David, right down the middle. You got this.
Right, set it up. Run it again.
- Sorry, Coach. - David, listen, son.
You act like you're gonna miss before you even kick the ball.
We're gonna have to change your kicking philosophy.
Now, see, you're kicking wide left or wide right.
That ain't what's gonna get you home.
The ball has got to go through the middle.
- I know, Coach. - No, you don't.
Now, what does Scripture say about this?
Scripture says, "Wide is the gate
and broad is the way that leads to destruction,
and many there be that find it."
Now, to us, that's wide left and wide right.
"But narrow is the gate and straight is the way that leads to life,
and few there be that find it."
Anybody can kick it wide left or wide right.
My mama can kick it wide left and wide right.
- But that ain't what's gonna get you home. - Come on.
It don't have to look pretty. It don't have to look smooth.
It can look like a dying duck.
But the ball has to go through the middle.
Oh, my word.
Now, David, you gonna have to choose the narrow way.
That's the only path where you will get your reward.
Now send this ball through these pearly posts. Set it up for me, Jonathan.
I've never heard it that way before, but there's a lot of truth to what he's saying.
Let's see you kick it.
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.
Grant, are you not aware of what's going on outside on the field?
- What? - You might wanna come check this out.
Mitch decided to bring his Bible class outside today.
Matt Prater stood up and accepted Christ as his Lord.
It was awesome. He started confessing stuff from his life,
asking his friends for forgiveness.
Next thing we know, Bob Duke stands up and does the same thing.
Kids break up into groups, they begin to pray for each other,
they ask forgiveness for sins they've committed.
This has been going on for three hours. How did you not know what was going on?
Bless them in a special way. Lord, I ask you to lift them up to you.
I ask you to bring up a generation that has a heart for you, Lord.
Coach.
- I'm proud of you, Matt. - I need to talk with my dad.
I'd like to go see him.
I'll take you right now.
So what we've done here is we've gained these four lots
by moving the retention pond down here.
- We could try and do that through here. - No. I like this. That's perfect.
Mr. Prater, there's someone here to see you.
- Sarah, I'm in a meeting. - It's your son.
- Would you like me to step out? - No, it's OK.
Sarah, send him in.
- Matt, you OK? - Sorry. I didn't know you were in a meeting.
What is it, son?
Dad, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry.
I'm sorry for the way I've been acting.
I got right with God today
and I just needed to say
that from now on I'll respect your authority.
Whatever you say goes.
That's it.
You know, I could come back tomorrow if that would be better for you.
No. It's OK.
I'm sorry. I...
For what it's worth,
I'd give my right arm to hear my son say that to me.
I feel like I'm standing before a new team tonight.
It's a new day and a new game.
What you've experienced in your hearts this week will be released on the field.
Stay humble but confident.
Why don't you take this one, Brock?
Lord, we know our lives are not about football,
but we do thank you for allowing us to play tonight.
We're gonna give you our best.
If we win, we'll praise you and if we lose, we'll praise you.
We'll give you all the honor and the glory for this night. Keep us safe.
- Amen. - Amen.
All right, guys. Look at me.
Play hard, have fun.
Hit.
In the Old Testament, Nehemiah had the task of
building a wall around his city for protection.
But he didn't have enough people or resources or time.
Because each person worked on the wall in front of their house,
they got it done in record time. That's what you're gonna do.
On defense you have to resolve nothing gets by you as an individual,
nothing gets by us as a team.
I need you to build me a stone wall.
Let's go. Let's go.
Run through like you're throwing yourself.
Come on. Hit somebody! I wanna see some hitting. I wanna see some hitting.
Dig those feet. Come on, you ain't on my team yet. You ain't on my defense.
You gotta dig those feet. All right, Prater. Get in there, boy.
Hit him a little harder than that.
This ain't ballet practice. This is football practice.
David.
Double sweep pitch lift. Pro 45 fix. Man, even a 26 Powerhouse.
- Man, these are some good plays. - We're gonna run 'em.
We got all type of potential on this sheet. When?
We're gonna run 'em, I promise.
