Double Showdown
Main Characters / Extra Characters
My Classmates
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Requirements / Rewards
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Part 1
Julian: I need to learn how to give a rallying speech.
Danny: Hey, you two... would you mind helping Julian make a speech to rally the football team?
Brandon: Big pep talk, right? Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Maddie?
Maddie: We’ll study the great rallying speeches of all time! Sports movie marathon!
Brandon: You’ve got your Hoosiers. You’ve got your Remember the Titans. You’ve got your Varsity Blues!
Maddie: We’ll take the best parts of all the speeches in those movies... then throw in a heartfelt comment or two...
Brandon: ...and BOOM goes the dynamite! The team will cheer their pants off! Time to get started. We’re going to need two boxes of microwave popcorn, a notepad, and a Netflix account!
Time - 8 hours
Six movies and thirty bowls of popcorn later...
Maddie: Wow... great ending. I can’t believe the team pulled off that last-second victory!
Julian: There was a last-second victory in all five of the previous movies! How can this possibly still shock you?!
Maddie: I’m easily surprised!
Danny: So... do we have some good ideas for Julian’s speech now?
Brandon: Are you kidding? I have three pages of notes on sports metaphors alone!
Maddie: Way to play, Brandon! You’re in a league of your own! This is going to be a slam dunk!
Brandon: Let’s not spike the ball yet, Maddie! We’ve still got to punch this one into the endzone!
Julian: Uh... so could you guys help me work on this speech now?
Maddie: You got it, champ! It’s game time!
Rewards
Julian rehearses a speech based on Maddie ad Brandon’s notes...
Julian: We are Marshall... so let’s remember the Titans... and shake off those varsity blues! Hmmm... it’s not bad. But we probably need to change some of the names to be about OUR school.
Maddie: No problem! I’ll just run a couple of find-and-replaces... and there we go!
Julian: Okay... let’s see here. ‘Hearst High may take our football... but they’ll never take our freedom!’
Brandon: I adapted that one from Braveheart!
Maddie: Way to think outside the box! Presidential-style fist bump!
Julian: That’s more like it! The speech is awesome!
Danny: I’ll get everyone assembled in the cafeteria so you can rally the school... let’s get EVERYONE excited!
Part 2
Julian: Time to rally the troops!
In the cafeteria, everyone assembles to hear Julian’s speech.
Channing: I don’t get it... why get so worked up about a regular season game when we’re already in the playoffs? We should be focused on the cheer-off!
Skylar: I hope this is good... I’m missing band practice for this!
James: ...and I’m skipping a Guild Wars PvP match for this!
Julian: Thanks for being here, guys. I know everyone is busy, so I’ll try to keep this short...
Time - 10 hours
Julian makes an impassioned speech, rallying the crowd.
Julian: We may have beaten Hearst before... but this time is different! They’re back, and they’re better than ever! We’ve grown together as a school, but that doesn’t mean we can grow complacent! If we rest on our laurels, it’s going to come back to haunt us! Hearst would love nothing more than to rub a loss in our faces!
Channing: Boo Hearst!
Skylar: Boo losing!
James: I refuse to let them beat us!
Julian: This game isn’t just about football... it’s about standing together!
Danny: Let’s do this for Julian, everyone... and let’s do this for each other!
Julian: Thanks, Danny! Now who’s with us?
The crowd cheers!
Channing: Gooooo Julian! We’ll beat them in our cheer-off. Then you can beat them in the game!
Skylar: The band can’t wait to support you at halftime!
James: Hearst is the worst! We’re with you, Julian!
Rewards
As Julian walks off stage, Ezra approaches him.
Ezra: Inspirational stuff, man! I used to play wide-receiver. Any chance you’ve got a spot on the team for me?
Julian: You bet! We need all the help we can get!
Ezra: Sign me up! Let’s beat these guys!
Payton: If Ezra is half as good at football as he is at guitar, you guys will win by a hundred!
Mia: I know you can do it, Julian. That was an amazing speech!
Julian: I owe it all to the student govs... and to Danny, of course.
Mia: Speaking of Danny... I could use a little help myself.
Danny: What’s up?
Mia: First... we found out what the ‘Mystery Prize’ for winning the cheer-off against Hearst will be...
Danny: What is it?
Mia: The winner will get to cheer at an actual pro football game!
Danny: Whoa! Now we’ve REALLY got to win!
Mia: I know! We have a really solid routine, an awesome soundtrack to go along with it, and the cheerleaders have never been in better shape! But there’s still one last thing we need to do... got a minute to talk about it?
Danny: Yeah! Catch up with you later, Julian!
Part 3
Mia: We’ve got to give the routine that extra push if we’re going to beat Hearst!
Mia leads you to Payton and the cheerleaders.
Danny: So what’s this one last thing?
Mia: We’ve got to come up with a new end move. After what happened with Kara last time, I want something even more impressive than what we did at Cheer Camp, something completely new and unbeatable...
Channing: Something that Kara can’t steal!
Danny: Do you have something in mind?
Mia: At Cheer Camp, our finishing move was tossing you high into the air while you spun around... but you know what’s better than tossing one cheerleader in the air?
Danny: What?
Channing: Tossing TWO!
Mia: I want you and me to do my Flippin’ Kicktwist at the same time! Of course, the timing has to be perfect, and it’s not going to be easy, but...
Danny: That’s what practice is for?
Mia: Exactly! Let’s move!
Time - 12 hours
A little later...
Mia: Okay, Danny, we’re close, but we’re still not hitting the mark! Let’s do it from the top!
Channing: Danny, don’t forget that it’s cartwheel, then pump your fist, then jump up, the fly!
The music starts blasting through the speakers, and the cheerleading team performs the routine! Towards the end...
Mia: Here it comes!
You cartwheel then pump your fist! You pump your fist, then jump up onto the supports the cheerleaders have made for you! You and Mia fly into the air simultaneously!
Payton: Wow, that looked pro! Go, Danny!
Mia: Not too bad.
Channing: It looks great!
Rewards
Julian and Ezra come up.
Ezra: Good to see you, Danny. Looking good as always, Mia. Cute outfit, Payton.
Mia: What are you two doing here?
Julian: It’s time for practice. We need the field. Can you cheerleaders clear out?
