Against the Grain is an American drama television series that aired on NBC from October 1 until December 24, 1993. starring John Terry, Donna Bullock, Ben Affleck, Vanessa Lee Evigan and Stephen Tobolowsky. The show was inspired by Buzz Bissinger's book Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, and a Dream.
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Plot
Ed Clemons was an insurance company salesman and former high school football star who became coach of his former team, the Stumper Mustangs, located in Stumper, Texas. Episodes follow the challenges that Ed faces as he attempts to transform a losing team into the state champion.
Cast
John Terry as Ed Clemons
Donna Bullock as Maggie Clemons
Ben Affleck as Joe Willie Clemons
Vanessa Lee Evigan as Jenny Clemons
Stephen Tobolowsky as Niles Hardemann
Cheryl Rhoads as Winona Bruhns
Reception
Writing in The New York Times, John O'Connor said that, "In some respects, the new NBC series Against the Grain does have the courage of its title. It's not just another half-hour sitcom running on wisecracks. It's an hourlong drama admirably aiming, according to one executive producer, Bruce Sallan, to present 'real-life problems and family issues.'"