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“Winning a lot of football games is doable.
Teaching kids there’s more to life, that’s hard.”
— Coach Bob Ladouceur from the movie When the Game Stands Tall
Most Friday evenings, you’ll find us snuggled on the couch catching up on films we missed in the theater. We are total movie buffs so we tend to see a fair number of family-friendly films even before they are released in theaters, but because of time and schedule conflicts, I missed the inspirational film When the Game Stands Tall over the summer. My kids are still young enough to gravitate towards animated films, but lately I’ve noticed a shift in the types of movies they are drawn to, particularly my son who has shown a growing interest in sports. The film was released on Blu-ray and DVD earlier this month, so we decided to watch it last week during our regular movie night.
Inspired by real events, When the Game Stands Tall depicts the remarkable journey of legendary football coach Bob Ladouceur and the De La Salle High School Spartans who made history with their 151-game winning streak. After a successful run, the Spartans face a number of tragedies which result in the end of their winning streak. Their comeback journey is gripping and poignant as Coach Ladouceur teaches the Spartans that “it’s not how hard you fall, it’s how you get back up.”
The excitement of the game will keep you on the edge of your seat, even if your knowledge of football is limited (as mine is). Juxtaposed against Coach Ladouceur’s unique approach to the game and the film is one we’ll be watching repeatedly as I talk to my son about the greater life lessons we can learn from the Spartans.
One of my favorite moments from the film occurs near the end during the Spartan’s final game of the season. Team captain and running back Chris Ryan is set to break the California state record for the highest career number of touchdowns. With a comfortable lead and plenty of time to set the new record, Ryan opts to honor the coach that brought the team to success, foregoing his personal victory. Ryan’s father, who’s sitting next to Coach Ladoucer’s wife, is adamant about his son achieving this victory but instead the Spartans ‘take a knee” and honor the coach that brought led them to their successes. Angry about his son’s decision, Coach Lad’s wife enlightens him that Ladouceur is teaching Ryan to be a man.
When the Game Stands Tall is a film that will inspire conversations about teamwork, perseverance, sacrifice, discipline and the life-changing bonds between people that lead to greatness. The film is now available at Walmart as a Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD) for $22.96 or as a Walmart exclusive with the film Rudy (which depicts the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger who’s dream of playing football at the University of Notre Dame was achieved despite overwhelming obstacles) for $50.38.
Since we can’t have movie night without a spread of snacks and small bites, I decided to make make baked avocado and black bean egg rolls.
This vegetarian appetizer is filled with fresh veggies and complimented by an easy Avocado Creme Dipping Sauce.
- 16 Nasoya egg roll wraps
- 1/2 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup cooked corn
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1/2 cup shredded jack cheese
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp cilantro
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
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Prepare baking sheet by coating with olive oil spray
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In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling (not including the egg roll wraps)
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Place filling diagonally in the center of the wrap
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Fold bottom corner over filling. Roll snugly half-way to cover filling.
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Fold in both sides snugly against the filling. Moisten the edges of the last flap.
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Roll wrap up and seal top corner by moistening.
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Lay wraps flap-side down until ready to cook
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Lightly brush the tops of egg rolls with olive oil
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Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden brown
To make the Avocado Creme Dipping Sauce, simply combine 1/2 avocado with 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill.
Not only are these egg rolls baked, they are also vegetarian, making them a healthier option for a snack that is traditionally fried filled with fat and calories. If you know that time is limited, you can make the mixture and assemble these prior to your movie night and then freeze them. Remember they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time if they have been frozen.
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