All American (2018) s03e02 Episode Script
How to Survive in South Central
1
Baby, I promise you
didn't hear nothing.
And even if my mom was awake, we'd never hear her coming.
That woman is like a ninja.
Oh, well, that's comforting.
No, I got to get home soon anyway.
It is the first day of school tomorrow.
I can't believe we're spending senior year apart.
Yeah.
I'm gonna miss seeing you every day, too.
What if you met me for lunch one time this week? Maybe even bring some of them tots from the cafeteria? Oh.
Who you gonna miss more, me or the tots? I mean, you even got to ask? The tots, isn't it? I mean, yeah, but you a close second.
You might even be first if you stay a little longer.
Spencer, you got to redecorate your room.
What's wrong with my room? It's like your locker exploded.
And what's wrong with my locker? Well, I mean, hey, if you're OK with, you know, LeBron watching us make out, then Oh, he about to see a whole lot more than that.
Hmm.
Well, he is the king.
Yes, he is.
What's up, man? Senior year.
You ready for this, Coop? Oh, man.
Why you so damn happy? The sun just came up a hour ago.
I'm not even awake yet.
Oh, I see.
Used to that cushy tour life.
Man, wasn't nothing cushy about it, bougie Beverly.
Oh, I'm bougie now? Yeah.
So you lucky you got me.
People see us together, you got instant clout.
No thanks necessary.
Good 'cause none was coming.
Oh, new kid's got an attitude, huh? All right.
Well, we gonna see how you do on your own, then.
- Hey, Spence.
- What's up, man? I think I'll be all right.
Yo, for real, man, it's good to have you home.
Good to be home.
Good morning, everyone.
This is Kia Williams welcoming you back to another year at South Crenshaw High.
I'd like to give a personal shout out to Spencer James.
Welcome home, Spence.
You were missed.
And a warm welcome back to the chargers' new head coach, South Crenshaw's own NFL great Billy Baker.
State championship, here we come.
Ain't no stopping that Hayes and James connection, baby.
No, sir.
Man.
I don't know why everybody acting like Spencer's some kind of hero.
I mean, he the reason that we lost last season.
Or did y'all just forget about that? Man, shut up, Frausto.
It ain't nobody's fault.
We lost 'cause Beverly was the better team until this season.
Damn right.
So why you defending him, huh? This man almost put you in a wheelchair for life.
Now, see, the only reason you back here is to fix what you broke.
So I hope for your sake that you fix it.
Welcome, fellow Eagles.
I hope you're all ready to soar.
Get it? 'Cause we're Eagles.
Why is JJ doing morning announcements? No one else wanted to.
So you ready to soar? I'm not soaring anywhere, babe.
They clipped my wings last year.
Well, maybe you should do morning announcements.
- Yeah! - Come on.
It's all in the past.
And you're clean now.
And the team needs you.
Yeah, especially now that Spencer's gone.
Hey.
I'm this way.
I'll see you after class.
OK.
Liv, hey, um, this is Vanessa Montes.
She's the new football coach's daughter.
Olivia was the old football coach's daughter.
Still am.
He isn't dead.
Hi.
Wait.
What are you doing here? I literally just told you.
She's starting school here.
Unless you're not some "21 jump street" narc, are you? Not that I know of.
Um, I've got to get to class.
Sorry.
Olivia's normally pretty normal.
Must be the whole coach's daughter thing.
Um, speaking of which, has your dad met the team? They can be tough, but I'm sure your dad's tough, too.
He is, but not as tough as my mom.
I'm coach Montes.
Yes, I'm female.
Yes, I understand football.
I played in women's leagues, and this is not my first coaching gig.
So you can all save your breath, because there's nothing that you can say that I haven't heard before.
And save your energy, too.
You're gonna need it Our new coach is hot.
Please stop talking.
Offense using a lot of blitz packages on defense.
You will need to think fast, move fast Don't get me wrong.
Your dad's a good-looking man.
JJ, please.
Tryouts start first thing tomorrow.
Get going.
See you out there.
Coach Montes? I'm Ash Asher Adams 52 receptions, 673 yards, and 5 touchdowns last season, though I have no idea how much of that was fueled by steroids.
N none of it, Coach.
I never used them during the regular season, not that that makes any difference.
Look, I'm I'm clean now.
And I was hoping since it's a new school year that I'd be allowed to play again.
Look, I've already spoken to A.
D.
Hart.
We both agree the suspension should remain for the time being.
Look, Asher, what you did was serious.
You haven't faced any real consequences.
Coach, it's my senior year.
Can I at least practice with the team so I can be ready? That's against school policy.
Suspension from the team means suspension from all team activities.
Yo.
Yo, Coop.
Yo, this is my girl, man.
Look, any of y'all ever get jammed up, better call Coop, man.
She'll get you right.
Preach, stop it.
Let me holla at you real quick.
All right.
- What's up? - What up, yo? Look, whatever magic you and that white lady pulled, I owe you.
Me and Ms.
Baker did not get you out.
Tyrone's sister did.
Why would Mo get me out? I'm waiting on you to tell me.
Now, don't get wrong.
I'm happy as hell that you free, but that bitch up to something.
Yeah, no doubt.
So what we gonna do? Look, don't worry about it.
I'mma take care of it, all right? I'mma take care of Mo.
Come on.
All right, y'all.
Gather round.
Gather round.
Some of you all already know me.
For those of you who do not, my name is Coach Baker.
And I'm very excited to be right back here where it all started.
Of course, back when I was playing, we all had leather helmets, but, uh No? 'Cause they had leather OK.
Where's the rest of the team? Why? We ain't enough, Coach Beverly? Everybody be quiet, please.
I told you, it's Coach Baker.
And if you need to be reminded, it's my name that's on the field out there.
So why won't anybody answer my question? Where's the rest of the team? A few guys transferred to other schools.
Some lost their eligibility when principal Carter raised the GPA requirements.
It's not like it really matters anyways.
We only need one player to make it to state.
Ain't that right, Spence? That's getting real tired, man.
All right.
Cool it.
Cool it.
Cool it.
Are you gonna keep running your mouth, or do you need your legs to join in? Whatever you say, Coach Beverly.
OK.
I'm gonna have to save my little welcome speech for later.
Right now y'all get your asses out on the field.
Let's see if you're still smiling after some suicide snaps.
Coach D.
, give Mr.
Lippy lips some extra love.
Keep smiling.
Look, you might want to ease up.
This ain't Beverly Hills.
The guys ain't gonna respond to some new guy just rolling in and barking orders.
You got to earn their respect, Coach.
Uh-huh.
They got to earn my respect.
I grew up in Crenshaw, I went to this here school, or did you forget that, too? Coach, I know these guys Spencer, you're the player.
I'm the coach.
You just worry about what you got to worry about, which is getting that arm right.
I'll take care of the team.
Yes, sir.
All right.
Let's go! Let's get that energy up! You need to get rid of that ball faster.
All right.
Keep those feet moving.
I need you to focus! All right.
Stay low.
Stay low.
All right, guys.
