All language subtitles for 12.Mighty.Orphans.2021.HDCAM.850MB.x264-SUNSCREEN

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Vicious winds peeled

the topsoil off
the plains and prairies

of the Texas Panhandle,
creating a waking nightmare

called the Dust Bowl.

It's hard to remember
which came first,

the Dust Bowl
or the Great Depression,

but what followed made
hell on earth look forgiving

and would
leave families broken,

as thousands of children
were orphaned

across a nation
clamoring for a sense of hope.

What they didn't know
was that hope was coming.

But it wasn't coming
in the form of rain.

Here we go. Okay.

- You wanna block?
- You're gonna tell me to block?

- We're losing because of you!
- Hey! Hey!

- You can't block or tackle!
- Don't touch me!

- You haven't done shit!
- You need to help.

Get your ass out there
so I can hand it to you!

- You want faster?
- Maybe we ought to think

about calling this game
right now.

Hardy ain't said a word.

Think you've done
a good job at tackling?

Don't talk to him like that!

- Shut up, A.P.!
- Y'all need to do better!

Run down the damn field!

What now, coach?

Let me assert my firm belief

that the only thing
we have to fear is fear itself.

Daddy, what are
all these people doing?

- Rusty. Rusty.
- Yes?

Well, honey, they're finding
a new place to live.

I want to go back home.

We have a new home now,

and we should be very thankful.
What do I always say?

New adventures brave the heart
and set the soul asail.

- Isn't that right?
- Yes, Daddy.

This nation
is asking for action,

and action now.

We humbly ask
the blessing of God.

May he protect
each and every one of us.

- Is that it?
- Yup.

Looks like a castle. I've never
seen a building like that.

Me neither.

A castle perhaps,

but this is no fairy tale.

The Masonic Home was not
full of imaginary beings

but of children, forgotten

during the harsh reality
of these times.

Half a mile out.

Fancy?

Nah, shitty, old Ford.

Ah, hell, you can take them.

Looking for a sugar mama myself.

There's a lady in there,

and, boy,
does she look like a peach.

Let me see that.

Oh, Lordy,
does she got a set on her.

Here comes mama.

You boys just save yourselves
the heartache.

One look at me,
I'm out of this damn hoosegow.

Who-who'd want a b-bag
of bones l-like you, S-Snoggs?

You're one to t-t-talk, DeWitt.

Who's gonna adopt a grown man,
you stuttering Sasquatch?

It's what's inside that counts.

Mommy, I don't like it here.

The orphanage was seen as a
cold, uncaring institution

where children were
to be pitied, if not feared.

Are you picking up,
or are you dropping off?

- Aren't you the cutest thing.
- I'm Rusty Russell,

the new math, science teacher.
This is my wife, Juanita.

She's teaching English...

- How do you do?
- ...and music.

- The football coach? Ha-ha-ha!
- That's right.

Yeah, I'm Frank Wynn.

I run the day-to-day
and keep the hooligans in line.

- Welcome to the home.
- Thank you very much.

- We're pleased to be here and...
- Let's get you settled.

Boys, get down here
and unload this car!

That's not necessary.

Thank you, I've got it.

See, it's a little precarious
there, the way I got it tied up.

Afternoon, Frank.

Got another stray
for your stock.

This old Hardy Brown's boy.

Found him curled up
next to his dead daddy.

Smells like it too.

- Could use a little scrubbing.
- Yeah, we can handle that.

Uh, meet the new football coach.

This is Rusty Russell.
This is Red Wright.

- Sheriff.
- Football, huh?

- That's right.
- You're a little south on talent.

- Don't even have a field.
- The field don't make the team.

I'm gonna get my family inside.
It's nice to meet you.

Can you get
the Brown boy up to Doc?

- Yeah, I can do that.
- Unload the car!

Orphans were stigmatized
as misfits and outcasts

and often referred to
not as orphans but as inmates.

It didn't matter that
they had done nothing wrong.

Kids without parents were
simply second-class citizens.

How many orphans do you have?

I got about 150 right now.

I like to keep it manageable.

Everything in order.

I run a very tight ship,
military style.

Leon!
Get to the back of the line!

You can't trust those types.

They'll steal your hat,
then help you look for it.

Help you look for it.
Come on!

You got jock itch, Snoggs.
I don't want to scare you,

but if you don't stop
shucking your corn,

- your cob's gonna fall off.
- Oh, Doc, there's gotta be

- something else we can do.
- No cure for adolescence,

but this might help the itching.

- Good afternoon, Doc.
- Sheriff.

I got Hardy Brown here.

Mr. Brown, I'm Doc Hall.

You all right?

Ah, he's all right.
It's not his blood.

I assume
you can read and write, son.

It's okay.
You can fill this out later

after you get cleaned up.
How that'd be?

Snoggs, maybe you can show
Mr. Brown his new home.

Yes, sir.

I'll show you the shower.

What in the tarnation
are the Masons thinking,

hiring a damn football coach?

He's not just a damn football
coach, he's a damn good one.

Took Temple
to district three times.

He must have
a screw loose somewhere,

signing on with this outfit.

No offense,
but this is no Poly High.

Well, not yet. To the New Deal.

Unh! All right, here we go.

One, two.

I'll get that fixed right away.

Careful, careful.

Watch out.

Let's get you some air in here.
That'll make it better.

Already been unlocked. Hey!

Come on, now. All right, okay.

Didn't figure you had any soap,

seeing as how you came in
with the sheriff.

Unless you got some
stuffed somewhere,

but who the hell'd
have soap on them?

So I brought you some.

Fat-ass gets off
on whupping our butts.

Especially Snoggs' skinny ass.

You can sleep here.
Any questions?

My mama will come for me.

Only mamas that come here

are the ones
that give up their kids.

You're an orphan now,
Hardy Brown.

It'll be all right.

Don't worry, I'm gonna...

I'm gonna get
that patched and painted up,

all of that.

Oh, I'm not worried
about the ceiling.

I'm more concerned
about the fact

that we just adopted 150 kids.

This is going to be even
more work than you imagined.

Juanita, we have a chance
to make a real difference here.

We were making
a difference at Temple.

We left everything
for a place with nothing.

That's exactly
why we came here.

We can do this together.

I'm starting to question that
for the first time in my life.

This decision
was not made together.

You informed me.

There is a big difference.

Boy,
you're gonna have to earn your keep.

Mind your elders.

God help you.

George, look after Rusty.

When things get better,
I'll be back.

I promise. I do.

- Mom, please don't leave.
- Let's go!

Mommy!

Not much to look at, is it?

Matter of perspective,
I guess.

I like your optimism.

We need more of that
around here.

I'm E.P. Hall. They call me Doc.

Rusty Russell.
I'm a new teacher...

Oh, I know who you are.

And I know what you can do
with mediocre talent.

I saw what you did

- against Corsicana in '34.
- Oh, yeah.

That's why I recommended you
for this job.

- You did?
- Yes, sir.

- Why'd you do that, doctor?
- Well, like I said,

I like your optimism.

Okay.

This field used for anything?

Mexican lad used to graze
his goats up here a while back.

Guess he quit the goat business.

- Goat must've liked to eat rocks.
- That's right.

I grew up out in West Texas.

I know goats
don't need much grass,

but I never knew one
that liked to eat rocks.

These were
Fort Worth goats, coach.

Fort Worth goats are different.

- Heh, all right.
- Fight! Fight!

Fort Worth goats, huh?

- Uh-oh!
- Fight, fight, fight!

- Kick his ass!
- Get him!

Hey! Hey.

Stop that!

Didn't take you long
to make friends.

Hey, calm down.
Take it easy, son.

- No, it's over. Hey.
- Calm down. Calm down.

Look at me. You all right?

What is going on?

Nothing to be concerned
about, Frank.

A little misunderstanding about
who's gonna play what position

on the new football team,
right, lads?

- That's right.
- Sure.

The rest of you
should come out too.

Well, the way I see it,
you can either work the field

or play the field.

Hell, sounds good to me. I'm in.

- See you on the field.
- All right, good deal.

- Might as well.
- Okay.

Here we go.

Looks like there's gonna be
some changes around here.

Oh, nothing changes
around here, Doc.

You should know that
more than anyone.

Rusty knew that life inside
the orphanage held little promise.

Chicken, I'm putting
a football team together.

We could use a good athlete
like yourself.

Oh, thank you, sir, but I ain't
never played football before.

I ain't so good with balls,
just mainly eggs.

Boys, think about joining
this team I'm putting together.

He knew that football
would inevitably bring

self-respect to these boys.

We teach survival here.

If we don't, they'll never
make it on the outside.

