Factual error: One sweep through the town shows a Dodge Durango in a parking lot. The movie takes place in 1988; the first Dodge Durango was the 1998 model, ten years later. (00:34:15)
Factual error: In one of the shots of the championship game, a player is seen wearing a shirt with an Under Armour logo on it. Under Armour came into existence in 1996, well after the 1988 championship game in question.
Factual error: The prescription drug container is dated 12/20/03. The movie takes place in 1988. (00:01:30)
Factual error: During the 1988 championship game, a couple of the Carter players are wearing Oakley lenses in their helmets with the new Oakley logo visible on them. The new Oakley "O" Logo wasn't in existence prior to 1998. (01:21:40)
Factual error: The scoreboard at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene shown during the Abilene High game was inaccurate for several reasons. That particular scoreboard was not installed until somewhere around 2003, a much older and less technologically advanced one was in existence at the time of the movie. Also, there are problems with the major sponsors on the scoreboard. Both are real businesses, but the Ambassador was known as Embassy Suites until the late 1990's, and Lawrence Hall Chevrolet did not use that logo that far back. (00:35:40)
Factual error: When the coach and his family are leaving Wal-Mart , we get to see the new color scheme for Wal-Mart stores. In the '80's Wal-Mart store signs and exteriors were painted in brown and white. This sign is blue and white with red and blue stripes down the building. This is obviously a modern Wal-Mart building. (01:16:00)
Factual error: In the state championship game it is 4th and inches for Carter. Permian stops the play and tackles the runner around the 37 yard line. We see this with the two "X"s on the field for kickoffs which are at the 35 and 40 yard lines. We also see the 30 yard line that he is hit at before being backed up. The announcer says 1st and 10 from the 25. That is the wrong spot for the ball. (01:38:20)
Factual error: In the Championship game, a receiver catches the ball and is immediately hit after he catches it and drops the ball. This is an incomplete pass for which the clock should stop, yet it continues to run. (01:39:35)
Factual error: The Bank of America logo seen atop the scoreboard is a relatively new logo from the mid 1990's. It was not in existence in 1988 so should not be in the movie. (00:56:25)
Factual error: In FNL, there is a scene showing a living room with DVDs in it. DVDs were not even on the market in 1988.
Answer: I can only think of two possibilities. It could be that 'taking a knee' is not allowed in this division's rules. Or, getting into the heads of the coaches, their philosophy of the game could be to gain as many points as possible even in a lopsided blowout, honoring the game and continuing sportsmanlike competition to the end.