I really found it quite hard to get excited about this rather predictable story, even though Dennis Hopper turns in one of his best character efforts. The story centres on basketball coach “Dale” (Gene Hackman) who takes over a third rate school team in Indiana. Their team spirit is pretty non existent but there are spirits a-plenty going down the throat of the enthusiastic “Shooter” (Hopper) whose son plays for the team and who isn’t the worst tactician - but is never sober often or long enough to consistently make much odds. With a team that couldn’t beat an egg and a deputy who can barely s...