At school Jess and Mia rounds up the cheerleader team at the Prep Hangout
"So how are you planning on topping Kara's when the judges come to the football game against Hearst?" Jess asked
"It's not going to be easy. First off, we'll need a new routine after they stole our last one... and it will have to really wow the judges." Sierra sighed
"We need to be giving our all between now and then... because you know Kara's squad will be practicing around the clock!" Mia pointed
Jess phone buzzes with a text
"Gotta run! Julian wants to meet up!" Jess find Julian standing alone in the center of the football field, gazing up at the empty stands. "Wow, it's weird how peaceful it can be out here sometimes."
"Sure is. You know, I'm really glad you convinced me to transfer, Jess. Feels like just yesterday I was riding the bench at Hearst, desperate to play for a school I didn't like. For a team I didn't believe in. Now look at me... I'm a starter on a team I really care about... and it's all thanks to you!" Julian smiled
"We all did this together, Julian. You know that." Jess smiled
"You're right. We started this year together, and now we're going to finish it together. And if we make the playoffs, maybe I'll get the chance to prove myself to all those college scouts." said Julian
"If anyone can do it, it's you."
"So Jess, I know football isn't your thing. You wanna help me get the team together? We should practice hard if we want to be in shape for this week's game."
"I'll round everyone up!"
Emily, Danny, and the rest of the football team circle around Julian.
"All right, people! Time to close out the season strong! Just one more win, and we'll clinch a playoff spot! So that means we just have to win one of our last three games against Forest Hill, Statton, and Hearst!" Julian announced
"I can't WAIT to beat down Hearst again!" Emily cheered
"This is going to be a cakewalk! I'm thinking we win by thirty." Danny cheered
"We're untouchable! With how bad we've been beating everyone lately, I bet we win by FORTY!" Emily cheered
"Sure, we're on a win streak, but that won't last unless we stay focused and dedicated. Now get out there and earn the right to talk that smack." Julian called
As practice goes on while Jess watch
"Hey, Danny, watch this! One hand!" Emily tries to catch a long pass with one hand, but bobbles and drops it!
"Ha, you're not getting on SportsCenter with that! Let me try!" Tommy chuckled
Watching beside Jess, Julian furrows his brow. "They're all just goofing around! Why aren't they taking this seriously?!"
"Well, we HAVE been winning all our games by a lot recently. Plus, with everything our school's been involved in lately, I don't blame them for wanting to take it easy." Jess pointed
"You're probably right. I guess I'm still getting used to going to a school that doesn't completely revolve around football. This is nothing like Hearst." said Julian
"Isn't that a good thing?" Jess asked
"Absolutely."
"Hey! Jess! We're working on the new routine for the cheerleaders' tiebreaker showdown against Hearst." Mia called "Do you have a second to give us a hand?"
"Sure!" Jess nod
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You can't take Jess! The football team still has tons to work on!" Julian argued
"You're not the only one here on a deadline, you know." Mia pointed
"Mia right. The cheer squad has their work cut out for them. I'll help you out more later, Julian." said Jess
"Well... okay. Just don't take too long." said Julian
Jess walk off with Mia. "So how's the new routine coming?"
"Not bad... but if we want to win, we'll need to take it to the next level. We want to go creative. We want to bring in influences that cheerleading's never seen before!" said Mia
"So you know anybody who might want to help us choreograph some totally new moves?" Mia asked
Jess rounds up Willow (Dancer), Tash (Nerd) and Elijah (Band Member)
"Are you prepared to design the greatest cheer routine ever?" Mia asked
"If it means beating Hearst on the field, I'm in!" Elijah nod
"Your last routine was already really complicated, but we'll have to go even further to top Kara and her minions this time!" said Willow
"I've drawn up some figures... and I may have some ideas on how to maximize cheer efficiency!" said Tash
"Then let's get cheering!" Mia called
Some time later...
