, approaches him.

COACH OFFIE You ever play football?

MAGGADINO Never found the time. COACH OFFIE Well if you had, then you’d know a true athlete does not believe he needs a point spread to be victorious. (pause) We’ll beat Florida State. Straight up. But only when and if I decide we go. MAGGADINO Fair enough. MAGGADINO moves to shake OFFIE’S hand. OFFIE refrains.

MAGGADINO (CONT’D) Besides, I like the odds. With Evans out, the spread’s jumped to twenty-eight.

MAGGADINO exits. OFFIE returns to his desk. He grabs the clipboard from corner’s edge, then sits back in his chair, kicking his feet up on the desk. He glances down at the clipboard, its back facing him. Written on it -- “And what we say about being born equal - none of us are born equal, but rather unequal. And yet the talented are no more responsible for their birthright than the underprivileged. And the measure of each should be what each does in a specific situation.”

- Vince Lombardi - 105.

EXT. STREET - DAY A LEGEND READS: THANKSGIVING DAY (NOVEMBER 27TH 1958)

Dressed in their Sunday best, WILLIE, ETHEL JEAN and RODERICK approach his mom’s house. Two HOUSES from their destination, an elderly Negro LADY steps onto her porch. She smiles at WILLIE, then points to the newspaper in her hand. ELDERLY NEGRO LADY I guess you colored boys ain’t welcome down south. WILLIE glares at the LADY, then turns to ETHEL JEAN.

WILLIE Take Rod into the house. ETHEL JEAN and ROD walk up the driveway to WILLIE’S parents home. Family MEMBERS arriving greet them. Willie hurries down the street, then steps up his pace, sprinting the last fifty yards or so to the corner grocery STORE. He enters.

EXT. GROCERY STORE MOMENTS LATER - DAY Willie exits the store, glances down at the FRONT page. He and Mike Wilson’s picture decorate the headline which reads:

UB Negro Players Not Welcome Down South By Cy Kritzer In a stunning development, having sought an alternative site because of clause in a 50 year old lease not allowing Black players to play on the same field as whites, this reporter has learned that the bowl invitation will be rescinded unless UB agrees to play without their star halfback.

WILLIE looks up, the reality of the situation hitting home. INT. CHANCELLOR FURNAS’S OFFICE - DAY

OFFIE knocks on the door, enters. CHANCELLOR FURNAS You made your decision, coach? COACH OFFIE May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I sure as hell won’t. 106.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY A slue of REPORTERS surround AD PEELE and CHANCELLOR FURNAS. FURNAS looks to OFFIE for a final time, then steps up to the microphone. Several PLAYERS are in attendance. CHANCELLOR FURNAS The University of Buffalo's decision not to participate in the Tangerine Bowl game was made with the knowledge that we would not be allowed to compete in the Orlando City Stadium, traditional site of the game while Willie Evans and Mike Wilson remained as members of the team. A stunned, WILLIE glances toward OFFIE. FURNAS continues.

CHANCELLOR FURNAS (CONT’D) In view of the terms imposed upon UB as a condition for competition, any other than a decision to decline would have been unthinkable, and contrary to human decency and the rights of human beings.

BUFFALO NEWS ARTICLE READS: Monday (December 1st 1958) UB ORLANDO GROUP AGREE - NO BOWL GAME FOR BULLS

Tangerine Bowl chairman Jack Morgan: “We sincerely regret that we were not able to extend a second invitation to UB to play in the Tangerine Bowl Game. We inspected the alternative sites that were offered and found they definitely were not suitable. At best, it would have been a poor substitute. The University of Buffalo I know would not have been satisfied with either alternative site, rather than invite UB to a game that wasn't really a bowl game would have been unfair to the school." ROSSI (V.O.) Were you surprised at Offie’s decision?

WILLIE (V.O.) “Once, twice, or at the very most, three times, fate will reach out and tap a man on the shoulder. (MORE) 107.

WILLIE (V.O.) (cont'd) If he has the imagination, he will turn around and fate will point out to him what fork in the road he should take. If he has the guts, he will take it.” Mr. Offenhamer was born with an Angel on his shoulder and a fork in his hand.

INT. HOSPITAL - MORNING A LEGEND READS: VA HOSPITAL (DECEMBER 27TH 1958)

Several VETERANS file in and out of the prosthetics section of the hospital. With MOP in hand, WILLIE cleans the hallway leading into one of the offices.

