We Are Marshall (2006) Edit

A few. Most of them would prefer not to think about it.

A good effort is not enough.

A Jack Lengyel called from the College of Wooster.

A little bit, yeah.

Advice. Anything that you'd be willing to show us.

After this painful loss, the Marshall faithful must be wondering...

After you catch the football, if you cannot score, get out of bounds.

Ain't no way he's made up his mind yet.

All right, all right. You see the big goalpost there?

All right, boys, let's sit up straight. Tighten those ties, fix those collars.

All right, guys. Competition breeds improvement.

All right, let's go.

All right, let's go. Let's get a stop.

All right, Rock, Paper, Scissors for tickets. Let's go, right now.

All right, we need our three. It's gonna help out the morale.

All right? Come on! Now! Come on!

Almost home.

Already got one name down.

Also would like to say a big thank you from myself, my wife and our three kids.

Amen.

And for what?

And he's in the end zone. Touchdown, Xavier.

And here they come, the Young Thundering Herd of Marshall!

And I could use some recruiting help from someone who knows the area.

And I just don't see how that would do anyone in this town any good.

And I promised 20 mothers that I'd look after their sons.

And I think I've done everything I can.

And I thought, hell...

And if you do that...

And in this moment, once every year...

And it ain't how we play the game!

And it doesn't matter in what sport, and it doesn't matter what country...

And makes another catch for another first down.

And Marshall grabs the lead right back, 9 6...

And Meadows' hamstring, it's okay too.

And now it's game day.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the Morehead State Eagles are taking the field.

And now, with the extra point, Morehead State is leading 29 6.

And on the day that he died, he said...

And so, our Lord, grant them eternal rest and peace...

And that is why I'm a fan of the Power I Formation.

And that is why we are offering your son something...

And that'll be it for the Herd.

And the rest of you, true freshmen...

And then I came here.

And then you passed it down to him...

And they know it, too.

And this isn't about Annie. And this isn't about the town, Paul.

And what happens out there is my responsibility, not his.

And when that day comes...

And with the extra point, Xavier has taken the lead back from Marshall...

And you can bet your ass...

And you don't have to throw it. You had 20 yards in front of you.

And you think the proper course of action is ending the program?

And you.

And you're the only man that can do it.

And, well, since you called us...

Annette said you look funny when you're getting dressed.

Annie...

Any questions?

Anyway, got a long ride ahead of me. Have a great flight.

Approved.

Are there any other questions?

Are you gonna play too, Tom?

Are you kidding? After a loss? We want him in a good mood.

As I am sure you are aware, we...

As I've been told, you had a great career at Marshall and...

As in Nate the Great.

Ask me your name. Go ahead, I won't even look. Ask me your name.

Ask them to make an exception. Allow us to play freshmen.

At least not here, not now. No.

At the end of a game, we always give the ball to the most valuable player.

Back on track.

Ball, ball, ball!

Bear Bryant called me personally, actually, to recommend him.

Because if he keeps on pulling and no money comes out...

Because if I don't see you in the stands, honey...

Because there's only one thing they judge us on.

Because when I tell your boss you left that restaurant unattended...

Big on big. We can run an offense.

Bill Yeoman came up with it at Houston...

Black 18! Set! Hut!

Blake, come on!

Bob Lambert. West Virginia.

Bobby, thank you for taking the time with us today.

Boy, I'll tell you what, that hurt shoulder sure looks like it's affecting Ruffin.

Boys, it's very important that we take a collective breath, as a town...

Bring another hose down here!

Bullshit!

But after you kick it, son, you're still a football player.

But East Carolina?

But he would return to Huntington one last time...

But I wanna tell you something that they don't know.

But I will not accept losing with you.

But let me be clear about this:

But Marshall is all out of time outs, and the clock is now ticking.

But there's a complete pass to Crawford!

But they do.

But they will be watching.

But until you find the strength to deal with that pain...

But you gave it to your wife first.

But you've done enough.

Bye, Carole. Say hello to your husband for me.

Call it in, Red! Call it in!

Can you shake it off or not?

Check!

Chocolate Thunder, White Lightning? We the best defensive players in the conference.

Chris gave it to you.

Clock is still ticking. He didn't make it! He's still inbounds.

Clocks ticked, but time did not pass.

Co captain Nate Ruffin and cornerback Tom Bogdan...

Coach McNally.

Coach Red Dawson, looks a little something like the Veer, doesn't it?

Coach, I've been going to my right all day

Coach, you serious?

Come here.

Come on, Booth!

Come on, cover it!

Come on, Don. You were always a temporary solution.

Come on, Herd.

Come on, hit it, now!

Come on, man. Gonna miss the previews.

Come on, Marshall!

Come on, Reggie.

Come on!

Come on! Let's go!

Come on! Snap the ball!

Come on.

Come on.

Could I trouble you to look and see if Carole's home next door?

Could you do me a big favor and leave her a message for me?

Crawford gets a step on Ruffin.

Crawford still untouched at the 30, the 35. This kid's got speed, doesn't he?

Creole. This Redbook's taking me only so far.

Cut 10 yards, to the post.

D can prevent kicking game onside and kickoff.

Damn it, coach, I said I'm all right.

Damn it.

Date, late, escape. Wait. Nate.

Dawson. Send them in!

Depends on the apple.

Do it again.

Do you have any idea what it's like for Annie right now?

Do you know I was baptized right here in the Ohio?

Doc, we're gonna get us a football team.

Does it really matter?

Don't bench me, coach.

Don't worry. I will.

Donald Dedmon accepted the presidency at Radford University...

Down, down, down! On the ball!

Each year, on the exact same day, at the exact same hour...

Early reports do not indicate the condition of those aboard.

Eight time Southern Conference Champions, Red.

Electricity worked, the water pressure was high.