Hustle! Nice catch, JJ.
Catch your breath, gentlemen.
We're gonna be making some changes.
Butler, you're moving to special teams.
Olsen, I want to see you at wide receiver.
Parker, your arm strength, accuracy, and pocket movement are solid.
I'm assuming you played quarterback.
Uh, up until high school.
I might want to see you there again.
Uh, you're talking about backup, right? I mean, no offense, JJ, but I've been QB1 since sophomore year, when we won last season, so Well, you were also throwing to one of the best players in the nation.
56% of your passes went to Spencer James, who's no longer here.
29% went to Asher Adams, who currently is not on the team.
So this season is not last season.
I want the best player in each position.
And if that's you, great.
But you're gonna have to earn it.
All right.
That's it.
Practice was a disaster.
The team's pushing back hard on Coach Baker.
I mean, I get it.
He did beat their asses last year.
Plus, you know how we are.
He from here, but he ain't from here, not anymore.
Yeah.
Well, we got to be united if we're gonna make a play for state.
You haven't even played your first game.
A little early to be worried about state, isn't it? Uh, you's the one shouting "state championship, here we come" over the loudspeaker.
I had a lot of time to fill.
Ha ha! Besides, principal Carter wouldn't let me talk about what I really wanted to talk about, starting a black girls equity alliance here at the school.
Yeah.
Carter ain't ready for all that critical consciousness.
Hmm.
We'll see.
But anyway, you guys will be fine.
Just talk to your teammates.
They ain't gonna listen.
Kia, I bailed on them last season.
I got to earn back they trust.
I was the QB that led us to the championship.
But they gonna listen to Chris.
You're past tense, bro.
I'm the future.
Man.
Whatever, man.
You can miss me with all that.
You ain't even played in a real game with us yet.
Hold up.
Hold up.
Are y'all serious right now? Nah, you two can't play together anymore.
Darnell, come with me.
- Step.
Come on.
- Darnell.
What are you doing? What are you doing? The team's already beefing with Coach.
You think it helps they captain fighting with a teammate? Maybe you should check your boy.
Don't worry about Darnell.
We got to get the team to fall in line with Coach Baker.
Now, is you gonna talk to him or not? Bet.
But I'm gonna need you to talk to Coach for me.
Tell him I'm ready to take my spot back.
He ain't trying to hear my advice on nothing, man.
So just keep balling out and let him see for yourself how dope you are.
All right? All right.
Bae, what's up? - Hey.
- Guess what this is.
Uh, an envelope? No.
Well, yeah.
But guess what's inside.
I don't know.
It's my paycheck from the summer tour.
Oh, shoot.
It finally came.
Yeah.
And I wanted you with me when I opened it.
OK.
Wait.
Hold up.
Let me get this on video.
OK.
The moment Tamia Cooper officially became a paid artist.
Yo, yo.
What up? It's your girl Coop.
I've been busting my ass on tour all summer.
And right now, your girl's about to get paid.
Get paid! Um, should I stop recording? QB1? Seriously? Coach Montes scares me.
I think I might be in love with her.
Besides, it sounds like fun.
Fun? Dude, it's a ton of work.
Do you really want to, like, stay up all night studying plays? You mean like I do already? Come on.
What's the big deal? You'll probably beat me.
Definitely will, all right? I just don't want to embarrass you.
Or maybe you don't want to be embarrassed.
Maybe you guys can talk about who's playing what when I'm not around.
I'm not even allowed to practice.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I'll catch you guys.
Asher? Vanessa? Wh what are you doing here? I've been getting that a lot lately.
My mom's the new football coach.
Coach Montes is your mom? Yeah.
I had no idea this is where you went to school.
This is where you should say something like, "wow.
It's really great to see you, Vanessa.
" Or we can just stand here in awkward silence.
I should get to class.
See you later and, hopefully, even talk.
How are things with Layla? They're good.
Yeah.
She's coming by for lunch this week.
You should invite her over for dinner, too.
You wouldn't even have to sneak her in.
Mm-hmm.
Sounds good.
Sorry for the wait.
Your X-Ray, CTS, and MRIS all show that your shoulder healed well with minimal scar tissue.
And your flexibility and strength are great.
I'm afraid I agree with your doctors and physical therapists.
There isn't anything physically wrong with you.
Well, he isn't making it up.
Are you under any stress? What's that got to do with my shoulder? Maybe nothing.
But your mental well-being can be just as important as your physical.
The mind and body work together.
Everything's fine.
I mean, it's senior year, so there's a lot of work, but it's nothing I can't handle.
Your team members are late.
They're coming, Coach.
- Oh, they're coming? - Yes, sir.
Look, if we are to be champions, then we have to present ourselves like champions.
Now, this field is our home.
So we need to take pride in it.
That's why we're gonna clean it up.
Do we look like garbage men to you? We signed up to play football.
Excuse me? I said, we signed up to play football.
Uh-uh.
You signed up to do what I say.
So did your golden boy, Spencer, but I don't see him out here.
You don't have to worry about Spencer.
The only thing you got to worry about is me.
Look here, y'all.
If anyone has a problem with how I do things, please feel free to leave.
Fine.
I'm out of here.
I ain't got to pay to get yelled at.
- OK.
- Yo, chill.
Frausto.
- You good? - I'm good, Coach.
- Are you good? - Yes, sir.
I'm good.
Y'all back there, are you good? Yes, sir.
How's your shoulder? It's all good.
Doc says I just got to reduce stress in my life.
Where they going? Team just got a little smaller.
Listen, frausto said something about having to pay to play.
What's that about? Yeah.
We got to pay to play this year.
We got to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, road games, all of it.
Since when? Since principal Carter cut our funding.
We on our own this year, Coach.
How do you not know this? All right.
Grab a rake.
Yes, sir.
Yo.
When were you gonna tell me - you took my program's money? - Excuse me.
I know when you played here, every penny went to football, but times have changed.
Look, bruh, if you got a problem with me, take it up with me.
Don't don't punish the team.
I'm not punishing anyone.
I'm giving more students a chance to follow their interests outside of sports.
Other programs need funding, too.
How are they supposed to pay? High schools all over the nation have similar policies.
They find a way to survive, and your boys will, too.
You just need to get creative.
Vanessa, hey.
I was just looking for my mom.
I'm sorry about earlier.
I just I thought I'd never see you again.
I got that when your jaw hit the floor.
I guess we didn't get into where we went to high school.
We were on a beach in Mexico.
I was there to get away from all my high-school drama.
You needed a reset button.
Meeting you helped.
Well, the guy I met was cool, confident, and funny.
The guy I saw in the hallway today, not so much.
Wait.
I'm still that guy just not as tan.
I think I met your girlfriend Olivia, right? You guys talked? Not exactly.
Did you tell her about me or the summer? Because she acted even weirder than you, not that I know how she acts normally, but Liv and I haven't talked much about summer.
You don't have to worry.
She's not gonna hear anything from me.
I'll let you get back to your workout.
Vanessa It's really great to see you.
Much better.
