Ep 12. What Carter Lost

What Carter Lost is one of the episodes of ESPN's 30 for 30 Season 4, which focuses on the potential of high school athletes and how they embody the American dream. This particular episode is centered on one of the most infamous moments in the history of high school football - the 1988 Texas Class 5A State Semi-Final game between Dallas' Carter High School Cowboys and the Midland Lee Rebels.

At the outset, What Carter Lost introduces the viewer to several key players in the game, including quarterback Derrick Evans, wide receiver Gary Edwards, and running back Stacy Mitchell, all of whom were instrumental in the Cowboys' success leading up to the state semi-final game. The episode also takes pains to emphasize the fact that Carter was a predominantly black school, and that the team's success was in some ways a triumph over the systemic racism that had long plagued Dallas and the wider United States.

However, as the game against Midland Lee unfolded, it became clear that the Cowboys were in trouble. Despite having several opportunities to pull ahead, the team's star players were plagued by racism and a series of unfortunate mistakes that cost them the game. From missed field goals to critical penalties, What Carter Lost paints a portrait of a team that was on the verge of greatness - but ultimately fell short due to a combination of bad luck and racial prejudice.

The second half of the episode delves into the aftermath of the defeat, both for the players and the wider Dallas community. Despite having come so far, many of the team members found themselves struggling to adjust to life after high school, with some turning to crime and others struggling to find steady employment. The episode examines how the dashed hopes of victory on the football field can echo throughout an entire community, leaving lasting scars that can take years to heal.

However, the final part of What Carter Lost offers a glimmer of hope and redemption. Several of the former Carter players, including Evans, Edwards, and Mitchell, came together to create the Carter High School Academic Booster Club, which provides support and resources to current students at the school. While they may have lost the state semi-final game, these former players have come to see the value in giving back to their community and helping the next generation of students achieve their dreams.

Overall, What Carter Lost is a moving and insightful look into the lives of high school athletes and how their successes and failures can impact a community for years to come. It serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance - but also of the urgent need to address systemic racism and inequality head-on if we want to create a better future for everyone.