A searing commentary on the "win at all costs" mentality of American high school sports. David Lee Birdsong is the smalltown quarterback hoping to escape with a college scholarship and a pro career. David's father is the overbearing taskmaster vicariously living through his son. The third side of the triangle is Coach Marshall, a hypercritical and cruel man who sees David as the key to his future success. David's lockstep commitment to his father and coach is altered when he witnesses a teammate die after a grueling practice.
Ben Johnson
as Dwayne Birdsong
Gary Busey
as David Lee Birdsong
Larry Hagman
as Coach Marshall
William Lucking
as Dennis Birdsong
David Doyle
as Mr. Schmidt
Mimi Saffian
as Mary Louise Schmidt
Peggy Rea
as Mrs. Birdsong
Craig Richard Nelson
as Michael Braun
Michael Talbott
as Bubba Montgomery
Val Avery
as Frank Dorsdale
Jan Clayton
as Blanche Birdsong
Misty Rowe
as Holly
