Script

The Kick Off

By

Nina Aaltonen

Ms. Johnson
Writing 1
05/18/2007
10 scenes

INT-GYM-AFTERNOON

The boys Varsity Basketball team is having a practice in the gym. They are doing an intense dribbling drill.

The COACH is watching expectantly and nods in satisfaction on the sideline.

JASON MILLER is the last person that goes and half-way through, he messes up.

The ball rolls across the gym floor and he glances quickly at the coach, his dad.

The coach shakes his head.

COACH
(yelling with impatience)
Miller! Miller! Get over here!!

JASON
(mumbling)
Yes, sir.

He slowly walks to the coach with his head down.
TYLER, the captain of the basketball team stops his friends.

They look at Jason and point at him. They whisper and starts to laugh.

COACH
(shouting)
Why are you the one that’s always messing up?! Why can’t you play? Is it that hard? Everybody else is doing fine! You embarrass me! Goodness grief! I’m the basketball coach and my own son can’t even play basketball!
(rubs his forehead)
Go practice!

Jason doesn’t say anything. He only looks at his feet.
Tyler and his friends laugh even louder.

The coach walks away furiously and as he is walking out the door, Jason just watches the back of his dad.
JASON
(heaves a sigh)
Man…

Tyler, sensing Jason’s depression tries to make it even worse.

TYLER
Ha-ha! That’s so pathetic. I wonder how our coach even deals with—
(snorts)
Never mind! Let’s get on with practice! Everybody, let’s scrimmage!

Jason slumps down. He quietly walks to the locker room by himself.

Tyler notices and yells for him to come back.

TYLER
Hey, Gay-son! Sorry, I mean Jason!!
(snickers)
Come back! You can’t leave practice! I’m telling you not to! I’m the Captain! I know nobody would want you on their team, but worth a try!
(laughs)
It’s only a scrimmage. You can mess up if you want to!!

Tyler starts to laugh so hard. So does his friends. They give each other a high-five and laughs some more.

Jason drags his feet slowly and goes into the locker room.


INT-LOCKER ROOM-AFTERNOON

Jason is in the locker room taking a shower. His teammates come in and they are talking about bad stuff about Jason loudly, wanting Jason to hear everything.


INT-KITCHEN-EVENING

Jason is at the kitchen to get some food for dinner. He looks over at his dad, who’s just watching TV and sighs.


INT-BEDROOM-NIGHT

Jason is lying on his bed. He’s eating chips and listening to music.

He sings and hums along to the music.

His back starts hurting so he turns around to lie on his stomach.

He sees his mother’s photo on his desk.

He has sudden flashbacks.

FAST SERIES OF SHOTS-THE NIGHT JASON’S MOTHER DIED
A) In his bed about to fall asleep.
B) Dad rushing in and grabbing his arm and pulling him out.
C) Dad cursing and swearing.
D) Car stops (screech!) in front of hospital.
E) Dad runs out.
F) Jason tries to catch up.
G) Sees mother covered in blood.
H) Doctors pushing her on the bed running.

Jason shakes his head and gets up.

He goes to his desk and puts down the photo upside-down.

He sits at his desk and gets out his homework from his backpack. He starts to do his homework.

His writes carelessly and messy. His handwriting is sloppy.

The phone rings, so he stops his homework.

He picks up the phone.

JASON
Hello?

COREY (VO)
Hey! It’s me! Corey.

JASON
Oh. Hey.

COREY (VO)
You ok? Sound kinda depressed or quiet or whatever

JASON
Hm.. yea…

COREY (VO)
You busy tomorrow? If not, let’s hang out

JASON
Sure. I don’t care.

COREY (VO)
Cool.
(excitingly)
See ya tomorrow at Starbucks! Don’t be late!

JASON
Ok. . .

Jason hangs up the phone.

He turns off the light and flops on his bed to go to sleep.


INT-BEDROOM-MORNING

Jason wakes up in the morning by the mowing noise. He looks outside to see his father mowing the yard like usual.


INT-KITCHEN-MORNING

Jason is getting milk out of the refrigerator. He pours it in a cup and start to drink it.

His dad comes in.

He washes his hands and dries them with the kitchen towel.