INSIDE THE OFFICE - A SOLDIER is being fitted for a prosthetic right leg, it’s KENNY COPELAND. WILLIE looks in at KENNY for a moment, then continues with his work.

WILLIE (V.O.) Seeing Kenny that day really put life into perspective. Football is just a game, Frank. But what a fun game it was. Except of course for that damn, Bull in the Ring . INT. BRUNNER’S TAVERN - DAY

On the 12” Black & White TV screen, we see four football PLAYERS at the center of the field, readying themselves for the coin toss.

A LEGEND READS: TANGERINE BOWL Dec. 27th 1957. Sitting alone at one of the tables is OFFIE. Sipping from a beer, he looks to the screen, his disappointment evident. Suddenly, OFFIE is surrounded by several UB PLAYERS. They sit at his table. BUKATY fills OFFIE’S beer glass, then raises a toast to his coach. All join in. OFFIE then moves to the television, changes the channel, before rejoining his TROOPS for the toast.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY A LEGEND READS: (NOVEMBER 21ST 2008)

On the scoreboard, the clocks shows forty ticks remaining in the contest. UB trails Bowling Green 27 to 20. The familiar voices of DICK BEAMISH and BIG LOU DAVINO kick in. 108.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) After last week’s unbelievable four overtime victory by the Bulls, these Cardiac Kids are about to give head coach, Turner Gill another heart attack scare.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) No need for the sideline paddles, Dickie boy. Roosevelt on the fade from Willy. He’s got four inches on the corner. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) It’s fourth and goal from the Bowling Green five yard line. With a trip to the MAC championship and a certain bowl invitation at stake, UB’s entire season rests on this final play. Can they tie it here and send the game into overtime? ON THE FIELD - DREW WILLY and the offense break the huddle.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) (CONT’D) Willy approaches center. He takes the snap, drops back two steps and throws the fade to Roosevelt in the endzone. Did he come down with it? Yes. Yes he did. Touchdown Bulls! Touchdown Bulls!!

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Divine Intervention. Divine Intervention.

EXT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER THAT NIGHT The scoreboard reads Bowling Green 34 Buffalo 34 (2nd overtime) Bowling Green approaches the line. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) It’s fourth and two folks from the Bulls two yard line. It appears as if Bowling Green is going for six instead of the certain three.

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) No balls, no glory.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Can you say that -- cable. 109.

ON THE FIELD - DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) (CONT’D) Sheehan hands off to Turner over right tackle. He’s met by the entire UB interior line. Oh my God they stopped him. They held him at the one foot line! I think I’m gonna to need those paddles, Lou. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Get in line. The UB PLAYERS celebrate. COACH GILL meets with his offense.

INSIDE THE SIDELINE HUDDLE - COACH GILL Gentlemen, out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge. Do your jobs, have fun and get that damn ball in the endzone.

The team gets the play, then lines up at the 25 yard line. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) UB has to be careful here not to turn the ball over. All they need is a field goal to win the game and head to the MAC championship against 12th ranked Ball State. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Always win the negative waves.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Willy takes the snap, hands off to Starks up the gut. He’s at the twenty, the fifteen, ten, five -- Touchdown Bulls! Touchdown Bulls!! The TEAM mauls STARKS in the endzone. The OFFICIAL throws the excessive celebration flag. The team continues to celebrate, as the UB faithful storm the field.

MOMENTS LATER - COACH GILL with a REPORTER on the sideline. COACH GILL -- I just thank God, a favor done here, no question about it. 110.

INT. STADIUM PRIVATE BOX - SAME An exuberant, WILLIE and ROSSI cheer for the team. ROSSI shakes WILLIE’S hand -- then the two men hug. INT. LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

A LEGEND READS: BALL STATE VS. UB (DECEMBER 5TH 2008) PLAYERS go through their rituals (taping wrists, ankles, music ipods etc.). COACH GILL moves about the locker room, stretching, running, almost like he’s getting ready to play. Sporting his UB hat and sweater, WILLIE looks over his notes. COACH GILL steps to the middle of the room. It draws silent.

COACH GILL This is a great environment to play in. This is Buffalo football. Let’s hear from the man who has been instrumental this year in inspiring our team not only to dream, but to achieve, Mr. Willie Evans. WILLIE stands, looks around the room.