How are things with you and your bestie Vanessa? Good.
We're perfecting our tiktok routine this weekend.
I barely know her.
Principal London just asked me to show her around.
You want to tell me what that's about? Maybe I should I should go.
No, stay.
I won't be here long.
I'm not sure what you want me to say.
Uh, I want you to say that this is a mistake and there should be more zeroes.
I sold out every place I played.
How is it I made more money selling my song online? Coop, the tour was about getting your name out there, not about making a ton of money.
I bet you did all right.
I really think I should go.
No.
Stay.
Finish your fries.
After expenses, travel, hotel, merch, food, I actually lost money.
I find that hard to believe.
I mean, she wouldn't lie to you.
- Stay out of it.
- You won't let me leave.
You think I'm stealing from you? I don't know.
Maybe screwing artists over runs in your family.
What is that supposed to mean? Ask your pops about what he did to Patience.
Um, the kids and I can do Thursday night.
Thursday night.
No.
Got a coaches' meeting.
What about Sunday? Yeah.
Sunday family dinner works.
Oh, good.
How are things at South Crenshaw? Uh, they're fine.
That bad, huh? - Hey.
- Hey, hon.
- What's up? - Hey.
How was school? Fine.
Mm.
That bad, huh? What's up with all these panicked texts I got about your new coach trying to take away your spot? Montes has me and JJ going up against each other for the QB1 spot.
JJ, who got his hands stuck in the vending machine JJ? Come on.
You know JJ's a beast in the field.
And he was a really good quarterback in junior high.
Junior high! And you're a really great quarterback who led his team to a championship.
Look, if JJ was better, then I would've started him.
Oh, right.
The fact that I'm your son had nothing to do with me starting.
Do you think if Butler was my son, he'd be starting QB? You need to have a little bit more faith in yourself, son.
You are Beverly's quarterback.
Everybody knows it.
All you got to do now is convince Montes.
Well, what the hell you doing here, Mo? Why'd you get me out of jail? Well, it's good to see you, too, Cardell.
And I thought you brought me here to thank me, maybe even buy me a drink.
You wouldn't have done it if you didn't want something.
But I'd rather rot in jail than to help with whatever's going on in your crazy head.
I'm just trying to make things right.
"If you wrong us, shall we not revenge" don't sound like a woman looking to make nothing right.
My little brother was just murdered, and I was upset.
I didn't know how dangerous Ty had become, how many people's lives he ruined, people who matter to me, like you.
Since when? I can't fix everything my brother destroyed, but at least I wanted to help you, especially given our history together.
You always been a straight shooter.
So I'm gonna take you for your word.
But as far as history together, that's exactly what it is history.
Good-bye, Mo.
You want me to tell you how it ends so we can have some time to talk? Please don't.
I still ain't over you telling me Dumbledore died.
I didn't want you to be blindsided by dark magic.
I can tell something is weighing on you, and I'm worried about the toll it's having on your health.
Ma.
And don't tell me that you're good.
I just got a lot riding on this season, and not just for me.
For the school and the community.
Everybody in Crenshaw's depending on me.
I mean, what if I let 'em down? You came back.
That's what matters.
No one is expecting you to do everything by yourself.
I'm here for you, and so is Billy.
Yeah.
We ain't exactly seeing eye to eye either.
You both are going through the same thing: Coming back to Crenshaw, worried about meeting everyone's expectations.
That weight would be much lighter if you carried it together.
So what else is bothering you? That's crazy.
I mean, if you can read minds, you might as well save me the trouble of talking.
I like your voice.
Mm.
So what is it? Chris and Darnell beefing over the QB1 spot.
Chris wants me to put in a word for him with Coach Baker, but I hate being in the middle of it, ma.
Darnell's a great QB.
He earned that spot.
But Me and Chris came up together.
That's my day one on the field.
And he led the chargers to state last season.
He shouldn't lose his spot just 'cause he got injured.
Yo, in what world should Chris Jackson start over me? I ain't say all that, man.
Really? 'cause from where I'm standing, it sound like you was making a pretty strong argument for your day one.
Look, I ain't choosing one way or the other.
You know, maybe you should.
Everybody knows Coach listens to you, Spence.
So who's it gonna be, me or Chris? Damn.
That's all the answer I needed.
How am I supposed to prove myself to Coach Montes if she won't let me play? Well, she didn't say you were done for the season.
Just, you know, show her that you won't give up.
You know, it was a lot easier talking to your dad.
Montes seems like a hard ass.
Try badass.
I mean, can you imagine how hard it is for a woman to be taken seriously as a football coach? You don't get where she is by being a pushover.
But if you want, I can have my dad put in a word for you.
No, Liv.
You can't always fix my problems.
I'll figure it out.
Her daughter Vanessa seems nice.
Have you met her? No, not really.
How do you "not really" meet someone? You either did or you didn't? No, I I did.
But it was just for, like, a second.
We didn't really get a chance to talk.
No.
Coop shouldn't have said anything.
She didn't say much.
Yeah.
Well, I don't I don't want to talk about it.
And legally, I can't.
I had to sign an NDA to get off the tour.
OK.
Then write it down or Morse code it with your eyes or something.
Look, business, whatever aside, Patience, you're my friend, and if my dad something to hurt you, I need to know.
Please.
You ain't gonna let this go, are you? Not likely.
Fine.
Um You know his new singer Lil Jewel? Yeah.
Oh, well, you should check out her new song.
You might find it super interesting.
I hope you studied your playbooks.
We'll be running our new hurry-up offense, making adjustments at the line.
If that sounds like a lot of pressure, it should.
That's what you'll be dealing with all season.
Two counts on me.
Oh, hey, Jordan, uh, watch out for number 47.
- That's you, JJ.
- Exactly! Good luck, bro.
Good luck.
Full contact in this drill.
QBs are fair game.
Wide 60.
Wide.
Set.
Way to get rid of the ball, Jordan.
Next time, adjust your protection so you don't take a hit.
Here we go.
Huddle up, boys.
Ready? Set.
Go.
Good job getting positive yards, JJ.
Try to take in the whole field.
Your tight end was open on the backside.
All right.
Do it again.
Yes! Way to go! Good job, guys.
Mr.
James, I'm, uh, I'm happy you're here.
Um, just wanted to apologize for how I've been acting the last couple of days.
You know, it's a new gig.
Uh, and I was determined to prove myself, you know.
Do it on my own.
Nah.
I overstepped.
I was trying too hard to make everybody get along.
I should've just been listening to my coach.
Well, I should've listened to you try to warn me.
Eat, man.
I'm ready to listen now.
Um, I guess two leaders working together is better than one.
So, uh, what do you think I need to do to save this team? What you've always done, lead with your heart.
That's what won me over at Beverly.
That's why I wanted you to come back to Crenshaw.
Make each one of these cats understand that they matter.
And while you're in an advice-taking mood You need to announce who's starting at QB.
That way, Chris and Darnell can stop fighting and finally move past it.
Who do you think should start? I mean, you know them better than anybody, and I wouldn't be a good coach if I didn't consider that.
