Road to the Playoffs
Main Characters / Extra Characters
My Classmates
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Requirements
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Requirements
Danny: So how are you planning on topping Kara’s routine when the judges come to the football game against Hearst?
Payton: It’s not going to be easy. First off, we’ll need a new routine after they stole our last one... and it will have to really wow the judges.
Mia: We need to be giving our all between now and then... because you know Kara’s squad will be practicing around the clock!
Your phone buzzes with a text!
Danny: Gotta run! Julian wants to meet up!
You find Julian standing alone in the center of the football field, gazing up at the empty stands.
Danny: Wow, it’s weird how peaceful it can be out here sometimes.
Julian: Sure is. You know, I’m really glad you convinced me to transfer, Danny. Feels like just yesterday I was riding the bench at Hearst, desperate to play for a school I didn’t like. For a team I didn’t believe in. Now look at me... I’m a starter on a team I really care about... and it’s all thanks to you!
Danny: We all did this together, Julian. You know that.
Julian: You’re right. We started this year together, and now we’re going to finish it together. And if we make the playoffs, maybe I’ll get the chance to prove myself to all those college scouts.
Danny: If anyone can do it, it’s you.
Julian: So, Danny, you wanna help me get the team together? We should practice hard if we want to be in shape for this week’s game.
Danny: I’ll round everyone up!
Requirements
Emily, Alex, and the rest of the football team circle around Julian and take a knee.
Julian: All right, people! Time to close out the season strong! Just one more win, and we’ll clinch a playoff spot! So that means we just have to win one of our last three games against Forest Hill, Statton, and Hearst!
Emily: I can’t WAIT to beat down Hearst again!
Alex: This is going to be a cakewalk! I’m thinking we win by thirty.
Emily: We’re untouchable! With how bad we’ve been beating everyone lately, I bet we win by FORTY!
Julian: Sure, we’re on a win streak, but that won’t last unless we stay focused and dedicated. Now get out there and earn the right to talk that smack!
Time - 10 hours
As practice goes on...
Emily: Hey, Alex, watch this! One hand!
Emily tries to catch a long pass with one hand, but bobbles and drops it!
Alex: Ha, you’re not getting on SportsCenter with that! Let me try!
Watching beside you, Julian furrows his brow.
Julian: They’re all just goofing around! Why aren’t they taking this seriously?!
Danny: Well, we HAVE been winning all our games by a lot recently. Plus, with everything our school’s been involved in lately, I don’t blame them for wanting to take it easy.
Julian: You’re probably right. I guess I’m still getting used to going to a school that doesn’t completely revolve around football. This is nothing like Hearst.
Danny: Isn’t that a good thing?
Julian: Absolutely.
Payton: Hey! Danny! Mia and I are working on the new routine for the cheerleaders’ tiebreaker showdown against Hearst.
Mia: Do you have a second to give us a hand?
Danny: Sure!
Julian: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You can’t take Danny! The football team still has tons to work on!
Payton: You’re not the only one here on a deadline, you know.
Danny: Payton’s right. The cheer squad has their work cut out for them. I’ll help you out more later, Julian.
Julian: Well... okay. Just don’t take too long.
You walk off with Payton and Mia.
Danny: So how’s the new routine coming?
Mia: Not bad... but if we want to win, we’ll need to take it to the next level.
Payton: We want to go creative. We want to bring in influences that cheerleading’s never seen before!
Mia: So you know anybody who might want to help us choreograph some totally new moves?
Requirements
Mia: Are you prepared to design the greatest cheer routine ever?
Skylar: If it means beating Hearst on the field, I’m in!
Willow: Your last routine was already really complicated, but we’ll have to go even further to top Kara and her minions this time!
Kimia: I’ve drawn up some figures... and I may have some ideas on how to maximize cheer efficiency!
Payton: Sounds intense!
Danny: Then let’s get cheering!
Time - 12 hours
Some time later...
Skylar: One, and two, and three, and four! Keep perfect time!
Willow: And right lunge! Split-lift!
Kimia: There you go! Lift the flyer with your knees for maximal torque!
Willow and Skylar launch Payton into the air and catch her a few seconds later!
Payton: Whoa! That... was amazing!
Danny: This new routine is coming along nicely!
Mia: I think it’s ready for a test spin at this week’s game against Forest Hill.
Later, your school’s football stadium is packed with fans! You spot Julian pacing on the sideline with a clipboard.
Danny: Hey, Julian! You look anxious. Is everything okay?
Julian: Coach asked the team captains to set the starting roster, but now I’m second-guessing myself. Who do you think should play quarterback?
Requirements
Danny: Alex has the best arm in the school.
Julian: You’ve never steered me wrong before, Danny. Let’s do it.
On the field, the marching band wraps its pre-game performance.
Julian: Okay, guys, it’s our show now. Let’s line up for kickoff! Ready? Break! Guy?
Julian spots most of the football team chatting idly with the cheerleading squad!
Alex: Are you excited to debut your new routine?
Payton: Totally! You don’t really know if a new move will work or not until you pull it off in a gametime atmosphere!
Mia: This will give us plenty of time to work out any kinks in the choreography.
Julian: Hellooo! Come on, people! Focus! We win, and we’re in the playoffs!
Time - 14 hours
Your team scores touchdown after touchdown against the overmatched Forest Hill squad! Halftime arrives! Mia and Payton debut their new cheer routine before thousands of roaring fans!
Mia: Maximal... torque...
Payton: And freeze!
The crowd erupts in applause!
Payton: They love it!
Mia: Great job, team!
As the second half begins, Alex lines up as quarterback, reading the defense’s scheme.
Alex: Spider two! Y-Banana! Hike!
The center snaps the ball, and Alex drops back, dodging a blitzing linebacker! Alex spots a receiver running a blazing route, easily shaking the safety!
Alex: Heads up!