"One, and two, and three, and four! Keep perfect time!" Elijah called
"And right lunge! Split-lift!" Willow called
"There you go! Lift the flyer with your knees for maximal torque!" Tash called
Willow and Elijah launch Sierra into the air and catch her a few seconds later. "Whoa! That... was amazing!"
"This new routine is coming along nicely!" Jess smiled
"I think it's ready for a test spin at this week's game against Forest Hill." said Mia
Later, the school's football stadium is packed with fans! Jess spot Julian pacing on the sideline with a clipboard. "Hey, Julian! You look anxious. Is everything okay?" Jess asked
"Coach asked the team captains to set the starting roster, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Who do you think should play quarterback?" Julian asked
"Danny has the best arm in the school." Jess pointed
"You've never steered me wrong before, Jess. Let's do it."
On the field, the marching band wraps its pre-game performance.
"Okay, guys, it's our show now. Let's line up for kickoff! Ready? Break! Guy?" Julian spots most of the football team chatting idly with the cheerleading squad!
"Are you excited to debut your new routine?" Danny asked
"Totally! You don't really know if a new move will work or not until you pull it off in a gametime atmosphere!" Sierra squealed
"This will give us plenty of time to work out any kinks in the choreography." said Mia
"Hellooo! Come on, people! Focus! We win, and we're in the playoffs!" Julian glared
The football team scores touchdown after touchdown against the overmatched Forest Hill squad! Halftime arrives! Mia debut their new cheer routine before thousands of roaring fans. The crowd erupts in applause!
"They love it!" Sierra smiled
"Great job, team!" Mia smiles
As the second half begins, Danny lines up as quarterback, reading the defense's scheme.
"Spider two! Y-Banana! Hike!" The center snaps the ball, and Danny drops back, dodging a blitzing linebacker! Danny spots a receiver running a blazing route, easily shaking the safety!
"Heads up!" Danny launches a beautiful spiral downfield, hitting the receiver in stride as he sprints into the end zone. "Yeaaaah! Another TD toss! Let's see you top that, Peyton Manning!"
"Great call, Jess! Danny is lighting it up!" Julian smiled
The ref blows the whistle, and the home crowd cheers the final score, 42-14.
"We did it! We're in the state playoffs!" Danny cheered
"Great hustle out there, people, but our work's not done. We've still got two games to play, and one's our rivalry rematch against Hearst. I'll see you all bright and early tomorrow morning to go over tonight's game film!" Julian called
"Sounds good... but first we've got something else we need to do!" said Danny
"Huh?" Julian asked
"It's party time!l Danny cheered
"But..." Julian sighed
"Come on, Julian! We just made the playoffs! Hasn't the team earned a little relaxation time?" Jess pointed
"Well... I guess it couldn't hurt."
Danny throws a house party at his house inviting the whole school, more people Jess don't recognise flood in the house party. Payton spots Julian sitting alone on the couch, watching football games on his phone with a stressed expression.
"Well, aren't YOU the life of the party..." said Payton
"I'm not in a mood party princess. Look, I don't know about you, but I have a lot on my plate right now." Julian sighed
Nearby, the rest of the football team is devouring pizza and playing video games.
"I wish I could make them care as much asI do... but I don't want to turn into someone like Max, just yelling at people all the time." Julian sighed
"Do you remember how you felt back during Homecoming?" Payton asked
"Yeah... I know football's not everything here." said Julian
"How do you expect to perform at your best when you never give anyone a chance to relax?" Payton pointed
Julian thinks for a second... and smiles. "Well... when you're right, you're right
Later, Julian and Autumn stand on the edge of a wide swimming pool.
"You ready?" Julian asked
"I'm ready... No, wait!" Julian grabs Autumn's hand, and the two of them leap into the pool in a huge splash! All of your classmates laugh and clap.