Ernie Salvatore called from the Herald.

Ernie Salvatore, Herald Dispatch.

Everybody up! Come in here!

Everybody up! Let's go. Come on.

Excuse me, everybody...

Excuse me, young man. Excuse me, this is a private meeting.

Fact.

Feel a connection to the guy next to you.

Feel a connection to the guy next to you.

Feeling good.

Feels a lot more like Bloody Knuckles to me.

Field goal unit! Let's go!

Fifteen freshmen turning sophomores.

Fifty five! Blocking in the

Fill her up for you?

Fire left, 422 Z Rocket, all right? Martin, Johnson or Linden.

First class.

First line: NCAA, address I assume you have it, Luann.

Five o'clock. All right?

Five one comes low. Head slap and you're around him.

Five one comes low. Head slap and you're around him.

Follow up, coach. Follow up. One quick follow up, coach.

For the first time in my life...

For those of you who may not know...

Forty two! Set, hut!

Forty! Set! Hike!

Four for four. We appreciate the hospitality, we really do.

Fourteen! Set, hut!

Frankly, I do.

Frankly, son, I wouldn't know where to begin.

From the ashes, we rose.

From the soles of your feet, with every ounce of blood you've got in your body...

Game day.

Game day.

Game day.

Gardner, Gardner! All right.

Gene Morehouse's son, Keith, followed in his father's footsteps...

Get back in the huddle!

Get back there!

Get him in the legs, okay? That's how you'll keep him from coming through.

Get him in the legs, okay? That's how you'll keep him from coming through.

Get him!

Get out from under there, Keith Morehouse.

Get rid of it. Men, it is time to simplify. Ball.

Give me that ball! Give me the ball! He scores! Go, Herd!

Go get us a quarterback, coach.

Go water down.

Go, Annie. Go.

Go, go, go!

Go, now, go!

Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!

Gonna be a lot harder than that.

Good call.

Good job, George. Good job, George. Come here, come here.

Good job, good job!

Good looking board. I'm tired of flying.

Good looking board. I'm tired of flying.

Good man, Red.

Good morning, Red.

Good question. George says, what does he do if he goes low?

Good. All right.

Got a little field trip planned for the boys...

Got the president of the university here!

Gotta get out of bounds to stop the clock.

Gotta look him off. If you look him off...

Grief is messy, Annie.

Griffen! Let's go!

Groovy. Come on, man.

Guess we got us a coach, huh?

Guess who's going to change our diaper.

Gunslinger. This is a whole new game, doc.

Hand on a knee, hook an arm, whatever it is.

Has the NCAA returned any of my calls yet?

He gets the option to get the ball outside. Hey, guys.

He never returned to football.

He was right, you know.

He went on to become athletic director at the Naval Academy.

He'd better.

He'll still be droning on about that game when he gets home tonight.

He's all wet. He's all wet.

He's gonna put it in his pants? I bet he puts it in his pants.

He's gonna wanna go over his post game breakdown.

He's good.

He's got one foot inbounds. That's good for a first down.

He's not here, Mom.

He's on the 30...

Hell, no. I'm already making T shirts.

Hello, this is President Donald Dedmon.

Help yourselves.

Here he comes, D!

Hey, 32, are you all right? All right, go kill your brother.

Hey, Annie.

Hey, break it up! Break it up! Listen to me, break it up right

Hey, coach!

Hey, Gene, this is gonna sound a little weird, but I need you to do me a favor.

Hey, hey, hey

Hey, how you doing?

Hey, I heard that some of the guys are wavering.

Hey, I know you.

Hey, let me rap to you.

Hey, look.

Hey, Mr. Boone.

Hey, Sandy, can I get some more foil in here?

Hey, that was a big hit today. Big hit.

Hey, Tom.

Hey, we can do this, doc.

Hey, you know, my son, he crapped his pants yesterday. Now, he's 4.

Hey!

Hey!

Hey! Break it up! Break it up now!

Hi there.

Hi, Mr. Griffen.

Hi, Mr. Griffen.

Hot damn, he's liable to make that from 50.

How am I supposed to look a mother in the eye and promise her anything ever again?

How many clichés...?

How many kids lost a parent? How many kids lost both parents?

How spicy are these Cajun...?

Hut!

Hut!

Hut!

Hut!

Hutch, tell you what, I'll do the recruiting trip.

I am a football coach.

I can understand that sentiment.

I can't believe it! I can't believe it! Marshall has won!

I can't believe you finally changed a diaper."

I can't do it, you understand that, right? Look at me.

I can't take that! Man, you want some of me?

I did. I was playing around with the numbers last night.

I didn't mean to keep you waiting. I just...

I didn't say we were going to end the program, I said we are going to suspend it.

I don't believe it. The Young Thundering Herd...

I don't believe we've been formally introduced yet.

I don't know, Red.

I don't know. Maybe!

I don't see number 29 on my roster here.

I don't think it's because the defensive line is so spectacular.

I got it!

I guess that's it.

I guess that's the only real "why" I got. Right there.

I have a long ride home...

I have learned in the last two weeks that it is not working.

I have no idea. What kind of answer was that?

I just don't think I could take that field again, Jack.

I just want things to get back to normal.

I know all the reasons to suspend the program, Paul.

I know, Don.

I like it.

I like those boys, Don. I do. I do.

I mean, hell, it's already April. Time is not our friend.

I mean, I can understand giving up 300 yards to Bowling Green.

I mean, I have responsibilities, I have a job.

I mean, I've said that so many times myself...

I mean, it feels like we're just punching walls out there, Jack.

I mean, it's the same duties, practically, just less pay.

I mean, we are way behind here.

I mean, we're not actually helping them.

I need y'all to listen.

I need you to go get us a case of Falls City Beer. Falls City.

I need you with me, Tom.

I overslept.