Well, the Masonic board hired us

to implement a curriculum
and a football program

that'll prepare these kids
for new opportunities

- beyond manual labor.
- Right.

I'm sure you're probably aware

that the Interscholastic League
has strict guidelines

when it comes
to admitting teams.

- Yes, sir.
- Convince them,

then go ahead
and have your football program.

- Okay.
- But it's very important

that it does not interfere
with the day-to-day at the home.

What is it that you produce
at the home,

if I might ask?

More paper!

And get these rollers
cleaned faster.

You boys wouldn't last
two days in the outside world.

Hey! God!

- These are two-dollar shoes!
- It was just an accident.

Do you have something to say
for yourself? Do you? Huh?

My brother ain't said more than
four words since he was little.

He's got a mouth, doesn't he?

Are you dumb
or are you just plain crazy?

Listen here. He's clumsy.

- He didn't mean to...
- Who you talking to?

Hug that pole!

This should open his mouth.

I have a lovely
little prescription.

Maybe this will
open your mouth, huh?

It's a little kiss of mercy!

Yeah, that'll make you
wide-mouthed, won't it, boy?

- Whoo!
- Ow!

You gonna feel this one, boy!
You gonna...

Do not hit that boy.

You understand?

- I think you're making a mistake.
- Yeah?

And you, you don't have
any authority here.

It's my class. My rules apply.

Actually, it's 9:20.

These boys are due
in my classroom at 9 a.m.

Do not release them tardy again.

See... See, those are my rules.

All right?

Let's go, gentlemen, right now.

Let's go. Come on.

My name's Harvey Nual Russell.
But you can call me Mr. Russell.

I grew up in Fredonia, Texas,

and my father farmed
and he drank.

He's a better drinker
than he was a farmer.

Life's difficult,

hard work leads
to great beginnings,

knowledge is power,
and education...

Boys, that's the key.

So let's begin with a question.

You got four apples
and they're setting in a basket,

and you gotta feed 16 people.

How many baskets do you need?
What do you think?

Any of you.

What about you, young man?

Howdy, sir. My name is
Leon gosh damn Pickett,

and honestly I think
the answer's none.

Make everybody bring
their own damn apples.

Incorrect.

And I don't appreciate
the swearing, Mr. Pickett.

- Sit down.
- Yes, sir. Thank you.

Take your hat off. You too.

Get your head up off the desk.
Get your hand out of your head.

How about you, sir?

Stand up.

I-I-I'm not sure, s-s-sir.

Four into 16.

What do you think?

It's all right. Sit down.

Mr. Brown, what do you say?

Four into 16.

- Four.
- Four.

He's correct.
Come on up to the board.

Show everyone how you figured
that out. Come on up, son.

Go ahead. Just write it out.

There you go.

It's okay. Just show them
how you figured it out.

It's all right, son.

You're the teacher.

Figure it out yourself.

Ooh!

It's all right. We'll get to it.

Now, who of you
has played football before?

How many of you actually held
a football before today?

Least we don't
have to start from scratch.

Doc, where are their shoes at?

Well, sir,
we have two seasons here,

one with shoes
and one without shoes.

This here is
the without shoes season.

You need shoes to play football.

And helmets
and pads and jerseys.

But you do have players.

- Optimism.
- Right.

Okay, boys, one step at a time.

Now, the more mass
an object has,

the greater its kinetic energy.

Now, DeWitt's energy,

it's clearly greater
than old Snoggs over here

because Snoggs
is a little smaller.

Snoggs' velocity
can be reached quicker,

and he can maneuver it to divert
and transfer that energy

in another direction, faster.

Get down
in defensive stance for me.

Notice your opponent's knuckles.

If they're white,
he's leaning too far forward.

You throw him off his feet.
Balance is key.

All right, let's line up.
Eight-on-eight, right down here.

Choose a partner, one-on-one.

On one.

Ready!

Set!

Hike!

When you hear the word "hike,"

that means the ball
has been centered

and play may commence.

Ready! Set! Hike!

Come on, boys.
You gotta use leverage.

Drive with your lower body.

You can't wrap up and put
your opponent in a headlock.

Looks like
an Arthur Murray dance class.

- It ain't funny.
- And it ain't funny!

Whoo!

What the hell, Hardy?

Whoa!

- Should've been quicker.
- You all right? You okay?

- Hey, check him out.
- I'm here. Don't move, Scott.

- You just got your bell rung.
- Now, here's what's gonna happen.

Mr. Brown gonna run
to the water tower and back

till I say stop or you drop.

- You got it?
- Yeah.

What?

- Yes, sir.
- That's right.

- Now, hit it.
- Move.

God dog.

Sumbitch is still running.

Toughest old mule I ever saw.

- He ain't so tough.
- If he ain't tough,

then you're a little flower,

because he tossed you
around like a rag doll.

My old man used to say

the best horses
are always the hardest to break.

Yeah.

Every horse wants to be ridden.

Some are just particular
about when and how.

I'll drink to that.

- Here you go.
- No, no.

Juanita'd have my hide.

Funny the things
you miss about a woman.

- Even the henpecking, no offense.
- You ever been married, Doc?

Yes, sir.

Agnes.

Lost her and the baby
in childbirth.

Long time ago.

These kids are my family now.

Kind of strange, because
that's what she always wanted.

Lots of kids.

I'm sorry, Doc.
I didn't know that.

I know these boys
think the world of you.

That's for sure.

It true you don't take
a paycheck up here?

I don't know
where you heard that story.

- Is that true?
- Well, sir,

I know damn well you're
not here for the do-re-mi.

♪ You ain't got The
do-re-mi, boy ♪

♪ If you ain't got
That do-re-mi... ♪

Think you might be
too hard on that boy?

I'll go check on him.

That's enough.

Hardy.

Now, look, I understand
that you don't want to be here,

and I get that you're angry,

but I want you to know
something. Look at me.

I'm here for you, son.

I'm not your son.

Look, you can make me play
this little game of yours.

Don't mean I gotta like you.

We done here, coach?

Go ahead.

Every second that they're on
the field, we're losing money.

You make it sound like we're
running a damn assembly line.

- Yeah, well...
- Just ease up

on any new printing jobs

till I figure
this football program out.

- Oh, Bill.
- Hey, new rules,

page 24, section C.

It's gonna be real tough
to field a team

if most of these boys
aren't able to pass

- their standardized test.
- Section C?

- Mm-hm.
- Watch where you're going.

- Just keep it moving.
- Speak of the devil.

- To Mrs. Russell's room.
- Mr. Russell?

Y'all should be
on opposite sides.

- Yes, sir?
- The Interscholastic League

has agreed to hear
your request for admittance.

Oh, that's great news.
I'm happy to hear that.

However, new rules state

that all players are required
to take a basic aptitude test.

- All right.
- Rules are rules.

Shame to come all this way and
not even be able to play ball.

Page 24, section C.

Oh, thank you.

You take that with you

and let me know
if you have any questions.

- All right, then.
- Thank you for your time.

The sensational struggle
for existence.

The result of this is
the formation of a new species,

perhaps known as the
great orphan football player.

I kind of like that.

It's science, gentlemen,
it's evolution,

and it's happening
all around us.

William,
I do appreciate your time.

Frank, it's always good
to see you.

I'm gonna get on to class.
Thanks for the notebook.

The survival of those who are
better equipped for surviving.

Some are heritable traits.
That means they're inherited.

Others are learned.
That means you learn them.

"Those," "these,"
"there," "that."

"Those," "these,"
"there," "that."

But our focus
will be on learning

through intense practice
through repetition,

so that we can pass
this test together.

Fumble!

Come on, coach,
that's horseshit.

Horse excrement.

I've never seen
a more chaotic clamber

for a football
in my entire life!

Most boys your age could
pass this test blindfolded,

but you're not most boys,
are you?

- You need to focus.
- They had the fundamental idea.

- Are you kidding? Come on.
- No, sir.

You're better than most boys.
You're unique.

You've dealt with hardship.
Now you got something to prove,

and that's called motivation.

Is this test
gonna cover female parts?

Because I'm looking to get
a little hands-on practice,

you know, sharpen my skills.

No, Snoggs,
unfortunately for you, it won't.

But the examination will cover

reading, writing,
science and arithmetic.

Arithme-what?

- Does that mean we gotta dance?
- Coach, I-I don't dance.

Everything that's donated
to the home goes down here.

All right, boys,
this is from Dutch Meyer,

Texas Christian University
athletic department.

Shoulder pads,
helmets and cleats.

Find cleats that fit you.
Don't want you getting blisters.

I'm gonna teach you
how to become ladies.

Come on, it'll be fun.
Heh-heh!

Yes! Yeah!

What I tell you?

What's that?

"Tie-on."

