Eric's contract is reviewed in the third-season finale. Meanwhile, Billy and Mindy's wedding day arrives; Tyra awaits word on her wait-list status; Matt prepares to leave for college; and Tim and Lyla consider their future.
The team prepares for tough opponents; the Taylors make a decision about the McCoys; Tyra writes her college essay with help from Landry; Matt frets over telling his grandma about his plan for college; and Lyla moves out of Tim's house.
Tyra goes to Landry for help; the team is endangered by a new development; Matt's grandmother has an accident; Tim sees changes in Lyla; and J.D. and Joe clash.
Buddy opens up to Lyla about their money troubles, after he has a brief run in with the law. Coach Taylor catches Julie and Matt sleeping together. J.D.'s father worries about him losing focus after meeting a new girl. Tyra gets a little tutoring help from Landry for her SAT's.
As if the stress of the playoffs wans't enough, now the Panthers are playing a televised game, after being chosen as the high school game of the week. Tyra finds herself in a dangerous situation, after Cash shows his true self. A college coach wants to meet with Riggins, but he has to decide if he wants to go or not.
Tim is worried when Jason talks about leaving Dillon. Money troubles cause a riff between Tami and Eric. Tyra leans on Cash when things get tough, while Julie talks to her dad about Matt's idea.
Eric and Tami try to calm Jamarca's angry parents; Matt plans a surprise for Julie; Billy helps Tim pursue a scholarship; and Jason, Herc and the Riggins brothers receive good news.
Coach is furious with Tim and the team for a freshman hazing. J.D. wins the respect of the town and team. A late night swim at the lake turns into more for Julie and Matt. Tyra is shocked when a woman shows up claiming Cash owes her child support.
Cash exposes a new side of himself in front of Tyra, McCoy is getting even more of the limelight which puts Matt even further on edge, and takes it out on himself and those around him. Elsewhere, Jason is unhappy with Erin's actions.
Coach Taylor and Smash say goodbye. Tyra begins dating Cash while Julie comforts Matt during hard family times.