"Looks like Julian loosened up after all. So, Mia, are you happy with how the new cheer routine went tonight? Jess asked
"I love it, Jess. It's just so." Mia trails off, her eyes going wide as she focuses on something behind you.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Jess asked
Jess turn to see Kara and her sneering Hearst cheerleaders marching inside!
"I heard this party was for winners, but all I see are losers!" Kara sneered
Kara and her fleet of cheerleaders stomp through your school's party. She slaps a slice of pizza out of Nishan's hand!
"Hey! That was Hawaiian! Have you no decency?!" Nishan exclaimed
Kara spots Mia, who was slinking back into the crowd. "Oh, look! It's the traitor. Having fun on your little Isle of Misfit Toys? I shouldn't be mad. I'm glad you left. Our squad is SO much better without you holding us back."
"You... I..." Mia stuttered
Jess run up to Payton and Julian, who are watching the scene unfold.
"Kara's taking this too far!" Jess glared
"Mia needs backup!" Julian exclaimed
"Let's go." said Payton
"Hey! Kara!" Payton exclaimed
"Huh? What do YOU want?" Kara glared
Jess, Payton, and Julian stand alongside Mia, staring down Kara and her pack of cheerleaders.
"What we want is you to take your attitude somewhere else." Jess glared
"Being a jerk went out of fashion last season, but from your outfit, I can tell you'd know nothing about that." Payton glared
"Hmph. Little Miss Traitor needs her friends to stand up for her, does she?" Kara scoffed
"No..." Mia nodded
"Well, you won't have them in a couple weeks, when Hearst Cheer wipes the floor with you! That's right, we saw your little routine today, Mia. You'd better bring more than that if you think you stand a chance against us!" Kara scoffed
"All right, Kara. Time to hit the road." said Julian
"We'll see how tough you're talking once Max pays you back for that loss, Julian. Party while you can, losers!" With that, Kara and her friends storm out.
"Thanks for backing me up... especially you, Julian. I know we haven't been on the best of terms lately." said Mia
"Sure, we've been butting heads a little, but I've ALWAYS got your back. Whatever you need from the football team to beat Kara... you've got it." said Julian
The next day at school Mia approaches Jess, wringing her hands. "I really appreciate you helping out with designing the routine... but I think it still needs more."
"Is this about what Kara said at the party?" Jess asked
"Well, she's right. It's gonna take everything we have to beat her. She runs her squad like the Navy SEALs. We just need something to take us over the top. Do you think we could get someone to make a really fun dance track to perform to?" Mia asked
Jess gathers Demi (DJ)
"DJ Sonic in the house I watched the tape of your routine, Mia. Sick moves." said Demi
"Uh, thanks!" said Mia
"Usually, you'd figure out a routine to go with music... but this time, we're going to make a song to fit your routine perfectly! I'm thinking of adding a different instrument track for each cheerleader, and changing their pitch to match your movements!" said Demi
"Sounds ambitious!" Jess gasped
"Time to drop some bass on Hearst. Okay, party people, check out this mix..." Priya hands Jess and Mia each a pair of headphones and presses play.
"This sounds pretty good, Demi!" Jess smiled
"Oh, just wait." Demi loads up a video of the cheerleading team's new routine.
"Whoa! It matches up perfectly! How'd you do that?!" Mia exclaimed
"Lots and lots and lots of time on my laptop... But it's all worth it, because it looks incredible!" Demi smiled
"No way Kara's squad beats us now!" Mia smiled
"Hey, Jess, there you are." Julian calls
"What's up?" Jess asked
"Partying last night was fun and all, but we have to keep the football team in top form heading into the playoffs. Let's go grab one of the filmmakers to go over the footage from last night's game."
Jess, Julian, and Henry sit in a room, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.
"I can't WAIT to show you some of this footage... We've got multiple angles, high-def... and I even included a couple of artistic slo-mo shots!" Henry cheers
"Looking forward to it. We'll get started as soon as the rest of the team shows up." said Julian
Jess wait...
