Pride of Pampa

A Friday night frenzy is a natural here as the North Texas wind.

The small panhandle town of Pampa, Texas is ready for some football:  high school football, Texas-style.

With the bleachers bouncing, and the ball in the air, a remarkable story begins.

It’s about the boys beneath those helmets and pads, their hopes and heartaches.  And a dramatic game with an emotional ending people here will never forget.

In a town that hates to lose, will a sophomore be poised enough to handle the pressure of starting at quarterback?

In a state teeming with talent, will a senior be good enough to land the scholarship that could make him the first in his family to go to college? 

In a sport, as cruel as it is competitive, will this team pull together enough to overcome injuries and a tragedy off the field that tore another boy’s world apart?

At the center of it all is a former player, whose return to Pampa is a homecoming story even Hollywood couldn’t dream up. 

The Harvesters' new head coach 32-year-old Andy Cavalier is following in the footsteps of a Friday night legend. He was the greatest football coach this town ever had. His name Dennis Cavalier, Andy’s father. Over 16 years he built a winning program and character in hundreds of hometown boys.

Andy’s dad instilled in him a love of the game from an early age. He coached Andy as a Harvester quarterback. And after college, Andy worked alongside his father as an assistant coach. Their lifelong bond forged through football was shattered. Three years ago when Dennis Cavalier died of a heart attack. He was 58.

Dennis Cavalier always walked off of this field as a winner and he taught the boys of the team to do the same. 

Half of Pampa gathered at Harvester field to say goodbye to Coach Cav. And it was there that Andy and his family scattered his remains, knowing there was no place he’d rather be. 

Also watching the game, with her heart pounding, Kathy Cavalier, Andy’s mom.

Andy Cavalier is not the only one with the eyes of Pampa, and the weight of the world, on his shoulder.  The rookie head coach is counting on another rookie—  #7, Casey Trimble. This is a big week for Casey. He turned 16, got his driver’s license and a vote of confidence from his coach. Now, he was making his own hometown debut in a critical role. 

Casey never imagined he’d be starting as a sophomore, and neither did Brett Ferrell. Coming into this season, Brett was Pampa’s quarter back... until he got hurt.

Standing on the sidelines is not how he envisioned his senior year.  

We were there when the doctor showed Brett and his parents the X-rays. Then he told them, what surgery would mean.      

It’s a bitter pill for the whole family, and a vivid reminder of just how brutal the game of football can be.

Not a word is spoken, as Brett and a teammate drive back to school, passing the stadium that was to have been his field of dreams.  After telling Coach Cav, the emotions come out.    

With the senior looking on, the sophomore is about to be tested. It’s Casey’s first big play against the Matadors from Lubbock, Texas. Up in the stands, his mother feels the pressure.

For Casey, a completed pass is a big confidence builder.  And Coach Cav is about to call his number again.

And his team is now in position to score.    

“Touchdown Pampa!"  In the end zone. And the Harvesters have struck first. They have a six nothing lead.”

For the rookie head coach and his rookie quarterback, their first touchdown in front of the hometown fans is a cause for celebration.

Coach to Casey: Great drive down the field, Casey.  Great drive down the field.  Nice job.  Nice job!  Almost scored your first touchdown! Come on.

But in Andy’s book, there is a moment for the highlight reel, too—Casey Trimble getting a pat on the helmet from Brett Ferrell, the injured senior he replaced.

But right now for Casey Trimble, nothing could be more important than football.  And his stellar start is about to give way to a sophomore mistake.

The young quarterback hears about it from his coach.

Coach Andy Cavalier: You gotta pitch the ball. Pitch it. Get it into Chase’s hands. And let’s go.

Casey’s mistake could cost the Harvesters the lead.  The Matadors have the ball, the momentum and they’ve driven deep into Pampa territory.  The only person hoping Pampa stops them more than Casey is Andy’s mom.  Having been a coach’s wife for years, Kathy Cavalier knows all too well how much is riding on the outcome of each game.

