All American (2018) s08e12 Episode Script
Finish Line
1
KJ: When did I first fall
in love with football?
It was back when I was
around 4 or 5 years old.
AVA: Ready. Set. Hike!
Yes, KJ! Go, KJ!
2 Mississippi
KJ, VOICE-OVER: I remember the day.
He's got it!
- Go, KJ!
- KJ!
AVA: Run, KJ!
KJ, VOICE-OVER:
My heart was racing so fast
while my little legs were
carrying me down the field
as fast as they could.
There was so much joy that day.
And then, uh, I grew up,
and the pressure set in.
All right, KJ. Come on.
- AVA: Come on.
- KJ: Set. Go!
SINGER: Where do I
start, y'all know I'm him ♪
No hate in my heart,
it's grit to the brim ♪
Got me a parcel ♪
Oh, come on. You gotta reach for it.
That's all right, son.
Ready. Set. Go.
SINGER: They ain't give me
no spot, had to carve it out ♪
And this fire inside me too big ♪
Ain't no way you
can stomp it out ♪
AVA: All right. All right.
That's a little long.
Come on. You gotta catch that.
You don't know what it's like ♪
Say you can beat me ♪
- All joking aside ♪
- Set. Go.
We all know the truth
gonna show in the light ♪
The secret is all in the mental ♪
Ready. Set. Go.
This ain't accidental ♪
Look at us, on top ♪
I don't care if it
hurt, I won't stop ♪
How's he doing?
He'd be doing a lot better
if his teammates could catch.
- Work, work, work ♪
- Yeah!
KJ: Ready. Set. Go.
- Work ♪
- I'm goin' in ♪
Work, work, work ♪
Yeah, I don't think that's on them.
Work, work ♪
I'm goin' in ♪
They all talk ♪
I'mma put in the work ♪
Work, work, work ♪
Hey, uh, Coach Kenny,
you, uh, you leaving already?
You know, we still got that big rematch.
Some of my assistant
coaches are still out there,
but I came here to see Khalil Edwards,
and he's a no-show, so
Oh, no. He's coming, sir.
He just he had an
emergency this morning,
but he will be here. I know it.
And trust, you don't wanna miss
out on seeing that guy play.
I mean, he's got this
natural-born gift thing.
Also, Kwanjae and Ellis,
did you catch them
in the agility drills?
Look, I think they
have a lot to offer GAU.
If I didn't know any better,
I'd think you were their coach
rather than their competition.
I'm just looking out, sir.
You know, today is important
for a lot of people.
I can see that,
but is it important for you?
I haven't seen you compete much today.
Uh, ye yes, sir. Of course it is.
All right. Time to prove it, kid.
I assumed that KJ would
be in a more secure space
now that he knows we're here
and that we're getting back together.
But you saw him out there.
What do you think the issue is?
I mean, the touch was a
little off on his throws
but it's probably because
he didn't properly warm up.
I think it's more than that.
I think that playing
superhero all day is
starting to take its toll.
And that's on me.
Hey
we are here, we are fixing
everything one step at a time.
Yeah.
How'd your call with Jordan go?
Yeah, it was cool.
Babe?
Look, I didn't cry, if
that's what you're asking.
I mean, maybe a little
Denzel "Glory" tear.
Hey, I know it's not easy asking
another man to take in your son.
But it was the best decision for KJ.
So when are you gonna tell KJ
that you're not gonna be here next year?
Definitely not now, not
after what we just watched.
No, he needs to stay
locked in on the scrimmage.
I mean, thankfully,
we got Khalil here now,
so we got all the
pieces to make it great,
but as for next year,
yeah, we'll have that
conversation tonight.
Hey, Dad, uh, I set up a meet and greet
with some of the coaches.
Stop. [CHUCKLES]
Look, I'll get to 'em. I've
already spoken to a few.
Yeah, but some of the
coaches, they just wanted
KJ, I got this.
Now, will you please go and
get warmed up for the scrimmage?
Uh, OK, yeah, cool.
Sweetie.
You feeling all right?
Me? Yeah, I I'm good.
Really?
'Cause I saw you struggling
earlier during drills.
I promise it's all good.
I just need some time to
warm up, like Dad said.
Ma, you don't need to worry, OK?
I'mma turn up for the showcase.
CASSIUS: See, I told
you. It's gonna be fine.
Gotta stop worrying. It's all good.
AVA: I will always worry.
KJ: Can we just make
sure that the coaches have
plenty of ice waters in their tent?
And, uh, let's have a few bottles
that are room temp just in case.
Thank you.
Yo, aren't you supposed to be out here
warming up for the scrimmage?
Hey, come on, man. I just got that one.
Dude, I've been here 20 minutes
and you ain't stopped moving once.
You got your moms and pops
here to help now, plus me.
It's time for you to stand
down and get locked in.
Look, I'm just trying to make sure that
everything goes well today.
And it won't for you if you don't get
your head in the right place
in time for this scrimmage.
Look, I know we cool and
all now, but that don't mean
I'mma take it easy on you
out there on that field.
Wait. Did you just
admit that we're friends?
No, I said we're cool.
No, you said "cool and all,"
which encompasses friends.
Bro, you be cool with the mailman,
that don't make you homies.
[CHUCKLES] Whatever you say.
[SCOFFS] Bro, what's really going on?
Why I feel like you
looking for any excuse
not to go out there and handle business?
[CHUCKLES]
Well, fool, that's that's crazy.
Is it? You forget I know you now.
I know how that brain of yours works
and how much pressure you
been putting on yourself
to go out there and show up and show out
in front of all these coaches.
I already heard you
sucked in the one QB drill
you did participate in.
OK, so you going for brutal honesty.
So now what? All of a sudden,
you scared to QB a game in
front of all these coaches
in case your best ain't good enough?
You want real brutal honesty?
Get your head out of your ass
and remember what's at stake
the dream, your dream, the NFL.
And the next step to
that dream is out there
with all them D1 coaches.
KJ, this is your moment to shine.
And what if I don't shine?
What if you do?
Bro, we started this thing together.
Now let's cross the
finish line together.
You're right.
It's game time, all or nothing.
Let's work.
[EXHALES]
Come on. I had to get him the wings.
That's his favourite.
I don't why you needed
me to come with you
to get my dad's food.
You could've done this by yourself.
Right. And then I would've missed
the beautiful opportunity
to hear you complain.
I mean, you know it's music to my ears.
- Ha ha.
- Mm-hmm.
Look, you know how you needed
a moment to yourself
once you got released?
Your dad just needs the same thing.
What do you mean? He's
had plenty of space.
The only time I was up under him was
to get him updated on what he missed
while he was gone, what
happened when I was detained,
caught him up on some "Love Island" tea
because even though
he pretends to hate it,
he really loves it,
and then I also went
Ah.
[CHUCKLES]
I guess you are right. [CHUCKLES]
Plus, he just he did not
want you sitting in the house,
stuck all day, especially
after the week you had.
He wanted you to get out,
live your life, be a kid.
Oh, is that what you're doing?
Because it seems like
all this running around
you've been doing is
to keep yourself busy
so you can avoid Breonna.
Look, ain't nobody avoiding nothing.
I'm just taking care of what
needs to be taken care of.
I know things between
you and Miss Breonna are
still kinda stressed, and I just hope
it's not on account of me.
No. Why would you think that?
I mean, OK, a lot has happened
for all of us this week.
And I know I didn't always
come across as her biggest fan,
but the fact that she
helped get my dad released
after the way I treated
her at your dinner
earlier this week says a
lot about her as a woman.
And she really loves you.
I'm I'm not so sure
about that that last part.
I mean, what, I'm
I'm not the same Coop
she fell in love with in law school.
I'm finally getting back to myself.
And I got a new journey
I need to start on.
I'm just not sure if it's
fair to drag her on it.
Well, there's a difference
between taking somebody
on a ride when you don't
know where you're going
versus having somebody
with you on a journey
when you have a clear destination.
Wow. Dinsberg has no idea
what they're missing out on.