He studies his son and his clothes.

He’s still holding the kitchen towel.

DAD
(frowning)
Where you going?

JASON
Just somewhere….

DAD
I asked where you going?!

JASON
I’m going to hang out with my friend…


The dad flings his towel and smacks it on the table.

DAD
God!! Practice some basketball during your free time!! You’re the worst one on the team and you’re the one that never practices!! What’s wrong with you! You never—

Jason doesn’t say anything. He only looks away.

As his dad is yelling at him, he walks out the door.

DAD (CONT’D)
—listen to me! Don’t you dare ignore me! I’m telling you not to go!

The door closes.


INT-STARBUCKS-NOON

Jason meets Corey in Starbucks. They get some coffee and head off to watch a movie.


EXT-ON THE WAY TO THEATER-NOON

Jason and Corey run into Tyler and his friends on the way to the theater. Tyler and his friends insult Jason and Corey and walk off laughing.


INT-THEATER-AFTERNOON

The movie ends and Jason leaves because he has to go practice basketball.


EXT-BASKETBALL COURT-AFTERNOON

Jason is practicing basketball all by himself in the park. He misses many shots and lay-ups. He shoots a three-pointer but misses and then flops down and closes his eyes hopelessly.



INT-GYM-DAY

It’s the day of the tournament.

QUICK SHOTS-THE VICTORY OF THE FIRST TWO GAMES

A) Few shots made
B) score board
C) Jason’s team celebrating
D) Three-pointers and lay-ups
E) score board for second game
F) Jason’s team celebrating again for their second win

Two other teams are playing a game.
Jason and his team are stretching in the locker room.

TEAM
One! Two! Three! Four! ...

It’s busy in the gym. Cheerleaders are cheering on the sidelines.

CHEERLEADERS
Go Panthers! Go! Go PANTHERS!

The audience is also cheering and yelling.

AUDIENCE
Shoot it! No, pass! Pass! Pass!
Ooo… what a bad throw.. It’s ok!! Shake it off!
He’s open!
(repeats)

SERIES OF SHOTS-THE AUDIENCE IN THE GYM

A)drums beating
B)feet stomping
C)hands clapping
D)people yelling

Jason’s dad looks around at the audience and waits for his boys.

Jason’s team comes out jogging right when the buzzer goes off to end the present game.

COACH
You guys ready? Haha! Get pumped up!!

TYLER
Let’s get starting! Warm up drills!!

The team jogs onto the court. They do their warm up drill of lay-ups, passing, and shooting.

The coach watches his team warm up.

The buzzer goes off to start the game.
The coach motions his team to gather up around him.

COACH
All right you guys. This is it! We came all the way to the championship. We can do this! Let’s make our school proud!

TEAM
Yeah!!
(everybody cheers)

COACH
Guys ready?

TEAM
Yes, sir!

COACH
Ok! One, two, three!

ALTOGETHER
Bulldogs!

The starters go to where they are supposed to be around the circle.

The ball is thrown and Tyler jumps to get it.

Tyler’s hands reach it first and he grabs it.

The game is on.

Every one cheers!

QUICK SHOTS-THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

A) pass
B) dribble
C) shot
D) dribble
E) pass
F) shot
G) three-pointer
H) score board (bulldogs-45 & warriors-35)

The coach is looking happy but also concerned.

Then without even turning and looking, he calls Jason.

COACH
Miller, come here!

Jason hurries over with a worried look.

COACH
I’m going to put you in. It will be a disgrace if the coach’s own son does not play in the championship.
(sighs)
We only have four minutes left. Just hold on for only four minutes. We are ten points ahead so with your teammates scoring a bit more during the last few minutes, I think it will be okay even though you play.


JASON
(worried)
But. . you know I can’t. . it’s really ok if I just sit—

COACH
Go! What are you doing! Now, show yourself out there!! Don’t embarrass me again! Go!

He pushes his son towards the score-keeping table.

Jason looks nervous as he kneels in front of the table to be subbed in.

The ball rolls out and the refs call the subs in.

Jason runs in as another starter comes out.

Tyler sees Jason coming and his face turns red.

TYLER
What’s he doing on the court?! Get him off!! We can’t use him right now! He’s no help! No! No!!