What do you think, coach?

I think it looks good.

You got those on
backwards, Chicken.

- Is a dozen six or 12?
- I don't know.

- "Block"?
- That's right, Leon.

- Thank you, sir.
- Twenty percent off next time.

Good doing business with you.
Ha!

That's where all life began,

and I've always found it
particularly fascinating that...

Damn it, boys!

All right, that's good.

"Wild Saddle"?

"Men's Club"?

We're not here
to practice our reading!

Get to work! Now!

Mr. Russell,
you forgot the final valence electron.

You're right. Thank you.

You don't pass the test,
you don't play football.

So let's buck up
and let's bear down

and let's get back to work.

Two minutes.

- Time.
- Pencils down.

You'll have your
results on Wednesday.

Stack them neatly.

Thank you.

It's a good field.

Well, I don't know if you can
technically call it a field.

Well, it doesn't
have to be fancy

to know what it represents.

Yeah.

Even if those boys don't pass,

we have a purpose here
that's greater than football.

I ever tell you how attractive
you are when you're optimistic?

No, I don't believe you have.

Well...

maybe one day I will.

- Oh, Rusty.
- Hey.

Hike!

Whoa! Hold on!

There's a penalty here!
Carlos, you may not trip anyone!

That's 15-yard penalty
against the defense.

- Let's move it back.
- They only take the young ones.

Be good, all right? Take care
of your new mom and dad.

I'm sure you boys
are all chomping at the bit

to hear about your test results.

Miraculously,
some of you pulled it off.

Scott, Hal, Jerry, Daniel,
step forward.

I'm sorry, boys. Didn't pass.
Better luck next time.

Which means the remaining
of you can play ball.

That is, if Mr. Russell gets you
all accepted into the district.

Natural selection
seems to have reduced our team

to only 12 players.

So let's consider that
high-level evolutionary fitness

will allow us to play both ways.

Leon, you and Chicken

gotta be ready to rotate in
at various positions.

Y'all think you can do that?

It sounds like
they're a lesser species.

I should be the first string.

I'm the fittest sumbitch
out here.

Pickett, you know
that was our only football?

- Sorry, coach.
- All right, now hit the tower.

Let's go. Hustle!

They wear on me sometimes.
I gotta be honest with you.

At least one good thing
came out of all that.

- What's that?
- We got ourselves a punter.

That's true.
Can you stitch that thing up?

I'm not a veterinarian,
but I'll try.

- Let me get it.
- All right.

Well, girls, I hope this works.

- Morning.
- Morning.

What's this?

It's your new football.

Is that right?

We're making two,
in case you pop one.

Very fitting for
these trying times. I like it.

Scoot over.

What's that?
A science experiment?

That's right, Snoggs,

to see who wants to play
and earn a real ball.

If you don't want it, ain't
no use in us being out here,

sweating like
a bunch of dirt farmers.

Practice over already?

I don't know, Doc.
It's up to them.

Six-on-six. Miller, A.P.,
Fairbanks, Snoggs, DeWitt,

you're with me,
and I'm playing tailback.

- Why you get to play tailback?
- Because I'm tall and handsome.

I like your hands-on approach.

In my business,
we call it scouting.

We get the ball first.
Losers steal the grape juice.

I'll be damned if
Wheatie doesn't look

- like a genuine leader.
- Set. Hike! Oh!

- Lineman, maybe?
- I think you're getting

this scouting thing down.

Hike!

- All right.
- There's a runner!

Talent in each of these boys.
It's our job to find it.

- Think you're up to the task?
- What?

I mean I need you to have
your wits about you, Doc.

Don't you worry about me.

You know you're supposed
to tackle him, right?

Hike!

Oh, my.

- Oh!
- Are you all right?

It's just flour.
We can wash it out. Hang on.

Just get back to the game, boys.

We can't. Hardy busted the ball.

Well, don't just stand around
scratching your nuts.

Go on, hit the tower,
all of you, pronto!

I'm sorry.

Sorry?

No, I'm fine, Doc.
I'm okay. I'm fine.

Rusty, look at me. You're fine.

Hey, it's time.

We've got to spread out.

George!

Guys!

Stay with me, George.

I'm just hoping we
got a quorum of coaches.

Once we get in there,
let me handle it, Doc.

- How you feeling?
- I'm good, thank you.

This'll go great.

- Rusty Russell.
- Luther Scarborough.

I heard you took a charity post
over at the orphanage.

I thought, surely I must be
mistaken, but here you are.

Luther, good to see you. Been
since the '35 playoffs, right?

- It was a close game.
- Tough loss. For you.

You did a good job down there.

Yeah, it got me one of these.

Oh, that's nice.
Is that, what, topaz?

Apparently, you boys are filing
a request to join my district.

That's correct, and I better
get in there. Good to see you.

Orphan football.

That's as dumb
as letting women vote.

It's my belief that if
we show faith in these boys,

they'll prove themselves, much
as David did against Goliath.

All I ask is that you give
these boys a chance

- a chance to compete.
- The Interscholastic League

requires a minimum enrollment
of 500 students

to compete in Class A football.

Your home has only 150 children.
Your football team has only 12.

- That's right, 12.
- Motion is denied.

All right, let's get back
to why we're here today.

Excuse me, Mr. Chairman.

I would like to request

a clarification
from the committee, if I may.

- And you are?
- I'm Dr. E.P. Hall.

I'm the Masonic Homes physician
as well as the team medic.

He's the assistant.

He's a drunk.

You're an assistant medic?

Assistant coach.
He's the head of the defense.

Mr. Hall, do you or do you not
have something to address?

Yes, sir, indeed I do.
If I may,

I would like to direct
your attention to page 27,

paragraph two of the league rule
book. It states and I quote:

"Any school that does not meet

the minimum enrollment
of 500 students

can be admitted
with a majority vote

of the coaches in
the school's division," Unquote.

Now, sir, I am a firm believer
in doing things by the book,

which in this case,
Chairman Kidd,

I do believe that you
participated in its authorship.

- Am I in the right?
- That's a...

That's a good job, doctor.
Indeed, I did.

Accordingly, sir,
I would like to suggest

that all of the coaches
here from Division A

vote on our admittance
and we'll accept the results.

How'd that be, gentlemen?

Good to see all of y'all.

Much obliged, Mr. Secretary.

Is this a joke?

Page 27, paragraph two.

Read it and weep, Luther.

Well, hell, let's vote.

As requested from our doctor,
assistant medic,

all those in favor,
raise your hand.

Hey, guys, they're back.

They don't look happy.

Doc doesn't have his whiskey.

Y'all are expecting someone
to do something in favor of us?

- It ain't gonna happen.
- Hey.

Why you always gotta be
such a downer, Hardy?

I'm just trying
to tell y'all how it is.

No one cares about us.

How you doing, boys?

Just go on, say it.

We didn't get in.

Go ahead.

Well, sir...

- I can't do it.
- What?

- You said you wanted to do it.
- I said I might do it.

You told me
you were the elder statesman.

- You're the head coach.
- All right, I'm just gonna

go ahead and tell it
to you straight, boys.

Bad news is...

each one of you is gonna need
to put on about 10 pounds

because y'all gonna be playing

Class A
Texas high-school football.

And I'll see you on the field.

Good job, huh? Come on!

Huh?

Let's us show Poly
and those city boys

what we're made of!

The Poly
Parrots welcome Masonic Home

in their first game ever.

They gotta put their best 11

up against our best 11.

Their 11 looks a lot bigger.

It's David versus Goliath,
all right.

This is gonna be entertaining.

Chicken, you all right?

I had to use 12-gauge
baling wire on mine.

Today, we're going up
against a team

that's won
two state championships

in the past five years,

so you got everything to gain
and nothing to lose,

so play that way.

And one more thing.

We win today,
we take home the game ball.

So listen to me.

Hit that field with heart,
focus and conviction,

and you will see good results.
Let's get it done.

Bribery. Now, there's
a new motivation.

- To the game ball.
- Let's do it.

Well, Mr. Hawk,
I'm proud you got your football team out.

- Yeah.
- You only got 12 players.

I mean, most of them
look like horse jockeys.

Y'all got some kind
of weight restriction?

Might as well call them
the Mighty Mites.

- Can I have that?
- You got it. Yeah.

Why not? You're the writer.

- Pop.
- Hey, Doc.

- Give me a quote after the game.
- I will, for sure.

Mr. Hawk, we're delighted
you're making our first game.

- Good to see you.
- After all the years

and all the talk, we got
a football team, thanks to you.

Thanks to you for bringing
this coach in and his wife.

- How's he doing?
- He's doing remarkable.

You've met Juanita.
They're great teachers,

and he's a great football coach.