Alex launches a beautiful spiral downfield, hitting the receiver in stride as he sprints into the end zone!
Alex: Yeaaaah! Another TD toss! Let’s see you top that, Peyton Manning!
Julian: Great call, Danny! Alex is lighting it up!
The ref blows the whistle, and your home crowd cheers the final score, 42-14.
Alex: We did it! We’re in the state playoffs!
Julian: Great hustle out there, people, but our work’s not done. We’ve still got two games to play, and one’s our rivalry rematch against Hearst. I’ll see you all bright and early tomorrow morning to go over tonight’s game film!
Alex: Sounds good... but first we’ve got something else we need to do!
Julian: Huh?
Alex: It’s party time!
Julian: But...
Danny: Come on, Julian! We just made the playoffs! Hasn’t the team earned a little relaxation time?
Julian: Well... I guess it couldn’t hurt...
Requirements
At the house party... Payton spots Julian sitting alone on the couch, watching game film on his phone with a stressed expression.
Payton: Well, aren’t YOU the life of the party...
Julian: Look, I don’t know about you, but I have a lot on my plate right now.
Nearby, the rest of the football team is devouring pizza and playing video games.
Julian: I wish I could make them care as much asI do... but I don’t want to turn into someone like Max, just yelling at people all the time.
Payton: Do you remember how you felt back during Homecoming?
Julian: Yeah... I know football’s not everything here.
Payton: How do you expect to perform at your best when you never give anyone a chance to relax? ...when you never give [this part is missing]
Julian thinks for a second... and smiles.
Julian: Well... when you’re right, you’re right.
Later, Julian and Autumn stand on the edge of a wide swimming pool.
Julian: You ready?
Autumn: I’m ready... No, wait!
Julian grabs Autumn’s hand, and the two of them leap into the pool in a huge splash! All of your classmates laugh and clap.
Danny: Looks like Julian loosened up after all.
Danny: So, Mia, are you happy with how the new cheer routine went tonight?
Mia: I love it, Danny. It’s just so...
Mia trails off, her eyes going wide as she focuses on something behind you.
Danny: What is it? What’s wrong?
You turn to see Kara and three sneering Hearst cheerleaders marching inside!
Kara: I heard this party was for winners, but all I see are losers!
Kara and her fleet of cheerleaders stomp through your school’s party. She slaps a slice of pizza out of Nishan’s hand!
Nishan: Hey! That was Hawaiian! Have you no decency?!
Kara spots Mia, who was slinking back into the crowd.
Kara: Oh, look! It’s the traitor. Having fun on your little Isle of Misfit Toys? I shouldn’t be mad. I’m glad you left. Our squad is SO much better without you holding us back.
Mia: You... I...
You run up to Payton and Julian, who are watching the scene unfold.
Danny: Kara’s taking this too far!
Julian: Mia needs backup!
Payton: Let’s go.
Requirements
Kara: You were always such a pushover, Mia. You definitely belong at this wimpy little rathole you call a school.
Mia: I...
Payton: Hey! Kara!
Kara: Huh? What do YOU want?
Time - 16 hours
You, Payton, and Julian stand alongside Mia, staring down Kara and her pack of cheerleaders.
Danny: What we want is you to take your attitude somewhere else.
Payton: Being a jerk went out of fashion last season, but from your outfit, I can tell you’d know nothing about that.
Kara: Hmph. Little Miss Traitor needs her friends to stand up for her, does she?
Mia: No...
Kara: Well, you won’t have them in a couple weeks, when Hearst Cheer wipes the floor with you! That’s right, we saw your little routine today, Mia. You’d better bring more than that if you think you stand a chance against us!
Julian: All right, Kara. Time to hit the road.
Kara: We’ll see how tough you’re talking once Max pays you back for that loss, Julian. Party while you can, losers!
With that, Kara and her friends storm out.
Mia: Thanks for backing me up... especially you, Julian. I know we haven’t been on the best of terms lately.
Julian: Sure, we’ve been butting heads a little, but I’ve ALWAYS got your back. Whatever you need from the football team to beat Kara... you’ve got it.
The next day, Mia approaches you, wringing her hands.
Mia: I really appreciate you helping out with designing the routine... but I think it still needs more.
Danny: Is this about what Kara said at the party?
Mia: Well, she’s right. It’s gonna take everything we have to beat her. She runs her squad like the Navy SEALs. We just need something to take us over the top. Do you think we could get someone to make a really fun dance track to perform to?
Requirements
Priya: I watched the tape of your routine, Mia. Sick moves!
Mia: Uh, thanks!
Priya: Usually, you’d figure out a routine to go with music... but this time, we’re going to make a song to fit your routine perfectly! I’m thinking of adding a different instrument track for each cheerleader, and changing their pitch to match your movements!
Danny: Sounds ambitious!
Priya: Time to drop some bass on Hearst!
Time - 18 hours
Priya: Okay, party people, check out this mix...
Priya hands you and Mia each a pair of headphones and presses play...
Danny: This sounds pretty good, Priya!
Priya: Oh, just wait.
Priya loads up a video of the cheerleading team’s new routine.
Mia: Whoa! It matches up perfectly! How’d you do that?!
Priya: Lots and lots and lots of time on my laptop... But it’s all worth it, because it looks incredible!
Mia: No way Kara’s squad beats us now!
Julian: Hey, Danny, there you are.
Danny: What’s up?
Julian: Partying last night was fun and all, but we have to keep the football team in top form heading into the playoffs. Let’s go grab one of the filmmakers to go over the footage from last night’s game.
Requirements
You, Julian, and Contessa sit in a room, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.
Contessa: I can’t WAIT to show you some of this footage... We’ve got multiple angles, high-def... and I even included a couple of artistic slo-mo shots!
Julian: Looking forward to it. We’ll get started as soon as the rest of the team shows up.
Time - 20 hours
You wait...
Julian: The team should be here any second now.