What call should Andy make to keep the Matadors from scoring? What would his father have done? And what would he be thinking about his son’s coaching so far tonight?

As the second quarter begins at Harvester field in Pampa, Texas, coach Andy Cavalier has already seen his young quarterback, Casey Trimble, deal with adversity.  It was his fumble that could cost the Harvesters their 7-to-nothing lead over the Matadors from Lubbock.   

But just as the Matadors are threatening to score, Andy gambles with a linebacker blitz. Number 19 for the Harvesters, Austin Pritchard, flies into the backfield and tackles the quarterback from behind.

Football not only symbolizes life, it can change life.

And with that, Casey’s error is erased, the Harvesters hold on to their lead.  But the pressure is just starting for this player.  For Chase Harris, number 23, football not only symbolizes life, it can change life.  As Pampa’s star running back, Chase has been working hard hoping to earn a college scholarship.

Another player with scholarship hopes on the line is Senior James Coffee,  a star linebacker.   He’s side lined tonight by a leg injury, but he’s still punting. 

And if you think James’s punting is impressive, listen to his priorities.

If a healthy outlook, and a sense of humor, are Harvester trademarks, maybe that’s because when it comes to setting priorities their coach doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. 

Three years ago, when he was working as an assistant coach under his father, Andy told his mother, Kathy, that he was putting football way ahead of his family.  

For Andy’s wife Wendy, it was a difficult time.

What Andy did would win the heart of any football widow. He walked away from the job he loved.

They moved to a farm owned by Wendy’s family— the footballer on his way to becoming a real-life harvester, at least that was the game plan.   

But the fact that he tried meant the world to Wendy.  And it was with her encouragement that Andy hung up the plow to hang a whistle around his neck again.  Andy still leaves the house before sun-up and works through dinner most nights.  But this time around he started an open-door policy— coaches’ wives and children are a constant presence at Harvester field.   

Cultivating players is Andy’s calling.  And tonight, coaching this kid puts a smile on his face.  Marcos Campos is a small senior with the heart the size of Texas, and a passion for football. 

Marcos wears number five, because he’s the fifth child in his family, and the third son to play football for Pampa.

While Marcos is running the ball, and fighting for every yard... his specialty is defense, taking on players nearly twice his size.

It’s mid-way through the second quarter, the Matadors driving again,  when  Marcos spins away from two blockers, speeds across the field and makes a big tackle. The size difference—no problem. In fact, when we spoke to Marcos, he seemed less concerned about the size of his opponents, than being seen by Dateline at the post game dance.

We asked his girlfriend, Krissa Whitley,  if Marcos moves on the dance floor like he does on the gridiron. 

On the field, Marcos just keeps hustling. 

His mother couldn’t be prouder, but she’s also concerned.   She remembers the injuries her older sons suffered in football, and knows Marcos is at risk, as well.  

Then, suddenly, a player is down on the field.  It’s Marcos.  He’s hurt, but how seriously?

If there’s a dark side to the Friday night lights, it is when players get hurt. It’s the second quarter,  Marcos Campos, number 5 for the Pampa Harvesters, is down.

In slow motion, one can see how a tackler held his leg as Marcos was pushed backwards twisting his right knee, a knee that was already banged up.  

So Coach Andy Cavalier says Marcos was cleared to play in tonight’s game. 

And, despite the rough tackle, he’s up on his feet, telling trainers he’s about ready to go back in. 

But over the next few minutes, as Pampa battles to protect a 7-0 lead, more players go down.

Senior lineman Con Elledge is hurt, and this injury will turn out to be serious. As he’s helped from the field, his left foot dangles—a sure sign of badly torn ligaments.  Gritted teeth behind the bars of a face mask, the gripping image of a player whose season has just ended.  

Then, yet another play that has everyone in the stadium holding their breath. Senior running back Shaveous Kelly, number 1, is tackled by his face mask. The violent facemask penalty may have been unintentional, but it’s the kind of jolt that can cause serious injury.  Fortunately, this Harvester will be okay.   