JASON
(exhales loudly)
Oh man…

The coach gives Tyler a scary look.

COACH
Tyler! I’m gonna take YOU out if you don’t shut up!

Tyler shuts up but his face is red.

The ref calls the game to continue.

SERIES OF SHOTS-WHEN JASON GOES IN TO PLAY

A) Tyler making shots
B) Jason looking lost
C) Jason passing the ball to the other team
D) Other team shoots
E) Other team does a lay-up
F) Scoreboard (50-45 with 1 minute left)
G) Jason gets the ball stolen
H) Other team’s shot
I) And another one
J) Scoreboard (50-49 with ten seconds left)
K) Jason fouls the other team with four seconds left
L) Other team makes the free shots
M) Buzzer rings
N) Scoreboard (50-51)

The game is over and the other team, Warriors, all shouts and run towards each other. They celebrate their victory.

MONTAGE-AFTER THE LOSS OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

-Tyler yells and pounds the floor.

-Jason looks terrified and devastated. He can’t say anything.

-Coach’s face is red. He doesn’t have any words either.

-Other players sigh and give dirty looks to Jason.

TYLER
(yelling)
You friggin mess up everything!! I hate you! I hate your guts! You son of a—

TEAMMATE
Whoa! Keep it cool.
(patting Tyler on the back)
Everybody knows we should have won, if it wasn’t just for that worthless . . yea well whatever. We deserve 1st place and you deserve MVP. You know that!

Jason grabs his head with both hands and closing his eyes hating his life.


INT-SCHOOL-DAY

Corey is waiting in front of Jason’s locker. When Jason comes to get his stuff, Corey tells Jason that his mother has cancer.


INT-LOCKER ROOM-DAY

Jason enters the locker room in the gym to get ready for basketball practice. All the other teammates get quiet when Jason steps in. Then they leave as fast as they can.


INT-GYM-DAY

The team starts the practice without the coach. Nobody talks to Jason. The coach comes and Jason keeps on messing up during the practice. The coach calls an end to the practice.


EXT-SOCCER FIELD-DAY

Jason walks across the soccer field. He plays a scrimmage with the guys there and has a lot of fun.


EXT-PARKING LOT-EVENING

Jason arrives at the parking lot. He steps out and then realizes that his father might find out. He’s in frenzy and he is jumping around.


INT-LIVING ROOM-NIGHT

Jason comes inside the house cautiously.

He sees his dad on the couch watching TV like usual.

He hesitates in the hallway. He looks around.

SERIES OF SHOTS-JASON IS IN FRENZY

A) the kitchen
B) the stairs
C) his dad
D) stairs
E) kitchen
F) dad
G) stairs

JASON (VO)
Crap! Should I go up to my room as if I did nothing wrong, or should I at least say hi?

Finally Jason he decides to just go up to his room.

As he takes one more step, his dad talks.

DAD
(without even turning around)
Where were you?

JASON
(silence)
um…

DAD
(still watching TV)
I let the team out early today. You should have been here earlier.

JASON
(quietly)
I know. . .

His dad gets up and comes to Jason.

His dad looks straight at his face.
DAD
What were you doing?

JASON
(fidgeting)
I was just hanging out. .

DAD
Hanging out?!! What would you say if I tell you that I got a phone call from a teacher telling the basketball coach how great of a soccer player his son is??!!! What the heck were you doing playing soccer?! Basketball!! It should be basketball!! Basketball is your life!! It’s my life and it should be yours too!! How can you only disappoint me? Why is it that you’re never able to please me!!

He stops and looks at the black bag behind the couch.

He points at it.
DAD
That’s yours. Take it and leave. A son who does not even try to please his own dad doesn’t deserve to be a son. I tried so hard! I thought you would at least fulfill my dream for me! You can’t be a son!! Leave!

Jason obeys and quietly takes the bag and walks out the door.

He walks without looking back and his dad slams the door shut.

DAD
UGH!!
(grumbles)


INT-COREY’S HOUSE-NIGHT

Jason goes to Corey’s house for a place to stay and Corey welcomes him and takes him in.


EXT-SOCCER FIELD-DAY

Jason goes to the soccer try-outs taking place on the soccer field after school.


