Against the Grain (TV series)

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.

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".