See, you always tell me you're gonna run 'em. You don't wanna run my plays.
Where's my car?
- Where'd you park it? - Right here.
You sure? 'Cause there ain't no way it got stolen.
You couldn't pay nobody to steal your car.
- Did the boys do something with it? - I don't know.
Hey, man, there's a note on this truck for you.
- What does it say? - Let's see.
It says "Grant Taylor, the impact you made on our school
"means more to us than you'll ever know.
"The Lord has used you to meet a need in our lives
"and now we want to meet a need in yours.
"You'll find the title of this new truck in your name.
Please accept it as our way of saying thank you."
Somebody done gave you a truck?
Man, this title got your name on it.
You got to be kidding me.
Grant Taylor, somebody done gave you a new truck.
This is my truck?
Is this just 'cause you head coach?
'Cause I'm assistant coach.
You'd think I'd get a moped out of this or something.
Oh, Lord, you've given me a truck.
Well, it's your truck. Drive it.
Not a word to anyone.
Yes, sir.
That right. No more jumper cables.
Brock. Brock.
- You watch him. You watch him. - Sure.
- Go. - Go. Go.
- Yes, sir? Can I help you? - Please.
I'd like to buy a nice bouquet of wild flowers for my wife.
I see. That's awfully sweet of you.
Oh, yes. I've got a special evening in mind for her tonight.
In that case, you need a card to go with those flowers.
I've got the perfect one. I'm gonna give it to her at her favorite restaurant.
Really? I'm sure she'll be happy.
She will. So I need your nicest, largest flowers, and money's no object.
- You see, I got a raise today. - You did?
- $6,000. - Are you serious?
That's the way my wife's gonna respond.
Grant.
- That's awesome. - You sure got friendly service here.
Hello again. This is Lane Lavarre, along with Dale Hansen,
coming to you tonight from Princeton Heights Academy,
the site of tonight's opening round of the GISA football playoffs.
For the first time in a decade,
the Shiloh Eagles are in postseason play.
Coach Grant Taylor's gonna have his hands full
as he takes on the Panthers, who haven't lost a game all season.
Huddle up. Stay sharp, stay focused, play hard and honor God.
- Eagles on three. One, two, three. - Eagles.
So, after an impressive record,
the Shiloh Eagles fall short tonight in the first round of the GISA playoffs.
28 to 10, the Princeton Heights Panthers take it to the Shiloh Eagles.
I knew we were gonna get killed tonight.
Your effort was good tonight. You've got nothing to be ashamed of.
You played hard. The Shilohs had their best season in a long time.
God's been good to us this year.
Guys, Coach is right.
We gotta praise God when we win and praise him when we lose.
Let's take a knee.
Hey.
I wish by some miracle we could have won tonight.
They worked too hard to walk away with their heads down.
I was hoping God would give us just one win in the playoffs.
They deserved it.
If you'd told me two months ago we'd play Princeton Heights in the playoffs,
I would not have believed you.
If you'd told me our school was having a revival, I wouldn't have believed you.
- This ain't been a bad year. - Got all the jerseys?
All 32 of 'em. But I ain't ready to put 'em up. I'm ready to go another round.
You and me both. Part of me wanted to get to state.
- To state? Grant, are you serious? - Why not? As hard as they worked?
Working hard is one thing, but to take this team to state?
- That'd take an act of God. - Has he not been acting already?
He has, but do you know who's gonna be waiting for whoever gets to state?
- The Richland Giants. - That's right.
Bobby Lee Duke will be there with his 85 players
ready to spank whoever made it to the state playoffs to kingdom come.
- I'm not afraid. - I know you're not afraid.
'Cause you ain't going.
By the way, some man called looking for you.
- Who? - Stan Shultz.
- Stan Shultz? - Yeah.
- Stan Shultz. That the cartoonist? - That's Charles Schulz.
Charles Schulz was that man that flew across the ocean
in the Spirit of St. Andrew.
That's Charles Lindbergh, and it was the Spirit of St. Louis.
- Lindbergh is a cheese. - Limburger's the cheese.
Lindbergh's the man.