Mia: Actually, we can’t. We need to keep practicing our routine with the new end move. It has to be perfect.
Julian: And WE don’t have that much time before our game against Hearst. We need the field to run our plays and get the guys used to the patterns.
Mia: So you’re just going to kick us off?
Julian: Well, you don’t need the field to practice your routine. We DO.
Danny: Hey, guys, it’s not a big deal. Julian’s right. The football team needs the full field to practice on. I’ll find some space around here for the cheerleaders to practice... it’ll work out.
Mia: Fine.
Part 4
Danny: I’ll find more space for cheerleading practice!
Danny: Here’s the spot I found for us to practice in. What do you think?
Mia: This will be perfect!
Rewards
Mia: Now all we have to do is transport all the cheer equipment from the football field to here and box out the area we’ll be performing in, so we know how much space we have to move around...
Danny: And here I thought you liked the space...
Mia: What I said was that it WILL be perfect! Let’s get started...
Danny: Actually...
Mia: You have somewhere to be?
Danny: I wanted to check in on Julian and the football team.
Mia: He should be pretty happy since he just kicked us off the football field...
Danny: Well, it seems like he’s been having a hard time lately. I’m concerned about him.
Mia: Yeah, yeah, of course, go ahead. I can handle this.
Part 5
Julian: Time to practice!
You find Julian on the football field, where he watches as the other players run drills.
Danny: I’m here to help out with practice!
Julian: Good... because I’m not liking what I’m seeing. Half of the team is out of shape... and the other half has forgotten the playbook! Listen... maybe you could help me out... I’ve got to touch base with a lot of players, and I can’t watch everyone at once.
Danny: Sure thing! What should I do?
Julian: Okay. First, if I call out ‘Jeremiah’ make sure the players are running a crossing route, okay?
Danny: Got it.
Julian: And if you see anyone eating a slice of pizza, slap it out of his hands! We’re trying to get in game shape! Oh, and if Ezra looks lost, just make sure he sticks close to the other wide receivers!
Practice begins...
Julian: Jeremiah!
A few players looks around confused.
Ezra: Sorry... I’m still learning the plays. What do I do?
Danny: Guys! Listen up! Run a crossing route!
The players run a crossing route!
Ezra: Thanks for the help, Danny!
Julian: Thanks for reminding them, Danny!
As you walk to the bench, you spot a lineman eating a healthy-looking salad! The lineman eats his salad in peace.
Julian: Way to eat healthy, bro! Keep up the good work!
Ezra walks up to you.
Ezra: Sorry to bug you, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be practicing right now...
Danny: No problem! Just go over there with the wide receivers!
You point to a group of tall, lanky players downfield.
Ezra: There they are! Thanks, Danny!
For the next few hours, practice continues...
Danny: It’s good that we’re finally putting in a real practice... but will it be enough to beat Hearst?
As practice ends, Julian looks a little down.
Danny: Everything okay?
Julian: I don’t know... we’re definitely making progress...
Danny: So what’s the problem?
Julian: It’s just... I appreciate people showing up and all... but I’m worried it’s too little, too late.
Danny: I know we’re not exactly a well-oiled football machine... but we DID win out last few games.
Julian: I guess you have a point. We’ve been winning... and adding Ezra is a huge boost for our passing game.
Ezra: Thanks!
Julian: Maybe we do have a fighting chance against Hearst... I just hope the guys take this game seriously!
Rewards
As you and Julian talk, you watch the team goofing around and flirting with some cheerleaders, who have stopped by to watch the practice.
Julian: I wish there was a way I could get them to take this game more seriously...
Payton: Sorry to interrupt, but I think I have a suggestion... The football team should dress up on the day of a big game! Wearing suits all day might keep them in a more serious frame of mind.
Danny: That sounds like a great idea!
Julian: At this point, I’m willing to try anything!
Payton: Time to dress up some football players!
Part 6
Payton: I’ll help pick clothes for everyone! This will be SO MUCH fun!
The next day, the football team arrives at school, and they’re all wearing the same snappy suits!
Calivin: Look who’s looking sharp! This guy!
Aiden: Yeah, really! I feel so good that I think we’re going to crush today at the game!
Calivin: Yeah! We rule!
Payton: You all look super cute! This is my greatest fashion victory yet!
Danny: Good work, Payton! Everyone is so pumped... and smartly dressed!
Payton: Thanks! Julian, what do you think?
Julian: I think... we look like a real team. And everyone seems really into the game! Nice work, Payton!
Time - 14 hours
All throughout the school day, people notice the guys’ new clothes.
Sakura: What’s with the fancy-pants outfits?
Nishan: I think it’s because there’s a big game today!
Sakura: Must be pretty serious if they’re getting so dressed up... maybe we should go.
Nishan: I guess we can just DVR the Big Bang Theory for once... let’s do it!
Wes: Sounds like everyone’s going... maybe I’ll sneak in and watch a few plays.
Aiden: This is awesome. The visitor’s section at Hearst is going to be bursting at the seams!
Calivin: We’ll have a huge crowd tonight!
Rewards
That afternoon, the buses for the football and cheerleading teams arrive.
Julian: The bus is here! Football team, move out!
Mia: Cheerleaders, to me!
You and your classmates pile into the bus, excited. A little while later, the buses pull up to Hearst High, and you all make your way to the football field where the stands are full of people!
Danny: Who, it’s packed!
Julian: Yeah... people really take their football seriously at Hearst High.
As the rest of the team heads into the locker room, Julian looks up, surveying the crowd.
Danny: You doing okay?
Julian: I’m fine... mostly.
Danny: ‘Mostly’?
Julian: Honestly, I’m just a little nervous about the scouts watching...
Danny: Don’t be. What they’re going to see is a good football player with great instincts. They’ll see your talent, Julian. They have to.
Julian: Thanks, Danny.
Danny: I try. Now go get ‘em!
Part 7
Julian: Time to take down Hearst!
The game begins!
Julian: Okay, special teams! Time for kickoff! Let’s get out there and punch them in the teeth!
Emily: Woo hoo! Here we go! We’ve got this in the bag!
Your team makes the opening kickoff...
Julian: Tackle, tackle, tackle! Get us the ball!
...but everyone misses their tackles! Hearst returns the kickoff for a touchdown!