But before I start this new journey,
there's some things from
Here you go.
my past I need to face.
I think we both do.
KJ: All right. Let's go. Let's go.
Let's get it. Let's
get it. Let's get it.
[PLAYERS SPEAKING EXCITEDLY]
Let's go.
Hey, do you have a second?
Uh, hey, yeah. Yeah, sure.
Look, I'm really sorry for blowing
you off like that earlier today.
I mean, hell, we can just add that
to the many things that I'm sorry for
when it comes to you.
Look, I was just thinking
Before you start telling me
how big of a jerk you acted,
I wanna say, we're actually all good.
No apology necessary.
I was so angry at you,
and then I realised that
it wasn't my heart that was broken.
My feelings were just hurt.
There is nothing "just" about that.
I'm really, really sorry, Tori.
When you first came to Beverly,
I was an emotional wreck
from my cheer injury,
and you really helped
me get through that.
You were my best friend,
and that's why I felt betrayed.
Yeah, and you were my first friend.
I don't think I would've survived
that move from the Bay
if it wasn't for you.
But I screwed up as your boyfriend
and even more so as your friend.
I really wish I could just undo it all.
We can just chalk it up to
high school growing pains.
[BOTH LAUGH]
Yeah, there's, uh,
there's been a lot of that going around.
You made some mistakes,
but you're not a horrible person.
You were a great friend,
and, hopefully, we'll
be able to get back
to that point again,
but in the meantime,
I do wish you all the best
and I want you to go
after whatever it is
that you want, even
if that includes Amina.
Don't act so shocked.
I was never your person,
and I realise that you weren't mine,
and that's totally cool.
But we both know who yours is.
Good luck out there, Oakland.
VOICE OF ICE AGENT: We're
gonna need you to come with us.
VOICE OF MS. PEREZ: Come with you where?
Get get get your hands off of me.
I already told you, I'm allowed
to be here legally under DACA.
VOICE OF AMINA: Let her go!
[SOUND OF STUDENTS SCREAMING]
MAN: Amina?
[ICE AGENTS SHOUTING]
Amina?
Sorry. Sorry.
Hey, Coach.
I wasn't expecting anyone
to be here on a Saturday.
I was just passing through.
Uh, forgot my laptop.
Um, why are you here?
I'm not really sure.
I guess testing out a theory.
I'm hoping that what went
down with ICE the other day
doesn't overwrite all the
good I've experienced here.
I don't know. I don't know.
Well, who says what went down
the other day wasn't a good thing?
Um
No, no, no.
What what I meant was
that what you did opened a lot of eyes.
It opened mine,
and you did a good thing, a brave thing.
Anybody would've done what I did.
And that's what we'd
all like to think
that given the chance that
we'd be just as courageous
as you were in the moment.
But you know who doesn't
have to wonder about that?
You.
[CHUCKLES]
You are a remarkably brave young lady,
who performed a remarkably brave act
for Ms. Perez and those students.
Just make sure that factors
into your processing. Yeah?
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Hmm.
All right. Well, shouldn't
you be at that, uh, showcase
with your knucklehead friend
Khalil and Coach Baker?
You didn't hear?
Coach Baker's sister went
into early labor this morning,
so he's not at the showcase.
He's at the hospital with her right now.
Wait. How how she's doing?
Well, she's fighting
for her and her twins,
but doctors said it would've
been a different story
if Khalil hadn't found her
and helped stabilise her
until the paramedics arrived.
Khalil Edwards?
Yeah. That's why he missed most
of the showcase this morning.
He was literally saving lives.
Not too bad for a knucklehead, right?
ANNOUNCER: Welcome to the Beverly
vs. Crenshaw Championship Showcase.
It's game time for this
highly anticipated scrimmage
between two L.A. powerhouses,
- the moment we've all been waiting for.
- Thanks.
Jordan's not here to coach your team,
so I'm gonna have one of my
assistants step in for you guys.
The hell you will.
Their coach is right here.
I thought you couldn't be
associated with the showcase
because it's unsanctioned.
BOBBY: Something I learned
along the way is that
sometimes you gotta deal
with the legalities later.
But right now, my boys need me.
You know it's OK to say you
learned that from Coach J.B.?
Don't get benched before we even start.
[LAUGHTER]
- Home team calls it.
- Heads.
REFEREE: Heads it is.
Beverly will start on offence.
- KJ: Thanks.
- KHALIL: That's cool.
We don't need the head start.
Oh! Oh, so you talking smack already.
You know it.
KJ: All right. Let's see
if you can back it up.
CASSIUS: Fellas, it has been a long
journey leading up to this point.
Safe to say it's been a
week from hell for everybody.
BOBBY: Now, you have been tested in ways
that most grown men would crumble under.
But you stood in the face of that
adversity and you didn't blink.
You watched as a damn invasion unfolded
in front of you and didn't bat an eye.
It takes real-life
situations, hero moments,
like raising your voices as a generation
to stand up for each other.
BOBBY: Or stepping in to
help save a pregnant mother
reminds us that life is a gift,
and that begins with
the moment we have now.
CASSIUS: Now, I'm not gonna tell you
to go out there and play this scrimmage
like it's a championship
game or to take no prisoners.
BOBBY: And I'm gonna tell you.
remember the game you love.
The game that you were born to play.
And remember the gift that God gave you.
Now, get out there, have some fun,
and enjoy the moment.
- CASSIUS: Let's get it!
- BOBBY: Bring it in!
Hey, Chargers on me, Chargers on 3.
KJ: Eagles on me, Eagles on 3.
- 1, 2, 3.
- Eagles!
Chargers!
KJ: Let's go! Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go!
[PLAYERS SPEAKING EXCITEDLY]
- SINGER: I'm goin' lights out ♪
- [BLOWS WHISTLE]
ANNOUNCER: Beverly
starts the day on offence
with junior Kingston
Jeremy at quarterback.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
KJ: Hey, we got 2 wide, 2 wide.
Ready?
SINGER: I live the life
these dream about ♪
They won't admit it ♪
Set. Go.
All that capping in your rapping ♪
Boy, you never did it,
I could never get this up ♪
That's cause I'm too committed ♪
ANNOUNCER: 20 yards.
That's one heck of a
start for this offence.
- Whoo!
- That's how you do it!
ANNOUNCER: It's
definitely mother-approved.
Hey, Khalil, nervous where?
I got ice in these veins. Ha ha!
All right, bro.
Ready? Break.
Shine bright like a diamond
with the lights out ♪
Ready.
Set. Go.
The world is mine and you
know I want it right now ♪
Ooh.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
[CHEERING]
SINGER: I'm goin' lights out ♪
KJ: Hey, that was luck, Khalil.
Yeah, luck is when
skill meet opportunity.
Plenty more where
that came from, my boy.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
[CAPTAINS SHOUTING COMMANDS]
Ready. Go.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
- Whoo!
- Yeah!
ANNOUNCER: With that quarterback keeper,
Beverly evens things up.
Let's do this. What's up?
Come on, now.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
Set. Go.
SINGER: Lights out, lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
Lights out, lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
ANNOUNCER: Touchdown, Chargers,
on a beautiful pass from Khalil Edwards.
That's the end of the second quarter.
This rematch from the playoffs
is everything you thought it would be,
with Crenshaw taking a
7-point lead into halftime.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
These boys out here balling today.
That's why I wanted to
get you guys out here.
There is some great
talent on both squads.
And Jordan told me this
Khalil Edwards kid was good,
but I didn't know he could
spin a football like that.
That is kudos to Jordan.
I mean, he saw a kid in need,
wanted to help turn his life around,
and as a bonus, got one
hell of a QB out of it.
Where was he this morning?
Um, saving Olivia James' life.
- Wait. Liv?
- Mm-hmm.
Is everything OK?
It is now thanks to Khalil.
I mean, not only can he spin a football,
but he is great under pressure, too.
COACH KENNY: That's good to know.
All right, man.
All right, Coach. Thanks.
Hey, Auntie Coop, uh,
you weren't back home when
I went to check on my dad,
so just making sure you're OK.
