Mind Games

The Los Angeles Wolverines is one of the worst teams in the NFL. They go 4-12, at best, every year. The owner, BILL PORTER, is fed up with the failures of this team. He threatens to replace everyone, starting with the head-coach-- DANNY CANDELARIO-- if he can’t produce a winning season. Danny’s baffled by the turnouts he’s been having. He sees the good talent that he’s acquired, but he just can’t seem to close the deal on any of the games. This misfortune lasts up until he meets his saving grace that comes in the form of a prepubescent child: DAVID GAETTI. David is more computer than he is human. He analyzes everything, scrutinizes every possibility, and visualizes every outcomes before executing a decision. It’s only until his grandfather introduces him to the mental side of football that he finally sees the similarity to his favorite pastime, CHESS. Together, the two form an unlikely, resilient football alliance. Although neither of the two strap up and play, their combined forces are what leads the team to greatness. As David helps Danny with his job in the NFL, he has his own predicament that intellect can’t save him from. High-school. Treading into the boundaries of the teen years, David will be faced with situations that he isn’t prepared for-- social interaction. Considering coaching football is his profession, Danny can’t openly admit that this child is helping him. He keeps him under wraps because of this, but he also brings him along to the stadium and game. This raises the interest of the up-and-coming reporter ROXANNE DANER. She’s a reporter in her 20’s fresh out of the bullpen. She initially complains over getting one of the league’s worst teams to cover, but her interest opens up as they start winning, almost routinely... and this kid always seems to be by the coach.