Intense coach, Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) directs a Permian Panther.

The culture of West Texas football is revealed in its starkest form in the new film, Friday Night Lights.

The film is based on H.G. Bissinger’s acclaimed book “Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team and A Dream.” The book was hailed by Sports Illustrated as one of the greatest sports stories ever told.

“This is a bittersweet story of a group of guys who come from various ethnic backgrounds and are modern day warriors who bond together to win,” said Derek Luke, star of Antwone Fisher.

The Permian High School Panthers of Odessa, Tx. established themselves as one of the most successful football programs in the country, since their first season in 1959.

In the last days of summer 1988, the team has one goal in sight: to win their fifth state championship in their 30-year history.

Once a week during the fall, on Friday nights the town gathers to watch the “boys in black” and somehow find their hopes and dreams lifted.

Oscar award winner Billy Bob Thornton, star of Sling Blade and Monster’s Ball, plays the head coach, Gary Gaines leads a cast of upcoming young stars, including Luke as Boobie Miles, a running-back finding his dreams in jeopardy.

Country-western star Tim McGraw makes his film debut playing the ambitious father of a Panther player.