"The team should be here any second now." Julian pounced
And wait...
"Okay, so everyone's a little late... no big deal." said Julian
Until finally...
"Nobody's showing, are they?" Julian grumbled
"I'm sure it just slipped their minds." said Jess
"I guess we'll just review the footage some other time..." said Henry
"I don't get it. Doesn't anyone at this school care about football anymore?" Julian glared
"Of course people care! It's just." Henry was cut off
"What?!" Julian exclaimed
"Well, the team won that last game 42-14... and we're already guaranteed a playoff spot. Maybe it's okay to relax a little." Henry smiled
"Is that what people are saying? That we can relax?" Julian asked
"I think Henry right. Everyone at our school has worked so hard to get where we are today. They deserve a break." said Jess
"No way! This is no time to get complacent! If we don't stay focused now, it's going to catch up to us eventually. Come on, Jess, we need to go find the rest of the team. Now. Let's go find Emily and Danny. Those two have no excuse for missing the film session!"
Jess and Julian look all over school.
"Huh. They're not in the Jock Hangout." Jess sighed
"I don't see them over at Party Central either." Julian sighed
"Wait a second... I think I see them now!"
Jess and Julian approach Emily and Danny hanging out with Mia, Payton, and the cheerleaders.
"Hey, Emily, Danny... you guys just bailed on the film session this morning!" Julian glared
Wait, what's all these X's and O's on the whiteboard? Were you guys drawing up plays?" Jess asked
"Um, sort of!" said Emily
"We're helping Mia design formations for the cheer team's routine!" said Danny
"Huh?!" Julian asked
"They've been a HUGE help!" Sierra cheered
"And we'll need every boost we can get if we want to beat Kara next week." said Mia
"That's great, but now it's time for us to go over the game film, so come on." Julian called
"It's not really the best time..." Emily sighed
"Are you kidding me? Do you think the guys over at Hearst are taking an afternoon off? This is insane!" Julian glared
"Julian remember you don't want to become Max." Jess reminded
Julian sighs. "You're right. Sorry. I didn't mean to yell at anyone. I guess I'm still just getting used to a school where football isn't the end-all be-all."
"Actually, Jess, we were meaning to ask for your help whipping the cheer quad into shape!" said Mia
"Sorry, girls, but I'm sort of helping Julian right now." said Jess
"But the football team has been winning by like a million points a game... and we're desperate!" Mia exclaimed
"She has a point, Jess... they need your help more than I do." said Julian
"Okay, then... I'll help the cheerleaders. Julian, just let me know if there's anything else I can do to help." said Jess
"You got it." said Julian
"Now come on! It's time to get these cheerleaders to shape up!" Mia called
After several hours of grueling workouts, the cheerleaders are looking more fit than ever!
Mia: "Thanks for the help, Jess! The team is really looking good! I just hope it's good enough for us to beat Hearst." Mia smiled
Danny: "We've still got a couple of weeks before our big showdown... I know you'll rock their knee-high socks off."
Mia: "Thanks for the help, Jess. There's a lot more to do, but right now, we'd better get going, though... it's almost time for the football game against Statton!"
At the football game, Julian greets his sister, Hope, a student at the Statton School for the Humanities. "Good luck, Julian! Don't tell anyone, but I'm secretly cheering for you. Honestly, your team will probably crush us. We're an art school. Most of our players would rather be home painting still-life."
"I guess we'll see... Julian looks up at the stands, scanning the crowd.
"Looking for someone?" Jess asked
Yeah... college scouts. And I'm not seeing any. How am I going to get a football scholarship if colleges don't even know I exist?" Julian frowned
"I don't get it... our team is having an amazing season. You'd think some would show up to watch us play." said Jess
"Unfortunately, it's not just about performance. It's about connections. Hearst has a lot of ins with college scouts. We don't." said Julian
"Don't worry! We're sure to see some scouts when we play Hearst next week... and even more of them will watch us in the playoffs!" said Jess
"Right. Good point. For now, we've got to focus on today's game and today's issues... Like our kicker! I almost forgot... we need to decide who to send in for kickoffs and field goals. Any ideas?"