I read about it in Redbook. And I tell you what, it really works, too.

I said, "I can't believe it either. The kid's 4 years old...

I should've been with them, Nate.

I tell you, Red, you know, the cupboard is pretty bare.

I think you should have this back.

I understand Don Dedmon lost his job this week.

I wanna talk about our opponent this afternoon.

I want you to be the assistant coach.

I was afraid you might.

I was just having some thoughts. I'm ready, man. Let's go.

I was proud of him, and I'm still proud of him.

I wasn't hurt or sick. And I should've been there.

I will personally pass on your concerns to the board before they make their decision.

I would appreciate it if you could make it to the game before halftime.

I would've caught that pass if I had my cross.

I'd have taken the win any day. Isn't that right, Don?

I'll get a bunch of them too.

I'll keep that defensive nickel package idea in mind...

I'll race you to the "newpacer."

I'll race you to the "newpacer."

I'm all right. I'm all right.

I'm Chocolate Thunder, right?

I'm Coach Jack Lengyel, guys.

I'm coming straight to the man.

I'm gonna need you to be that captain from the sideline.

I'm gonna take a road trip southeast of here...

I'm Jack Lengyel.

I'm just surprised to hear it coming from you.

I'm not going anywhere, and that's a promise.

I'm not gonna ask you again. Now, pick it up!

I'm not gonna ask you guys again. Dinner's ready.

I'm puking my guts out and I wanna quit football and you won't let me?

I'm real sorry about your son, Mr. Griffen.

I'm real sorry about your son, Mr. Griffen.

I'm sitting him the second half, no matter what.

I'm sorry, excuse me.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I just can't play football right now. Okay? It's not in me.

I'm you. I'm you.

I've been coming here every day for 30 years. No reason to stop now.

If he doesn't pass, give it to Wooch. If he does, tuck it.

If Marshall can hold on for a little while longer, folks

If they bring the program back?

If we're gonna survive, this has to be one of those times.

If you do not get out of bounds, everybody get to the line...

If you don't leave now, you never will.

If. That's what you mean, right?

Immediate and substantial playing time as a freshman.

In 1984, the Herd had their first winning record in 20 years.

In 2001, after a prolonged illness...

In the middle. Yes, I do.

Incredibly, there has been another plane crash...

Is that the Ohio Valley Coal line?

It ain't your jersey, it's Joe Hood's jersey. Now, pick it up.

It should stay in your family.

It was the Ashland game.

It'd have been the class of '73.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

It's all right. It's all right.

It's good to see you. Glad you're not giving up the booth.

It's good! Gardner catches the ball! Touchdown! Touchdown!

It's just my granddaughter's piano recital. Man, she sure is cute when she does that.

It's not even about how we play the game.

It's not just the team that's bleeding. It's not just the school.

It's okay! Come on!

It's our team. Now, they left this to us. It's up to us! It's on our shoulders, man.

It's Red Dawson, calling from Greenville.

It's so terrible.

It's somewhere in Kansas City.

It's the entire town.

It's the only thing to do, Tom.

It's your team now.

Jack, I'm not one of the players.

Jack, that's crazy. We're rivals.

Jack, there is one thing I need to know...

Jack? Jack, I gotta tell you, I really don't think this is your best idea.

Jack. Bobby Bowden. Pleasure to meet you.

James, James. Get over here.

Just about closed. Sorry.

Just curious.

Just four yards from a Thundering Herd score.

Just make sure you put everything back where you found it.

Just not this weekend.

Just playing till the whistle blew, coach.

Just the punter to beat.

Just thought I could make you a better offer.

Keith? It's your turn to set the table!

Kick it! Kick it!

Kids that we wanted who are now in West Virginia. Who's that?

Ladies and gentlemen...

Lengyel, McNally, Dawson...

Lengyel! We did it!

Let him build a hundred sheds.

Let me ask you a question. Now, are you married?

Let's go!

Let's go!

Let's go.

Let's see what Lengyel decides to do here.

Let's take a walk.

Like that. You see that? Head slap the shit out of him.

Listen, stop being so overconfident, Ruffin.

Little bit.

Little bit. Little bit.

Look around, because these are your teammates, young men.

Look, man, I came here to play ball, and I'm gonna be as respectful as I can be...

Looks like we made good time in spite of the weather...

Luann?

Make them commit. Make it so. Make it so.

Makes you do things you regret, sometimes things you'll always regret.

Marshall calls their last time out.

Marshall loses a tough one, 17 14 to the East Carolina Pirates.

Marshall lost more football games in the '70s...

Marshall marches upfield, but with less than 30 seconds left...

Marshall University in West Virginia is in a state of shock today...

Marshall! Marshall! Marshall!

Marshall's kicking game was spotty at best last week against Morehead.

Maybe not.

Maybe we need more time. I don't know.

McDrake.

Men. Power I. You know I'm a fan of it, that's why I brought it here.

Morgantown. The Veer. I like it.

Mr. Griffen?

Mrs. Dawson, if it had been me...

My God, we don't have the resources or the manpower right now.

My shoulder's fine.

My town, my school, we're hurting.

Nate Ruffin moved away from Huntington after graduation...

Nate Ruffin, are you the captain of this team?

Nate, I'm not questioning your courage or your drive, okay?

Nate, is it?

Nate, that's all because you never stopped pushing.

Nate, you're sitting.

Need a 37 yard field goal.

Need a little help here, Red. He's heavier than you think.

Need anything copied or dubbed, just see Kitty down the hall.

Next to this river, there is a steel mill.

Nice job, son.

Nice lick. Nice save.

Nice looping!

Nice speed. Shalhoop. Hey.

Nineteen carries, 108 yards, Paul, your boy Chris played a hell of a game.

Nineteen's got six catches for 95 yards, Nate...

