Principles

Hard work, dedication, and a desire to be the best all exemplify some of the most vital traits that can be associated with a student-athlete.  Louie, a second string football player, displays these qualities into his summer workouts with the star quarterback, Carter.  He strives to get a respect that he thinks can only be attained through sports glory; life revolves around football.  As the team works through two-a-days, and the season is fast approaching, the team is anxious for an unbelievable record: 10 and 0.  After they blow out the team in their first game, their coach begins to act oddly, at least a little more than usual.  The next game they play is against a team that has a new kid from California: a black kid.  In the town of Trout, people are known for their kind spirits, but there are still hints of racial tension among the citizens and players.  The coach informs the team that he wants this kid out of commission early.  As gametime rolls around, the players are hyped and ready to continue their soon to be incredible season.  Boomer, Louie's arch enemy, a man-child mean enough to act on the coach's malicious gameplan.  He tackles the star of the other team into the bleachers, bruising 3 of the kid's ribs and ultimately putting him out of commission.  This infuriates Louie.  He lashes out at first the referee and then the coach, telling them about the evil gameplan instituted before the game.  He rushes off the field and quits the team.

I think what Louie did was right.  He took a stand for something he believed was right.  He had put in hours upon hours of work into putting his body in the best physical condition of his life, and yet he was willing to throw all of that away based on principle.  All I can say is whatta trooper...