INT-SCHOOL-DAY

Jason and Corey arrive at school. Jason jumps out of the car.

Jason drags Corey out of the car.

Corey looks around confused and surprised.

JASON
(through gritted teeth)
Come on!

COREY
(bewildered)
Where are we going?

JASON
(thrilled)
Let’s go!

They enter through the school door.

Jason lets go of Corey and starts running down the hall.

Corey looks puzzled for a second and then takes after.

Jason is in front of the bulletin board searching intently.

Corey comes huffing and puffing.

COREY
(bends down)
What’s up?
(panting)
Why are you all like in a hurry?
(looks up at Jason)
Oh~ what are you looking for?

Then Corey looks up and reads the words “Soccer List”

The Corey nods in realization.

JASON
(eyes darting everywhere)
Hey! Help me search! There’s JV and Varsity mixed. I can’t find my name!

COREY
Ok!
(jumps right into action)

Corey slides his finger down one name after another.

His finger stops at the name, Jason.
COREY
Here!
(stabbing at the name)
Oh no never mind! That’s Jason Lee. Ooo. . wait.

His finger slides down more.
COREY and JASON
There!! Varsity!

JASON
(yells)
I’m on!! I got on the team!!!

COREY
Hey! Congrats, man!!

JASON
I’m on! I’m on !!

COREY
That’s awesome!! Good job!

Corey and Jason jump and do a perfect high-five.

They hug each other in so much happiness.

They part and there is a huge grin placed on Jason’s face.


INT-LOCKER ROOM-DAY

Jason enters the locker room to get ready for the first day of practice. He and many first year players celebrate.


EXT-SOCCER FIELD-AFTERNOON

Jason has his first practice and the coaches show appreciation. They really like him and they tell him that he might become a starter.


INT-COREY’S HOUSE-AFTERNOON

Jason arrives at Corey’s house and sees Corey waiting for him. Corey gives Jason a big hug to congratulate him.


INT-LIVING ROOM-NIGHT

Jason and Corey have a small celebration party with beer and food in Corey’s living room.



EXT-SOCCER FIELD-AFTERNOON

Jason has his first game. Luckily, the other team wasn’t that good, and Jason’s team won by 4-1. Jason put in two goals.



INT-HOSPITAL-AFTERNOON

Corey is at the hospital because of bad news of his mom. He receives more information that his mom is getting worse and she might not be able to recover.


INT-SCHOOL-MORNING

Jason and Corey are at school waiting for school to start. There is an announcement asking Corey to come to the office.


INT-CAFETARIA-NOON

Jason is waiting for Corey. Corey finally comes excited and happy. He tells Jason that he had earned a scholarship from the school he desired to go to.




EXT-SOCCER FIELD-AFTERNOON

Jason and his teammates are in a big circle passing the ball around.
COACH
OK you guys! Huddle up! Come! Come!

Waits till all of his boys get in a small tight circle.

COACH (CONT’D)
This is the most important game of the season. Have that in mind. (takes a look at all his players) But other than that, I just want you guys to do your best, something every coach wishes. Remember what I told you many times before! Be aggressive! Win the ball in the air! Do you best! Never give up! All these little things make big things happen. We have a great team and I have hope! We can do this!

He puts out his hand.

Other hands start to place on top of his.

As this is happening, the ref calls the captains.

The captain pulls out of the huddle and jogs towards the ref.

His teammates watch him as they wait patiently.

He runs back to his huddled team.

CAPTAIN
Hey, we have the kick off!

TEAM
(cheers)

COACH
You guys ready?
Ok, time for our game cheer!

Jason’s team does their game cheer.

CAPTAIN
Who’s gonna win this game?!


TEAM
We are!

CAPTAIN
Who’s gonna wins this game?!

TEAM
We are!

CAPTAIN
Who are we?

TEAM
Brandywine!

CAPTAIN
What are we?

TEAM
Bulldogs!

CAPTAIN
One, two, three!

TEAM
Bulldogs!

The starters spread out in their positions on the field.

Before Jason starts to head off, the coach stops him.