And wait...
Julian: Okay, so everyone’s a little late... no big deal.
Until finally...
Julian: Nobody’s showing, are they?
Danny: I’m sure it just slipped their minds.
Contessa: I guess we’ll just review the footage some other time...
Julian: I don’t get it. Doesn’t anyone at this school care about football anymore?
Contessa: Of course people care! It’s just...
Julian: What?!
Contessa: Well, the team won that last game 42-14... and we’re already guaranteed a playoff spot. Maybe it’s okay to relax a little.
Julian: Is that what people are saying? That we can relax?
Danny: I think Contessa’s right. Everyone at our school has worked so hard to get where we are today. They deserve a break.
Contessa: I concur.
Julian: No way! This is no time to get complacent! If we don’t stay focused now, it’s going to catch up to us eventually. Come on, Danny, we need to go find the rest of the team. Now.
Requirements
Julian: Let’s go find Emily and Calivin. Those two have no excuse for missing the film session!
You and Julian look all over campus...
Danny: Huh. They’re not in the Jock Hangout.
Julian: I don’t see them over at Party Central either.
Danny: Wait a second... I think I see them now!
Time - 22 hours
You and Julian approach Emily and Calivin hanging out with Mia, Payton, and the cheerleaders.
Julian: Hey, Emily, Caivin... you guys just bailed on the film session this morning!
Danny: Wait, what’s all these X’s and O’s on the whiteboard? Were you guys drawing up plays?
Emily: Um, sort of!
Calivin: We’re helping Mia design formations for the cheer team’s routine!
Julian: Huh?!
Payton: They’ve been a HUGE help!
Mia: And we’ll need every boost we can get if we want to beat Kara next week.
Julian: That’s great, but now it’s time for us to go over the game film, so come on.
Emily: It’s not really the best time...
Julian: Are you kidding me? Do you think the guys over at Hearst are taking an afternoon off? This is insane!
Payton: Julian... what did you say at the party? About you... not becoming Max?
Julian returns Payton’s look... and sighs.
Julian: ...you’re right. Sorry. I didn’t mean to tell at anyone. I guess I’m still just getting used to a school where football isn’t the end-all be-all.
Mia: Actually, Danny, we were meaning to ask for your help whipping the cheer quad into shape!
Danny: Sorry, girls, but I’m sort of helping Julian right now...
Mia: But the football team has been winning by like a million points a game... and we’re desperate!
Julian: She has a point, Danny... they need your help more than I do.
Payton: Hey!
Julian: I was trying to be nice!
Payton: Oh. In that case, thanks.
Danny: Okay, then... I’ll help the cheerleaders. Julian, just let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.
Julian: You got it.
Mia: Now come on! It’s time to get these cheerleaders to shape up!
Requirements
After several hours of grueling workouts, the cheerleaders are looking more fit than ever!
Mia: Thanks for the help, Danny! The team is really looking good! I just hope it’s good enough for us to beat Hearst...
Danny: We’ve still got a couple of weeks before our big showdown... I know you’ll rock their knee-high socks off.
Mia: Thanks for the help, Danny. There’s a lot more to do, but right now, we’d better get going, though... it’s almost time for the football game against Statton!
At the football game, Julian greets his sister, Hope, a student at the Statton School for the Humanities.
Hope: Good luck, Julian! Don’t tell anyone, but I’m secretly cheering for you. Honestly, your team will probably crush us. We’re an art school. Most of our players would rather be home painting still-lifes.
Julian: I guess we’ll see...
Julian looks up at the stands, scanning the crowd.
Danny: Looking for someone?
Julian: Yeah... college scouts. And I’m not seeing any. How am I going to get a football scholarship if colleges don’t even know I exist?
Danny: I don’t get it... our team is having an amazing season. You’d think some would show up to watch us play.
Julian: Unfortunately, it’s not just about performance. It’s about connections. Hearst has a lot of ins with college scouts. We don’t.
Danny: Don’t worry! We’re sure to see some scouts when we play Hearst next week... and even more of them will watch us in the playoffs!
Julian: Right. Good point. For now, we’ve got to focus on today’s game and today’s issues... Like our kicker! I almost forgot... we need to decide who to send in for kickoffs and field goals. Any ideas?
Requirements
Julian: I’ve heard good things about that foot of yours, Calivin.
Calivin: Kicking stuff comes naturally to me!
Julian: Good to hear... because I have a feeling that this game could come down to you!
Calivin: In that case... let’s go kick some butt!
Time - 19 hours
The game begins. At first it seems like you’ll blow out Statton...
Julian: Yeah! Another touchdown!
...but then there are a few slip-ups.
Julian: No! Another interception!
And with thirty seconds left to play, your team finds itself losing, 29-27!
Julian: This is a disaster... we’re going to lose to an art school!
Calivin: There’s still time! If we can get the ball to the 30-yard line, I know I can make a field goal! Trust me!
Julian: To get that close, we’ll need a trick play. What do you think we should call, Danny?
Danny: A fake pass!
Julian: Great idea! They’ll never see it coming!
Calivin: Let’s hope it works!
Your team lines up and snaps the ball! The crowd watches with bated breath!
Mia: Looks like a throwing play... oh no! Statton has the receivers totally covered!
Payton: Wait... it’s a fake! They’re handing it off to Julian!
Julian: Clear a path for me, guys!
Bewildered, the Statton defense hustles to catch up to Julian, who is sprinting down the other side of the field! They finally push him out of bounds at the 25-yard line!
Julian: We made it! We’re close enough for a field goal! Now it’s all up to Calivin...
The home crowd holds its collective breath. The teams line up for the final play.
Julian: Come on, Calivin!
Calivin: Everyone, chill out... I’ve got this...
Your team hikes the ball. Calivin jogs up and kicks it squarely... The ball sails end over end through the night sky! For a moment, the crowd is dead silent.
Calivin: Come on... come on...