"I've heard good things about that foot of yours, Danny." Julian pointed
"Kicking stuff comes naturally to me!" said Danny
"Good to hear... because I have a feeling that this game could come down to you!" said Julian
The game begins. At first it seems like they blow out Statton.
"Yeah! Another touchdown!" Julian cheered
But then there are a few slip-ups.
"No! Another interception!" Julian frowned
And with thirty seconds left to play, the team finds itself losing, 29-27!
"This is a disaster... we're going to lose to an art school!" Julian exclaimed
"There's still time! If we can get the ball to the 30-yard line, I know I can make a field goal! Trust me." said Danny
"To get that close, we'll need a trick play. What do you think we should call, Danny?" Julian asked
"A fake pass!"
"Great idea! They'll never see it coming!"
The team lines up and snaps the ball! The crowd watches with bated breath!
"Looks like a throwing play... oh no! Statton has the receivers totally covered!" Mia pointed
"Wait... it's a fake! They're handing it off to Julian!" said Payton
"Clear a path for me, guys!" Julian called
Bewildered, the Statton defense hustles to catch up to Julian, who is sprinting down the other side of the field! They finally push him out of bounds at the 25-yard line!
"We made it! We're close enough for a field goal! Now it's all up to Danny..." said Julian
The home crowd holds its collective breath. The teams line up for the final play.
"Come on, Danny." said Julian
"Everyone, chill out... I've got this..."
The team hikes the ball. Danny jogs up and kicks it squarely. The ball sails end over end through the night sky! For a moment, the crowd is dead silent. "Come on... come on..."
And it splits the uprights!
"The ball went in! We did it! We win!" Jess cheered
"We did it! Party at my place!" Danny cheered
"We just had a party at your place. We just barely beat an ART SCHOOL. What exactly are we celebrating?" Julian glared
"You always say 'a win is a win', right?" Danny pointed
"I... I guess I do sometimes say that." Julian sighed
"So we won! Time to party!" Danny cheered
At a house party the word party got out quickly the whole school is invited to Danny house more people pile in half of the people Jess don't recognise.
"Hey Hope." Jess waved
"Congrats winning the football game. We couldn't miss out the party." said Hope
"Don't stay too long kiddo." said Julian
"No worries I have school tomorrow let enjoy the party." Hope and Chelsea cheered
Student from Statton pile in Danny house
"Woo hoo! Best party ever! Who wants nachos?" Payton called
Several football players raise their hands.
"We can't eat junk food all the time and expect to stay in game shape! Everyone put the nachos down. PUT THE NACHOS DOWN!" Julian yelled
"It's a party, sourpuss! Lighten up! Remember what you said about not wanting to act like Max?" Payton pointed
And later...
"Okay, everyone. It's almost eleven-thirty. Let's wrap this up!" Julian claps
"No way! There's a movie marathon starting at midnight, and pizzas are on their way! This party is just getting started!" Payton squealed
"Are you kidding me we have school tomorrow?" Julian exclaimed
"I might stay at this party." said Jess
Julian groaned "Suit yourself I had to take Hope home anyway."
Everyone stayed up all night watching a movie marathon eating pizza. At school the next day, everyone is looking pretty groggy. "Best... party... snore..." Payton falls asleep in class
"Everyone's half-asleep thanks to that stupid party! Ten to one, no one but me shows up at practice." Julian grumbled
Jess yawned "I didn't get much sleep either. Sorry, Julian... I guess everyone just got a little too enthusiastic."