Lindbergh was that blimp that blew up and killed all them people.
That's the Hindenburg.
No, Hindenburg is where you go skiing in Tennessee.
- That's Gatlinburg. - Gatlinburg...
You mean like the country music group, the Gatlinburg Brothers?
You guys are crazy.
Grant Taylor.
Well, Mr. Shultz, I was told you were looking for me.
Yes. Am I sitting down? Why do you ask?
Hey, Coach, what's going on here?
- Coach is on his way to let us know. - All right.
Bring it in.
I want you to know I serve a big God and he can do whatever he wants to do.
He can open what he wants to and shut what he wants to.
A team that plays for his honor and glory will have his blessings.
Unlike those who try to cheat their way to the top, like Princeton Heights did
when they played two ineligible 19-year-olds.
They have been disqualified and we're in the next round.
Get your pads on for practice. We're going to war with Tucker Friday night.
Welcome to the GISA quarterfinals.
Who would have thought we'd be seeing the Shiloh Eagles tonight
in a contest against the Tucker Tigers?
With Princeton Heights disqualified,
this is an early Christmas present for Shiloh.
Offense, put it in the end zone. Defense, build me a wall.
- Eagles on three. One, two, three. - Eagles.
Blue, 18. Blue, 18.
Set. Hit. Hit.
David. This is your field goal. It belongs to you. Put it through.
David.
Hit.
Yes.
The Tucker Tigers are nursing their wounds
as they face the end of their season.
The Eagles, however, have a little farther to fly.
What kind of sick are we talking about?
I've just felt really nauseous the last two mornings.
- And then I feel fine again. - You haven't eaten anything weird?
Not unless fruit and cereal's weird.
Brooke, my gut says make an appointment with the doctor.
I've been there three times this year. It's getting embarrassing.
I'm just telling you what I would do. You can even use my car.
With five seconds left, the score still stands in Oakhaven's favor
17 to 14 over the Eagles.
Grant Taylor calls the play to Zach Avery,
who pulls the huddle together for their last shot at going to state.
It's third down and goal for the Eagles and the crowd is going crazy.
They line up in an "i" formation. This is do or die for the Eagles.
Zach takes the snap and will give it to Jacob... No, it's a fake.
He's got Nathan Markle open in the corner. The pass is up... He's got it.
Touchdown Eagles. Touchdown Eagles.
Zach Avery faked out the defense and made a perfect pass to win 20 to 17.
Can you believe this? The Shiloh Eagles are headed to the state championship.
A team with only 32 players has made it to the big dance. Oh, my.
On the eve of the GISA football state championship,
the Richland Giants prepare to defend their reign as lords of the gridiron.
It's no surprise they've returned.
What is surprising is who they're playing, the Shiloh Eagles,
who started the season 0 and 3, have come out of nowhere,
and through a bizarre set of circumstances
now face a team almost three times their size.
Sleep at all last night?
Are you nervous?
It's a weird emotion.
Part of me thinks we're gonna get crushed tonight,
part of me thinks God may do something awesome.
Sounds like your fear's about to clobber your faith.
Something like that.
When are you going out there?
I might leave early, if that's all right.
Don't worry about me. I'll just meet you at the game.
OK.
Either way, you're still playing for a state championship.
- Where's the duck? - Duck.
- Zebra. - Zebra.
Zebra. Cat.
- Cat. - Meow.
Meow.
- There's the pig. - Brooke Taylor's here again.
Maybe she'll be pregnant this time.
I hope so.
- You ready, son? - I can't find my cleats.
They're right here by the door.
Thanks.
Do you realize you're playing for the state championship?
I don't know why I'm so nervous. I'm not even gonna play.
- You know I'm proud of you, don't you? - Yes, sir.
Don't ever doubt it. Whether you play or not, I'll be there praying for you.
Thanks, Dad.
Let's go pick a fight with some giants.
Here's the results for B Taylor.
I'll take that.
- Negative? - Yes.
I will still love you, Lord.
I will still love you.
All right, God. You got us here.
Whatever happens, may you get the glory.