But in a sport that celebrates collisions and cultivates aggression, the outcome on any given play can be very different, from damaged knees and shoulders—to every coach’s and parent’s fear, head and spinal injuries.           

Coach Andy Cavalier: Football’s become much more violent. I mean, guys are just gettin’ bigger, faster, stronger. You can’t be careful enough.

Andy sees to it that trainers and team doctors are always on hand to help injured players. 

But there’s one Harvester, suited up tonight, who’s been hurting since the season began.  Number 89, senior Chris Campbell.

But on the same day the Harvesters lost quarterback Brett Ferrell to a broken arm, Chris Campbell lost his father.

Chris’ dad was a well-known rancher in Pampa, and a former Harvester himself. Over the past few years he had been slowly losing his battle against several chronic illnesses.

Chris’s father never regained consciousness. At the hospital, he was placed on life support, something his family knew he never wanted.

When Andy lost his father, the entire Harvester football team came to the memorial service.  Remembering how much that meant to him, Andy sent his Harvesters—Casey, Brett, James, Marcos, Chase—every one of them, to Chris’ home.

Chris is dedicating this game and his final season to his father. Although his illness would have prevented him from coming to the games, his ear would have been glued to the radio.

As a back-up wide receiver, Chris’ number hasn’t been called much tonight. He’s spending most of the game cheering his teammates.  But when he does go in, number 89 is ready. His job on this play is to go after a key defender. Chris’ block helps Marcos gain more yards.

And Chris is pretty sure, someone else noticed, as well. His dad.

Tonight, as the second quarter comes to a close, a play that stuns Pampa’s faithful.  The Matadors throw a Hail Mary pass.   And on the very next play, they score.

But Pampa will block the extra point attempt, and take a one point lead into the locker room at halftime.  

It’s half time in Pampa, Texas.  As Casey Trimble, Chase Harris, and James Coffee catch their breath, and Marcos Campos ices his knee, the Harvesters rookie head coach, Andy Cavalier,  lays out his plan for the second half.

Out on the field, the Friday night festivities are in full swing, and once again, it’s a Cavalier family affair. 

As head cheerleading coach, Andy’s mom Kathy, helped organize this little halftime round up of pig tails and pom-poms.

Across the field, Andy’s wife Wendy and their youngest son feel the spirit.

Raucous displays of school spirit are a Texas tradition.  And a reason many people here say there’s no place on earth they’d rather be on a Friday night.

In Pampa, the festivities actually began hours before kickoff.  

Classes let out early for a drumline. Students are herded through the halls to a Harvester pep rally. 

And if you think these boys are the only ones who start dreaming about the Friday night lights at a young age, talk to girls like senior Maegan Patterson.  

In Pampa, even the fans start early— little kids dressed in RIOT shirts. 

But no one embodies the pride and spirit of the Harvesters more than one man: Trent Loter.

He’s had a special place in their hearts and a big role on this team for more than a decade. He’s the green team’s beloved equipment manager. Earlier this week, he celebrated his birthday, as always, on Harvester field.

Trent graduated from Pampa High in 1992, the same class as Andy Cavalier.

At Andy’s suggestion, we put Trent to the test. 

Of course, his favorite mascot is the one at Pampa High.

Trent Loter is not alone. Everyone here is mad about the Harvesters.

In small towns all across the state of Texas, high school football teams are a source of civic pride. And games like this one, the social event of the fall. 

Which raises the question:  Is Pampa the kind of football crazed community depicted in "Friday Night Lights," the book that became a movie and a TV series on this network? Players put on pedestals? Coaches pressured to win at all costs?

Students we talked to, with interests other than football, told us Pampa’s not like that. At least not anymore.

And as for winning at all costs?

Clinging to a one point lead, the Pampa Harvesters take the field for the second half.

Sophomore Casey Trimble, trying to prove himself at quarterback. 

Chase Harris, the running back chasing his dream of a  college scholarship. 