WILLIE Firstly, I want to thank each and everyone one you boys for allowing me and my teammates to be a part of your fantastic season. I’m not big on speeches as you know. (pause) Fifty years ago this season, my teammates and I were denied a chance to play in a bowl game because of a select group of individuals beliefs. Today, those individuals still exist in our society, but not out there boys, not on that sacred ground. I know you will give it your all out there tonight. You better, because win or lose, you’re still gonna hurt the same. My teammates and I are so very proud to be a part of the UB experience. Have fun and God Bless you boys. COACH GILL And we’re proud of you, Mr. Evans. And your entire team, sir. 111.

A loud cheer goes out for WILLIE. Then -- COACH GILL (CONT’D) This is fun time, right here, right now. All I’m asking of you men is from 8:01 to 11:15 PM tonight to play your best football. That’s all I’m asking you to do. COACH GILL begins approaching one PLAYER at a time.

COACH GILL (CONT’D) All the hard work. The years of training. Relentless to finish. I’m talking about being the most physical team on the field out there tonight. That’s what it’s all about! E, for enjoy the college football experience.

GILL walks up to Defensive Tackle, JUSTIN WINTERS, grabs his helmet, looks to his team, then puts the helmet on.

COACH GILL (CONT’D) I’m gonna give you a little bit of Justin Winters right here, right now.

COACH GILL gets on all fours, CRAWLS as if he is going after the Quarterback.

COACH GILL (CONT’D) Is that you J Dawb? All night tonight, all night tonight. Gonna fly around right here!!

COACH GILL gets up, removes the helmet, then does a high jump and chest hit with one of his fellow COACHES.

COACH GILL (CONT’D) Your head coach is ready to play right now!! Show the people out there tonight, show the fans you are ready to play. A PASTOR joins the group. All take a knee. The OUR FATHER is said aloud. COACH GILL then stands, jumps and yells! COACH GILL Let’s go!!

The fired up PLAYERS hurry out of the locker room. 112.

INT. FOOTBALL DOME STADIUM - NIGHT MAC CHAMPIONSHIP decorates the center of the field. PULLING BACK, we see the scoreboard reads: BSU 17 UB 14. The quarter is the 3rd and the time remaining is 4:01. The usual suspects are announcing the game.

WILLIE, BROGAN and ROSSI are in BOB RICH’S box. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) It’s third and goal for Ball State on the Bulls eleven yard line. UB has been tough here, Lou -- but it appears Ball State is beginning to usurp the Bulls incredible determination with a little more natural talent. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Talent doesn’t usurp heart, Dickie Boy. We need a play right here and right now. And we will get it.

The OFFENSE approaches the line of scrimmage. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Quarterback Nate Davis takes the snap, fakes a swing pass to the right side, then picks up two blockers and heads around left end. He’s at the ten, the five, he dives into the endzone, touchdown Ball State! No, wait a minute, folks. Corner, Mike Newton has the ball. He’s at the ten, fifteen -- he’s on his way. He picks up some blocking. Mid-field. He’s down to the thirty-five, the thirty. He’s going to score. Touchdown Bulls! Touchdown Bulls!! This play will definitely be under review. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Again with the negative waves? The replay is shown several times, as we pull STOCK FOOTAGE and analysis from an ESPN REPORTER. ESPN REPORTER That play is going to stand, folks. And UB’s season of destiny continues, now leading 12th ranked Ball State 21 to 17. 113.

ROSSI, WILLIE, BROGAN and BOB RICH look to each other in disbelief.

INT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER THAT NIGHT BALL STATE is on UB’S 24 yard line.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Here we go again, Lou. Ball State has driven right down the field and has a first and ten at UB’s twenty- four yard line. UB holds a slim 21 to 17 lead with time running out in the third quarter.

On the field, BALL STATE lines up in the shot gun. DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) (CONT’D) Davis in the gun. He takes the snap -- and drops the ball! He reaches for it, kicking it up the field! UB’s Mike Sherod picks up the fumble and begins racing toward the goal line. BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) Nobody’s catchin’ him.

DICK BEAMISH (O.S.) Sherod races seventy-four yards on a truly unbelievable play --

BIG LOU DEVINO (O.S.) -- a bounce only the football Gods could create.

The UB FAITHFUL are going nuts. The ESPN ANNOUNCER is speechless. The scoreboard reads: UB 35 BALL STATE 17

INT. FOOTBALL STADIUM - LATER The game clock expires. The final score reads: UB 42 BALL STATE 24. WILLIE, ROSSI, BOB RICH and BROGAN hug each other. ON THE FIELD - COACH GILL recovers from a Gatorade bath, then meets up with an ESPN reporter.

