Woodlawn

Woodlawn High School in Birmingham is desegregated in 1973, and Tony Nathan, a gifted Black athlete, joins the school's predominantly white football team under coach Tandy Gerelds. The presence of Nathan sparks racial tensions on and off the field, but his talent begins to shift the dynamic and set a new tone for the team.

Gerelds tells the team to channel their shared anger from violent incidents into unity. He emphasizes that the players must become a cohesive unit despite their differences.

A riot at Woodlawn triggers the arrival of Hank Erwin, a traveling sports chaplain, who speaks to the team as a motivational speaker. His message focuses on purpose, faith, and choosing a higher path.

Hank's speech moves nearly the entire team to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and to join in prayer and work. Gerelds, however, neither accepts the invitation nor fully embraces the shift.

The team loses its first game, but Gerelds decides to play Nathan over objections from some parents. Nathan's breakout performance helps the team turn the corner and begin winning.

Under Nathan's leadership, Woodlawn goes on a long winning streak leading up to the final game against Banks High School. His speed and role energize the squad, and the team's confidence grows with each win.

Banks coach Shorty White instructs his players to target Nathan, and the repeated hard tackles take their toll. Nathan scores a touchdown but is injured by a vicious late hit, forcing him out and sending Woodlawn to a loss.

Despite the loss, Gerelds expresses pride in the men the team has become, acknowledging the emotional and ethical growth he witnessed. The narrative emphasizes character and transformation over the outcome of one game.

After coming to faith, Gerelds seeks out Nathan's church during a Sunday service and testifies to the change in his life, asking to be baptized. This personal transformation marks a turning point in his coaching philosophy.

Hank arranges a meeting between Woodlawn players and Banks players, leading to a spiritual awakening on the Banks team as well. The event helps to soften old rivalries and open a path toward mutual respect.

Gerelds and White hold an unprecedented joint football camp before the 1974 season, and a camaraderie develops between the two teams. The event sets the tone for a season characterized by sportsmanship and cooperation.

Both teams go undefeated for the season until their final game against each other, drawing a huge crowd because of the stardom of Nathan and Banks quarterback Jeff Rutledge. The matchup becomes a milestone in local sports history.

A few years later, Gerelds, now working as an insurance agent, admits to a customer that while they did lose that big game, the transformation he witnessed in the lives of many people was miraculous. He reflects on the lasting impact beyond wins and losses.

After Nathan, now playing for Alabama, carries his team to victory in the 1979 Sugar Bowl, he calls Gerelds at home and expresses his gratitude, encouraging him to return to coaching. The call marks a full-circle moment linking high school trials to national prominence.