It is loosely based on the true story of the Kilpatrick Mustangs during the 1990 season. The Mustangs represent Kilpatrick Detention Center in Los Angeles, CA who were created by Sean Porter (Dwayne Johnson) to help with the center's inmates' rehabilitation and play in a local league. They beat rival Barrington Panthers but lose the championship game but nobody called them losers.

Two players are from rival street gangs. Willie Wathers is from the 88's and Kelvin Owens is from the 95's. During the course of the film both players forget their gang rivalry and become friends. Willie Weathers goes onto play football at a top boarding school and Kelvin Owens is playing football for Washington High.