You said something earlier
about facing the past,
so I did.
And I was reminded that
even our toughest days
are still blessings
because we learn our own
strength through those moments.
Look, you have faced a
lot in your past, Auntie,
and I know it wasn't ever
easy, but it all made you
the badass that you are today.
So just keep that in mind
while you're processing
or whatever you're doing.
Love you.
Hey.
How's your dad?
Great. Great, actually.
He was just released today,
so he's at home taking a nap.
That's really great news.
I'm really happy for you guys.
Thank you. That means a lot.
Have you been here the whole game?
No. I came to support the guys.
So listen, I still owe you a
big apology for my part in
No. Let's not make it about the boy.
A couple years from now,
this will all be whatever.
You're home, your dad is home.
Let's keep it about that.
Thanks, Tori.
Plus, you know, it could've been worse.
You could've acted like
a treacherous bitch,
tried to have me committed,
or cheated with two of my boyfriends
before eventually
marrying one of them, so
- I guess.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
I'm glad we did this.
Yeah, so am I.
Well, I'm gonna catch the second half.
I'll see you later.
Wait. Where are you
sitting for the game?
On the South Crenshaw side. You?
Bro, save some for the rest of the game.
Trust me, man, I got
plenty left in the tank
to smoke you in the second half.
Pssh. All right.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION NEARBY]
Wait, you realise they're
they're sitting next to
each other and smiling?
Yeah, I don't know what's going on, bro.
Just just be cool and wave.
Hey, what what's
Amina even doing here?
She's going through enough right now.
Are you serious right now?
Bro, she's always gonna show up for you.
ANNOUNCER: The clock
ticks in the third quarter,
with Beverly up 21-14 and driving.
Kingston Jeremy has been a man
on fire in this second half.
EAGLES: Break!
KHALIL: Hey, defence,
yo, he's gonna keep it
every time he bootlegs right.
He don't like to throw that way.
Hey, just 'cause you know what's coming
don't mean you can stop it.
Yeah, you lucky I ain't out there.
My fault, Coach. I'll be quiet.
Nah. Nah, keep talking
'cause I'm 'bout to put you
out there on defence
to stop your friend.
He's not my friend, more
like a workout acquaintance.
But, Coach, I'm your QB.
You are a two-way player.
Now, you get out there
and you show those coaches that you are
the best pure athlete on this field.
- Yes, sir.
- Right.
ANNOUNCER: Looks like we have a
substitution by South Crenshaw.
Khalil Edwards is going back
to where his season began
and flipping over on defence.
Oh, this gonna be fun.
CHARGERS: Break!
[PLAYERS SAYING COMMANDS]
ANNOUNCER: Kingston has dropped back.
Looks like he's going for the hail Mary.
Aah! Aah
ANNOUNCER: We have an interception.
Khalil Edwards wasted
no time reminding us
of his two-way player skills.
[GROANING]
ANNOUNCER: He's slowing up.
It appears there's an
injury on the field.
No, no, no, no, no, no!
- Kingston Jeremy is down.
- [WHISTLE BLOWS]
Yo, something ain't right.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
[KJ GROANING]
KJ, you good? You good?
KJ: Aah. I don't know. I don't know.
CASSIUS: What happened?
My shoulder. I think I tore it. Aah!
[KJ SCREAMS]
AVA: It's OK, honey.
We'll get through this.
CASSIUS: Any idea what the injury is?
Based on my examination,
I'd say it's a pectoral tear.
TRAINER: But I can't say for
sure until he gets an MRI.
We need to get him to
the hospital right away.
- Yeah.
- What's the recovery time?
CASSIUS: It's gonna be hard to say.
Depends on the extent of the tear.
Hospital. Now, Coach.
- Yeah.
- Thank you for your help.
CASSIUS: Thank you.
OK, KJ, let's get you to the hospital.
Um, I just I need
a minute alone, please.
Hey, listen to your
mother. We gotta get going.
I need a minute alone.
I get it, but you heard
what the trainer said.
Yeah, I heard what he said!
Can I just get a damn minute, please?!
Yeah, OK. Be ready when you are.
This is all my fault. I did this.
No. It was a fluke injury.
Those things happen.
I knew that he was
pushing himself too hard
the last 6 months, and I let it slide.
If I hadn't been so focused on winning
and saving my job, KJ
wouldn't be hurt right now.
Let's just take a beat.
Ava, I let my ego
drive this whole thing.
- Now our son's future's in jeopardy.
- Enough.
Yes, part of the reason that
you conceived this showcase
was to fight for your job,
but you also provided an opportunity
for our son and those boys
to play at the next level.
Your ego didn't drive
this. Your love did.
- Yeah, but I was
- I am not finished.
Your son is sitting in that room,
and he is hurt, he's scared,
and he's angry.
And I know one thing for sure is that
he is going to need his father,
so don't you dare make
this moment about you
and your guilt.
How's KJ?
Physically, not great.
Doctor thinks it might be a torn pec.
Emotionally?
Even worse.
He snapped on both his parents
and wants to be left alone.
Amina, he says he
wants to be left alone.
That's the last thing he needs.
Hey.
I busted my ass to get
ready for this today
to make sure it was a success,
and then it all just fell apart
right when my dreams were in reach.
I mean, none of this is fair.
I put in so much work.
I I just did the right thing.
And it was all for nothing.
Just like that, just like that,
my dreams are gone.
[INHALES AND EXHALES DEEPLY]
Are you done acting like
a whiny little bitch?
Wait. Excuse me?
What happened to you today
was messed up, Kingston.
But since when do you just give up?
[SCOFFS] I don't know
if I'm ever gonna be able
to throw again, Amina.
I mean, what the hell
am I supposed to do now?
Good. Good. Anger is good.
Now, damn it, I want you to fight.
I get that everything in your life
has come easy for you up
until this point, but
Wait. Easy?
My life was uprooted from Oakland,
my parents separated.
- What are you
- Yet you came here and thrived,
brought your team within
an inch of a championship.
And the last time I checked,
aren't your parents reuniting?
Try again.
Do you know how much
work I put into this,
how much blood, sweat,
and tears I put into this?
Football is my life.
No. Football is your
dream. It is not your life.
And the dream isn't over yet, KJ,
not until some doctor tells you it is.
And I do know how hard you worked.
You pushed yourself
for the past 6 months,
and it turns out it was too
much wear and tear on your body.
You've had to learn a
tough lesson, and I'm sorry.
But do not and I mean
do not give up. Not now.
This is just a setback.
No. You you just don't get it.
Tell me, what is there to get?
You wanna sit here and you
wanna feel sorry for yourself.
Who wouldn't? But I
can't let you do that.
This week has taught us all
that there is nothing
that we can't get through,
and that includes an injury.
Every single one of your
dreams is still within reach.
COACH KENNY: She's not wrong.
Hey, Amina.
Hey.
I'll give you two some privacy.
I'm done here.
She's passionate, huh?
[EXHALES]
Mind if I have a seat?
[HEAVY DOOR BUZZES OPEN]
Hey, Ms. Ruth.
Tamia. [LAUGHS]
Mm. You haven't changed one bit.
It's so good to see you.
Yeah. I'm I'm sorry
it's been so long.
Ohh, Trust me, I got nothing but time.
[CHUCKLES] Relax, baby.
A sense of humour goes
a long way in this place.
Right.
What are you what are you working on?
It's a puzzle my grandbaby
Maya got me a few years ago.
I guess I can't call her baby no more.
She's 10, going on too grown.
I mean, Shawn always
said she had a old soul
inside of that body.
You know, losing him shattered my heart
into a million pieces,
but every now and then,
putting this together,
seeing his precious smile
makes me feel whole again.
That's beautiful.
Congratulations on law school.
I am so proud of how you
turned your life around.
Thank you. I only tried to do
what you asked me to do that day.
You asked me to live
out my wildest dreams.
You more than tried,
my sweet girl, you did!
How'd how'd you
hear about law school?
[CHUCKLES]
I'm in prison, not a cave.
[RUTH LAUGHING] Yeah. Right.
