David Anspaugh

Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) is a basketball coach whose checkered past has led him to a last-chance position with a last-chance team. Feeling unwelcome by squad members, an icy fellow teacher (Barbara Hershey) and townspeople who nearly have him fired, Dale perseveres with a gritty demeanor and an unwavering passion for the game. But winning over the team is only half the battle when small-town teams end up playing big-time rivals…and a downtrodden...