Friday Night Lights captures Texas football obsession perfectly

Billy Bob Thornton as Coach Gaines is incredible. “Being perfect is not about the scoreboard” hits every time. The pressure these kids face is insane. Boobie’s injury storyline still destroys me - shows how brutal it is when football is literally your only way out. Love how they filmed the actual games. Those Friday night stadium lights, the entire town showing up, parents losing their minds in the stands. Pure Texas. Connie Britton deserved more screen time though 👑 What’s your take - does the movie or TV series do it better? #FridayNightLights #footballmovie #BillyBobThornton

Texas • 2025-08-01

Quentin Hunter

The movie of course,I was in it yes it was some fake parts but most of the movie was true..I'm a Permian High School Graduate of 1996 and one thing I didn't like is where was Odessa high School in the movie,they was our rivals not Midland Lee? Go Mojo...🏈

08-03

Odessa, TX

Reply(2)

Larry Leahy

Always enjoy the movie

08-01

Yoakum, TX

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Carmen Orosco

Gosh, do I ever miss those Permian vs Midland Lee games. Ratliff stadium was first built to hold over 25,000 fans. Think about that for a minute. The first high school stadium to hold that many people says it all about West Texas football.

08-01

Abilene, TX

Ed Fourton

Loved the movie! I played football for Abilene High School back in the mid sixties. We played Permian. Our District was known as the Little Southwest Conference due to the great players from this district that went on to play in the Southwest Conference. Friday nights were magical, the whole town of Abilene rocked to pep rallies, and the games had so much pageantry with the bands, fans, cheerleaders and the game. I did like the movie but pales in comparison to playing in front of your friends, parents and fans. 🏈🏈🏈🏈

08-01

Abilene, TX

Kevin Norman

movie was hollywood, but the book was more true to an extent. my teammate was hurt in a scrimmage in Lubbock, not a true game. He did not need to play, really, but we all had to pay. Odessa had its issues also with some race constructs at the schools. But all in all, teammates were brothers with one purpose....winning!!!

08-03

Odessa, TX

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