- Coach, what are you doing here? - You're at the state championship.
Any time a former player gets this far, you know I'd be there.
- It blows me away. - How you feeling?
A little bit nervous. This championship, it's kind of surreal for me.
Yeah. I don't care what level of ball you're coaching,
it's surreal when you make it to the championship game.
Grant, I'm so proud of you and what you've done.
I've been reading about the team and where you've gone.
I'm just proud of the fact that you finally learned how to win the big one.
- We haven't played 'em yet. - You won when you accepted Christ.
Now, as you're teaching these guys and minister to 'em, I think it's fantastic.
I got it. These players got it.
I promise, win or lose this game, you guys are champions.
- I appreciate that. - But you might as well win it, huh?
I'm gonna try my best. This team we're playing, they're huge.
They're fast, strong. I just don't want my players to be afraid.
Well, in God's word, he said 365 different times, "Do not fear."
If he says it that many times, you know he's serious about it.
I guess so. I needed to hear that.
You're gonna do great tonight. I know you're busy.
- I'm gonna go and cheer you on. - Good to see you.
- All right. God bless you, man. - Thanks, Coach.
In about five minutes we head out for the warm-up.
I wanna say two things.
Number one, I love you and I'm proud of you.
I wouldn't trade this season for anything in the world.
Secondly, you're about to play the biggest team you've ever faced.
They're strong, fast and undefeated.
So far.
But I want you to remember where God has brought us.
I want you to remember how hard you've worked.
We weren't supposed to have a winning season, but we do.
We weren't supposed to advance through the playoffs, but we did.
We're not supposed to be here, but we are.
So if anything in you says this is a losing effort, throw it out.
'Cause as I stand here, I believe that as long as we honor God,
nothing is impossible.
Nothing.
Leave everything out on the field. Give your best to God tonight.
Whether we leave the field the victors or not, we will give God the glory.
Now, who will go fight the Giants with me?
You've gotta be kidding me.
The Giants elect to receive after the coin toss.
We're seconds away from the state championship game.
It is impressive that Shiloh has made it this far, but the field looks lopsided.
It definitely does.
85 players on the Richland sidelines as opposed to 32 for Shiloh.
Even if the Eagles had great talent, they can't bring in fresh players.
That's gonna hurt in the second half.
Let's go, Joshua.
The Eagles kick it off and the state championship game is underway.
Jerod House will receive the kick and he'll head down the field.
He breaks outside. But the Eagles will take him down around the 50-yard line.
The Giants will set up shop first down and ten, in good field position
to start this state championship game.
Get out there.
Come on. Let's go, boys.
Wes Porter will call the play for the Giants. He steps back to pass.
Damien Fuller's streaking down the sideline.
Fuller will take the pass, untouched, and the Giants strike early
with the first score.
Welcome to state championship football.
Hey, man, this is a whole new level.
They're quick off the line. We've gotta stay back.
The Eagles will start this drive at the 19-yard line.
Zach Avery drops back to pass to Jeremy Johnson.
But the pass is batted down by the Giants.
That's the way we do it.
Avery hands it to Jacob Hall, who tries to run
but gets absolutely nowhere as he is swamped by defenders.
10, 10, hit, hit.
The Eagles look to pass, but here come the Giants.
That's gonna force the Eagles into a punting situation on fourth down.
They're getting desperate.
Jerod House will receive the kick and head down the field.
He breaks outside. He's got some daylight.
OK. Ref, timeout.
The Eagles give up another sack. They're gonna have to punt it away.
So far it's been all Richland.
- I should not have called that play. - They're all over us. Nobody's open.
- They're knocking us around. - They're getting cocky.
We cannot let them play their game. Defense, blitz on first down.
We've gotta get them off their rhythm. Let's go.
No.
Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go.
What universe are you in? Get in the game.
So with a few seconds left in the first half,
the Giants were gonna take a three-touchdown lead,
but after an Eagles interception, we've got a 14 to 7 football game.
We can't keep running our normal plays. Their defense is killing us.
I agree. We cannot outmuscle 'em and we cannot outrun 'em.