Who do you trust more to lead the Chargers to this next championship? Yo.
Hit me.
OK.
You're gonna make me do this the hard way.
OK.
Um, I'm sorry the way all this went down, OK? I know I can, uh, I can come on strong, but that's just the way I coach.
I know you all are Crenshaw tough, so you can take it, but you got to know, all I want is what's best for each and every one of you all.
But you don't know us.
I know that after playing you last season how difficult you can be when you break into the backfield.
I know that somehow you have maintained a 3.
9 GPA while working two jobs and taking care of your little sister.
I know that Marlin, well, it's better to be on his good side 'cause he's a pitbull on game day, and I know ain't nobody tougher than Corte, how he broke his wrist playing a game freshman year, wrapped it up, played through it.
I also know that he's loyal, that he'll do anything for his friends, even if it means walking away from a game he loves so much that he played it broken.
Look, I know that I would be doing South Crenshaw a huge disservice if I didn't try to get you all back.
So I'm hoping that you change your minds and that you'll play and maybe you can get to know me as somebody other than Coach Beverly.
OK.
Oh.
One more thing.
You're right.
You shouldn't have to pay to get yelled at.
If you all stay, I promise you I will at you for free.
I'm gonna donate my whole salary to the football program.
Nah, man, I don't need your charity.
Oh, it ain't charity.
Trust me.
You all will have to work real hard for it.
If music can break us mm then why can't it save us? Save us You're right.
It does kind of sound like something Patience would write.
No.
It sounds exactly like something Patience would write.
"If music can break us, why can't it save us"? That whole song is about her relationship with Coop.
And you think your pops took it from her? I mean, I know for a fact Patience wasn't happy with the stuff they had her singing.
If she writes this for herself and my dad gives it to someone else, that's got to be why she left the tour early And why Coop thinks I'm stealing from her.
Just business as usual for the Keating family.
Come on.
Ain't no chance Coop thinks that.
You weren't there.
She is scary when she's mad.
Trust me, I know.
But she's also loyal as hell to her people, and you're one of them.
I can talk to her if you want.
No.
I'll handle her.
How how do you handle her? I come at her as hard as she comes at me.
She respects that.
Was there ever any doubt? Honestly, yeah.
But not from me.
Looks like you won.
Yeah.
Congrats, man.
Ah, you kicked my ass, boy.
That was so much fun.
All right.
Good work today.
Good work today.
All right.
Everybody, listen up.
Uh, I want to thank everybody that stayed.
I know there's not a lot of us, but that doesn't make us any less of a team.
I'm gonna be posting the depth chart a little bit later on.
But right now, I want to address the QB1 situation.
Darnell and Chris, you both put up a hell of a fight.
Thank you.
Uh, this was a tough decision.
But, Chris, you'll be taking snaps today.
Darnell, thank you.
All right.
You're starting game one.
Get right.
Good job.
Thanks, coach.
Thanks, bro.
- Hold up, D.
- Hey, nah, nah, nah, man.
Yo, I'm pretty sure this got something to do with you.
Thanks, Spence.
I won't lie to you.
I told coach he should start Darnell.
You serious? I asked you to put a good word in for me.
You went and what, threw me under the bus? - It ain't like that, man.
- Nah, man.
If you didn't want to help me out, you should've just said nothing.
Frausto's been right about you.
- Chris.
- Nah, man.
You need to learn the realities of the music business.
Your paychecks were small because the bars we played at were small.
If you want me to book bigger venues, you need to put out an album.
So get to work making more music, and I will get to work making you a star.
But I don't appreciate you accusing me of stealing.
Our relationship doesn't work without trust, so if you don't trust me, you're free to go.
No hard feelings or NDA necessary.
What my father did was wrong, and you should not have to walk away from your dreams because of it.
Sign with me.
Wait.
Can I do that? 'Cause, I don't know, technically, I'm still on J.
P.
's label.
Don't worry about my father.
I'll take care of him.
There's the badass bitch I signed with.
That's crazy.
That's crazy.
I'll be right back.
Preach, what's up? You talked to Mo? What's the move? We ain't gonna do nothing.
She says she's here to make things right, and I believe her.
Man.
It's that same load of crap she tried to dump on me.
Only thing, I ain't buy it.
Well, buy it from me.
We go way back.
Mo wouldn't lie, not to me.
Why not you? Leave it alone, Coop.
You and Mo? Come on, Preach.
You gonna let some old side piece play you like that? I said, leave it alone, Coop.
All you need to know is that Mo ain't thinking about you, so you shouldn't be thinking about her.
It's done.
Let it end.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to enjoy my freedom for a while.
Coach, I, uh, I just wanted to say thanks.
No thanks necessary.
You proved you were the best man for the job.
But you still have a lot of room for improvement Your foot positioning, hip torque, follow-through.
Uh, no offense, coach, but did I do anything right? You were decisive, quick on your feet, and smart with your calls.
And most importantly, you stepped up when the pressure was on.
That is the best I've seen you play since you beat Malibu last season.
Thank you.
Stop thanking me.
I expect to see that intensity every day.
You play each game like it's your last because if you half-ass it out there, it will be.
OK, coach.
Thank you again.
I won't let you down.
So you not only faced down Coop, but you also signed Patience? Mm-hmm.
You would've been so proud of me.
I am proud of you.
Coop's scary as hell when she's angry.
Mm-hmm.
I'm just finishing my shift.
Y'all good? Yeah.
We're great.
Are you sure you can't stay a bit? Nah.
Wish I could.
Got to get back to Crenshaw.
OK.
- See you later.
- Yeah.
Bye, Liv.
OK.
Do you want to tell me what's going on? First you freak out in front of Vanessa, now you're acting weird around Spencer.
What's up? I lied to you about this summer.
The reason I missed the Vegas trip is because I flew to Mexico to surprise Asher, only I'm the one who got surprised.
Oh, my God.
Mm-hmm.
What what did you do? I left.
And Asher still has no idea I was there, and I want to keep it that way.
Oh.
Spence.
As you're here, I could use your help, man.
Ahh.
OK.
Just a little bit more help than that.
Why did you make me choose between Chris and Darnell if you was just gonna ignore what I said? I didn't ignore what you said.
I gave it some consideration.
Look, the team knows Chris, all right? They depend on him.
I did not want to turn their world upside-down first day out.
And you said yourself, Chris is a solid QB1.
I also said we'd have a better chance of making state with Darnell.
It's a long season, Spencer.
I'm gonna be asking you to make a lot of difficult decisions, and sometimes, I'm not gonna agree with them.
But at the end of the day, I need to do what I think is best.
And right now, what I think is best For you to take over because, well, my back is really killing me right now.
- You want me to take over? - Yes, please.
- That goes - Yeah, I got it.
I got it.
Hey, I'm sorry nobody else showed.
They'll come around eventually.
I certainly hope so.
If anybody else leaves, this season is gonna be over before it even begins.
Then it's like we would've come to Crenshaw for for nothing.
Come on, man.
Not for nothing.
Crenshaw's our home.