No matter how many presidents you fire, Paul.

No one of us will ever enter this stadium...

No one, man.

No one's going in there. I can't let you up there.

No time like the present, I guess.

No word yet on whether any or all of the injured players will be available next

No, coach.

No, I didn't.

No, I understand.

No, I...

No, no, no, I won't.

No, no, no. What you mean? What you talking about? Who's wavering, Tom?

No, thank you. I'm all set.

No, that's totally understandable. I...

No, wait, he got rid of it! He got rid of it!

No.

No.

No. No, it ain't. The rest ain't gonna do it good.

No. No, we decided to bring the program back.

No. No.

Nobody here wants to go home either.

Normally, I'm bad with names, so the good news is...

Not good, coach.

Not in here today, guys.

Not this week, not this season. Hell, maybe not ever.

Not today, anyway.

Nothing else matters.

Now they got kids of their own.

Now, 60 minutes! We play till the whistle blow! And you know how we do.

Now, as of 15 minutes ago, we ain't got football no more.

Now, Creole, the man outweighs you by 75 pounds. Okay?

Now, frankly, Jack, I don't care to know.

Now, I need to know who you talking about.

Now, I understand that to be your bread and butter, as it were.

Now, I'm proud of you.

Now, it's the only chance we have to get any edge on recruiting...

Now, look, Nate, your shoulder is in bad shape.

Now, realistically, coach, what are your expectations for the season?

Now, see, Bogdan, the reason we lost is because we weren't there.

Now, that is us in a nutshell. Well, who runs it that we can talk to?

Now, we came here today to remember...

Now, when you take that field today...

Now, you know the average age of your players?

Now, you never gave up on us out there on the field...

Now, you see that? Point is, that tree wouldn't have been there...

Number 19, Jake Crawford, Xavier's all American tailback...

Number 25, Nate Ruffin, got blindsided and...

Oh, and there was another call.

Oh, coach.

Oh, guys. You get hungry, there's a lunch spread next door.

Oh, I like that. Do you mind if I use that?

Oh, look at that hit. Every time he commits.

Oh, my God in heaven.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my. What a dagger to the heart of this Marshall team.

Oh, Nate. No, no, no, they did not.

Oh, no, my shift ends in a few hours. It's no big deal.

Oh, no, sir. I ain't got nothing to say.

Oh, no.

Oh, that I can't help you with, I'm afraid.

Oh, what's the good word, coach?

Oh, yeah, I can.

Oh, you don't? Oh, thank you, dear.

Okay, guys. First things first.

Okay, I think we all know why we're here today.

Okay, now, hold on while I commit this to memory. Nate.

Okay, now, let's show Dr. Dedmon how it's done here.

Okay, well, let's see what he can do in practice. Thank you.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Oliver breaks loose. He's in the open field!

Oliver in with the play. They're close, folks, very, very close.

On three, 17 Razor. Hut, hut, hut. Go, go, go!

One by six, huh?

One by sixes.

One more time. Go to your right side.

One thing I don't need is more time for myself.

One time. I missed kickoff one time and you'll never let me forget it.

Our coaching staff, gone. Our athletic department, gone.

Paul.

Plane leaves in an hour.

Playbooks. Research. Game film.

Please don't talk about him like you knew him.

Please, it's...

Plenty of time for y'all to do whatever the hell y'all do on a Saturday night.

Probably should've gone to the nickel.

Punt! Punt. Punt team.

Quarterback's still standing.

Randy Linden, George Olson, Nate Ruffin.

Red Dawson kept his word and left the team at the end of the year.

Red, I've got an offer for you.

Red, we gotta broaden our recruiting base or something.

Red, you didn't keep me waiting.

Red's got his work cut out for him.

Redbook.

Reg, I got your burger.

Reggie Oliver started every game at quarterback for the Thundering Herd...

Reggie, put down the stick. Come on.

Regular's on the left, Cajun's on the right.

Remember, this is a game called football, let's get to work. Let's go.

Ruffin, get up. Get up, Ruffin. That's enough.

Ruffin!

Ruffin! What the hell is the matter with you?

Run hard, knees high. Play till the whistle blows. 17 Razor, on three.

Salutation: To whom it may concern.

Same coverage, less boards.

Same hours. Less responsibility.

Same team, less pressure.

Say, Don?

Says he may be interested in the open coaching job.

Says he wants to talk if you have a moment.

Secondary C five through eight.

See the big pylon down at the corner of the end zone?

See, that's a little word association trick I learned. Helps jog the recall.

Send the kicking team in. Let's go. Gotta end this game with three points.

Send them in!

Set, hut!

Set, hut!

Set, hut!

Set!

Seven on the goal line. Tough on...

Seventy five people died in the wreckage.

She can't even go to work without being reminded of football...

She can't read the paper. She can't watch the news.

Shit.

Shit.

Shit. Okay, yeah, we do have a second team. Jackson! Urbanek!

Sir?

Six players...

Six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11 at West Virginia.

Snap it! Snap it! Snap it!

Snap it. Snap it.

Snap the ball.

So as of right now, the Power I goes in the trash...

So I called you.

So I can't wait to hear. What can I do for you boys?

So I'll give you one year.

So let me ask you, Jack:

So many of our boosters, gone.

So put our heads together here.

So that we can collect pity applause in front of every college in the conference?

So there you have it.

So they were buried here, together.

So this is my varsity team, huh?

So when you're running the flag route...

So, what do we do? How are we honoring their memory?

Solid athlete. Solid arm. Solid kid.

Somebody's going to have to tell them, Paul.

Something's happening here for the Thundering Herd.

Son, don't put that in your mouth. No, put it down. That's right.

Son, there is no front of the plane anymore.

Sophomore Reggie Oliver takes the field...

Sorry, coach, we just came to watch some film.