And it splits the uprights!
Danny: The ball went in! We did it! We win!
Calivin: We did it! Party at my place!
Julian: We just barely beat an ART SCHOOL. What exactly are we celebrating?
Calivin: You always say ‘a win is a win’, right?
Julian: I... I guess I do sometimes say that.
Calivin: So we won! Time to party!
Requirements
At the party...
Payton: Woo hoo! Best party ever! Who wants nachos?
Several football players raise their hands.
Julian: We can’t eat junk food all the time and expect to stay in game shape! Everyone put the nachos down. PUT THE NACHOS DOWN!
Payton: It’s a party, sourpuss! Lighten up! Remember what you said about not wanting to act like Max?
And later...
Julian: Okay, everyone. It’s almost eleven-thirty. Let’s wrap this up!
Payton: No way! There’s a horror movie marathon starting at midnight, and pizzas are on their way! This party is just getting started!
At school the next day, everyone is looking pretty groggy.
Payton: Best... party... snore...
Julian: Everyone’s half-asleep thanks to that stupid party! Ten to one, no one but me shows up at practice.
Danny: Sorry, Julian... I guess everyone just got a little too enthusiastic.
Julian: I’m trying not to be too intense about this... ...but between everyone focusing on the cheerleaders and then partying all the time, my team is playing like garbage! Do you have any idea how bad we’ll be beaten if we show up to the playoffs playing like that?
Danny: What can I do to make it up to you?
Julian: Well... there is one thing... I need you to accompany me on a little field trip... to Hearst High!
Requirements
You and Julian walk through Hearst High’s main quad, making your way toward the football field.
Danny: So... could you explain exactly why we’re at Hearst?
Julian: We’re scouting them out. We need to see how good they are, now that they’re back from probation! They have a game against Ashland High today, so it’s a good chance for us to watch them play!
Danny: That makes sense... but do you really think it’s a good idea to be here?
Julian: Probably not. But you never get anywhere in life by playing it safe, right?
As you reach the stadium, Julian’s eyes go wide.
Julian: Check it out... up in the stands! Those guys with the clipboards? Those are college scouts.
Danny: There have to be more than a dozen of them! I guess Hearst DOES have connections.
Max: You’ve got that right!
Danny: Uh oh... it’s Max!
Julian: Looks like we’ve been spotted...
Time - 21 hours
Julian: Look, Max, we don’t want any trouble...
Max: Oh, but you found trouble, didn’t you? Check it out... my team is a juggernaut. Half the guys here will go on to play college ball. Just ask those scouts up there.
Danny: We beat you once. We can do it again.
Max: That was then. This is now. Hearst High is back... and better than ever. As for your school... I heard you almost lost to a bunch of art students. I don’t think their school even has a weight room!
Julian: Let’s just get out of here, Danny...
Max: No need to leave... stick around. I’m happy to have you watch our game. Take a seat!
You and Julian head to the bleachers.
Julian: I don’t like this one bit...
Danny: Max must be pretty confident in his team if he’s so thrilled to let us watch them play.
You find seats, and Julian takes out a pair of binoculars.
Julian: Okay... let’s check out the competition.
Requirements
As you and Julian watch the game, one of the scouts pulls Julian aside. They talk for a minute, before Julian returns.
Danny: What was that all about?
Julian: He said he recognized me from when I used to play here... but when I told him I transferred schools, he didn’t seem interested in talking anymore.
Danny: I guess going to Hearst really means something to these scouts.
Julian: Forget about it... let’s just watch this game, okay?
Time - 23 hours
It’s a blowout! Hearst dominates in every aspect of the game.
Julian: Their offensive line is huge... their running back is unstoppable. Their quarterback is completing ninety percent of his passes!
Danny: They’ve definitely gotten better since we last saw them...
Hearst wins 54-0!
Danny: You okay, Julian?
Julian: I just... I don’t know if we can beat these guys.
Down in the field, scouts surround Max, chatting him up amiably.
Julian: Look at him... he’ll probably get a dozen scholarship offers at top schools.
Danny: So will you, Julian. You have the talent.
Julian: Talent doesn’t mean squat if no one’s looking... and a football scholarship is basically the only way I’ll be able to afford college. And even more than that, football is the one thing I love most in the world... Getting to play at the next level has been my dream since I was a little kid.
Danny: And we’re going to make that happen, Julian.
Julian: How do we do that?
Danny: Sure, maybe we don’t have the connections to get scouts to watch us play. But once we beat Hearst on their own turf... they’ll have no choice but to pay attention to our players.
Julian: You saw how they just demolished Ashland High, Danny. We can’t match that.
Danny: We’ve beaten them before when no one believed in us. You know we have what it takes to do it again. We started this year together, we’re going to finish it together. Are you with me?
Julian: Yeah... yeah, I am.
Julian: I like your confidence, Danny... But getting the team back to an elite level? It’s easier said than done.
Danny: I’m not saying it will be easy... but I know we can do it. The team’s going to need its leader...
Julian: But how do I lead... without becoming Max?
Danny: Being a leader isn’t about yelling at people... it’s about inspiring them! And when it comes to that, you’re a natural!
Julian: You really think so?
Danny: I know so. You can do this! It’s time to rally the team!
Julian: In that case... Hearst had better watch out!
Can Julian rally the team in time? Or will Hearst High finally have its revenge?! Find out in the next quest on High School Story!
- Have 2 Upgraded Jock Hangouts
- Have 1 Upgraded Prep Hangout
Danny: So how are you planning on topping Kara’s routine when the judges come to the football game against Hearst?
Payton: It’s not going to be easy. First off, we’ll need a new routine after they stole our last one... and it will have to really wow the judges.
Mia: We need to be giving our all between now and then... because you know Kara’s squad will be practicing around the clock!
Your phone buzzes with a text!
Danny: Gotta run! Julian wants to meet up!