We've gotta outsmart 'em.
- Trick plays? - Just enough to keep 'em guessing.
- You see another way? - We can't use 'em too often, though.
- They catch on, we're toast. - We're toast if we don't get points.
We have gotta make it through the fourth quarter and they got a deep bench.
First, we're still in the game. Good job on the defense getting us on the board.
They thought this would be a shutout. We're gonna keep surprising 'em.
They've got power and speed, they're big,
but they're also predictable.
We have gotta stay together.
We can't outrun 'em, but we can outsmart 'em.
With the Giants leading 14 to 7, we get set to bring you the second half
of this state football game.
Unless the Eagles find a way to solve Richland's size and strength,
the Giants could be taking home their fourth consecutive state title tonight.
Make it work, Zach.
The Eagles come out with a little trickery.
They're just about to tie this football game.
Hustle, hustle. Come on. Let's go. Let's go.
Make 'em pay, boys. Make 'em pay.
Come on. That was dirty.
He's hurt.
Joshua Webster's being helped off the field
with we've been told is a broken collarbone.
That came after a late hit by the Giants after the Eagles tied the game.
- That was dirty. - Calm down. Josh is gonna be all right.
David, come here. You gotta cover for Joshua.
- I need 110%, OK? - All right, Coach.
Be the man. Let's go.
After a long drive, the Giants score, but the Eagles prevent the conversion,
leaving this a 20 to 14 football game.
Why are they on the scoreboard? They shouldn't even be in this game.
For the rest of your life, you will remember today.
I want you to remember you held nothing back, did not lose heart,
you did not stop fighting, you did not quit.
They're like little dogs nipping at your heels.
Now get out there and stomp 'em.
That's what I'm talking about. That's my defense.
Let's go, Eagles. He's going for a pass.
The Eagles have shown the determination of a school twice their size.
The Giants will now attempt a 35-yard field goal to extend their lead.
That is the last time we go for a field goal.
We should be in the end zone every stinkin' time.
Double flex wall. Double flex wall.
And hit.
- What are you doing? - Let's go. Let's go.
- Let's go. - Good job. That's my team.
Coach, I need a rest. I can't go much more.
Brock, I need you on that field. You have gotta stay in the game.
Yes, sir.
David Childers is in to kick for Joshua Webster.
This is his first season. He's gone three for four this season.
He's been limited to short-range kicks.
Come on, David. You got this.
Yeah.
Timeout, ref. Ref, timeout.
Coach, I'm done. Someone else has gotta lead.
Brock, this is when it matters most. I know you're tired.
It's easy to lead when you're strong. But now is when you lead us, right now.
Can you give me four more downs? I just need four more downs.
Four more.
All right, come here.
This is our time and you've got to put the nails in the coffin.
Look at me. We didn't fight this far to give up in the last quarter.
Leave everything on the field.
And field goals, they're not an option.
I need you for four more downs. Who's with me?
Now get out there and get it done.
With less than two minutes left, the Giants stand on the verge
of their fourth straight consecutive state title.
A tired Eagles team lines up to face 'em yet again.
Stone wall. Stone wall.
Yes. Stone wall.
- Stone wall. - Stone wall.
Stone wall. Stone wall.
The Giants line up first and goal.
This score will solidify the state championship.
Wait a minute. He is stopped.
The Eagles are still showing determination to fight this out.
Three more downs.
Three more.
You gotta hang with me. I know it's getting tough. We gotta stop 'em here.
It's second down and goal to go for the Giants.
The state title is within their grasp.
Both of the stands are on their feet as they get ready to run this play.
Wes Porter will take it. No, the Eagles have stopped him again.
That's my team. That's my team.
Come on. Get it in the end zone.
Two more.
And here we go again. They're gonna try it again.
Wes Porter will take the snap. He's looking to pass into the corner.
But the Eagles bat down the pass. The crowd is going nuts right now.
The Giants have been kept out of the end zone on three straight plays.
Now Bobby Lee Duke will have a big decision to make.
- We have gotta go for a field goal. - We are not going for a field goal.
He's not taking it. Brock. Brock, one more down. One more down.
