abstract
| - Lyla Garrity is a former Panthers Cheerleader and attendee of Vanderbilt University. She was the former fiancée of Jason Street and former girlfriend of Tim Riggins. Lyla is the daughter of Buddy Garrity, a passionate Panthers booster and owner of Dillon's Garrity Motors. She has a reputation for being a spoiled good girl. In the Pilot, Lyla is depicted as a bubbly, smart, popular cheerleader and completely in love with Panthers star quarterback and captain, Jason Street. The two have their futures all planned out. When Jason is hurt during the first game of the season and it is discovered he'll never have the use of his legs, Lyla tries to find comfort in her faith and becomes convinced a cure can be found for her high school sweetheart. Her hope alienates her from Jason, who is angry at the world. Eventually, she has to face the truth and unwittingly ends up sleeping with Jason's best friend, Tim Riggins. The two begin an affair, even though they both feel guilty. Jason discovers Lyla's affair and breaks up with her, also ending his friendship with Tim. Lyla is shattered and ashamed, repeatedly apologizing to Jason, who eventually takes her back. Lyla and Jason work out their issues. Jason proposes to her and she accepts. However, some tensions arise between the two when Lyla isn't exactly supportive of Jason's dream to play professional quad rugby. Things are made worse when Lyla discovers her father's affair which breaks up her family, and Jason is too busy down in Austin. Lyla visits Jason in Austin and becomes jealous of Suzy Quinlan, a girl who Jason has become close to. Although Jason promises there isn't anything between them, Lyla finds them kissing and breaks off the engagement. The stress of Lyla's life takes a toll on her, and she quits the Panthers cheerleading team. Lyla rediscovers her faith over the summer and is baptized during the first episode of the season, becoming a born-again Christian. She begins dating Chris, who she meets while doing a Christian Radio Show, and they both attend the same church. Tim realizes that he's in love with Lyla and professes his feelings for her. She is reluctant to accept them. Lyla is shown in a relationship with Tim, but her ambition and desire to attend Vanderbilt University conflicts with Tim's contentment with his life and desire to stay in Dillon. Lyla's father, Buddy Garrity, puts her college money in an investment fund and loses it all. Despite this setback, Lyla still manages to go to school and leaves Dillon behind. Lyla returns to town for Henry Saracen's funeral. She briefly reunites with Tim before going back to Tennessee.
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