REPORTER What does this one mean for you and the program, coach?

COACH GILL can not speak. He is overcome with emotion. 114.

COACH GILL Speechless man, speechless.

REPORTER Why are you speechless? COACH GILL Just proud of these guys -- just proud of them, man. (tears welling) REPORTER You've had a lot of magical moments in your football career. Where does this one rate, coach?

COACH GILL Probably the greatest -- just because of where this program was at. And these guys coming through in just four seasons. Becoming Mac Champions . I talked about being champions and they did it . They they did it. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of them. INT. LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT

The BULLS locker room is pandemonium. PLAYERS hugging -- WILLIE and his old TEAMMATES, like little BOYS again. COACH GILL (screams) Who are we? PLAYERS UB!!

COACH GILL Who are we!?

PLAYERS UB!! A PRESENTER from the International Bowl Committee steps up to COACH GILL, President SIMPSON and WARD EMMANUEL. SIMPSON and EMMANUEL defer to GILL, who defers to WILLIE.

PRESENTER Mr. Evans, on behalf of the International Bowl to be held on Jan 4th 2009 in Toronto, the bowl committee would like to extend this official invitation to the 2008 University at Buffalo Bulls. 115.

WILLIE Thank you. (Pause) This is about the kids. This is about these kids in this room and their coaches and what they've accomplished. On behalf of the 58 team, I want to thank you gentlemen for your incredible hospitality -- but this day is about the University at Buffalo in 2008. I am very proud to be standing in this scared room here today. I am proud to be here with -- come on in here. WILLIE’S 58 team MEMBERS join him.

UB 2008 TEAM PLAYERS Three cheers for the 58 Bulls. (STARKS) Hip hip, hoorah!! Hip hip, hoorah!! Hip hip, Hoorah!! STARKS approaches WILLIE.

JAMES STARKS I hope I’ve done you proud, sir. WILLIE You have done us all proud, son. INT. TORONTO FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

A LEGEND READS: INTERNATIONAL BOWL (JANUARY 4TH 2009) Standing at midfield, their football jerseys over their shirts are WILLIE and several PLAYERS from the 58 squad. Standing at a podium on the sideline is REV. JESSE JACKSON. REV. JESSE JACKSON Long before the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, or Linden Johnson passing the Civil rights bill. A bunch of kids, their coaches and the administration made a decision that would resonate around the country 50 years later and be heard loud and clear that there is no room in a modern society for racism of any kind. Dr. King would have been and maybe he was proud and even may have been aware of it in 1958. It is possible that in his (MORE) 116.

REV. JESSE JACKSON (cont'd) I Have a Dream speech he was talking directly to that 1958 team when he said that a man should not be judged by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. Well, you gentlemen of the 1958 University of Buffalo Football Bulls -- the content of your character that fall day when you voted to not go without your fellow warriors is what Dr. King's whole life was dedicated to.

ROSSI (V.O.) The University at Buffalo did not go on to win that game. In fact, they lost 38-20. And I know it may sound cliché, but whether they won or lost that day, it just didn’t seem to matter.

SCROLL THE FOLLOWING: INTERCUT: Footage from Bull In The Ring combined with modern day 2008 video of the 1958 PLAYERS from STOCK FOOTAGE: ESPN, BUFFALO GAMES, etc. 1. CHARLIE TIRONE - After being convinced by BEAR to play that 58 season before attending medical school, Charlie Tirone went on to become a Doctor of Radiology in Buffalo, NY 2. STAN “TARZAN” KOWALSKI - Married Sandra. He went on to work in Management position for the Bethlehem Steel Corp., never once having an issue with an African/American Employee. 3. JOE OLIVERIO - Married his high school sweetheart and went on to become a business owner of several mechanic shops. 4. BOB “BEEF” ADAMS - Spent 40 years working in management at the Bethlehem Steel Plant. BOB insisted he and his wife never drive in the same car for the remainder of his life. 5. JOE “IRISH” O’GRADY - Married ELAINE and went on to coach at Timon High School in South Buffalo, NY. COACH JOE’S teams were legendary for their take no prisoners attitude. 6. COACH FRED DUNLOP - Went on to have a very successful and long career as head coach at Colgate University, receiving a national ranking as high as #12 in 1976. 7. SAM “SAMPSON” SANDERS - Married Midge, and built a large manufacturing business of fine wood products. 117.