We finally got a team.

Finally got a team,
thanks to you.

- No, thanks to you.
- Okay, heh.

Only 12 players
on the Orphan team,

and not one
can push 200 pounds.

Folks, this is gonna
get ugly pretty fast.

Fellas, the visiting team
will call it in the air.

- Masonic Home...
- Orphans.

Orphans, what is your call?

- Heads.
- Heads.

It's tails. Poly?

- We'll receive.
- Poly will receive.

Y'all's parents
couldn't find the stadium?

Must be pretty stupid.

A skirmish
as Hardy Brown wallops...

- Come on, Hardy!
- ...Poly captain Percy Maywood.

I wouldn't wanna be
on the wrong side of that kid.

- Who was that?
- Hardy Brown.

My daddy says he's
the toughest sumbitch around.

We're not supposed to repeat

- what your father says at home.
- Can I quote that?

- Oh, no, sir, please don't.
- We'll use "son of a gun."

That is unnecessary roughness.

Fifteen-yard penalty
will be enforced on the kick.

Hardy, you're out! Come on!

Fairbanks, Wheatie,
get in position.

Chicken, you're in.

It'll be all right, son.

Leon, knock one down there.
Keep them inside the 20.

Line up. Come on, boys.

- What are you thinking, son?
- What are you thinking, son?

And the Orphans
pound the ball into the air

as it twists in an ugly spiral,

straight into the hands
of Percy Maywood.

Jesus.

Get him.

To the 40, the 30, the 20.

And Maywood practically
walks in for an easy score.

What was
Coach Russell thinking,

leaving the district champion
Temple Wildcats?

We missed every tackle.

That's all right. Keep going.

I find it embarrassing.

All right, A.P. Good snap, boys.

Seems to me they have
no place on this field.

I hope none of them get hurt.

Fumble! Get the...

...a fumble is
scooped up by Poly

and returned
for a walk-in touchdown.

My Lord, they're not
doing too good, are they?

Stay down in the dirt
where you belong, loser orphan.

- Hey, hey, hey, take it easy.
- Hey, Fairbanks, cut that out!

Come on, now, Frank, a little
scrapping builds character.

It's good for the boys.

I don't think it does
after every play.

- My knee feels funny.
- Can you walk it off?

- No, let's have a look.
- Doc, check it out.

DeWitt! Come here.

Cheer up, son!
It's just the first game!

I need you to take 42
and drive him back, son.

- Yes, sir.
- Don't let him drive you back.

Get out there, boy.
Hardy, you're in.

You ready, son?
These boys need you.

Show them what you're made of.
Get out there.

Come on, boys, you got it!

Glad you could join us, Hardy.

Fairbanks,
the ball's coming to you,

to the left this time.

By some miracle,
can we please block?

Just give me the damn ball.

Okay, Hardy,
you're getting the ball.

- On one and...
- Break!

Come on. Good blocks now, boys.
You got it. Come on!

- Six-two-one! Hike!
- And here's the snap.

Brown gets the ball,
sweeps to the right,

mowing over a Poly defender.

- Cuts back to the left...
- Go! Go!

...and tries to bring life
into the Orphan offense.

Runs over his old pal Maywood

and into the end zone
on a magnificent run.

- Touchdown, Brown.
- We scored! Yes!

Hold everything, folks.

There's a penalty flag
on the play.

Clipping, number 40!
No touchdown!

- DeWitt, you dumb son of a bitch!
- Hey, he made a mistake!

He's always making mistakes
and you're no better!

- Hey!
- Hey!

- Get off him!
- Boys! Boys!

- Stop.
- Break it up!

- Stop that!
- Stop it! Get off the field!

- Just stop that.
- Get off the field!

- Get out of here! Go on!
- Damn it.

- Stop that!
- Get off the field!

What's the matter with you?
Get out of here!

What are you doing?
Are you copying me?

Let me see that.

I put this one here.

That's a funny formation.

What are you two doing?

Well, I think I might have found

my new offensive coordinator.

If I can even
put an offense together.

It doesn't sound like you're
adapting to your environment.

I once heard a wise old coach
say something about

helping his players
see what they can become.

You see how she tells me
what to do?

Mm-hm.

You think that's funny?

- No.
- I don't either.

♪ The boogiewoogie shake ♪

♪ Boogiewoogie shake
Boogiewoogie shake ♪

Come on.
Are we not gonna talk anymore

just because
we got our butts whupped?

Exactly!

All right.

I want to see y'all
down on the field.

Let's go. Hustle. Come on.

What are we doing, coach?

All right, it's
your new offense, Mr. Sealey.

Here's the first change.
A yard in between each man,

all the way down the line.
Okay, Fairbanks,

you take it three yards back,
get on the same line as Hardy.

I'm gonna have you
line up a quarter yard

directly behind A.P.
for the snap.

Let me show you how.

- What position does that make me?
- Quarterback.

Quarterback takes the snap.

He's gonna pivot to his right.
Halfback comes forward.

Fake that handoff to Hardy.
Fairbanks will roll right.

I'm gonna pitch it to him,
or if he gets too far out,

fake the pitch, keep it
yourself, take it downfield.

Fairbanks becomes
your primary blocker.

You'll be my coach on the field.
Make the decisions.

This is how we'll beat
the bigger teams.

You gotta adapt
if you're gonna be competitive.

We don't have the size,

so we gotta utilize
what we do have, speed.

Quick huddles, few time-outs.
Catch them off guard.

Wear their defense down.
That's how we'll do it.

What do y'all think so far?

I think we'll get our asses
kicked from here to El Paso.

I don't think it matters
what offense we run.

Won't be good anyways.

Mr. Brown, what do you think?

We had no business
playing Poly to begin with.

We got outplayed
and outcoached, coach.

Mr. Brown's right.

And I take full responsibility

for what happened
on that field today.

Everything.

But I did learn something.

I told DeWitt to drive
number 77 to hell and back.

And I'm glad I did,

because I got to see
what he's really made of.

And I believe in him. And now
he better believe in himself.

And I get it.
It's tough to believe

when all you've known is
hurt and loss and abandonment.

I know because I felt it
my whole life.

I'm an orphan.

Just like all of y'all.

I know what it feels like
to not have a mother or a father

cheering you on from the stands.

I look at you boys,

and I can honestly say
I'm proud to be an orphan.

I'm not ashamed,
and I'm not worthless.

I'm a mighty warrior.

And you'll feel the same way

if you can believe in yourselves
and believe in each other.

You do that,
you'll be able to do

what they all say is impossible.

So say it with me. I am worthy.

- I am worthy.
- Believe it!

- I am valuable.
- I am valuable!

- I'm a mighty warrior!
- I'm a mighty warrior!

- I'm a mighty orphan!
- I'm a mighty orphan!

Believe as I do.

Because it's true. It's true.

- Leon, break it down.
- All right, get in here.

Let's get a "Orphans" on three!

One, two, three!

Orphans!

Mr. Hardy, let me
have a word with you.

I ain't gonna
yell your stupid chant.

And I'm not gonna make you.

But you do need
to make a choice.

Now, I obligated you to be here.
That was my mistake.

You're free to leave
anytime you want.

That run of yours today,

son, that was one
of the best I've ever seen.

And it's all natural instinct.

Must've felt pretty good.

Why don't you go warm up?

So, what do you think
about the new offense?

Sir, I think you'll piss a lot
of people off, but I like it.

Now, if you excuse me,
I'm freezing my nuts off.

All right.

Armed with Betty's drawing,

Rusty was about to change
the game of football forever.

Shift!

The Orphan offense has lined up

in a formation
I have never seen before.

What the hell is he doing lining
up behind the center like that?

Appears to be some kind
of new formation, coach.

I got that.

Looks like cheating to me.

Six-two, split!

- Hike!
- Sealey takes the snap.

Pitches it to the outside
to Hardy Brown.

He takes it up the sideline.

Brown rumbles down the field
like a locomotive.

They fooled the entire defense
on that play, folks.

- I'll be damned.
- Brown takes it all the way

for an 80-yard touchdown.

That's a good start.

Gosh dang, he's fast, coach.

He is. He's fast.
You're observant.

Everybody's got a gift.
What's ours?

Shift, shift!

There's a shift.

- We're not looking good, coach.
- Dang it.

- Thataway. Huddle.
- Hike!

These fellas have come out
swinging tonight,

- take no prisoners.
- Sweep left! Sideline!

The Orphans have
fooled the Rams again.

- Catch him!
- Fairbanks runs in the end zone

untouched and smiling.

- Touchdown.
- Oh, my.

I'm thinking about
shooting all the parents,

starting my own orphanage. Maybe
that'll motivate these boys.