You find Julian standing alone in the center of the football field, gazing up at the empty stands.
Danny: Wow, it’s weird how peaceful it can be out here sometimes.
Julian: Sure is. You know, I’m really glad you convinced me to transfer, Danny. Feels like just yesterday I was riding the bench at Hearst, desperate to play for a school I didn’t like. For a team I didn’t believe in. Now look at me... I’m a starter on a team I really care about... and it’s all thanks to you!
Danny: We all did this together, Julian. You know that.
Julian: You’re right. We started this year together, and now we’re going to finish it together. And if we make the playoffs, maybe I’ll get the chance to prove myself to all those college scouts.
Danny: If anyone can do it, it’s you.
Julian: So, Danny, you wanna help me get the team together? We should practice hard if we want to be in shape for this week’s game.
Danny: I’ll round everyone up!
Requirements
- Julian
- A Level 6+ Jock Except Danny (Emily)
- A Level 6+ Jock Except Danny (Alex)
Emily, Alex, and the rest of the football team circle around Julian and take a knee.
Julian: All right, people! Time to close out the season strong! Just one more win, and we’ll clinch a playoff spot! So that means we just have to win one of our last three games against Forest Hill, Statton, and Hearst!
Emily: I can’t WAIT to beat down Hearst again!
Alex: This is going to be a cakewalk! I’m thinking we win by thirty.
Emily: We’re untouchable! With how bad we’ve been beating everyone lately, I bet we win by FORTY!
Julian: Sure, we’re on a win streak, but that won’t last unless we stay focused and dedicated. Now get out there and earn the right to talk that smack!
Time - 10 hours
As practice goes on...
Emily: Hey, Alex, watch this! One hand!
Emily tries to catch a long pass with one hand, but bobbles and drops it!
Alex: Ha, you’re not getting on SportsCenter with that! Let me try!
Watching beside you, Julian furrows his brow.
Julian: They’re all just goofing around! Why aren’t they taking this seriously?!
Danny: Well, we HAVE been winning all our games by a lot recently. Plus, with everything our school’s been involved in lately, I don’t blame them for wanting to take it easy.
Julian: You’re probably right. I guess I’m still getting used to going to a school that doesn’t completely revolve around football. This is nothing like Hearst.
Danny: Isn’t that a good thing?
Julian: Absolutely.
Payton: Hey! Danny! Mia and I are working on the new routine for the cheerleaders’ tiebreaker showdown against Hearst.
Mia: Do you have a second to give us a hand?
Danny: Sure!
Julian: Whoa, whoa, whoa! You can’t take Danny! The football team still has tons to work on!
Payton: You’re not the only one here on a deadline, you know.
Danny: Payton’s right. The cheer squad has their work cut out for them. I’ll help you out more later, Julian.
Julian: Well... okay. Just don’t take too long.
You walk off with Payton and Mia.
Danny: So how’s the new routine coming?
Mia: Not bad... but if we want to win, we’ll need to take it to the next level.
Payton: We want to go creative. We want to bring in influences that cheerleading’s never seen before!
Mia: So you know anybody who might want to help us choreograph some totally new moves?
Requirements
- A Level 7+ Dancer (Willow)
- A Level 9+ Nerd (Kimia)
- A Level 5+ Band Member (Skylar)
Mia: Are you prepared to design the greatest cheer routine ever?
Skylar: If it means beating Hearst on the field, I’m in!
Willow: Your last routine was already really complicated, but we’ll have to go even further to top Kara and her minions this time!
Kimia: I’ve drawn up some figures... and I may have some ideas on how to maximize cheer efficiency!
Payton: Sounds intense!
Danny: Then let’s get cheering!
Time - 12 hours
Some time later...
Skylar: One, and two, and three, and four! Keep perfect time!
Willow: And right lunge! Split-lift!
Kimia: There you go! Lift the flyer with your knees for maximal torque!
Willow and Skylar launch Payton into the air and catch her a few seconds later!
Payton: Whoa! That... was amazing!
Danny: This new routine is coming along nicely!
Mia: I think it’s ready for a test spin at this week’s game against Forest Hill.
Later, your school’s football stadium is packed with fans! You spot Julian pacing on the sideline with a clipboard.
Danny: Hey, Julian! You look anxious. Is everything okay?
Julian: Coach asked the team captains to set the starting roster, but now I’m second-guessing myself. Who do you think should play quarterback?
Requirements
- Julian
- A Level 7+ Classmate Except Payton and Mia (Alex)
Danny: Alex has the best arm in the school.
Julian: You’ve never steered me wrong before, Danny. Let’s do it.
On the field, the marching band wraps its pre-game performance.
Julian: Okay, guys, it’s our show now. Let’s line up for kickoff! Ready? Break! Guy?
Julian spots most of the football team chatting idly with the cheerleading squad!
Alex: Are you excited to debut your new routine?
Payton: Totally! You don’t really know if a new move will work or not until you pull it off in a gametime atmosphere!
Mia: This will give us plenty of time to work out any kinks in the choreography.
Julian: Hellooo! Come on, people! Focus! We win, and we’re in the playoffs!
Time - 14 hours
Your team scores touchdown after touchdown against the overmatched Forest Hill squad! Halftime arrives! Mia and Payton debut their new cheer routine before thousands of roaring fans!
Mia: Maximal... torque...
Payton: And freeze!
The crowd erupts in applause!
Payton: They love it!
Mia: Great job, team!
As the second half begins, Alex lines up as quarterback, reading the defense’s scheme.
Alex: Spider two! Y-Banana! Hike!
The center snaps the ball, and Alex drops back, dodging a blitzing linebacker! Alex spots a receiver running a blazing route, easily shaking the safety!
Alex: Heads up!
Alex launches a beautiful spiral downfield, hitting the receiver in stride as he sprints into the end zone!
Alex: Yeaaaah! Another TD toss! Let’s see you top that, Peyton Manning!