Sorry. We're looking for coach.

Sorry. We've been doing it since I was a kid.

Split right, 213 Bootleg Screen. Bootleg Screen!

Split right, 434 Z Slant. Let it develop and trust it.

Stick around. We've got a dogfight on our hands...

Stuff really works.

Sure doesn't look like it, Red.

Sure. They're just 50 cents. Help yourself.

Surprised to see you. Figured the chairman of the school board would be at the game.

Swam in it all the time when I was a kid.

Switch! Switch!

Take some time for yourself. The job will be waiting when you get back.

Takes the focus off any one man.

Talk to me.

Team co captain. Eleven interceptions in only seven games last year.

Tell her that I gotta drive to Virginia tonight on a recruiting trip...

Terry Gardner catches it, pitches to Tennis Rice...

Thank you, Annie.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thanks for joining us back at halftime, folks.

That ain't a pitch, you gotta get me the ball.

That is signed by the president right there. There he is. Stamped.

That is what I do and that's why I'm here.

That means you too, Keith.

That we take the field, that we suit up on Saturdays...

That'd be us, Ernie. The Young Thundering Herd. I like it.

That's a clip! Where's the clip on that? That's a clip, ref!

That's a hard hit on number 29. Twenty nine is down and he's not getting up.

That's a shame.

That's first class, coach.

That's for you.

That's it, coach.

That's it, go! Move! Go! Move! Go! Move!

That's it. Walsh, did you see that? That's success!

That's my jersey. I'll do whatever I want with it!

That's not what I meant.

That's Reggie Oliver. Receiver from Alabama.

That's right, the clock has hit all zeroes...

That's supposed to be a post route.

That's the way to start the second half!

That's what it looks like on paper right there, doesn't it?

That's what we call a flag, all right?

That's why I wasn't on the plane, Nate. I overslept.

That's why they call it a post route. Post. You head right to that post.

The board voted you out this morning.

The crash just cut too damn deep, Don.

The following week, Marshall lost to Miami of Ohio, 66 to 6.

The football team, the coaches...

The funerals end today.

The Herd looks a little disorganized.

The kick is good!

The kick is good!

The Marshall faithful cannot be happy now.

The Marshall Thundering Herd was marked by tragedy last season...

The NCAA will not let freshmen play...

The next week is a must win.

The plane crash that took their lives was so severe, so absolute...

The rest is gonna do it some good.

The score, 17 14, East Carolina Pirates. Quarterback Teddy Shoebridge...

The skies parted and Marshall took command!

The sun rose and the sun set.

The thing is, I'm gonna need 55 more just like them.

The Xavier game will be the first home game since the devastating crash...

The Young Thundering Herd has won! They have done the unthinkable!

Their quarterback's gotta have ice in his veins...

Then I thought about a team...

Then why?

There he goes. There he goes. Oh, first down!

There is no huddle from here out.

There was a six pack of beer in the fridge and a pound cake on the counter.

There was four of us...

There's a first time for everything, Don.

There's a first time for everything.

There's Chris!

There's enough time on the clock for one last play before the half.

There's just so many new faces on this Marshall University Thundering Herd team.

There's not one of them left.

There's only one thing people remember.

These peanuts look good.

These were beautiful young men...

They don't feel it's the right thing to do right now, step out on that field.

They don't have to take us out to lunch.

They don't know your heart.

They don't look half bad, coach.

They don't look that wide from down here.

They followed it with eight conference titles...

They had hired me as a receivers coach...

They hit him low. All right?

They hit him low. All right?

They just left.

They left it in my hands.

They proved that they were men today, that they were a team!

They're all must wins, Gene.

They're gonna remember this one for decades!

They're made up of three returning varsity members.

They're rigid as a board. They don't make exceptions.

Things have changed now.

This about our teammates, man.

This ain't right, Dr. Dedmon. It ain't fair!

This guy won't make it.

This is about what happened to this town.

This is an awfully long kick for sophomore Blake Smith...

This is an exciting day, folks! Incredible!

This is Captain Dettro speaking.

This is it, folks.

This is my home, Annie.

This is not a game.

This is not about what happened on that field.

This is our faith, this is our hope.

This is our past, gentlemen.

This is the one I wanna talk to, right here. What's your name, son?

This is where we have been. This is how we got here.

This is who we are...

This is your opportunity to rise from these ashes...

This isn't about football, is it?

This our boys' plane? This our boys' plane?!

This place won't run itself, you know that.

This town just didn't lose a football team, Don.

This Young Thundering Herd looks like they're ready to play.

Time to play until the whistle blows.

Time! I like the kid who made the lay up.

Time's the only thing we don't have, Don.

Today, the Big Green is finally back in Huntington...

Tom, man.

Touchdown, Reggie Oliver!

Touchdown.

Truman Andrews. Here we come.

Trust it. Make the play. Go.

Twenty five years. I am willing to bet...

Urbanek, I need names. Last names on everyone's helmet. All right? This afternoon.

V, 77! V, 77!

Want you to scratch my back. That target on there is starting to itch.

We are going to be running the Power I, gentlemen...

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall! We are Marshall!

We are Marshall! We are Marshall!

We are Marshall! We are Marshall!

We are Marshall! We are Marshall!

We are talking about seconds. Marshall needs to get down and over

We buried sons...

We can save a young man's life. Come on, now. Power I. Big on big.

We did it! We did it! We did it! We did it!

We don't even have a damn athletic director. May he rest in peace.

We don't get any points on the board, we'll lose them.

We got a huge problem on the O line, coach.

We got one time out, coach.

We gotta get creative about...

We have a plan.

We hope he didn't re injure his shoulder...

We lost doctors, lawyers, city councilmen.

We lost fathers, sons, husbands.

We may be behind on the scoreboard at the end of the game...