Danny: Well... at least we get the ball now.
Julian: Focus up, everyone! We can’t let Hearst win this one!
Time - 16 hours
The first half only goes gets worse for you team... Hearst scores another touchdown in the first quarter.
Max: You’re making this too easy on me, Julian. Are you the only one on your team who actually works out?
Julian: This game isn’t over yet!
Max: If you say so.
By the end of the first half, Hearst is up 21-0... but even worse, everyone is completely worn out!
Emily: I forgot football was such hard work!
Julian: That’s not the only thing you forgot! Can’t anyone remember their routes?
Emily: I guess I should have studied the playbook a little more...
Danny: Take it easy, Julian! Everyone’s starting to panic!
Ezra: This isn’t looking good...
Emily: Did someone say ‘panic’? Don’t panic. DON’T PANIC!
Julian: Everyone stop freaking out and start playing football! This game isn’t over!
Rewards
In the meantime, the cheerleaders watch sadly from the sideline.
Payton: Our team is getting killed out there!
Mia: Then we’ve only got one option... We’ve got to go out there and deliver the routine of our lives! Let’s win this thing and inspire the team to victory! ...but this routine won’t just be about them. It’ll be about us! Finally beating Hearst once and for all!
Payton: Let’s go show them what it really means to cheer!
Part 8
Mia: Let’s rock this competition!
Mia leads you and the rest of the cheerleading team out onto the field. Kara and the Hearst High squad meet you in the middle.
Kara: Well, well, well... so you decided to show your lame faces, after all.
Channing: We’re not afraid of you, Kara.
Uma: Yeah, if you remember, we TIED at Cheer Camp!
Kara: Aww, Mia, still relying on your friends to defend your cheer squad? Some leader you are.
Mia: ...
Kara: Last time, we tied before we borrowed your lame move. I guess that’s what we get for copying stuff from losers!
Mia: We’re... we’re not losers!
Kara: Nice one, Mia. But you haven’t convinced me. And it’s going to take a lot more than some stupid end move to convince the judges this time. You’re going down! Now get off the field, and watch the masters at work!
Mia stalks off the field.
Mia: She makes me SO mad!
Danny: Well, we’ll get even when we beat her team.
Sebastian: Yeah! Now come on, let’s watch them!
Hearst starts their performance! Cheerleaders in green and gold flip, twist, and dance with impressive coordination! The music lifts when the cheerleaders fly, and the entire routine ends with a standing pyramid while confetti streams down around them!
Mia: Uh... that was good, wasn’t it? It was really good!
Payton: But ours will be better... right?
Time - 18 hours
Your team starts the routine!
Sebastian: One, and two, and three, and four! Cartwheel, round-off, handspring!
Uma: And right lunge! Split-lift!
Channing: Go team, go!
You and the other cheerleaders tumble, cartwheel, and handspring to the delight of the crowd! The people in the stands applaud and clap in time to the music as your cheerleading team nails trick after trick!
Mia: We’re doing it! We’re doing good!
Channing: Maximal toque!
Rewards
Mia: Now, it’s time for our finale! This is it! It all comes down to you and me, Danny!
Mia looks worried... you shout over to her.
Danny: Mia... whatever happened in the past with you and Kara... she doesn’t have any power over you now! You can do this... together, we can beat her!
Mia: You know what... you’re right! Let’s finish this thing!
Part 9
Mia: It’s time for our final move!
As the rest of the cheer squad performs the end routine, you and Mia set up for the final move!
Mia: You know what to do?
Danny: Let’s do this! Let’s beat Hearst... let’s beat Kara!
Time - 20 hours
The final notes of the song start playing. Simultaneously, you and Mia cartwheel, pump your fists, jump onto your supports, and fly high into the air!
Danny: Whoo hoo!
Mia: Yeah!
You and Mia execute impeccable synchronous kicktwists and land perfectly onto your squad’s standing pyramid! The crowd goes wild, and the judges come up to congratulate you on your win!
Mia: Yeah! We did it! We won!
Mia throws her arms around you, embracing you tight.
Mia: Thanks you, Danny... for everything!
Payton: You won! You won!
Mia: I can’t believe it... I can’t believe it. Now we’ll get to perform our routine at a real pro football game!
Kara: I wouldn’t celebrate just yet.
You turn and find Kara passing by your squad.
Kara: A lot of people go to a pro game, and they’ll be watching your dumb routine. You may have won today, but you’re not pros. When you fall on your faces, I’m going to be there, laughing...
For a moment Mia looks afraid...
Mia: ...
Danny: It’s okay, Mia. Don’t listen to her.
Mia: No. I’m done just taking her insults with a smile. It ends here. Right now!
Mia angrily walks over and gets right up in Kara’s face.
Mia: You know what? My team’s going to do just fine. There’s nothing you can say to make me doubt that now. My team’s good, and we work hard, and we’ll do great. And for you and Hearst, I can’t say the same. The only way you could even get here to go toe- touch-to-toe-touch with us was because you cheated. If I were you, I’d take a good long look at your own squad before you put down someone else’s.
Kara: I... what... huh?
Mia spins around and comes back to you.
Danny: Mia, that was... amazing!
Mia: Thanks. Now come on, cheerleaders, we have a football team who needs our support!
Rewards
A short time later, it’s nearly time for the the second half. You and Mia find Julian down on the field.
Mia: I know you can do it, Julian!
Julian: Heh. Thanks! That routine was amazing. Thanks to you, the fans are completely pumped up. We’ve got a lot of ground to make up... but we still have a whole half to play!
Danny: Then go out there and show Hearst what you’ve got!
Part 10
Julian: We’ve still got a whole half to play!
Your team plays better in the second half, holding them scoreless.
Max: Looks like you guys drank you Gatorade at halftime... but you can’t win if you can’t score.
Julian: Just you wait...
On the next play, Julian grabs the opposing running back, forcing a fumble!
Julian: That’s what I’m talking about!
One of your linemen picks up the ball and runs it back for a touchdown!
Julian: Okay... 7-21. The comeback begins...
Time - 22 hours
The game continues... Then, in the fourth quarter, Julian grabs an interception!
Danny: Go, go, go!
He runs it back for a touchdown... but only after taking a nasty-looking hit near the endzone!