News from the neighbourhood
still makes its way through here.
Yeah. You know, I
I got into law school
so I could be a
resource for my people
to help folks like Shawn.
[INHALES AND EXHALES]
Instead, I I kinda lost my way.
You helped my boy plenty
when he was with us.
And he's resting now,
so you can let that go
and stop punishing yourself.
Have you stopped punishing yourself?
I'm a mother. It's a
little different for us.
My my niece, she
just reminded me that
some of the toughest parts of
our past are still implicit.
Those things make us who are,
and you are part of the reason
I am who I am today, Ms. Ruth.
You wouldn't let me throw
my life away for Tyrone.
And I'm not gonna let
you do that either.
Thank you, but my fate is sealed.
I've made my peace with God.
Good. But you don't
have to keep your peace
or live it out in here.
Like I'mma get you out
of here one day, Ms. Ruth.
I mean that. I don't
care how long it takes.
You've always had so much fire in you.
Hopefully, you have
someone special in your life
to enjoy the quiet moments with.
I did. But I also think
I kinda messed that up.
There ain't never
anything too messed up that
you can't piece it back together again.
Uh, Coach Kenny,
uh, I appreciate your company,
but this is starting to
feel just a little weird.
[CHUCKLES]
Are you not gonna say anything?
I was trying to respect your space,
but it is getting kind of weird.
[BOTH LAUGH]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
Look, bruh, this is
your first major injury,
but I promise you all is not lost.
Look, torn rotator cuff.
And this torn ACL,
and this, broken ring finger twice.
Damn!
Really?
That's that's on me.
I shouldn't shouldn't
have said that. Sorry.
And don't have me get
into all the sprains
and fractures I had, man.
All that to say,
there's almost no injury
that you could have that
you won't come back from
if your heart is in the right place.
It worked for me.
Honestly, I don't know
where my head or my heart is right now.
Mm.
Have you ever seen the
movie "Brown Sugar"?
"Brown" what?
Rom-com, best friends,
Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs.
Nah, that's not really
ringing any bells.
Oh, come on. "We're
we're finna celebrate."
"Celebrate what?"
"My divorce" ♪
- Nah.
- Nothing.
- Nah.
- This guy.
- Man. I'm getting old.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Anyway, Sanaa Lathan plays
this hip-hop journalist,
who begins every interview
with one simple question:
When did you fall in love with hip-hop?
OK.
So I ask you
When did you first fall
in love with football?
Had to be around 5 or 6 years old.
AVA: Ready. Set. Hike.
Yes, KJ! Go, KJ!
2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi.
- CASSIUS: He's got it!
- AVA: Go, KJ!
KJ, VOICE-OVER: Yeah,
I remember the day.
[KJ CHUCKLES]
I was at Bushrod Park in
North Oakland with my folks.
My heart was racing so fast
while my little legs were
charging me down the field
as fast as they could. [CHUCKLES]
That day was filled with so much joy.
[CASSIUS AND AVA SPEAKING EXCITEDLY]
And then, uh, I grew up,
and the pressure set in.
[INHALES AND EXHALES]
But, uh, yeah, that is when
I fell in love with football.
And ever since that day,
football has always equaled joy,
home, family.
Sounds like it's safe to say that
your love for football
has never gone anywhere,
even with the pressure.
No, sir. Not at all.
Good. That's how I knew
you'll make your way back.
Your injury, everything
you've been through,
none of that has changed
your love for football,
and I'm telling you,
man, with love that deep,
you'll do everything
you can to fight for it
and make your way back.
Yes, sir.
Anyway, I guess this
is as good a time as any
to let you know that when
you do make your way back,
you'll have a full
scholarship waiting for you
with me at GAU.
Wait. [CHUCKLING]
Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait a minute.
Wait. What?
Listen, man, I've watched enough tape
to know that you're a talented QB.
I mean, I knew that before I got here.
But what I saw when I did get here was
you making sure that every other player
got their shine.
That's the type of
intangibles I look for
in a QB at GAU teamwork,
leadership, sacrifice.
Y yeah, I mean, I was just doing
what needed to be done.
But not everyone would.
So you wanna be a GAU Condor?
[CHUCKLING] I mean,
yeah, yes, sir. Of course.
And and I won't let you down.
Oh, I know.
[CHUCKLING]
Oh, by the way, "Brown Sugar" ends
when Taye Diggs' character
finally realises that
the woman he's been in
love with the whole time
was his best friend,
but he was too scared
and hardheaded to admit it
and shoot his shot.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You OK?
Yeah, it's the first time
I've been able to sit and chill
without feeling like there's
somewhere I needed to be.
It feels weird.
That's called peace.
And you, of all people, deserve it.
I'll take that. How are you?
I'm great.
Found a little peace of my own.
Yeah, I saw.
You and Meen gonna
be doing TikToks next.
I don't know about all that,
but crazier things have happened.
Mr. Edwards.
All right. What'd I do?
Ah, you don't see
sportsmanship like that
every day, especially on
the heels of saving lives
before most folks sit
down for breakfast.
Uh, thank you.
And I'm not the only
one who's impressed.
The Stanford coach wants to talk to you.
We'll talk about that slant
you missed in the second quarter later.
Y yes, sir.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh, my God. Don't keep Stanford waiting.
Yeah. Um, I I'll catch you later.
Yeah.
[KJ LAUGHS]
Dad, Dad, we we did it.
No, son. You did it.
You knew.
I wanted to let you have that
moment with Coach Kenny for yourself.
Man, I I couldn't have
done any of this without you.
I have never been more proud of you.
And you have got the
whole world ahead of you.
And, um, I can't wait
to watch you conquer it.
You're
you're not gonna be my coach
this senior year, are you?
[EXHALES]
Um, no. But you're gonna be
in good hands with Jordan.
And you and I have
had one hell of a run.
And I'm I'm forever
grateful for that.
Look, it has been a blessing
to be your coach all these years,
even bigger one to be your father.
I will never stop being
either one in here.
I'm your coach for life.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
I love you, Dad.
Come here, man.
Ohh!
Sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
[CHUCKLING]
[SIGHS]
Look, don't you have to
go, um, see about a girl?
Wh what do you mean?
I heard her in here.
Sounded just like your mom.
Do not let her get away.
OK.
Hey, um, can we talk?
Shouldn't you be at the hospital?
Nope. This is more important right now.
I don't wanna be scared
or hardheaded anymore.
OK. Good for you.
Have haven't you seen "Brown Sugar"?
Sanaa Lathan is a goddess, so yes,
but what does that have
to do with anything?
Well, uh, actually,
I I haven't seen it,
so I'm not totally
sure. Hey. Wait. Ooh. Ow.
[INHALES SHARPLY] Um, wait, please?
Don't go.
What do you want from me, Kingston?
You.
I want you.
I've been scared to
admit it for a long time,
but it's always been you.
I mean, since our
first kiss at the beach
to our last kiss at Dinsberg.
OK. You're hurt and clearly
not thinking straight.
No. No. I've never been more clear.
SINGER: Through all the lows ♪
You told me to reach for my dreams.
This is my promise,
to be by your side ♪
Amina, you're one of those dreams.
And I want you to stand by my side
while we chase all the other ones,
yours and mine.
I saw forever ♪
Seriously? Th this is
what you want to talk about
while your eyes are
glazed over with pain?
I actually don't want to talk anymore.
I just want you.
It's always been you ♪
Not pretend like before,
but I want you for real
Through all the highs ♪
and forever.
SINGER: This is my
promise, to be by your side ♪
It's always been you ♪
It's always been you ♪
Through all the lows,
through all the highs ♪
This is my promise ♪
To be by your side ♪
It's always been you ♪
It's always been you ♪
I want all the laughter ♪
I want all the tears ♪
Not just the days ♪
Yeah, I want the years ♪
It's always been you ♪
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING]
[ALARM]
OK, come on.
Oh.
Spencer, where the hell you been, man?
Greg, move your head.
KJ: When did I first fall
in love with football?
It was back when I was
around 4 or 5 years old.