We play the game, Red, and I'm telling you, one day...

We put together a team that doesn't win. Can't win.

We'd have to start all over again from scratch.

We'd love to see you there.

We'll be home by 8.

We'll pick some up on the way.

We're bringing the worst out in them. Shit, we're bringing the worst out in me.

We're disgracing them.

We're just hoping that we could come down here and maybe...

We're kicking it. Let's go, we're kicking it.

We're Marshall. We'll take anybody.

We're not honoring them, Jack.

We've decided to go ahead with our football program next season...

We've practiced.

Wear it. And every morning you put it on, you think of him.

Welcome to Morehead, Kentucky, where the Morehead State Eagles...

Well, actually, you can, Don.

Well, all right, then.

Well, congratulations, Coach Dawson.

Well, do you mind if I try?

Well, Dr. Dedmon, on that, we will have to agree to disagree.

Well, he ain't gonna like trying to write with the other hand, either...

Well, he's not gonna like that.

Well, how are we doing?

Well, I been promising Carole a new shed for a while now, so...

Well, I can tell you this...

Well, I was just wondering if you had given this any thought at all...

Well, I'm sorry, I'm afraid I haven't the faintest idea what a Power I Formation is.

Well, if I was to lose them.

Well, if that's all the time we've got, we'd better get started.

Well, it ain't good. I think we better sit him, Jack.

Well, Jack, I haven't heard anything positive back yet.

Well, maybe.

Well, Meckstroth's ankle's just a sprain, so he should be better by Saturday.

Well, no, I completely understand. I just...

Well, thank you, Jimmy.

Well, that is true, but I gotta believe that, at some point...

Well, that'd be a no, then.

Well, that's not dumb.

Well, the board has asked me to run a few ideas through you...

Well, the Veer's an option offense. Spreads things out.

Well, there goes my weekend. Red'll be in the film room till Monday.

Well, there's always the Veer.

Well, we'd really appreciate it. You seem to be the man who runs it so well.

Well, we're in this together now, boys.

Well, why don't you take us onto that field?

Well, you can start with a coach, sir.

Well, you can't do nothing about injuries, you know?

Well, you guys looked pretty good till the fourth quarter.

Well, you know the NCAA better than I do, Jack.

West Virginia will be competitive next year.

What about Ruffin's shoulder? What'd the doc say?

What are those, 1 by 5s?

What are you talking about?

What are you working on there?

What did he just say?

What did that say?

What do you think? We gotta get three points.

What family?

What I'd like to do first...

What is it, godd ?

What once was whole...

What the hell are we doing out there, Jack?

What took you so long to call? Tell Joe he can't run it to the inside...

What you talking about?

What you think about this?

What, now, we didn't win?

What? May I ask why?

What'd you do with it?

What's happened?

What's wrong with you, Tom?

What's your problem? We're on the same team!

When I heard about what had happened, your situation...

When I was away at the war...

When my wife died, I'd lay awake to the same sound.

When once there was sound...

When we do bring the program back, we want to make sure we're able to do it right.

When you're hitting him up high...

Whenever I see this river, I know I'm home.

Where are you going?

Who else?

Who in their right mind would volunteer for something...?

Why can't I pass on my concerns myself?

Why do you want this job?

Why not?

Why, coach?

Why?

Winning is everything and nothing else matters.

Winning...

Wooster.

Yeah, he did.

Yeah, math class is over. Let's get on the plane. Come on.

Yeah, very. How about you?

Yeah, we're gonna be all right.

Yeah.

Yeah. Send them in. Kicking team, let's go.

Yeah. We're gonna be all right.

Yes, it wasn't an easy decision.

Yes, sir.

You are the first person I've interviewed who is not an alumnus.

You can do it.

You can grab me a beer back home.

You can't believe everything you hear on the radio.

You didn't get my message?

You didn't know Rick Tolley.

You do know the difference between a post route and a flag route?

You don't have to come back to work right away.

You ever been to Huntington before?

You go home and see your granddaughter's recital. I'm gonna do it. I'm doing it.

You gotta come in here, you gotta get him low.

You grow them big down in Huntington, I'm telling you.

You have shown this coaching staff, your teammates.

You have shown yourselves just exactly who you are in here.

You kick it and you play defense. Good job, Shalhoop.

You know the average age of a starter in college football these days?

You know what she says to me? She says, "Jack, no, not that.

You know what's hard to fathom? It's hard to believe this is even possible...

You know, Carole and I moved here two years ago. It was...

You know, I appreciate you coming out here to see me...

You know, they asked you to be the head coach.

You know, you're probably right.

You know? But we stuck it out, and now you're my best friend.

You of all people, Don. If you're not gonna listen to the game...

You said it yourself after Roland resigned.

You see what's going on out there?

You see, I need you to petition the NCAA for me.

You see...

You should go, Annie.

You thank your wife for the lovely dinner.

You think they'll invite us to lunch and hand over their playbook?

You think you're the only one that's had it rough?

You think you're the only one who has a right to be pissed off?

You told us to meet with you after practice.

You understand me? How you play today...

You wanna know why I picked up the phone? Is that it?

You were going to California with my son.

You were just a Band Aid, remember?

You were the first one on my list, so I...

You would've caught it if you had good hands. Ain't that right, Shoebridge?

You.

You...

You're all out of excuses, Annie.

You're an outlaw. Pioneer.

You're not from here, you weren't here last November...

You're not from here, you weren't here last November...

You've done enough.

You've gotta go out there and live your life.

Your fiancé. He's a lucky guy.

Your husband hasn't figured out how to beat the 3 4 all year.

Your offense, 12. Show me how it's done, now.

Yup.

Yup.

Zero time outs. We need a touchdown to win. Here's the play:

77 Victory. You're out.

44 X Punch. Let's go. Break!

77 Victory. Go! Go, go, go! Yes, sir.

A field goal will not be enough. Thirteen! Set, hut!

