Louanne Stephens

In the town of Dillon, Texas, football is life and pressure mounts as the Dillon Panthers enter pre-season surrounded by a swirl of press, recruiters, and State Championship sized expectations.

The second-string quarterback finds himself in the spotlight in the wake of Jason Street's serious injury; as game day approaches, the team appears united, pledging to win the game for a teammate.

After a difficult loss to the underdog Milbank Rattlers, the town of Dillon has turned on Coach Taylor. School officials point fingers, parents argue, and team morale is at an all time low.

Coach Taylor must find a way to bring the team together against its biggest rival; Jason Street's new roommate at the rehab center makes him realize his recovery potential.

Emotions intensify as the game against intimidating Gatling High nears; rumors alienate Lyla and Tim from their friends; Smash puts his health at risk to improve his on-field performance.

The cheerleaders are the focus of the town's attention as they prepare for the Championship Classic; Lyla's affair with Riggins makes her the victim of high-school harassment; coach Taylor tries to keep Matt and Julie apart.