Fourth down and the Giants are going for the touchdown.
This crowd is going absolutely berserk right now.
They line up at the one-yard line. Wes Porter's gonna take the snap.
Brock Kelley's gonna meet him head-on... And there's a fumble.
The Eagles have the football. He's at the 40. He's at the 50.
He's at the 40. He'll be run out at the 34-yard line. Are you believing this?
With two seconds left, the Eagles have got a shot at this football game.
- We've got time for a Hail Mary. - The defense is too strong.
We can't run it. That's our only option.
You gotta kick it, man.
David. I need a 51-yard field goal.
- Coach, I can't kick that far. - They've stopped the pass all night.
- You're my best option. - The furthest I've kicked is 39 yards.
There is no way I can kick a 51-yard field goal.
I believe you can. Do the best you can. Leave the results to God.
I need you on that field.
Field-goal unit.
We've gotta throw it. He can't kick it. It's too far.
- No, it's not. - What are you doing?
I'm preparing for rain.
I don't understand, but with two seconds left,
the Eagles are putting the game in the hands of a 145-pound backup kicker.
This is not a good move. He even has to kick into the wind.
David.
He's not ready. He don't think he can do it.
I don't have any more timeouts. Call a timeout, Bobby Lee.
- This kid can't kick that far. - Call that timeout.
Call a timeout anyway and let's ice him.
David, come here. You're telling yourself you're gonna miss this kick.
Coach, it's too far.
Listen to me. Do you think God could help you make this kick?
- Do you believe it, David? - Yeah, if he wants to.
So do I. Give me your best and leave the rest up to him.
Will you do that for me?
Make this field goal or not, we'll praise him.
But don't you walk off this field having done any less than your best.
- Can I help you? - Don't touch me.
I'm standing for my son.
God, help me make this kick.
Take it now. Take it now.
Hit.
The kick is up. It's on its way. It's long enough. It's high enough.
It's good. It's good. It's good.
- The Eagles have won the championship. - Thank you, God.
I can't believe what I've just seen. I cannot believe what I've just seen.
A miracle has occurred here.
The Shiloh Eagles have defeated the Richland Giants 24 to 23
to take the state title for the first time.
It's incredible. It's absolutely unbelievable.
You are state champion. You are state champion.
All right. You guys, who's the state champions?
OK. OK.
I got something to say. David Childers.
Don't you ever let anyone tell you that you're under par,
second-rate or inferior.
I just watched God do a miracle through you.
I saw a field of Giants, 85 of 'em to be exact,
fall in defeat.
Now you tell me what's impossible with God.
Nothing, Coach.
Zach, I just watched you and the offense do what they said could not be done.
- Tell me what's impossible with God. - Nothing, Coach.
Brock, how about it? You built that stone wall and it stood.
- Tell me what's impossible with God. - Nothing, Coach.
- Scott, what's impossible with God? - Nothing.
Are you sure? Those Giants are big. They outnumber us three to one.
Sure there's nothing impossible with God?
I'm sure, Coach.
- Nathan, what's impossible with God? - Nothing, Coach.
- Jonathan? - Nothing.
- Are you positive? - Positive, Coach.
So am I. So am I.
God can do whatever he wants to do, however he wants to do it.
And he chooses to work in our lives 'cause he loves us, 'cause he's good.
Hope today's a milestone for what he can do for the rest of your life,
if you trust him.
Let's spend some time thanking him.
Look who just walked in this house.
Couldn't be the state champion coach Grant Taylor, could it?
'Cause he's not supposed to live here.
He's supposed to be out looking for a job.
God did it, Brooke.
He did it.
He gave me this job,
provided for our needs,
took away my fear.
He throws in the state championship just 'cause he can.
It's been one of the best days of my life.
- The day's not over yet. - What do you mean?
Grant Taylor, I just want you to know that you've made the team.
What team?
The daddy team.
We're gonna have a baby?
We're gonna have a baby.
You tell me, Coach Taylor,
tell me what's impossible when God's on your side?
Oh, God. Oh, God. I'm overwhelmed.