All right? All right. I got it.

All right? All right. I got it.

Annie Cantrell? Yeah.

Are you sure? Okay. Yes, thank

Ask her to come. I will, I will.

Ball! Ball! Get on the ball!

Ball! Ball! Ball! The ball is loose!

Big hit on Oliver... Ball!

Can it take hits like that? My shoulder's fine.

Can you drive? Yeah. Yeah. We'll leave about 8?

Can you get up, Nate? Hold on, 25.

Chili on the fries? They were out.

Clock's running, clock's running. Call it in. Take us home, Red. Call it in.

Coach, you don't have any pads on. Now, you just play ball, Olson.

Coach? Yes, sir.

Coach? Yes, sir.

could not stop the return man.

Crazy. In four years? Yeah.

Do you believe? Yes, sir!

Do you eat marshmallows? I love marshmallows.

Don. Red.

Everyone's been to the bonfire. I haven't.

Five o'clock! Nate.

Get out of bounds! Get out, get out, get out!

Get that truck up the hill! Come on!

Give me second team, McNally. We don't have a second team, Jack.

Go to the liquor store on Fourth. Yeah. Fourth Street?

Good evening. Doris.

Griffen! Okay, Chris Griffen! Hustle up! I'm good, I'm good.

Here you go. Thanks.

Hey, are the guys with you? Yeah, Reggie.

Hey, buddy. Hey.

Hey, did they say anything? Hey, come on!

Hey, Peter. Yeah?

How are you? How are you?

How long have you known? I'm his father, I've always known.

How you feeling? Feeling good, coach.

I 13! I 13! Run your offense. Run your offense.

I don't. I'm not talking about you.

I just need a favor, not your life story. What you need?

I'll see you in a couple of hours, right? You know you are.

I'm gonna stay at my dad's house tonight. No.

If I knew anything, I'd tell you! Just look at the front of the plane!

If I make the pitch, catch the ball. You gotta get it to me.

if that confusion on the Marshall sideline at the end of the game...

in moderate rain and fog in West Virginia.

It looks like Morehead State all over again. Oh, gosh.

It's all over, folks. Good game, Red.

It's not gonna be complicated. Jack, I've had four months of complicated.

Jack, that's it. That's it, 10?

Jack? Doc?

Jesus, Nate, have you even slept? Not now.

Lengyel! Win, Coach Lengyel!

Let me tell him. Let me tell him. You got it, you got it.

Let's go! Nate! Nate Ruffin!

Let's push them to the limit, men, huh? Right, coach.

Look, Tom, I understand, and I feel No, you don't! You don't, Nate! You don't.

My shoulder's fine. This shoulder?

My shoulder's fine. Yeah. This one?

Next one. Yes, sir.

No idea. Go! 20 years, 10 months.

No Pop Warner, no high school? No. Just baseball.

No. 18 years, seven months.

Now, let's take it to the field! Yeah!

Oh, gosh. Little tradition.

Oliver, you okay? Yeah.

Pointers? Tips.

Race you back. Let's go! Hurry up!

Red, what are my choices? Dave Walsh.

Red! Good to see you again. Oh, coach.

Saw you guys play once. Did we win?

See you on the field. See you there!

Stay low on him. Low, man. What should I do if he goes low?

Thank you. You're welcome.

Thanks, Red. All right. I'll see you on Monday morning.

That kid knows he can't go to his right. He's playing to it. Keep an eye on that.

That was a hell of a hit. Thank you.

That's groovy, baby! That's groovy, baby.

The bonfire. I've never been.

The shoestring tackle by Bill Shalhoop! That's playing till the whistle blows.

They come with a huge hit. That's how you hit somebody!

This is Lloyd. See you, Lloyd!

Tuck it and go. It's up to you. Go.

Twenty eight. Wouldn't be a game anymore, Don.

Wait. Turn that up. No, what happened

Wavering? Yeah, they're just kind of...

We are Let's go, Marshall! Come on!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are Marshall!

We are? Marshall!

We did it! We did it! Marshall wins!

We gonna get this team back, man. Yeah.

We got two more quarters of football. Yes, we do. Yes, we do, Nate.

We scored? Marshall has beaten Xavier!

Well, after last week, I don't know. Yeah.

Well, I'm doing my best, Paul. You hungry?

What are you doing? Oh, I kick the ball, coach.

What day is it, son? Game day.

What day? Game day!

What's my name? Nate Ruffin.

What's that right there? What's that? Here, put me down.

What's your name, 51? My name's Creole.

When, right now? Yeah.

Who was right? Your boy Tolley.

Who's Joe Hood? You don't know him.

Yeah! Come on! Thought you were a basketball player.

Yeah. Come here a sec.

Yeah. Yeah.

You all right? Forget it.

You got it. Go ahead, excuse me.

You see that? Oh, yeah. Is he all right?

You thinking about that girlfriend of yours? Yeah, coach.

You wanna try him out at QB? Unless you think it's a bad idea.

You're all alone. I can't Oh, stop, stop. You can't put that on me.

You're still the captain of this team. Yes, sir.

You're the best at the Veer. That's what they say!

You're welcome. Power I Formation...

You've gotta come to the bonfire. Annie, order's up.

...10 yards to the corner of the end zone, to the flag.

...13 9 with one minute left to play.

...a team of freshmen, of transfer students, of walk ons...

...a team of nobodies and no ones...

...a walk on from Marshall's soccer team.

...about some potential improvements to the university's physical plant.

...about your son playing football for them. I hope that he hasn't made his mind up.

...along with every flea flicker, double reverse...

...and 69 others...

...and a school...

...and a town...

...and about how bad it would hurt if...

...and became a broadcaster for Marshall football...