AVA: Ready. Set. Hike!
Yes, KJ! Go, KJ!
2 Mississippi
KJ, VOICE-OVER: I remember the day.
He's got it!
- Go, KJ!
- KJ!
AVA: Run, KJ!
KJ, VOICE-OVER:
My heart was racing so fast
while my little legs were
carrying me down the field
as fast as they could.
There was so much joy that day.
And then, uh, I grew up,
and the pressure set in.
All right, KJ. Come on.
- AVA: Come on.
- KJ: Set. Go!
SINGER: Where do I
start, y'all know I'm him ♪
No hate in my heart,
it's grit to the brim ♪
Got me a parcel ♪
Oh, come on. You gotta reach for it.
That's all right, son.
Ready. Set. Go.
SINGER: They ain't give me
no spot, had to carve it out ♪
And this fire inside me too big ♪
Ain't no way you
can stomp it out ♪
AVA: All right. All right.
That's a little long.
Come on. You gotta catch that.
You don't know what it's like ♪
Say you can beat me ♪
- All joking aside ♪
- Set. Go.
We all know the truth
gonna show in the light ♪
The secret is all in the mental ♪
Ready. Set. Go.
This ain't accidental ♪
Look at us, on top ♪
I don't care if it
hurt, I won't stop ♪
How's he doing?
He'd be doing a lot better
if his teammates could catch.
- Work, work, work ♪
- Yeah!
KJ: Ready. Set. Go.
- Work ♪
- I'm goin' in ♪
Work, work, work ♪
Yeah, I don't think that's on them.
Work, work ♪
I'm goin' in ♪
They all talk ♪
I'mma put in the work ♪
Work, work, work ♪
Hey, uh, Coach Kenny,
you, uh, you leaving already?
You know, we still got that big rematch.
Some of my assistant
coaches are still out there,
but I came here to see Khalil Edwards,
and he's a no-show, so
Oh, no. He's coming, sir.
He just he had an
emergency this morning,
but he will be here. I know it.
And trust, you don't wanna miss
out on seeing that guy play.
I mean, he's got this
natural-born gift thing.
Also, Kwanjae and Ellis,
did you catch them
in the agility drills?
Look, I think they
have a lot to offer GAU.
If I didn't know any better,
I'd think you were their coach
rather than their competition.
I'm just looking out, sir.
You know, today is important
for a lot of people.
I can see that,
but is it important for you?
I haven't seen you compete much today.
Uh, ye yes, sir. Of course it is.
All right. Time to prove it, kid.
I assumed that KJ would
be in a more secure space
now that he knows we're here
and that we're getting back together.
But you saw him out there.
What do you think the issue is?
I mean, the touch was a
little off on his throws
but it's probably because
he didn't properly warm up.
I think it's more than that.
I think that playing
superhero all day is
starting to take its toll.
And that's on me.
Hey
we are here, we are fixing
everything one step at a time.
Yeah.
How'd your call with Jordan go?
Yeah, it was cool.
Babe?
Look, I didn't cry, if
that's what you're asking.
I mean, maybe a little
Denzel "Glory" tear.
Hey, I know it's not easy asking
another man to take in your son.
But it was the best decision for KJ.
So when are you gonna tell KJ
that you're not gonna be here next year?
Definitely not now, not
after what we just watched.
No, he needs to stay
locked in on the scrimmage.
I mean, thankfully,
we got Khalil here now,
so we got all the
pieces to make it great,
but as for next year,
yeah, we'll have that
conversation tonight.
Hey, Dad, uh, I set up a meet and greet
with some of the coaches.
Stop. [CHUCKLES]
Look, I'll get to 'em. I've
already spoken to a few.
Yeah, but some of the
coaches, they just wanted
KJ, I got this.
Now, will you please go and
get warmed up for the scrimmage?
Uh, OK, yeah, cool.
Sweetie.
You feeling all right?
Me? Yeah, I I'm good.
Really?
'Cause I saw you struggling
earlier during drills.
I promise it's all good.
I just need some time to
warm up, like Dad said.
Ma, you don't need to worry, OK?
I'mma turn up for the showcase.
CASSIUS: See, I told
you. It's gonna be fine.
Gotta stop worrying. It's all good.
AVA: I will always worry.
KJ: Can we just make
sure that the coaches have
plenty of ice waters in their tent?
And, uh, let's have a few bottles
that are room temp just in case.
Thank you.
Yo, aren't you supposed to be out here
warming up for the scrimmage?
Hey, come on, man. I just got that one.
Dude, I've been here 20 minutes
and you ain't stopped moving once.
You got your moms and pops
here to help now, plus me.
It's time for you to stand
down and get locked in.
Look, I'm just trying to make sure that
everything goes well today.
And it won't for you if you don't get
your head in the right place
in time for this scrimmage.
Look, I know we cool and
all now, but that don't mean
I'mma take it easy on you
out there on that field.
Wait. Did you just
admit that we're friends?
No, I said we're cool.
No, you said "cool and all,"
which encompasses friends.
Bro, you be cool with the mailman,
that don't make you homies.
[CHUCKLES] Whatever you say.
[SCOFFS] Bro, what's really going on?
Why I feel like you
looking for any excuse
not to go out there and handle business?
[CHUCKLES]
Well, fool, that's that's crazy.
Is it? You forget I know you now.
I know how that brain of yours works
and how much pressure you
been putting on yourself
to go out there and show up and show out
in front of all these coaches.
I already heard you
sucked in the one QB drill
you did participate in.
OK, so you going for brutal honesty.
So now what? All of a sudden,
you scared to QB a game in
front of all these coaches
in case your best ain't good enough?
You want real brutal honesty?
Get your head out of your ass
and remember what's at stake
the dream, your dream, the NFL.
And the next step to
that dream is out there
with all them D1 coaches.
KJ, this is your moment to shine.
And what if I don't shine?
What if you do?
Bro, we started this thing together.
Now let's cross the
finish line together.
You're right.
It's game time, all or nothing.
Let's work.
[EXHALES]
Come on. I had to get him the wings.
That's his favourite.
I don't why you needed
me to come with you
to get my dad's food.
You could've done this by yourself.
Right. And then I would've missed
the beautiful opportunity
to hear you complain.
I mean, you know it's music to my ears.
- Ha ha.
- Mm-hmm.
Look, you know how you needed
a moment to yourself
once you got released?
Your dad just needs the same thing.
What do you mean? He's
had plenty of space.
The only time I was up under him was
to get him updated on what he missed
while he was gone, what
happened when I was detained,
caught him up on some "Love Island" tea
because even though
he pretends to hate it,
he really loves it,
and then I also went
Ah.
[CHUCKLES]
I guess you are right. [CHUCKLES]
Plus, he just he did not
want you sitting in the house,
stuck all day, especially
after the week you had.
He wanted you to get out,
live your life, be a kid.
Oh, is that what you're doing?
Because it seems like
all this running around
you've been doing is
to keep yourself busy
so you can avoid Breonna.
Look, ain't nobody avoiding nothing.
I'm just taking care of what
needs to be taken care of.
I know things between
you and Miss Breonna are
still kinda stressed, and I just hope
it's not on account of me.
No. Why would you think that?
I mean, OK, a lot has happened
for all of us this week.
And I know I didn't always
come across as her biggest fan,
but the fact that she
helped get my dad released
after the way I treated
her at your dinner
earlier this week says a
lot about her as a woman.
And she really loves you.
I'm I'm not so sure
about that that last part.
I mean, what, I'm
I'm not the same Coop
she fell in love with in law school.
I'm finally getting back to myself.
And I got a new journey
I need to start on.
I'm just not sure if it's
fair to drag her on it.
Well, there's a difference
between taking somebody
on a ride when you don't
know where you're going
versus having somebody
with you on a journey
when you have a clear destination.
Wow. Dinsberg has no idea
what they're missing out on.
But before I start this new journey,
there's some things from
Here you go.
my past I need to face.
I think we both do.
KJ: All right. Let's go. Let's go.
Let's get it. Let's
get it. Let's get it.