Marcos Campos, the small senior  who plays big and talks big about his moves off the field.

And Andy Cavalier—pulling his team together, hoping for his first win as Pampa’s head coach.

But just minutes into third quarter, a Matador breaks free. It’s an 86-yard touchdown run. Suddenly, Pampa falls behind. If the Harvesters lose tonight, no one will take it harder than Andy.   

But as a coach, Andy also believes something his father often said: that the most important play is always the next play. 

It’s a belief Andy tries to instill in all his players.  And sure enough, the next play for Pampa is big one.  Thanks to number 23, Chase Harris. 

He made it up for it by taking the ball all the way to the Matadors’ 30-yard line.

And Chase’s mother almost had to dig into her purse. 

Four plays later, with a little help from Casey, Chase is about to cash in. 

Trailing by five points, and feeling the pressure, Casey and Chase find a way to turn a mangled play into a miracle. 

Chase scores a touchdown for his team, $20 from his mom, and another clip for his highlight reel.  It’s the kind of play scholarships are made of.    And for young Casey, it’s a milestone—his first touchdown pass in front of the home crowd.. 

Especially Casey’s dad.

Through the rest of the third quarter and deep into the fourth, the Harvesters hold on to their two point lead, as the teams keep battling, neither side able to score. 

Until finally, with less than two minutes to play, number 23 scores again...

But just when the Harvesters think victory is theirs—the Matadors come right back. 

And now, with just 27 ticks left on the clock, and Pampa’s lead cut to just three points, the Matadors  will try a short kickoff.

They’re hoping the ball will bounce off a Harvester so they can recover it, score, and beat Pampa.  

And sure enough, the ball hits a Pampa player, and ricochets right into the hands of a Matador.

But as the Matadors celebrate their luck,  a yellow flag lies on the field.  A penalty—the Matadors were off sides.  They’ll have to kick it over. 

After a roller coaster of a game, all the  Harvesters have to do to win, is recover this kickoff, then run out the clock.   Moments ago, they let the same opportunity slip away.  But a penalty has given them a second chance.

Andy Cavalier’s first home game as head coach has come down to this.

Radio announcer: Here it comes, it takes a high bounce like it’s supposed, fielded by the Harvesters, they have it....

Pampa has won. 

As the stadium erupts, Andy calls his team together.  He reminds them, as he has so many times, that the most important play is still the next play—winning with class.    

What began with a Friday night frenzy ends with friendly handshakes.  And before long, the singing of a school song, to a familiar tune, fills the stadium.

For Andy’s wife and mother, this moment is overwhelming.  For 16 years, Kathy watched her husband win on this field.  Tonight, a widow’s pain is soothed by a mother’s pride.

And for Pampa’s rookie head coach, filling some very big shoes, a promising first step in the house his father built.

Post-game interview on the field

Chris Campbell’s father would have been proud. His son finished the year with a varsity letter.

Sophomore Casey Trimble went on to score four more touchdowns this year—but as fate would have it, he was sidelined by an injury late in the season.

His replacement, Brett Ferrell, whose broken arm healed just in time for him to throw a touchdown pass in the final game. The senior got his shot, after all.

James Coffee, whose punting and priorities were so impressive, got over his leg injury and went on to be named the district’s defensive player of the year. And soon, he could be signing his name to a football scholarship.

Same for Chase Harris. Number 23 finished with more than a thousand yards rushing and nine touchdowns—earning him $180 from his mom. And the chance to become the first in his family to go to college? Priceless.

And “priceless” is exactly how Andy Cavalier would describe his journey home... and the job he loves. 

Still, one question remains.  

Without Marcos Campos, the scrappy senior who played against guys twice his size, Pampa might not have won tonight.  As we followed him into the post-game dance, with our cameras rolling, we wondered, with the guy with the banged up knee bust a move? 

Marcos gets his groove on, after all.  Who said he can’t dance?  

And as if the Harvester’s Friday night victory weren’t perfect enough, it all happened under a harvest moon.