...and every other trick play that you may have in your playbook.

...and every other trick play that you may have in your playbook.

...and figure out the proper course of action.

...and find every cat in them frat houses and get them here at 5:00.

...and find every cat in them frat houses and get them here at 5:00.

...and for the first time in NCAA history, true freshmen in their lineup.

...and get every cheerleader and every girl you can possibly find...

...and get them here at 5:00. The two of y'all, I need you to go with George...

...and go get this Shaw kid down in Martinsville.

...and grab glory.

...and how we're going after them. Isn't that right, doc?

...and I need them here at 5:00.

...and I should be getting on with it.

...and I'm gonna end up out of a job.

...and I'm not gonna be home till tomorrow.

...and I'm not gonna give up on you now.

...and it's because he knows you can't go to your right.

...and leads the offense on their first possession.

...and on paper, they're just better.

...and please excuse me if I seem blunt.

...and some prominent residents traveling with the team...

...and suddenly we're gonna be like every other team in every other sport...

...and that's what he's looking at if he keeps going.

...and the Carolina faithful are already on their feet.

...and they are the only players we have besides you.

...and we keep this program alive.

...and your name was the first on a list of potential candidates...

...and, well, these are not the best of circumstances.

...and, well, we'd love to see you there, coach.

...any coach who's worth a darn in this business believes those words.

...are two of four starters who were left back in Huntington due to injuries.

...as Xavier is certainly a second half team.

...blame me, not him. I'm the coach here.

...brothers...

...but he's gotta still be able to make decisions until the last possible second.

...but I could hear the hit from up here in the press box.

...but I'm the one playing for this team now. I'm number 33.

...but if you play like that, we cannot be defeated.

...but Jack Lengyel has the Marshall Young Thundering Herd...

...but my name is Don Dedmon, I'm president of Marshall University.

...but one of us ain't here, so I guess it's just three.

...but other than West Virginia, no one really runs it outside of Texas.

...but they already came out here to ask me back and I already told them that I'm not...

...but they are back in the saddle with a new coach, a new team...

...but when I got here, they told me I was in charge of recruiting too, so...

...closed door.

...coach...

...fathers...

...fields the ball and takes off downfield.

...five straight bowl wins and two national championships.

...following the terrible tragedy of last Saturday night's crash of a chartered airline.

...for a final reunion with his old teammates.

...for my fourth quarters in the future. Maybe get a few more W's.

...for the head coaching position.

...from this moment on, is how you...

...got married and started a family.

...handing the ball off to the ever talented Lucas Booth!

...has a 3 0 lead as they take it into halftime.

...he shouldn't be doing that shit." Pun intended.

...he'll beat you and you'll be on your ass every time, all right?

...hell, maybe for the first time in the history of sports...

...I don't even know how I'd make it out of bed in the morning.

...I don't know, I get all out of whack, you know?

...I have to ask what your angle is, Jack.

...I may actually be able to keep you fellas straight.

...I'd fall asleep at night to the sound of this water.

...I've lost count. You know?

...if it's a miracle you're looking for...

...if they've done the right thing.

...if you do that...

...if you had a fullback blocking for him.

...in front of a capacity crowd here at Fairfield Stadium.

...is everything.

...is just your basic offensive scheme. Put the fullback in front of the tailback.

...lay it on the line until the final whistle blows.

...line up here. Offensive line, watch this.

...maybe I can help.

...mothers...

...much less put a full football team on the field.

...Nate passed away at his home in Arlington, Virginia.

...next week's first home game against Xavier University won't be any easier.

...not today, not tomorrow, not this season...

...nothing's going to get any better.

...now is shattered.

...now there was silence.

...of the 1970 Thundering Herd.

...probably not next season either, but one day, you and I are gonna wake up...

...Red, it doesn't matter if we win or if we lose.

...so I don't expect you to understand this.

...so I'm passing it back up to you.

...so if everyone could return to their seats now, we'll be landing shortly.

...somehow are beating the Xavier Pirates after 30 minutes of football.

...speed, size and experience will prevail.

...spring of '69.

...suddenly, it's just not true anymore.

...take on the Thundering Herd of Marshall University in their 1971 season opener.

...than any other program in the nation.

...than any other program in the nation.

...that killed 75 players and fans.

...that their bodies were unable to be identified.

...that they'll be gritting their teeth with every snap of that football.

...that you didn't propose over the phone.

...that you didn't propose over the phone.

...that you have ever run and actually won a football game?

...that's gotta be hurting real bad.

...the only thing I could think about was the four of them.

...the only thing that they judge us on, the only thing that counts, is winning.

...the water to this fountain is turned off.

...this is the final resting place for six members...

...throughout the town, throughout the school...

...time stands still.

...to compete at this level. And with this loss...

...to look upon us here and smile and be with us.

...today.

...touchdown, Xavier!

...until he graduated.

...very first time in college football and walk ons.

...we cannot lose.

...we're thinking about adopting the Veer this year.

...well, taking the time to at least talk with me about it.

...well, that's when we'll honor them.

...well, you should keep looking, because you're gonna end up disappointed...

...where he remained until he retired in 1994.

...where winning is everything and nothing else matters.

...which enables them at this very moment...

...which obviously starts with a quarterback.

...who feel that putting the team back on that field might be disrespectful?

...who loses the ball. Xavier scoops it up.

...who we're going after, where we're going after them...

...who will not be on the field with you today.

...who's going downfield to tight end Sam Boteck.

...will be remembered.

...with eight seconds remaining in the third quarter.

...y'all are coming over for supper, and I'll get the other two.

...you could give us a few pointers.

...you gave a good effort out there today.

...you gotta know the result so you can pretend you did.

...you've gotta lay that heart on the line, men.

"The Young Thundering Herd."

"You will be allowed to play freshmen at Marshall University."