New film depicts tragic loss amid De La Salle football success

CONCORD, Calif. (KGO) -- In 2004, the De La Salle High School Spartans had the longest winning-streak in the country. The story of the East Bay football team inspired a movie that's out in theaters next week.

But, the sudden loss of a teammate and star linebacker, Terrance Kelly, changed everything.

There are movie posters for "When the Game Stands Tall" all over the Concord campus. Kelly's father has already seen the film and calls it an emotional story about brotherhood and leadership.

Landrin Kelly's home office in Suisun City is decorated with pictures, football jerseys and old newspaper articles about his son Terrance. Tuesday marked 10 years since his death. For Landrin, it feels like yesterday.

"That was my baby, that was my baby, you know? We was best friends," he said.

His son was on De La Salle's football team in the early 2000's. Days before leaving to play at the University of Oregon on scholarship, he was shot and killed. Terrance was just 18 years old. A 15-year-old Richmond boy was charged with his murder and later convicted.

The movie depicts Terrance's tragic story. Landrin saw an advanced screening.

"It's the first time I seen my baby. You know, I was happy and sad. It was a bittersweet situation," he said.

The movie also focuses on the Spartans' impressive 151-game winning streak under Coach Bob Ladouceur and what happened to the program when the streak ended.

"It brings us back to a time 10 years ago that, you know, some hard things happened. And, I think it's a great tribute to (Kelly) and a great tribute to our kids and that team," said Ladouceur.

Both Landrin and Ladouceur say they're pleased with how the team is represented. Since Terrance's death, Landrin has formed the Terrance Kelly Youth Foundation and says this movie is another way for his son's legacy to live on.

"Your dreams will come and they can disappear in a snap," he said.

The movie opens in theaters across the country next Friday, August 22.