The Cost of Winning (2020)
In 2018, a nearly 200-year-old Catholic school, located in the heart of a neighborhood rife with gun violence and grinding socioeconomic challenges, became a source of both immense pride and then searing controversy as the school's football team, the Panthers, were expelled from their private school league for being "too good" – a turn of events that raised questions of racial bias. Finding themselves without a league in which to play, the team made its own schedule, barnstorming the country in search of top competition and the chance to showcase its players as they strove for athletic scholarships.
Seasons & Episode
Only one week out from their season-opener in Miami, the Panthers prepare for their grueling upcoming national schedule after being forced out of their local Maryland private-school league for being ‘too good.' Despite lacking adequate facilities, and conditioning on the Baltimore streets, this small school sets out to do the unthinkable.
With Week 2's home-opener against Chicago Simeon fast approaching, the No. 2-seeded Panthers have one more opportunity to prepare for their upcoming trip to Los Angeles to take on No. 1-seeded Mater Dei in hopes of keeping their national championship dreams alive. As the team prepares for the most important match-up of the season – and possibly their high school careers, the realities of life in Baltimore are constant reminders of what they're really playing for.
As the Panthers work to rebuild their bruised team morale from experiencing loss on and off the field, homecoming provides the players with some much-needed support before they take on IMG Academy – another nationally ranked powerhouse – for a chance to redeem their season in one of the biggest football games Baltimore has ever seen.
As the final game of the regular season looms, the Panthers' seniors are struck by the realization that their time at St. Frances is rapidly ending, and major life changes lie ahead. Before National Signing Day, Panthers' coaches aid in solidifying college plans and help place those still uncommitted, while surprises – some good, some less than – arise for the players.