Director: Thomas Carter
Stars: Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Michael Chiklis
A sports movie inspired by a true story, ‘When the Game Stands Tall’ tells the story of a football coach, who leads a high school team to a winning streak of over 150 games spanning a decade. It was the longest winning streak by any team in American history under the principled leadership of legendary coach, Bob Ladouceur. A little into the movie and I remembered him (actor Jim Caviezel) from one of his most memorable roles as Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ.”
During their practice sessions, the coach – a devout Christian, underplays the importance of winning and instead promotes a sense of brotherhood within the team. He reinforces the importance of giving a perfect effort every single time —as opposed to being perfect — and pushing oneself beyond limits to achieve their goals.
When Coach Lad (as he is affectionately called) has an almost fatal heart attack, he realizes he has sacrificed his family for football and commits to being a more available father, having to cut back on his coaching. However, this upsets his son who was looking forward to his father’s coaching expertise during his own senior season.
Another tragedy strikes when a promising young player gets murdered at a random shooting. At the player’s funeral, Coach Lad breaks down as he struggles to understand God’s judgment at times, then concludes saying, “For reasons we are not privy to, God wanted him home.”
While there are several references to Scripture passages throughout the movie, one scene that stood out to me was how the team said the Lord’s Prayer before every game. What a beautiful way to convey to the audience the source of strength behind their every victory.
Coach Lad epitomizes all the ideals of the best kind of coach and uses the field as a training ground to shape young men of character, conviction and faith. It’s a movie worth watching not just for sports buffs, but to remind us all that it’s not about personal glory but teamwork and sacrifice.
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