I want you to imagine
your opponent is Mr. Wynn.

Thanks, Doc.

- That's a good analogy, Doc.
- We'll see.

Set. Hike!

Speedy Leonard Roach
leveling the halfback.

Nice to meet you, fat-ass.

Pardon my French,
but The Rams

are getting their butts
handed to them.

My God, Sealey has it.

Sealey looks like
a running duck

as he hits
the wide-open pastures.

They're running outside.

They are running
to the outside.

...the five,
and touchdown, Orphans.

- Good job, boys.
- That'll be the dagger there.

And Coach Russell's
underdog Orphans

will get to take home
the game ball.

Nothing I admire more

than a full-service
football team.

And they played
a great game today.

They played all right.
Still room for improvement.

Improvement? Didn't we just whup
the tar out of General Mills?

- You mean Mineral Wells?
- You know that's who I meant.

Hey, Doc, we had eight penalties
for over 100 yards.

We can't compete against
real teams playing like this.

We gotta
get these boys refocused.

We just win our first game
with your new system,

and suddenly,
you're a pessimist.

- I need another drink.
- Oh, now you're mad, huh?

- I'm not mad. I'm thirsty.
- How's it looking, Leon?

Try to turn her over, coach.

I saw Claudette Colbert
do this in a movie once.

We're gonna be here all day.

Shit.

You orphans can
change the oil in my car

when you get done there.

Get down here
and say that to my face.

- I'm right here, boy. Come on.
- Come on, boys. Let's go.

You just wait, I'll tear you up.

- You heard him.
- You don't want this.

You boys need a lift?

No, we're good. How you doing?

Very well. Coach, you need
to get yourself a nice bus

- like this for these boys.
- Yeah, that's nice.

Fella on the radio said
y'all got your first victory.

- We sure did.
- Everyone beats Mineral Wells.

See you next season, coach.

If you survive this one.

I like them
tiny cowboy boots.

I wanna get some for my
daughter. Where you get those?

Y'all enjoy that fresh air.

Good to see you.

Doc, you shouldn't
have done that.

- I know. It was half full.
- That's not what I meant.

Come on, get in. Let's go.

Huh. Kid, you ought
to come work for me

at the Star-Telegram.

You'll sell more papers.

You know what them Dallas
girls say after a good poke?

- No, what?
- "Get off me, Dad.

You're crushing my smokes."

The Highland Park
Scots are one of the toughest teams

and a favorite in the district.

You still write fantasy
for that rag of yours?

Amon Carter.

We ain't the Fort Worth
Star-Telegram,

but we're surviving.

What the hell you doing
so far east?

You lose a bird dog or a wife?

I wanted to see what all
the goddang fuss was about.

I tell you what.
I'll make you a wager.

I'll give you your 12 Orphans,
plus 30 points.

- Thirty points?
- Uh-huh.

Five dollars.

Between the prince
and the pauper?

- Pun intended.
- Five will get you 50. Done.

- You all right?
- Yes, sir.

Tell you what. I can't believe
what I overheard.

Scots say that they're gonna
beat us by 50 points.

Fifty!

They said we're nothing
but some hillbilly orphans,

and that I was a washed-up,

four-eyed,
half blind orphan coach.

- Heh, and that hurts my feelings.
- Mine too.

So, what do y'all say
we go out there

and we show
these silver-spooned Scotties

how us country boys play ball?

And from the moment
we hit that field,

from that first whistle,
we light them up?

- Yeah!
- Get out there

and take care of business!

Come on, boys! Let's do it.

This is what we worked towards.

Get out there. Attaway.

Reverse psychology. Good one.

Fight, fight, fight,
you Mighty Mites!

Run the left, run the right!

Down the middle
and through the air!

The Mighty Mites
will all be there!

The Scots will receive as
the Orphans get ready to kick.

Bouncing on the ground
and scooped up

by the Scottie return man,
who turns upfield.

- Fumble!
- He's lit up by number 43,

Hardy Brown.

Sealey lines up a quarter
of a yard behind center...

All right, boys, come on.

- Hike!
- Sealey tosses it to Fairbanks.

Takes it down
to the ten, the five,

and touchdown, Orphans!

- Touchdown! Ha-ha!
- There we go, Doc.

You sandbagging me, pauper?

- Every chance.
- Fifty-three!

The Orphans are running circles
around the Scotties,

who look confused out there.

- Look at Snoggs!
- Roach goes on a wild ride,

as the Scots halfback drags him
for well over five yards

to get the Scots close
to the first down marker.

Beat us by 50, huh?

- It's a damn rodeo.
- Show some mercy, Snoggs!

- Time-out.
- Highland Park calls a time-out.

Beck covers the guy
taking the snap.

Hank, you take the halfback.

Milo, you take the fullback.

Hike!

Scots cause a turnover
and have found a solution

in shutting down the Wing-T

by tackling everybody
in the backfield,

- no matter who has the ball.
- They figured out

how to shut down
your Wing T, coach.

Looks that way, Doc.

Don't worry.
My defense will hold them.

Well, this is it, folks.
Do or die for the Scots,

who can punch it in
for the win.

Not over till it's over.

Shift!

Hike!

Whoa! Yes! Defense!

Ladies and gentlemen,
the game is over

and Highland Park has lost.

Thank you, easy money.

Best 50 bucks I ever spent.

Congratulations, coach.
We should've never voted you in.

I cannot believe my eyes,
folks, and I'm just as stunned

as the Highland Park fans
today.

This might go down
as one of the biggest upsets

in all of Texas
high-school football.

Break!

Set! Hike!

Wouldn't old Luther Scarborough
have him a heyday

if he saw you out here
coaching these boys on Saturday?

Why, he'd get ahold of the UIL,

get you kicked out
of Class A football

- faster than I can talk about it.
- I'm not coaching.

They're playing on their own,
for fun. I'm eating an apple.

Lot of talk about
that Hardy Brown boy.

He hits godawful hard
just to be 17.

Well, Pop,
that's what people do.

They talk and they gossip.

Or in your case,
write what people gossip about.

What if I wrote your Orphans
going to state this year?

I'd say you're gonna lose
a lot of readers,

especially on the Poly side
of town. I'd be careful.

Not gonna lose readers.
They'll want you to win.

Everybody'll be behind a team
with nothing, just like them.

Team cobbled together with
a bunch of resilient orphans,

on top of that, an orphan coach.

Quite the backstory.
War hero.

Overcame blindness
to become an All-American.

Sounds like you already
got your story, Pop.

Good talking to you.

And I like your articles.
Keep it up.

Y'all remember what to do?
Call this the Snoggs Special.

- You got this?
- Yeah, I can do it. I got it.

- On one and...
- Break!

Set.

- I'm gonna smoke you, Chicken.
- Just you try.

Hike!

Damn it, Snoggs!

If you can't do this,
I'll get Fairbanks to.

- I can do it!
- You know what they say?

You play with it too much,
you'll go blind.

Hey, Leon.

Snoggs Special, again.

In the depth of the Depression,

people needed something
to cling to.

And Pop was right.

The Orphans were
just the classic underdog

that the common folk
could get behind.

This love affair between Texas

and its little band of orphans
was not hard to fathom.

Granted, most folks
were in love with football.

It was just as indigenous
as oil wells and tumbleweeds.

These scrappy orphans
are undersized, outnumbered,

and every damn one of them
plays both ways.

I mean, they are full
of bull piss and vinegar.

That's exactly
the kind of Cinderella story

this country needs,

which is why you should've been
the one to break it

and not the Fort Worth Press.

I had no idea
you had enough leisure time

to read every paper
in the country, Mr. President.

I don't. But Eleanor does.

By the time

anyone can figure out
how to stop it,

I'm sure you will have

already thought of
an even better scheme.

- That's what you think.
- It's what I know.

All right, I wanna bring up
one thing about the offense.

- Now, hang on. Hang on.
- Get away. I want to see C.D.

C.D.! C.D.!

Who's C.D.?

I am.

Oh.

Oh, C.D.

Oh, my boy, I've... Oh!

Oh, I've missed you.

Now, let me get a look at you.

Oh, you're...
You're so tall and thin.

You...

You look like your daddy.

How old are you now?

I'm 17.

Been here almost ten years now,

since the day
you dropped me off.

Oh...

I'm... I'm so sorry.

I never should've given you up.
It was a mistake.

I...

After your father left,

I just...
I didn't know what to do.

What are you doing here, Mom?

Oh.

I want you
to come with me and Earl

and spend this coming
Thanksgiving with us,

so we can be a family again.

He's very nice,
once you get to know him.

So come on. Come on, baby,

you get your things
and let's go.

C.D.?

That's not my name anymore.
It's Wheatie.

