A newcomer coach Eric Taylor finds himself helming a promising high school football team, the Dillon Panthers, that has a real chance to make it to the top.

Coach Taylor wonders how low his fortunes can sink as he struggles to pull the East Dillon Lions together while Tami navigates the new politics at West Dillon. Meanwhile, Matt gets a taste of life as a townie and Tim is inspired by a college lecture on "the hero's journey."