Football: a lesson for fans and you alike

Growing up, football became a very important part of my life. By the time I was in high school, football became my life. Every minute was dedicated to what my team could accomplish. I have always believed in superstitions, especially when it came to football. Every night before a game, I would do the same thing. I’d eat the same dinner, pack my bag the exact same way, then watch the same movie, “Friday Night Lights.”

Released in 2004, “Friday Night Lights” follows the story of a small town high school football team, the Permian Panthers, an undersized underdog that the whole town is in love with. The team is on the back of all-star running back James “Boobie” Miles. In the first game of the season, Miles tears his ACL, ruining his season, and dramatically decreasing the team’s shot at a state title.

What would have been an easy, walk-through season, turned into a knockdown, drag-out battle to make the playoffs. Gary Gaines, played by Billy Bob Thornton, serves as more than just a coach, he is a mentor to the kids. At the beginning of fall practice, he asks the players if they can be perfect. He expects perfection, and nothing less. It isn’t until the end of the movie that you hear his perception of perfect. He explains that being perfect means living with love in your heart for your family, friends, and team.

With the star out, the team comes together to make an outstanding run in the post-season. The only problem is the inevitable, a game against Dallas Carter, the goliath of Texas 5-A football. The game comes down to the wire, and for fear of ruining the plot, that is all I’m going to say about it.

There are a few moments throughout the movie that strike true for me. There is a scene after the team loses one game, a deadly quiet locker room. The only sound you hear is the sobbing of a few players. Nothing can quite describe the emotions that run through a football locker room after a game. Joy after a win, devastation after a loss, and the thoughts of all the hard work in between.

Another part of the movie that is incredibly accurate is the way the community acts towards the team. They celebrate wins, mourn losses, and are involved in every single thing. Coming from a small town, I can assure you that the portrayal is accurate.

Little kids would practice the same plays, with their dads yelling at them, just like the coaches.

Signs would go up in yards, and the sidewalks would be painted by the booster club. People live and breathe football in small towns, and “Friday Night Lights” shows that.

Even if you don’t like football, or movies about football, it can teach you something about life. Love your family. Family can be anyone, family can be anything you want it to be, but whatever you choose, love them. Remember where you came from. Learn from your past, grow from it, but never forget the memories. Life is going to throw you down, and drag you around, but with the help of your family, friends, or team, you can get through anything.