Oh, okay.

Well, Wheatie, come on.
Hurry up and grab your things.

Wanda, get the damn kid
and let's go.

Now!

Know what?
I'm gonna be in the car.

Just come to the car.
We're gonna go home.

No.

I am home.

Don't you talk back to me!

I am your mother!

- Now, hold on.
- Get in the car.

- Calm down.
- Come on, baby. Come to the car.

Please come to the car.

- Come to the car!
- I said...

- This is not your home!
- Ms. Sealey!

You let go of me!

You all right?

Well...

If you...

If you change your mind...

You all right?

What are we gonna do without
a quarterback now, coach?

Goddamn it!

You're an orphan now,
C.D. Sealey.

Come here.

Hey, you'll be all right.

Mommy!

George, look after Rusty.

Rusty, it's time.

When you run out of here,

you're gonna break right.
We got to spread out.

Attack! Spread out!

George!

Spread out!

He spread them out on
the field and let them run.

Totally innovative.

- Widen out, Snoggs.
- They can't do this.

They can't spread out
all over the field.

As long as they have
seven on the line,

they can spread out
however they want.

This ain't football.

You don't just spread out.

He did it because his players

were too small
to fight toe-to-toe

with the bigger boys
from the bigger schools.

The spread offense was simple.

The ends break wide
to get open and catch the ball.

Until that time, passing
and catching the football

was something as rare
as Rusty Russell himself.

The spread offense
would go on to become

one of the greatest innovations
of the passing game

in modern football.

And Pop was right.

Everyone from El Paso
to Brownsville

had taken a fancy
to the perennial underdogs

in their tattered uniforms.

And winning did exactly

what Rusty thought
it would for the boys.

Being an orphan,
and one from the Masonic Home,

was something
you could now say with pride.

Naturally, the rough-hewn boys
playing football

would soon be idealized
like the cowboys of old.

That's not your money.
That's the orphans'.

Are you accusing me
of stealing? Ha!

"Why so much grief for me?"

Brown just might be

the toughest kid
I've seen in years.

"No man will hurl me down
to Death, against my fate."

Like a ton of bricks,
Brown lays into him.

"And fate?

No one alive
has ever escaped it..."

The Mighty Orphans win again.

"...neither brave man
nor coward..."

Coach Russell does it again.

The Orphans just might
win the district.

"...I tell you...
it is born with us

the day that we are born."

Very nice.

All right, boys,
give me eight wins! Get it!

And just like that,

the Mites were now headed

to the regional championship

to face their old friends
at Poly High.

Oh, Doc,
did you forget something?

Thank you, Juanita.

For everything.

It's the best Thanksgiving
I've had in 20 years.

Felt like family again.

We are family, Doc.

If you ask me,
y'all are the best thing

to ever happen to this place.

Good night.

Night.

Sorry.

Snoggs?

I got that for you, ma'am.

I didn't know they were showing
Oliver Twist tonight.

Think you're cute?

Leave them, Hardy.
They're just bullies.

Two-time
state champion Amarillo

is home to halfback
Myrle Greathouse.

Standing over 6 feet tall
and weighing 240 pounds,

no wonder scouts
are calling him

the best high-school player
in America.

He's not. Hardy Brown is.

He's a monster.

Well, hell,
they ain't faced us yet.

Damn right.

- Hey!
- Come on, back up!

- Let's go!
- Back it up!

- I'll see you on Friday!
- I'll see you there!

Son of a bitch!

Every decision in life
has consequences, boys.

Hit the tower. Hustle!

I didn't even do anything.

If I live through this...

- I'll kill you.
- Oh, do it now.

- Okay.
- Mr. Remmert.

Highland Park coaches
pooled together

and bought y'all
brand-new game jerseys.

Although I got half a mind
to send them back

after that damn stunt
they pulled last night.

- You hear about it?
- Oh, yeah, I heard. Sorry.

Hey, thanks for these.
Sorry to hear about your leg.

Yeah, well.

Oh, man, they burned his leg.

- Yeah, I know. I heard about it.
- Yeah.

So, Doc...

you know we're the closest thing
to a father these boys have.

We gotta set an example.

You gotta have some dignity
and stop with this.

What we do, they'll do.

No more.

What the hell
are you doing that...

No, it's all right.

I mean it.

There you go.

You'll be okay.

You can tell a lot about a man
by the kind of shoes he wears.

What kind of man am I, Luther?

Oh...

You're the kind that wants
to be in charge, but ain't.

That's why you obsess
over your shiny shoes.

They make you feel important...

but you're not.

That's where
you're wrong, coach.

You see, 'cause what I have
in this folder

could affect your season.

If that's not important to you,
well, I don't know.

Don't you want it?
Yeah, I guess he does.

Uh, I think that your
brother-in-law, Rodney Kidd,

will find that
intriguing as well.

- Is this legit, Frank?
- I don't think it's gonna

keep you from playing them
on Friday...

but it should be enough
to end their season.

What do you get out of this?

There's a new principal position
over at Poly.

Maybe I should finally
put these shoes to work.

Shiny.

That's real cute, Frank.

Ah!

Ow, ow, ow!

- Get out!
- I'm sorry!

Hardy Brown did not
invent the face mask.

Hike!

But he inspired

a great need for it.

I told you
I'll lay you out, boy.

Brown isn't just tackling

these Poly players, he's
knocking them out of the game.

There's more than bragging
rights at stake here today,

as the winner will go on
to the state championship.

Hike!

- Come on, Hardy! Downfield block!
- He's going!

Hardy Brown on the touchdown!

Knocked him out so hard.

Time-out. Time-out.

I want you
to check 43's shoulder pads.

He's got steel
in his shoulder pads.

Coach, you can't be serious.

I'm dead serious.

Check his damn pads.

I need to check
43's shoulder pads, coach.

For what?

Well, coach thinks he's got
steel plates under there.

Are you kidding me?

- Afraid I'm not.
- Let's do it.

Hey, Hardy! Come on in here.

- Yeah, coach?
- All right.

Uh, Poly thinks you got steel
plates in your shoulder pads.

You gotta take your shirt off.

Ain't no damn way
those are legal shoulder pads.

Take it easy, Luther.

There ain't nothing under there.

- How old are you, boy?
- Seventeen.

Uh-huh. We'll see about that.

You mind
if we play football now?

Oh, you call what you're doing
playing? I call it cheating.

You're on the wrong side
of the field, Luther.

Get your damn hand off me,
you zebra.

Get back out there, son.
Playing great, playing great.

I want you to take that halfback
out of the game permanently.

- You hear me?
- Which one?

The one that's
been getting the ball.

- That one.
- I'll be kicked out.

Do I look like
I give a damn? Go.

Flat pass to Hardy on one.

No, give it to Fairbanks.
Show off for Opal.

- He needs a little sugar tonight.
- Annie wants you to kiss her.

Okay, you lovebirds.

- To Fairbanks on one and...
- Break!

As the clock winds down,

the Mighty Mites have dominated

every level of the game today,

as they look to add
injury to insult

by running another play
on offense.

All right, create a wedge
and make a hole now.

Six-two, six-two!

Hike!

Get your bag, Doc.

Why isn't he getting up?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean it.

- My God.
- Folks, this doesn't look good,

as Coach Russell and Doc Hall
rush to his side.

- Doc, over here!
- Hold on, son.

Hold on. Breathe, breathe.

- It's okay.
- We got a compound fracture.

Carlos, stretcher,
on the double!

Listen, son, we gotta get you
off the field in a hurry.

Here we go, gentlemen. Quickly.

On three.

One, two, three.

Okay. All right.

Chicken, bring my bag,
bring my bag.

One, two, three.

Mighty Orphans!

As national attention
bolstered the boys' morale,

it was a bittersweet moment
for the Mites.

Goliath may have fallen,
but not without its cost.

They were headed
to the state championship

with only 11 players.

"There's a new s-sheriff
in Fort Worth.

His name is R-R-Rusty Russell,

surrounded
by his 12 orphaned..."

- "Deputies."
- Thank you, heh.

"The Mites and their creative
new coach have orchestrated..."

"Orchestrated"?
What's that mean?

Means we whipped their ass.

"...orchestrated a new
and exciting brand of football

- not seen before."
- All right, lads,

let's break the huddle.

Douglass needs his beauty rest.
Y'all got work to do.

- See you, buddy.
- Bye.

Take it easy.

You know, I should be
the one laying there.

Oh, hell, Hardy.

Then we wouldn't have a shot
at beating Amarillo.

Besides, Opal thinks
I'm a regular old war hero now.

Heh, you know I always have.

All right, you two.

Fat-ass is coming.

You think you can fool me,
you little pervert?! Come here!

