Photo: Chris White

Imagine having everything, being on top of the world, and it all comes crashing down in an instant.

When the Game Stands Tall chronicles the true story of legendary high school football coach, Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel) and the De La Salle High School Spartans. At one point, the team held the longest active win streak in American sport – 151 games.

But everything changed when the team finally loses a game. The team and its coaching staff are tested in every way imaginable, dealing with accusations from rival coaches of recruiting players
– a big no-no in high school football – to the untimely death of a player.

What the film does well is communicate a message of persevering through adversity, no matter what. De La Salle faced tremendous adversity and the players did not let the game itself determine who they were as young men. I would recommend anyone to see this film, especially if you are on a sports team or are a coach of a sports team. When the Game Stands Tall is not quite up there with my all time favorite sports films but it’s worth seeing nonetheless.

I Give It A: B+

Check Out The Trailer Here