Julian: Great call, Danny! Alex is lighting it up!
The ref blows the whistle, and your home crowd cheers the final score, 42-14.
Alex: We did it! We’re in the state playoffs!
Julian: Great hustle out there, people, but our work’s not done. We’ve still got two games to play, and one’s our rivalry rematch against Hearst. I’ll see you all bright and early tomorrow morning to go over tonight’s game film!
Alex: Sounds good... but first we’ve got something else we need to do!
Julian: Huh?
Alex: It’s party time!
Julian: But...
Danny: Come on, Julian! We just made the playoffs! Hasn’t the team earned a little relaxation time?
Julian: Well... I guess it couldn’t hurt...
Requirements
- Complete a Party with a Jock Except Danny and Julian
- Complete a Party with a Jock Except Danny and Julian
At the house party... Payton spots Julian sitting alone on the couch, watching game film on his phone with a stressed expression.
Payton: Well, aren’t YOU the life of the party...
Julian: Look, I don’t know about you, but I have a lot on my plate right now.
Nearby, the rest of the football team is devouring pizza and playing video games.
Julian: I wish I could make them care as much asI do... but I don’t want to turn into someone like Max, just yelling at people all the time.
Payton: Do you remember how you felt back during Homecoming?
Julian: Yeah... I know football’s not everything here.
Payton: How do you expect to perform at your best when you never give anyone a chance to relax? ...when you never give [this part is missing]
Julian thinks for a second... and smiles.
Julian: Well... when you’re right, you’re right.
Later, Julian and Autumn stand on the edge of a wide swimming pool.
Julian: You ready?
Autumn: I’m ready... No, wait!
Julian grabs Autumn’s hand, and the two of them leap into the pool in a huge splash! All of your classmates laugh and clap.
Danny: Looks like Julian loosened up after all.
Danny: So, Mia, are you happy with how the new cheer routine went tonight?
Mia: I love it, Danny. It’s just so...
Mia trails off, her eyes going wide as she focuses on something behind you.
Danny: What is it? What’s wrong?
You turn to see Kara and three sneering Hearst cheerleaders marching inside!
Kara: I heard this party was for winners, but all I see are losers!
Kara and her fleet of cheerleaders stomp through your school’s party. She slaps a slice of pizza out of Nishan’s hand!
Nishan: Hey! That was Hawaiian! Have you no decency?!
Kara spots Mia, who was slinking back into the crowd.
Kara: Oh, look! It’s the traitor. Having fun on your little Isle of Misfit Toys? I shouldn’t be mad. I’m glad you left. Our squad is SO much better without you holding us back.
Mia: You... I...
You run up to Payton and Julian, who are watching the scene unfold.
Danny: Kara’s taking this too far!
Julian: Mia needs backup!
Payton: Let’s go.
Requirements
- Danny
- Payton
- Julian
Kara: You were always such a pushover, Mia. You definitely belong at this wimpy little rathole you call a school.
Mia: I...
Payton: Hey! Kara!
Kara: Huh? What do YOU want?
Time - 16 hours
You, Payton, and Julian stand alongside Mia, staring down Kara and her pack of cheerleaders.
Danny: What we want is you to take your attitude somewhere else.
Payton: Being a jerk went out of fashion last season, but from your outfit, I can tell you’d know nothing about that.
Kara: Hmph. Little Miss Traitor needs her friends to stand up for her, does she?
Mia: No...
Kara: Well, you won’t have them in a couple weeks, when Hearst Cheer wipes the floor with you! That’s right, we saw your little routine today, Mia. You’d better bring more than that if you think you stand a chance against us!
Julian: All right, Kara. Time to hit the road.
Kara: We’ll see how tough you’re talking once Max pays you back for that loss, Julian. Party while you can, losers!
With that, Kara and her friends storm out.
Mia: Thanks for backing me up... especially you, Julian. I know we haven’t been on the best of terms lately.
Julian: Sure, we’ve been butting heads a little, but I’ve ALWAYS got your back. Whatever you need from the football team to beat Kara... you’ve got it.
The next day, Mia approaches you, wringing her hands.
Mia: I really appreciate you helping out with designing the routine... but I think it still needs more.
Danny: Is this about what Kara said at the party?
Mia: Well, she’s right. It’s gonna take everything we have to beat her. She runs her squad like the Navy SEALs. We just need something to take us over the top. Do you think we could get someone to make a really fun dance track to perform to?
Requirements
- Danny
- Mia
- A Level 5+ DJ (Priya)
Priya: I watched the tape of your routine, Mia. Sick moves!
Mia: Uh, thanks!
Priya: Usually, you’d figure out a routine to go with music... but this time, we’re going to make a song to fit your routine perfectly! I’m thinking of adding a different instrument track for each cheerleader, and changing their pitch to match your movements!
Danny: Sounds ambitious!
Priya: Time to drop some bass on Hearst!
Time - 18 hours
Priya: Okay, party people, check out this mix...
Priya hands you and Mia each a pair of headphones and presses play...
Danny: This sounds pretty good, Priya!
Priya: Oh, just wait.
Priya loads up a video of the cheerleading team’s new routine.
Mia: Whoa! It matches up perfectly! How’d you do that?!
Priya: Lots and lots and lots of time on my laptop... But it’s all worth it, because it looks incredible!
Mia: No way Kara’s squad beats us now!
Julian: Hey, Danny, there you are.
Danny: What’s up?
Julian: Partying last night was fun and all, but we have to keep the football team in top form heading into the playoffs. Let’s go grab one of the filmmakers to go over the footage from last night’s game.
Requirements
- Danny
- Julian
- A Filmmaker (Contessa)
You, Julian, and Contessa sit in a room, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.
Contessa: I can’t WAIT to show you some of this footage... We’ve got multiple angles, high-def... and I even included a couple of artistic slo-mo shots!
