The Panthers prepare for their first playoff game. Coach Taylor gets distracted as he has to come up with a solution to Smash's use of drugs. Tyra and Julie befriend while Riggins bonds with his alienated father. Buddy learns about Jason and Lyla's engagement.
After being pressured by TMU to take the coaching job, Taylor makes a rash decision that upsets his family and disrupts his future. Riggins deals with his new relationship with the single mother next door. Meanwhile, Jason moves into a new apartment and Landry reveals the secret Tyra's been keeping.
When envelopes of cash appear in the players' lockers prior to the playoffs, Coach Taylor worries that the boys will lose sight of the true beauty of the game. After a chemical spill near the high school, the Panthers must move their semi-final game from their stadium to another location, which Taylor ultimately decides will be cow field. During the game rain begins to fall, turning the field into a mud pit and the Panthers struggle in this must-win game.
As TMU continues to try to recruit Coach Taylor, Julie tells her parents that she does not want to leave Dillon or Matt. After practicing hard to make the team, Jason is crushed when he learns that he's not going to Beijing for the Paralympics. Meanwhile, Riggins befriends a single mother and her son.
Buddy finds himself in hot water when his infidelity is revealed. As her family unravels, Lyla finds comfort in Jason. Meanwhile, Waverly and Smash go for a midnight swim and Coach Taylor meets with TMU.
After Julie reveals to Matt that she wants to have sex with him, Matt feels the need to put together something special. Tim clashes with his father. The Panthers are into the next round of the playoffs and looking solid.
Due to racial comments from Coach Mac, the black players on the team refuse to play unless he is sacked. Julie is sucked deeper into the vortex as her friendship with Tyra develops. Matt tries to win Julie back.
The Panthers savor their crucial playoff-win-until race issues emerge and sorely test their bond after Mac makes racial statements. Tami frowns upon Julie's newfound friendship with Tyra. The girls play a powder-puff football game.
The Panther's post-season destiny comes to light as they play a crucial game. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor deals with Smash's personal problems; Julie and Tyra find an unexpected friendship; Riggins reconnects with his estranged father; and Buddy uncovers something about Jason and Lyla.
The Panthers have only one more game to win in order to qualify for the play-offs. Smash's mother discovers something that could end his football dreams.