Come on, come on! Get up here!
Get up here!

Get in this room!
Get up against that wall!

I'm sorry, Mr.... Unh!

- What do you got to say?
- I'm sorry, Mr. Wynn!

I'm sorry, Mr....

There, that should do you.

Oh, I'm tired,
but a good kind of tired.

Gentlemen...

spying on the girls
will not be tolerated!

If I so much as hear a snivel

from one of you
motherless bastards,

you will all receive
a kiss from Bertha.

Music to my ears.

Is... Is he dead?

- Hey, Snoggs.
- Hey, Snoggs.

Hey.

Hardy, help.

Hey, Wheatie, go get Doc.

DeWitt, come here.
Pick up Snoggs,

carry him back to his bunk.
Take care of him.

Where you going?

Oh! What the...?

- You're gonna see how it feels!
- Wait!

You sorry sack of shit.

Come in.

Hey, Dot.

- You seen this?
- What?

"Orphan team is accused

of breaking numerous
state UIL regulations,

including age violations
and excessive practicing.

Therefore, the Polytechnic team

will advance to the Class A
state championship."

They can't do this.

- Sounds like they just did.
- Coach, they're kicking us out?

- What happened to you, Snoggs?
- Well, Mr. Wynn decided

to teach Leonard here a lesson.

He's just damn lucky
this boy's so tough.

He's a son of a bitch.

- Go on, son. You'll be fine.
- Yes, sir.

I want him found,
and I want him arrested!

Calm down, Frank.

I expect you'll
finally be firing this man.

Now, why would Bill
be doing something like that?

Where do I begin?

How about
stealing gate receipts?

How about running
a child labor camp for profit?

How about sending Snoggs
to the infirmary?

Think it's fair
to these children

that you fill them with hope
of unrealistic dreams?

I'm preparing them
for the real world.

And how many of your Mites
are gonna use football

while they're working on
a factory floor in six months?

You beat a boy so badly
he couldn't walk.

Now, hold on. Snoggs was caught
spying on the girls' dorm,

- Coach Russell.
- Right.

Yeah, he's a 16-year-old boy.

What do you expect?

I expect everyone to follow

the damn rules of the home,

including Hardy Brown!

He retaliated
with violence against Frank.

Damn it, now he's missing.

The little bastard attacked me.

Now, if he sets foot
on this property,

I will see to it
that he's arrested.

That he's arrested?

Assault...

on one of my staff members is
ground for immediate expulsion.

This is supposed to be a place

to nurture
the broken and the weak,

the ones with nothing left.

You throw this boy away,
you break the foundation

of why we're even here
to begin with.

When are you gonna stand up
for these children

and do what's right?

Well, judging
by this morning's paper, coach,

you're the last person
who should be pointing fingers.

- Is that right?
- Yeah.

I think you're just smart enough
to know what I think of you.

Yeah. Bye-bye.

They're jeopardizing
everything we built up!

It's time for this to end.

Everything we've worked for...

and sacrificed...

it's been reduced to nothing.

Nothing?

I think this is something.

What is that?

Oh, this?
This is just your fan mail.

Been over there for two weeks,

but you've been too busy
to notice anything.

Dayton, Fort Worth, Austin,

Chicago, Los Angeles.

Courage, hope,
inspiration, dedication.

All the things that you
and your boys have given

to thousands of people
who now believe in something.

You think all this is nothing?

I think it's quite something.

You weren't gonna tell
us, coach?

Them lying sumbitches think

we're gonna lie down
without a fight?

Where's Hardy?

We gotta find him.

Think I might know
where he's at. Yeah.

When I woke up in the hospital,

after the Battle
of Saint-Mihiel,

they told me
I'd never see again.

And all I could think about...

was how my brother looked
when he died,

and seeing the light
fade from his eyes.

So I'd try and think back
on all the good times we had,

when we were kids, with Mother.

But then I'd think
about how she'd react

when I finally found her
and told her how he died.

And I had to fight
to keep the good thoughts in...

and the bad thoughts out.

What's your point, coach?

My point, son...

is that you can't give up.

You gotta believe.

Without hope...

fear and anger...

they'll continue to dominate you
through violence.

Sure gets cheers at games.

At games, sure, but not in life.

It won't let you see what's
out there in front of you:

your talent, your intelligence.

Now, don't throw all that away

because you're blinded
by the past.

I saw my daddy...

shot and killed before my eyes,
standing right there.

Blew him in half.

Dead before he hit the ground.

You can't just forget that
because you want to.

Terrible things happen in life.

You and I know that firsthand.

But you gotta learn
to accept it.

Like your war?

Huh?

I've seen you cower
like a trembling baby.

It's got its hooks
in you still.

It ain't a choice.

It's like a sickness.

I told Mom
that Dad had been shot...

and all she did
was pack her bags...

and say
she don't want me no more.

Why would any mama
say that to her boy?

It wasn't my fault.
I didn't kill him. I...

I was trying...

It wasn't my fault, coach.

No, it's not your fault,

and maybe running was all
that she knew how to do.

And you got a family now.

These boys...

they're your brothers,
and they're counting on you.

I'm counting on you.

We need you, Hardy.

Soon as y'all done hugging,

we got some
administrative butt to whup

before we head to Amarillo.

Let's go.

They've proven
theirselves against all odds,

and to get booted like they did,
chickenshit.

What you think is going on?

What's a hell of a coincidence
is that Luther Scarborough...

His brother-in-law
is Rodney Kidd,

who is president of the UIL.

- Something don't smell right.
- That couldn't be more obvious.

Make a hell of a headline
for one of us.

What do you think
about being more discreet?

When's the last time
you been fishing?

Been a while.

In a ruling
that shocked football fans,

the Mighty Mites were suspended
from the championship.

I feel confident that we will be
cleared of any wrongdoing.

The only thing mighty
about Coach Russell's Mites

is they got 12-month football
going on at that orphanage.

Plenty of rule-bending
going on to disqualify.

The Star-Telegram
are urging readers

to display the number 12 in
support of the Orphan players.

Letters of support
are pouring in.

Gentlemen,
I thank you for your time.

Great...

Gotta get back to my team.

Get the hell out.
I got practice.

Harden Henry Brown,
born September 4th, 1920,

is deemed ineligible to compete
at the high school level,

thus forfeiting
the entire year of wins

for the Masonic Home
football team,

rendering the team
suspended from the league

and out of the championship.

Mr. Kidd, Hardy Brown's
not over age, sir.

According to his official birth
certificate, I beg to differ.

Coach, that is not mine.

May I take a look at that?

- Be my guest.
- Thank you.

Hardy, would you
come up here, son?

Is this your birth certificate?

That's not mine, sir.

Well, son, whose is it,

if your name's
Harden Henry Brown?

That was my older brother.

He died
a week after he was born.

They named him Harden
Henry Brown II, after my dad.

I'm Harden Henry Brown III,
born December 4th, 1921.

Mr. Kidd,
may I have a word please?

What the hell you doing?

This young man's
telling the truth,

and I have the appropriate
certificate to prove that.

County clerk sent me
the wrong one by mistake,

and I realized it
when I found this...

the brother's death certificate.

Whoever snuck you
this other document,

they made the same mistake.

I think we've heard
just about enough,

and especially from you.

We should've shut this down
a long time ago, but we are now.

My decision is final!

The Mighty Mites
are out of Class A football!

- What?
- Bullshit! We have proof!

Mr. Kidd, my players come
from broken families, sir,

or no family at all.

They haven't had
much opportunity.

They haven't been
as lucky as you.

So if you need to suspend
somebody, suspend me.

Kick me out of coaching.

But don't take away
the hope of these boys here.

It's all they've got.

- That's a heartfelt statement.
- It really is.

However, we have to draw the
line somewhere. Now, I don't...

Can you not see
that I'm in a hearing now?

It sounds important.

I don't care
if it's the damn president.

Sir, it is the president.

- What do you mean?
- The president.

Okay, I'll be out in a minute.

Just a moment, gentlemen.

Ahem. Sir, this is...
This is Rodney Kidd.

Mr. Kidd,
you have probably heard me say:

"The only thing to fear...

is fear itself."

Mr. President, yes, sir, I have.

The allegations against
the Mites seem to benefit,

shall we say, other teams.

I am certain that you
and your brother-in-law

over at Polytechnic High
favor the Mites ejection.

Wouldn't you agree?

After careful consideration...

the decision to remove the
Masonic... Home from Class A...

has been overturned.

The Mighty Mites will be
in the championship after all.

There's no way I could've known.

Aah!

The Mites are going to state!

I'm so proud of you.

- Well, we haven't won yet.
- You have in my book.

- Where is he, Bill?
- He's inside.