Well - And the season's far from over.
- Yeah, well
And even if my mom was awake, we'd never hear her coming.
That woman is like a ninja.
Oh, well, that's comforting.
No, I got to get home soon anyway.
It is the first day of school tomorrow.
I can't believe we're spending senior year apart.
Yeah.
I'm gonna miss seeing you every day, too.
What if you met me for lunch one time this week? Maybe even bring some of them tots from the cafeteria? Oh.
Who you gonna miss more, me or the tots? I mean, you even got to ask? The tots, isn't it? I mean, yeah, but you a close second.
You might even be first if you stay a little longer.
Spencer, you got to redecorate your room.
What's wrong with my room? It's like your locker exploded.
And what's wrong with my locker? Well, I mean, hey, if you're OK with, you know, LeBron watching us make out, then Oh, he about to see a whole lot more than that.
Hmm.
Well, he is the king.
Yes, he is.
What's up, man? Senior year.
You ready for this, Coop? Oh, man.
Why you so damn happy? The sun just came up a hour ago.
I'm not even awake yet.
Oh, I see.
Used to that cushy tour life.
Man, wasn't nothing cushy about it, bougie Beverly.
Oh, I'm bougie now? Yeah.
So you lucky you got me.
People see us together, you got instant clout.
No thanks necessary.
Good 'cause none was coming.
Oh, new kid's got an attitude, huh? All right.
Well, we gonna see how you do on your own, then.
- Hey, Spence.
- What's up, man? I think I'll be all right.
Yo, for real, man, it's good to have you home.
Good to be home.
Good morning, everyone.
This is Kia Williams welcoming you back to another year at South Crenshaw High.
I'd like to give a personal shout out to Spencer James.
Welcome home, Spence.
You were missed.
And a warm welcome back to the chargers' new head coach, South Crenshaw's own NFL great Billy Baker.
State championship, here we come.
Ain't no stopping that Hayes and James connection, baby.
No, sir.
Man.
I don't know why everybody acting like Spencer's some kind of hero.
I mean, he the reason that we lost last season.
Or did y'all just forget about that? Man, shut up, Frausto.
It ain't nobody's fault.
We lost 'cause Beverly was the better team until this season.
Damn right.
So why you defending him, huh? This man almost put you in a wheelchair for life.
Now, see, the only reason you back here is to fix what you broke.
So I hope for your sake that you fix it.
Welcome, fellow Eagles.
I hope you're all ready to soar.
Get it? 'Cause we're Eagles.
Why is JJ doing morning announcements? No one else wanted to.
So you ready to soar? I'm not soaring anywhere, babe.
They clipped my wings last year.
Well, maybe you should do morning announcements.
- Yeah! - Come on.
It's all in the past.
And you're clean now.
And the team needs you.
Yeah, especially now that Spencer's gone.
Hey.
I'm this way.
I'll see you after class.
OK.
Liv, hey, um, this is Vanessa Montes.
She's the new football coach's daughter.
Olivia was the old football coach's daughter.
Still am.
He isn't dead.
Hi.
Wait.
What are you doing here? I literally just told you.
She's starting school here.
Unless you're not some "21 jump street" narc, are you? Not that I know of.
Um, I've got to get to class.
Sorry.
Olivia's normally pretty normal.
Must be the whole coach's daughter thing.
Um, speaking of which, has your dad met the team? They can be tough, but I'm sure your dad's tough, too.
He is, but not as tough as my mom.
I'm coach Montes.
Yes, I'm female.
Yes, I understand football.
I played in women's leagues, and this is not my first coaching gig.
So you can all save your breath, because there's nothing that you can say that I haven't heard before.
And save your energy, too.
You're gonna need it Our new coach is hot.
Please stop talking.
Offense using a lot of blitz packages on defense.
You will need to think fast, move fast Don't get me wrong.
Your dad's a good-looking man.
JJ, please.
Tryouts start first thing tomorrow.
Get going.
See you out there.
Coach Montes? I'm Ash Asher Adams 52 receptions, 673 yards, and 5 touchdowns last season, though I have no idea how much of that was fueled by steroids.
N none of it, Coach.
I never used them during the regular season, not that that makes any difference.
Look, I'm I'm clean now.
And I was hoping since it's a new school year that I'd be allowed to play again.
Look, I've already spoken to A.
D.
Hart.
We both agree the suspension should remain for the time being.
Look, Asher, what you did was serious.
You haven't faced any real consequences.
Coach, it's my senior year.
Can I at least practice with the team so I can be ready? That's against school policy.
Suspension from the team means suspension from all team activities.
Yo.
Yo, Coop.
Yo, this is my girl, man.
Look, any of y'all ever get jammed up, better call Coop, man.
She'll get you right.
Preach, stop it.
Let me holla at you real quick.
All right.
- What's up? - What up, yo? Look, whatever magic you and that white lady pulled, I owe you.
Me and Ms.
Baker did not get you out.
Tyrone's sister did.
Why would Mo get me out? I'm waiting on you to tell me.
Now, don't get wrong.
I'm happy as hell that you free, but that bitch up to something.
Yeah, no doubt.
So what we gonna do? Look, don't worry about it.
I'mma take care of it, all right? I'mma take care of Mo.
Come on.
All right, y'all.
Gather round.
Gather round.
Some of you all already know me.
For those of you who do not, my name is Coach Baker.
And I'm very excited to be right back here where it all started.
Of course, back when I was playing, we all had leather helmets, but, uh No? 'Cause they had leather OK.
Where's the rest of the team? Why? We ain't enough, Coach Beverly? Everybody be quiet, please.
I told you, it's Coach Baker.
And if you need to be reminded, it's my name that's on the field out there.
So why won't anybody answer my question? Where's the rest of the team? A few guys transferred to other schools.
Some lost their eligibility when principal Carter raised the GPA requirements.
It's not like it really matters anyways.
We only need one player to make it to state.
Ain't that right, Spence? That's getting real tired, man.
All right.
Cool it.
Cool it.
Cool it.
Are you gonna keep running your mouth, or do you need your legs to join in? Whatever you say, Coach Beverly.
OK.
I'm gonna have to save my little welcome speech for later.
Right now y'all get your asses out on the field.
Let's see if you're still smiling after some suicide snaps.
Coach D.
, give Mr.
Lippy lips some extra love.
Keep smiling.
Look, you might want to ease up.
This ain't Beverly Hills.
The guys ain't gonna respond to some new guy just rolling in and barking orders.
You got to earn their respect, Coach.
Uh-huh.
They got to earn my respect.
I grew up in Crenshaw, I went to this here school, or did you forget that, too? Coach, I know these guys Spencer, you're the player.
I'm the coach.
You just worry about what you got to worry about, which is getting that arm right.
I'll take care of the team.
Yes, sir.
All right.
Let's go! Let's get that energy up! You need to get rid of that ball faster.
All right.
Keep those feet moving.
I need you to focus! All right.
Stay low.
Stay low.
All right, guys.
Hustle! Nice catch, JJ.
Catch your breath, gentlemen.
