The unlikely method used to resolve district tiebreakers is a coin toss. After winning the last regular game of their season, the Permian Panthers are tied with the Midland Lee Rebels and the Midland High Bull Dogs. The coaches must drive to a secret location to participate in a coin toss to decide which two teams would go to the playoffs. The coin toss location is confidential because school district authorities fear that large crowds will show up and possibly riot about the results. Although the event occurs in the middle of the night, local news feels it is important enough to the community to air it on live TV. The Permian Panthers and the Midland Lee Rebels win the toss.

Boobie will not enjoy the playoffs with his team, even from the bench, since he quit the team the previous week. Boobie has undergone yet another knee surgery, which revealed that one of his ligaments was torn and will likely take two years to recover fully. Boobie is distraught to learn that he will not play college football and feels frustrated at answering the townspeople’s questions about his future. Boobie and L. V. fight more frequently, and when his uncle suggests he move out, Boobie does so.