Julian: Ouch...
Gingerly, he walk back to the sideline.
Julian: That’s how we do it! We can still win this!
Ezra: Just be careful... you took a pretty vicious hit.
Julian: I’m... fine.
Ezra: That would be more believable if you didn’t grit your teeth in agony when you said it.
Danny: Be careful out there, Julian... you can’t do everything!
Rewards
A few plays later, thanks to Julian’s heroics, the team is only down 14-21 with ten seconds to go.
Julian: Well, here we are, guys. We’ve got fifty yards to go. All we can do now is chuck up a Hail Mary.
Ezra: Actually... I think I have a plan!
Part 11
Julian: We can still win this thing!
Ezra: You guys ready to win? Here’s the plan... they’re double-covering me downfield. That means Alex should only have one defender in coverage!
Alex: Right on! Just look for me in the endzone! I’ll be open.
Julian: I’ll go in as a blocker... I’ll make sure the QB has plenty of time to get it to you!
Danny: Just be careful out there... you were limping a little after that last hit you took.
Julian: I’ll be fine! Now let’s go win this thing!
Time - 19 hours
The play starts, and Alex runs toward the endzone… But Alex is moving slow! Thanks to weeks of less-than-perfect conditioning, Alex isn’t in game-shape!
Alex: Huff… huff…
With no targets downfield, the quarterback waits… and takes a huge hit!
Danny: Oh no!
It’s a fumble! The ball is loose! Julian scoops it up!
Julian: Time to run this into the endzone!
Julian charges forward, straight-arming defenders left and right!
Julian: You’re not gonna take me down that easily!
As Julian reaches the goal line, three Hearst players catch up to him!
Julian: No!
Julian goes down under a pile of bodies!
Danny: Oh no! Is he okay?
Julian moans in agony as he looks up at the game clock, which has ticked down to zero! Hearst wins!
Rewards
An hour later, the cheers of the Hearst fans still echo in your head as you sit with Julian in the nurse’s office.
Danny: How’s the leg?
Julian: Not good… I’m not sure what hurts more. My knee, or losing to Hearst.
Just then, Mia and Autumn poke their heads in.
Autumn: Julian! Are you okay! I was so worried!
Julian: I’ll… I’ll be fine. Eventually.
Mia: Just don’t hang your head! You played great out there! And look at it this way: our school is one and one against Hearst today!
Julian: That’s great and all… and I’m glad you won the cheer competition. But this isn’t just a game to me. You’ve got decent grades, and a family with money. You’ll go to college no matter what. Football is my only shot! We keep losing… and I’ll lose any chance at a decent future. Thanks to this injury, scouts won’t even see me show my stuff in the playoffs!
With a pair of crutches from the nurse, Julian leaves, heading off down the hallway toward the locker room…
Danny: Let him go… he needs some time.
Mia: I… I’ll give him some space.
Mia leaves as you and Autumn watch Julian crutch sadly down the hall… where you see Max intercept him!
Max: …
Danny: This isn’t good! We’ve got to go help Julian!
Part 12
Autumn: Hurry! We have to make sure Max doesn’t jump Julian!
The two of you run down the hall toward Max and Julian. As you reach the locker room, you hear voices.
Julian: What do you want, Max?
Max: I brought you here because I wanted to show you something…
You whisper to Autumn as you crouch behind some nearby lockers.
Danny: It looks like Max just wants to talk, not fight… we should probably let Julian handle this.
Time - 23 hours
You and Autumn crouch behind a row of lockers, listening to Max and Julian’s conversation in the Hearst locker room…
Julian: And what exactly did you want to show me?
Max: This.
Max gestures to an empty locker.
Max: This used to be yours.
Julian: So?
Max: No one’s used it since you left. I haven’t let them. Before, when you were here, we didn’t appreciate you. A lot of that was on me. But look at you now… your talent is undeniable!
Julian: What’s your game, Max? Get to the point.
Max: Things have changed here… I’ve changed. I don’t mind sharing the spotlight with you. Not to mention my playing time. Lots of teams have two great running backs! What I’m trying to say is… you’ll always have a place here. And if you come back, things will be different! You’ll be a star!
Julian: What is this? A trick? Some kind of joke?
Max: No tricks. No jokes. I know I’ve been a jerk to you before. I let my competitiveness get the best of me sometimes. Call it a character flaw. But Hearst is in the playoffs now, and that same competitive spirit makes me want to win! I’ll need all the help I can get! You’re one of the best players I’ve ever taken the field with. Your leg will heal up soon, and when it does… we could use you.
Julian: You… want me back?
Max: Big time.
Julian: My school’s in the playoffs too. What makes you think I’d ever turn my back on my friends?
Max: You’re loyal, I get that. I admire it. But let’s say you stay there. What then? No college scouts will ever see a single play of yours. Your school’s done a lot with a little, and that’s great. But you just gave your all for them on the field, and look what that got you. A sound defeat and a bum leg. If you stay there, Julian… you’re kissing college ball goodbye.
Julian: I don’t believe you for a second.
Max: Don’t lie to yourself, Julian. It’s time to face facts…
Julian takes a long, troubled look at his old locker.
Max: This is where you belong.
Rewards
Max leads a hobbling Julian back out of the locker room. They don’t notice you and Autumn hiding around the corner. As their footsteps fade…
Autumn: I can’t believe it…
Danny: Don’t worry about it, Autumn. Julian won’t leave our school for Hearst.
Autumn: You heard what Max said! You saw Julian’s face! He was thinking about it! We can’t let them trap him in their web again, Danny! But how can we stop them?
Danny: Julian’s worked his tail off for this school. It’s time we return the favor.
Will Julian abandon your school? …and how will you survive the playoffs without him? Find out in the next quest!
Julian: I need to learn how to give a rallying speech.
- Julian
- A Student Gov (Maddie)
- A Student Gov (Brandon)
Danny: Hey, you two... would you mind helping Julian make a speech to rally the football team?
Brandon: Big pep talk, right? Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Maddie?
Maddie: We’ll study the great rallying speeches of all time! Sports movie marathon!
Brandon: You’ve got your Hoosiers. You’ve got your Remember the Titans. You’ve got your Varsity Blues!