[PLAYERS SPEAKING EXCITEDLY]
Let's go.
Hey, do you have a second?
Uh, hey, yeah. Yeah, sure.
Look, I'm really sorry for blowing
you off like that earlier today.
I mean, hell, we can just add that
to the many things that I'm sorry for
when it comes to you.
Look, I was just thinking
Before you start telling me
how big of a jerk you acted,
I wanna say, we're actually all good.
No apology necessary.
I was so angry at you,
and then I realised that
it wasn't my heart that was broken.
My feelings were just hurt.
There is nothing "just" about that.
I'm really, really sorry, Tori.
When you first came to Beverly,
I was an emotional wreck
from my cheer injury,
and you really helped
me get through that.
You were my best friend,
and that's why I felt betrayed.
Yeah, and you were my first friend.
I don't think I would've survived
that move from the Bay
if it wasn't for you.
But I screwed up as your boyfriend
and even more so as your friend.
I really wish I could just undo it all.
We can just chalk it up to
high school growing pains.
[BOTH LAUGH]
Yeah, there's, uh,
there's been a lot of that going around.
You made some mistakes,
but you're not a horrible person.
You were a great friend,
and, hopefully, we'll
be able to get back
to that point again,
but in the meantime,
I do wish you all the best
and I want you to go
after whatever it is
that you want, even
if that includes Amina.
Don't act so shocked.
I was never your person,
and I realise that you weren't mine,
and that's totally cool.
But we both know who yours is.
Good luck out there, Oakland.
VOICE OF ICE AGENT: We're
gonna need you to come with us.
VOICE OF MS. PEREZ: Come with you where?
Get get get your hands off of me.
I already told you, I'm allowed
to be here legally under DACA.
VOICE OF AMINA: Let her go!
[SOUND OF STUDENTS SCREAMING]
MAN: Amina?
[ICE AGENTS SHOUTING]
Amina?
Sorry. Sorry.
Hey, Coach.
I wasn't expecting anyone
to be here on a Saturday.
I was just passing through.
Uh, forgot my laptop.
Um, why are you here?
I'm not really sure.
I guess testing out a theory.
I'm hoping that what went
down with ICE the other day
doesn't overwrite all the
good I've experienced here.
I don't know. I don't know.
Well, who says what went down
the other day wasn't a good thing?
Um
No, no, no.
What what I meant was
that what you did opened a lot of eyes.
It opened mine,
and you did a good thing, a brave thing.
Anybody would've done what I did.
And that's what we'd
all like to think
that given the chance that
we'd be just as courageous
as you were in the moment.
But you know who doesn't
have to wonder about that?
You.
[CHUCKLES]
You are a remarkably brave young lady,
who performed a remarkably brave act
for Ms. Perez and those students.
Just make sure that factors
into your processing. Yeah?
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Hmm.
All right. Well, shouldn't
you be at that, uh, showcase
with your knucklehead friend
Khalil and Coach Baker?
You didn't hear?
Coach Baker's sister went
into early labor this morning,
so he's not at the showcase.
He's at the hospital with her right now.
Wait. How how she's doing?
Well, she's fighting
for her and her twins,
but doctors said it would've
been a different story
if Khalil hadn't found her
and helped stabilise her
until the paramedics arrived.
Khalil Edwards?
Yeah. That's why he missed most
of the showcase this morning.
He was literally saving lives.
Not too bad for a knucklehead, right?
ANNOUNCER: Welcome to the Beverly
vs. Crenshaw Championship Showcase.
It's game time for this
highly anticipated scrimmage
between two L.A. powerhouses,
- the moment we've all been waiting for.
- Thanks.
Jordan's not here to coach your team,
so I'm gonna have one of my
assistants step in for you guys.
The hell you will.
Their coach is right here.
I thought you couldn't be
associated with the showcase
because it's unsanctioned.
BOBBY: Something I learned
along the way is that
sometimes you gotta deal
with the legalities later.
But right now, my boys need me.
You know it's OK to say you
learned that from Coach J.B.?
Don't get benched before we even start.
[LAUGHTER]
- Home team calls it.
- Heads.
REFEREE: Heads it is.
Beverly will start on offence.
- KJ: Thanks.
- KHALIL: That's cool.
We don't need the head start.
Oh! Oh, so you talking smack already.
You know it.
KJ: All right. Let's see
if you can back it up.
CASSIUS: Fellas, it has been a long
journey leading up to this point.
Safe to say it's been a
week from hell for everybody.
BOBBY: Now, you have been tested in ways
that most grown men would crumble under.
But you stood in the face of that
adversity and you didn't blink.
You watched as a damn invasion unfolded
in front of you and didn't bat an eye.
It takes real-life
situations, hero moments,
like raising your voices as a generation
to stand up for each other.
BOBBY: Or stepping in to
help save a pregnant mother
reminds us that life is a gift,
and that begins with
the moment we have now.
CASSIUS: Now, I'm not gonna tell you
to go out there and play this scrimmage
like it's a championship
game or to take no prisoners.
BOBBY: And I'm gonna tell you.
remember the game you love.
The game that you were born to play.
And remember the gift that God gave you.
Now, get out there, have some fun,
and enjoy the moment.
- CASSIUS: Let's get it!
- BOBBY: Bring it in!
Hey, Chargers on me, Chargers on 3.
KJ: Eagles on me, Eagles on 3.
- 1, 2, 3.
- Eagles!
Chargers!
KJ: Let's go! Let's go.
Let's go. Let's go!
[PLAYERS SPEAKING EXCITEDLY]
- SINGER: I'm goin' lights out ♪
- [BLOWS WHISTLE]
ANNOUNCER: Beverly
starts the day on offence
with junior Kingston
Jeremy at quarterback.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
KJ: Hey, we got 2 wide, 2 wide.
Ready?
SINGER: I live the life
these dream about ♪
They won't admit it ♪
Set. Go.
All that capping in your rapping ♪
Boy, you never did it,
I could never get this up ♪
That's cause I'm too committed ♪
ANNOUNCER: 20 yards.
That's one heck of a
start for this offence.
- Whoo!
- That's how you do it!
ANNOUNCER: It's
definitely mother-approved.
Hey, Khalil, nervous where?
I got ice in these veins. Ha ha!
All right, bro.
Ready? Break.
Shine bright like a diamond
with the lights out ♪
Ready.
Set. Go.
The world is mine and you
know I want it right now ♪
Ooh.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
[CHEERING]
SINGER: I'm goin' lights out ♪
KJ: Hey, that was luck, Khalil.
Yeah, luck is when
skill meet opportunity.
Plenty more where
that came from, my boy.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
[CAPTAINS SHOUTING COMMANDS]
Ready. Go.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
- Whoo!
- Yeah!
ANNOUNCER: With that quarterback keeper,
Beverly evens things up.
Let's do this. What's up?
Come on, now.
I'm goin' lights out ♪
Set. Go.
SINGER: Lights out, lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
Lights out, lights out ♪
I'm goin' lights out ♪
ANNOUNCER: Touchdown, Chargers,
on a beautiful pass from Khalil Edwards.
That's the end of the second quarter.
This rematch from the playoffs
is everything you thought it would be,
with Crenshaw taking a
7-point lead into halftime.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
These boys out here balling today.
That's why I wanted to
get you guys out here.
There is some great
talent on both squads.
And Jordan told me this
Khalil Edwards kid was good,
but I didn't know he could
spin a football like that.
That is kudos to Jordan.
I mean, he saw a kid in need,
wanted to help turn his life around,
and as a bonus, got one
hell of a QB out of it.
Where was he this morning?
Um, saving Olivia James' life.
- Wait. Liv?
- Mm-hmm.
Is everything OK?
It is now thanks to Khalil.
I mean, not only can he spin a football,
but he is great under pressure, too.
COACH KENNY: That's good to know.
All right, man.
All right, Coach. Thanks.
Hey, Auntie Coop, uh,
you weren't back home when
I went to check on my dad,
so just making sure you're OK.
You said something earlier
about facing the past,
so I did.