8. LOUIE “BULL” REALE - Married Donna, and became an Executive at a National recognized Insurance Agency. 9. NICK BOTTINI - Married his high school sweetheart, and continued on with the family farming business. 10. RAY “RAZOR” PAOLINI - Married his college sweetheart, KRISTA and has had several very successful wholesale food distribution businesses. 11 . JACK “BEAR” DEMPSEY - Became a Science Instructor and high school Football and Baseball coach in Grand Island, NY.

12. GORDON “GORDO” BUKATY - Became of all things a teacher, high school football coach and phenomenal mentor for kids until his early passing in 1976.

13. BILL “BROGIE” BROGAN - Went back into the service after graduating and became a high ranking officer. Upon seeing a sign stuck in the ground in front of a water cooler reading: NO COLOREDS, BROGAN ripped apart the sign, reported it to his superior and was given a well deserved wink and a nod.

14. COACH RICHARD “OFFIE” OFFENHAMER - Coached the 1959 team with WILLIE and BEAR to an identical 8-1 record. No Bowl invitation was extended. OFFIE coached UB until 1965 never regaining that magic of the 1958 season. Upon his retirement, he was offered an executive position as player personnel president with the New York Jets, he declined, opting to go back and teach English at his old high school, Kenmore East. OFFIE passed in 1998. Numerous scholarships and awards have been set up in his name.

15 . WILLIE “LITTLE EVANS” EVANS - WILLIE was drafted by the upstart Buffalo Bills. Upon his release, he went on to teach, coach and mentor high school kids for 40 plus years. ETHEL JEAN passed in 1972 from cancer. A few years later, WILLIE met and married his beautiful wife of 34 years, BOBBIE. A high school teacher herself, WILLIE and BOBBIE have three wonderful boys, all professional musicians traveling the world performing Jazz. In 2010, WILLIE was invited by the chamber of commerce to visit the old stadium that shunned him. Gracious as ever, he accepted their invitation. WILLIE continues to consult and travel with his team, the first major college school to hire an African/ American Athletic Director, Varsity Head football and Basketball coach -- all in the same season.

IN 1993, THE ENTIRE 1958 UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO FOOTBALL TEAM WAS INDUCTED IN THE SCHOOL’S HALL OF FAME.

IN 2009 THE ENTIRE 1958 UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO FOOTBALL TEAM RECEIVED THE SCHOOL’S CHARLES P. NORTON AWARD -- THE CHANCELLOR’S MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS HEROISM. 118.

ROSSI (V.O.) I asked Willie when he finally joins Offie, Vince, George and the others on the Lord’s team, what would he like printed on his tombstone. Willie looked at me a long moment then said very calmly. “I am truly at rest.” I think I now understand what he meant. On screen, a photo of WILLIE and his Caucasian wife, BOBBIE.

ROSSI (V.O.) (CONT’D) At the spring game in 2010, I noticed Willie and Bobbie walking up to the concession stand. The young kid behind the counter cordially waited on Bobbie. Another worker moved over to Willie. She was very courteous while taking his order as well. Then the strangest thing happened. Neither worker realized the couple, a husband and wife married thirty- six years were together. (Pause) We are trying, Dr. King.

THE 1958 PLAYERS : Fred Kogut, James Heitzhaus, Joseph Oliverio, James Allegretto, William Brogan, James Keats, Paul Szymendera, Robert Verge, Thomas MacDougal, Gordon Bukaty, Gerald Gergley, Stephan Salasny, Robert Muscarella, Richard Van Valkenburgh, George Maue, Willie Evans, Kenneth Born, Raymond Paolini, Charles Scott, Louis Reale, Phillip Bamford, Stanley Kowalski, Charles Tirone, Joseph Shifflet, Joseph O’Grady, Eugene Zinni, Bernard Fagan, John Dempsey, Sampson Sanders, George Delaney, John Welch, Ronald Stephan, Robert Yanchuk, Raymond Skaine, Tom Fortini, Carley Keats, William McCall, Nicholas Bottini, Paul Steinig, Michael Wilson, David Brogan, Robert Adams, James Beckerich, Nate Bliss. TRAINER: John Sciera MANAGER: David Hazell.

THE COACHES : Dick Hoffenhamer, Fred Dunlop, Karl Kluckhohn, Mike Rhodes, Ron Larocque. THE ADMINISTRATION :

Dr. Clifford Furnas, James Peele, Dr. James Ailinger, Dr. Edgar Cole, Dr. Irving Cheyette. Special thank you to, Mr. Rocco L. Versace (JD)