Maddie: We’ll take the best parts of all the speeches in those movies... then throw in a heartfelt comment or two...
Brandon: ...and BOOM goes the dynamite! The team will cheer their pants off! Time to get started. We’re going to need two boxes of microwave popcorn, a notepad, and a Netflix account!
Time - 8 hours
Six movies and thirty bowls of popcorn later...
Maddie: Wow... great ending. I can’t believe the team pulled off that last-second victory!
Julian: There was a last-second victory in all five of the previous movies! How can this possibly still shock you?!
Maddie: I’m easily surprised!
Danny: So... do we have some good ideas for Julian’s speech now?
Brandon: Are you kidding? I have three pages of notes on sports metaphors alone!
Maddie: Way to play, Brandon! You’re in a league of your own! This is going to be a slam dunk!
Brandon: Let’s not spike the ball yet, Maddie! We’ve still got to punch this one into the endzone!
Julian: Uh... so could you guys help me work on this speech now?
Maddie: You got it, champ! It’s game time!
Rewards
- 8000 coins
- 139 XP
Julian rehearses a speech based on Maddie ad Brandon’s notes...
Julian: We are Marshall... so let’s remember the Titans... and shake off those varsity blues! Hmmm... it’s not bad. But we probably need to change some of the names to be about OUR school.
Maddie: No problem! I’ll just run a couple of find-and-replaces... and there we go!
Julian: Okay... let’s see here. ‘Hearst High may take our football... but they’ll never take our freedom!’
Brandon: I adapted that one from Braveheart!
Maddie: Way to think outside the box! Presidential-style fist bump!
Julian: That’s more like it! The speech is awesome!
Danny: I’ll get everyone assembled in the cafeteria so you can rally the school... let’s get EVERYONE excited!
Part 2
Julian: Time to rally the troops!
- A Cheerleader (Channing)
- A Band Member (Skylar)
- A Gamer (James)
In the cafeteria, everyone assembles to hear Julian’s speech.
Channing: I don’t get it... why get so worked up about a regular season game when we’re already in the playoffs? We should be focused on the cheer-off!
Skylar: I hope this is good... I’m missing band practice for this!
James: ...and I’m skipping a Guild Wars PvP match for this!
Julian: Thanks for being here, guys. I know everyone is busy, so I’ll try to keep this short...
Time - 10 hours
Julian makes an impassioned speech, rallying the crowd.
Julian: We may have beaten Hearst before... but this time is different! They’re back, and they’re better than ever! We’ve grown together as a school, but that doesn’t mean we can grow complacent! If we rest on our laurels, it’s going to come back to haunt us! Hearst would love nothing more than to rub a loss in our faces!
Channing: Boo Hearst!
Skylar: Boo losing!
James: I refuse to let them beat us!
Julian: This game isn’t just about football... it’s about standing together!
Danny: Let’s do this for Julian, everyone... and let’s do this for each other!
Julian: Thanks, Danny! Now who’s with us?
The crowd cheers!
Channing: Gooooo Julian! We’ll beat them in our cheer-off. Then you can beat them in the game!
Skylar: The band can’t wait to support you at halftime!
James: Hearst is the worst! We’re with you, Julian!
Rewards
- 139 XP
As Julian walks off stage, Ezra approaches him.
Ezra: Inspirational stuff, man! I used to play wide-receiver. Any chance you’ve got a spot on the team for me?
Julian: You bet! We need all the help we can get!
Ezra: Sign me up! Let’s beat these guys!
Payton: If Ezra is half as good at football as he is at guitar, you guys will win by a hundred!
Mia: I know you can do it, Julian. That was an amazing speech!
Julian: I owe it all to the student govs... and to Danny, of course.
Mia: Speaking of Danny... I could use a little help myself.
Danny: What’s up?
Mia: First... we found out what the ‘Mystery Prize’ for winning the cheer-off against Hearst will be...
Danny: What is it?
Mia: The winner will get to cheer at an actual pro football game!
Danny: Whoa! Now we’ve REALLY got to win!
Mia: I know! We have a really solid routine, an awesome soundtrack to go along with it, and the cheerleaders have never been in better shape! But there’s still one last thing we need to do... got a minute to talk about it?
Danny: Yeah! Catch up with you later, Julian!
Part 3
Mia: We’ve got to give the routine that extra push if we’re going to beat Hearst!
- Payton
- Mia
- A Cheerleader (Channing)
Mia leads you to Payton and the cheerleaders.
Danny: So what’s this one last thing?
Mia: We’ve got to come up with a new end move. After what happened with Kara last time, I want something even more impressive than what we did at Cheer Camp, something completely new and unbeatable...
Channing: Something that Kara can’t steal!
Danny: Do you have something in mind?
Mia: At Cheer Camp, our finishing move was tossing you high into the air while you spun around... but you know what’s better than tossing one cheerleader in the air?
Danny: What?
Channing: Tossing TWO!
Mia: I want you and me to do my Flippin’ Kicktwist at the same time! Of course, the timing has to be perfect, and it’s not going to be easy, but...
Danny: That’s what practice is for?
Mia: Exactly! Let’s move!
Time - 12 hours
A little later...
Mia: Okay, Danny, we’re close, but we’re still not hitting the mark! Let’s do it from the top!
Channing: Danny, don’t forget that it’s cartwheel, then pump your fist, then jump up, the fly!
The music starts blasting through the speakers, and the cheerleading team performs the routine! Towards the end...
Mia: Here it comes!
You cartwheel then pump your fist! You pump your fist, then jump up onto the supports the cheerleaders have made for you! You and Mia fly into the air simultaneously!
Payton: Wow, that looked pro! Go, Danny!
Mia: Not too bad.
Channing: It looks great!
Rewards
- 139 XP
Julian and Ezra come up.
Ezra: Good to see you, Danny. Looking good as always, Mia. Cute outfit, Payton.
Mia: What are you two doing here?
Julian: It’s time for practice. We need the field. Can you cheerleaders clear out?
Mia: Actually, we can’t. We need to keep practicing our routine with the new end move. It has to be perfect.
Julian: And WE don’t have that much time before our game against Hearst. We need the field to run our plays and get the guys used to the patterns.
Mia: So you’re just going to kick us off?
Julian: Well, you don’t need the field to practice your routine. We DO.