And I was reminded that
even our toughest days
are still blessings
because we learn our own
strength through those moments.
Look, you have faced a
lot in your past, Auntie,
and I know it wasn't ever
easy, but it all made you
the badass that you are today.
So just keep that in mind
while you're processing
or whatever you're doing.
Love you.
Hey.
How's your dad?
Great. Great, actually.
He was just released today,
so he's at home taking a nap.
That's really great news.
I'm really happy for you guys.
Thank you. That means a lot.
Have you been here the whole game?
No. I came to support the guys.
So listen, I still owe you a
big apology for my part in
No. Let's not make it about the boy.
A couple years from now,
this will all be whatever.
You're home, your dad is home.
Let's keep it about that.
Thanks, Tori.
Plus, you know, it could've been worse.
You could've acted like
a treacherous bitch,
tried to have me committed,
or cheated with two of my boyfriends
before eventually
marrying one of them, so
- I guess.
- [BOTH LAUGH]
I'm glad we did this.
Yeah, so am I.
Well, I'm gonna catch the second half.
I'll see you later.
Wait. Where are you
sitting for the game?
On the South Crenshaw side. You?
Bro, save some for the rest of the game.
Trust me, man, I got
plenty left in the tank
to smoke you in the second half.
Pssh. All right.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION NEARBY]
Wait, you realise they're
they're sitting next to
each other and smiling?
Yeah, I don't know what's going on, bro.
Just just be cool and wave.
Hey, what what's
Amina even doing here?
She's going through enough right now.
Are you serious right now?
Bro, she's always gonna show up for you.
ANNOUNCER: The clock
ticks in the third quarter,
with Beverly up 21-14 and driving.
Kingston Jeremy has been a man
on fire in this second half.
EAGLES: Break!
KHALIL: Hey, defence,
yo, he's gonna keep it
every time he bootlegs right.
He don't like to throw that way.
Hey, just 'cause you know what's coming
don't mean you can stop it.
Yeah, you lucky I ain't out there.
My fault, Coach. I'll be quiet.
Nah. Nah, keep talking
'cause I'm 'bout to put you
out there on defence
to stop your friend.
He's not my friend, more
like a workout acquaintance.
But, Coach, I'm your QB.
You are a two-way player.
Now, you get out there
and you show those coaches that you are
the best pure athlete on this field.
- Yes, sir.
- Right.
ANNOUNCER: Looks like we have a
substitution by South Crenshaw.
Khalil Edwards is going back
to where his season began
and flipping over on defence.
Oh, this gonna be fun.
CHARGERS: Break!
[PLAYERS SAYING COMMANDS]
ANNOUNCER: Kingston has dropped back.
Looks like he's going for the hail Mary.
Aah! Aah
ANNOUNCER: We have an interception.
Khalil Edwards wasted
no time reminding us
of his two-way player skills.
[GROANING]
ANNOUNCER: He's slowing up.
It appears there's an
injury on the field.
No, no, no, no, no, no!
- Kingston Jeremy is down.
- [WHISTLE BLOWS]
Yo, something ain't right.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
[KJ GROANING]
KJ, you good? You good?
KJ: Aah. I don't know. I don't know.
CASSIUS: What happened?
My shoulder. I think I tore it. Aah!
[KJ SCREAMS]
AVA: It's OK, honey.
We'll get through this.
CASSIUS: Any idea what the injury is?
Based on my examination,
I'd say it's a pectoral tear.
TRAINER: But I can't say for
sure until he gets an MRI.
We need to get him to
the hospital right away.
- Yeah.
- What's the recovery time?
CASSIUS: It's gonna be hard to say.
Depends on the extent of the tear.
Hospital. Now, Coach.
- Yeah.
- Thank you for your help.
CASSIUS: Thank you.
OK, KJ, let's get you to the hospital.
Um, I just I need
a minute alone, please.
Hey, listen to your
mother. We gotta get going.
I need a minute alone.
I get it, but you heard
what the trainer said.
Yeah, I heard what he said!
Can I just get a damn minute, please?!
Yeah, OK. Be ready when you are.
This is all my fault. I did this.
No. It was a fluke injury.
Those things happen.
I knew that he was
pushing himself too hard
the last 6 months, and I let it slide.
If I hadn't been so focused on winning
and saving my job, KJ
wouldn't be hurt right now.
Let's just take a beat.
Ava, I let my ego
drive this whole thing.
- Now our son's future's in jeopardy.
- Enough.
Yes, part of the reason that
you conceived this showcase
was to fight for your job,
but you also provided an opportunity
for our son and those boys
to play at the next level.
Your ego didn't drive
this. Your love did.
- Yeah, but I was
- I am not finished.
Your son is sitting in that room,
and he is hurt, he's scared,
and he's angry.
And I know one thing for sure is that
he is going to need his father,
so don't you dare make
this moment about you
and your guilt.
How's KJ?
Physically, not great.
Doctor thinks it might be a torn pec.
Emotionally?
Even worse.
He snapped on both his parents
and wants to be left alone.
Amina, he says he
wants to be left alone.
That's the last thing he needs.
Hey.
I busted my ass to get
ready for this today
to make sure it was a success,
and then it all just fell apart
right when my dreams were in reach.
I mean, none of this is fair.
I put in so much work.
I I just did the right thing.
And it was all for nothing.
Just like that, just like that,
my dreams are gone.
[INHALES AND EXHALES DEEPLY]
Are you done acting like
a whiny little bitch?
Wait. Excuse me?
What happened to you today
was messed up, Kingston.
But since when do you just give up?
[SCOFFS] I don't know
if I'm ever gonna be able
to throw again, Amina.
I mean, what the hell
am I supposed to do now?
Good. Good. Anger is good.
Now, damn it, I want you to fight.
I get that everything in your life
has come easy for you up
until this point, but
Wait. Easy?
My life was uprooted from Oakland,
my parents separated.
- What are you
- Yet you came here and thrived,
brought your team within
an inch of a championship.
And the last time I checked,
aren't your parents reuniting?
Try again.
Do you know how much
work I put into this,
how much blood, sweat,
and tears I put into this?
Football is my life.
No. Football is your
dream. It is not your life.
And the dream isn't over yet, KJ,
not until some doctor tells you it is.
And I do know how hard you worked.
You pushed yourself
for the past 6 months,
and it turns out it was too
much wear and tear on your body.
You've had to learn a
tough lesson, and I'm sorry.
But do not and I mean
do not give up. Not now.
This is just a setback.
No. You you just don't get it.
Tell me, what is there to get?
You wanna sit here and you
wanna feel sorry for yourself.
Who wouldn't? But I
can't let you do that.
This week has taught us all
that there is nothing
that we can't get through,
and that includes an injury.
Every single one of your
dreams is still within reach.
COACH KENNY: She's not wrong.
Hey, Amina.
Hey.
I'll give you two some privacy.
I'm done here.
She's passionate, huh?
[EXHALES]
Mind if I have a seat?
[HEAVY DOOR BUZZES OPEN]
Hey, Ms. Ruth.
Tamia. [LAUGHS]
Mm. You haven't changed one bit.
It's so good to see you.
Yeah. I'm I'm sorry
it's been so long.
Ohh, Trust me, I got nothing but time.
[CHUCKLES] Relax, baby.
A sense of humour goes
a long way in this place.
Right.
What are you what are you working on?
It's a puzzle my grandbaby
Maya got me a few years ago.
I guess I can't call her baby no more.
She's 10, going on too grown.
I mean, Shawn always
said she had a old soul
inside of that body.
You know, losing him shattered my heart
into a million pieces,
but every now and then,
putting this together,
seeing his precious smile
makes me feel whole again.
That's beautiful.
Congratulations on law school.
I am so proud of how you
turned your life around.
Thank you. I only tried to do
what you asked me to do that day.
You asked me to live
out my wildest dreams.
You more than tried,
my sweet girl, you did!
How'd how'd you
hear about law school?
[CHUCKLES]
I'm in prison, not a cave.
[RUTH LAUGHING] Yeah. Right.
News from the neighbourhood
still makes its way through here.