We're gonna be making some changes.
Butler, you're moving to special teams.
Olsen, I want to see you at wide receiver.
Parker, your arm strength, accuracy, and pocket movement are solid.
I'm assuming you played quarterback.
Uh, up until high school.
I might want to see you there again.
Uh, you're talking about backup, right? I mean, no offense, JJ, but I've been QB1 since sophomore year, when we won last season, so Well, you were also throwing to one of the best players in the nation.
56% of your passes went to Spencer James, who's no longer here.
29% went to Asher Adams, who currently is not on the team.
So this season is not last season.
I want the best player in each position.
And if that's you, great.
But you're gonna have to earn it.
All right.
That's it.
Practice was a disaster.
The team's pushing back hard on Coach Baker.
I mean, I get it.
He did beat their asses last year.
Plus, you know how we are.
He from here, but he ain't from here, not anymore.
Yeah.
Well, we got to be united if we're gonna make a play for state.
You haven't even played your first game.
A little early to be worried about state, isn't it? Uh, you's the one shouting "state championship, here we come" over the loudspeaker.
I had a lot of time to fill.
Ha ha! Besides, principal Carter wouldn't let me talk about what I really wanted to talk about, starting a black girls equity alliance here at the school.
Yeah.
Carter ain't ready for all that critical consciousness.
Hmm.
We'll see.
But anyway, you guys will be fine.
Just talk to your teammates.
They ain't gonna listen.
Kia, I bailed on them last season.
I got to earn back they trust.
I was the QB that led us to the championship.
But they gonna listen to Chris.
You're past tense, bro.
I'm the future.
Man.
Whatever, man.
You can miss me with all that.
You ain't even played in a real game with us yet.
Hold up.
Hold up.
Are y'all serious right now? Nah, you two can't play together anymore.
Darnell, come with me.
- Step.
Come on.
- Darnell.
What are you doing? What are you doing? The team's already beefing with Coach.
You think it helps they captain fighting with a teammate? Maybe you should check your boy.
Don't worry about Darnell.
We got to get the team to fall in line with Coach Baker.
Now, is you gonna talk to him or not? Bet.
But I'm gonna need you to talk to Coach for me.
Tell him I'm ready to take my spot back.
He ain't trying to hear my advice on nothing, man.
So just keep balling out and let him see for yourself how dope you are.
All right? All right.
Bae, what's up? - Hey.
- Guess what this is.
Uh, an envelope? No.
Well, yeah.
But guess what's inside.
I don't know.
It's my paycheck from the summer tour.
Oh, shoot.
It finally came.
Yeah.
And I wanted you with me when I opened it.
OK.
Wait.
Hold up.
Let me get this on video.
OK.
The moment Tamia Cooper officially became a paid artist.
Yo, yo.
What up? It's your girl Coop.
I've been busting my ass on tour all summer.
And right now, your girl's about to get paid.
Get paid! Um, should I stop recording? QB1? Seriously? Coach Montes scares me.
I think I might be in love with her.
Besides, it sounds like fun.
Fun? Dude, it's a ton of work.
Do you really want to, like, stay up all night studying plays? You mean like I do already? Come on.
What's the big deal? You'll probably beat me.
Definitely will, all right? I just don't want to embarrass you.
Or maybe you don't want to be embarrassed.
Maybe you guys can talk about who's playing what when I'm not around.
I'm not even allowed to practice.
You're right.
I'm sorry.
I'll catch you guys.
Asher? Vanessa? Wh what are you doing here? I've been getting that a lot lately.
My mom's the new football coach.
Coach Montes is your mom? Yeah.
I had no idea this is where you went to school.
This is where you should say something like, "wow.
It's really great to see you, Vanessa.
" Or we can just stand here in awkward silence.
I should get to class.
See you later and, hopefully, even talk.
How are things with Layla? They're good.
Yeah.
She's coming by for lunch this week.
You should invite her over for dinner, too.
You wouldn't even have to sneak her in.
Mm-hmm.
Sounds good.
Sorry for the wait.
Your X-Ray, CTS, and MRIS all show that your shoulder healed well with minimal scar tissue.
And your flexibility and strength are great.
I'm afraid I agree with your doctors and physical therapists.
There isn't anything physically wrong with you.
Well, he isn't making it up.
Are you under any stress? What's that got to do with my shoulder? Maybe nothing.
But your mental well-being can be just as important as your physical.
The mind and body work together.
Everything's fine.
I mean, it's senior year, so there's a lot of work, but it's nothing I can't handle.
Your team members are late.
They're coming, Coach.
- Oh, they're coming? - Yes, sir.
Look, if we are to be champions, then we have to present ourselves like champions.
Now, this field is our home.
So we need to take pride in it.
That's why we're gonna clean it up.
Do we look like garbage men to you? We signed up to play football.
Excuse me? I said, we signed up to play football.
Uh-uh.
You signed up to do what I say.
So did your golden boy, Spencer, but I don't see him out here.
You don't have to worry about Spencer.
The only thing you got to worry about is me.
Look here, y'all.
If anyone has a problem with how I do things, please feel free to leave.
Fine.
I'm out of here.
I ain't got to pay to get yelled at.
- OK.
- Yo, chill.
Frausto.
- You good? - I'm good, Coach.
- Are you good? - Yes, sir.
I'm good.
Y'all back there, are you good? Yes, sir.
How's your shoulder? It's all good.
Doc says I just got to reduce stress in my life.
Where they going? Team just got a little smaller.
Listen, frausto said something about having to pay to play.
What's that about? Yeah.
We got to pay to play this year.
We got to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, road games, all of it.
Since when? Since principal Carter cut our funding.
We on our own this year, Coach.
How do you not know this? All right.
Grab a rake.
Yes, sir.
Yo.
When were you gonna tell me - you took my program's money? - Excuse me.
I know when you played here, every penny went to football, but times have changed.
Look, bruh, if you got a problem with me, take it up with me.
Don't don't punish the team.
I'm not punishing anyone.
I'm giving more students a chance to follow their interests outside of sports.
Other programs need funding, too.
How are they supposed to pay? High schools all over the nation have similar policies.
They find a way to survive, and your boys will, too.
You just need to get creative.
Vanessa, hey.
I was just looking for my mom.
I'm sorry about earlier.
I just I thought I'd never see you again.
I got that when your jaw hit the floor.
I guess we didn't get into where we went to high school.
We were on a beach in Mexico.
I was there to get away from all my high-school drama.
You needed a reset button.
Meeting you helped.
Well, the guy I met was cool, confident, and funny.
The guy I saw in the hallway today, not so much.
Wait.
I'm still that guy just not as tan.
I think I met your girlfriend Olivia, right? You guys talked? Not exactly.
Did you tell her about me or the summer? Because she acted even weirder than you, not that I know how she acts normally, but Liv and I haven't talked much about summer.
You don't have to worry.
She's not gonna hear anything from me.
I'll let you get back to your workout.
Vanessa It's really great to see you.
Much better.
How are things with you and your bestie Vanessa? Good.