Danny: Hey, guys, it’s not a big deal. Julian’s right. The football team needs the full field to practice on. I’ll find some space around here for the cheerleaders to practice... it’ll work out.
Mia: Fine.
Part 4
Danny: I’ll find more space for cheerleading practice!
- Have 36 unlocked Plots
Danny: Here’s the spot I found for us to practice in. What do you think?
Mia: This will be perfect!
Rewards
- 139 XP
Mia: Now all we have to do is transport all the cheer equipment from the football field to here and box out the area we’ll be performing in, so we know how much space we have to move around...
Danny: And here I thought you liked the space...
Mia: What I said was that it WILL be perfect! Let’s get started...
Danny: Actually...
Mia: You have somewhere to be?
Danny: I wanted to check in on Julian and the football team.
Mia: He should be pretty happy since he just kicked us off the football field...
Danny: Well, it seems like he’s been having a hard time lately. I’m concerned about him.
Mia: Yeah, yeah, of course, go ahead. I can handle this.
Part 5
Julian: Time to practice!
- Spend 650,000 coins
- Practice!
You find Julian on the football field, where he watches as the other players run drills.
Danny: I’m here to help out with practice!
Julian: Good... because I’m not liking what I’m seeing. Half of the team is out of shape... and the other half has forgotten the playbook! Listen... maybe you could help me out... I’ve got to touch base with a lot of players, and I can’t watch everyone at once.
Danny: Sure thing! What should I do?
Julian: Okay. First, if I call out ‘Jeremiah’ make sure the players are running a crossing route, okay?
Danny: Got it.
Julian: And if you see anyone eating a slice of pizza, slap it out of his hands! We’re trying to get in game shape! Oh, and if Ezra looks lost, just make sure he sticks close to the other wide receivers!
Practice begins...
Julian: Jeremiah!
A few players looks around confused.
Ezra: Sorry... I’m still learning the plays. What do I do?
Danny: Guys! Listen up! Run a crossing route!
The players run a crossing route!
Ezra: Thanks for the help, Danny!
Julian: Thanks for reminding them, Danny!
As you walk to the bench, you spot a lineman eating a healthy-looking salad! The lineman eats his salad in peace.
Julian: Way to eat healthy, bro! Keep up the good work!
Ezra walks up to you.
Ezra: Sorry to bug you, but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be practicing right now...
Danny: No problem! Just go over there with the wide receivers!
You point to a group of tall, lanky players downfield.
Ezra: There they are! Thanks, Danny!
For the next few hours, practice continues...
Danny: It’s good that we’re finally putting in a real practice... but will it be enough to beat Hearst?
As practice ends, Julian looks a little down.
Danny: Everything okay?
Julian: I don’t know... we’re definitely making progress...
Danny: So what’s the problem?
Julian: It’s just... I appreciate people showing up and all... but I’m worried it’s too little, too late.
Danny: I know we’re not exactly a well-oiled football machine... but we DID win out last few games.
Julian: I guess you have a point. We’ve been winning... and adding Ezra is a huge boost for our passing game.
Ezra: Thanks!
Julian: Maybe we do have a fighting chance against Hearst... I just hope the guys take this game seriously!
Rewards
- 1000 books
- 139 XP
As you and Julian talk, you watch the team goofing around and flirting with some cheerleaders, who have stopped by to watch the practice.
Julian: I wish there was a way I could get them to take this game more seriously...
Payton: Sorry to interrupt, but I think I have a suggestion... The football team should dress up on the day of a big game! Wearing suits all day might keep them in a more serious frame of mind.
Danny: That sounds like a great idea!
Julian: At this point, I’m willing to try anything!
Payton: Time to dress up some football players!
Part 6
Payton: I’ll help pick clothes for everyone! This will be SO MUCH fun!
- A Guy Jock wearing a Prep School Uniform Outfit (Calivin)
- A Guy Jock wearing a Prep School Uniform Outfit (Aiden)
The next day, the football team arrives at school, and they’re all wearing the same snappy suits!
Calivin: Look who’s looking sharp! This guy!
Aiden: Yeah, really! I feel so good that I think we’re going to crush today at the game!
Calivin: Yeah! We rule!
Payton: You all look super cute! This is my greatest fashion victory yet!
Danny: Good work, Payton! Everyone is so pumped... and smartly dressed!
Payton: Thanks! Julian, what do you think?
Julian: I think... we look like a real team. And everyone seems really into the game! Nice work, Payton!
Time - 14 hours
All throughout the school day, people notice the guys’ new clothes.
Sakura: What’s with the fancy-pants outfits?
Nishan: I think it’s because there’s a big game today!
Sakura: Must be pretty serious if they’re getting so dressed up... maybe we should go.
Nishan: I guess we can just DVR the Big Bang Theory for once... let’s do it!
Wes: Sounds like everyone’s going... maybe I’ll sneak in and watch a few plays.
Aiden: This is awesome. The visitor’s section at Hearst is going to be bursting at the seams!
Calivin: We’ll have a huge crowd tonight!
Rewards
- 139 XP
That afternoon, the buses for the football and cheerleading teams arrive.
Julian: The bus is here! Football team, move out!
Mia: Cheerleaders, to me!
You and your classmates pile into the bus, excited. A little while later, the buses pull up to Hearst High, and you all make your way to the football field where the stands are full of people!
Danny: Who, it’s packed!
Julian: Yeah... people really take their football seriously at Hearst High.
As the rest of the team heads into the locker room, Julian looks up, surveying the crowd.
Danny: You doing okay?
Julian: I’m fine... mostly.
Danny: ‘Mostly’?
Julian: Honestly, I’m just a little nervous about the scouts watching...
Danny: Don’t be. What they’re going to see is a good football player with great instincts. They’ll see your talent, Julian. They have to.
Julian: Thanks, Danny.
Danny: I try. Now go get ‘em!
Part 7
Julian: Time to take down Hearst!
- Ezra
- Julian
- A Classmate (Emily)
The game begins!
Julian: Okay, special teams! Time for kickoff! Let’s get out there and punch them in the teeth!
Emily: Woo hoo! Here we go! We’ve got this in the bag!
Your team makes the opening kickoff...
Julian: Tackle, tackle, tackle! Get us the ball!
