Playing Now: When The Game Stands Tall in Theaters

For some, high school football is entertainment.

For others, it’s a way of life.

And for one team in California, it’s a legacy.

From 1992-2004, the De La Salle High School Spartans won 151 consecutive football games, landing the team and head coach Bob Ladouceur copious titles and notoriety. ESPN named the team national champions not once, but seven times.

In theaters now, “When the Game Stands Tall,” is based on the book by Neil Hayes’, which delves into the behind-the-scenes ongoings of Coach Landouceur (played by Jim Caviezel) in 2002, toward the end of the streak.

Ladouceur coached the California high school team in its undefeated 12-season winning streak from 1992-2004. Despite becoming well known for leading his team in victory after victory, the film tells the story of how he taught young men that its true achievement was perseverance, loyalty and teamwork--and that winning was an added bonus.

The film also takes a look at life for the coach and players after the streak ended, when struggles stifled them, and how the life lessons Ladouceur taught on the field helped achieve triumph over tragedy.

Laura Dern, Michael Chiklis, Alexander Ludwig and Clancy Brown, among others, star in the film, directed by Thomas Carter (“Coach Carter”).

We want to hear about those in your life that taught, inspired and motivated you to achieve your personal victories. Tell us about your mentors at whenthegamestandstall.patch.com.

Tell us what inspires you to #StandTall in the comments below!