Julian: Looking forward to it. We’ll get started as soon as the rest of the team shows up.
Time - 20 hours
You wait...
Julian: The team should be here any second now.
And wait...
Julian: Okay, so everyone’s a little late... no big deal.
Until finally...
Julian: Nobody’s showing, are they?
Danny: I’m sure it just slipped their minds.
Contessa: I guess we’ll just review the footage some other time...
Julian: I don’t get it. Doesn’t anyone at this school care about football anymore?
Contessa: Of course people care! It’s just...
Julian: What?!
Contessa: Well, the team won that last game 42-14... and we’re already guaranteed a playoff spot. Maybe it’s okay to relax a little.
Julian: Is that what people are saying? That we can relax?
Danny: I think Contessa’s right. Everyone at our school has worked so hard to get where we are today. They deserve a break.
Contessa: I concur.
Julian: No way! This is no time to get complacent! If we don’t stay focused now, it’s going to catch up to us eventually. Come on, Danny, we need to go find the rest of the team. Now.
Requirements
- Julian
- A Level 8+ Jock Except Danny (Emily)
- A Level 7+ Jock Except Danny (Calivin)
Julian: Let’s go find Emily and Calivin. Those two have no excuse for missing the film session!
You and Julian look all over campus...
Danny: Huh. They’re not in the Jock Hangout.
Julian: I don’t see them over at Party Central either.
Danny: Wait a second... I think I see them now!
Time - 22 hours
You and Julian approach Emily and Calivin hanging out with Mia, Payton, and the cheerleaders.
Julian: Hey, Emily, Caivin... you guys just bailed on the film session this morning!
Danny: Wait, what’s all these X’s and O’s on the whiteboard? Were you guys drawing up plays?
Emily: Um, sort of!
Calivin: We’re helping Mia design formations for the cheer team’s routine!
Julian: Huh?!
Payton: They’ve been a HUGE help!
Mia: And we’ll need every boost we can get if we want to beat Kara next week.
Julian: That’s great, but now it’s time for us to go over the game film, so come on.
Emily: It’s not really the best time...
Julian: Are you kidding me? Do you think the guys over at Hearst are taking an afternoon off? This is insane!
Payton: Julian... what did you say at the party? About you... not becoming Max?
Julian returns Payton’s look... and sighs.
Julian: ...you’re right. Sorry. I didn’t mean to tell at anyone. I guess I’m still just getting used to a school where football isn’t the end-all be-all.
Mia: Actually, Danny, we were meaning to ask for your help whipping the cheer quad into shape!
Danny: Sorry, girls, but I’m sort of helping Julian right now...
Mia: But the football team has been winning by like a million points a game... and we’re desperate!
Julian: She has a point, Danny... they need your help more than I do.
Payton: Hey!
Julian: I was trying to be nice!
Payton: Oh. In that case, thanks.
Danny: Okay, then... I’ll help the cheerleaders. Julian, just let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help.
Julian: You got it.
Mia: Now come on! It’s time to get these cheerleaders to shape up!
Requirements
- Level a Cheerleader
- Level a Cheerleader
After several hours of grueling workouts, the cheerleaders are looking more fit than ever!
Mia: Thanks for the help, Danny! The team is really looking good! I just hope it’s good enough for us to beat Hearst...
Danny: We’ve still got a couple of weeks before our big showdown... I know you’ll rock their knee-high socks off.
Mia: Thanks for the help, Danny. There’s a lot more to do, but right now, we’d better get going, though... it’s almost time for the football game against Statton!
At the football game, Julian greets his sister, Hope, a student at the Statton School for the Humanities.
Hope: Good luck, Julian! Don’t tell anyone, but I’m secretly cheering for you. Honestly, your team will probably crush us. We’re an art school. Most of our players would rather be home painting still-lifes.
Julian: I guess we’ll see...
Julian looks up at the stands, scanning the crowd.
Danny: Looking for someone?
Julian: Yeah... college scouts. And I’m not seeing any. How am I going to get a football scholarship if colleges don’t even know I exist?
Danny: I don’t get it... our team is having an amazing season. You’d think some would show up to watch us play.
Julian: Unfortunately, it’s not just about performance. It’s about connections. Hearst has a lot of ins with college scouts. We don’t.
Danny: Don’t worry! We’re sure to see some scouts when we play Hearst next week... and even more of them will watch us in the playoffs!
Julian: Right. Good point. For now, we’ve got to focus on today’s game and today’s issues... Like our kicker! I almost forgot... we need to decide who to send in for kickoffs and field goals. Any ideas?
Requirements
- Julian
- A Classmate (Calivin)
Julian: I’ve heard good things about that foot of yours, Calivin.
Calivin: Kicking stuff comes naturally to me!
Julian: Good to hear... because I have a feeling that this game could come down to you!
Calivin: In that case... let’s go kick some butt!
Time - 19 hours
The game begins. At first it seems like you’ll blow out Statton...
Julian: Yeah! Another touchdown!
...but then there are a few slip-ups.
Julian: No! Another interception!
And with thirty seconds left to play, your team finds itself losing, 29-27!
Julian: This is a disaster... we’re going to lose to an art school!
Calivin: There’s still time! If we can get the ball to the 30-yard line, I know I can make a field goal! Trust me!
Julian: To get that close, we’ll need a trick play. What do you think we should call, Danny?
Danny: A fake pass!
Julian: Great idea! They’ll never see it coming!
Calivin: Let’s hope it works!
Your team lines up and snaps the ball! The crowd watches with bated breath!
Mia: Looks like a throwing play... oh no! Statton has the receivers totally covered!
Payton: Wait... it’s a fake! They’re handing it off to Julian!
Julian: Clear a path for me, guys!
Bewildered, the Statton defense hustles to catch up to Julian, who is sprinting down the other side of the field! They finally push him out of bounds at the 25-yard line!