...but everyone misses their tackles! Hearst returns the kickoff for a touchdown!
Danny: Well... at least we get the ball now.
Julian: Focus up, everyone! We can’t let Hearst win this one!
Time - 16 hours
The first half only goes gets worse for you team... Hearst scores another touchdown in the first quarter.
Max: You’re making this too easy on me, Julian. Are you the only one on your team who actually works out?
Julian: This game isn’t over yet!
Max: If you say so.
By the end of the first half, Hearst is up 21-0... but even worse, everyone is completely worn out!
Emily: I forgot football was such hard work!
Julian: That’s not the only thing you forgot! Can’t anyone remember their routes?
Emily: I guess I should have studied the playbook a little more...
Danny: Take it easy, Julian! Everyone’s starting to panic!
Ezra: This isn’t looking good...
Emily: Did someone say ‘panic’? Don’t panic. DON’T PANIC!
Julian: Everyone stop freaking out and start playing football! This game isn’t over!
Rewards
- 139 XP
In the meantime, the cheerleaders watch sadly from the sideline.
Payton: Our team is getting killed out there!
Mia: Then we’ve only got one option... We’ve got to go out there and deliver the routine of our lives! Let’s win this thing and inspire the team to victory! ...but this routine won’t just be about them. It’ll be about us! Finally beating Hearst once and for all!
Payton: Let’s go show them what it really means to cheer!
Part 8
Mia: Let’s rock this competition!
- A Cheerleader Except Mia (Uma)
- A Cheerleader Except Mia (Channing)
- A Cheerleader Except Mia (Sebastian)
Mia leads you and the rest of the cheerleading team out onto the field. Kara and the Hearst High squad meet you in the middle.
Kara: Well, well, well... so you decided to show your lame faces, after all.
Channing: We’re not afraid of you, Kara.
Uma: Yeah, if you remember, we TIED at Cheer Camp!
Kara: Aww, Mia, still relying on your friends to defend your cheer squad? Some leader you are.
Mia: ...
Kara: Last time, we tied before we borrowed your lame move. I guess that’s what we get for copying stuff from losers!
Mia: We’re... we’re not losers!
Kara: Nice one, Mia. But you haven’t convinced me. And it’s going to take a lot more than some stupid end move to convince the judges this time. You’re going down! Now get off the field, and watch the masters at work!
Mia stalks off the field.
Mia: She makes me SO mad!
Danny: Well, we’ll get even when we beat her team.
Sebastian: Yeah! Now come on, let’s watch them!
Hearst starts their performance! Cheerleaders in green and gold flip, twist, and dance with impressive coordination! The music lifts when the cheerleaders fly, and the entire routine ends with a standing pyramid while confetti streams down around them!
Mia: Uh... that was good, wasn’t it? It was really good!
Payton: But ours will be better... right?
Time - 18 hours
Your team starts the routine!
Sebastian: One, and two, and three, and four! Cartwheel, round-off, handspring!
Uma: And right lunge! Split-lift!
Channing: Go team, go!
You and the other cheerleaders tumble, cartwheel, and handspring to the delight of the crowd! The people in the stands applaud and clap in time to the music as your cheerleading team nails trick after trick!
Mia: We’re doing it! We’re doing good!
Channing: Maximal toque!
Rewards
- 139 XP
Mia: Now, it’s time for our finale! This is it! It all comes down to you and me, Danny!
Mia looks worried... you shout over to her.
Danny: Mia... whatever happened in the past with you and Kara... she doesn’t have any power over you now! You can do this... together, we can beat her!
Mia: You know what... you’re right! Let’s finish this thing!
Part 9
Mia: It’s time for our final move!
- Danny
- Mia
As the rest of the cheer squad performs the end routine, you and Mia set up for the final move!
Mia: You know what to do?
Danny: Let’s do this! Let’s beat Hearst... let’s beat Kara!
Time - 20 hours
The final notes of the song start playing. Simultaneously, you and Mia cartwheel, pump your fists, jump onto your supports, and fly high into the air!
Danny: Whoo hoo!
Mia: Yeah!
You and Mia execute impeccable synchronous kicktwists and land perfectly onto your squad’s standing pyramid! The crowd goes wild, and the judges come up to congratulate you on your win!
Mia: Yeah! We did it! We won!
Mia throws her arms around you, embracing you tight.
Mia: Thanks you, Danny... for everything!
Payton: You won! You won!
Mia: I can’t believe it... I can’t believe it. Now we’ll get to perform our routine at a real pro football game!
Kara: I wouldn’t celebrate just yet.
You turn and find Kara passing by your squad.
Kara: A lot of people go to a pro game, and they’ll be watching your dumb routine. You may have won today, but you’re not pros. When you fall on your faces, I’m going to be there, laughing...
For a moment Mia looks afraid...
Mia: ...
Danny: It’s okay, Mia. Don’t listen to her.
Mia: No. I’m done just taking her insults with a smile. It ends here. Right now!
Mia angrily walks over and gets right up in Kara’s face.
Mia: You know what? My team’s going to do just fine. There’s nothing you can say to make me doubt that now. My team’s good, and we work hard, and we’ll do great. And for you and Hearst, I can’t say the same. The only way you could even get here to go toe- touch-to-toe-touch with us was because you cheated. If I were you, I’d take a good long look at your own squad before you put down someone else’s.
Kara: I... what... huh?
Mia spins around and comes back to you.
Danny: Mia, that was... amazing!
Mia: Thanks. Now come on, cheerleaders, we have a football team who needs our support!
Rewards
- 20,000 coins
- 139 XP
A short time later, it’s nearly time for the the second half. You and Mia find Julian down on the field.
Mia: I know you can do it, Julian!
Julian: Heh. Thanks! That routine was amazing. Thanks to you, the fans are completely pumped up. We’ve got a lot of ground to make up... but we still have a whole half to play!
Danny: Then go out there and show Hearst what you’ve got!
Part 10
Julian: We’ve still got a whole half to play!
- Ezra
- Julian
Your team plays better in the second half, holding them scoreless.
Max: Looks like you guys drank you Gatorade at halftime... but you can’t win if you can’t score.
Julian: Just you wait...
On the next play, Julian grabs the opposing running back, forcing a fumble!
