A searing commentary on the "win at all costs" mentality of American high school sports. David Lee Birdsong is the smalltown quarterback hoping to escape with a college scholarship and a pro career. David's father is the overbearing taskmaster vicariously living through his son. The third side of the triangle is Coach Marshall, a hypercritical and cruel man who sees David as the key to his future success. David's lockstep commitment to his father and coach is altered when he witnesses a teammate die after a grueling practice.

Genres

Cast

Ben Johnson

Dwayne Birdsong

Gary Busey

David Lee Birdsong

Larry Hagman

Coach Marshall

William Lucking

Dennis Birdsong

David Doyle

Mr. Schmidt

Peggy Rea

Mrs. Birdsong

Craig Richard Nelson

Michael Braun

Michael Talbott

Bubba Montgomery

Val Avery

Frank Dorsdale

Jan Clayton

Blanche Birdsong

Misty Rowe

Holly

William Hansen

Mr. Millsaps