"I'm trying not to be too intense about this but between everyone focusing on the cheerleaders and then partying all the time, my team is playing like garbage! Do you have any idea how bad we'll be beaten if we show up to the playoffs playing like that?" Julian grumbled
"What can I do to make it up to you?" Jess asked
"Well... there is one thing... I need you to accompany me on a little field trip... to Hearst High!"
Jess and Julian walk through Hearst High's main quad, making your way toward the football field.
"So... could you explain exactly why we're at Hearst?" Jess asked
"We're scouting them out. We need to see how good they are, now that they're back from probation! They have a game against Ashland High today, so it's a good chance for us to watch them play!" said Julian
"That makes sense... but do you really think it's a good idea to be here?" Jess asked
"Probably not. But you never get anywhere in life by playing it safe, right?" said Julian
As Jess reach the stadium, Julian's eyes go wide. "Check it out... up in the stands! Those guys with the clipboards? Those are college scouts."
Danny: "There have to be more than a dozen of them! I guess Hearst DOES have connections." said Jess
"You've got that right!" Max shrugged
"Uh oh... it's Max!" Jess sighed
"Looks like we've been spotted... Look, Max, we don't want any trouble..." Julian sighed
"Oh, but you found trouble, didn't you? Check it out... my team is a juggernaut. Half the guys here will go on to play college ball. Just ask those scouts up there." said Max
"We beat you once. We can do it again." Jess glared
"That was then. This is now. Hearst High is back... and better than ever. As for your school... I heard you almost lost to a bunch of art students. I don't think their school even has a weight room!" Max sneered
"Let's just get out of here, Jess..." said Julian
"No need to leave... stick around. I'm happy to have you watch our game. Take a seat!"
Jess and Julian head to the bleachers.
"I don't like this one bit..." Julian sighed
"Max must be pretty confident in his team if he's so thrilled to let us watch them play." Jess find seats, and Julian takes out a pair of binoculars
"Okay... let's check out the competition."
As Jess and Julian watch the game, one of the scouts pulls Julian aside. They talk for a minute, before Julian returns.
"What was that all about?" Jess asked
"He said he recognized me from when I used to play here... but when I told him I transferred schools, he didn't seem interested in talking anymore." said Julian
"I guess going to Hearst really means something to these scouts." said Jess
Forget about it... let's just watch this game, okay?
It's a blowout! Hearst dominates in every aspect of the game.
"Their offensive line is huge... their running back is unstoppable. Their quarterback is completing ninety percent of his passes!" said Julian
"They've definitely gotten better since we last saw them..." said Jess
Hearst wins 54-0!
"You okay, Julian?" Jess asked
"I just... I don't know if we can beat these guys." Julian sighed
Down in the field, scouts surround Max, chatting him up amiably.
"Look at him... he'll probably get a dozen scholarship offers at top schools." Julian scoffed
"So will you, Julian. You have the talent." said Jess
"Talent doesn't mean squat if no one's looking... and a football scholarship is basically the only way I'll be able to afford college. And even more than that, football is the one thing I love most in the world... Getting to play at the next level has been my dream since I was a little kid." said Julian
"And we're going to make that happen, Julian." said Jess
"How do we do that?" Julian asked
"Sure, maybe we don't have the connections to get scouts to watch us play. But once we beat Hearst on their own turf... they'll have no choice but to pay attention to our players." said Jess
"You saw how they just demolished Ashland High, Jess. We can't match that." Julian frowned
"We've beaten them before when no one believed in us. You know we have what it takes to do it again. We started this year together, we're going to finish it together. Are you with me?"
"Yeah... yeah, I am. I like your confidence, Jess... But getting the team back to an elite level? It's easier said than done."
"I'm not saying it will be easy... but I know we can do it. The team's going to need its leader."
"But how do I lead... without becoming Max?"
"Being a leader isn't about yelling at people... it's about inspiring them! And when it comes to that, you're a natural!"
"You really think so?"
"I know so. You can do this! It's time to rally the team!"
"In that case... Hearst had better watch out!"