Yeah. You know, I
I got into law school
so I could be a
resource for my people
to help folks like Shawn.
[INHALES AND EXHALES]
Instead, I I kinda lost my way.
You helped my boy plenty
when he was with us.
And he's resting now,
so you can let that go
and stop punishing yourself.
Have you stopped punishing yourself?
I'm a mother. It's a
little different for us.
My my niece, she
just reminded me that
some of the toughest parts of
our past are still implicit.
Those things make us who are,
and you are part of the reason
I am who I am today, Ms. Ruth.
You wouldn't let me throw
my life away for Tyrone.
And I'm not gonna let
you do that either.
Thank you, but my fate is sealed.
I've made my peace with God.
Good. But you don't
have to keep your peace
or live it out in here.
Like I'mma get you out
of here one day, Ms. Ruth.
I mean that. I don't
care how long it takes.
You've always had so much fire in you.
Hopefully, you have
someone special in your life
to enjoy the quiet moments with.
I did. But I also think
I kinda messed that up.
There ain't never
anything too messed up that
you can't piece it back together again.
Uh, Coach Kenny,
uh, I appreciate your company,
but this is starting to
feel just a little weird.
[CHUCKLES]
Are you not gonna say anything?
I was trying to respect your space,
but it is getting kind of weird.
[BOTH LAUGH]
[GROANS SOFTLY]
Look, bruh, this is
your first major injury,
but I promise you all is not lost.
Look, torn rotator cuff.
And this torn ACL,
and this, broken ring finger twice.
Damn!
Really?
That's that's on me.
I shouldn't shouldn't
have said that. Sorry.
And don't have me get
into all the sprains
and fractures I had, man.
All that to say,
there's almost no injury
that you could have that
you won't come back from
if your heart is in the right place.
It worked for me.
Honestly, I don't know
where my head or my heart is right now.
Mm.
Have you ever seen the
movie "Brown Sugar"?
"Brown" what?
Rom-com, best friends,
Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs.
Nah, that's not really
ringing any bells.
Oh, come on. "We're
we're finna celebrate."
"Celebrate what?"
"My divorce" ♪
- Nah.
- Nothing.
- Nah.
- This guy.
- Man. I'm getting old.
- [BOTH CHUCKLE]
Anyway, Sanaa Lathan plays
this hip-hop journalist,
who begins every interview
with one simple question:
When did you fall in love with hip-hop?
OK.
So I ask you
When did you first fall
in love with football?
Had to be around 5 or 6 years old.
AVA: Ready. Set. Hike.
Yes, KJ! Go, KJ!
2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi.
- CASSIUS: He's got it!
- AVA: Go, KJ!
KJ, VOICE-OVER: Yeah,
I remember the day.
[KJ CHUCKLES]
I was at Bushrod Park in
North Oakland with my folks.
My heart was racing so fast
while my little legs were
charging me down the field
as fast as they could. [CHUCKLES]
That day was filled with so much joy.
[CASSIUS AND AVA SPEAKING EXCITEDLY]
And then, uh, I grew up,
and the pressure set in.
[INHALES AND EXHALES]
But, uh, yeah, that is when
I fell in love with football.
And ever since that day,
football has always equaled joy,
home, family.
Sounds like it's safe to say that
your love for football
has never gone anywhere,
even with the pressure.
No, sir. Not at all.
Good. That's how I knew
you'll make your way back.
Your injury, everything
you've been through,
none of that has changed
your love for football,
and I'm telling you,
man, with love that deep,
you'll do everything
you can to fight for it
and make your way back.
Yes, sir.
Anyway, I guess this
is as good a time as any
to let you know that when
you do make your way back,
you'll have a full
scholarship waiting for you
with me at GAU.
Wait. [CHUCKLING]
Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait a minute.
Wait. What?
Listen, man, I've watched enough tape
to know that you're a talented QB.
I mean, I knew that before I got here.
But what I saw when I did get here was
you making sure that every other player
got their shine.
That's the type of
intangibles I look for
in a QB at GAU teamwork,
leadership, sacrifice.
Y yeah, I mean, I was just doing
what needed to be done.
But not everyone would.
So you wanna be a GAU Condor?
[CHUCKLING] I mean,
yeah, yes, sir. Of course.
And and I won't let you down.
Oh, I know.
[CHUCKLING]
Oh, by the way, "Brown Sugar" ends
when Taye Diggs' character
finally realises that
the woman he's been in
love with the whole time
was his best friend,
but he was too scared
and hardheaded to admit it
and shoot his shot.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You OK?
Yeah, it's the first time
I've been able to sit and chill
without feeling like there's
somewhere I needed to be.
It feels weird.
That's called peace.
And you, of all people, deserve it.
I'll take that. How are you?
I'm great.
Found a little peace of my own.
Yeah, I saw.
You and Meen gonna
be doing TikToks next.
I don't know about all that,
but crazier things have happened.
Mr. Edwards.
All right. What'd I do?
Ah, you don't see
sportsmanship like that
every day, especially on
the heels of saving lives
before most folks sit
down for breakfast.
Uh, thank you.
And I'm not the only
one who's impressed.
The Stanford coach wants to talk to you.
We'll talk about that slant
you missed in the second quarter later.
Y yes, sir.
[CHUCKLES]
Oh, my God. Don't keep Stanford waiting.
Yeah. Um, I I'll catch you later.
Yeah.
[KJ LAUGHS]
Dad, Dad, we we did it.
No, son. You did it.
You knew.
I wanted to let you have that
moment with Coach Kenny for yourself.
Man, I I couldn't have
done any of this without you.
I have never been more proud of you.
And you have got the
whole world ahead of you.
And, um, I can't wait
to watch you conquer it.
You're
you're not gonna be my coach
this senior year, are you?
[EXHALES]
Um, no. But you're gonna be
in good hands with Jordan.
And you and I have
had one hell of a run.
And I'm I'm forever
grateful for that.
Look, it has been a blessing
to be your coach all these years,
even bigger one to be your father.
I will never stop being
either one in here.
I'm your coach for life.
[CHUCKLES] Yeah.
I love you, Dad.
Come here, man.
Ohh!
Sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
[CHUCKLING]
[SIGHS]
Look, don't you have to
go, um, see about a girl?
Wh what do you mean?
I heard her in here.
Sounded just like your mom.
Do not let her get away.
OK.
Hey, um, can we talk?
Shouldn't you be at the hospital?
Nope. This is more important right now.
I don't wanna be scared
or hardheaded anymore.
OK. Good for you.
Have haven't you seen "Brown Sugar"?
Sanaa Lathan is a goddess, so yes,
but what does that have
to do with anything?
Well, uh, actually,
I I haven't seen it,
so I'm not totally
sure. Hey. Wait. Ooh. Ow.
[INHALES SHARPLY] Um, wait, please?
Don't go.
What do you want from me, Kingston?
You.
I want you.
I've been scared to
admit it for a long time,
but it's always been you.
I mean, since our
first kiss at the beach
to our last kiss at Dinsberg.
OK. You're hurt and clearly
not thinking straight.
No. No. I've never been more clear.
SINGER: Through all the lows ♪
You told me to reach for my dreams.
This is my promise,
to be by your side ♪
Amina, you're one of those dreams.
And I want you to stand by my side
while we chase all the other ones,
yours and mine.
I saw forever ♪
Seriously? Th this is
what you want to talk about
while your eyes are
glazed over with pain?
I actually don't want to talk anymore.
I just want you.
It's always been you ♪
Not pretend like before,
but I want you for real
Through all the highs ♪
and forever.
SINGER: This is my
promise, to be by your side ♪
It's always been you ♪
It's always been you ♪
Through all the lows,
through all the highs ♪
This is my promise ♪
To be by your side ♪
It's always been you ♪
It's always been you ♪
I want all the laughter ♪
I want all the tears ♪
Not just the days ♪
Yeah, I want the years ♪
It's always been you ♪
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING]
[ALARM]
OK, come on.
Oh.
Spencer, where the hell you been, man?
Greg, move your head.