Julian: We made it! We’re close enough for a field goal! Now it’s all up to Calivin...
The home crowd holds its collective breath. The teams line up for the final play.
Julian: Come on, Calivin!
Calivin: Everyone, chill out... I’ve got this...
Your team hikes the ball. Calivin jogs up and kicks it squarely... The ball sails end over end through the night sky! For a moment, the crowd is dead silent.
Calivin: Come on... come on...
And it splits the uprights!
Danny: The ball went in! We did it! We win!
Calivin: We did it! Party at my place!
Julian: We just barely beat an ART SCHOOL. What exactly are we celebrating?
Calivin: You always say ‘a win is a win’, right?
Julian: I... I guess I do sometimes say that.
Calivin: So we won! Time to party!
Requirements
- Complete a Party with a Jock Except Danny and Julian
At the party...
Payton: Woo hoo! Best party ever! Who wants nachos?
Several football players raise their hands.
Julian: We can’t eat junk food all the time and expect to stay in game shape! Everyone put the nachos down. PUT THE NACHOS DOWN!
Payton: It’s a party, sourpuss! Lighten up! Remember what you said about not wanting to act like Max?
And later...
Julian: Okay, everyone. It’s almost eleven-thirty. Let’s wrap this up!
Payton: No way! There’s a horror movie marathon starting at midnight, and pizzas are on their way! This party is just getting started!
At school the next day, everyone is looking pretty groggy.
Payton: Best... party... snore...
Julian: Everyone’s half-asleep thanks to that stupid party! Ten to one, no one but me shows up at practice.
Danny: Sorry, Julian... I guess everyone just got a little too enthusiastic.
Julian: I’m trying not to be too intense about this... ...but between everyone focusing on the cheerleaders and then partying all the time, my team is playing like garbage! Do you have any idea how bad we’ll be beaten if we show up to the playoffs playing like that?
Danny: What can I do to make it up to you?
Julian: Well... there is one thing... I need you to accompany me on a little field trip... to Hearst High!
Requirements
- Danny
- Julian
You and Julian walk through Hearst High’s main quad, making your way toward the football field.
Danny: So... could you explain exactly why we’re at Hearst?
Julian: We’re scouting them out. We need to see how good they are, now that they’re back from probation! They have a game against Ashland High today, so it’s a good chance for us to watch them play!
Danny: That makes sense... but do you really think it’s a good idea to be here?
Julian: Probably not. But you never get anywhere in life by playing it safe, right?
As you reach the stadium, Julian’s eyes go wide.
Julian: Check it out... up in the stands! Those guys with the clipboards? Those are college scouts.
Danny: There have to be more than a dozen of them! I guess Hearst DOES have connections.
Max: You’ve got that right!
Danny: Uh oh... it’s Max!
Julian: Looks like we’ve been spotted...
Time - 21 hours
Julian: Look, Max, we don’t want any trouble...
Max: Oh, but you found trouble, didn’t you? Check it out... my team is a juggernaut. Half the guys here will go on to play college ball. Just ask those scouts up there.
Danny: We beat you once. We can do it again.
Max: That was then. This is now. Hearst High is back... and better than ever. As for your school... I heard you almost lost to a bunch of art students. I don’t think their school even has a weight room!
Julian: Let’s just get out of here, Danny...
Max: No need to leave... stick around. I’m happy to have you watch our game. Take a seat!
You and Julian head to the bleachers.
Julian: I don’t like this one bit...
Danny: Max must be pretty confident in his team if he’s so thrilled to let us watch them play.
You find seats, and Julian takes out a pair of binoculars.
Julian: Okay... let’s check out the competition.
Requirements
- Danny
- Julian
As you and Julian watch the game, one of the scouts pulls Julian aside. They talk for a minute, before Julian returns.
Danny: What was that all about?
Julian: He said he recognized me from when I used to play here... but when I told him I transferred schools, he didn’t seem interested in talking anymore.
Danny: I guess going to Hearst really means something to these scouts.
Julian: Forget about it... let’s just watch this game, okay?
Time - 23 hours
It’s a blowout! Hearst dominates in every aspect of the game.
Julian: Their offensive line is huge... their running back is unstoppable. Their quarterback is completing ninety percent of his passes!
Danny: They’ve definitely gotten better since we last saw them...
Hearst wins 54-0!
Danny: You okay, Julian?
Julian: I just... I don’t know if we can beat these guys.
Down in the field, scouts surround Max, chatting him up amiably.
Julian: Look at him... he’ll probably get a dozen scholarship offers at top schools.
Danny: So will you, Julian. You have the talent.
Julian: Talent doesn’t mean squat if no one’s looking... and a football scholarship is basically the only way I’ll be able to afford college. And even more than that, football is the one thing I love most in the world... Getting to play at the next level has been my dream since I was a little kid.
Danny: And we’re going to make that happen, Julian.
Julian: How do we do that?
Danny: Sure, maybe we don’t have the connections to get scouts to watch us play. But once we beat Hearst on their own turf... they’ll have no choice but to pay attention to our players.
Julian: You saw how they just demolished Ashland High, Danny. We can’t match that.
Danny: We’ve beaten them before when no one believed in us. You know we have what it takes to do it again. We started this year together, we’re going to finish it together. Are you with me?
Julian: Yeah... yeah, I am.
Julian: I like your confidence, Danny... But getting the team back to an elite level? It’s easier said than done.
Danny: I’m not saying it will be easy... but I know we can do it. The team’s going to need its leader...
Julian: But how do I lead... without becoming Max?
Danny: Being a leader isn’t about yelling at people... it’s about inspiring them! And when it comes to that, you’re a natural!
Julian: You really think so?
Danny: I know so. You can do this! It’s time to rally the team!
Julian: In that case... Hearst had better watch out!
Can Julian rally the team in time? Or will Hearst High finally have its revenge?! Find out in the next quest on High School Story!