Degrassi/Recap/S10/E05 99 Problems

"If you're havin' girl problems I feel bad for you son

I got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one"

- Jay Z, 99 Problems

A Plot
We open with Zane and Riley exercising in the park. They start to wrestle playfully all sweaty and dirty. Riley is preparing for the upcoming football season and becoming QB1. But he's still in the closet at school, something that doesn't please his new boyfriend, Zane. Zane wants to spend more time with Riley and even suggests joining the team himself. But Riley wants to go through his senior year without revealing his secret and drama-free.

At the football sign-up sheet, Drew is signing up for the team along with Riley. He also has the lead quarterback position in his sights. Zane surprises Riley by signing up for the team. He has to show that gay guys are good at sports. Drew is a little surprised about Zane's sexuality but eventually dismisses it. Riley isn't so sure Zane should join the team, lest he blow his cover.

Riley and Drew start to develop a friendly rivalry while trying out. While working out, Zane encounters homophobia from fellow tryout Owen. Also Drew points out that possibly of other teams finding out they have a gay player which makes Riley even more cautious about coming out. When everyone's gone, Riley apologizes for not defending Zane, but he doesn't want to appear to the team as gay if he defends Zane. Riley asks if Zane really wants to do this and he didn't know him being on the team would be this risky. He tells him that he likes him, but he'll be found it. Zane is upset with Riley, and his double life and calls him out on it. All when this is happening, Drew overhears their conversation.

At a tryout meeting he suggests throwing a barbecue tailgate in order to build camaraderie. And also suggests to "bring a date" with a pointed stare at Riley. At the tailgate, Riley brings his date, Marisol but he can't even seem to remember her name. Drew revels in Riley's cluelessness on girls and alludes to him possibly being gay. Riley meets up with Zane, and tells him to keep his distance from him in the locker room. Zane is angry and walks off. Drew reveals to Riley that he saw Riley talking to Zane in the gym and threatens to out him if he doesn't step aside for the lead quarterback spot. Riley is speechless. He gets together with Owen, and comes up with a plan to knock him down a peg...

B Plot
Alli is tired of being invisible at school and wants to expand her social circle. Clare has her yearbook committee at lunch, and Jenna's on the Power Squad and she hs nothing. Alli wants to tryout for Power Squad and become a cheerleader and make her popularity dreams come true. At lunch, after butting in a team conversation, she convinces new captain Chantay to let her have a chance at practice.

At the audition, She shows up at the Power Squad comically in Darcy's old Degrasi Spirit Squad uniform. At practice, she doesn't do too well. After practice is over, Chantay tells her that she doesn't have the skills but Alli tells her that she wants her life -- popularity, friendships, being part of a group. Chantay even stays behind to help Alli with the routines. But unfortunately, she doesn't make the team. Alli confronts Chantay about not making them, and Chantay tells her she just couldn't get it. Alli accuses her of just not wanting her in the Power Squad. She thought Chantay liked her. Chantay tells her it's about hard work, not friendship.

Alli is downcast, and is still looking for a group to call her own. Alli laments how she doesn't fit anywhere. Clare tells her that she can't expect instant friends. And Clare gets the idea to start a club. Alli thinks to start a dance club -- the perfect club to crush Chantay's Power Squad.

C Plot
KC and Jenna are happily going out. She even convinces KC to try out for the team, despite his hesitance due to the Coach Carson incident in season 9. She is really helping him turn his life around, and even the group home leader loves her. But she's jealous of the attention he's been getting, especially from Marisol. At the tailgate, Marisol flirts up a storm with KC, much to Jenna's dismay. In fact, Marisol has KC's number and KC has been getting a lot of persistent phone calls...