We're perfecting our tiktok routine this weekend.
I barely know her.
Principal London just asked me to show her around.
You want to tell me what that's about? Maybe I should I should go.
No, stay.
I won't be here long.
I'm not sure what you want me to say.
Uh, I want you to say that this is a mistake and there should be more zeroes.
I sold out every place I played.
How is it I made more money selling my song online? Coop, the tour was about getting your name out there, not about making a ton of money.
I bet you did all right.
I really think I should go.
No.
Stay.
Finish your fries.
After expenses, travel, hotel, merch, food, I actually lost money.
I find that hard to believe.
I mean, she wouldn't lie to you.
- Stay out of it.
- You won't let me leave.
You think I'm stealing from you? I don't know.
Maybe screwing artists over runs in your family.
What is that supposed to mean? Ask your pops about what he did to Patience.
Um, the kids and I can do Thursday night.
Thursday night.
No.
Got a coaches' meeting.
What about Sunday? Yeah.
Sunday family dinner works.
Oh, good.
How are things at South Crenshaw? Uh, they're fine.
That bad, huh? - Hey.
- Hey, hon.
- What's up? - Hey.
How was school? Fine.
Mm.
That bad, huh? What's up with all these panicked texts I got about your new coach trying to take away your spot? Montes has me and JJ going up against each other for the QB1 spot.
JJ, who got his hands stuck in the vending machine JJ? Come on.
You know JJ's a beast in the field.
And he was a really good quarterback in junior high.
Junior high! And you're a really great quarterback who led his team to a championship.
Look, if JJ was better, then I would've started him.
Oh, right.
The fact that I'm your son had nothing to do with me starting.
Do you think if Butler was my son, he'd be starting QB? You need to have a little bit more faith in yourself, son.
You are Beverly's quarterback.
Everybody knows it.
All you got to do now is convince Montes.
Well, what the hell you doing here, Mo? Why'd you get me out of jail? Well, it's good to see you, too, Cardell.
And I thought you brought me here to thank me, maybe even buy me a drink.
You wouldn't have done it if you didn't want something.
But I'd rather rot in jail than to help with whatever's going on in your crazy head.
I'm just trying to make things right.
"If you wrong us, shall we not revenge" don't sound like a woman looking to make nothing right.
My little brother was just murdered, and I was upset.
I didn't know how dangerous Ty had become, how many people's lives he ruined, people who matter to me, like you.
Since when? I can't fix everything my brother destroyed, but at least I wanted to help you, especially given our history together.
You always been a straight shooter.
So I'm gonna take you for your word.
But as far as history together, that's exactly what it is history.
Good-bye, Mo.
You want me to tell you how it ends so we can have some time to talk? Please don't.
I still ain't over you telling me Dumbledore died.
I didn't want you to be blindsided by dark magic.
I can tell something is weighing on you, and I'm worried about the toll it's having on your health.
Ma.
And don't tell me that you're good.
I just got a lot riding on this season, and not just for me.
For the school and the community.
Everybody in Crenshaw's depending on me.
I mean, what if I let 'em down? You came back.
That's what matters.
No one is expecting you to do everything by yourself.
I'm here for you, and so is Billy.
Yeah.
We ain't exactly seeing eye to eye either.
You both are going through the same thing: Coming back to Crenshaw, worried about meeting everyone's expectations.
That weight would be much lighter if you carried it together.
So what else is bothering you? That's crazy.
I mean, if you can read minds, you might as well save me the trouble of talking.
I like your voice.
Mm.
So what is it? Chris and Darnell beefing over the QB1 spot.
Chris wants me to put in a word for him with Coach Baker, but I hate being in the middle of it, ma.
Darnell's a great QB.
He earned that spot.
But Me and Chris came up together.
That's my day one on the field.
And he led the chargers to state last season.
He shouldn't lose his spot just 'cause he got injured.
Yo, in what world should Chris Jackson start over me? I ain't say all that, man.
Really? 'cause from where I'm standing, it sound like you was making a pretty strong argument for your day one.
Look, I ain't choosing one way or the other.
You know, maybe you should.
Everybody knows Coach listens to you, Spence.
So who's it gonna be, me or Chris? Damn.
That's all the answer I needed.
How am I supposed to prove myself to Coach Montes if she won't let me play? Well, she didn't say you were done for the season.
Just, you know, show her that you won't give up.
You know, it was a lot easier talking to your dad.
Montes seems like a hard ass.
Try badass.
I mean, can you imagine how hard it is for a woman to be taken seriously as a football coach? You don't get where she is by being a pushover.
But if you want, I can have my dad put in a word for you.
No, Liv.
You can't always fix my problems.
I'll figure it out.
Her daughter Vanessa seems nice.
Have you met her? No, not really.
How do you "not really" meet someone? You either did or you didn't? No, I I did.
But it was just for, like, a second.
We didn't really get a chance to talk.
No.
Coop shouldn't have said anything.
She didn't say much.
Yeah.
Well, I don't I don't want to talk about it.
And legally, I can't.
I had to sign an NDA to get off the tour.
OK.
Then write it down or Morse code it with your eyes or something.
Look, business, whatever aside, Patience, you're my friend, and if my dad something to hurt you, I need to know.
Please.
You ain't gonna let this go, are you? Not likely.
Fine.
Um You know his new singer Lil Jewel? Yeah.
Oh, well, you should check out her new song.
You might find it super interesting.
I hope you studied your playbooks.
We'll be running our new hurry-up offense, making adjustments at the line.
If that sounds like a lot of pressure, it should.
That's what you'll be dealing with all season.
Two counts on me.
Oh, hey, Jordan, uh, watch out for number 47.
- That's you, JJ.
- Exactly! Good luck, bro.
Good luck.
Full contact in this drill.
QBs are fair game.
Wide 60.
Wide.
Set.
Way to get rid of the ball, Jordan.
Next time, adjust your protection so you don't take a hit.
Here we go.
Huddle up, boys.
Ready? Set.
Go.
Good job getting positive yards, JJ.
Try to take in the whole field.
Your tight end was open on the backside.
All right.
Do it again.
Yes! Way to go! Good job, guys.
Mr.
James, I'm, uh, I'm happy you're here.
Um, just wanted to apologize for how I've been acting the last couple of days.
You know, it's a new gig.
Uh, and I was determined to prove myself, you know.
Do it on my own.
Nah.
I overstepped.
I was trying too hard to make everybody get along.
I should've just been listening to my coach.
Well, I should've listened to you try to warn me.
Eat, man.
I'm ready to listen now.
Um, I guess two leaders working together is better than one.
So, uh, what do you think I need to do to save this team? What you've always done, lead with your heart.
That's what won me over at Beverly.
That's why I wanted you to come back to Crenshaw.
Make each one of these cats understand that they matter.
And while you're in an advice-taking mood You need to announce who's starting at QB.
That way, Chris and Darnell can stop fighting and finally move past it.
Who do you think should start? I mean, you know them better than anybody, and I wouldn't be a good coach if I didn't consider that.
Who do you trust more to lead the Chargers to this next championship? Yo.
