In Odessa, Tx., and just about every small town in Texas, high school football is what makes the town. Back in 1988, The Odessa-Primian Panthers were all that anyone cared about come September. And let's be honest, its more than likely pretty high on the list of things to do on a Friday night in Odessa in 2004.

"Friday Night Lights" tells the true story of this group of high school football players, their coach, their fans and the town. Many have touted this as one of the greatest sports movies to come along in about forever...and I have to agree. Having been involved deep in high school football for many years this movie tells the tale of every small town football team and what it means to be a winner.

The boys of Odessa all have that one shot at fame, that one chance to get out of Odessa. All it takes is superiority on the gridiron. The fan expect nothing less than perfection.

Damn near every man in Odessa walks around with a championship ring on his finger. Fathers push their sons hard. Mothers have dreams of greatness. Uncles allow their nephews to make foolish decisions. The town treats these boys like celebrities.

Coach Cary Gaines, played by Billy Bob Thornton, does his best to teach these boys "to be perfect". In the end these kids, who all attest to feeling anything but 17-years-old, learn and understand what it means to be perfect. It has nothing to do with making no mistakes, its all about making sure you do your best and give it your all and can hold your head high.

This is one of those movies that you don't have to be a sports fan to understand. This movie transcends that and gets down to the true feelings of what high school sports means to so many young men.

When a kid of 17 realizes that his only chance out is gone, he breaks down and cries. In his eyes his world has ended. Football was all he knew how to do.

This is a must see movie for any true fan of high school sports and a must see for those who never understood the power of high school sports.

This is a movie for everyone.

"Friday Night Lights" is a definite A in my playbook.

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