Hunter: Film helps CC stand much taller

By DAVID HUNTER

The Cannon Courier

A recent rash of faith-based football movies has been released to the public and the Cannon County football team has had an opportunity to view one of them, "When the Game Stands Tall." This inspirational film has helped the team pull together while learning valuable life lessons.

The movie is based on a true story of the De La Salle High School football team and it's 151 game winning streak. However, this accomplishment was not the point of the story, even though many outsiders made a big deal out of it.

The Spartans, located in Concord, Cal., were coached by Bob Ladouceur during the length of the streak and beyond. But Ladouceur's message was more than about just winning. His preaching touches on the subjects most coaches try to instill in their players; coming together as brothers, giving perfect effort and doing things in a Godly fashion.

Honestly, the coach didn't like talking about the streak. Instead he wanted to teach his players the process of becoming men. This viewpoint is what we should be focusing on instead of getting caught up in wins and losses, or the numbers on the scoreboard, especially at this level of football.
I know the past few seasons have been tough on Cannon County's players, coaches and fans especially since winning the District title in 2009, but I also know the players and coaches are doing whatever's possible to turn their fortunes around. I sincerely appreciate all of the access they have given me this season. I hope by the end of the season, the Lions luck will begin to turn the corner.

This movie, along with other team bonding activities such as attending different churches around the area has aided these young men in coming together as brothers.

Another faith-based movie 'Facing the Giants' was released in 2006 and helped change my life. After college in 2007, I wrote a sports movie column for the Clayton (Ga.) Tribune and an athlete's parent at the local high school sent me this movie.

At that time I had stopped going to church and was dealing with some personal issues. After viewing the movie, it inspired me to turn my life around. Though I still face challenges today, I now know God is behind me.

Even though it might not show up on the scoreboard, movies like these have played an important role in life and will continue to help many others.