Hit me.
OK.
You're gonna make me do this the hard way.
OK.
Um, I'm sorry the way all this went down, OK? I know I can, uh, I can come on strong, but that's just the way I coach.
I know you all are Crenshaw tough, so you can take it, but you got to know, all I want is what's best for each and every one of you all.
But you don't know us.
I know that after playing you last season how difficult you can be when you break into the backfield.
I know that somehow you have maintained a 3.
9 GPA while working two jobs and taking care of your little sister.
I know that Marlin, well, it's better to be on his good side 'cause he's a pitbull on game day, and I know ain't nobody tougher than Corte, how he broke his wrist playing a game freshman year, wrapped it up, played through it.
I also know that he's loyal, that he'll do anything for his friends, even if it means walking away from a game he loves so much that he played it broken.
Look, I know that I would be doing South Crenshaw a huge disservice if I didn't try to get you all back.
So I'm hoping that you change your minds and that you'll play and maybe you can get to know me as somebody other than Coach Beverly.
OK.
Oh.
One more thing.
You're right.
You shouldn't have to pay to get yelled at.
If you all stay, I promise you I will at you for free.
I'm gonna donate my whole salary to the football program.
Nah, man, I don't need your charity.
Oh, it ain't charity.
Trust me.
You all will have to work real hard for it.
If music can break us mm then why can't it save us? Save us You're right.
It does kind of sound like something Patience would write.
No.
It sounds exactly like something Patience would write.
"If music can break us, why can't it save us"? That whole song is about her relationship with Coop.
And you think your pops took it from her? I mean, I know for a fact Patience wasn't happy with the stuff they had her singing.
If she writes this for herself and my dad gives it to someone else, that's got to be why she left the tour early And why Coop thinks I'm stealing from her.
Just business as usual for the Keating family.
Come on.
Ain't no chance Coop thinks that.
You weren't there.
She is scary when she's mad.
Trust me, I know.
But she's also loyal as hell to her people, and you're one of them.
I can talk to her if you want.
No.
I'll handle her.
How how do you handle her? I come at her as hard as she comes at me.
She respects that.
Was there ever any doubt? Honestly, yeah.
But not from me.
Looks like you won.
Yeah.
Congrats, man.
Ah, you kicked my ass, boy.
That was so much fun.
All right.
Good work today.
Good work today.
All right.
Everybody, listen up.
Uh, I want to thank everybody that stayed.
I know there's not a lot of us, but that doesn't make us any less of a team.
I'm gonna be posting the depth chart a little bit later on.
But right now, I want to address the QB1 situation.
Darnell and Chris, you both put up a hell of a fight.
Thank you.
Uh, this was a tough decision.
But, Chris, you'll be taking snaps today.
Darnell, thank you.
All right.
You're starting game one.
Get right.
Good job.
Thanks, coach.
Thanks, bro.
- Hold up, D.
- Hey, nah, nah, nah, man.
Yo, I'm pretty sure this got something to do with you.
Thanks, Spence.
I won't lie to you.
I told coach he should start Darnell.
You serious? I asked you to put a good word in for me.
You went and what, threw me under the bus? - It ain't like that, man.
- Nah, man.
If you didn't want to help me out, you should've just said nothing.
Frausto's been right about you.
- Chris.
- Nah, man.
You need to learn the realities of the music business.
Your paychecks were small because the bars we played at were small.
If you want me to book bigger venues, you need to put out an album.
So get to work making more music, and I will get to work making you a star.
But I don't appreciate you accusing me of stealing.
Our relationship doesn't work without trust, so if you don't trust me, you're free to go.
No hard feelings or NDA necessary.
What my father did was wrong, and you should not have to walk away from your dreams because of it.
Sign with me.
Wait.
Can I do that? 'Cause, I don't know, technically, I'm still on J.
P.
's label.
Don't worry about my father.
I'll take care of him.
There's the badass bitch I signed with.
That's crazy.
That's crazy.
I'll be right back.
Preach, what's up? You talked to Mo? What's the move? We ain't gonna do nothing.
She says she's here to make things right, and I believe her.
Man.
It's that same load of crap she tried to dump on me.
Only thing, I ain't buy it.
Well, buy it from me.
We go way back.
Mo wouldn't lie, not to me.
Why not you? Leave it alone, Coop.
You and Mo? Come on, Preach.
You gonna let some old side piece play you like that? I said, leave it alone, Coop.
All you need to know is that Mo ain't thinking about you, so you shouldn't be thinking about her.
It's done.
Let it end.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to enjoy my freedom for a while.
Coach, I, uh, I just wanted to say thanks.
No thanks necessary.
You proved you were the best man for the job.
But you still have a lot of room for improvement Your foot positioning, hip torque, follow-through.
Uh, no offense, coach, but did I do anything right? You were decisive, quick on your feet, and smart with your calls.
And most importantly, you stepped up when the pressure was on.
That is the best I've seen you play since you beat Malibu last season.
Thank you.
Stop thanking me.
I expect to see that intensity every day.
You play each game like it's your last because if you half-ass it out there, it will be.
OK, coach.
Thank you again.
I won't let you down.
So you not only faced down Coop, but you also signed Patience? Mm-hmm.
You would've been so proud of me.
I am proud of you.
Coop's scary as hell when she's angry.
Mm-hmm.
I'm just finishing my shift.
Y'all good? Yeah.
We're great.
Are you sure you can't stay a bit? Nah.
Wish I could.
Got to get back to Crenshaw.
OK.
- See you later.
- Yeah.
Bye, Liv.
OK.
Do you want to tell me what's going on? First you freak out in front of Vanessa, now you're acting weird around Spencer.
What's up? I lied to you about this summer.
The reason I missed the Vegas trip is because I flew to Mexico to surprise Asher, only I'm the one who got surprised.
Oh, my God.
Mm-hmm.
What what did you do? I left.
And Asher still has no idea I was there, and I want to keep it that way.
Oh.
Spence.
As you're here, I could use your help, man.
Ahh.
OK.
Just a little bit more help than that.
Why did you make me choose between Chris and Darnell if you was just gonna ignore what I said? I didn't ignore what you said.
I gave it some consideration.
Look, the team knows Chris, all right? They depend on him.
I did not want to turn their world upside-down first day out.
And you said yourself, Chris is a solid QB1.
I also said we'd have a better chance of making state with Darnell.
It's a long season, Spencer.
I'm gonna be asking you to make a lot of difficult decisions, and sometimes, I'm not gonna agree with them.
But at the end of the day, I need to do what I think is best.
And right now, what I think is best For you to take over because, well, my back is really killing me right now.
- You want me to take over? - Yes, please.
- That goes - Yeah, I got it.
I got it.
Hey, I'm sorry nobody else showed.
They'll come around eventually.
I certainly hope so.
If anybody else leaves, this season is gonna be over before it even begins.
Then it's like we would've come to Crenshaw for for nothing.
Come on, man.
Not for nothing.
Crenshaw's our home.
Well - And the season's far from over.
- Yeah, well