COACH
I know you’re the most nervous one out there. You’re the only first year starter, and I know that’s a lot of pressure. But that only shows that you have the talent. I know you have potential and that’s why I have you on my team.
(looks right in Jason’s eyes)
Try not being nervous, but refreshed. That’ll help you make less mistakes and help you think more clearly. If you do make mistakes, shake it off and don’t worry. Just think of it as starting a kick off; it means new, beginning, starting again, whatever.
(patting Jason’s back)
Now, go! Do your best!

JASON
(breathes deeply in and out)
Yes, sir!


EXT-SOCCER FIELD-AFTERNOON

Jason is playing the most important game of this season. He makes a goal which makes the score a tie and assists the last goal. His team plays a great game and they win.


INT-COREY’S HOUSE-AFTERNOON

Jason arrives at Corey’s house to share the great news about their victory. He goes into the kitchen and finds a note from Corey.


INT-COREY’S HOUSE-EVENING

Jason and Corey are both happy. Jason takes a shower and comes out when the doorbell rings. He opens the door and meets his father.


INT-HOSPITAL-AFTERNOON

Jason enters the hospital with a bouquet of flowers for Corey’s mom.

He calls Corey on his cell and Corey comes to the lobby to meet Corey.

COREY
Hey!
(waves at Jason)
Aw. . why’d you come? You must be tired from the soccer game. You shouldn’t have come. So how was the game?

JASON
How’s your mother? Yeah, the game was awesome! How is she? Any more news?

COREY
Gosh.
(laughs)
We sound crazy. We’re like talking about everything nonstop.

JASON
Haha. Yeah, I was just so worried. But now it doesn’t seem like I have to be. You seem happy.

COREY
Oh yea definitely. The doctor just told me that my mom is showing improvements. Some kind of miracle he called it. Either way, I’m really happy and thankful. Especially to you.

JASON
Me?
(laughs)
I haven’t really done anything. Don’t thanks me.
(smiles)
Anyways, that’s great news about your mom! It’s awesome! Congrats!!

COREY
Yeah, I know. And now I can even afford the hospital care financially because I don’t need the money that I saved for my college anymore. Yeah. . you were great help. I realized this is what friendship is for. For us to understand each other and just knowing feelings and helping each other out and just staying beside each other. With you right next to me, I felt more hopeful and encouraged. And seeing you succeed in your dream, it gave me hope to keep fighting with my mom for her life.


JASON
Man. . .
(sarcastically)
you always touch my heart.
(laughs)
Yeah. . . I don’t know what I would have done without you also. Thanks, man!

COREY
Haha!
(mockingly)
Don’t thanks me.

Corey and Jason both laugh out loud and they put their arms around each other’s shoulders.

COREY (CONT’D)
That’s what friends are for!


INT-LIVING ROOM-EVENING

Jason and his father enter through the door with his father in the lead.

Jason’s father is walking slowly with Jason’s bag in his right hand.

MONTAGE-JASON’S DAD HUGS JASON

-He stops in the middle of the hallway.

-It’s dark except for the light coming from the kitchen.

-He sets the bag down carefully.

-He turns around to face his son.

-They look at each other for a little bit.

-Then the dad takes a step close to Jason and embraces his with a big, warm hug.

-Jason hugs back with all his might.

-He starts crying.

DAD
I missed you, son.

Jason starts crying harder.

DAD
I’m sorry. And I truly mean it.

JASON
(still crying)
It’s...
(sniff)
ok
(sniff)

It’s silent and Jason’s father just holds Jason there for a little bit more time.

Jason starts to settle and soon is done with his crying.

They part and his father stands few steps back. He looks at Jason and gives a slight smile.


EXT-WAY TO THE CEMETERY-EVENING

Jason and his father are driving. They pass beautiful, wondrous sceneries. Jason’s father holds his son’s hands.


EXT-MOTHER’S GRAVE-EVENING

Jason and his father are standing in front his mother’s grave.

They stand there is silence.

Jason then goes and cleans off the dust on the stone.

He replaces the old flowers with the new ones they brought.

His dad just watches with a peaceful feeling.

Jason comes back and stands next to his father.

His father then puts his arm around his son’s shoulders.

DAD
I love you.

JASON
I love you too.

They stand there quietly and read the quote engraved on the grave.