Hardy Brown.

Uh, yes, sir?

Well, goddang, son!

Good luck in Amarillo.

- We're counting on you boys.
- Thank you.

These boys are going
to state, counselor.

- Yes, sir.
- They gonna kick Sandie butt.

Franklin Harry Wynn,
you're under arrest...

- Red?
- ...for the violation

of child labor laws 232 and 241,

embezzlement
and abuse of a minor.

Red, I've known you
for 30 years.

What are you doing?

There's no evidence of me
doing anything wrong.

- That's it.
- Red, now, come on.

Give me a break. I mean...

You filthy weasel!

I told you there was gonna be
some changes around here, Frank.

You know,
that's music to m-m-my ears.

Have a good game, Doc.

- Thank you.
- See you when we get back.

As the black
cloud of the Depression

loomed over the nation,

it certainly didn't stop
the true believers

from following the Mites
all the way to Amarillo.

The Mites were a symbol
of inspiration for everyone.

They were devotion.
They were hope.

They were the belief that
winning lives within the heart.

Halftime at Amarillo.

That's right, halftime, because
the first half wasn't pretty.

But somehow my defense
was able to hold the Sandies

to just one touchdown.

I swear to God,
I'm gonna knock his teeth in.

- Hurts like hell, Doc.
- All right. Sit down there.

Close your eyes.
Here we go. Okay.

- Hey, you want to block?
- You'll tell me a block?

- We're losing because of you!
- Hey! Hey! Hey!

I don't know why
you can't block more!

- Don't touch me!
- You haven't done shit!

Neither have you, Wheatie!

I can't attack
unless y'all protect!

Get your ass out there
so I can hand it to you!

Coach, Miller's leg.

- Put that on.
- Maybe we ought to think

about calling this game
right now.

There's no dishonor
in making sure that these lads

don't get hurt anymore.
Think about Fairbanks.

Don't matter how hard we try,
we don't stand a chance.

- They ain't playing fair.
- Hardy, you haven't said a word.

They're killing us.
They're too damn big.

Hike!

You ain't so mighty. Hmph.

What now, coach?

He's crying like a baby.

Leave Chicken alone!
Such a baby!

Scrap of coal
would've done better than you!

Getting our butt handed to us.

- Shut up, A.P.!
- Shut up and hike the ball.

I'm a mighty warrior!

I am a mighty warrior.

I never said it.

I didn't believe it.

Didn't believe in y'all.

In this team.

I never believed in myself.

But now I do.

Now I know what that means...

because of all of you,

because of everything
each one of you has taught me.

I look around this room
and I don't see a bunch of...

a bunch of throwaway orphans
like everyone else does.

I see fighters.

I see guys that never give up!

And it makes me so damn proud
to be an Orphan.

Y'all think you're in pain now?

Think about Fairbanks.

He'll never play ball again.

That's real pain.

Ours is temporary.

"No man will hurl me down
to Death, against my fate.

And fate? No one alive
has ever escaped it,

neither brave man, nor coward...

I tell you... it is born with us
the day that we are born!"

We got another half

to kick those Sandie asses!

Now get in here!
Everyone, come on!

Mites on three.

- One, two, three!
- Mites!

Mighty Mites!

- What do you think?
- I think we need a miracle.

The Mites start the second half,

trailing the Amarillo Sandies,
7 to nothing.

And they've also
changed uniforms, folks.

I've been told these jerseys
were sewn together

and the numbers were painted on

by the young ladies
at the orphanage.

Turn that damn thing off!

Pipe down in there, Frank!

Six-two, split! Hike!

Snoggs has gotta
shuffle that guy off.

Hike!

Hike!

- Come on, boys!
- For the first time,

the Mites' innovative
passing offense

is having minimal effect
against the Sandies.

Coach Russell will need to go
into his bag of tricks

- to pull this off.
- Hike!

- Come on! Come on!
- Go!

Go, go, go.

Touchdown for the Mites.

What is going on?

- Yeah!
- And there you have it,

the Mites are finally
on the scoreboard

as number 23,
Douglass Lord Fairbanks,

takes it in for the touchdown.

I thought Fairbanks was injured.

That's Hardy Brown
in Fairbanks' uniform.

How about we double that bet?
Fifty more on the Mites.

- You're on.
- Damn right, I am.

Extra point no good.

Mites 6, Sandies 7.

Good try, boys!

Yeah. We're proud
of you anyways, guys.

- Pound for pound?
- Yeah.

- I'll take Brown over Greathouse.
- Well, I'll take him too.

But you know
how he's gotta do it?

He's gotta hit him as low
as he can, that guy.

He's gotta bite off each of his
kneecaps first time he hits him,

because that guy's
three times taller than Hardy.

Hike!

Another bone-jarring collision
between Brown and Greathouse.

I'm not sure how those young
men can get up after that.

Get up, boys. Come on.

Son of a bitch is harder
to take down than a steer.

As the fourth quarter
winds down,

the Mites are
against the ropes.

Perhaps there's a miraculous
ending for the Mites.

Break!

Set. Hike!

Fumble!

Moseley recovers on the Mites
20 with 50 seconds left.

All right, all right, all right.

Come here, Chicken.
We still got one more time-out.

Short pass to Hardy out
of the backfield. You got it?

- Yes, sir.
- All right. Take it in, son.

That's what
they'll be expecting.

I'm counting on it, Doc.

You're better than that.

Cover Hardy Brown out
of the backfield. You hear me?

- Yes, sir.
- Go!

Break!

Six-two, wide!

Hike!

Time please. Time.

Get in there.

Snoggs, you and Chicken
split right.

We're gonna run
the same play again,

only this time,
you fake it to Hardy,

you tuck the ball, you take it
yourself. You got it?

- Yes, sir. Yeah.
- Let's do it.

- They'll never expect you to run.
- Leon, break it down. Come on.

One, two, three!

Mighty Mites!

What do you think?

- Huh?
- This is it.

Cover Hardy Brown
out of the backfield!

Six-two-one!

Hike!

Sealey's gonna
run it in himself.

He's got open field
in front of him.

- See this?! Come on!
- Yes!

Greathouse drives Sealey out

to the Sandies 49-yard line

with seven ticks
left on the clock.

- Come here, son, come here.
- The Mites need a miracle

to pull this one off.

What's coach want to run?

He said it was up to us.

Snoggs Special.

You heard Crazy.
Snoggs Special on one.

Let's drive these Sandies
back to Fort Worth.

- Yeah!
- Yeah!

You can do this, Snoggs.

Mighty Mites on three.

One, two, three!

Mighty Mites!

It's do-or-die for the Mites,

as they're down
to their final play.

Come on, boys!

Six-two, wide!

Hike!

Snoggs!

Come on, Hardy!

- Go!
- Come on.

Get him!

- Come on! Come on!
- Go! Go!

Go, Hardy!

Come on!

Push him!

- They get that, Doc?
- They don't know yet. They...

- Can't see, Doc.
- No, they're not unpiled yet.

Hardy Brown is down,

and he's taken
six Golden Sandies with him.

- Referees are clearing the pile.
- Quiet down, everybody. Quiet!

- Is he short?
- I think he's in.

Did he get it?

Come on.

Hardy Brown has been
stopped inches from the goal.

The Golden Sandies have won!

That's the ball game! Yes!

Inch.

Sorry, coach.

- Good job.
- You too.

Good job.

Toughest hoss I ever played.

Thank you, Myrle.
Pretty damn tough yourself.

Come on, boys.

Great game, coach.
Congratulations.

Thank you.
One hell of a ball game.

- Yes, sir.
- Congratulations.

A team that
started with nothing

left with more than they
could have ever dreamed of.

What the Mites won couldn't
be printed in the papers.

It was a belief in themselves

that would go on
to last their entire lives.

Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!

Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites!

Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!

Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites!

Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!

Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites!

Mighty Mites!
Mighty Mites! Mighty Mites!

My feet, they...

They just stopped.

I came up short.

You didn't come up short, son.

You came further
than I ever dreamed.

You did great.

I look around this bus
and I think:

"How lucky are we?"

Pretty lucky, coach.

- Buddy.
- Looking good, brother.

Do they know we lost?

What Rusty brought
to the Masonic Home

wasn't just football
or academics.

It was the feeling
of finally being a family.

Opal, are you gonna
stand up there with Fairbanks?

- Okay, we'll let that slide.
- Doc, come in this photo. Hey!

- Doc, we need you for the photo.
- Bring Betty.

- I'll be there. Last play.
- Okay.

For Rusty,
it was about believing.

Believing in something that
against all odds and evidence

might not seem possible,

but somehow would come to pass.

Provided by explosiveskull
https://twitter.com/kaboomskull