The writers of Friday Night Lights did their homework as far as portraying the officiating, especially in the final game. The officials of the 1988 Texas 5A championship game were first introduced in a scene where game management met with the two head coaches and administrators of the schools involved.

I have never heard of the coaches and schools being asked about where they would like to play the championship game and who they would like to officiate it. Generally, what I have experienced is that some committee or individual from the state association does that without any input from the schools.

Editor's note: In Texas when the tournament reaches the Final Four, that's true. But before that level, the coaches must agree on the officials. A coin flip determines where the game will be played. Perhaps that's why the producers made the error.

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