Julian: That’s what I’m talking about!
One of your linemen picks up the ball and runs it back for a touchdown!
Julian: Okay... 7-21. The comeback begins...
Time - 22 hours
The game continues... Then, in the fourth quarter, Julian grabs an interception!
Danny: Go, go, go!
He runs it back for a touchdown... but only after taking a nasty-looking hit near the endzone!
Julian: Ouch...
Gingerly, he walk back to the sideline.
Julian: That’s how we do it! We can still win this!
Ezra: Just be careful... you took a pretty vicious hit.
Julian: I’m... fine.
Ezra: That would be more believable if you didn’t grit your teeth in agony when you said it.
Danny: Be careful out there, Julian... you can’t do everything!
Rewards
- 22,000 coins
- 139 XP
A few plays later, thanks to Julian’s heroics, the team is only down 14-21 with ten seconds to go.
Julian: Well, here we are, guys. We’ve got fifty yards to go. All we can do now is chuck up a Hail Mary.
Ezra: Actually... I think I have a plan!
Part 11
Julian: We can still win this thing!
- Ezra
- Julian
- A Classmate (Alex)
Ezra: You guys ready to win? Here’s the plan... they’re double-covering me downfield. That means Alex should only have one defender in coverage!
Alex: Right on! Just look for me in the endzone! I’ll be open.
Julian: I’ll go in as a blocker... I’ll make sure the QB has plenty of time to get it to you!
Danny: Just be careful out there... you were limping a little after that last hit you took.
Julian: I’ll be fine! Now let’s go win this thing!
Time - 19 hours
The play starts, and Alex runs toward the endzone… But Alex is moving slow! Thanks to weeks of less-than-perfect conditioning, Alex isn’t in game-shape!
Alex: Huff… huff…
With no targets downfield, the quarterback waits… and takes a huge hit!
Danny: Oh no!
It’s a fumble! The ball is loose! Julian scoops it up!
Julian: Time to run this into the endzone!
Julian charges forward, straight-arming defenders left and right!
Julian: You’re not gonna take me down that easily!
As Julian reaches the goal line, three Hearst players catch up to him!
Julian: No!
Julian goes down under a pile of bodies!
Danny: Oh no! Is he okay?
Julian moans in agony as he looks up at the game clock, which has ticked down to zero! Hearst wins!
Rewards
- 139 XP
An hour later, the cheers of the Hearst fans still echo in your head as you sit with Julian in the nurse’s office.
Danny: How’s the leg?
Julian: Not good… I’m not sure what hurts more. My knee, or losing to Hearst.
Just then, Mia and Autumn poke their heads in.
Autumn: Julian! Are you okay! I was so worried!
Julian: I’ll… I’ll be fine. Eventually.
Mia: Just don’t hang your head! You played great out there! And look at it this way: our school is one and one against Hearst today!
Julian: That’s great and all… and I’m glad you won the cheer competition. But this isn’t just a game to me. You’ve got decent grades, and a family with money. You’ll go to college no matter what. Football is my only shot! We keep losing… and I’ll lose any chance at a decent future. Thanks to this injury, scouts won’t even see me show my stuff in the playoffs!
With a pair of crutches from the nurse, Julian leaves, heading off down the hallway toward the locker room…
Danny: Let him go… he needs some time.
Mia: I… I’ll give him some space.
Mia leaves as you and Autumn watch Julian crutch sadly down the hall… where you see Max intercept him!
Max: …
Danny: This isn’t good! We’ve got to go help Julian!
Part 12
Autumn: Hurry! We have to make sure Max doesn’t jump Julian!
- Danny
- Autumn
The two of you run down the hall toward Max and Julian. As you reach the locker room, you hear voices.
Julian: What do you want, Max?
Max: I brought you here because I wanted to show you something…
You whisper to Autumn as you crouch behind some nearby lockers.
Danny: It looks like Max just wants to talk, not fight… we should probably let Julian handle this.
Time - 23 hours
You and Autumn crouch behind a row of lockers, listening to Max and Julian’s conversation in the Hearst locker room…
Julian: And what exactly did you want to show me?
Max: This.
Max gestures to an empty locker.
Max: This used to be yours.
Julian: So?
Max: No one’s used it since you left. I haven’t let them. Before, when you were here, we didn’t appreciate you. A lot of that was on me. But look at you now… your talent is undeniable!
Julian: What’s your game, Max? Get to the point.
Max: Things have changed here… I’ve changed. I don’t mind sharing the spotlight with you. Not to mention my playing time. Lots of teams have two great running backs! What I’m trying to say is… you’ll always have a place here. And if you come back, things will be different! You’ll be a star!
Julian: What is this? A trick? Some kind of joke?
Max: No tricks. No jokes. I know I’ve been a jerk to you before. I let my competitiveness get the best of me sometimes. Call it a character flaw. But Hearst is in the playoffs now, and that same competitive spirit makes me want to win! I’ll need all the help I can get! You’re one of the best players I’ve ever taken the field with. Your leg will heal up soon, and when it does… we could use you.
Julian: You… want me back?
Max: Big time.
Julian: My school’s in the playoffs too. What makes you think I’d ever turn my back on my friends?
Max: You’re loyal, I get that. I admire it. But let’s say you stay there. What then? No college scouts will ever see a single play of yours. Your school’s done a lot with a little, and that’s great. But you just gave your all for them on the field, and look what that got you. A sound defeat and a bum leg. If you stay there, Julian… you’re kissing college ball goodbye.
Julian: I don’t believe you for a second.
Max: Don’t lie to yourself, Julian. It’s time to face facts…
Julian takes a long, troubled look at his old locker.
Max: This is where you belong.
Rewards
- 23,000 coins
- 139 XP
Max leads a hobbling Julian back out of the locker room. They don’t notice you and Autumn hiding around the corner. As their footsteps fade…
Autumn: I can’t believe it…
Danny: Don’t worry about it, Autumn. Julian won’t leave our school for Hearst.
Autumn: You heard what Max said! You saw Julian’s face! He was thinking about it! We can’t let them trap him in their web again, Danny! But how can we stop them?
Danny: Julian’s worked his tail off for this school. It’s time we return the favor.
Will Julian abandon your school? …and how will you survive the playoffs without him? Find out in the next quest!